Assam Chief Minister Warns of Potential Bangladesh Integration

Concerns Over Population Growth in Assam

On Tuesday, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, expressed concerns that if the population of individuals from neighboring countries in Assam increases by 10%, the state could effectively become part of Bangladesh.

During an official event, Sarma informed reporters that he has been raising this issue for the past five years. In response to a question regarding a comment made by a Bangladeshi leader about merging the northeastern region with their country, he stated, 'Currently, 40% of Assam's population is of Bangladeshi origin. If this number increases by another 10%, we will automatically be included in Bangladesh.'

He emphasized, 'This is why I have been highlighting this issue for the last five years.' Earlier this month, Hasanat Abdullah, a leader from Bangladesh's newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), reportedly suggested that Dhaka should isolate India's northeastern states and support separatist elements in the region if New Delhi attempts to destabilize their country.