Pradyot slams Yunus’s statement on NE, urges Centre to take firm stance

Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the Royal Scion and founder of the Tipra Motha Party, strongly condemned a recent remark by Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor, regarding the Northeast Indian states, urging India to take a firm stance in response.

Yunus, in a video statement, described the Northeast as a "landlocked region" with no access to the ocean, further stating that Bangladesh should look to China for investment, questioning what India and the Northeast would do about it.

Reacting sharply, Pradyot described Yunus' statement as a direct threat to the region. He emphasized that such threats would persist unless India adopts a stronger position in its dealings with its neighbors. "If we want to engage with our neighbors, we must do so from a position of strength, just like Trump and Putin in their negotiations," he said.

Pradyot also noted that India’s approach to managing the interim government of Bangladesh had been insufficient, adding that Bangladesh would not change its stance. He referred to past relations, stating that while Bangladesh once considered India a friend, real friendships lay with individuals like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, who remains in alliance with India. However, he questioned how long India could remain silent in the face of such provocations.

Highlighting the ongoing issues faced by indigenous communities in Bangladesh, including the Chakma, Manipuri, Garo, and Khasi people, Pradyot drew attention to the historical struggles in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, particularly after the events of 1947. He warned that Yunus’ comments were a dangerous threat to India’s Northeast, specifically the strategically crucial Chicken’s Neck corridor, and urged the Indian government to prepare an alternative plan.

Pradyot concluded with a call to action, stating that the Tiprasa people, including those in Bangladesh, are ready to respond to such threats.

"The statement by Yunus should not be taken lightly. We must act with strength and integrity, and we are prepared for any orders," he added.