Sarma Calls Yunus's Comments 'Offensive' and 'Provocative'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sharply criticized Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's recent remarks, branding them as "offensive and strongly condemnable." Yunus, during a four-day visit to China, described Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" in the region and suggested India's northeastern states—referred to collectively as the 'Seven Sisters'—could leverage Bangladesh's geographical advantage due to their landlocked position.
Responding firmly via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sarma highlighted the strategic sensitivity of Yunus's statements. "The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh, the 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," Sarma wrote.
Yunus's Remarks Reflect 'Deeper Strategic Considerations'
The controversy stems from Yunus's remarks, which surfaced online in a video on Monday. He stated, "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," implying a strategic dependence on Bangladesh. Yunus further invited China to enhance its economic engagement with Bangladesh, indicating the strategic potential of this relationship.
Reacting strongly, Sarma cautioned, "Such provocative statements by Md Younis must not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas."
Importance of Alternative Connectivity Routes
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the urgent need for India to strengthen its infrastructure connectivity with northeastern states, particularly by finding alternative routes that bypass the strategically vulnerable 'Chicken's Neck' corridor. He said Yunus's remarks underscore the "persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India's strategic 'Chicken's Neck' corridor."
Located in northern West Bengal, the Siliguri Corridor—commonly known as the 'Chicken's Neck'—is a narrow strip of land about 20 km wide, bordered by Nepal, Bangladesh, and with Bhutan and China nearby. Sarma highlighted historical concerns, noting that internal elements within India have occasionally suggested physically isolating the Northeast by severing this vital corridor.
He urged the development of "more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chicken's Neck corridor," acknowledging potential engineering challenges but affirming they can be overcome with "determination and innovation."
Strategic Significance of the Siliguri Corridor
The Siliguri Corridor holds immense strategic value, serving as the only land bridge connecting India's northeastern region to the rest of the country. The narrowness and location of this passage make it geopolitically sensitive, with Sarma calling for immediate attention to improve alternative connectivity.
Sarma's statement underscores India's intent to counter strategic vulnerabilities and maintain territorial integrity, particularly in response to international remarks highlighting perceived weaknesses in connectivity infrastructure.