On Monday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh noting the situation in the North-Eastern states of the country said that he was happy to note that the situation had significantly improved, especially in the last 3 years under BJP’s tenure. He assured the people that PM Modi’s government was committed to the development of the North-East. He also spoke about militancy in the region and said that Visa-Free Movement Regime was being misused by terrorists and trans-border criminals who smuggled weapons, narcotics and fake currency notes.
As per reports, Singh said that the North Eastern region of the country had been suffering from lack of developmental due to prolonged insurgencies. He further added that the Home Ministry will be constituting a Special Secretary-Internal Security headed committee to examine the presiding rules adopted by the border states for the implementation of the FMR.
Speaking at the Indo-Myanmar border meeting, that was attended by CMs of the 4 northeastern states in Aizawal, Rajnath Singh said, “Our government is committed to fast-tracking of development in the North-eastern region. Work on road and rail network extension is going on. We want to extend these networks to border areas”.
“The India-Myanmar border is unique in many ways. It has a visa-free movement regime for the people living within 16 km on either side. Four states that share international boundary with Myanmar have received Rs 567.39 crore under the Border Area Development programme in the past three years”, he added.
He also added that the Special Secretary-Internal Security will be submitting the reports in 3 months after consultation with the states and other stakeholders. Home Minister Singh also informed the media that the said committee will be giving recommendations for uniform and effective implementation of the Free Movement Regime.
