GUWAHATI: Political leaders from Assam, Manipur, and Tripura on Tuesday, March 1, rallied to condemn recent remarks by Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, regarding India’s northeastern states. Yunus, during his visit to China, had referred to the region as "landlocked" and suggested that Bangladesh could serve as its "guardian of ocean access," positioning itself as a key strategic partner for China.
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In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma first criticised Yunus' statement, calling it “offensive” and a reminder of the region’s vulnerability due to the "Chicken's Neck" corridor—a narrow passage connecting Northeast India to the rest of the country.
“It is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around the Chicken’s Neck corridor,” Sarma said. “Exploring alternative routes connecting the Northeast to mainland India should be prioritised,” he added, warning that Yunus’ remarks indicated larger geopolitical ambitions that India must not overlook.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh echoed Sarma’s concerns, criticising Yunus for attempting to frame Northeast India as a pawn in Bangladesh’s geopolitical strategy. Singh stressed that India’s territorial integrity was "non-negotiable" and warned that reckless statements could have serious consequences.
“Such provocative and irresponsible statements are unbecoming of a leader,” Singh posted on social media. “Let it be made absolutely clear, India’s unity and territorial integrity cannot be challenged by anyone.”
Meanwhile, Tripura’s Tipra Motha Party leader, Pradyot Manikya, was more aggressive, suggesting that India should reconsider its historical decision to relinquish Chittagong Port in 1947. He further proposed that India should actively support indigenous communities in Bangladesh, including the Tripuri, Garo, Khasi, and Chakma people, as part of a strategic approach to securing sea access.
“The Chittagong hill tracts were always inhabited by indigenous tribes who wanted to be part of India,” Manikya asserted. “India must rethink its position and ensure it has direct access to the sea.”
Furthermore, Congress leader Pawan Khera also weighed in, accusing the central government of failing to safeguard the Northeast against increasing Chinese influence. He warned that Bangladesh’s growing ties with China could pose a significant strategic threat to India.
“Bangladesh is inviting China to encircle India,” Khera said. “The government is failing to protect the Northeast, while China has already settled villages in Arunachal.”
