Agartala, Dec 10: Tripura is all set to host the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) from December 21, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be present, along with Governors and Chief Ministers of the eight northeastern states and DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Manik Saha, accompanied by Chief Secretary JK Sinha, DGP Amitabh Ranjan, and other senior officials, visited Ujjayanta Palace, the state museum, and Pragya Bhavan to inspect preparations for the significant three-day event. Both venues are undergoing extensive refurbishments to welcome the high-profile delegates.
Expressing satisfaction with the preparations, CM Saha said, “I think it is up to the mark, and I am satisfied with the progress so far.” He emphasized that key discussions during the session will focus on regional development, with special attention to utilizing funds from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Highlighting efforts to attract investment to Tripura, Saha referred to his recent visit to Maharashtra, where he interacted with top business leaders. “I want investors to come to Tripura. I had detailed discussions with prominent business icons, and they have expressed interest in sending teams here,” he stated.
The plenary session was initially scheduled for August 31 and September 1 but was postponed due to devastating floods in Tripura.
Given the current political situation in neighboring Bangladesh, which shares an 856 km international border with Tripura, security arrangements have been intensified for the NEC meeting. DGP Amitabh Ranjan outlined the elaborate measures being taken to ensure safety during the event.
“Detailed planning is underway for VIP movement from the airport to venues like Ujjayanta Palace. Routes, surrounding areas, and personnel involved are being thoroughly checked. Adequate forces will be deployed for barricading, crowd control, and surveillance,” the DGP informed.
Special security measures are also being implemented along the Indo-Bangladesh border to maintain peace and ensure the safety of delegates during the event.
The NEC, headquartered in Shillong, was established on November 7, 1972, under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, and serves as the regional planning and advisory body for the eight northeastern states, including Sikkim.
With this plenary session, Tripura aims to showcase its preparedness and development agenda while creating opportunities for regional cooperation and investment.
