EU model for North East? 
Nagaland Industries Minister Khekiho Zhimomi moots a common economic federation in the lines of European Union for NE.

A common economic federation in the lines of European Union (EU) may not be a distant dream in the North-East, if Nagaland Commerce and Industries Minister Khekiho Zhimomi has his way. Recently, Khekiho mooted the idea of a ‘common economic federation of NE states’ at a meeting of the industries ministers of the NE states organised by North East Council (NEC). 

The idea of closer cooperation among the North-Eastern states is not new. But the idea never really took off. Thus be it in Parliament and other various foras, the North-Eastern states rarely spoke in one voice and in the process found themselves rather isolated, alienated from the mainstream.

Perhaps the ground reality is also not too favorable for close ties between the North-Eastern states. For instance, Assam was bifurcated four times and Meghalaya, Nagaland. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have created. And then there is demand for more separate states and states within states. Now the demand of a greater Nagaland has also come up. Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Meghalaya border disputes are yet to be sorted out.

In such a scenario, talk of closer economic ties may sound little bit out of place but the fact remains that everyone has to wake up to reality. It is very difficult for the North-Eastern states, which are smaller in size and can only generate very little resources of their own, to survive. The only way to ensure survival and as well as development and prosperity is to bury the past and make a new beginning together. It is heartening to note that Mizoram has readily come forward to make the idea of a ‘common economic federation of NE state a success. But at the same time it is shocking as others states are yet to respond to this proposal including Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. 

Beyond doubt a common economic federation of the North-Eastern states would greatly benefit the people of the region. The proposed federation is certain to boost trade with the rest of the country as well as Southeast Asia. Notwithstang the lukewarm response to his proposal, Khekiho Zhimomi has done his homework. The Nagaland minister foresees bamboo and cane products as the mainstay of trade with southeast Asian neighbours, which have a population of more than 40 million. ‘’We have the raw materials right at our doorsteps. With technology, we can turn it into a money-minting machine, ‘’ Khekiho stressed. He also reminded that Nagaland would soon be getting one of the best opportunities to learn more about bamboo technology of other countries, when the international Bamboo Festival will be held at Kisama, near here in November this year.

Pointing out that the North-Eastern states contribute 60 per cent of the country’s production of bamboo, Khekiho asserted that if the Industries ministers of the region, through their collective efforts, failed to exploit and tap the resources, it would come as a major blunder and send wrong signals to investors that the region is not suitable for industrial activities. With the abundance of the ‘Green Gold’ in the state and the region, the people of the region possess unlimited means to generate income; he said adding that ‘’today’s civilization is turning to bamboo civilization taking into consideration its multi-faceted  uses.’’ Khekiho Zhimomi’s proposal may not get anticipated response, but he has found a new friend in the form Union minister of state for industries Santosh Mohan Dev, who was taking an active interest in the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill. Problems are there, but solutions are also available. Today, what the North-Eastern states need most is speedy economic development to remove the tag of backwardness. It is because of backwardness that the region is in the midst of a crisis.

One should take note of the fact that unlike Kashmir, religon is not playing any   role in spreading terrorism in the region. Being deprived employment avenues, youths are going to the jungles to pick up guns. To prevent the youths from being misguided, it is the duty of every one concerned    to ensure development in the region. Khekiho Zhimomi has done exactly the same. It is now time for other North-Eastern to respond positively so that this beautiful region can become a real asset for the country.

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