Sarbananda Sonowal seeks cross-border partnership to fight migrant problem

KISAMA, DECEMBER 1 : Assam chief minister, Sarbananda Sonowal today strongly asserted the need for the people of Assam and Nagaland to work together to thrash out a lasting solution to the problems of illegal migration which is a constant threat to the security of the people of both states. Speaking at the inaugural programme of the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage village, Kisama as the guest of honour, Sonowal advocated for constituting committees consisting of MPs and MLAs and the local people from both states to undertake frequent visits to the shared boundary areas to help strengthen mutual trust and brotherhood among the people of the state. He sought cooperation from the people of Nagaland to work together in areas of mutual interest like action against rhino-poaching, intelligence sharing on extremist activities and crime control in both the states. Sonowal said the people of Nagaland and Assam used to share a close relationship in the distant past. “Naga and Ahom had a good relationship before the British occupied the whole area,” he said. Citing the marriage of an Assamese King to a Naga woman, who now features in many Assamese folk songs, the Assam CM pointed out that it was such ties which amplified the close relationship between the Assamese and the Naga people. “In the present day also, the people share a common goal towards people-centric development and we need to work together for mutual growth,” Sonowal stated while also calling for an increase cultural and sporting exchanges. “I am confident that in the days to come we will work jointly to protect northeast as a hub of potentialities, possibilities and prosperity, and position it in the pan-India contours,” he added. While acknowledging that the Hornbill Festival has already earned recognition in the national and international arena, Sonowal expressed hope that with the inclusion of cultural troupes from other NE states to perform at the festival, the cultural mosaic of the festival will further boost the age-long ties and relationships and promote peaceful co-existence. Nagaland AAP to cleanse voter ID mess The Nagaland unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has promised to cancel all voting rights of “illegal Immigrants and temporary unregistered migrants of Nagaland” if voted to power. Besides the voting rights, the AAP said in a press statement issued Thursday, Aadhaar and other rights of “illegal immigrants” would also be cancelled, and given only to long term migrant business, public and private sector employees with work permits and registered business permits under the government of Nagaland. “This is one of the biggest burning issues of our society and if the government does not take any suitable action by end January 2017 the party shall go in for mass protest and would ask the President of India and the Election Commission to intervene into this malpractice of voters ID and Adhaar issues.”