Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on 20th February attended the celebration programme of 50 years of Arunachal Pradesh and 36th Statehood Day at Naharlagun.
Speaking at the programme, he said that people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have always shared close affinity and the bond of brotherhood has remained strong. State boundaries may divide physically but emotionally people of both states are still connected, he opined.
Saying that legendary musician of Assam Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs have reflected the beauty of Arunachal and eulogised the bonhomie among the people of both states, the Chief Minister remembered how Assamese stalwarts like Indira Miri, Annanda Prasad Borthakur etc made immense contributions for the social and educational development of Arunachal Pradesh.
“Arunachal has strong historical and cultural significance. The tribes and sub-tribes living in Arunachal Pradesh embody the cultural diversity of our country” he said.
The Chief Minister informed that Assam and Arunachal governments would sit together from April this year to resolve border disputes. He hoped that majority of border problems would be solved within this year. Border issues can only be solved amicably and through dialogue between all stakeholders, he asserted.
Dr. Sarma also urged Union Minister of Law and MP from Arunachal Kiren Rijiju to work as a leader of Team North East so that the entire region can play a vital role in development of the country.
He also highlighted how Arunachal is achieving rapid development under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu capitalising on its rich cultural heritage and mesmerising natural beauty.
Chief Minister Dr. Sarma asserted that NE states would continue to grow and prosper under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig(Dr) B D Mishra (Retd), CM Arunachal Predesh Pema Khandu, Speaker of APLA Pasang Dorjee Sona, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Deputy CM AP Chowna Mein, 3 former CMs, several MPs, MLAs & other dignitaries were also present at the programme.