Guwahati: The Arunachal Indigenous Forum has come under criticism over a social media post that excludes Assam from the traditional “Seven Sisters” of Northeast India and portrays the state in a negative manner.
The post describes Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura as the “Six Sisters”, while Assam is shown separately as a snake. The graphic accuses Assam of trying to take the land and resources of neighbouring states and portrays the state as dominant and unfriendly.
The organisation has also promoted the idea of an alternative route through Bhutan to connect Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, claiming that such connectivity would reduce dependence on Assam and help avoid road blockades and other difficulties.
The post has drawn criticism from sections of the public, who have questioned the organisation’s decision to link connectivity concerns with negative messaging against Assam.
Critics said that demands for alternative roads or transport corridors can be discussed as part of infrastructure and regional development, but portraying an entire state negatively can create misunderstanding and hostility among neighbouring communities.
They also pointed out that Assam is an integral part of the Northeast’s traditional “Seven Sisters”, and deliberately excluding the state from the grouping while depicting it as an adversary could affect the sense of regional unity.
The post has therefore raised concerns over the possible impact of such narratives on peace, social harmony and relations among the northeastern states.
