Despite Congress’s Apathy, Central Government Sees the North-East as a “Gateway to the East”
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th September. The north-eastern states of India, the majority of whose names are difficult for the average Indian to decipher, have a dark history. A legacy that includes, among other things, colonial history, integration with India, perennial insurgency, and an inadequate transportation network.
The hugest spike in the hearts of the people of the north-eastern states, however, is the stepmotherly treatment they received from the Congress governments at the center following their integration.
Nevertheless, the Narendra Modi government has rewritten history by conquering geography over the last eight years. Despite Congress’ apathy, the central government now sees the North-East as a “Gateway to the East.”
The Center’s Vision for a Peaceful and Prosperous North-East
The insurgency gripped a large portion of North-Eastern states. The main reason for this is Congress’ apathy towards the region and its isolation from mainstream India. However, the dynamics are shifting, as evidenced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous northeast.
Since its inception, the central government has been involved in peace talks with various groups. In continuation of this, Shah met with several political leaders of Naga groups on Monday to discuss peace treaties, and clarified that the Modi government wants a peaceful and prosperous northeast.
“All of the central government’s efforts are aimed at resolving complicated issues that arose during ongoing talks with Naga groups like NSCN-IM in such a way that there is overall satisfaction at the conclusion of the parleys,” the spokesperson said.
The difficult road ahead
While the majority of states have dealt with the threat of insurgency through negotiations, Nagaland remains a difficult call for leaders. The current talks with the NSCN-IM are stalled because the group insists on a separate Naga flag and constitution, which the Modi government has consistently rejected.
The central government is employing all persuasive means to bring the peace talks to a close and to establish eternal peace in the beautiful north-eastern Indian states. However, the NSCN-unrealistic IM demands have become a roadblock to peace.
The center and NSCN (I-M) parties agreed in the 2015 framework agreement that “the settlement will be within the Indian federation with a special status.”
The road ahead may be difficult, but given the track record, peace will soon prevail in Nagaland, too, via diplomatic channels.
The administration has already signed cease-fire agreements with the NSCN-NK, NSCN-R, NSCN K-Khango, and NSCN (K) Niki. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the insurgency is nearing its end.
PM Modi’s transformation of the North East
Prior to 2014, the north-eastern region was neglected and lacked basic services such as transportation, education, and health care. The double engine government model, with the BJP ruling both at the center and in the states, has brought the Government of India to the doorstep of the northeast region.
AFSPA was recently removed from major areas of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. The Modi government has also renamed the tokenized ‘Look East’ policy ‘Act East.’ The BJP governments have also facilitated development and connectivity in the northeast. The government is investing billions of rupees in infrastructure development to connect the North East to the rest of the country.
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