YATDAM, Nov 10: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who graced the Silver Jubilee celebration of Yatdam circle in Changlang district today, inaugurated a slew of infrastructure development projects in the region to mark the occasion.
Extending his warm greetings to the people of Yatdam, Yankang, Jongrom and neighbouring villages, Mein said the Silver Jubilee was an opportunity to remember the pioneers, honour the sacrifices of earlier generations and celebrate the unity and collective efforts that shaped Yatdam over the past 25 years.
As part of the Silver Jubilee celebration, the Dy CM along with the State Assembly Speaker, and MLAs laid the foundation stone for the Silver Jubilee Park at Yatdam and inaugurated several important developmental projects. These included the Hydro Power Division Office, two Type-III (G+1) residential quarters for the executive engineer, Power and Hydro Power, Water Resources Division Office, two Type-III (G+1) residential quarters for the WRD, and the Community Weaving Centre at Yatdam.
He also inaugurated a 20-bedded hostel building at Govt Sec School, Yankang.
These amenities, along with existing establishments such as the Electrical Division, APEDA Division, Primary Health Centre and Multipurpose Hall, will further strengthen administrative infrastructure, improve public service delivery, promote traditional weaving and provide better facilities for students and government personnel.
On the occasion, Mein also paid tribute to Late Wangnia Pongte, former Minister, for his significant contributions towards the establishment of Yatdam circle, recognition of the Tutsa community as a Scheduled Tribe and the political and administrative development of the region. He also remembered Late Somngak Songthing and other prominent personalities for their contributions to the social and cultural development of the Tutsa community.
The Dy CM also remembered the land donors of Jongrom and Yankang villages, particularly Late Pahang Kanglom and Monjut Kungkho, whose generousity and sacrifice made the establishment of Yatdam circle headquarters possible. He also acknowledged the contributions of former administrators, public representatives, teachers, health workers and government officials who have played an important role in the region’s development.
Highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Tutsa community, Mein emphasized the importance of preserving traditional practices, customs and festivals passed down through generations. He noted that traditional community practices such as Sikum, Jungruh, Jungchu, Chupbeytum and Wosok, along with festivals (Kuh) like Ronghon, Kungtom and Jattan, reflect the community’s deep-rooted relationship with nature and its collective cultural identity. He also underscored the importance of preserving traditional heritage sites such as the Woiso Sum traditional salt well.
The Dy CM appreciated the leadership and continued efforts of State Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte towards the development and welfare of the people of Yatdam and the surrounding region. He also called upon the younger generation to pursue education, develop their skills, preserve their cultural identity and actively contribute to the development of their communities.
Emphasising the way forward, he said that greater attention will be continued to be given to education, healthcare, road connectivity, employment opportunities and public services while safeguarding the rich traditions and cultural values of the Tutsa community.
The establishment of Yatdam Circle Headquarters in 2001, formally inaugurated on 11 April 2001 by the then Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, marked a significant milestone in bringing administration and public services closer to the people.
The event, hosted by the Speaker, was also attended by MLAs - Zingnu Namchoom (Namsai), Wanglam Sawin (Khonsa East), Laisam Simai (Nampong), Hamjong Tangha (Changlang South), Remjung Jugli (ZPC Changlang), Kirli Padu (Superintendent of Police Changlang), and Marpe Riba (ADC) among others. (Dy CM’s media cell)