PM Modi transforms Northeast region from wasteland to wealthy region

PM Modi says more than 9,500 insurgents have surrendered since 2014 (File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that the BJP’s governance at the Center over the past decade has been focused on transforming the Northeast from a “wasteland” to a “rich region”.

Speaking to The Assam Tribune, the Prime Minister said that the situation in troubled Manipur has improved significantly due to the timely intervention of the central and state governments.

He also said that the federal government is making every effort to successfully complete peace talks with the Naga group at an early date.

Modi said that 11 peace agreements have been signed in the past 10 years, marking an important milestone in peace and stability efforts in the region.

He also stressed that since 2014, more than 9,500 insurgents have surrendered and integrated into the mainstream, indicating a substantial step towards peace and development in the region.

“When we formed the government, I was firmly committed to changing the status quo in the Northeast. We replaced the policy of isolation and ignorance with a policy of integration. In the past 10 years, we ended the isolation of the Northeast and developed it into a Lat’s gateway to the East,” he said, noting that he has visited the region nearly 70 times.

Modi said: “Aaj Northeast na Delhi sedoor hai aur na dil sedoor hai!” (Today, Northeast is not far from Delhi and is not far from our hearts).

“Given the strategic location of the Northeast, our vision is that the region should develop into a base for India’s growing economic ties while ensuring that the aspirations of the people are fulfilled… We have transformed the Northeast from an ‘abandoned region’ to this It is a ‘rich region’ with over Rs 500 crore spent by various government ministries and departments of India in the last 10 years,” he said.

Referring to the situation in Manipur and opposition criticism over the issue, the Prime Minister said that handling the situation sensitively is a collective responsibility.

“I have spoken about this in Parliament. We have invested our best resources and administrative machinery to resolve the conflict. The situation has improved significantly due to the timely intervention of the Indian government and the efforts of the Manipur government in the country,” he explain.

Referring to the height of the conflict last year, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid a two-day visit to Manipur and held more than 15 meetings with various stakeholders, Modi said , the rescue and recovery process is underway.

“The remedial measures taken include financial packages for relief and rehabilitation of shelter residents in the state,” he said.

Talking about the Centre’s achievements in controlling insurgency, Modi said there was a 71 per cent reduction in insurgency-related incidents in 2023 compared to 2014.

“Similarly, security force casualties fell by 60 per cent and civilian deaths by 82 per cent during this period. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been revoked in much of the Northeast as the security situation improved,” he said .

When asked about China’s years-long assertion of sovereignty over parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Modi said, “Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral part of India.” The Prime Minister listed Pointing out various development projects worth hundreds of millions of rupees in Arunachal Pradesh, he said: “Today, development works are reaching the Northeast like the first ray of sunshine, faster than ever before.” About 2015 with Final settlement of the framework agreement signed by NSCN(IM), he said, “Official representatives of the Government of India are in talks with NSCN(IM) and other Naga groups. The Center is formulating all recommendations for early and successful completion of peace with Naga groups Efforts may be made to negotiate.” On Myanmar’s infiltration into Mizoram, Modi said the issue has been raised with authorities in neighboring countries as it directly affects India, especially the northeastern states.

“To prevent infiltration and ensure security of our borders, the government has taken several measures. These include the decision to abolish the free movement regime between India and Myanmar, increased and effective deployment of border troops at the India-Myanmar border, and coordination among various security agencies. close coordination,” he said.

Modi said the federal government has urged the Mizoram government to launch a drive to collect biometric data of illegal immigrants and provide equipment and support for implementing the biometric capture scheme.

“We are changing our policies to adapt to the changing realities on the ground. We hope to see peace and stability return to Myanmar as soon as possible so that these people can return to their homeland peacefully,” he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)