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.
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