"For a long time, Congress ruled in Northeast but did nothing, they didn't talk to extremist groups. People were dying and development was hindered. In the name of development, they only performed 'bhumi pujan' but we have inaugurated those projects,": Union Home Minister Amit Shah said at a public gathering at the Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal.
Addressing the issue of violence in the region, he talked about the progress made in bringing stability and peace to the region.
"Northeast was known for separatism and violence. But in the last 6 years, almost all armed groups laid down arms one after the other. Violence has subsided. I hope that the remainder of the armed groups will shun violence and join the mainstream," he said.
"Modi Ji took several measures to ensure peace and development in the Northeast... 644 cadres of eight extremist groups have surrendered with over 2,500 arms and joined the mainstream," the Union Home Minister added.
Shah referred to the frequent disruption of state's economy, essential supplies, and traffic that occurred over boundary disputes with neighbours and even over internal matters.
"Earlier, Manipur used to face a shortage of essentials due to regular blockades. But in the last 3 years, we've not seen any Bandh. I want to felicitate Manipur CM N Biren Singh as he has given a new identity to the state,": he said as he lauded CM N Biren Singh.
Amit Shah also raked the issue of Inner Line Permit, talking about how locals' demands were unfulfilled for long to the point that they forgot about the issue, however, things changed because of PM Narendra Modi.
"Manipuris had been demanding the Inner Line Permit for the original residents for so long that they eventually forgot about it. PM Modi saw that not granting the Inner Line Permit to Manipur is an injustice to the original residents and in 2019, he had it granted without anyone especially asking for it," Home Minister Amit Shah.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Imphal on Sunday where he was welcomed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. BJP workers also gathered to greet Union Home Minister Amit Shah who was there to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several development projects.
These include the Rs 2,000 crore Thoubal multipurpose project, the Rs 128 crore IIIT, and the Rs 325 crore Churachandpur Medical College.