The North-eastern states popularly known as the seven sisters are mesmerizingly beautiful. But the seven sisters have received step-motherly treatment from the previous Central governments majorly led by Congress. Whereas, the scenario under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has changed drastically, and the recently signed agreement between Assam and Meghalaya is a proof of the same.
North-East under PM Modi
For decades, India existed from Gujarat to West Bengal, and the strategically crucial Northeast region was ignored. Congress is not only guilty of neglecting such geopolitical important region but of also leaving it unprotected for foreign powers to assert dominance and control.
However, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs, that treatment has changed. It is known to all that PM Modi takes enormous pride in the development of the North East and calls it an integral part of India. The central government led by PM Modi at the centre is leaving no stone unturned in the development of the North East and connecting it with mainland India.
Border dispute among the North-Eastern states
The North East that we see today, was not the same in 1947 after India’s independence. The land was divided into two mainlands i.e. Assam and NEFA. Slowly, after demands, several states were carved out. Since the reorganization of states took place there has been a constant tussle between the states claiming districts in other states as their own.
There are several interstate conflicts between Assam Meghalaya, Assam Mizoram, Assam, Arunanchal Pradesh etc.
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Centre’s step to bring in peace and harmony
There have been constant efforts from PM Modi led central government in the direction of resolving the long-drawn disputes and establishment of peace and harmony. This step was widely welcomed by the North East people as the clashes caused loss of life, livelihood and property.
In this row, the Chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya on Tuesday signed an agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The agreement tends to resolve the five-decade-old inter-state border dispute. According to reports, in a very short period of six hours, six out of twelve issues were resolved. This has been remarked as a historic day as with this agreement 70 per cent of the border between the two states has become dispute free. The agreement defines that out of 36.79 sq km of the disputed area, Assam would get full control of 18.51 sq km and Meghalaya 18.28 sq km.
Home Minister Amit Shah also marked that, “this agreement exemplifies cooperative federalism and will provide a roadmap for resolution of other border disputes between the states.”
Not to mention, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma have been in talks to solve the long-standing dispute along the 844 km long border. During the discussions, both the governments identified 12 disputed areas amongst which six have been resolved those are Hahim, Gizang, Tarabai, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilingkata and Ratacherra.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed hope of resolving all the disputes very soon, his Meghalayan counter part Sangma said that it would not have been possible without “political will and leadership.”
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How was the issue resolved?
Because there have been efforts in this direction. Assam has BJP led NDA government whereas in Meghalaya BJP is a coalition partner to Sangma’s National People’s Party, and the BJP at the centre have come together to solve the long-drawn disputes and give the people of North East the kind of life they deserve.
As you have mentioned in the article that Congress governments decade after decade not only neglected the NE states but knowingly allowed the local Congress politicians to swindle all the central government funds . Hence, there was no development activities during their regime. However, things changed for good upon BJP capturing power at the centre and the focus shifted to NE. Top people from BJP used to visit NE states to monitor the implementation of central government schemes. Today , Mr. Hemant Sharma the CM of Assam has become the best CM of not only in NE but among the BJP ruled states. This contant diffusion of funds & Grant’s to NE states and it’s full implementation has prevented the local people’s alienation from the mainstream. Now the BJP’S focus should be down south -TN & Kerala where separatist thoughts & speech could be heard, especially by the ruling dispensation.