Our Correspondent
Kohima, September 22 (EMN): Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio Friday said the Northeast region has immense potentials to become an important destination in the world if at all the resources can be exploited to its maximum benefit.
Participating as a resource speaker during the policy forum session of the Northeast Connectivity Summit 2017 held at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima, MP Rio observed that the NE region is rich but has remained poor till date since the resources were not exploited to its advantages.
Though, mentioning that the central government has initiated various projects and schemes to develop the NE region, Rio, however, regretted that “nothing much is happening at the ground level as the NE India continues to be a consumer region till today.”
“The NE region is geographically isolated and the mainland India looks us as a liability rather than being an asset,” he stated. Mentioning about the geographical location, Rio also accepted some of the difficulties faced by the region which includes hilly and difficult terrain, excessive rain and poor connectivity.
Stating that the lack of proper connectivity has been a major setback for the region all these years, Rio urged the policy makers at the centre to improve the connectivity sector, which he said is the key to any future development activities.
“Without connectivity, there can be no growth of economy. Until and unless we have connectivity, people won’t reach us,” Rio said maintaining that the region has been placed behind the mainland states due to lack of connectivity.
He categorically stressed the need to improve the air connectivity in the region, and particularly Nagaland.
“Every state capital is entitled to have an airport, but Kohima is still without one such,” he said. Mentioning about the poor connectivity, Rio said “it is easier to reach cities like New Delhi, Kolkata than visit some neighbouring NE states.”
The lone Nagaland MP also welcomed the four-lane highway which is underway between Dimapur and Kohima, while he also stressed the need to expand railway connectivity in the State.
Sharing about the importance of digital connectivity, he said the region won’t be able to compete with the rest of the world unless the region is fully equipped with digital connectivity.
While lamenting on the absence proper digital connectivity, Rio also urged the service providers to see that the region is well equipped with proper and consistent connectivity.
Reiterating the need to connect NE region with the rest of the world, Rio urged for a collective effort from all concerned stakeholders. “If we all can concise and put together our mind and efforts, then only we can take the region forward,” he added.
The other speakers for the afternoon session were Amb (Retd) Tarik Karim, Amb (Retd) Gautam Mukhopadhaya and Pradeep S. Mehta, SG, CUTS International. The moderator for the session was Ranjit Barthakur, chairman, FICCI, North East Advisory Council.
