Modi govt has roadmap to neutralize threats to Northeast’s ‘chicken neck’: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asserted that the Modi government has a strategic roadmap to counter threats aimed at disrupting connectivity to the Northeast through the narrow Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the 'Chicken Neck.'

Speaking at the Advantage Assam 2.0, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the corridor, both strategically and politically, and addressed concerns over past threats to sever the Northeast’s link with the rest of India.

"Assam is connected to the rest of India through the Chicken Neck. This corridor is significant even in political discourse. Many anti-national forces have threatened to cut off the Chicken Neck and disrupt the Northeast, but today, our Railway Minister has announced a major boost to connectivity. Over the Chicken Neck, four railway tracks will be constructed to enhance railway connectivity to Assam, and at the appropriate time, he will also announce at least two more railway lines under the Chicken Neck, which is already in his plans," Sarma stated.

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The "Chicken Neck," or the Siliguri Corridor, is a narrow stretch of land in North Bengal that connects the northeastern states to the rest of the country. Given its strategic importance, any disruption in this corridor could have serious implications for the region's security and economic stability.

While Sarma did not disclose specific details of the government's countermeasures, his statement signals a strong security posture aimed at safeguarding the Northeast from external and internal threats.