Pema Khandu Campaigns for AGP Candidate in Assam, Highlights Boundary Resolution Efforts
Pema Khandu's Campaign in Nowboicha
Pema Khandu at Nowboicha (Photo - @PemaKhanduBJP / X)
Guwahati, April 4: On Saturday, Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu campaigned in the Nowboicha constituency of Assam, backing Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate Basanta Das. He expressed strong confidence in Das's chances of winning while emphasizing the BJP's commitment to addressing long-standing inter-state boundary disputes in the Northeast.
During a press briefing, Khandu conveyed optimism regarding the NDA alliance's prospects in the area. He stated, “I am here to support AGP candidate Basanta Das, and I firmly believe he will secure a comfortable victory.”
Khandu reflected on the transformative governance experienced in Assam and the Northeast over the past decade under the BJP and NDA. He remarked, “The development witnessed in Assam over the last ten years is unprecedented. Progress in Assam has a positive ripple effect on the entire Northeast.”
He highlighted Assam's pivotal role in the region, noting its historical and administrative importance. “Many Northeastern states have evolved from Assam, which has led to various boundary-related challenges over time,” he explained.
Khandu acknowledged the current administration's efforts in making significant strides toward resolving these disputes, which had been largely ignored by previous governments. “For years, no administration took serious steps to address inter-state boundary issues. Since the BJP and NDA took charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for resolving conflicts through dialogue instead of lengthy court proceedings,” he stated.
He assured that substantial progress has been made, saying, “Today, most of these disputes have been resolved. Only final demarcation remains in a few areas, which will be addressed after the Assam elections.”
Discussing economic interdependence in the region, Khandu also touched on workforce dynamics. “Arunachal Pradesh is vast but has a relatively small population. With rapid development, there is an increasing demand for labor, and we often depend on Assam to fulfill this need,” he noted.
Earlier, on April 1, the West Kameng district administration in Arunachal Pradesh initiated joint survey operations to establish border pillars along the inter-state boundary with Assam. This effort is being coordinated with the Border Protection and Development Department of Assam, the Border Affairs Department of Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre, and the Survey of India.
The survey commenced in the Chopai area, which borders Assam’s Sonitpur district, under the Kamengbari-Doimara Circle.
Significantly, the first border pillar between the two states was erected at Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district on February 22, marking a crucial step in resolving the long-standing boundary dispute.
Both states view this initiative as a testament to the spirit of the Namsai Declaration, signed on July 15, 2022, by the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, aimed at resolving the decades-old border issue and ensuring lasting peace, administrative clarity, and stability in the region.