GUWAHATI:
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments will begin talks from April to resolve the boundary dispute between the two states.
This was stated by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing the celebration programme of 50 years of Arunachal Pradesh and 36th Statehood Day at Naharlagun, on February 20.
Sarma exuded confidence that the majority of the issues in the inter-state border row would be resolved by year-end.
Stating that issues such as border disputes can only be resolved amicably and through dialogue between stakeholders, Sarma said that the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have always shared a close bond of brotherhood. “State boundaries may divide physically, but emotionally, people of both states are still connected,” Sarma said.
Referring to how some of legendary musician Bhupen Hazarika’s songs reflected the beauty of Arunachal and eulogised the bonhomie among the people of both the states, the chief minister remembered how Assamese stalwarts such as Indira Miri and Annanda Prasad Borthakur, among others, contributed immensely to the social and educational development of the state.
“Arunachal has strong historical and cultural significance. The tribes and sub-tribes living in the state embody the cultural diversity of our country,” he said.
He also highlighted how Arunachal is achieving rapid development under the leadership of chief minister Pema Khandu capitalising on its rich cultural heritage and mesmerising natural beauty.
Sarma also urged Union minister of law minister and MP from Arunachal Kiren Rijiju to work as a leader of “Team Northeast” so that the entire region can play a vital role in the development of the country.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig BD Mishra (retd), Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) Pasang Dorjee Sona, Union minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, three former chief ministers, several MPs, MLAs and other dignitaries were also present at the programme.