Some elements don't want NE to develop: Rijiju

By Our Staff Reporter

Sopur, Aug 8: Some elements do not want the Northeast to develop, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said today, also indicating that forces based in foreign shores were also "into the game". "Some elements do not want the Northeast region to develop…there are also elements based in foreign lands who are playing this game. The threats from across the borders and within are tremendous and it is not easy to face this challenge," Rijiju said, addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the office and residential complex of the tiol Investigation Agency (NIA) at Sopur.

He said the security agencies, on which the government was dependent, had been performing their duties efficiently and responsibly, due to which there has been "tremendous improvement in the security scerio of the region in the last fourteen months."

He said security and development go hand in hand, and as such the Centre was laying emphasis on creating more and more institutiol infrastructure in the region.

"Recently, we have decided to shift the office of the Inspector General of Police of CISF from Kolkata to Guwahati. We are trying to increase the strength of the security agencies and enhance their operatiol preparedness," he said.

Rijiju also lauded the Assam government for making "genuine efforts" to ensure peace in the State. "I must compliment the Assam government for its efforts to ensure peace. It has not only succeeded in tightening the security apparatus but has also cracked some important cases. Barring a few disturbing incidents, the State has been overall peaceful," he said.

Asserting that the youths who have taken up arms in the region are the greatest "enemies of the society", the Union minister once again appealed to NE outfits to shun the path of violence and join mainstream.

He also rued the "contradictions" prevalent within the region and cautioned that unless the region stands united, it will fall apart.

"It is sad that there are reports that a person from one state is harassed in another. These things will not make us realize and achieve our dream of a prosperous region. Violence, bandhs have painted a negative picture of the region outside. The region should be known for its beauty, rich mineral resources etc and not for such negative things," he said.

He said though the 22-km chicken neck which connects Northeast to rest of India is a "disadvantage", yet the region has an advantage of sharing its borders with neighbouring countries which could boost economic development of the region.

"The Prime Minister has asked all the ministries to give special attention to Northeast. We are also giving thrust on border magement and have increased the share of funds earmarked for border area development. Trade relations between the Northeast and the neighbouring countries are set to get a boost in the next few years," he claimed, while also pointing out to the expansion plans undertaken in the telecom sector.

The function was attended by Assam Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, DGP Khagen Sarma, NIA director general Sharad Kumar, GoC 4 Corps Lt-General Sharad Chand and other senior officials.

The state-of-the-art office-cum-residential complex of NIA will be built in 24 months by NBCC at a cost of Rs 33 crore in a plot of 5 acres provided by the State government.

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