Blowing the poll bugle in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the rapid development of the North East region of the country in coming times will mirror the development of South East Asia.

Addressing a mammoth public rally in Guwahati, Modi said that the rapid development of the North Eastern region will result in increased trade, cultural connection between the region and the South East Asian countries which will boost the overall economy of the region.

Modi during his two-day visit, inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects totalling Rs 11,600 crore.

He also said that the Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana will give a massive boost to tourism in Assam.

The PM said once the project is complete, it will give great pleasure to devotees who throng the temple and it will also offer convenient darshan facilities to the people of Assam.

“I recently got to visit various Teertha places across the country. We got to see the major inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. After Ayodhya, I have come to the doors of Maa Kamakhya. I will lay the foundation of the Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana project today. Once this project is complete, it will give a lot of happiness to devotees, and a lot more devotees will turn up each year,” said PM Modi.

Noteworthy is that the Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana is an ambitious project with an estimated cost of Rs 498 crore.

Modi also said that peace accords and removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from various places of Assam have ushered in new era of development

“More than 10 peace accords have been signed in the last few years which have ushered in a new era of development. More than 7,000 misguided youths from the region have abjured violence and joined the mainstream.” Modi said.

He added that the area which earlier witnessed widespread violence, was now fulfilling their dreams and hope while the government was extending its full support towards their aspirations.

PM Modi added that a country cannot progress with a small target.

“Previous governments could not maintain big targets nor fulfill their promises. We have now changed the mindset of the previous governments as well”, said Modi.