Looking East

President Pranab Mukherjee’s short tour of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh on the 50th anniversary of the creation of Nagaland is significant. Development and political diplomacy are the need of the hour. Separatist tendencies in this part of the country can be curbed if far-flung areas are given equal attention. The visit by the President is a step in the right direction.

Sudeshna Dey,

Kolkata

The Northeast has huge growth potential, as it is blessed with enormous natural resources. It has good social indicators

vis-à-vis national figures and in some aspects is better than many developed States. The widespread use of the English language is an asset that mainstream India can tap. Adequate infrastructure and development are what the region lacks. It is a shame that rail connectivity is still poor here.

Punya Jyoti Boruah,

Assam

While it is true that the development of the northeastern States has not received adequate attention, the reasons are not difficult to seek. The people of the region are not emotionally integrated to the concept of Indian nationhood. There is an urgent need to change their mindset, enhance people-to-people contact and establish special economic zones in the northeast corridor.

K. Chellappan,

Chennai