Collective efforts needed to resolve boundary issues: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stressed the need for collective efforts of governments of all the northeastern states of Northeast to settle the interstate boundary issues once and for all.

The Chief Minister said this at the 70th plenary session of NEC (North Eastern Council) here today. Besides Union Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) Amit Shah, who chaired the meeting, all chief ministers of the northeastern states were present at the session.

The Chief Minister spoke about the measures taken to reach an amicable settlement to the interstate border disputes in the Northeast. He said that Assam and Meghalaya have resolved 50 per cent of boundary disputes between them. Assam has also initiated to reach for a permanent solution to boundary disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, he said. He stressed the need for collective efforts of governments of all the states of the Northeast if boundary dispute settlement is to be permanent and final.

The Chief Minister spoke upon multitudes of issues crucial for inclusive and sustainable growth and development of the Northeastern region in general and Assam in particular. He stated the deliberations on floods and erosion at the plenary would go a long way in effectively and efficiently dealing with them.

The Chief Minister added that initiatives such as Udan Scheme have lent new momentum to the communication scenario in the Northeast. Improving the air-connectivity scenario between the states of the Northeast would be a huge boost for the region in general, the Chief Minister added.

Stating that insurgency was a major issue in the Northeast that was hindering the progress of the region on multiple fronts, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for steps taken to resolve it. Owing to the Home Minister's focus on the subject, the era of insurgency can be said to be history in Assam now, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister also stated that permanent peace in the Northeast would provide a new fillip to the region's growth momentum. Sarma added the need for a museum in Assam to highlight the ethnic, and cultural artefacts and products of the States of the Northeast. The Chief Minister assured the NEC of all cooperation, including allotment of land, from the Government of Assam, if the regional statutory advisory body comes up with a concrete plan for such a museum.

Also Read:  Gandhiji led a spiritual and moral life, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

 Also Watch: