Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today called upon those who have joined "anti-national" movements to give up arms and shun violent activities in the North East, and asserted that government is ready for a dialogue.
"Those who have joined anti-national movements, please return, we will welcome you. This is what I have been saying and many people have accepted my call while those who are yet to make the decision, I tell them to come back. We will hold a dialogue with you but give up violence," he said, addressing the valedictory function of a 'Student Parliament'.
The minister also pitched for border trade with neighbouring countries in the North East region.
"We cannot live in isolation. For complete development, North East has to open up for international neighbours and open border trade. There should be engagement with the neighbours because they effect the prosperity of the people living in the border areas," he said.
"More than the developments happening in New Delhi, it is the neighbouring countries that effect the prosperity of the people living near to them," he added.
At the 'Student Parliament' focusing on issues of the North East, the house also issued a declaration.
"The Parliament reiterates its commitment to work for national integration and unity, stresses the need to focus on improving overall infrastructure in the region, aims at promotion of cultural heritage and identity...," the declaration said.
Earlier in the day, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sarbanand Sonowal said that "we should look at North East India as a region with potential for growth and should not look down upon it as a backward region".
"There are seamless opportunities in the North East and the present Union Government is giving special attention to the North East. We should look at the region with potential for growth and should not look down upon it as a backward region," Sonowal said.
The three-day parliament, which concluded today, was organised by BJP's student wing, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and students representing universities across the country are taking part in the event to discuss issues faced by them and draw the government's attention towards the need for safety and development plans for them.
While first day was dedicated to tribal students at a seminar entitled, 'Tribal Student-Youth Parliament', the remaining two days were for 'Women Student Parliament' and 'North East Student-Youth Leaders Parliament'.
The report on issues that resulted from the discussions of the three student parliaments will be handed over to the ministries concerned in the form of a memorandum.
