Arunachal CM calls for preservation of tribal cultures 

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has asserted that his government is committed to preserve the vibrant culture of various tribal communities in the state.

He attended the golden jubilee celebration of the Si-Donyi festival of the Tagin community at Daporijo in Upper Subansiri district on Saturday and said the state government has been working steadfastly to protect indigenous culture.

Expressing gratitude to the festival organising committee for inviting him to join the celebration along with Union Earth Science Minister Kiren Rijiju, Khandu said he has taken note of suggestions provided by the Tagin Cultural Society for the preservation of vibrant Tagin culture and identity.

“The Si Donyi celebration has brought alive the profound connection with our indigenous culture. We will steadfastly work on it, as we should not erode our culture with changing times,” the chief minister said.

Laying the foundation stone for the Si Donyi festival ground on the occasion, Khandu asked the authorities to design it in such a way that the entire complex showcases the rich, vibrant tradition and cultural heritage of the Tagin community.

Khandu lauded the people for supporting developmental projects initiated by the state and central governments, which, he claimed, have changed the overall scenario of the district.

Talking about connectivity, he said that a portion of the Trans Arunachal Highway that will connect the district with the rest of the state will be completed by April this year, according to a CMO communiqué.

“Those executing the project have informed me that the road will be completed within the next two months and one bridge on the highway will be ready by April,” Khandu said.

The government has proposed to establish an airport near Dumporijo, he said.

The chief minister expressed optimism that once the highway is through and the airport becomes functional, the district will witness a boom in economic activities.