SHILLONG: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged the eight states of the Northeast region to shift their focus from maintaining law and order to safeguarding the rights and welfare of citizens, while simultaneously preparing the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities in technological development, trade, and tourism.
Addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Shah stated that the Northeast has undergone a massive transformation under the government led by Narendra Modi, which he credited with successfully ending insurgency and instability, thereby ushering in an era of peace, illumination, and employment opportunities.
He called upon the state governments to align their developmental aspirations with the current realities of the region and to focus sharply on building large-scale infrastructure, buildings, and a roadmap that caters to future generations.
The Home Minister shared that during the NEC meeting, he directed the Chief Ministers to transition their primary administrative focus from legal affairs and basic security to the protection of public rights, noting that insurgency is no longer a major challenge for the state governments.
He emphasized that the Northeast must position itself as a hub for new technologies and innovative insights, instructing the states to invest heavily in modern technological infrastructure and skill development to enable the youth to participate actively in the economy and compete globally.
Shah further stated that he has directed the states to establish infrastructure tailored for the next generation, specifically focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and blockchain technology. Additionally, he instructed the expansion of existing regional potentials, such as the trade of agarwood with Western countries and the promotion of medical tourism.
Highlighting the changing trajectory of the region, Shah remarked that the Northeast has moved far past the era of violence and conflict, emerging today as a major contributor to India’s national growth story. He credited this success to the joint, coordinated efforts between the Central government and the state governments in improving road connectivity and power supply, reinforcing peace, and driving holistic development across the region.
He further noted that the North Eastern Council has evolved into a vital body for regional planning and cooperation, playing a critical role in translating developmental goals into tangible achievements on the ground while preserving the unique identity and rich culture of the region. Shah added that the NEC now functions as a major institution for meticulous planning to ensure the growth of the region, fulfilling public aspirations and promoting cultural heritage.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Union Minister for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju, alongside Governors and Chief Ministers of the other Northeastern states, and senior officials from both the Central and state governments.
