Is Bangladesh the ‘guardian’ of Northeast India’s ocean access? Assam CM fumes over controversial comments.
Bangladesh’s top official, Muhammad Yunus, recently made strong comments about Northeast India that caused a big debate. While visiting China, he called Northeast India a “landlocked” area, meaning it has no direct access to the sea.
He said Bangladesh is the “only guardian” helping the Northeast reach the ocean. He also encouraged China to invest more in Bangladesh to take advantage of this situation.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma quickly condemned the remarks, calling them “offensive and strongly condemnable.” He took to social media to express his displeasure, stating that such comments reflect deeper strategic agendas.
Sarma emphasized that the Northeast is an integral part of India and does not need external “guardians.”
The Chicken’s Neck Vulnerability
The controversy highlights the long-standing issue of the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow 20-km stretch in West Bengal known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” This corridor is the only land route connecting Northeast India to the mainland, making it a strategic weak point.
Sarma stressed the need to develop alternative road and rail networks to bypass this vulnerable passage.
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Call for Action
Sarma urged the Indian government to prioritize infrastructure projects that would reduce reliance on the Chicken’s Neck. While acknowledging the engineering challenges, he expressed confidence that innovation and determination could make it happen.
His statement comes amid growing concerns over China’s increasing influence in the region.
The remarks and subsequent backlash underscore the delicate geopolitics of South Asia. With China’s growing presence in Bangladesh and the Northeast’s strategic importance, India faces the urgent task of securing stronger connectivity for the region.
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