Arunachal can be developed as festival tourism state: CM

| From a correspondent |
NAMSAI, Feb 14: Arunachal Pradesh with its cultural mosaic and plethora of natural beauty, Chief Minister was of the opinion that there are ‘great’ possibilities to develop it as festival tourism state.
Addressing the auspicious occasion of 28th Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi festival here at Namgo model village, he said the “unique” dance, song, food and culture of Singpho community need to be preserved and protected for prosperity.
Tuki obsrved that with the coming up of Trans-Arunachal Highway project under PM’s package, a number of ongoing projects under SPA, Bharat Nirman, PMGSY and so forth the development scenario would be radically changed.
Urging the villagers to concentrate more on horticulture, agriculture and commercial mode of cultivation, the CM assured every possible help from his govt’s end to steer the development of Arunachal in order to make it one of front-ranking states in the country.
While suggesting the villagers to shun opium cultivation, he called for according priority to tea, rubber and self-sustainable agriculture to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people.
In response to a public memorandum, the CM promised to fulfill it according to priority after discussing with the state cabinet.
MP Takam Sanjoy, PWD, Finance & Planning Minister Chowna Mein, UD, Town Planning & Fisheries Minister Rajesh Tacho, Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena, Parliamentary Secretaries – Nido Pavitra, Karikho Kri, Kamlung Mosang, C T Mein and C C Singpho also joined in the celebration.
Earlier, the reverberating sound of gongs and drums made the atmosphere lively and welcomed every one who thronged the festival ground. The people from Singpho community, neatly clad in their traditional attire ‘sashay’ danced to the tune of music around the massive altar developed in the mid of the festival ground to showcase the unique culture of the festivity. Different stalls, huts of Mishmi, Singpho and Khamptis were put up in the ground to display the ‘richness’ of the tribes.
The Chief Minister also participated in the 42nd Tamla-Du festival celebration at Medo. In his message, he said the celebration of festival brings together people of all categories under one umbrella. “The rich culture is the strength and identity of the Mishmi community which have to preserve. The festival is also a season to disseminate the message to protect our rich flora and fauna which is closely associated to our tribe,” he opined.
Citing peace a prerequisite for development, the CM assured to give top priority to solve the growing menace of kidnapping and extortion reported in the district.