Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah arrived in Aizawl today and inaugurated North East Handloom and Handicrafts Exhibition at Government Mizo High School Field at Zarkawt. He was received at Lengpui Airport by Home Minister Shri Lalchamliana and other senior government functionaries. At Thuampui Helipad, he was accorded a warm reception by Chief Minister Shri Zoramthanga,  Lok Sabha MP Shri C. Lalrosanga, Assam Finance Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Secretary Shri Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, DGP Shri SBK Singh and other senior officials.

Inaugurating the Exhibition, which was organised by North Eastern Council in collaboration with the Government of Mizoram, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah who is also the Chairman of NEC, said that the handloom and handicrafts sector has immense potential in the entire North Eastern region, given the availability and abundance of bamboo and other such raw materials. He further said the sector can pave the way for economic empowerment of the people and can create gainful employment avenues especially for the youth. In this regard, the removal of bamboo from trees by the previous Modi government would be a boon for the region which is rich in bamboo and other non-forest crops and could provide a big boost, he added.  

Shri Amit Shah mentioned that Mizoram which was once known for its turbulent times has overcome its difficult past and today it is known as a messenger and torchbearer of peace and brotherhood not only in India but across the world. He further stated that Mizoram occupies an exalted position in Indian democracy.  Underlining the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for the development of the region, he said Prime Minister is fully committed to the holistic progress and development of the entire region.

Union Home Minister stated the pace of development in Mizoram has accelerated in the last five years and in this regard he highlighted several achievements and progress as well as beneficiaries under various central government schemes. He pointed that during the 13th Finance Commission, under the UPA government, Mizoram was given Rs. 19,974 crores while during the 14th Finance Commission, under the BJP government, the state was given Rs. 42,972 crores for developmental activities. He assured Shri Zoramthanga’s led government of all possible help in the development process and said that the central government is committed in this regard and would aid Mizoram overcome its obstacles and hardships that stood in its way of progress and development.

Chief Minister Shri Zoramthanga, who also addressed the function, thanked Union Home Minister for visiting Mizoram despite his hectic schedule. He stated Mizoram is trying its best to bring development in all spheres with its limited resources and requested the Central Government to aid Mizoram in its developmental journey of self-sufficiency by providing support and measures. He hoped that in a few years Mizoram with its resources harnessed to the fullest and the blessings of the central government would emerge as the state with the highest per capita income.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region who also spoke on the occasion said that Home Minister’s visit to Mizoram just after five months in the office shows the commitment of the central government towards Mizoram’s development. He pointed that small and far flung states have to progress at the same pace as more developed region  to achieve Prime Minister’s dream of wholesome and harmonious growth of Mother India and said that the government was committed towards this dream by giving special focus to the region. He assured that very soon permanent Hindi teachers would be appointed in Mizoram given the importance of Hindi, especially for the youth in matters of employment avenues.

Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Finance Minister, Assam delivered the vote of thanks and concluded the function.

Later in the day, Mizoram Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi hosted lunch at Raj Bhawan in his honour where Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Chief Minister Shri Zoramthanga had one meeting and discussed important issues.

Union Home Minister left for Delhi late in the afternoon by a special BSF aircraft.