Yunus' remark on North-eastern states sparks row, draws criticism from Indian leaders
PTC News Desk: Bangladesh's interim government's remarks over the North eastern states has drawn sharp criticism across the party line in India.
While Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has described the remarks as "offensive", Congress's Pawan Khera has said Dhaka's approach is dangerous for the Northeast and questioned the Centre's foreign policy.
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' remarks reportedly during his four day China visit are doing rounds on social media. "The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the seven sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. He says Bangladesh is the "guardian of the ocean" for the region. "This opens up a huge possibility. This could be an extension for the Chinese economy," he said.
“The statement made by Md Younis of Bangladesh’s so-called interim government, 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,” Sarma posted on X.
"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 severing this critical passageway to isolate the Northeast from the mainland physically," he added.
"Such provocative statements by Md Younis must not be taken lightly, as they reflect deeper strategic considerations and longstanding agendas," Sarma added in his post.
While referring Bangladesh as the 'only guardian of the ocean', Yunus said this could possibly mean a chance for expansion of Chinese economy.
- With inputs from agencies
