Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday praised his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, describing him as not only a dynamic leader of the Northeast but also a prominent force in the broader Indian political landscape.
Khandu’s remarks came during the vibrant Mopin festival celebrations in Aalo, West Siang district where Sarma made a ceremonial appearance, drawing warm applause from a sea of white-clad members of the Galo community.
“Himantaji’s presence here amidst thousands exemplifies his affection for Arunachal and its people. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, and with Himantaji’s leadership in Assam, the Northeast has undergone a transformative shift in governance and development,” Khandu said.
The chief minister emphasized the interconnectedness of the region, noting that Assam’s trajectory deeply influences neighboring states. He credited Sarma for stabilizing the region, particularly by curbing the decades-long insurgency that once plagued Assam and reverberated across the border into Arunachal Pradesh.
“Insurgency is nearly a thing of the past now,” Khandu said. “This peace, enabled by the efforts of the Assam government and the support of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, is the foundation of the development we now witness.”
Highlighting Sarma’s flagship “Advantage Assam” initiative, Khandu said the drive to position Assam as an investment hub could serve as a regional economic engine, benefiting surrounding states by attracting broader business interest.
Among the most tangible signs of improved inter-state relations, Khandu cited the 2022 Namsai Declaration — a landmark agreement aimed at resolving the decades-old boundary dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Most contentious areas have now been addressed, he said, with remaining issues delegated to joint committees.
“With Himantaji’s cooperation, we’ve resolved nearly all border issues,” Khandu said, expressing hope that pending matters would soon be amicably settled.
Sarma was accompanied by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief executive member Dr Tuliram Ronghang during the Mopin festivities, further highlighting the pan-regional tone of the event.
In a separate announcement, Khandu also pledged state funds for infrastructure in Aalo, including ₹15 crore for the construction of a new daily market shed and ₹10 crore for a multi-storied parking facility — investments he said would directly benefit the residents of West Siang district.
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