Amit Shah Chairs 73rd NEC Plenary in Shillong, Calls Northeast “Hub of Opportunities”
Hills Live News Desk
Shillong, June 4: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, emphasizing that the Northeast has transformed from a region of disputes into a hub of opportunities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Shah highlighted that over the past 12 years, the Modi government has signed more than 12 peace accords, bringing over 10,800 youth into the mainstream. Civilian casualties in the region have declined by 86 percent, marking what he described as a “remarkable achievement.” Improved rail, road, and air connectivity, he said, has not only reduced geographical distances but also bridged “the emotional distance between the people of the Northeast and the rest of India.”
The Home Minister underscored the government’s “Act East, Act Fast, and Act First” policies, noting that the vision of Purvodaya is becoming reality. He urged states to fully implement the recommendations of the High-Level Task Force on development and cultural preservation, calling the report “a guiding scripture” for future priorities.
Shah announced major investments, including a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant in Assam, healthcare hubs catering to neighboring countries, and the Namrup Ammonia-Urea Complex. He said the Northeast has attracted industrial investments worth ₹4.25 lakh crore, reflecting its growing economic potential.
On agriculture and self-reliance, Shah urged states to become surplus producers of fish, eggs, and milk, with the National Dairy Development Board set to supply over 50,000 milch animals annually. He also called for strategies to develop agarwood, bamboo-based industries, and wellness products into global export hubs.
The Home Minister stressed the importance of preserving the region’s cultural diversity, home to more than 200 tribal groups and nearly 200 dialects. He warned that the loss of even a single language would be “a significant loss for the nation.” Around 215 crops and products from the Northeast are potential contenders for Geographical Indication (GI) tags, and Shah urged states to set up dedicated task forces to promote them globally.
Shah also outlined plans to combat narcotics trafficking through a special action plan, urging states to turn the “Drug-Free Northeast Campaign” into a mass movement. He emphasized strengthening routine policing, protecting the rights of women and children, and ensuring timely justice under the new Nayaya Sanhita.
Looking ahead, Shah said the Northeast should emerge as a hub for Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, blockchain, and IT industries, while leveraging its hydropower and solar energy potential. He called for attracting data centers and aligning education with industrial development to build a technology-driven economy.
“The Northeast is no longer a region of conflict—it is now recognized globally for its spirit of coexistence and harmony,” Shah declared, urging all stakeholders to preserve its rich cultural identity while embracing new opportunities.