Deodhar was speaking on ‘Chinese infiltration into India’ at a programme organised by the Pune Union for Working Journalists (PUWJ). According to Deodhar, “We are making the mistake of not treating N-E residents as Indians, when in Arunachal Pradesh, ‘Jai Hind’ was the main greeting in day-to-day life.’’
Deodhar, who has been working in the N-E for the last two decades, said the eight states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and Sikkim which comprised 3.9 crore people had large reserves of natural wealth and resources, which if tapped, could help the country.
Deodhar lamented the fact that the Centre had not concentrated on the development of these states. He also blamed China for terming Arunachal Pradesh as ‘India occupied China’ and luring the people to align with China.
Deodhar made an appeal to all Indians to treat residents of the N-E with respect. He said, “Students from the region are often cheated by autorickshaw drivers, who dupe them when they come to the cities to study or work.’’
According to Deodhar, the N-E consisted of several terrorist outfits and training camps which lured the youth by convincing them that Indians were bad and that they should be fighting them.
“In this scenario, by alienating them, we are adding fuel to the fire,’’ Deodhar said.
He said North-East was one of the best tourist destinations which needs to be tapped. “Strengthening our ties with the people of these states is the best solution to all problems,’’ he added.
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