Natural forests are the mot important resources of these three states. Manipur has, in addition, about 1500 sq km of the most fertile valley for rice cultivation. Tripura the forest department has built up excellent forests and introduced new forest crops. Except in Tripura, where experimentation has advanced, in the other two states much remains to be done for deciding on the pattern of horticulture and cash crops.
Life had stood still centuries in these areas. Neglected and isolated during the British regime, World War II brought untold miseries but also gave them a few good roads. The benefits of independence took time to reach these corners. Political unrest, fomented in some cases by external agencies, made the task of the administration more difficult. Today political picture is clear, and the people are keen on maintaining permanent peace.
The five states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura and the two Union territories of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have now set a new pattern of cooperation and forming themselves into North –Eastern Council while retaining their identity as individual states and the powers bestowed on them by the Constitution. Everything is set rapid development of this strategic area with its vast natural.