Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Northeast, including Mizoram, had endured decades of neglect under successive governments, but his administration was determined to bring the region firmly into the national mainstream through development, connectivity and opportunities for young people.
Addressing a large gathering at Lammual Ground in Aizawl after laying the foundation stone for several projects, the Prime Minister said, “The entire Northeast, including Mizoram, had long suffered from neglect. But our approach is different — the regions that were once ignored are now being brought into the mainstream.”
Calling the occasion “a historic day for Mizoram,” Modi announced that Aizawl had been officially placed on India’s railway map. Mizoram will now have a direct link to Delhi through the Rajdhani Express, which, he said, would open up bigger markets for farmers and provide residents with improved access to healthcare and education.
The Prime Minister criticised previous governments, accusing them of prioritising only those regions with larger vote banks. “The focus of some political parties was always on places with more votes and seats. The entire Northeast suffered greatly because of this vote bank politics,” he said. By contrast, he stressed, the present government had worked to ensure development reached every corner of the region.
Highlighting progress on infrastructure, Modi pointed to advances in rural roads, highways, electricity, LPG connections, internet services and mobile networks. “Mizoram is blessed with talented youth, and we are committed to empowering them,” he added.
Sports development also featured in his address. He cited initiatives under the Khelo India programme to build modern facilities in Mizoram, alongside the recently unveiled National Sports Policy, which he said would “open new doors of opportunity” for the state’s young population.
The Prime Minister’s Mizoram visit formed part of a packed day-long tour of the Northeast. From Aizawl, he was scheduled to travel to Churachandpur in Manipur for a foundation stone-laying ceremony at Peace Ground, followed by inaugurations in Imphal at Kangla Ground. His final stop for the day was to be Guwahati, Assam, where he would attend an event commemorating the centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
The Manipur leg of the visit carries particular significance as it marks Modi’s first trip to the state since ethnic violence erupted in 2023, forcing thousands to flee and leading to the imposition of President’s Rule.
