Centre committed to fast tracking development in NE region: Rajnath Singh

While addressing a meeting of the Chief Ministers of four bordering states with Myanmar in Mizoram's capital city Aizwal, Rajnath Singh said that work on road and rail network extension is going on in the region and the centre want to extend the networks to bordering areas.

The Union home minister said that, four bordering states with Myanmar - Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram has received Rs 567.39 crore under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in last three years.

"Our government is committed to all rounds development in the region specially border areas development. This region is immensely rich in human and natural resources," Rajnath Singh said.

The meeting was convened to discuss the issues of Indo-Myanmar border in presence of Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Manipur CM N Biren Singh, Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla, Nagaland home minister Yanthungo Patton, Chief Secretaries, DGP's of four states and other top officials of security agencies.

Rajnath Singh praised the Assam Rifles, which guards the 1643 km long Indo-Myanmar border and said that, Assam Rifles is performing its duty with courage and determination.

The Union home minister also discussing with the four states CM’s and officials of the security agencies in the issue of militancy, cross bordering illegal trade etc.

On the other hand, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stressed on the need for a comprehensive development plan for Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts to increase entrepreneurship and employability so that the people of these districts do not deviate from mainstream.

Khandu said that, such efforts will go a long way in addressing acute poverty and lack of employment in these districts.

He said significant portion of population are also engaged in illegal opium production and trade, which has to be tackled aggressively using two pronged strategy of de-addiction centres and skill development centres.

"Since the terrain of TCL region is good for cash crops, Spice Board of India and Krishi Vigyan Kendra may be advised to open their offices in these 3 districts," Khandu said.

He informed that state government has prepared a proposal of around Rs 985 Crore as a fresh special package for TCL districts and requested the home ministry to consider the new proposal favourably.

The Arunachal Pradesh CM also suggested to take adequate steps to prevent migration from the border areas and sought central assistances for rapid economic development of the border areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.

He emphasized that trade between the two countries need to be encouraged and more border haats be opened for the purpose.

He apprised the Home Minister about an MoU that was signed in the year 2012 between India and Myanmar for establishment of Border Haats along the Indo-Myanmar Border to facilitate border trade, which included one at Nampong (Pangsau pass).

Urging for strengthening and modernization of police force in the state, Khandu proposed for setting up of a Forensic Science Laboratory in Arunachal Pradesh in one of the three districts of TCL.

He also requested the Home Ministry to expedite the final approval for construction and upgradation of 20 Police Station buildings and other infrastructural facilities under special package for TCL districts.

The Arunachal Pradesh CM expressed his thankfulness to Prime Minister for his continued faith in recognizing the potential of the North Eastern region and his commitment to help the region overcome the teething troubles so as to truly become the new engine of India’s growth. 

He also thanked Union home minister for his continued focus and vision towards the development of States situated along the international borders.

The meeting also discussed on BADP projects, streamlining the Free Movement Regime (FMR), works relating to boundary survey and other co-ordination issues between the states and the border guarding force.

Rajnath Singh also met Mizoram governor Lt General (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma at Raj Bhavan.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)