Editor,
The recent news article that the West Shillong MLA Paul lyngdoh called for stronger trust and cooperation between Meghalaya and Assam, which was published in your esteemed daily has drawn our attention.
The honourable MLA has rightly said that provocative content on social media serves no purpose, rather the trend sows seeds of hatred and enmity among the people of both states.
It is vital for both sides to resolve long-standing territorial disputes, ensure regional security and accelerate economic growth across northeast India.
The two states share a complex border spanning hundreds of kilometres with 12 historically disputed sectors.
Although installation of pillars began resolving 6 of the sectors, yet, the peaceful settlement of remaining complex areas such as Langpih and Khanduli largely depends on building mutual confidence without local violence.
The massive Dhubri-Phulbari bridge over the Brahmaputra River will not only cut down travel times, but also boost cross-border commerce between western/central Meghalaya and Assam.
Trust is the only powerful tool that will ensure economic lifelines translate into shared prosperity of people of both the states.
One must keep it in mind that northeastern states share a collective destiny.
Therefore, each NE state must be sensitive to and accommodate each other’s interests to ensure that the entire region can prosper uninterruptedly in the days to come.
Iqbal Saikia
Assam
