Strengthening Ties: Assam and Nagaland Legislators Meet for Border Cooperation
Collaboration Along the Assam-Nagaland Border
MLA Biswajit Phukan welcoming Bhandari MLA at his Sarupathar residence on Saturday (Photo: AT)
Sarupathar, Sept 19: In an effort to enhance grassroots collaboration along the Assam-Nagaland border, legislators from both states convened in Sarupathar, located in Golaghat district, on Saturday.
MLA Biswajit Phukan of Sarupathar welcomed Achumbemo Kikon, the MLA from the Bhandari constituency in Nagaland’s Wokha district, at his home following an invitation extended to the Nagaland representative.
During a public address post-meeting, Phukan highlighted that both parties have committed to collaborating on initiatives related to economic growth, cultural exchange, and fostering peace and prosperity along the border.
“This meeting transcends mere border discussions; it represents a cultural exchange initiative aimed at establishing a promising future for our younger generations,” Phukan remarked.
He also unveiled plans for a significant bamboo plantation project along the border, emphasizing that bamboo could serve as an economic resource for communities on both sides.
“We aim to distribute 500,000 bamboo saplings across the Assam-Nagaland border. Bamboo is vital for us, and we have prepared 100,000 free saplings for our Naga counterparts to plant in their villages, which will enhance economic benefits. Simultaneously, we in Assam will also engage in bamboo planting for mutual economic growth,” he stated.
Phukan mentioned that both states would organize a joint plantation event involving the chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland.
“Plantation efforts should be devoid of political motives, especially considering climate change and extreme weather conditions. We urge Nagaland to participate actively in these initiatives,” he added.
He expressed optimism that this meeting would pave the way for improved communication and trust between the elected officials of both states.
“I believe that today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Assam and Nagaland, characterized by harmony, brotherhood, peace, and development. Aajjir pora kajiya zero,” he stated.
Both Phukan and Kikon have previously affirmed that “no inch of Assam’s land will be lost,” while advocating for restraint and neighborly cooperation.
Phukan emphasized the importance of avoiding tensions until the boundary demarcation issue is resolved through appropriate channels.
“As the clear border demarcation is currently beyond our control, we should refrain from creating disturbances along the border,” he advised.
The Sarupathar-Bhandari area is part of a long-disputed and sensitive interstate boundary, where tensions have historically escalated over evictions, alleged encroachments, and land claims in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
The most recent incident occurred on July 13, when an Assam youth was reportedly assaulted in the Sarupathar subdivision during a confrontation related to a disputed census exercise.
This incident followed the arrival of Nagaland officials at Chainpur No. 2 village in Sector B of the South Nambor Reserved Forest, allegedly to conduct a census survey.
Local villagers protested, asserting that the area belongs to Assam and that the survey lacked authorization.
The situation intensified as more individuals from Nagaland reportedly gathered, leading to allegations of assaults on several Assamese villagers.
The boundary dispute between Assam and Nagaland has persisted for decades, with demarcation disagreements ongoing since Nagaland's establishment as a state in 1963.