GUWAHATI: As Assam and Nagaland work to amicably resolve their long-standing border dispute, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Mon district in Nagaland and Charaideo district in Assam are joining forces. Emphasising transparent communication, they aim to proactively manage and address any emerging issues along the Assam-Nagaland border.
This collective agreement, which emerged from a meeting held at the Konyak Union, Headquarters Mon, in Tizit on Friday, follows the discovery of two lifeless bodies beneath the road between Angjangyang and Longching in Mon district on September 23. The incident had escalated tensions in the region, prompting the need for a coordinated approach.
During the meeting, CSOs from both states resolved to view any emerging issues or criminal activities through a collaborative and legal framework, rather than from a communal standpoint. This approach, they agreed, would ensure a just and impartial resolution of conflicts.
One of the crucial outcomes of the meeting was the establishment of a joint action committee, which will play a pivotal role in advancing joint efforts to promote peace, unity, and harmonious relations between their respective communities.
Recognising the significance of regular dialogue and coordination, the CSOs decided to convene periodic meetings to enable discussions, share information, and strengthen their alliance. The next meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2023.
The origins of this collaborative effort stem from the tragic incident on September 23, in which a driver and a handyman from Charaideo, Assam, lost their lives at Angjangyang in Mon district.
In response, the CSOs jointly resolved that, pending the awaited forensic report, should it confirm foul play, both sides would exert pressure on the district administration and the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the responsible parties to justice.
Furthermore, a concerted effort will be made to foster peace, unity, and strengthen the relationship between the Ahom/Assamese people and the Konyak Naga people.
Earlier on April 23, Chief Ministers of both Assam and Nagaland had convened a meeting at Assam House in New Delhi to resolve the vexed border issue between the two states. Post the meeting, both the Chief Ministers had concurred that the meeting focused on resolving the border dispute outside of the courtroom with the backing and collaboration of ethnic communities from both regions.
