Jowai, Jul 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confidently stated that “everything is smooth” along the inter-state border with Meghalaya, dismissing concerns of friction between the two states over long-standing boundary disputes.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual Behdieñkhlam festival in Jowai, Sarma said both governments maintain open channels of communication.
“The channel of discussion is always open. We keep on meeting and there is no friction. Whenever something happens, we resolve that immediately with the spirit of friendship,” he said.
He dismissed frequent friction in border areas, saying the overall situation remains peaceful. “I don’t think so… everything is smooth.”
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions between Meghalaya and Assam to settle the remaining areas of difference along the 884-km inter-state border.
Behdeinkhlam is a significant religious and cultural festival for the Pnar (Jaintia) community, celebrated every year in Jowai. This event seeks divine blessings for a bountiful harvest and well-being, while driving away diseases and evil spirits.
Sarma extended his greetings to the people of Meghalaya. “Overjoyed by the warmth and affection extended by the people of Meghalaya as I had the privilege of celebrating ‘Behdeiñkhlam’ with them today in Jowai,” he wrote on X.
Later, Sarma visited Goddess Jayanti Temple at Nartiang, one of the 51 revered Shakti Peeths in the country.
As the festival comes to an end, its final day showcases a range of traditional rituals and performances that bring together locals and visitors alike.
The festival kicked off with the ‘khnong’ ceremony, where men energetically struck the roofs of houses with sacred bamboo poles. This ritual aims to chase away illness and calamity, setting a positive tone for the community. Following this, the Aitnar pool rituals saw massive and beautifully adorned wooden structures known as ‘rots,’ which were carried through muddy waters, symbolising purification and renewal.
Other rituals performed included Bam Tyngkong at Langdoh, Kynting Khnong ka Loompyrdi at ïung Langdoh, and ka Sympat ïung.
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council CEM Tuliram Ronghang, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and cabinet ministers Lahkmen Rymbui, Sanbor Shullai and Wailadmiki Shylla attended the festival.
