Kaziranga (Assam) [India], November 28 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that most of the North Eastern states are free from any law and order issues, with only a few incidents occurring.

'Before 2014, the North Eastern region was politically unstable with various agitations and militant movements. However, since 2014, several peace accords have been signed, and militants have laid down their arms. Peace is a primary condition for the development of tourism. Without peace, tourism is not possible. Thanks to the huge initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, today, barring a few incidents, most of the North Eastern states are free from any law and order issues,' Sarma said on Wednesday.

He further emphasized that the peace agreements signed since 2014 have been yielding positive results, contributing to infrastructure development, peace restoration, and fostering closer ties among the North Eastern states. 'Post-2014, we have seen remarkable change in both perception and reality,' he added.

During his address, Chief Minister Sarma proposed the establishment of tourism museums in New Delhi and Guwahati to promote Northeast India as a distinct tourism circuit. He highlighted that these museums would significantly boost the influx of both domestic and international visitors.

The Chief Minister made these comments at the inauguration of the 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Kaziranga, an event Assam is hosting for the third time. Sarma expressed that the Mart would be a vibrant platform to showcase the Northeast's diverse heritage, including its culture, folk traditions, and historical narratives.

He also mentioned the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spent a night at Kaziranga to witness its renowned biodiversity, particularly the one-horned rhinoceros. Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and the King of Bhutan have also visited and admired Kaziranga's natural beauty. (ANI)