Chinese lobbies stalling development projects in the North East in Centre's crosshairs

NEW DELHI: Certain civil society groups have come under the scrutiny of the Union government for their alleged role in delaying development projects in the Northeast at the behest of Chinese enterprises, officials with knowledge of the matter said.

These projects, they said, were related to coal mining, hydropower, water supply, connectivity to enhance tourism and road development.

The issue was pointed out recently by Nagaland governor RN Ravi. "China had been influencing popular opinion on progressive policy of the (Indian) government in the region. The Red Dragon, playing smartly, has been operating through pressure groups here and delaying the developmental projects," Ravi, also a former deputy national security adviser, had said while speaking on the 'Role of China in North Eastern Insurgency'.


Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim share land borders with China. Both states have several pending projects including road connectivity for Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur, which have been delayed due to opposition by the pro-China lobby, the officials said.