Guwahati, 13 August (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday appealed to people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to maintain peace and harmony amid tensions following a recent firing incident in Gogamukh area of Assam’s Dhemaji district along the inter-state border.

The incident has triggered protests in Assam, with people demanding strict action against those responsible. Around 11 people are reported to have been injured in the firing.

Senior officials and the leadership of both states have remained in constant contact to control the situation. The two Chief Ministers have also been making public appeals for people to maintain peace.

In a social media post, Sarma said the relationship between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is not limited to their shared boundary. He said people of both states have lived together for generations with affection, mutual respect and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.

He said most of the border-related issues between the two states have been resolved through dialogue and friendship, with the issue involving 52 villages remaining. Both governments will continue talks with the same friendly and cordial approach to resolve the remaining dispute completely.

“Borders define the geographical boundaries of two states, but they do not affect the bonds between the hearts of neighbours,” Sarma said, while making a sincere appeal to the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to maintain peaceful and harmonious relations.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash