Sports is a Tool to Defuse Tension Between States

Guwahati, Feb 12 : Sports spread the feelings of brotherhood and unity. Here in Northeast sports is being used as an initiative to sort out border disputes between Assam and Nagaland.

Recently a friendship volleyball match was organized to defuse the prevailing tension among border villagers of both states.

Tirwal Bhata Gaon near Assam-Nagaland Border was the venue for a Friendship volleyball match. All together six teams, three from each state participated in the daylong event. he aim was not to compete for cash or medals but for the restoration of permanent peace and harmony and resolve the dispute between the Nagaland and the Assam.

"We have to reinforce amity between Nagaland and Assam. Here, amity already prevails but sometimes differences appear. Holding a friendship match between the players and villagers of both sides will strengthen harmony," said N Dutta, Organizing Committee chairman. Since 2003, the tournament has been held in both the states alternatively held in Assam this time, the guest teams from Nagaland were led by village chairman, Church Pastors and Gaon Boras.

They all supported creating amity and mutual understanding between the people of Assam and Nagaland. "Peace we cannot purchase by money. This should be the initiative so that we all could come together in harmony and live in peace.

Because of the separation and because of the traditional differences we are different, otherwise we are one," said C WATI, pastor, Nagaland.

"Our dignity our identities and our lifestyles are one. The only thing we should come together in heart. Unity and relationship should not be words. It should be in deeds," he added.

Sports brought together the people of two states and such initiatives can play an important role in creating harmony in the region.