Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has stressed the need to preserve and promote the age-old traditional system, practices and rituals of the tribal communities residing in the state.
Attending the Tamla-Du festival of the Mishmi tribe at Wakro in Lohit district on Monday, Mein called upon the youth to remain conscious of their rich culture and ethos to carry it forward.
“Against the backdrop of the attenuating influence of our tribal culture, it is important that our age-old traditional heritage is protected and preserved,” Chowna Mein said.
He said that the state government would facilitate the preservation of cultural identity to keep alive the age-old culture and traditions of tribal communities.
The Centre has sanctioned Rs. 37.87 crore for the development of the Parshuram Kund, a pilgrimage site in Lohit district.
“Parshuram Kund, one of the most sacred places, is visited by a large number of pilgrims throughout the year and its up-gradation will boost the sources of livelihood of the locals and lead to the socio-economic development of the area,” the deputy chief minister said.
Advocating ‘vocal for local’, Mein called upon the district administration to promote Parshuram Mela to showcase the rich legacy of indigenous products including handicrafts, handlooms, and other produce of the various tribal communities to boost the economic activities of the area.
While congratulating the newly-elected PRI members of his constituency, Mein sought their cooperation and contribution for the development of the district.
He announced that he would leave no stone unturned in the development of the area.
Lauding the idea mooted by Lohit DC Marge Sora to create and develop green belts in the district, Mein declared to convert the area near the Kongmu Kham (Golden Pagoda) in Namsai district into a green belt.
Mein urged the DC to put a blanket ban on fishing and hunting in the district for a period of one year so that the resources can be replenished.
He also appealed to the gathering to shoulder responsibility for protecting and preserving natural vegetation, wildlife, rivers and aquatic life.