Shared destiny of NE
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: September 16, 2013 -

It might have sound like an obvious observation, but it was very profound and pregnant with meanings.

While speaking on the occasion of opening a new marketing unit of Kangla Food Products Private Limited of Manipur at Kohima on Friday, Mr Alemtemshi Jamir, Chief Secretary of Government of Nagaland, stressed on the need for co-ordination and co-operation among the entrepreneurs of the northeast states, particularly Manipur and Nagaland, in order to survive and move ahead in this highly competitive world of consumerism.

As a matter of fact, there are numerous areas where the two neighbouring States could join hands and learn from each other's experiences not just for quickening the developmental pace but also for ushering in peace in the strife-torn region.

Whether one likes it or not, but the truth remains that none of the community living in this part of Indian sub-continent, which is connected only by a narrow strip of land known as "Chicken's Neck", can't afford to live independently of each other, because their destiny is common and tied together.

Although the consequences of the problems created by its geopolitical location and ethnic diversity may have blurred that shared common vision of the people living in the North East over the years, thus, forcing them to live in their own 'fool's paradise' for long enough, but the dream for a better future which every ethnic group in the North East region cherished could only be realised through mutual co-operation and support. This is fact undisputable and undeniable.

Blessed with rich and unique biodiversity, huge hydro-energy potential, minerals and other forest products, North East region has all that are required for transforming itself into a commercial hub and touristic paradise.

Apart from the natural resources that the region could boast of, the strategic location of the North-eastern States which shares border with China in the North, Bangladesh in the south-west, Bhutan in the North West and Myanmar in the East makes the region a prospective hub of international trade and commerce.

So, instead of sulking over the alleged apathetic attitude of the Government of India towards the the region and its people, it is time high for the people themselves to come out of their respective 'fool's paradise' and understand their shared common destiny.

When the Government of India has itself awaken to the exigency of the changing political development around the world, thus, compelling to adopt new foreign policy like 'Look East Policy' to develop closer and better relations with the South East Asian countries, it would be a blunder on the part on the people in the Northeast to while away their in mutual bickering over petty issues any more.

Its time to learn from each other's experience and move ahead. By the way, speaking of learning from each other's experiences, the Government of Manipur could very well follow the example that has been set by its Nagaland counterpart to withdraw the security escorts provided to its Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and other top bureaucrats for better use in maintaining the worsening law and order.