Northeast region strategic for entire country: Kyndiah
Source: Oken Jeet Sandham

Kohima, February 4 (NEPS): The Union Minister for DONER and Tribal Affairs, PR Kyndiah, said the North-East India was no more "sensitive" but "strategic" for not only the neighboring countries but also for the entire country.

Addressing a press conference here at helipad before leaving for Delhi, the Minister said the recent India-ASEAN car rally had really generated "tremendous goodwill" with the Southeast Asian countries.

He further explained the Northeast region would be the gateway and it would act as an "economic bridge" between the Southeast Asian countries and the rest of the country.

In this, the entire northeastern region stands to be prime beneficiaries, he highlighted.

Union Minister in-charge of DONER and Tribal Affairs, PR Kyndiah (center), seen addressing press at Kohima Helipad Lounge before leaving for Delhi. Nagaland Opposition Leader I Imkong (right) and Nagaland Power Minister Imkong Imchen (left) are also seen in the picture.

Stating that his visit to Nagaland was primarily to assess the prevailing situation with regard to the several projects undertaken under his Ministry, Kyndiah said his interactions with the State Governor Shyamall Datta, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his Council of Ministers were fruitful.

Besides he had interactions with Naga Hoho, Churches, Human Rights, etc.

He said the people had by and large a popular yearning for peace and at the same time strong feeling for development, realizing that "peace and development" were interlinked.

He also disclosed that the NEC, which was set up in 1971, would now be restructured with the DONER Minister as Chairman.

He explained that NEC had played its own part but failed to achieve the desired goal.

Therefore, they had taken decision to reorganize the whole system, which will now function as a "Mini Planning Body" for the region.

Under the new system, all the Governors and Chief Ministers of the region will be members, while other three members will be nominated, he stated.

Kyndiah said his DONER Ministry had Rs 650 crore for the whole region and assured there would be equitable share among the eight States in the region.

He also said the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) would also provide funds to various projects in the region.

Besides his Ministry had been working out to get various other projects of the region funded through various funding agencies.

"We would like Nagaland also get benefit such funding," he said.

The Union Minister also informed that any proposal, though not connected with his Ministry, but good for the people, could be given to him, saying "I will act as a catalyst to such matter".

The Nagaland Opposition Leader I Imkong, Power Minister Imkong Imchen, Transport Minister Imtilemba, many Congress legislatures, State Additional Chief Secretary Lalhuma, were among others present during the conference.