In a powerful demonstration of shared commitment to peace, the second edition of the Assam-Mizoram Border Festival 2025 was celebrated with remarkable grandeur on Monday at the Central Field of the Dholai Co-District Commissioner’s Office in Cachar.
Organized by the Cachar District Administration, this cultural convergence is more than just a festival—it is a crucial component of the ongoing, high-level efforts to de-escalate and resolve the long-standing, historically-rooted boundary dispute between the two neighbouring North Eastern states.
🕊️ Dignitaries Deliver Messages of Peace and Cooperation
The event drew a high-profile gathering, including a Mizoram delegation led by Kolasib Deputy Commissioner Shri Robert C. Lalhmangaiha and Assam dignitaries like Silchar MP Shri Parimal Suklabaidya and Cachar District Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS. Their addresses consistently focused on the necessity of moving forward together, directly referencing the need for harmony following past tensions.
Learning from the Past: Kolasib DC Shri Robert C. Lalhmangaiha pointedly emphasised the need to ensure that “past incidents are not repeated,” stressing the critical importance of effective communication and administrative cooperation to uphold peace and work together as responsible citizens. This is a direct reference to the severe border clashes, including the fatal violence in July 2021, which stemmed from the differing interpretations of the boundary.
The Unifying Identity: Silchar MP Shri Parimal Suklabaidya underscored the importance of unity, reminding everyone that “we are all Indians first.” He urged citizens and authorities to approach the future with a renewed mindset, leaving behind past challenges rooted in the conflicting colonial-era border demarcations. He highlighted that improved infrastructure like the upcoming four-lane highways would foster deeper engagement and stronger links across the disputed boundary.
Culture as Diplomacy: Dholai MLA Shri Nihar Ranjan Das highlighted that these cultural exchanges are pivotal in bringing people closer, helping to “erase past misunderstandings” and strengthen friendly ties, which are essential for lasting peace along the 164.6 km inter-state border.
📌 Context: Border Dispute Resolution Efforts
The hosting of this festival is a direct output of recent ministerial-level talks between Assam and Mizoram. Following the August 2024 ‘Goodwill Mission’ meeting in Aizawl, both governments issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to peace. Crucially, they agreed that “Joint Cultural and Sports festivals may be organised at frequent intervals by concerned administrative authorities of the inter-State border Districts… to promote and maintain peace and harmony.”
This Dholai festival, which is the second edition, is a testament to the administrative commitment to this dialogue and ‘status quo’ maintenance agreement, moving the process forward through people-to-people contact alongside official negotiations.
🎭 A Vibrant Display of Shared Culture
The political and administrative messages were reinforced by a dynamic cultural showcase, which saw troupes from Vairengte and Mamit (Mizoram) performing alongside traditional cultural groups from Assam, symbolizing a shared cultural lineage. The event also featured:
Economic Cooperation: Livelihood and handicraft stalls were set up by the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) and the Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MZSRLM), showcasing economic potential that transcends the boundary line.
Camaraderie in Sport: The day concluded with friendly football and volleyball matches, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation among the youth from both sides of the contested border.
The festival successfully served its intended purpose: to be a “symbol of goodwill, trust, and unity” that supports the official efforts to find an amicable, permanent resolution to the long-standing border issue.
