Navigating India-Bangladesh Tensions: CM Advocates Alternative Routes Amid ‘Chicken’s Neck’ Landlock

Guwahati, India – In a bold move, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged the Centre to expedite plans for an underground railway and road network to secure the Chicken Neck, a narrow passage connecting the Northeast to the rest of the country. This comes as the region faces renewed scrutiny following recent comments by Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammed Yunus, who referred to India’s Northeast as “landlocked” and positioned Bangladesh as the “guardian” for access to the Bay of Bengal.

Sarma’s request is a direct response to the ongoing discourse surrounding India’s Chicken’s Neck, a corridor that has historically been exploited by divisive forces to undermine the country’s sovereignty. “Divisive forces have sought to exploit this geographical vulnerability, even using it as a tool for political blackmail,” Sarma emphasized. The Chief Minister highlighted the need for a robust railway and road network to safeguard the region’s connection to the mainland, citing historical instances where internal elements have suggested cutting off the Northeast from the rest of the country.

The strategic importance of the Chicken’s Neck cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital link between the Northeast and the rest of India. Sarma proposed exploring alternative road routes to connect the region to mainland India, bypassing the Chicken’s Neck, and acknowledged the engineering challenges such a project would entail. “I urge the government to establish an alternative route bypassing the corridor through Bhutan,” Dr. Sarma emphasized.

Sarma’s warning comes at a time when regional stability is at risk, with Yunus’ comments sparking concerns over potential long-standing agendas that could undermine India’s security. The Chief Minister’s timely intervention underscores the imperative for the Centre to prioritize the region’s connectivity and security. The comments made by Yunus have been criticized for using India’s internal geography to justify strengthening Sino-Bangladesh ties, a move that has raised alarm bells in Delhi.

As the region continues to grapple with the implications of Yunus’ remarks, Sarma’s calls for action serve as a clarion call for the government to take concrete steps to safeguard the Chicken’s Neck. With the stakes high, it remains to be seen whether the Centre will heed the Chief Minister’s warnings and take decisive action to secure India’s vital corridor.

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/after-bdeshs-landlock-remark-cm-urges-alternative-routes-to-bypass-chickens-neck-1572973
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Publish Date: 2025-04-01 15:38:00