N Biren Singh Condemns Muhammad Yunus’ Remarks on Northeast India
Strong Criticism from N Biren Singh
NEW DELHI: Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday strongly condemned Bangladesh’s interim government’s chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus. Singh accused Yunus of attempting to portray Northeast India as a “strategic pawn” to serve geopolitical interests.
Singh warned Yunus against making reckless comments about India, stating that such remarks were “not only unwise but could also have consequences.”
“It is apparent that Md Yunus and his interim government in Bangladesh are trying to frame the Northeast as a strategic pawn for their geopolitical ambitions. Such provocative and irresponsible statements are unbecoming of a leader, and I condemn his remarks in the strongest possible terms,” said Singh, a BJP leader.
India’s Territorial Integrity is Non-Negotiable
Singh further asserted that India’s unity and territorial integrity cannot be challenged by anyone. “Md Yunus must exercise restraint. Making reckless comments about a nation like India is not only unwise but could also have consequences he may regret,” he added.
Yunus reportedly made these comments during his four-day visit to China. A video of his remarks surfaced on social media on Monday.
Yunus’ Statement on Northeast India
During his visit, Yunus commented on the geographical constraints of Northeast India. “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,” Yunus said.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Responds
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also criticized Yunus’ statement, calling it “offensive and strongly condemnable.” He emphasized the need to explore alternative road routes to connect the Northeast with the rest of India and reduce dependence on the strategically vulnerable ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor.
“This remark underscores the persistent vulnerability narrative associated with the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor,” Sarma said. “Historically, even internal elements within India have dangerously suggested severing this passageway to isolate the Northeast from the mainland. It is imperative to develop more robust railway and road networks both underneath and around this corridor.”
Pradyot Debbarma Calls for Securing an Ocean Route
Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma also weighed in on the issue. He argued that India’s decision to relinquish the Chittagong port in 1947 was a “biggest mistake.” He called for securing an ocean route with the support of indigenous communities.
“India must create a route to the ocean by supporting our indigenous people who once ruled Chittagong. This way, we will no longer be dependent on an ungrateful regime. India’s biggest mistake was letting go of the port (Chittagong) in 1947, despite the hill people there wanting to be part of the Indian Union,” Debbarma said.
Taking a dig at Yunus, he added, “Mr Yunus may think he is the guardian of the ocean, but the reality is he is a stop-gap leader at almost 85. Let’s not forget that Tripura is only a few miles away from the port.”
