Are Bangladesh Leader's Comments on Northeast India Irresponsible and Dangerous?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM condemns Bangladesh's remarks.
- Comments deemed a threat to regional peace.
- Northeast integral to India's identity.
- India will not tolerate threats to sovereignty.
- Importance of diplomatic propriety and regional stability.
Guwahati, Dec 16 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday vehemently criticized the recurring statements from Bangladesh that propose the separation of India's northeastern states to join the neighboring country, labeling them as “irresponsible and dangerous” and affirming that India will not remain passive regarding this matter.
In response to remarks made by Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s newly established National Citizen Party (NCP), Sarma noted that a faction of leaders from across the border has persistently issued provocative comments aimed at undermining the territorial integrity of India's Northeast over the past year.
Abdullah reportedly suggested on Monday that Bangladesh ought to “isolate” India's northeastern region and offer support to separatist factions if New Delhi sought to destabilize Dhaka.
While speaking to journalists at an event in Lumding, the Chief Minister asserted that such remarks breach the limits of diplomatic norms and represent a significant threat to regional peace and stability.
“For the past year, statements have been repeatedly emerging from that nation advocating for the separation of Northeast Indian states to merge with Bangladesh. These comments are irresponsible and dangerous, and India will not remain silent,” Sarma stated.
The Assam Chief Minister’s statements come in the wake of a controversial remark made earlier this year by Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, who referred to India's Northeast as a “deadlock region”.
This comment sparked widespread political condemnation in India, with leaders from various parties accusing Yunus of undermining India's sovereignty and promoting divisive narratives concerning the strategically critical region.
Sarma emphasized that the Northeast is an integral and inseparable part of India, which has made remarkable progress in terms of development, connectivity, and peace in recent years.
He remarked that any attempts to challenge India's territorial integrity or encourage separatism would be met with stern action.
The Chief Minister reiterated that India values peaceful coexistence and good neighborly relations but will respond decisively to any rhetoric that jeopardizes national unity or regional security.