Centre's prompt response stabilised Manipur, Arunachal will always be part of Bharat: PM Modi

PM Modi visited Itanagar this March to unveil developmental projects worth Rs 55,00 crore.

The Centre's proactive approach, accompanied by the state government, and swift deployment of its best resources to address the aftermath of violent ethnic clashes in Manipur has helped stabilise the situation significantly, noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 7.

In a candid discussion with the Assam Tribune, with just more than a week left before the commencement of the Lok Sabha Elections, the Prime Minister highlighted the Central as well as the state government's prompt response to stabilise the violence-hit Northeastern state. He also stated that "collaborative efforts" of all stakeholders will help address the situation.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the key role Home Minister Amit Shah played in the instrumentation of peace talks in the state. "During the height of the conflict, Home Minister Amit Shah remained in Manipur, conducting over 15 meetings with different stakeholders aimed at resolving the situation," he said.

PM Modi also noted that efforts for relief and rehabilitation are actively underway in the state, including the provision of financial packages for those residing in shelter camps within the state.

Ethnic violence in Manipur stemmed last May from tensions surrounding the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei population and concerns among tribal groups, such as the Kukis and Nagas regarding land rights and immigration issues.

Also commenting on the security of Arunachal Pradesh and the measures being implemented to uphold its integration with India, PM Modi reassured, stating, "Arunachal Pradesh has, does, and will always remain an inseparable part of India. Presently, development initiatives are swiftly reaching Arunachal and the Northeast, akin to the swift arrival of the morning sun, at an unprecedented pace."

The Prime Minister's comments come at a time when neighbouring country China has been claiming several parts of the state to the extent of renaming a number of places. The Opposition too has been slamming the Centre over this.

PM Modi, who was in Itanagar this March to unveil developmental projects worth Rs 55,00 crore, underscored the Centre's efforts in improving the quality of life of the people in the state.

"Approximately 35,000 households in Arunachal Pradesh received pucca houses, while 45,000 families benefited from a drinking water supply initiative. In 2022, the Donyi Polo Airport boosted air connectivity across the nation. The Dibang Multipurpose Project will contribute to employment, along with energy and water resource management."

He further emphasised the infrastructural development in this area, "New road developments for approximately 125 villages and infrastructure projects, including those related to tourism, for 150 villages have been initiated. The government's launch of the Rs 10,000 crore UNNATI scheme aims to foster investment opportunities and job creation in the northeastern region".

The Prime Minister also spoke at length about the border infiltration issue in Mizoram. The influx of Myanmar nationals to India has spiked, of late, owing to the neighbouring nation's internal matters, as per PM Modi.

He, however, elaborated on the steps taken by the Centre in tackling the issue.

"To enhance border security and prevent infiltration, the Centre has implemented several measures. These include discontinuing the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar, bolstering the presence of Border Guarding Forces along the Indo-Myanmar border, fostering close collaboration among security agencies, and initiating fencing construction in feasible areas along the border," noted the Prime Minister.

"Additionally, the Central government has encouraged the state to conduct a campaign for gathering biometric data of illegal migrants and has provided support and devices to facilitate this," said the PM. "Policy adjustments are being made to align with evolving ground realities".

As per PM Modi, the Centre's efforts in addressing long-standing issues such as insurgency, infiltration, and neglect have yielded remarkable results. Moreover, he added, there has been a 71 percent plunge in insurgency in the area.