Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said such provocative statements by Muhammad Yunus must not be taken lightly
GUWAHATI, April 1: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma tore into Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’ remarks on the Northeastern States terming them “offensive and strongly condemnable”.
Claiming that Yunus’ remark “underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India’s strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor”, Chief Minister Dr Sarma said “exploring alternative road routes connecting the Northeast to mainland India, effectively bypassing the Chicken’s Neck, should be prioritized”.
The Assam Chief Minister’s remarks came after Yunus earlier urged China to extend its economic influence to Bangladesh, saying India’s northeastern states being landlocked could prove to be an opportunity.
“The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean,” Yunus said during a four-day visit to China, and added” “We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy”.
“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 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. Therefore, 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 prioritized. Though this may pose significant engineering challenges, it is achievable with determination and innovation. Such provocative statements by Md Younis must not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas,” Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on social media, reacting to Yunus’ comments on the Northeast.
