Kolkata: Defence Minister George Fernandes on April 12 said development of the North Eastern region was not possible unless terrorism was stamped out.

"If one thinks that there is going to be any development in North East without an end to terrorism, I have my doubts," he said.

"I feel special care should be taken of the people of the North East so that they do not feel alienated," Fernandes told the 101st annual general meeting of Merchants' Chamber of Commerce.

"My guru, Dr (Ram Manohar) Lohia, said that if any big problem for the country came in future it will come from the North East if initiative is not taken for its development," Fernandes said.

He said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was doing a great deal for the North East and had directed all Union ministries to allot 10 per cent of their total Budget allocation to it.

There was vast potential in the North East for tourism. "We often refer to Kashmir for tourism, but if properly developed, the North East will not be inferior to Kashmir," he said.

PTI