North-East has potential to become India's growth engine: PM Modi

New Delhi : The North East has the potential to become India's growth engine, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, noting that the peace is now being established in the region.

He made the remarks during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Manipur water supply project via video link.

While blockades have become a part of history in Manipur, the era of decades of violence in Assam has ceased. In Tripura and Mizoram too, youth have abandoned the path of violence and the Bru-Reang refugees are now moving towards a better life, he said in his address.

He also noted that the government is also trying their best to ensure better connectivity in the region via road, rail and air.

During the event, he claimed that today's event is an example that despite coronavirus pandemic across the nation, we have not stopped working.

Till the time vaccine is created, we have to rigorously fight coronavirus and the development work should also be carried with full force, he added.

An externally funded project, the Manipur water supply project was designed to provide freshwater household tap connections (FHTCs) to remaining households in Greater Imphal planning area, and for 1,731 rural habitations covering 2,80,756 households in all 16 districts of Manipur.