Likening the region to Dubai, Singapore : Promoting tourism in the NE
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: December 16, 2014 -

From Switzerland of the East to a region as good as Dubai and Singapore and something like the Taj Mahal and the North East region seems to have certainly progressed in the eyes of the political leadership of Delhi.

True Jawarharlal Nehru may have been referring only to Manipur when he talked about Switzerland of the East but there is an underlying link between the observation of Nehru and Modi’s description of the whole North East region.

Something very much in line with likening Shillong to the Scotland of the East.

There must be other equally profound description of the different States of the region but the few examples which have been cited here should be enough to underline nature’s gift to the North East States.

Difficult to say whether the political leaders of the land have been able to toe the line of nature, but it should be clear that whenever the North East is talked about there are certain points which cannot be swept aside.

No one doubts the sincerity of the Prime Minister in likening the region to some exotic locales such as Dubai and Singapore but there still remains the question of whether the country as a whole is ready to tread this path.

Yes the North East may be packaged as a tourist destination by highlighting its uniqueness but yet at the same time it would do good for all to remember that there are laws such as the Protected Area Permit and Restricted Area Permit still in force in some parts of the region.

Manipur too was under these restrictions and it was only recently that these restrictions were lifted temporarily.

These Acts may have been enforced keeping the interest of the local people in mind, but then the world has moved on and tourism is certainly a key revenue earner now, especially for a land locked region like the North East.

Has Delhi given any thought towards this ?

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act may not have anything to do with the entry and visit of foreign Nationals but it can certainly go a long way in forming opinions and tourism has very much to do with opinions.

Does not make much sense in hardselling the region to the outside world when the indigenous population lead a scary life, the scare not coming from any law breakers or criminals but from the security personnel.

Nothing to suggest that the said Army Act will be lifted anytime soon and worthwhile to remember that a lone woman has been on a fast for over 14 years to demand the revocation of AFSPA.

In such a scenario there is nothing much to suggest that there is a political will to hardsell the North East as a tourist destination across the world.

It also goes without saying that tourism by itself suggests that the place as a whole should be able to attract tourists.

What has the Government done towards this end ?

Not very comfortable questions but important that these posers are raised at this juncture.

The Prime Minister may have a positive attitude towards the region but it should also be kept in mind that any attempt to develop the region as a tourist destination will take more than some fantastic statements.