The Prime Minister has said that the key to development in the north-eastern region is better educational and services infrastructure and connectivity. Addressing the Platinum jubilee of the Assam Legislative Assembly at Dispur today, the Prime Minister said Assam has seen over a decade of sustained progress, economic and social development.

While appealing the militant groups for negotiations, Dr. Singh said there is a general realisation today that violence provides no answers and that diverse group can fulfill their aspirations only through engagement in the democratic processes. He asked the insurgent groups that continue to remain outside the democratic process will understand the sentiments of the people of Assam and come forward to create an atmosphere that is conducive for accelerating the pace of social and economic development of Assam.

The Prime Minister said the Centre has taken new initiatives to strengthen relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar with a view to increase opportunities for expansion of trade, economic cooperation and connectivity to the larger ASEAN region. He said Assam and the other states of the North East are likely to benefit largely from this effort.

Earlier, immediately after his arrival at Guwahati, the Prime Minister inaugurated Revitalization project phase -IV and Linear Accelerator Machine with advanced add-on technology for treatment of Cancer patients at B.Barooah Cancer Institute. He also met the Assam Cabinet members at a meeting at Raj Bhavan in Guwahati to take stock of the development projects being taken up in the State before leaving for New Delhi.