Galos and Misings sign Likabali Declaration

A peace agreement has been signed by the apex bodies of Galos and Misings to curb conflict and tension along the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary.

The peace deal was inked at Likabali on June 30 between the Galo Welfare Society (GWS), representing the Galo community of Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and Mising Bane Kebang (MBK), representing the Mising community of Dhemaji district of Assam, a press release said.

The meeting was in continuation of the peace effort initiated at Dirpai, Gogamukh on June 13 after a minor skirmish between the Galos of Hime village and Misings of Dirpai on June 7, the release said.

Observing that both Mising and Galos share a common ancestor, the Likabali declaration reached an agreement between the GWS and MBK to constitute a Galo-Mising Coordination Committee (GMCC), the release said.

It was also agreed that the GMCC, with its own president and general secretary on rotation basis, would sort out any dispute between individuals of both communities residing along the inter-state boundaries through dialogue and without or minimal interference from the administration, the release said.

The GMCC would also act as a medium for promoting brotherhood, cultural exchanges, facilitate celebration of pan festivals such as Ali Aye Ligang and Mopin, promote trade and commerce along the inter-state boundary and facilitate formation of a research and development committee to propagate the rich cultural and ancestral history of both the communities.

Another significant point in the Likabali Decalaration was the agreement between the representatives of the two communities to mutually recognise and respect the possession rights over respective land and property.

Both the sides agreed that there would be no act of tresspass or encroachment.

The declaration also called for the GWS and MBK to uphold the decisions taken in the Gogamukh meeting on June 13, wherein it was agreed that both the organisations would come to the aid of each other and protect one another from prejudice and discrimination in their respective areas of authority.

The GWS was represented by its president Mitum Boje and general secretary Minge Loyi, while the MBK was represented by its president Paramananda Chayengia (also Mising Autonomous Council chief executive councillor) and general secretary Raju Medok.

Lawmakers from both the states including Nari-Koyu MLA Kento Rina, Likabali MLA Kardo Nyicyor -- both representing Arunachal Pradesh -- and Dhemaji (Assam) MLA Bhuban Pegu who were present on the occasion endorsed the declaration, a press release informed here today.

Endorsing the move by the GWS and the MBK, the legislators hoped that the coming together of the two communities in pursuit of peaceful co-existence would set a positive trend and become a model for others to emulate.