Safeguarding Northeast’s Identity and Culture Top Priority: Home Minister Amit Shah at NEC Plenary

Amit Shah further stressed the need for a shift in focus from countering extremism to empowering citizens with constitutional rights.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the government’s focused approach to accelerating the development of the Northeast. Speaking at the 72nd North Eastern Council (NEC) plenary session in Agartala, Shah stated, “Safeguarding the Northeast’s unique identity and culture has always been a top priority for our government.”

Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the tremendous growth in the region, noting that large-scale development has been achieved through steps taken to ensure lasting peace. He added, “The Centre is committed to the policy of ‘Act East, Act Fast, and Act First’ for the progress of the region.”

The Union Home Minister underlined the importance of promoting organic products from the region at the global level and building an industrial ecosystem to attract investors. “We are moving ahead with a multi-dimensional approach to accelerate growth and progress in the Northeast,” Shah remarked.

Emphasising the government’s achievements in security, Shah said, “Violent incidents in the Northeast have decreased by 31%, and civilian deaths have dropped by 86% in the last decade. Over 10,574 militants have surrendered, and several key peace agreements have been signed.”

He further stressed the need for a shift in focus from countering extremism to empowering citizens with constitutional rights. “The time has come to ensure that every citizen of the Northeast enjoys their constitutional rights protecting property, honour, and family as enshrined in the new criminal laws,” he said. Shah called for enhanced police training and a change in approach across the region to implement these reforms effectively.

The Union Home Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate drug abuse, acknowledging the Northeast’s pivotal role in this mission. “We are committed to wiping out the menace of drugs from the entire nation, and the Northeast will play a key role in this fight,” he stated.

Shah assured that the Centre would provide full financial assistance to advance the region’s development agenda. He also praised Agartala for hosting the plenary for the second time since 2008, emphasizing its growing importance in regional discussions.

Shah proposed innovative flood control measures, urging Northeast states to adopt Assam’s model of creating large ponds to manage water during floods. “These ponds will not only address flood challenges but also provide irrigation for farmers and drinking water for communities,” he suggested.

Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union MoS for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, Governors and chief ministers of the 8 northeastern states and NEC officials were present.

Also Read: NEC Meet to Finalise 5-point Framework for Northeast Development

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