Bodo Kacharis living in both Assam and Nagaland were urged to be the bridge between Assam and Nagaland and spread the message of peace and unity as they inhabited in both the states.
This view was echoed by speakers who were addressing as many as three thousand Bodo Kacharis from Nagaland and neighbouring Assam Saturday at Urban Haat, Dimapur in a first annual day long colourful celebration of Rongjali Bwishagu organised by Rongjali Bwishagu Fwrbw, Dimapur.
Inaugurating the cultural programmes, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur Kesonyü Yhome said Bodo Kacharis living in both Assam and Nagaland could play a major role in restoration of peaceful co-existence of the people of two states by developing “people to people contact”.
Appreciating the organiser for the event, Yhome expressed the hope that the spirit of the festival would unite the people of both the states other than engaging in conflicts and confrontations.
Guest speaker additional DC Kohima, K Sekhose also urged the Kacharis to be the forerunners in uniting the people of both the states through such cultural festivals.
“Tension in border areas is nothing new…it is an inter-state issue but Bodo Kacharis can take a stand to diffuse tension between Assamese and Naga brothers and sisters at the time of trouble,” said Sekhose, who has been serving as border magistrate along Assam border for a long time.
He said people living along the border areas should avoid such conflicts and focus on peaceful living. The border row will end one day when the governments of both the states would reach an understanding for it, Sekhose added.
The ADC then expressed the hope that the festival would open a new era of peace and understanding between various communities living along the inter-state boundaries of Assam and Nagaland.
Speaking as chief guest of the “opening session”, Sahitya Academy award winner Bodo writer Dr. Mangal Singh Hazoary explained the significance of the festival and urged the Bodo leaders to work for unity and integrity of the society.
A colourful souvenir “Hirimbapurni Bardwisikhla” was released by Professor Dr. Bhupen Narzary of Gauhati University.
Earlier, the organising committee president and SDO Dhansiri Naren Basumatary hoisted the festival flag which was followed by a colourful procession taken out from Urban Haat to Rajbari.
A series of competitions on traditional sports was also organised to mark the occasion. Several Bodo leaders, Professor Berlao K Karji from Kokrajhar Government College, Bodo Writers Academy vice president Dr. Subungshu Muchahary and Nagaland Kachari Tribal Council (NKTC) vice president Dhiren Mech amongst others.
Several cultural troupes from Dimapur, Bokajan, Uriamghat, Sishupani, Sarupathar, Diphu and Guwahati took part in the festival.
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