Shillong, Dec 9: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said the state does not view Assam’s recent push to brand itself as a major festival destination as a threat, but rather as a “healthy competition” that will ultimately benefit the entire North East.
His remarks come after Assam Chief Minister Himanta B Sarma spoke about intensifying efforts to position Assam as a key festival hotspot.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma stressed that such developments should be seen positively. “Positive competitiveness is very important. It is promoting the Northeast as a destination, and it is a great thing,” he said.
The CM added that every state in the region has its own identity and advantages. “Meghalaya and Shillong will always have their niche. There are factors unique to Shillong and Meghalaya, and similarly, Assam and Guwahati have their own strengths,” Sangma said.
He emphasised that states should focus on their unique features rather than treat each other as rivals. “Each state, each region, each city has its own uniqueness and competitive advantage. Playing around those advantages should be the strategy of every state government,” he said.
Sangma also reiterated Meghalaya’s long-standing emphasis on music and cultural tourism. “We have always said the North East is a music destination,” he said, adding that Meghalaya welcomes every initiative that adds value to the region’s growing music and concert economy.
He concluded by calling for collective progress among all North Eastern states. “We hope all North East states move forward together in creating a healthy environment and promoting music and concert economy for the nation and the world,” he said.
