The Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Master Plan would act as a force multiplier in developing infrastructural facilities as the Narendra Modi government remains committed to strengthening the pace of development in the North East region.
“Whether it is road construction, expansion of railways or improvement of waterways, through Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti, we are committed to strengthen the pace of development,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while addressing a two-day conclave on Monday.
Organised by the Indian Army and state governments of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur & Nagaland as well as North Eastern Zone Cultural Council (NEZCC) at Guwahati, the theme of the event was ‘Celebrating Contribution of India’s North East Region (NER) in Nation Building’.
Two days ago while inaugurating the Donyi Polo Airport in Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that New India is committed to developing border infrastructure which includes building airports, roads and turning villages into frontline hamlets that are fully drawn in the national mainstream.
PM Modi also said that North East is witnessing a dawn of new hopes and opportunities.
On Monday, Singh stated that the government-accelerated development initiatives have transformed the ‘Look East’ into ‘Act East’ policy, leading to all-around development in the North East, enabling all the states to improve trade with southeast Asian nations.
“We have also made a lot of progress in the field of energy. We have ensured the progress in solar and hydel projects, and have done the work of providing electricity in every nook and corner,” added Singh.
Underlining the telecom revolution made by India by joining select countries where 5G facilities have been introduced, Singh assured the people of expanding the IT and telecom facilities to every nook and corner of the northeastern states.
“This will ensure economic development, good governance and public welfare. I have full faith that due to the hardworking nature of the young generation of northeast, and the facilities given by the government for ease of doing business, the northeast region is moving towards a golden future.”
He asserted further that building of a ‘new India’ can be possible only with some bold policy reforms, world-class infrastructure and top-class talent.
“Through health, education, environment, sports, rural development, employment and small-scale industries, we are committed to the development of each and every citizen of the North East. The efforts of the people of the North East have a very important role to play in the motto of our government, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas’”.
#IndianArmy
Celebrating contribution of North East in Nation Building #PurvottarSwabhimanUtsav. Lt Gen R P Kalita #ArmyCdrEC appreciates the courage, sacrifice and will of the people of North East and urges everyone to join the Mega Event at Guwahati on 20-21 Nov.@adgpi@RailNf pic.twitter.com/m9TgKCbBLH— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) November 19, 2022
Singh also paid a tribute to valour and bravery of people from the region, including the way the great commander Lachit Borphukan led the Ahom army in the Battle of Saraighat, against the Mughals. He also remembered Maniram Dewan’s sacrifice to free Assam from British rule during the revolt of 1857, Bir Tikendrajit Singh who led the Manipuri army in 1890, Moze Riba Nag of Arunachal Pradesh, and Rani Gaidinliu of Manipur who gave British Army a good fight.
“I salute Khasi chief U Tirot Sing of Meghalaya, who was a skilled fighter of guerrilla warfare. I bow down to Veer Sengya Sambudhan Phonglo, who led the Cachar rebellion. Similarly, I also bow down to Rani Ropuillani of Mizoram,” said Singh.
The conclave highlights the contribution of the region towards nation-building and also felicitates ‘Veer Naris’ besides showcasing the northeastern culture. It also provides an opportunity to spread awareness about the role of unsung heroes of the region in India’s struggle for independence.
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