Synopsis
On March 15, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the Modi government has made significant strides over the last decade to enhance the northeastern states through various initiatives. He highlighted peace, infrastructure development, and the recent transfer of Assam Rifles land to Mizoram as pivotal achievements.Key Takeaways
- Modi administration has undertaken numerous initiatives in the northeastern states.
- Unprecedented peace has been established in the region.
- Over 700 visits by NDA ministers to the northeastern states since 2014.
- Investment of Rs 5,000 crore for road development in Mizoram.
- Transfer of Assam Rifles land symbolizes the central government's commitment.
Aizawl, March 15 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Saturday that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government has undertaken numerous initiatives over the past decade to integrate, strengthen, and develop the northeastern states.
During the event, which was held to transfer the Assam Rifles land to the Mizoram government and move the Assam Rifles establishments from Aizawl to Zokhawsang, Union Minister Shah highlighted that the Modi administration has executed hundreds of initiatives spanning from tourism to technology, sports to space, and agriculture to entrepreneurship, impacting all sectors within the northeastern states.
Additionally, the Union Minister emphasized that unprecedented peace has been achieved in the northeastern region due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi.
He remarked, "Since India gained independence, all previous Prime Ministers until 2014 visited the northeastern region a total of 21 times, while Prime Minister Modi has made 78 visits to the area."
Prior to 2014, Union Ministers from non-BJP governments visited the northeastern states 71 times, whereas after 2014, NDA government ministers have visited over 700 times.
Shah clarified that the transfer of Assam Rifles land to the Mizoram government is not just an administrative action; it symbolizes the responsibility and commitment of the Central government to the people of Mizoram.
"After 30 to 35 years of efforts, this crucial issue (the transfer of Assam Rifles land to the Mizoram government and the relocation of Assam Rifles establishments from Aizawl to Zokhawsang) has been resolved in alignment with the desires of Prime Minister Modi."
Focusing on various Central government-backed development projects in Mizoram, the Union Home Minister noted that Rs 5,000 crore has already been allocated for road development in the state, with numerous ambitious projects being rolled out at a cost of thousands of crores.
He mentioned that several helipads are under construction in Mizoram, along with a Rs 5,000 crore Railway project aimed at connecting the state capital, Aizawl. Furthermore, the Tuirial hydropower project is currently underway at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore.
Union Minister Shah added that 314 mobile towers are being installed in Mizoram to enhance the mobile and telecommunication infrastructure in the state.
"Prime Minister Modi is personally overseeing efforts to ensure a developed and peaceful Mizoram," he stated.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma remarked that the event signifies a momentous achievement for the people of Mizoram, facilitated by successive state governments.
He further noted that for over a century, the Assam Rifles have secured the local populace, and the land now handed over to the state government represents a valuable asset that will be utilized for the development and welfare of Mizoram and its residents.
Other dignitaries present included Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, and Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera.
After extensive discussions, the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles signed an agreement on October 23 last year in New Delhi to relocate the paramilitary force's establishments from the city center to the designated battalion complex at Zokhawsang.
The demand for relocating the Assam Rifles complex from Aizawl to Zokhawsang was initially raised in 1988 by the then Mizo National Front (MNF) government under former Chief Minister Laldenga after a violent clash led to the death of 11 civilians.
In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry instructed the paramilitary force to complete the shift to Zokhawsang by May 31 of that year. However, the relocation was postponed as Assam Rifles cited readiness issues with the infrastructure.
The Zokhawsang complex was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Shah in April 2023.
