A new resurgent, stronger and more prosperous India and Nagaland needs to be built, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, adding that the region is a Natural Economic Zone (NEZ) and it is his priority to tap it.

“There are SEZs in some parts. Here it is NEZ – Natural Economic Zone. My priority is to tap this NEZ for NE (northeast). NE made for NEZ, NEZ made for NE,” Modi said at the inauguration of the Hornbill Festival here.

“Let us build a resurgent, stronger and more prosperous Nagaland and India,” he added.

He said that the festival seeks to “promote, preserve and protect unique cultural diversity of Nagaland”.

Addressing the gathering in English, Modi, who wore a traditional Naga headgear, assured the people that he will often come to visit here.

“Has been over a decade since PM (Atal Behari) Vajpayee visited Nagaland. Delhi to Nagaland and vice versa takes 15 hours but a PM took over 10 years,” he said.

“I assure it will not be so long for the PM to visit again. Will come often to meet people of Nagaland,” he added.

Modi also announced two special scholarships for students from the northeast – Ishan Uday and Ishan Vikas.

“Nagaland has young population, well versed in English, in tune with what is happening around the world. This advantage must be tapped,” he said.