ITANAGAR, Oct 25: The 29th Chindang Festival of the Sajolang community was celebrated at Tippi in West Kameng district, with community leaders calling for stronger inter-community bonds, preservation of cultural traditions and focused development of the border-dwelling community.
State Medicinal Plants Board Chairman Goruk Pordung attended the festival as chief guest, while ZPM Prem Norbu Phinye was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Pordung said the creation of Bichom district fulfilled a long-standing aspiration that he had pursued during his tenure as MLA. He said that although he could not return as an MLA this time, he remained committed to the development of the Sajolang community.
He appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to provide a special development package for the community, noting that the Sajolangs inhabit border areas and require focused support.
He said developing the newly created district and its headquarters would take time and stressed that district formation alone would not ensure prosperity without better access to education, employment, transportation and economic opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Siongju said the participation of people from different tribal communities reflected the spirit of unity and brotherhood. He urged them to sustain the tradition of celebrating festivals together and strengthen their bonds.
Phinye called for mutual respect among Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse tribal communities, noting that despite differences in customs and traditions, they share common aspirations. He said administrative boundaries should not weaken longstanding relationships and encouraged people to participate in one another’s festivals.
He also urged leaders to work with commitment, acknowledge the contributions of their workers and avoid divisions based on district boundaries or community identities.
Among those present were GKBA general secretary Er Harang Sonam, organising chairman Tsering Khonjuju, organising secretary Bima Khonjuju and former Sajolang Elite Society president Er Aju Khonjuju, among others.