Nagaland Congress MP S. Supongmeren Jamir has raised strong concerns in the Lok Sabha over what he described as the persistent neglect of the Northeast region by the Central government, despite its critical strategic importance and continued references to the much-publicised “Act East Policy.”
Raising the matter under Rule 377, Jamir submitted a written statement in Parliament on Tuesday, highlighting the stark gap between policy promises and ground realities in the eight northeastern states. He pointed to chronic underdevelopment in vital sectors such as roads, railways, air connectivity, electricity, healthcare, IT infrastructure, and education.
“Even after decades of promises, basic infrastructure in many parts of the Northeast remains fragile. The rural-urban divide is growing wider, and even Defence and paramilitary personnel suffer due to inadequate facilities,” Jamir said.
In a striking example, he mentioned the Longwa International Trade Centre located on the Indo-Myanmar border in Nagaland. Jamir claimed that roads on the Myanmar side are better maintained than those on the Indian side, calling the situation “embarrassing” and reflective of a lack of political will and administrative focus.
The Congress MP also took a firm stand on the delay in implementing the long-pending peace accords with various Naga National Groups. “How can the Centre claim progress under the ‘Act East Policy’ when it has failed to honour its own signed agreements?” he asked, drawing attention to the absence of any visible outcomes for the people of Nagaland.
Jamir did not hold back in criticising the continued enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) across parts of the Northeast. He said its presence runs counter to the narrative of peace and development that the Centre often promotes. “If peace has returned, then why is AFSPA still in force?” he questioned.
He further stressed that development in the Northeast must be region-specific and inclusive, and not treated as a one-size-fits-all model. Jamir urged the government to move beyond optics and symbolism, and instead adopt a decentralised and solution-oriented approach that takes into account the local realities of Northeast India.
With the Centre frequently highlighting the Northeast in official speeches and diplomatic narratives, Jamir’s sharp criticism exposes the growing disconnect between promises and delivery. His remarks have drawn attention from fellow MPs and civil society members who have long advocated for equitable development and greater political attention for the northeastern states.
