DIMAPUR, Dec 19 - With a view to foster friendship and goodwill between the peoples of Assam and Nagaland, a three-day Mini Volleyball Sports Olympics was held at Medeluajan-Mithihe sector under Titabor subdivision in Jorhat district and Mithihe sector in the Changpang circle in Wokha district of Nagaland, from December 17.
Altogether 23 teams, including five girls� teams (three from Nagaland and two from Assam) participated in the tournament, which ended today.
Attending the event, chief adviser of the All Assam Students� Union Dr Samujjal Bhattacharyya said such initiatives should be replicated in all border areas to foster goodwill.
Lauding the Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) for its efforts in promoting friendly relations between the peoples of both the States and for helping ease tensions in the border areas, Dr Bhattacharyya particularly took note of Temsu Wathi Ao, convener, Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland), for his efforts and also the Naga Students� Federation for its support to the North East Students� Organisation.
�Sports and culture constitute a very good mechanism to usher in peace and help us understand each other,� he said adding AASU and NSF would take this peace model to other areas of the region.
The general secretary of the Naga Students� Federation, Boveio Poukai Duo, said the message of friendship and good neighbourly relations would surely help peace prevail in the border areas.
Bhaba Prasad Bora, president of the Border Peace Coordination Committee, appealed to all concerned to support the committee�s activities in ushering in peace along the Assam-Nagaland border.
The event was attended by public representatives from the neighbouring Naga villages of Akahuto, Aghautitu, Amboto (both old and new), Mithihe, Shevukhu, Ghoqheto, Azuhoto and Tssori (new and old), while a total of 14 border villages from Tengajan and Charaipani of Assam participated in what was hailed as a �peace assembly.�
The annual volleyball friendly is held at alternate venues in Assam and Nagaland.
A free eye check-up camp was also organised, sponsored by Chandra Prabha Eye Hospital, Jorhat. A total of 43 patients hailing from both sides of the border received treatment at the camp.
