Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday has strongly condemned provocative remarks by a Bangladeshi political leader suggesting the isolation of India's northeastern states, emphasising India's military and economic strength, including its status as a nuclear power, to dismiss any such notions.
The controversy stems from statements made by Hasnat Abdullah, a senior leader of Bangladesh's newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) and a prominent figure in the 2024 student-led movement that toppled the previous government. Speaking at a public event in Dhaka on December 16, Abdullah warned that if India continues to harbour forces undermining Bangladesh's sovereignty, Dhaka could respond by sheltering anti-India separatist groups and working to sever the northeastern region - commonly known as the "Seven Sisters" from the rest of the country.
Abdullah highlighted the geographical vulnerability of the Northeast, which relies heavily on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, dubbed the "Chicken's Neck," for connectivity to mainland India. He stated that any destabilisation of Bangladesh could lead to resistance spilling beyond its borders, drawing applause from sections of the audience.
Responding sharply, Sarma described the ideas as baseless, dangerous, and far removed from reality. He noted that similar discussions advocating the separation of the Northeast and its integration with Bangladesh have emerged repeatedly over the past year.
"India is a very big country, a nuclear nation, and the fourth-largest economy in the world. How can Bangladesh even think along these lines?" Sarma told reporters in Lumding. "This mindset should not be encouraged. We shouldn't help them too much and should teach them a lesson - we will not remain silent if they continue behaving this way toward India."
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have been strained since the political changes in Bangladesh last year, with issues including minority protection and cross-border dynamics occasionally fuelling rhetoric. The Chief Minister's reference to India's nuclear capabilities and economic prowess served as a pointed reminder of the vast disparity in power, effectively ruling out any feasibility of the suggested actions. He reiterated that the Northeast remains an inseparable part of India, dismissing the claims as politically motivated without basis.
