Khandu hails Himanta at Mopin fest, leaders highlight peace, growth in NE

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on Saturday lauded Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as a dynamic leader of the northeast and a prominent figure in Indian politics. Speaking at the Mopin festival in Aalo, Khandu expressed gratitude for Sarma's presence, which he said exemplified his love for Arunachal Pradesh and its people.

Khandu credited Sarma for fostering peace in the region, noting that insurgency, which had plagued Assam and impacted Arunachal Pradesh for decades, is nearly eradicated due to Sarma's efforts and the support of the Prime Minister and Union home minister. He highlighted the transformative development across the northeast under their leadership.

"Since Modiji became the Prime Minister and Himantaji became chief minister of Assam, the entire northeast has witnessed a complete change in governance and pace of development. Assam as a state plays a significant role in the region. Whatever happens in Assam, impacts us all," he said.

"With insurgency gone, we are all witness to the tremendous developmental works going on not only in Assam but in all the northeastern states," Khandu said.

The Arunachal CM also emphasised the significance of Assam's ‘Advantage Assam' initiative, calling it a game changer for the region. He said Assam's emergence as an investment hub would benefit neighbouring states as businesses expand across the northeast. Khandu further praised Sarma's proactive role in resolving the long-standing inter-state boundary dispute through the historic ‘Namsai Declaration' of 2022.

"With Himantaji's cooperation, almost all boundary issues have been resolved except for few pockets, where committees from both the states will revisit. We are optimistic that these will too be resolved soon," Khandu said.

Karbi Anglong Autonomus Council chief executive member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang accompanied Sarma to join the Aalo Mopin celebrations.

During the event, Khandu announced a Rs 15 crore sanction for a daily market shed and Rs 10 crore for a multi-storied parking lot in Aalo, the headquarters of West Siang district.

CM Sarma, attending the festival as the second Assam chief minister to do so after Charat Chandra Sinha in 1979, emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous culture while embracing modernisation. He praised the Galos for their rich cultural heritage and extended wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness on the occasion of the Mopin festival.

Mopin, celebrated by the Galos in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh, is an agricultural festival marking a good harvest, peace, and prosperity. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including ministers, MLAs, and district officials.