Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan and Bhandari MLA Achumbemo Kikon have agreed to facilitate a joint peace and coordination committee to promote dialogue, cooperation and peaceful coexistence along the Assam-Nagaland border.
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DIMAPUR — The elected representatives of Sarupathar Assembly Constituency in Assam and Bhandari Assembly Constituency in Nagaland have agreed in principle to facilitate the formation of a joint peace and coordination committee to promote peace, dialogue and cooperation along the Assam-Nagaland border.
The proposal was part of a joint statement issued on Saturday by Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan and Bhandari MLA Achumbemo Kikon following a meeting held in a spirit of “friendship, mutual respect and goodwill.”
The proposed Sarupathar-Bhandari Joint Peace and Coordination Committee is expected to comprise appropriate representatives and stakeholders from both sides, in consultation with the respective district administrations.
The two representatives stated that working guidelines for the committee would be worked out at the time of its formation.
The MLAs reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining “peace, communal harmony, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence” along the Assam-Nagaland border.
They also resolved to discourage confrontation, misinformation and activities that could disturb peace, while encouraging continued dialogue among communities, civil society organisations, village institutions and the respective administrations.
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The joint statement also called for the promotion of lawful, regulated and environmentally responsible economic activities in border areas, wherever legally permissible, with the aim of creating sustainable livelihood and economic opportunities for local communities.
On strengthening people-to-people relations, the representatives agreed to encourage regular Assam-Nagaland cultural exchange programmes covering music, traditional arts, literature, sports, youth activities, festivals and other initiatives.
Particular emphasis was placed on youth participation to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and respect between communities in the two states.
The two MLAs also paid tribute to late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, recognising his contribution to music and culture and his role in promoting unity across communities and regions. They expressed their intention to support appropriate cultural and commemorative programmes in his memory and promote his message of “music, humanity, friendship and cultural harmony” among future generations.
The statement said the initiative reflected a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation at the grassroots level and transforming the Assam-Nagaland border areas into a region of “peace, stability, friendship, sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
At the same time, the representatives clarified that the joint statement would not affect the official position, jurisdiction, territorial claims or legal rights of either the Assam or Nagaland government concerning the inter-state boundary or any matter pending before a competent authority or court.