NE a gem of India : Shah

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 12 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has described North East India as a "priceless gem of Indian culture" due to its unique diversity and rich cultural heritage.
He made the statement at the closing ceremony of the  three day Youth Parliament organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in association with Student’s Experience in Interstate Living (SEIL) yesterday, said a press release issued by ABVP State office secretary Napoleon Laishram.
Addressing the youth at NDMC Convention Centre at New Delhi as chief guest,  the Union Home Minister continued that the Government has been working to integrate the North East into India's mainstream development.
The region has seen significant improvements in peace and stability, he continued.
Insurgency has decreased by 70 per cent, and there's been a decline in casualties among security forces. Additionally, civilian deaths have dropped by 89 per cent, he added.
Amit Shah also said that more than 10,500 insurgents have surrendered and laid down arms in recent years.
Further stating that the Government is committed to preserving the cultural, linguistic, and traditional heritage of the North-East region, the Home Minister added that construction of more than 300 new lakes has been proposed as a flood control plan for the region.
During the function, students expressed their views on education, health, connectivity, tourism, environment, business, entrepreneurship, drug issues, border security and other crucial issues.
There was also a discourse on various demands such as accelerating the development of infrastructure, strengthening roads, railways and digital aspects, improving education quality, number of universities and hostels in the region.
The event witnessed the participation of 170 representatives from 95 student organizations from across the seven North-East States. Furthermore, 50 representatives from ABVP’S North Eastern branches and 50 representatives from various North East student organizations based in Delhi also attended the programme.