“Another 10% and Assam will be merged with Bangladesh,” warns Himanta

• CM claims 40% of Assam’s population is of Bangladeshi origin
• Says another 10% rise could threaten Assam’s identity and sovereignty
• Warning comes amid Bangladesh leader’s remarks on isolating Northeast
• Siliguri Corridor flagged as strategic vulnerability

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 24th Dec: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday issued a sharp warning over what he described as a growing demographic threat to the state, claiming that Assam could face “automatic inclusion” into Bangladesh if the population of Bangladeshi-origin residents rises by another 10 per cent.

Speaking to reporters after an official programme, Sarma said that around 40 per cent of Assam’s population currently consists of people of Bangladeshi origin.

“If it increases by another 10 per cent, we will automatically be included. That is why I have been shouting about this issue for the last five years,” the Chief Minister said.

His remarks come amid recent controversial comments by leaders in Bangladesh. Earlier this month, Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), reportedly suggested that Dhaka should consider “isolating” India’s northeastern states and supporting separatist elements if New Delhi attempted to destabilise Bangladesh.

Abdullah had also claimed that the Northeast is geographically “vulnerable” due to its dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor — also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ — for connectivity with the Indian mainland.

Sarma’s statement underscores growing political and security concerns in Assam over illegal migration, demographic shifts and regional stability, especially in the backdrop of strained rhetoric from across the border.

The Assam government has consistently flagged migration from Bangladesh as a major issue impacting the state’s social fabric, political stability and national security.