Threatening India’s unity is a grave mistake’: Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along warns over ‘Chicken Neck’ remarks

New Delhi: Amid political instability in Bangladesh and a surge in anti-India protests, Nagaland Minister and BJP state president Temjen Imna Along has issued a strong warning against statements calling for control over the strategic Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken Neck”.

Reacting sharply to remarks made by some Bangladeshi leaders about targeting the narrow corridor that connects mainland India to its northeastern states, Along said such rhetoric reflects a dangerous disregard for history and reality. He cautioned that any attempt to threaten India’s territorial integrity would amount to a serious provocation.

Along said that the idea of destabilising India by targeting the Siliguri Corridor was not only irresponsible but also deeply misguided. “Undermining India’s unity is a grave mistake,” he said, adding that those issuing such threats should remember the consequences of misadventures against India.

Recalling historical events, the Nagaland minister pointed to the 1971 Liberation War, stating that the very existence of Bangladesh was made possible due to India and the Indian Army. “Those who spew venom against India today must not forget that India stood behind Bangladesh’s independence. Forgetting the events of 1971–72 so quickly is nothing short of political suicide,” Along warned, adding that politics built on ingratitude would not survive for long.

Using strong cultural and mythological references, Along said adversaries may not have understood the spirit and strength of the people of the Northeast. Drawing from the Mahabharata, he cited the examples of Ghatotkacha and Hidimba to symbolise the courage and warrior ethos of the region’s tribal communities. “If anyone has doubts, they should come and see for themselves. The people here are experienced and capable in the art of warfare. In matters of battle, no one surpasses us,” he said, using sharp language to underline his message.

On the so-called “Chicken Neck Corridor”, Along said the term itself was largely a media-created phrase. He asserted that the bond between the northeastern states and the rest of India is far stronger than what outsiders perceive. “The people of the Northeast share an unbreakable relationship with India. No external force can sever this connection,” he said, emphasising that unity remains India’s greatest strength.

At the same time, Along clarified that his criticism was not directed at the people of Bangladesh as a whole. He said the hostility towards India was being fuelled by a few “misguided” and fundamentalist elements. “Not all Bangladeshis think this way. This hatred is being spread by certain extremist forces. Even while playing politics, one must not lose touch with reality,” he cautioned.

Along stressed that today’s India and its citizens are fully prepared to respond to any attempts aimed at destabilising the Northeast or threatening national security. He said such statements from across the border only reinforce India’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The remarks are being seen as a strong political and strategic message at a time when regional tensions and cross-border narratives have heightened, particularly around the sensitive Siliguri Corridor, which remains vital to India’s national security.