Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Aizawl on Saturday, lauded the Narendra Modi-led government’s decade-long efforts to integrate and uplift northeastern states. Addressing an event marking the transfer of Assam Rifles land to the Mizoram government and the relocation of its base from Aizawl to Zokhawsang, Shah highlighted initiatives spanning tourism, technology, sports, agriculture, and more. He credited PM Modi with fostering unprecedented peace and development in the region.

Shah noted Modi’s personal commitment, saying, “Before 2014, prime ministers visited the Northeast 21 times since independence. Modi alone has visited 78 times.” He added that Union ministers’ visits surged from 71 pre-2014 to over 700 under the NDA. The land transfer, Shah emphasized, reflects the Centre’s dedication to Mizoram, resolving a decades-old issue as per Modi’s vision.

Detailing development projects, Shah said Rs 5,000 crore has been spent on Mizoram’s roads, with more ambitious schemes underway. A Rs 5,000 crore railway project to connect Aizawl, a Rs 1,300 crore Tuirial hydropower project, and 314 mobile towers for better connectivity are in progress. “Modi is personally ensuring a developed, peaceful Mizoram,” he said.

Mizoram CM Lalduhoma called the event a historic milestone, noting Assam Rifles’ century-long security role. He pledged to use the land for the state’s welfare. The relocation demand, first raised in 1988 by the MNF government after a violent clash, gained traction over years. An agreement was signed in October 2023, following delays due to infrastructure issues at Zokhawsang, inaugurated by Shah in April 2023.

The ceremony saw Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, IB Director Tapan Deka, and Assam Rifles DG Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera in attendance, underscoring the Centre’s focus on Northeast progress.