HM Amit Shah Urges Shift from Law-and-Order to Citizen Rights, Pushes AI, Agarwood and Health Tourism for Northeast
Jun 04, 2026
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday urged northeastern states to move beyond a law-and-order focus and concentrate on protecting citizens’ rights while accelerating economic transformation. Chairing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Shah called insurgency “no longer an issue” in the region and directed chief ministers to prioritise development initiatives that prepare the next generation for the digital economy.
Shah advised states to invest in artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain infrastructure, and to market the Northeast’s comparative advantages — including agarwood cultivation, foreign trade opportunities and health tourism — to attract investment and generate employment. “We must build technology and market linkages so local products and talent can compete nationally and globally,” he said.
The plenary brought together governors and chief ministers from all eight northeastern states. Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha attended alongside leaders from Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim. Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, vice‑chairperson of the NEC, unveiled the “Ashtalakshmi” vision during the session.
Under Ashtalakshmi, eight state‑specific missions were launched to harness local strengths—ranging from Assam’s Muga silk and Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric to Nagaland’s Naga coffee—with the aim of boosting local industries, employment and market integration. The council also reviewed progress on the North East Vision Plan 2047, focusing on road and rail connectivity, digital infrastructure, tourism, agricultural modernisation, logistics and skill development.
Participants assessed ongoing development projects and considered recommendations from chief minister‑led high‑level task forces on tourism, agriculture, investment promotion, sports and regional infrastructure. Officials said the NEC will follow up with state governments to convert the plenary’s directives into actionable project timelines.
