Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Muhammad Yunus northeast 'landlocked' remark

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Bangladesh interim government's chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus's statement that Dhaka was the only guardian of the seas for India's landlocked Northeastern states and said this remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India's strategic "Chicken's Neck" corridor.

During his four-day visit to China last week Yunus said, "Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters, are landlocked country, landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So, this opens a huge possibility. This could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China, bring it out to the rest of the world."

Sarma stated in X, "The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh 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. This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with India's strategic "Chicken's Neck" corridor. Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested serving 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. Additionally, exploring alternative road routes connecting the Northeast to mainland India, effectively bypassing the Chicken's Neck, should be prioritised. Though this may pose significant engineering challenges, it is achievable with determination and innovation. Such provocative statements by Md Younis must not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas."


"I will request the Government of India to explore the possibility of underground railways and roadways below the Chicken's Neck and in future even one alternate route by passing Chicken's Neck can come up through Bhutan can be explored."