A peace coordination meeting was held in the foothills adjoining Akumen Village (Lirmen-C) of Mokokchung district of Nagaland and Aligaon in Jorhat district of Assam organised by the Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) on February 24, 2024. The BPCC (A-N) programme was chaired by president of BPCC (A-N) Jiten Buragohain.
At the outset of the meeting, the chairperson shared the sad demise of late Z Toshi Jamir, BPCC (A-N) secretary designate from Nagaland side who died last year after a brief illness.
Late Toshi Jamir hailed from Yajang-C village (Nagaland). In honour of his memory, the house observed one-minute silence to mourn for the departed member followed by exchanging pleasantries among the members.
The president welcomed all the members and sought everyone’s cooperation for running the meeting smoothly and successfully. Er Temsu Wathi, coordinator of BPCC (A-N) encouraged everyone and introduces Pobon Gogoi of Medeluajan for his outstanding contribution for the cause of friendship and brotherhood. This was followed by self-introduction from the members of both Assam and Nagaland side.
O Sangpang of Saringyim the vice president of the BPCC (A-N) spoke for the cause of fraternity. He narrated how BPCC (A-N) has established peace in Saringyim and Naganijan border conflict through sincerity and dedication since 2013. N Likok Pongen a senior foundering member of BPCC (A-N) from Aosendenyim spoke at length about the journey and attainment of BPCC (A-N). He stressed that if people from both sides are united, critical problems can be resolved if we have true sense of goodwill. Purnananda Gogoi of Gabharoo Aligaon, also a senior member of BPCC (A-N), strongly spoke for peace and tranquillity. Villlage Panchayat president of Gabharoo Aligaon urged to develop peace and harmony at any cost for the larger interest of both Assam and Nagaland.
Pobon Gogoi of Medeluajan, an active social worker and also a member of BPCC (A-N) shared how they are working tirelessly by maintaining peaceful atmosphere in the border. He said to encourage unity and cooperation between the two sides they are organising sports meet annually. Pulin Handiqui BPCC (A-N) member from Mariani sector suggested for inclusion of womenfolk in the BPCC (A-N) to strengthen its mission for the cause of harmony. Village Council Chairman Chungtiayimsen Purtemsu Kichu said that BPCC (A-N) is working very hard for promotion of peace in the border region. BPCC member Amal mIli advocated that there is no option but to work for peace and goodwill.
In his speech, the coordinator, BPCC (A-N) welcomed some of the new members to its fold. He thanked the members for their dedication and selflessly working in their respective zones for harnessing Peace towards the people living in the border. Peace cannot be purchased but it is earned through one's devotion in understanding humankind with love and sharing, the coordinator retorted.
He also informed that the committee was communicating with schools located either sides of the border by organising cultural, social and educational activities, organising camps for days in the hills especially at Tzurangkong where Govt. High School Tzurangkong students can be involved with the students of High Schools located at border fringes in the plains. The head masters and a few teachers from Bongshi Gopal and Jungle Block Government High Schools were also invited and participated in this meet for students’ exchange program.
The house unanimously resolved to further strengthen the on-going activities through Games & Sports, Cultural exchange programmes etc. in the border fringes involving the people from either side as being practised now. BPCC (A-N) applauded the Medeluajan-Methihe-Tssori sector for meaningfully organising the Foothills Volleyball Tournament (FVBT) activities for the last many years.
Proposing the vote of thanks, the coordinator thanked the media team of Assam Flash led by Riyarani Dutta and her team for covering the audio-video footage of the event, Jayanta Barua, spokesperson of BPCC (A-N) for sponsoring all the banners for the event and the gathering members for their active participation and concern.
Fifty-seven BPCC (A-N) executive members from Tssori Old & New, Changpang, Amboto, Aghautito, Methihe,Tsurangkong area and Lower Japukong range villages from Nagaland sector along with the members from Borhulla, Bekajan, Medeluajan, Mariani sector up to Selenghat participated in the meet.
