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Union Home Minister addresses North-East Students
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah addressed the North-East Students’ & Youth Parliament in New Delhi on 11 March 2025. He said before independence, the Northeast contributed over 20% to India’s GDP, which has now fallen below 7%. He highlighted the region’s immense potential for global tourism and praised its brilliant youth and hardworking tribes. The Northeast is a priceless gem of Indian culture, enriched with a rich heritage.
Shri Shah highlighted its diversity, with over 220 tribal groups, 160+ resident tribes, 200+ languages, 50 unique festivals, and 30 globally renowned dance forms. The region has 78 unique musical instruments, 100+ traditional attires, and unparalleled craftsmanship, handicrafts, and cuisine. Despite its many unique qualities, the Northeast lagged in development due to misinformation and conflicts that fuelled terrorism and separatism.
Northeast always been a priority for the BJP
Shri Shah emphasized that the Northeast has always been a priority for the BJP government. Earlier, there was no dedicated ministry for the region, but it was established during Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji’s tenure. PM Shri Narendra Modi has placed the Northeast at the core of every government initiative. A key achievement of the Modi government is reducing the gap between the Northeast and the rest of India. By 2027, all Northeastern state capitals will be connected via rail, air, and road networks.
Northeast witnessed significant peace
The Modi government has made the Northeast a priority in every scheme, engaging with militant groups to understand their concerns, reach agreements, and integrate them into the mainstream. As a result, the region has witnessed significant peace over the past decade. Between 2004 and 2014, the Northeast saw 11,000 incidents of violence, whereas from 2014 to 2024, this number dropped by nearly 70% to 3,428. He also noted a 70% reduction in security personnel casualties and an 89% decline in civilian deaths.
Agreements with all major militant groups
He said the Modi government has signed agreements with all major militant groups, leading to the surrender of over 10,500 rebels. In the past 10 years, 12 key peace agreements have been reached with insurgent groups. Under the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, the government has honoured, preserved, and promoted the Northeast’s languages, dialects, culture, attire, traditional dances, and arts. Additionally, by disarming 10,000 insurgents, the government has fostered an environment of peace across the region.
Shri Shah emphasized that the Northeast is of great significance to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India.
Highlights
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made the Northeast the focal point of every government program.
• Through 12 agreements, the Modi government has fostered peace in the Northeast, enabling over 10,000 youths to surrender and reintegrate into the mainstream.
• Northeast will play a crucial role in building a ‘Viksit India’
• The Modi government has not only improved physical infrastructure but also strengthened emotional bonds in the region
• Shortly, the youth here will not have to go elsewhere for employment