Massive security arrangements were made across Agartala city and in all other important places of the state to host all-important 72nd plenary meeting of the North Eastern Council (NEC) on December 20-21, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight northeastern states and union minister of state for DoNER, Sukanta Majumder will attend the meet.

DGP, Amitabh Ranjan along with other top police and security forces officials on Thursday reviewed security measures and visited all spots including venue for meeting and hotels and guest houses, where dignitaries will stay in the state capital during the meeting. The trail run of officials’ convoys with escorts has also been reviewed on Thursday.

While, speaking with media persons, DGP, Amitabh Ranjan said  massive administrative preparation has been completed and  keeping in view of the present unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh , the state administration  has also adopted the highest standard of security measures .

He said that the joint patrolling has  been going on along the international border with capital city of Agartala and other parts of the state in view of the upcoming two-day plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC)  and BSF has been asked to tighten the security in the entire border. The joint patrolling has been conducted by state police, TSR and BSF in all sensitive areas near Indo-Bangla border.

Apart from two days NEC plenary session, Union Home Minister and chairman of NEC, Amit Shah will visit Bru settlement camp at Bruha Para(Haduklau Para) and a public meeting at Masurai Para under Dhalai district on December 22. On the same day, Shah will address the National Cooperative conference-2024 at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala.

Sources said that Amit Shah will also join a BJP organizational meeting in Agartala at party headquarters in presence of state leaders and Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.

While, official sources said that in the Pre-Plenary Thematic and Technical Sessions session on December 20, central ministries will showcase their developmental agendas, illuminating the path forward for the North Eastern Region (NER). The main plenary, slated for the morning of December 21, 2024, will be presided over by the Union Home Minister and NEC Chairman, Amit Shah, alongside DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Minister of State Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. This session promises a confluence of strategic discussions, with two NEC members, the Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries, and Planning Secretaries of the eight northeastern states, as well as high-ranking officials, participating actively.

The choice of Agartala for this important meeting underscores its evolving role in regional development. Historically, plenary sessions have predominantly been held in Shillong and Guwahati. However, Agartala's selection highlights the dynamic nature of the NEC's engagements and its commitment to fostering growth across all corners of the region.

Secretary of NEC, Angshuman Dey, reflects on the significance of this plenary and the NEC's role in regional development. He underscores the Prime Minister’s vision, where the NER is celebrated as 'Ashta Lakshmi'—a symbol of immense potential and cultural richness. The NEC's role has evolved significantly since its inception, transforming from an advisory body to a key regional planning agency. Yet, its core mission remains unchanged: to accelerate socio-economic development and ensure parity with the rest of the country through enhanced connectivity, capacity building, and investment in various sectors.

The NEC was established in 1971 and subsequent inauguration in Shillong in 1972 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in the region's planned and coordinated development. The council's transformation, including the incorporation of Sikkim in 2002 and its designation as a Regional Planning Body, reflects its expanding mandate and growing importance.

With the stage set and expectations high, the 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council promises to be a defining moment in the region's journey toward a prosperous future.