Assam CM Highlights Bangladesh's Vulnerabilities Amid Siliguri Corridor Concerns

Geopolitical Insights from Assam's Chief Minister

Guwahati: Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a significant statement on Sunday, addressing critics who often express concerns regarding India's strategic 'Siliguri Corridor'. He pointed out that Bangladesh has its own geographical vulnerabilities, specifically two critical corridors that are even more prone to disruption.

Sarma remarked, "For those who frequently threaten India regarding the 'Chicken Neck Corridor', it is essential to consider these facts as well," referring to the Siliguri Corridor, which is a narrow 22-km land link crucial for connecting India's northeastern states to the mainland and is often seen as a strategic chokepoint.

He emphasized that Bangladesh's equivalent of 'chicken necks' includes the North Bangladesh Corridor, an 80-km stretch from Dakhin Dinajpur to South West Garo Hills.

According to Sarma, any disturbance in this corridor could isolate the entire Rangpur division from the rest of Bangladesh, leading to a significant national security and connectivity crisis for Dhaka.

Additionally, he highlighted the Chittagong Corridor, a narrow passage from South Tripura to the Bay of Bengal.

Sarma stated, "This corridor, which is narrower than India's chicken neck, serves as the sole connection between Bangladesh's economic and political capitals," referring to the vital route linking Dhaka with Chittagong, the country's main port city.

He added, "I am merely presenting geographical realities that some may overlook," suggesting that the focus on India's vulnerabilities often neglects the broader regional context.

His comments are expected to ignite discussions in strategic and diplomatic circles, particularly as regional tensions continue to be closely observed.

Previously, Sarma had warned Bangladesh about its own vulnerabilities, noting that it has not one, but two chicken necks, at a time when Dhaka has been vocal about India's strategic Siliguri Corridor.

He cautioned Bangladesh amid its apparent growing interest in India's crucial chicken neck, stating, "We have one chicken neck, but Bangladesh has two. If Bangladesh threatens our corridor, we will respond by targeting both of Bangladesh's chicken necks... the one in Meghalaya connecting to Chittagong port is even narrower than India's and is located very close by," Sarma told reporters.

The BJP leader also reminded Bangladesh of India's military capabilities, particularly referencing operation Sindoor, where India successfully targeted terror camps deep within Pakistan and struck its military bases. Sarma asserted, "Bangladesh would need to be reborn 14 times before it could consider attacking India."