Siliguri, 09th October: A joint mock drill involving multiple security agencies was conducted on Friday along the riverbank beneath Mahananda Bridge in Gurung Basti, Siliguri, to strengthen security in the strategically important Chicken Neck Corridor ahead of the Durga Puja season.
The exercise was conducted through the joint efforts of the 46th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) and other concerned agencies. The BSF, police, Army and Intelligence Bureau (IB), among others, participated in the drill.
The main objective was to assess preparedness for potential emergencies, including drone attacks, and address security challenges involving the strategic bridge. The exercise focused on rapid response, rescue and relief operations, and coordination among the participating agencies during emergencies.
BSF Sector Headquarters DIG Harpal Singh was present and inspected the mock drill to assess the preparedness of the security personnel. The exercise also tested how quickly the agencies could respond to an unexpected incident and safely evacuate people and security personnel caught in danger.
Speaking informally to journalists, DIG Harpal Singh said such exercises are conducted regularly. He explained that monthly mock drills in different areas are aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring better coordination among security agencies during emergency situations.
Siliguri and the Chicken Neck Corridor are strategically important, and heightened vigilance is being maintained during the festive season. The joint exercise was conducted to evaluate the readiness of security agencies in emergency response, relief and rescue operations.
