Assam CM Warns of Geopolitical Shifts Amidst Bangladesh Crisis and Threat to India’s ‘Chicken’s Neck’
In a recent and provocative statement that has sparked considerable debate, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the escalating concerns surrounding the Bangladesh crisis and its profound implications for India’s national security, particularly the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor, often dubbed the ‘Chicken’s Neck’.
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the potential for significant geopolitical ramifications if the unrest in Bangladesh were to intensify. He underscored the critical importance of maintaining stability in the neighboring country, not just for regional peace but directly for the security of India’s Northeast.
The ‘Chicken’s Neck’ Under Threat
The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land barely 22 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, serves as India’s sole land bridge connecting the northeastern states with the rest of the country. This strategic chokepoint is incredibly vital for logistics, defense, and economic connectivity. Sarma’s remarks shed light on the deep-seated anxieties within Indian security circles regarding the corridor’s vulnerability.
According to the Assam CM, a worsening Bangladesh crisis could lead to scenarios where India might have to consider drastic measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and the security of its northeastern region. His bold assertion that ‘India may one day have to take 20-22 km of land’ suggests a proactive and potentially controversial approach to creating a buffer or securing critical access points, should the situation necessitate such extreme steps.
Bangladeshi Infiltration and Northeast India’s Security
Beyond the immediate crisis, Sarma’s comments also resonate with longstanding concerns about Bangladeshi infiltration into Assam. The Chief Minister has frequently voiced apprehensions about illegal migration and its demographic and security impacts on the border state. This historical context adds another layer of complexity to the current discussions on Northeast India security threats.
The statements by Himanta Biswa Sarma on Bangladesh unrest are a clear indicator of the gravity with which the Indian leadership views the developments across the border. They serve as a stark reminder of the intricate geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the constant vigilance required to protect India’s strategic interests and ensure Assam’s security amidst regional instability. The potential ‘taking of land’ statement, while contentious, underscores a robust resolve to address India’s chicken neck vulnerability head-on, should future circumstances demand it.
Source: Original Article
