Development of North-East is important for national defence: Arunachal Governor

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brigadier (Retired) B.D. Mishra said the development of the eight northeastern states must not be piecemeal but with an integrated approach.

Addressing a national seminar on 'Act East through Northeast: India's way to a new era of diplomacy' in Dera Natung Government College here, he emphasized the need to focus on power, highways, inland waterways, railways, airway and electronic and communication network.

"The North-East has a great potential. It has hydropower, minerals, fertile land, pristine environment and abundant forest cover," he said, adding the development of the North-East is very important for national defence and security.

Stressing the need to maintain peace and stability, Mishra said maintenance of peace is equally needed in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh in addition to maritime security along the sea route.

(With inputs from agencies.)