Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly condemned a statement made by Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh’s so-called interim government, wherein he referred to the seven northeastern states of India as landlocked and positioned Bangladesh as their ‘guardian of ocean access.’
CM Sarma termed the remark as “offensive and strongly condemnable,” emphasising that it perpetuates the narrative of strategic vulnerability surrounding India’s “Chicken’s Neck” corridor, the narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects the Northeast to the rest of India.
“This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India’s strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor. Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this critical passageway to isolate the Northeast from the mainland physically,” CM Sarma stated.
The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh so called interim Government referring to the seven sister states of Northeast India as landlocked and positioning Bangladesh as their guardian of ocean access, is offensive and strongly condemnable. This remark underscores the…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 1, 2025
He stressed the need for India to strengthen its transportation and infrastructure connectivity to counter such narratives. “It is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chicken’s Neck corridor. Additionally, exploring alternative road routes connecting the Northeast to mainland India, effectively bypassing the Chicken’s Neck, should be prioritised. Though this may pose significant engineering challenges, it is achievable with determination and innovation,” the Assam CM asserted.
CM Sarma warned that statements like those made by Younis must not be taken lightly as they could indicate deeper strategic considerations and long-term geopolitical agendas.
The statement has sparked reactions from regional leaders, with Pradyot Debbarma, Chairman of Tipra Motha, also weighing in on the issue. “The Northeast is not dependent on anyone for its growth. Historically, our region has played a crucial role in the Indian subcontinent’s economic and strategic framework. Instead of external narratives defining our position, we should focus on strengthening our self-reliance and connectivity with the rest of the country,” Debbarma said.
The controversy has reignited discussions on bolstering the Northeast’s infrastructure to reduce logistical dependencies and counter any external pressures on the region’s connectivity. Experts suggest that improving roadways, railways, and even inland waterways linking the Northeast with mainland India and beyond should be a top priority for policymakers.
