Northeast: Untapped Region

 Gen (Dr) VK Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and MOS (IC) Statistics and Programme Implementation, released the book authored by Dr D Bhalla, IAS, Secretary Lok Sabha Secretariat recently in the national Capital.

The author has brought out the long history of political unrest, neglect, under-development and insurgency in the Northeastern region — all issues impacting the security of the country and the economic well-being of the Northeast. 

One aspect that makes the region strategic from the security point of view, is that most of the states have international borders with other countries. Besides the geography, people and commercial potential of the region, Dr Bhalla has dwelt at length about insurgency, various facets of strategic importance and suggested future policies to bring out the full potential of the region.

Gen Dr VK Singh said, “There was no doubt that India’s foreign policy and relations with neighbouring countries will have a profound effect on the future of the Northeast, primarily because the neighbouring countries have common borders and affinities with one or more states.” The book is a fresh attempt, with a practical approach towards Northeast.