Border neighbours celebrate what peace could be like

Mokokchung, September 9 : In an attempt to ease tensions at the Assam-Nagaland border and to promote brotherhood between the Assamese and Naga neighbours, a festival dubbed the ‘Moitree’ (Assam- Nagaland Festival 2016) was celebrated at Amguri TE playground on September 8.

The festival was inaugurated by MLA of Amguri, Pradip Hazarika. Government officials, members of nongovernmental organizations and cultural troupes from both the states attended the event.

In his address, Pradip Hazarika lauded the organizers for offering a platform to the people of both the states to exchange their cultures, which he said will ultimately enable the border areas to build a bond of brotherhood among them.

Hazarika strongly advocated such activities on a bigger scale. He said that mass platforms would cater to ‘mass participation’ and foster peace and harmony in the ‘tension areas.’

The local MLA also spoke about his vision for the border areas. This area is the gateway for the south Asian countries and can be developed into an economic hub, he said. The politician urged the people of both the states to maintain peace in the spirit of brotherhood to realize this dream.

The deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar, also addressed the gathering. In his short speech, he said that the media fraternity can play a major role in fostering peace between the two brothers. Most of common people believe in the media therefore the latter should be the bridge toward building good relations between the two neighbours, the official said.

The deputy commissioner of Sivasagar, Narayan Konwar, also welcomed the participants to the festival. Short speeches were delivered by the Superintendent of Mokokchung police, Aotemsu Longkumer, and his Sivasagar counterpart, Subodh Sonowal.

The celebrations were marked by cultural exhibitions and performances, traditional sports and a fair from the areas.

Another interesting event about the festival was a friendly football match between Sivasagar XI and Mokokchung XI. The match was won by Sivasagar XI in a penalty shootout.

Assam share boundaries with six districts of Nagaland.