TEMI : In a bid to strengthen inter-state cooperation and promote sustainable tourism, the Temi-Namphing Assembly Constituency of Sikkim and the Mebo Assembly Constituency of Arunachal Pradesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish themselves as Sister Constituencies for a period of three years.
The agreement was signed by Temi-Namphing MLA Bedu Singh Panth and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng on the sidelines of the 1st International Agro-Tourism Festival 2026 held at Temi in South Sikkim.
The partnership aims to foster quality tourism, cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and sustainable tourism practices between the two regions while creating opportunities for economic growth and stronger people-to-people ties.
Tayeng, who attended the festival along with a delegation from the 39-Mebo Assembly Constituency, described the agreement as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between the two northeastern states.
He said the partnership would pave the way for greater collaboration in tourism development, cultural promotion and community-driven initiatives, while enabling both regions to showcase their unique heritage, natural landscapes and traditional knowledge systems.
The Arunachal legislator also lauded Sikkim’s tourism model, saying the state had set an example in balancing development with environmental conservation through responsible tourism practices.
There was much to learn from Sikkim’s experience in eco-tourism, community participation and destination management, he said.
Tayeng further said stronger cooperation between hill and border regions could help develop integrated tourism circuits, improve visitor experiences and generate livelihood opportunities for local youth.
The International Agro-Tourism Festival was inaugurated by Sikkim Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa and attended by Gelephu Mindfulness City Mayor Tshering Norbu from Bhutan and Jhapa Mayor Manoj Parchai from Nepal.
Organisers said the Sister Constituency initiative would facilitate the exchange of best practices in tourism development, agro-tourism, cultural promotion and community-based enterprises, further strengthening ties between Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
