Modi promises fast-paced development in Arunachal
GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday promised fast-paced development of Arunachal Pradesh, the easternmost state in the country and the biggest in the Northeast.
Addressing a public rally in Itanagar, Modi accused his predecessors of neglecting the Northeast and said his government has given priority to the region with ministers and senior officials regularly visiting it. He also said that it was his second visit after assuming office.
The Prime Minister dedicated the state civil secretariat building to the people, laid the foundation stone for the Academic Block of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science and inaugurated the Dorjee Khandu state convention centre.
He said the convention centre, which has a large auditorium, conference halls and an exhibition hall, could host important conferences. “Why should meetings be held only in the national capital? We must go to all states. That’s why I have come to Shillong to attend the Northeastern council meeting,” Modi said.
Promising more connectivity to the state, Modi said a new train called Arunachal Express connecting Naharlagun to the national capital will start soon. It will run twice a week.
Modi also praised the people of the state for their patriotism. He said one would hear “Jai Hind” more in Arunachal Pradesh than anywhere else in the country.
In his speech, chief minister Pema Khandu requested the Centre’s help to start an airport for Itanagar, funds to construct new infrastructure or repair old ones and a separate civil service cadre for the state.