President’s address quotes Assamese poet, says extremism is on decline in northeast

New Delhi: It was a crucial Presidential address to the joint sitting of Parliament on Friday. It has a special significance in the poll-bound state of Assam and other parts of northeast India as well.

Thus, it was natural that Assam Kesari, Ambikagiri Raichaudhuri, the nationalist poet and his immortal words find mention in President Ram Nath Kovind’s address.

“Om tatsat Bharat Mahat, Ek chetonaat, Ek Dhyanot, Ek Sadhonaat, Ek Avegot, Ek Hoi Jaa, Ek Hoi Jaa”

– The poetic phrases mean – India’s grandeur is the ultimate truth. In one single consciousness, one thought, one devotion, one inspiration, let us unite; let us unite.

President Kovind also asserted that the Narendra Modi government “is fully committed to the overall and

balanced development of Eastern India”. “Today extremism in the North East is on the wane and there is a sharp decline in the number of violent incidents. The youth who went astray on the path of violence are now returning to the mainstream of development and nation-building,” Mr Kovind said. Of course, the President’s address aptly talks about the breakthrough peace deal inked to end strife and violence in Bodo areas of Assam.

“The rehabilitation of Bru refugees is being completed in a peaceful and harmonious manner. Similarly, a historic Bodo peace accord has been signed which has been implemented successfully. After the accord, this time the elections to the Bodo Territorial Council have also been held successfully,” he said. Mr Kovind maintained that the policy for rapid development of the North East while preserving its unique geographical, cultural and linguistic characteristics and its social identity is being implemented. The much talked about Brahmaputra Waterways, a milestone in developmental activities in the region also grabbed special mention in the President’s address.

“For Assam and North Eastern states, River Brahmaputra is the ‘Jibondhara’. Making this lifeline the basis for economic activity, work on operationalizing several National Waterways is in progress. This will benefit all sections of people in the North East, including farmers, youth and entrepreneurs. By developing the Integrated National Waterways under the “Artha Brahmaputra” programme, efforts are underway to transform Brahmaputra and Barak rivers as streams of development,” he said.

The President also said: “The policy of my Government for bringing enduring peace to the North East, based on sensitivity and collaboration, has started showing clear results now”. Mr Kovind also maintained that — “My Government is committed to counter the forces challenging the sovereignty and unity of the country, at every level. While on the one hand, development is being promoted in violence-affected areas, on the other hand, firm action is being taken against the forces inciting violence. As a result of this, the number of Naxal-violence-related incidents has declined and the Naxal-affected area is shrinking”.

In the northeast, the Centre’s peace talks with the Naga insurgents is at the final stage. However, it may be mentioned that Nagaland Governor R N Ravi, in his Republic Day speech, has slammed the armed rebel groups for extortions adding that it was the cause of state’s underdevelopment.

“The menace of rampant extortion, under the guise of illegal taxation by anti-social elements, has not yet been fully curbed despite best efforts by the police and security forces. It has created a sense of fear among businesses and entrepreneurs which severely undermines the economy and growth of the State,” Mr Ravi has said on Jan 26, Tuesday.