Assam CM Celebrates Behdienkhlam Festival Amid Controversy in Meghalaya
Celebration of Behdienkhlam Festival
Assam CM Sarma (centre) flanked by Meghalaya Deputy CM Snawbhalang Dhar (right) and Minister Wailadmiki Shylla. (Photo:@CMOfficeAssam/X)
Guwahati, July 9: On Thursday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the final day of the Behdienkhlam festival held in Aitnar, Jowai. His presence as the chief guest drew criticism from the opposition party, Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Meghalaya.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Minister Sanbor Shullai, Sarma wore the traditional white headgear typical of Jaintia men during the celebrations.
Expressing his joy on social media, Sarma remarked on the warm reception he received from the people of Meghalaya. He stated, "I am thrilled by the warmth and affection shown by the people of Meghalaya as I had the honor of celebrating 'Behdeiñkhlam' with them today in Jowai. This lively festival of Jaintia Hills represents the expulsion of negative forces and prayers for a fruitful harvest."
An aerial view of the festivities, on Thursday. (Photo:@CMOfficeAssam/X)
He further emphasized that the festival reflects enduring values of faith, unity, and collective well-being, extending his best wishes to the Pnar community and the residents of Meghalaya.
However, the VPP expressed discontent regarding Sarma's invitation as chief guest. Party spokesperson AW Rani issued a statement wishing festival greetings but criticized the decision to invite Sarma. Rani stated, "The VPP would have appreciated it more if the organizers had refrained from inviting Himanta Biswa as the Chief Guest for the occasion."
Rani also pointed out that Sarma's actions have contributed to a sense of insecurity among residents in border areas, particularly in light of ongoing border disputes.
This criticism arises as both Assam and Meghalaya governments have indicated progress in resolving their longstanding boundary issues. On July 1, the Assam government expressed optimism about reaching an early resolution to interstate border disputes with both Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh through ongoing dialogue and joint consultations.
During a visit to the Disoi Valley Reserved Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border, Assam's Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora reiterated the government's commitment to resolving all interstate boundary disputes through negotiations, aligning with Sarma's dialogue-focused approach.
On the same day, the Meghalaya government restructured three regional committees to assess the six remaining areas of contention as part of Phase-II of the Assam-Meghalaya boundary settlement process. These committees have been tasked with completing field surveys and providing recommendations within 45 days to expedite negotiations over unresolved sectors, including the conflict-prone Langpih area in West Khasi Hills and the Lapangap-Mukroh sector in West Jaintia Hills.