Guwahati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Narendra Modi government had laid a strong foundation for the development of the Northeast over the past 12 years, transforming the region through peace, connectivity and economic growth.Chairing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Shah said all Northeastern states had witnessed a qualitative transformation during this period and that a "developed Northeast" was now being built on the foundation laid by the Modi government.Also Read: Assam cabinet expansion on June 5; 12 ministers, 4 new faces to take oath"Apart from Narendra Modi, there has perhaps been no Prime Minister who has worked with such sustained focus and commitment towards the development of the Northeast," Shah said.He said development could only be built on the pillars of law and order and social harmony, noting that more than 12 peace accords had been signed in the region over the last 12 years and over 10,800 youth had returned to the mainstream after laying down arms.Claiming that the government had freed the Northeast from the scourge of insurgency, Shah said systematic infrastructure development had significantly improved rail, road and air connectivity, reducing the distance between Delhi and the region.He said Prime Minister Modi had not only narrowed the geographical distance between Delhi and the Northeast but had also bridged the emotional gap between the region and the rest of the country through a "whole-of-government approach".Also Read: Assam eyes greater role in India’s energy growth after CM meets Petroleum MinisterShah said the Northeast's diversity had emerged as a major strength and that the region, once known for conflict, was now being recognised globally as an opportunity hotspot and a model of coexistence and harmony.He said the government had translated the principles of "Act East, Act Fast and Act First" into reality and that the Northeast had progressed by overcoming challenges of peace, stability and development while preserving its cultural identity.Calling the report of the High-Level Task Force on development, prosperity and preservation of the Northeast's cultural identity a "guiding scripture", Shah urged states to fully utilise available budgetary provisions and ensure complete implementation of its recommendations.Highlighting major investments, Shah referred to the Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor plant in Assam, efforts to develop the Northeast as a healthcare hub for neighbouring countries and the Namrup Ammonia-Urea Complex, saying these projects would accelerate growth across the region.He asked chief ministers and governors to review implementation of the single-window clearance mechanism every month and ensure timely completion of multimodal logistics hubs in Guwahati, Imphal and Agartala.Shah also called on Northeastern states to become self-reliant in the production of fish, eggs and milk and eventually emerge as suppliers to other parts of the country.