Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern that the northeastern Indian state could ‘automatically become part of Bangladesh’ if the population of Bangladeshi-origin residents increases by another ten percent. Speaking at a government event on Tuesday, Sarma claimed that around 40 percent of Assam’s population is of Bangladeshi descent and reiterated that he has been warning about demographic changes for the past five years.

His remarks follow recent controversy surrounding a statement by Hasnat Abdullah, leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, who reportedly suggested that Dhaka should support separatist forces in India’s northeast if New Delhi attempts to destabilize Bangladesh. Indian media widely covered the comment, prompting strong reactions from Sarma, who said India would not tolerate such threats. He added that if Bangladeshi leaders continue issuing such warnings, Delhi would not remain silent for long.

The exchange underscores ongoing sensitivities over migration and border politics between India and Bangladesh, particularly in Assam, where citizenship and demographic issues have long fueled political tension.