Assam Mizoram Border Festival 2025 ‘attempts’ to strengthen unity and brotherhood

The Assam Mizoram Border Festival 2025 was held on Monday (November 24) in Dholai under the Cachar district with a message of peace, unity and brotherhood. The day-long festival was organised by the district administration to strengthen friendship between the people of the two neighbouring states and to promote harmony in the border region. This comes after the brutal inter-state attack on the Assam Police back in July 2021, where 6 Assam Police personnel lost their lives and many were injured. At today’s gathering, Deputy Commissioner of Kolasib Robert C Lalhmangaiha apologised and expressed their sadness.

The festival was inaugurated at 10 in the morning by the District Commissioner of Cachar, Mridul Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Kolasib, Mizoram, Robert C Lalhmangaiha, Member of Parliament, Silchar Parimal Suklabaidya and Dholai MLA Nihar Ranjan Das. Guests from both states were welcomed with traditional rituals, reflecting cultural exchange.

Speaking at the event, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of maintaining permanent peace in the border areas. They said that such festivals help reduce misunderstanding and build trust and cooperation between the people of both states.

During his address at the event, DC Kolasib Robert C Lalhmangaiha recalled the tense moments of the July 2021 Assam-Mizoram clash. He said that the incident was deeply worrying for everyone on both sides of the border and expressed his regret over the loss and suffering that took place. He stated, “We were very worried during that time, and we are sorry that such a thing happened.” He added that both states must work together so that such situations never arise again and peace is permanently restored.

Artists from Assam and Mizoram performed colourful traditional dances dressed in traditional attire. Folk music and dances showcased the rich culture of both states. Friendly football and volleyball matches among youths of the two states further strengthened unity through sports.

Various stalls displaying handicrafts, garments and traditional food items from both states were set up at the venue. Visitors enthusiastically explored the stalls and interacted with local artisans. Delegation teams from both states also visited the stalls and encouraged local entrepreneurship.

Speaking to the media, DC Cachar Mridul Yadav said that the festival was organised to promote unity, brotherhood and a feeling of belonging. He thanked the governments of Assam and Mizoram for supporting the initiative and expressed hope that the festival would continue in future years.

MP Silchar Parimal Suklabaidya stated that although Assam and Mizoram share a border and have distinct cultures and values, this festival aims to exchange ideas and learn from one another. He stated that the first such programme was held in Hailakandi, and this year it is being hosted in Cachar by District Commissioner Mridul Yadav. He added that India is one family made up of different cultures, castes, faiths and languages, yet united as Indians. He also mentioned that Cachar is home to many Mizo families.

DC Kolasib Robert C. Lalhmangaiha thanked the District Commissioner of Cachar for inviting him and other dignitaries from Mizoram. He spoke about future cooperation between the two states and districts. He said that any issues should be solved together and expressed hope that problems would not occur again. His remarks signalled a positive step towards ending interstate conflicts.

It may be recalled that in July 2021, a violent clash took place along the Assam-Mizoram border, which created a very tense situation between the two states. In that incident, six Assam Police personnel lost their lives, and several others, including the then Superintendent of Police of Silchar, Vaibhab Chandrakant Nimbalkar, were injured. After the painful episode of 2021. Since 2022, regular administrative meetings have helped both sides to move beyond past conflict and towards harmony.

The question remains, will this peace festival of 2025 become a hopeful step forward after the troubled history of 2021?