Tripura CM Hails PM Modi's Impact on Northeast's Development at NSS Festival

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha praised PM Narendra Modi for ushering in development and restoring peace in the Northeast. Addressing the North East NSS Festival in Agartala, he highlighted education, healthcare advancements, and the region's newfound integration into mainstream India.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, on Tuesday, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering development and peace in the Northeast. Addressing the inaugural program of the North East NSS Festival 2024 at Agartala Town Hall, Saha emphasized that the region has seen significant progress since Modi assumed office.

'We had never heard terms like 'Ashtalakshmi' for the Northeast until Prime Minister Modi used it. This shows his commitment to the region's development. In the past, we only witnessed terrorism, and no government took effective steps for the Northeast's growth,' Saha remarked. He noted that during National Development Council (NEC) meetings, Northeastern Chief Ministers now feel an integral part of the country, a sentiment absent before.

'Earlier, the Northeast was separated from India's mainstream and neglected. But under Prime Minister Modi, the region is now insurgency-free and witnessing a wave of development. We are part of mainstream India, and it feels good,' he added. Saha also highlighted policies like Act East and Vista Dome train services introduced by Modi, stating, 'Nothing is impossible for PM Modi.'

The Chief Minister pointed out that earlier, students from the Northeast had to go elsewhere for higher education, but now, the region boasts improved education, healthcare, and communication. 'PM Modi has given us the HIRA Model. During the Lok Sabha elections, I didn't use a helicopter but traveled by vehicle and train. We now have national and state highways, all thanks to PM Modi. Today, there is peace in the Northeast, with around 12 peace accords signed, including three in Tripura,' Saha explained.

Emphasizing the crucial role of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in schools and colleges, Saha urged everyone to work toward making the Northeast and India plastic-free and called for large-scale plantation drives. The event was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy, Secretary P.K. Chakraborty, Dr. Major Kakali Dhar, Assistant Director of Sainik Welfare of Tripura, and program officers from Northeastern states.