Sonowal, ga Hoho pledge to work for coexistence

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 23: “Dialogue and not disengagement is an answer to the burgeoning distrust among the people living along the Assam-galand boundary,” observed Assam Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal who pledged with ga Hoho for peaceful coexistence of the people of the two neighbouring States notwithstanding the long-standing unresolved boundary disputes.

Meeting a delegation of ga Hoho, the apex body of all tribal communities of galand on Friday evening in the city, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal endorsed the idea of having constant interaction among the people of the two States living along the boundary for their peaceful coexistence. Sonowal also emphasized a proper platform where outstanding issues confronting both the States can be discussed in a congenial atmosphere and found a way out for their solution.

Asserting the need for frequent sporting and cultural exchanges between people of the two States, Sonowal called for a “collective will” for normalizing the situation prevailing along the border areas of Assam and galand.

Sonowal also urged the people living in both sides of the of Assam-galand border to maintain peace and harmony and thwart all nefarious designs of the anti-social elements who have been trying to blow small incidents to large inter-state confrontations.

It may be mentioned that as part of a civil society initiative being carried out by nda Talukdar Foundation, Guwahati to build bridge between the two states, the ga Hoho paid a visit to Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal and discussed outstanding issues and vowed to “work together” for their early solution.

The six-member ga Hoho delegation was led by its president Hoho P Chuba Ozukum. The other members present were general secretary Mutsikhoyu Yhobu, secretary administration Chitho Nyuso, secretary Assembly Elu Ndang, secretary customary and cultural affairs Mhonchumo and secretary Fince Riinguto.

The ga Hoho President invited Sonowal to galand, which he had accepted in principle.  It may be mentioned that the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Axom Xahitya Xabha also took keen interests in the process with AASU actively associating itself with cultural and sporting activities in border areas while Xabha has activated its oldest branch in Kohima.

The ga Hoho President P. Chuba Ozukum also called for peaceful coexistence and increased civil society interactions to ease out the differences and misunderstanding.