Elected representatives from adjacent border regions in Assam and Nagaland have moved to defuse grassroots friction by proposing a joint peace and coordination committee dedicated to resolving local disputes and fostering cross-border communal collaboration. Biswajit Phukan, who represents Assam's Sarupathar constituency, joined hands with Bhandari MLA Achumbemo Kikon from Nagaland to release a unified statement highlighting mutual goodwill, sustainable co-existence, and shared regional progress. The two lawmakers underlined that the communities populating this sensitive frontier have shared profound social, cultural, and trade ties over generations, stressing that any emergence of local disagreement must be handled exclusively through consultation, transparent dialogue, and lawful administrative routes.
Cultural Fellowship at Hatidubi near Uriamghat
The public declaration of this initiative took place during a goodwill gathering and cultural exchange organized by the Golaghat district administration at Hatidubi near Uriamghat on September 19. The convention brought together residents of both states settled throughout the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), combining administrative outreach with traditional performing arts. The gathering coincided with the first death anniversary of Assam's cultural luminary Zubeen Garg, whose enduring artistic contributions were solemnly commemorated during the proceedings.
Curbing Misinformation and Expanding Community Dialogue
In their joint declaration, the legislators urged local communities, village governance bodies, civic groups, and local administrations to establish close communication channels to preempt confrontations and neutralise rumors. Strengthening grassroots stability requires consistent engagement, and the representatives recommended structured cross-border cultural calendars featuring traditional arts, music, literature, sports competitions, and youth-oriented seasonal festivals. Active participation of younger demographics was highlighted as a foundational element to prevent recurring tensions and build lasting trust along the boundary.
Proposed Chief Ministerial Summit and Bamboo Bio-Refinery Drive
Sarupathar legislator Biswajit Phukan indicated that high-level administrative discussions are advancing to arrange a formal border summit within the DAB featuring Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, accompanied by a ceremonial tree plantation drive. Alongside diplomatic engagements, the legislators advocated for legally compliant and sustainable commerce in permitted border pockets. To drive local livelihoods, the Assam government intends to supply 500,000 tissue-cultured bamboo saplings for planting across the border belt, creating agricultural feedstock for the bamboo bio-refinery operated by Numaligarh Refinery. Under this economic support structure, approximately 100,000 saplings valued at nearly Rs 50 lakh will be provided entirely free of cost to Naga residents.
