Border row: Along, Yanthan meet with Assam CM; agree to lift blockades

Dimapur, Dec. 5 (EMN): A high-level delegation from Nagaland led by Minister Temjen Imna Along, who is also the state BJP president, and Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor to Border Affairs and Horticulture had a consultative meeting with the chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, at Guwahati, Assam on Saturday, in connection with the ongoing Mariani-Mokokchung border.

A press release from the state BJP unit informed that the delegates from Nagaland, which include Nagaland BJP officials, went as emissaries of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

“During the meeting, the ongoing impasse was discussed threadbare and both sides reiterated the importance of living peacefully as neighbours. Reiterating that Assam and Nagaland have had a long association throughout history, the meeting acknowledged that neighbourly relations should not be allowed to turn sore (sic) at any cost for the mutual benefit of both sides. They stressed on the fact that both states have to work together hand in hand so that any issues which crop up should be settled amicably.

“The meeting also decided that the blockades on both sides should be lifted at the earliest for which necessary initiatives will be undertaken without delay and appealed to all concerned to refrain from any untoward acts that may vitiate peaceful atmosphere and neighbourly relations,” it stated.

Top Assam government officials led by the chief secretary attended the meeting.