In May this year, the Congress party won its third straight victory at the hustings in Assam. By itself, the event is liable to be dismissed as another victory in a far-away state. But this win has a different complexion: It is for the first time in three decades, that the Congress is presiding over the fate of Assam that is at peace.
This is a historic opportunity for the country to launch a bold peace-time initiative in the North-East that will provide an economic, diplomatic and security boost not just to India’s eastern flank, but to our global ambitions to be a relevant Asian player and a competitive regional alternative to the Chinese juggernaut.
What’s needed is a robust regional economic strategy coupled with new international trade relationships for the North-East that will provide a viable option to the limited trade and travel opportunities through the expensive “Chicken’s Neck” route to the rest of the country.