The Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah attends ‘Unity Utsav - One Voice, One Nation’ festival organised by Assam Rifles as the chief guest, in New Delhi on February 20. (PIB Photo)
New Delhi, February 20 (MExN): Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, today appealed to the youth in the North-East indulging in “violence to join the mainstream by laying down arms.”
Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 12 peace accords have been signed in the region, and over 10,500 cadres from different armed groups have surrendered, he added, while addressing the Unity Utsav - One Voice, One Nation event organised by Assam Rifles in New Delhi as the chief guest.
According to Shah, many disputes had persisted in the region for decades, but the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi took proactive steps, instilling confidence among the youth that numerous opportunities were available to them.
As per an MHA press release via PIB Delhi, Shah further stated that under PM Modi’s leadership, there has been a significant improvement in the law-and-order situation in the North-East over the past 10 years, particularly in the last five years.
Violent incidents and security personnel casualties have reduced by 70%, while civilian casualties have declined by 85%, he maintained.
The reduction in violence indicates a gradual restoration of peace in the North-East, ushering in a new era of development and cultural progress, he added.
Rail and air connectivity in all NE States by 2027
Elaborating on the festival theme, Shah remarked that the word unity holds great significance for the North-East, as for many years after independence, a vast area of the region remained “physically and emotionally distant from Delhi.”
However, he claimed that PM Modi had bridged these gaps through enhanced connectivity.
By 2027, all eight North-Eastern states will be connected to Delhi via rail and air connectivity, he added.
The government has significantly increased budgetary provisions for the North-East, Shah noted, further crediting PM Modi for promoting the region across the country as Ashtalakshm.
The Home Minister highlighted the immense opportunities available for the youth of the North-East in the fields of economics, culture, security, sports, and research and development.
Noting the presence of more than 220 ethnic groups, over 160 tribes, more than 200 dialects and languages, 50+ unique festivals, 30+ traditional dances, and 100 cuisines in the North-East, Shah described it as a “treasure of rich heritage” that makes India proud.
“India without the North-East and the North-East without India is incomplete,” he stated.
The theme of the North-East Unity Festival, One Voice, One Nation, highlights the region’s vibrant blend of languages, cultures, cuisines, and traditions. This unity in diversity is India’s greatest strength, Shah further noted.
Through the five-day Unity Utsav, the unity of the North-East has been showcased in Delhi, he said.
He also commended Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, for its crucial role in addressing numerous crises in the North-East.
Through this event, Assam Rifles has successfully highlighted the unity and cultural strength of the North-East to the entire country and the world, he added.
Shah also mentioned that, recognising the popularity of sports in the North-East, PM Modi decided to establish the country’s first sports university in Manipur.
He further expressed confidence that in 2036, India wouald host the Olympic Games and secure a place in the top 10, with the North-Eastern states playing a key role in this achievement.
The Union Home Minister emphasised that no part of India sees the North-East as separate and urged every North-Eastern state to step forward and contribute to the development of the entire country.
The North-East now aspires for peace and development and seeks to function as an integral part of India, he added.
