Silchar: Cachar and Jiribam deputy commissioners and district administration officials held a first-ever co-ordination meeting here on Wednesday.

Deputy inspector-general (southern range) Akhilesh Kumar Singh told reporters after the meeting that the main objective was to develop cordial relations between Assam and Manipur and chalk out plans to solve various issues like militant or insurgent activities, illegal drugs-related matters and other crimes.

Besides these, the other objectives are to develop cultural exchange and sports-related activities between the two states, Singh added.

Cachar deputy commissioner S. Lakshmanan applauded the initiative by the two state governments (Assam and Manipur) and said both the district administrations (Cachar and Jiribam) would "collectively work to strengthen the bond between the two states".

He requested the district administration officials as well as the citizens of Manipur to attend the Namami Barak festival to be held in the three Barak Valley districts of south Assam - Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi - from November 18 to 20.

Jiribam deputy commissioner Robert Singh Kshetrimayum assured his Cachar counterpart of full co-operation from the district administration in all the vital issues.

"It is a good initiative by the governments" to hold such a meeting which can help solve chronic issues related to both the states," Jiribam superintendent of police Mubi Moirangthem said.

Security in Jiribam, especially in the border areas, is being intensified in order to thwart various criminal activities, he added.

Jiribam, in the westernmost boundary of Manipur and adjoining the Cachar district of Assam, is around 50km from here.

Moirangthem said two boats with security personnel have been deployed at certain locations along the Barak river to prevent transport of drugs, particularly ganja.

All the areas of concern will be taken into consideration and necessary steps will be taken to develop an affable bond between the states, he added.