Sibsagar: A sporting event was organised here recently in an effort to create harmony in the border region of Assam and Nagaland, which has been often been affected by clashes following boundary disputes between the two states.
The main motive of this friendship match, which was held here, was to bring people of the two neighbouring states on a common platform. The home side took on the Younglok Football Club of Nagaland at this sporting event, which was organised by the Milita Shilpi Diwas Society of Sibsagar.
The participants did not compete for cash or for medals, but they took the field to strengthen trust and confidence.
“From this programme, the Shilpi Samaj wants to give a message to the people of Assam and Nagaland that without peace, there is nothing in this world, nobody can live without peace, so, some incidents are happening in Nagaland, even in Assam. These incidents are happening due to some culprits who do not want peace to be established in Assam or in Nagaland or in the world,” said Deepak Tanti, a member of Border Peace Coordinating Committee.
“So, we would like to give a message that every one should understand, they should not get wrong thoughts after hearing those incidents or circumstances, they should be calm and they should understand the situation and they should sought out all these incidents peacefully,” he added.
The football match attracted hundreds of people. But there was more at the event for visitors.
A colorful Ao Naga dance performance by the Younglok Dance troupe from Nagaland drew attention of the crowd that had gathered.
Other participants performed Bihu Mising and other tribal dances.
The elders from both sides tried to re-establish the good relations that existed earlier.
The dispute has its genesis in Nagaland”s claim that 1200 square km area in Assam belonged to Nagas before British occupation. Over the years, it has led to several clashes.
Currently, both Centre and the state governments are trying to resolve the issue through a dialogue. Moreover, recent efforts have been made to promote friendship through sports, seminars and cultural events.
“The relation between the people of Nagaland and the Sibsagar District is very old, the people of both the places are working together since a long time,” said Sameer Gogoi, another member of Border Peace Coordinating Committee.
“We think that restrictions in border areas should be relaxed to some extent, so that the free movement among the people is retained and unity, friendship, free trading, tourism and peace are introduced in this area, which will go long way in cementing the inherent bonds of friendship along the Assam, Nagaland border area,” he added.
It is not the first time that such a program has been organized. A peace meet was held a few months ago and a resolution was passed to promote harmony between people of the two states.
Moreover, since 2003 an annual volleyball tournament is being held to spread the message of oneness, peace, love, harmony, brotherhood, and prosperity among the people. (ANI)