Jowai, July 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the Behdieñkhlam festival in Jaintia Hills on Thursday as chief guest and conveyed greetings of peace and friendship from Assam to the people of Meghalaya.
Speaking to media persons at the sidelines, Sarma said he was attending the festival to strengthen ties between the two states.
“I have given a message of goodwill from the state of Assam to our brothers in Meghalaya and most specifically to the brothers and sisters of Jaintia Hills. I convey my lots of good wishes and I pray for the success of the festival,” he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke about his experience at the festival and expressed interest in participating more closely in the future.
“I will come again and I will also join the festival and I will also jump in the pond. I will definitely come back,” Sarma said.
During the programme, a ceremonial sword was presented to the Assam Chief Minister. Inscribed on its cover were the words, “The sword that carves a path to peace”.
Sarma witnessed the traditional display of over 13 rots at Aitnar as part of the Behdeinkhlam celebrations.
The festival, observed with traditional fervour in Jaintia Hills, is dedicated to the eradication of diseases and the well-being of the community.
The visit comes at a time when both Assam and Meghalaya are working to resolve pending border issues through dialogue, with leaders from both states stressing the importance of maintaining cordial relations.
