Connecting the Northeast

CHINA is forging ahead with putting the finishing touches to its maritime and land silk routes quick as it can, leaving India behind. But there has been some improvement on the Indian side with the Narendra Modi government in office. Decision making in Delhi has speeded up. The Trilateral Highway Project to link India, Myanmar and Thailand has got robust support from the Prime Minister. Multi-modal transport corridors are on the fast track and receiving monitoring from the Centre. However, even if these projects are completed by 2018, connectivity with the Northeast may leave a lot to be desired. There is no guarantee that the glitches in promoting it will be removed unless the Centre holds sway in the region. If its sovereignty in respect of connectivity is not fully exercised, that will mean its zeroing out. By its charter, the Union government is committed to ensure free movement of people and goods in every part of the country. Natural disasters often occur in the Northeast disrupting connectivity. But the jolts caused by political parties, disgruntled groups, militancy et al are not to be taken lightly. The blockade of the two Highways in Manipur is the worst example.
These disruptions make people suffer and hit the exchequer. The problem cannot be attributed to the fact that law and order is a state subject. Delay in movement of goods dries up investment in the Northeast. Connectivity with the Northeast is also essential for the Centre to meet international commitments. Delhi should  assist these states to remove hindrances. Should the states prove sluggish, it should move in with the army, if necessary. Ease of movement is as essential there as infrastructure development. It is also necessary to make the country’s Look East policy a reality.