In a historic address at the 71st plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the last 10 years under the Modi government as a “golden era” for the Northeast, emphasizing unprecedented strides in infrastructure development and conflict resolution. Shah highlighted the region’s shift from historical blockades and unrest to a trajectory of peace and development.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast has experienced a transformation marked by reduced distances, both physical and metaphorical, between the region and the rest of India. Speaking at the session, Shah praised the significant progress made in the last decade, calling it the most impactful period in the region’s 75-year history since independence.
Shah outlined the Modi government’s commitment to the Northeast, stating that it has always considered the region an integral part of India. He pointed out that between 2004 and 2014, the region witnessed 11,121 violent incidents, a number that decreased by 73 percent to 3,114 between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, deaths among security forces dropped by 71 percent, and civilian deaths declined by 86 percent.
The Home Minister attributed the decline in insurgency to the successful surrender and mainstream integration of over 8,900 members of militant groups in the past five years. This, Shah argued, sends a powerful message about the interconnection of peace and prosperity, essential for the overall development of states.
To address law and order issues, the Modi government signed nine agreements, resolving many pending disputes and contributing to the region’s stability. Shah noted that 75 percent of the areas covered under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 2018 are no longer under its jurisdiction, except for some parts of Assam and Manipur.
Shah praised the developmental initiatives in the region, emphasizing the “Act East, Act Fast, and Act First” approach. The Modi government allocated ₹4,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26 for the Northeast, reflecting a 162 percent increase in the budget. Key allocations include ₹1,500 crore for PM-DevINE and ₹6,600 crores for 2025-26.
Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone, with significant investments in railways, road connectivity, and air transport. The Northeast has witnessed the construction of 5,196 km of roads under the Bharat Mala project, eight new airports under the UDAN scheme, and the allocation of ₹81,000 crore to railways and ₹48,000 crore to road connectivity.
Shah concluded by emphasizing the increased role and scope of the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Act East Policy and urged collective efforts for a flood-free and drug-free Northeast. He called for strengthening water management using the expertise of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre and highlighted recent criminal justice laws aimed at modernizing the country’s legal system.
In summary, Amit Shah’s address underscores a transformative decade for the Northeast under the Modi government, with a focus on comprehensive development, peace, and regional integration.
Sources By Agencies
