New Delhi

The central government is working sincerely towards a solution to the decades-old Naga political issue besides committing itself to development of the entire North East region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here today.

Modi stated this when Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang called on him along with 18 MLAs representing the entire political spectrum of the state.

The delegation assured the Prime Minister of their firm commitment to the Naga peace process, a PMO statement said.

They mentioned that the people of Nagaland, including various civil society groups, were committed to peace, it added.

The delegation sought an early settlement to the Naga political issue and the Prime Minister said his government is working sincerely towards a solution to the decades-old issue, the statement said.

Modi also assured the delegation of his government’s unflinching commitment to development of the entire North-East region.

He referred to his meeting with the Chief Ministers of the North-Eastern states yesterday, under the aegis of the NITI Aayog, and said the various infrastructure projects initiated by his government had the potential to transform the region.

At the meeting yesterday, Modi said Rs 92,000 crore will be spent by the Centre for development of the region, including construction of highways and developing rail networks.

Under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East, Rs 35,000 crore is proposed to be invested to develop the Trans-Arunachal Highway and for connecting all district headquarters by a two lane highway (about 6,400 km), he had said.

New rail network is also being created in addition to strengthening the existing network at a cost of Rs 57,000 crore, had told the meeting.

Similarly, investments are being taken up by the telecom, power, civil aviation and shipping ministries in order to improve the connectivity air, road, rail and internet of the region, internally as well as externally under the Act East policy of the central government.

PTI