Shah discusses boundary disputes, law & order and drug-related issues with Northeast CMs

SHILLONG: 

A special meeting of all the Chief Ministers of the eight Northeastern states, headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday, discussed a range of issues - from interstate boundary disputes to drug menace and economic development of the region. 

The Northeast Today (TNT) spoke to a few of the chief ministers of the northeastern states and this is what they have to say: 

Sikkim CM PS Golay (Tamang): It was a fruitful meeting. We discussed the development of the northeast and other issues like border disputes - but in Sikkim, there is no border nor insurgency issue. Regarding COVID in Sikkim, the second wave was a problem but we are tackling the situation. There is no panic situation in Sikkim. 

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu: It was a historic meeting today in the first half, especially at North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). This is the first time the government of India has given such a huge technology to Northeast states. So in the coming days, under the dynamic leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast will be transformed by using this space application. 

In the second meeting, many issues were raised by the particular states - most states have interstate border disputes and drug menace is another challenging problem. There was a broad discussion on all these issues.  

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio: We discussed a lot of things about Northeast and state-wise as well. We also discussed the Naga political issue and since talks are in an advanced stage and there was a four to five months break of the conversation, so he (Amit Shah) gave direction that talks should resume immediately.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh: Drug is one such issue which we have decided to tackle jointly. We discussed the prevailing law and order situation and tourism projects. We also discussed boundary issues, flood issues and many other issues. We have decided that together, we have to be united and go in one way. 

Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb: International and interstate boundary disputes were discussed and how to jointly tackle drug menace in the Northeast. We also discussed ways to enhance and boost the economy of the region through tourism.

(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)

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