Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has called for better cooperation between the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, especially amongst those residing along the inter-state boundary, for overall and speedy development of the region.
Tuki was addressing a huge gathering of people in Boginadi in Assam's Lakhimpur District today, while attending a blood donation camp organized by NGOs North East Socio-Cultural Organization (NESCO) and Jankalyan to commemorate the 29th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Both the organizations were founded by Dr.Ranee Narah, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, who hails from the area.
Connecting with the people in chaste Assamese, Tuki cited Arunachal Pradesh and Assam as siblings, and called for coordination, as seen in a family for all developmental projects.
"We are family, and therefore, our needs and aspirations are interlinked. We have to work and live together as siblings for achieving our common goals, which are peace and progress," he said.
Tuki pointed that the region has all the potentials to become a major hub of activities, including tourism. He, however, regretted the mushrooming of unions and organizations, which trigger frequent bandh calls, agitations and strikes, and ultimately, hamper the developmental process.
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Without naming any organization, Tuki observed that it is the duty of elders and peers to understand and resolve genuine concerns and demands of agitators. He appealed to organizations to discard the practice of agitations and strikes, and resolve all issues through dialogues and better communication.
"We all have issues....we should help each other to resolve these," he said.
Taking advantage of the presence of Union Minister Dr Narah - playing the perfect hostess - Tuki thanked the people for electing her to Parliament.
"With you (Dr. Narah) in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, our aspirations - as tribals - have grown more. We hope that you will justify the opportunity offered by bringing in developmental projects and schemes for the progress and welfare of the tribal people of the region," he said.
He also lauded Dr. Narah for her philanthropic services through her NGOs. Wishing her for her birthday - which incidentally is today - he expressed hope that besides her political activities, she would continue her philanthropic works and bring succor to the needy.
Tuki also hailed the volunteers, who thronged the camp to donate blood, saying donating blood is one of the most pious services to humanity.
"Ek baar blood donate korile...gotey jibonor pap belak ulay jabo (donating blood will wash away all your accumulated sins)," he added to a loud cheer from the people.
Also present on the occasion were Agriculture Minister Setong Sena, Urban Development Minister Rajesh Tacho, Parliamentary Secretary (UD) Padi Richo, APCC Secretary Likha Tongum and others.
Meanwhile, while returning, Tuki and his colleagues visited the offices of the Deputy Resident Commissioner (DRC) at Lilabari and interacted with state government employees posted there. He also inspected the dilapidated Lilabari Circuit House and the Inspection Bungalow at Lakhimpur, which too is in a worn-out condition.