Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema
Khandu appreciated all MLAs for their contribution in development of the
significant religious place and exhorted Khamptis and Monpas to preserve their
culture and script.
He was attending the annual Shar
Amartala Torgya Festival at the Thegtse Sangye Choi Long monastery at Balemu, a
small hamlet at the trijunction of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Bhutan in West
Kameng district.
The religious festival, being organised under
the patronage and blessings of Padmashree Thegtse Rinpoche, was thronged by
devotees in huge number.
Praising all the MLAs of West Kameng and
Tawang districts for responding positively to his appeal, CM Khandu expressed, “Being
Monpas it is our duty to contribute in whatever possible way to develop a
monastery, which has a religious significance for us.”
The CM expressed special gratitude to
Union Earth Science Minister Kiren Rijiju, Buragaon-Thrizino MLA Kumsi Sidisow
and Bomdila MLA Dongru Siongju for their generous contribution despite being non-Monpas.
Khandu, who inaugurated the Mindrol Wang
Thri Khang Zang Gatsal or the Dharma Teaching Stage of the monastery, expressed
gratitude to Thegtse Rinpoche for reviving the lost religious glory of Amartala
(Balemu) by initiating to open the study centre for the preservation of
Buddhist culture.
“We the Mon people have been following
Buddhism for centuries. It is our culture. And we must preserve this culture
for posterity and maintain our indigenous identity,” he said.
Urging the younger generation to learn
their local script, he shared, “Khamptis and Monpas are lucky to have their
script, which is now being taught in the schools. We are working along with
community-based organizations of rest of the communities to evolve their script
if possible or use the Roman script to teach indigenous languages to our young
kids so that we always remain connected to our roots.”
Khandu also informed that for the Mon
region, teachers are being recruited to teach the Bhoti script (of the Monpas)
in schools.
Talking about the developmental projects
in the Balemu area and Kalaktang subdivision, Khandu said the area, being the
gateway to Arunachal Pradesh from the western-most part of the State, has a
huge tourism potential for growth.
He noted Balemu, like almost all
foothill areas of the State, remained under-developed due to “insurgency” and
praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in controlling the issue in neighbouring
Assam and restoring peace.
Khandu also mentioned that the
inter-state boundary issue with Assam has been almost resolved due to the
support of the Central Government.
“We have proposed to develop all entry
points to our State, including Balemu and Bhalukpong in West Kameng district,
with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to welcome tourists and
give them a feeling of awe for the treasure trove that is waiting for them
further into Arunachal Pradesh,” he revealed.
Referring to the serpentine road with multiple
twists and turns from Balemu towards Kalatang and beyond (OKSRT road), Khandu
informed that the road by BRO was built on the old alignment of the yesteryear’s
NEC road.
“We have taken up with the BRO and have
proposed a new alignment that will start from the Balemu bridge point and go
along the river to Kalaktang. This will be about 25-26 km shorter than the
existing road and would be a huge relief for travellers going to Kalaktang,
Shergaon, Rupa, Bomdila, Dirang or Tawang,” he said.
Responding to a request by the Rimpoche,
Khandu assured sanction for the installation of a 100 KVA distribution
transformer in Balemu, a 63 KVA generator set and high-mast lights for the
monastery, fencing for the Cultural Center, and a Guest House.
He also assured extension and
upgradation of the festival ground.
Present on the occasion were MLAs Phurpa
Tsering, Kumsi Sidesow, Dorjee Wangdi Kharma, Dongru Siongju, Tsering Tashi and
Tsering Lhamu along with district administration officials, Panchayati raj
leaders and others.
NE Watch Desk
