Muhammad Yunus Faces Backlash for Geopolitical Comments on India's Northeast
Imphal, April 1 – Former Manipur Chief Minister and BJP leader N Biren Singh strongly criticized Bangladesh's interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for his recent comments framing India's northeastern states as "strategic pawns" in geopolitical ambitions. Singh warned Yunus that reckless statements regarding India are not only "unwise but could also lead to consequences."
Singh's stern rebuke comes in response to Yunus's remarks during a four-day visit to China, in which he described Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" in the region and encouraged China to extend economic influence towards his nation. Yunus had emphasized that India's northeastern states—commonly referred to as the "Seven Sisters"—are landlocked and implied their geographic isolation could be advantageous to Bangladesh and China.
A video clip capturing Yunus's remarks surfaced on social media on Monday, drawing sharp reactions from political leaders across Northeast India.
India's Territorial Integrity "Non-negotiable," Says Biren Singh
Reacting strongly to Yunus's statement, N Biren Singh said, "It is apparent that Md Yunus and his interim government in Bangladesh are attempting to frame the Northeast as a strategic pawn to serve their geopolitical ambitions. Such provocative and irresponsible statements are unbecoming of a leader, and I condemn his remarks in the strongest possible terms."
Singh firmly asserted, "Let it be made absolutely clear, India's unity and territorial integrity are non-negotiable and cannot be challenged by anyone. Md Yunus must exercise restraint; making reckless comments about a nation like India is not only unwise but also leads to consequences he may come to regret."
Assam CM Sarma Condemns Yunus's Remarks, Calls for Stronger Infrastructure
Echoing Singh’s condemnation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Yunus's comments as "offensive and strongly condemnable." Sarma stressed the necessity to develop alternative road and railway routes to connect the Northeast with the rest of India, thereby effectively bypassing the strategically vulnerable 'Chicken's Neck' corridor.
Sarma stated, "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."
Tripura's Pradyot Debbarma Highlights Strategic Loss of Chittagong Port
Adding historical context to the current controversy, Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma highlighted India's strategic error in relinquishing control of the Chittagong port, now in Bangladesh, in 1947. Debbarma advocated for developing an independent maritime route to the ocean, supporting indigenous communities historically connected to the region.
"Time for India to make a route to the ocean by supporting our indigenous people who once ruled Chittagong so we are no longer dependent on an ungrateful regime. India's biggest mistake was letting go of the port (Chittagong) in 1947, despite the hill people living there wanting to be part of the Indian Union," said Debbarma.
In a direct rebuke to Yunus, Debbarma added, "Mr Yunus may think he is the guardian of the ocean, but the reality is he is a stop-gap leader at the age of almost 85. Let's not forget Tripura is only a few miles away from the port."
Geopolitical Remarks Draw Regional Criticism
Muhammad Yunus's controversial remarks have triggered strong reactions, underscoring regional sensitivities and the strategic importance of India's Northeast. Leaders from the region have collectively emphasized strengthening infrastructure, safeguarding territorial integrity, and revisiting historical geopolitical decisions to address current vulnerabilities.