THENZWAL(MIZORAM): Union minister Jitendra Singh Wednesday said the development of northeastern states is of utmost importance for the Centre. Addressing a public rally in support of the BJP candidate in the by-election to Mizoram's Serchhip assembly constituency, he said soon after taking over as prime minister, Narendra Modi had pledged that he would give special attention to the eastern regions of the country because they had suffered negligence in the past and without the equitable development of these regions, the overall wholesome growth of India was not possible. "Development of the northeastern states is of utmost importance for the Centre. The government is committed to ensure their equitable development," said Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).