Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has called for an amicable settlement of Assam-Nagaland border issue. Addressing a mammoth gathering at Taralangso here on the concluding day of the 71st Karbi Anglong Day celebrations Thursday, Rio said all differences could be reconciled through negotiations, stressing that should maintain good relations with the neighbours.
Even though boundary disputes between Assam and Nagaland exist, Rio, however, said that the two states share good people-to-people relation and mutual understanding.
“We can change our friends, we can part ways as friends. But as neighbours, whether we like it or not we have to live together. It is not by choice but it is a God given privilege. Therefore, you cannot change your neighbours. This is how we have to learn to co-exist and grow together,” Rio said.
Rio also acknowledged the British colonial rulers for passing the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873 to give protection to the tribals. He said this was one of the reasons how, even after India’s Independence, the struggle to preserve the political rights and tribal identity had succeeded.
The chief minister further said that the entire North Eastern region had received much attention and now was on the fast-track to development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also extended his support for creation of an Autonomous State, a long-standing demand of the people of Karbi Anglong. He mentioned that the people of Nagaland wanted to see a prosperous and friendly neighbour. Paying tributes to the founding pioneers for their sacrifices to realize the dream of having an Autonomous Council, Rio said it was a befitting to acknowledge the families of those leaders for their contribution on the occasion.
“The formation of the Council was a culmination of the struggle for preserving the political and tribal identity of the Karbis. When identity is lost, we lose everything,” he said.
While welcoming the chief minister, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang maintained that during Rio’s tenure as chief minister, both Nagaland and Karbi Anglong had been maintaining good relations. He also noted that Karbi Anglong has been a home to other communities including Nagas for decades.
Th CEM also stressed on the need for all unite in order to pursue for an autonomous state.
Ronghang also paid rich tributes to leaders whose sacrifices had made possible the creation of then Mikir Hills district, later rechristened as Karbi Anglong Autonomous District.
Host of legislators, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council members officials and leaders attended the programme.
Rio was also accompanied by UDA chairman TR Zeliang and other legislators from Nagaland.
Highlights of the event include cultural dance by Chakhesang Zuvi Cultural Club, chorus by Colored Keys and Bollywood performers enthralled the gathering, while a light and sound show followed by fireworks regaled the people.
