Amid a continued nationwide unrest in Bangladesh and a diplomatic face-off with India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the patience in diplomacy had run out and a permanent cure for the crisis in Dhaka can be achieved only through a ‘surgery’. Meanwhile, he warned that the situation in Bangladesh posed a serious threat to Northeast India.
‘Chicken Neck’ is India’s biggest strategic concern: Assam CM
In an exclusive interview at News18’s Rising Assam Conclave, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken Neck,’ is one of the biggest strategic concerns in the country. He explained that Bangladesh is located on both sides of this narrow stretch, which links the Northeast with the rest of the country, and a day might come when India may have to diplomatically or forcibly take 20-22 km of land to secure the region.
The Assam Chief Minister used a medical analogy, describing that ‘surgery’ is needed when medicine has lost its effectiveness. Sarma further stated that the ‘Siliguri Corridor’ is an unfinished agenda and urged patience. “We should not be impatient. History has its moment,” he said.
Sarma slams Yunus government
CM Sarma also launched a scathing attack on the Mohammad Yunus-led Bangladeshi interim government and expressed confidence that “it would not last long.” Meanwhile, he alleged the current leadership had created deeply troubling circumstances for India, including the border states.
“40% of Assam residents are of Bangladeshi Origin”: Himanata Biswa Sarma
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed deep concerns over internal changes and external threats, while noting a significant change in the state’s overall population. “40% of Assam residents are of Bangladeshi Origin,” he said, adding that Assam’s population was just 10 to 15% at the time of Independence. He further described the current situation as living on a “powder keg”.
