Emotional connectivity between NE & 'mainstream' growing with road connectivity: Tripura Deputy CM

Tripura Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma has opined that Northeast has transformed over the years and that the emotional connectivity between the region and the 'mainstream' is growing along with road as well as rail and air connectivity.

During the talk show 'Hard Talk with Afrida Hussain, organized by InsideNE on Sunday to mark the celebration of 75th Independence Day, Varma shared some valuable insights on the changing face of Northeast since Independence.

Speaking to the Editor-in-Chief Afrida Hussain, the Deputy Chief Minister presented the big picture of the Northeast after 75 years of Independence and also provided possible solutions to resolve the ongoing issues.

Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Afrida Hussain: Where does Northeast stands now after 75 years of independence?

Jishnu Dev Varma: It's a matter of perspective. Whether you see the glass half full or half empty. Today we are talking about developmental Northeast. When we were young, discussions were on disturbances in the Northeast or how to bring peace to Northeast. When I used to asked someone to visit Tripura, they would ask me, "Sab theek thak hain toh? (Is all good there?).

However, today things have changed. We are talking about how ... to make the possibilities possible. We are talking about roadways. We are talking PM visiting Northeast almost 30 times more than any other prime Minister of India to put the focus back on Northeast.

We are not talking about Northeast as languishing 7 sisters.

The region was known for insurgencies, riots, dense jungles etc. But now we are talking about increase in allocation to the Northeast which is 3, 13, 325 cr whereas in the previous regime it was 89, 008 crs. This may not be sufficient but the increase is substantial. We are talking about connecting rail roads with Northeast because the main problem in Northeast was connectivity.

Northeast was living  in a glorious isolation. The perspectives have changed. the 'first steps' are being taken.

Afrida Hussain: What is your take on border disputes in the Northeast?

Jishnu Dev Varma: Border disputes are not just a happening in Northeast. In 'mainland' also disputes have taken place. In a large country like India, with no federal systems, borders disputes take place which needs to be resolved amicably.

Earlier the policies pertaining to Northeast were ad hoc in nature. Then there were more and more policies but none were backed by any finances.

But now, every policy that is being made now during the time of Modi ji, we are trying to back it up by enough finance. Six railway projects worth Rs15,088 crs have been completed. Rs 553 cr will be spent in the development of airports and 10,000 cr on 19 road projects.

Afrida Hussain:  If the states among Northeast keep fighting among themselves, how can we implement the act east policy.

Jishnu Dev Varma: There is no fighting, there are disputes in democracy. We are not fighting with ourselves. These disputes need to be resolved amicably, provided that both the states have a positive approach towards the disputes. Disputes will happen and these will be solved. There is no two-way about it.

Earlier, there are were loud proclamations about development in Northeast but in which fields the developments would be prioritized.. it was never there.

Today we are prioritizing like starting with- inter-connectivity, rain connectivity, air connectivity, land connectivity. The top most slot has been given to connectivity.

Secondly, we have identified Northeast a huge tourist potential. We must exploit it and create a Northeast circle if required.

Thirdly, the horticultural strength of Northeast is really strong. Most of the products require to be marketed.

Northeast is a powerhouse of sports. We have discovered which was not earlier discovered. Identification is necessary.

Earlier the discussions were that Northeast should be developed. But how? What are the priorities? Are we spending in the priorities?

Instead of cynicism, there should be positivity. It may be a double Himalayan task but it has to happen. That is the mission that government of India has. We welcome that.

Afrida Hussain: What do you have to say about insurgency in Northeast as a whole?

Jishnu Dev Varma: If I talk about Tripura, it is almost free from insurgency. Most of the project that pertain to Northeast are international projects in the neighbouring countries. We are fast-tracking but we also have to consider what the other side is doing.

There is a transformation taking place.

There are many laws that colonial but yet in force. Even inner line permit is colonial. So calling one law colonial appears to be partial... not logical. Every law that is colonial doesn't have to be be bad. After all governance is a continuous process.

It is not about re-inventing the wheel, but rather about making the wheel move forward.

It is not that the other governments didn't do anything. But, Since 2014, the perception of Northeast has changed. The image of northeast has changed. People now look at us as potential for development.

Afrida Hussain: What is your take on discrimination?

Jishnu Dev Varma: There is some discrimination and that is because because of the bad knowledge of geography and history because of which they have this biasedness. But Northeast is transforming.

The emotional connectivity is also growing along with connectivity of road, air and rail.

It matters little what people think about us, but what matters most is what we think about ourselves.

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