Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday made a strong statement about the rising number of people of Bangladeshi origin living in Assam. He claimed that if this number increases by another 10 per cent, Assam could face serious risks. According to him, such a situation could even threaten the state’s identity and security.

Speaking to reporters after attending an official programme, Sarma said that around 40 per cent of Assam’s population is currently made up of people of Bangladeshi origin. He warned that if this number rises further, the situation could become dangerous for the state. “If the number increases by 10 per cent more, Assam will automatically be included,” he said, without giving further details on what this would mean in practical terms.

The Chief Minister said he has been raising concerns about this issue for the past five years. He stressed that illegal immigration and demographic changes have been a long-standing problem in Assam and should not be ignored. Sarma made these remarks while responding to a question about a recent statement by a leader in Bangladesh regarding India’s northeastern region.

Earlier this month, Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), reportedly made controversial remarks. He allegedly said that Bangladesh should try to “isolate” India’s northeastern states if India attempted to destabilise Bangladesh. Abdullah also suggested that Bangladesh could support separatist groups in the region under such circumstances.

Abdullah further claimed that India’s northeastern states are geographically vulnerable. He pointed out that these states are connected to the rest of India mainly through a narrow strip of land called the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck”. This corridor is crucial for transportation and communication between the northeast and mainland India.

The comments from the Bangladeshi leader have drawn attention in India, especially in Assam, which has long faced issues related to migration from Bangladesh. Sarma’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about border security, population changes, and regional stability.

The issue has once again sparked debate about immigration, national security, and relations between India and Bangladesh. While some support the Chief Minister’s strong stand, others believe such sensitive matters should be handled carefully through dialogue and diplomacy.