New Delhi hosts seminar on peace and development in Northeast

New Delhi, Feb 15 (ANI): New Delhi recently hosted a seminar to discuss the benefits of peace and opportunities for development in the Northeast.

The seminar, which was organized with assistance from FICCI, served as a platform for the youth of Northeast to interact with experts on the subject.

"Northeast should come to everybody focus. People talk only when there is bad news but we want to remove that we want people to think and concern of northeast state," said R S Chhikara, one of the organizers.

Participants unanimously condemned militant activity, as it was a hurdle to the socio economic development of the region.

They want peace and normalcy so that growth can take place.

"This event is a great opportunity not only for the northeast people but also from other part of the states. This year they have emphasized on northeast issue to have discussion and clear the doubt so I find it a great opportunity to attend," said Nokho, a participant.

Today markets in Guwahati, Aizawl, Dimapur, Shillong and Imphal are filled with customers.

The per capita income in all the northeastern states has gone up and consumption patterns here are now attracting big industries and retail chain operators.

A few years ago, it was not like this. Instability caused by militancy affected the people and investors preferred to give the region a go by.

A lot of this change has taken place recently.Investors are coming in, infrastructure is being improved and most importantly militant outfits are surrendering arms to join the mainstream or are in talks with the government.

Overall the situation in the northeast has improved; now there is less violence so this is a great advantage," said Sanjoy Hazarijka, Writer and Journalist.

Northeast has huge untapped potential in terms of human resource and industry, which if correctly used can provide thrust to the regions economy and country's overall economy. (ANI)