DIMAPUR: Elected representatives of Assam’s Sarupathar and Nagaland’s Bhandari assembly constituencies have agreed in principle to facilitate a joint peace and coordination committee to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among communities along the Assam-Nagaland border.
In a joint statement, adopted after a meeting, Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan and Bhandari MLA Achumbemo Kikon proposed Sarupathar-Bhandari joint peace and coordination committee would comprise representatives and stakeholders from both sides, in consultation with the respective district administrations. The statement said working guidelines of the committee would be framed at the time of its formation.
The two representatives reaffirmed their commitment to peace, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence along the border and agreed to discourage confrontation, misinformation and activities that could disturb public order. They also called for continued dialogue among communities, civil society organisations, village institutions and the respective administrations.
The joint statement called for local issues to be addressed through dialogue, consultation and established legal and administrative mechanisms, while encouraging lawful, regulated and environmentally responsible economic activities in border areas wherever legally permissible.
The representatives also agreed to promote regular Assam-Nagaland cultural exchange programmes covering music, traditional arts, literature, sports, youth activities, festivals and other initiatives, with an emphasis on youth participation.
They paid tribute to singer and cultural figure Zubeen Garg, recognising his contribution to music, culture and unity across communities and regions. The two sides expressed their intention to support appropriate cultural and commemorative programmes in his memory and promote what they described as his message of music, humanity, friendship and cultural harmony.
Further, the statement said both representatives would maintain regular communication and consultation and work within their respective constitutional and legal responsibilities to promote peace, stability, friendship, sustainable development and shared prosperity in the border areas.
The two representatives clarified that the joint statement was made in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation and would not prejudice or affect the official position, jurisdiction, territorial claims or legal rights of either the Assam or Nagaland governments regarding the inter-state boundary or any matter pending before a competent authority or court.
