Itanagar: Amid the thunderous beatings of log-drums and piercing war cries, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday showered praise on the state’s Wancho community for preserving their indigenous culture in its true form for generations.
Joining the Oriah festival of the Wancho community at Longding – the Wancho heartland – as the chief guest, Khandu lauded the rich, colorful and vibrant culture that exuberates during one of the most joyous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.
Reiterating his call for cultural preservation, the Chief Minister, in his address to the gathering, said, “Yes, we need development and modern way of life, but in the race for development, we should not loss our culture proudly followed and practiced by our forefathers.”
Citing the presence of Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces in the district, Khandu suggested that they along with the District Administration join together to celebrate local festivals, which he said will add to the festival’s colour and create bonhomie between the people and the forces.
“Next Oriah I hope to see people thronging Army and CAPF stalls,” he said.
Khandu also lauded the Wanchos for displaying supreme patriotism by serving in the Armed Forces in large numbers.
Paying rich tributes to Rifleman Longdon Wangsu of 16 Assam Rifles, who was martyred in Imphal recently, the CM announced that regular Group-C jobs would be given to next of kin (NOK) of all indigenous martyrs henceforth. Referring to the forthcoming Budget session, the Chief Minister, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister in-charge of Finance, Chowna Mein, assured that “Budget 2022-23 will be a game changer.”
“There is no dearth of funds by the blessings of the central leadership. Our focus is on empowering the youths, who are the future of our state. This Budget will be different and inclusive,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Khandu dedicated a dozen projects to the people of the district. These include Longding Circuit House, Circle Office at Longchan, newly-constructed police stations at Pongchau, Lawnu, Tissa and Wakka; upgraded Longding Police Station, a new District Hospital at Longding, Primary Health Center at Lawnu, model Anganwadi center at Kanubari, auditorium of Longding Govt Hr Sec School and a Tribal Cultural Center at Longding.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the BJP party office at Longding. Present on the occasion were his Deputy Chowna Mein, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, Education Minister Taba Tedir, RWD Minister Honchun Ngandam, State BJP president Biyuram Wahge, local legislator Tanpho Wangnow, Kanubari MLA Gabriel D Wangsu, DGP Satish Golcha and others.
