By TC News Desk
Agartala, 21st December 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday stated that the exchange of Bangladesh enclaves has set the stage for connecting the Northeast with global markets, a goal that will soon be realized.
He emphasized that this development will bolster the industrial ecosystem in the Northeast and open up international opportunities for investors.
“For this vision to materialize, every state in the region must intensify its efforts. The Government of India actively encourages investments in the Northeast,” Shah said while addressing the 72nd Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Agartala.
Highlighting the progress made in the region, Shah said, “The Northeast is now on the path of transformation and development. What was once seen as a challenge—the tribal and linguistic diversity of the region—has been turned into a strength under Modi Ji’s leadership, propelling the Northeast toward new horizons.”
He further added, “Over the last decade, we have worked relentlessly to restore peace in the region. More than 20 agreements have been signed, leading over 9,000 youth to lay down arms and join the mainstream. This has ushered in an era of stability and growth.”
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ashta Lakshmi” vision, Shah said it is widely accepted across the nation and the world. “The entire country desires the prosperity of the Northeast, recognizing its significant role in India’s development. Whenever the BJP comes to power at the Centre, the Northeast is given top priority. We established the Ministry of DoNER to focus on the region’s growth,” he noted.
Shah highlighted the vast potential of the Northeast, stating, “Today, the region’s products have access to global markets via the Chittagong port. Northeast India is poised to become the gateway to economic development, breaking new records. It will not only drive India’s growth but also act as a bridge of trust for the nation. Moreover, efforts are underway to position the Northeast as a major export hub.”
The Home Minister stressed the need to transform the culture and approach of law enforcement in the Northeast, shifting focus from combating insurgency to ensuring citizens’ rights.
“With peace now prevailing, the police forces in the region must focus on delivering justice and safeguarding the entitlements of citizens,” he said. Shah emphasized the importance of reforming the training, mindset, and objectives of police forces in all Northeastern states to align with this goal.
He urged governors to personally oversee the implementation of these changes, ensuring that people in the Northeast can trust the system to deliver justice. “For four decades, police forces in the Northeast concentrated on insurgency. Now, with insurgency largely resolved, it is time to focus on ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens are upheld uniformly across the region,” Shah added.
