Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday made a heartfelt appeal to insurgents in the Northeast, urging them to lay down their arms and join the mainstream. Speaking at the ‘Unity Utsav – One Voice, One Nation’ event organized by the Assam Rifles, Shah emphasized the importance of peace and development in the region and welcomed the participation of insurgents in India’s development journey.
“I appeal to all those insurgents who have not surrendered yet to lay down the arms and join the mainstream. Your participation in India’s development journey is welcome,” Shah said.
The home minister highlighted the significant reduction in violence in the Northeast over the past five years, citing a 70 percent decrease in violent incidents, 70 percent fewer casualties among security forces, and 85 percent fewer civilian deaths. He also noted that over 10,000 insurgents have surrendered during this period, and 12 peace accords and two border agreements have been signed.
Shah reiterated that the Northeast desires peace and development, and is eager to work as an integral part of India. He encouraged the youth of the region to take proactive steps towards India’s development process, assuring them that the country would warmly welcome their contributions.
“Every part of the country has a special place for the Northeast in their hearts,” he said.
Shah praised the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Northeast, stating that India’s identity is incomplete without it. He highlighted the region’s diverse communities, languages, festivals, and cultural practices, underscoring the importance of unity in diversity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new dimension to the identity of the Northeast by naming the region, comprising eight states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim—as ‘Ashtalakshmi,’ Shah added.
“From economic and cultural fields to sports, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, works have been done to open the doors of unlimited opportunities for the youth of the Northeast in every field,” he said.
The home minister also acknowledged the participation of 212 teams and 1,500 students in the event organized by the Assam Rifles, congratulating Manipur for bagging the most prizes. He mentioned that the country’s first sports university would be established in Manipur, as decided by Prime Minister Modi.
Shah’s appeal to the insurgents and his emphasis on the cultural and economic significance of the Northeast reflects the government’s commitment to fostering peace, development, and unity in the region.
