Foundation stones of a Veterinary College (Diphu), Degree College (West Karbi Anglong) and Agricultural College (Kolonga, West Karbi Anglong) were laid.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Peace, Unity and Development Rally’ at Diphu in the Karbi Anglong District of Assam on Thursday and laid the foundation stone of various projects worth Rs 500 crore.
Foundation stones of a Veterinary College (Diphu), Degree College (West Karbi Anglong) and Agricultural College (Kolonga, West Karbi Anglong) were laid. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for more than 2,950 Amrit Sarovar projects. The state will develop these Amrit Sarovars at a cumulative cost of around Rs 1,150 crore. Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were also those present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi thanked the people of Karbi Anglong for their warm welcome. He noted the coincidence of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the 400th Anniversary of the great son of Assam Lachit Borphukan falling in the same time period. “Lachit Borphukan’s life is an inspiration of patriotism and rashtra shakti. I salute this great hero of the country from Karbi Anglong,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the ‘double engine’ government is working with the spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. “Today this resolve has been reinforced on this land of Karbi Anglong. The work of carrying out the agreement which was signed for the permanent peace and rapid development of Assam is going on at a brisk pace,” he said.
Modi also noted that Thursday the work of construction of more than 2,600 sarovars is starting. This project, he emphasised, is completely based on people’s participation. He acknowledged the rich traditions of such sarovars in the tribal communities. He also expressed hope that that these ponds will not only become the water storage for villages but will also become a source of income.
The Prime Minister underlined the fact that since 2014, the difficulties in the North East are reducing and development has taken place. “Today, when someone comes to the tribal areas of Assam or goes to other states of the North East, he also appreciates the situation changing,” he said. Modi recalled last year’s inclusion of many organisations from Karbi Anglong in the peace and development process. Bodo Accord in 2020 also opened doors for permanent peace. Similarly, said the Prime Minister, in Tripura too, NIFT have taken step towards peace. The two and half decade old Bru-Reang conflict was also solved, the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister also said that for a long time, the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) had been imposed on many states in the Northeast. “However, during the last eight years, we have removed AFSPA from many areas of North East due to the arrival of permanent peace and better law and order conditions,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi said that a solution for the border problems is being sought in the spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. “The agreement reached between Assam and Meghalaya will encourage other matters as well. This will give impetus to the development aspirations of the entire region,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Talking about the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities, the Prime Minister said, “The culture of tribal society, its language, food, art, handicrafts, all these are the rich heritage of India. Assam is even more prosperous in this respect. This cultural heritage connects India, strengthens the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
Prime Minister Modi said that in the Amrit Kaal of Azadi, Karbi Anglong is also moving towards a new future of peace and development. “Now, from here, we don’t have to look back. In the coming few years, together we have to make up for the development, which we could not achieve in the earlier decades,” he added.
The Prime Minister also appreciated Assam and other state governments of the region for implementing Centre’s schemes with a sense of service and dedication. He thanked the women for coming out in such large numbers and reiterated his continued focus on the upliftment of status, ease of life and dignity of women in all the measures of the government.
The Prime Minister concluded by assuring the people of Assam that he will repay their love and affection with interest and rededicated himself for the continued development of the region.
Modi’s unwavering commitment towards peace and development of the region was exemplified with the recent signing of Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) by Government of India and Government of Assam with six Karbi militant outfits. The Memorandum of Settlement has ushered in a new era of peace in the region.
Later, Modi visited a cancer hospital in Dibrugarh. “The facilities are outstanding and will benefit the people of Assam, especially Dibrugarh and surrounding areas,” he said in a tweet.