New Delhi, July 24: Nagaland Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir on Wednesday voiced sharp criticism against the central government’s continued neglect of the Northeast, highlighting the glaring gap between the Centre’s “Act East Policy” and ground realities. Raising his concerns under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha, Jamir underscored the persistent infrastructure deficit, poor connectivity, and lack of access to essential services in the region.

In his written submission, Jamir pointed out that despite the Northeast’s strategic significance—sharing international borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China—the region lags far behind the rest of India in road, rail, and air connectivity, as well as in health, education, telecommunications, and digital access. He particularly stressed the severe impact of these shortcomings in rural and remote areas.

The MP also flagged the operational challenges faced by defence and paramilitary forces due to inadequate infrastructure. Citing the Longwa International Trade Center in Nagaland as an example, he noted that the Myanmarese side enjoys better access than the Indian side, which remains poorly connected.

Jamir took a direct swipe at the government’s inconsistent approach to the Naga peace process, questioning the lack of implementation of the long-pending Naga political accords. “Despite being hailed as historic settlements, these accords have not delivered any real solution for the people of Nagaland,” he said.

Further criticizing the continued enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the region, Jamir said it undermines the government’s own claims of peace and development. He called AFSPA a symbol of the Centre’s outdated and heavy-handed approach to regional governance.

Calling for a move away from rhetoric and symbolism, Jamir urged the government to adopt region-specific and decentralized planning frameworks tailored to the Northeast’s unique socio-political and geographical challenges. “It is high time for the Government of India to move beyond optics and adopt a solution-centric development approach,” he asserted.

Jamir’s intervention reflects growing frustration among Northeast leaders over what they view as systemic neglect and a lack of political will from the Centre to address the region’s long-standing developmental and political concerns.