Assam-Arunachal border disputes set for resolution under BJP leadership: Assam CM at 59th Mopin Festival at Aloo

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 5, 2025

In a significant political and cultural moment, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that longstanding boundary disputes between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would be resolved under the current leadership of both states. He made the statement while attending the 59th Central Mopin Festival celebration of the Galo tribe in Aalo, West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Sarma, the chief guest at the event, praised the Mopin festival as a vibrant reflection of Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural depth. “Mopin is not just a festival—it’s a celebration of prosperity, unity, and gratitude towards nature,” he said, describing it as a vital thread in the cultural fabric of the Northeast. He highlighted the importance of preserving tribal customs, noting that such traditions are not mere performances but living expressions of identity and spiritual connection passed through generations.

The Mopin Festival, celebrated in April, is a harvest festival where the Galo community gives thanks to the goddess Mopin Ane for agricultural abundance. The event features the graceful Popir dance performed by women in white traditional attire, accompanied by folk songs, community feasting, and a collective spirit of joy and togetherness.

On behalf of the people of Assam, Sarma extended his greetings to the Galo tribe and all of Arunachal Pradesh, referring to the state as “a living, breathing canvas of cultural magnificence.” He praised the harmony between tradition and progress in the region, calling for collective efforts to honour and safeguard its unique diversity.

Reflecting on the broader transformation of the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sarma said the region is undergoing a “historic shift.” He cited key initiatives like the ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Transformation through Transportation’ as instrumental in ending the Northeast’s isolation and driving growth in connectivity, infrastructure, and economic development.

“This once-neglected region is no longer on the margins,” Sarma declared. “It’s now a gateway to Southeast Asia and a crucial part of India’s growth story.”

Addressing the longstanding Assam-Arunachal boundary issues, Sarma expressed confidence that they would be resolved amicably under the current administrations of both states. Emphasizing the deep cultural and emotional ties between the people, he invoked the legacy of the late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who shared a profound bond with Arunachal Pradesh. Sarma announced that the centenary of the iconic singer’s birth in 2026 will be jointly celebrated by both states.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Minister of Cultural Affairs Disanglu Pul, Sports Minister Kento Jini, and several MLAs, military officials, and dignitaries were also present at the festival. The event showcased the rich traditions of the Galo tribe and served as a platform for reinforcing inter-state solidarity in the Northeast.

With culture as a unifying force and development as a shared goal, leaders expressed optimism about a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous future for the region.