Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Rijiju assures all-round development of NE

By Correspondent

DIMAPUR, Jan 16 � Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has asserted it is his responsibility to see that every step is taken to ensure that the Northeastern region does not lag behind in socio-economic-political spheres.

Addressing the inaugural programme of the five-day Maati Ke Rang, one of the biggest cultural festivals organised by Union Ministry of Culture, at North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur on Tuesday, the Union minister said the Act East Policy is meant to convert the NE into a commercial and economic hub.

Terming the region as a blessed region, Rejiju said NE cannot lag behind because it is blessed with so many unimaginable things, beautiful people with rich cultural and traditional heritage. The region is blessed with rich mineral resources and forest resources which need to be explored, he further stressed.

He, however, said the vibrancy of North East is yet to emerge. �I can see the confidence of the youth of this generation that our time has come but if NE region has to develop and if it has to reach where it deserves to be, the region has to secure peace,� he said. �If we do not believe in peace, we will never be able to realise our dreams,� he added.

Touching on the Naga issue, Rijiju said the government is �committed to deal with it very closely�. On the racial attacks on Northeasterners in Delhi and other metropolitan cities, Rijiju asserted that this will not be tolerated. �We are not going to tolerate any kind of discrimination on the basis of race, caste, creed or religion,� he said.

The Union Home Ministry is coming up with policies to look into the safety and security of the North East people besides introduction of North East subjects in the school syllabus, he added.

More than 600 artistes from all over India are taking part in the festival which will conclude on January 17.

Next Story