‘Lack of infrastructure a problem to tackle boundary dispute’

PTI
GUWAHATI, AUGUST 21

Calling for settling on priority the problem of ongoing interstate boundary disputes in the Northeast, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today cited lack of infrastructure facilities as one of its main problems.
“The problem of ongoing interstate boundary disputes is something that we have not been able to sort out. These need to be settled on priority,” said Gogoi at the Conference of Chief Ministers of North Eastern states organised here by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
“One of the main problems is that most of the interstate borders are lacking infrastructure facilities such as adequate roads, schools, health facilities, power supply, etc,” Gogoi said at the meeting attended by DoNER minister Gen(retd) V K Singh and N-E Chief Ministers.
“We, therefore, request that a ‘Special Package for Development of All the Interstate Border Areas’ should be announced by the Government of India,” he said, adding, the Ministry of DoNER should also pay greater attention to funding inter-state and regional projects that develop adequate infrastructure in the border areas.Pointing out that militancy was also a major issue affecting the N-E region, the Chief minister wanted the central government to assist the states in tackling it.
“We have also not controlled the tendency for militancy that afflicts this region; indeed, militancy appears to be controlled in one area and in one community, only to resurface in another area and in another community,” Gogoi said.
“The effect of years of militant aggression among the larger ethnic groups has given rise to spill over effects among smaller groups, who see the benefits that the larger groups have been able to get by pressurising the system,” he said.
“Our region’s politicians, administrators and development planners have to take these factors into account while planning their strategies to counter militancy and develop their societies. We call on the central government to assist the states in tackling this issue,” Gogoi added.
“We are all aware that the North East region is unique in India in its mix of rich natural resources, bio-diversity, varied ethnic, cultural and linguistic population”, the Assam Chief Minister said.
“As many observers pointed out that defining a region by its geography like the ‘North East’ invests in it a degree of homogeneity that is not actually fully present”, Gogoi said.
“At the same time, we must recognise certain common factors that affect all the states of the region arising from its land locked character, the closing of natural markets and trading routes particularly with Bangladesh that occurred with Independence and the fact that it is the only area linked with the rest of the country by a narrow strip of land”, he said.
“It is also the area of the country that has the maximum number of international borders,” Gogoi said.
Pointing out that the NER has been able to get its voice heard on many important issues during the last 20 years, he said, “at the same time we should not shy away from admitting many of our problems are internal and bear the heavy legacy of partition. Some of these are inter state border disputes and militant activities”.
The Chief Minister called upon the DoNER Ministry to play a larger role and not confine itself to just monitoring and releasing funds for Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and North East Council (NEC) projects.
“The Ministry should also pay adequate attention and draw up an action plan on how the Northeast can position itself as the springboard for India’s Look East Policy and the planned new engagement with South East Asia and China,” Gogoi added.
“Developing trade transport and trade links with Bangladesh is also important for many of us and needs greater focus,” he said.
DoNER should reflect the aspirations of the government and people of the region in all the forums where such bilateral and multilateral engagements are taking place, Gogoi insisted.
“On the contrary, however, we find that these are done by the ministries of External Affairs and Commerce with minimal engagement of the states of the North East region as also the Ministry of DoNER,” the Chief minister said.
“In all these efforts, Assam as a state with shared boundaries with almost all the states represented in today’s meeting will play a key role,” Gogoi assured.
On Guwahati being the gateway to the N-E Region, he said, all major institutions and trade and industrial organizations within the region have a base here.
“All N-E states have received benefits, directly and indirectly from existing infrastructure and facilities in many parts of Assam and particularly in Guwahati,” Gogoi said.
“The DoNER could fund projects in health, education and other social sectors, develop rail, road and air transport, industry, waterways and transportation, in Assam which can benefit the region as a whole,” he said.
Gogoi also suggested that developing the Guwahati airport as a full fledged international airport connecting S-E Asia, China and Bangladesh will benefit the entire region.