Shillong/Guwahati, 04 June (HS): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that civilian casualties in the Northeast have declined by 86% during the last 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led Central Government, describing it as a significant achievement. He said that more than a dozen historic peace accords have created a conducive atmosphere for peace, stability and development across the region.

Chairing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on Thursday, Shah stated that the Centre has formulated a comprehensive strategy and special action plan to eradicate drug trafficking and substance abuse from the Northeast. He urged all Chief Ministers of the region to ensure that citizens are made aware of their constitutional rights and that these rights are effectively protected.

The Home Minister said insurgency in the Northeast is now nearing its end and stressed the need for states to strengthen regular and effective policing. He emphasized that safeguarding the rights of the poor, women and children must remain a primary responsibility of governance and administration.

Highlighting judicial reforms, Shah said that timely justice for every citizen must be ensured under the new criminal laws. He called for greater use of technology in the criminal justice system, including forensic science, online registration of cases and virtual court testimonies.

Referring to emerging technologies, Shah said the youth of the Northeast possess immense potential in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, machine learning and blockchain. He urged stakeholders to work towards transforming the region into a major hub for the information technology industry.

Shah also underlined the vast opportunities available in hydropower and solar energy sectors in the Northeast. He advocated efforts to attract data centre investments to the region and said that integrating education, industrial development strategies and the optimal use of natural resources could help the Northeast achieve new heights of growth and prosperity.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash