Government to encourage inter-tribe marriages: Tuki

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Ziro (Aruchal), September 20: Aruchal Pradesh Chief Minister bam Tuki on Sunday witnessed the historic accord signed between the communities of Nyishi and Apatani here at a conglomeration of hundreds of members of both the communities as well as members of various community-based organizations from across the state.

The accord signed – a trendsetter for other communities to take a cue – is unique and historic and an agreement between the two neighbours for peaceful coexistence, brotherhood and social harmony.

“Today is the beginning of a new era of peaceful coexistence and social harmony. Let this message go out to the world and let other communities learn that if there is will there will be peace,” said Tuki while addressing people on the special occasion.

The Chief Minister lauded the leaders of Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and Tani Supum Dukum (TSD), apex social bodies of the Nyishis and Apatanis respectively, for coming together with the idea and fostering a bond between the two communities that will be socially binding on each and every member of the communities. He especially lauded the tireless efforts put in by NES President Bengia Tulom and Dr Hage Loder, President, TSD.

Tuki said people with hatred and violence in the me of caste, creed and community constitute only one percent of the population.

“And with such social sanction provided by the accord these one percent people would be overpowered and no petty differences or disputes ever would take a commul colour,” he said.

Tuki viewed the accord as an example that needs to be followed for commul and social harmony between tribes of the state, particularly those living in close proximity of each other. Such understandings will not only prevail peace and bonhomie but also push accelerated development in the region.

He cited the example of similar accords signed by the NES with the Bodos of Assam and Akas of West Kameng. He pointed after the agreements all differences between the Nyishis and the Bodos along the interstate boundary are resolved peacefully and thus there is a feeling of goodwill and peace.

Same is the case with Akas and now the Nyishis and Apatanis have come together to create an atmosphere of understanding, love and caring,” Tuki added.

Inter community exchanges and mingling are pre-requisite for peaceful coexistence, the Chief Minister asserted and informed that the state government will encourage inter-tribe marriages by rewarding such couples with Rs 50 thousand.

Talking on the developmental front, Tuki said that Ziro – rated as second after Shillong in terms of tourist visits in the northeast – can surpass Shillong and sought people’s support and cooperation to attain the same. As the Ziro valley has almost saturated with regards to expansion of township, Tuki asked the people to consult with the administration, their leaders, elders and forward a proposal for expansion to the government. He assured full support to the proposal.

Tuki, who had travelled by road to Ziro from Itagar, also lamented on the road condition.

“I, as the representative of the Government, am also guilty. This road shouldn’t have been what it is but due to many factors maintence of the road could been carried out on time. But I assure that I will do my best to arrange maintence funds and improve the condition of the road,” he said.

Earlier, the historic accord with eight resolutions was signed by Bengia Tulom, president NES, and Dr Hage Loder, president TSD with witnesses signing from both the communities.

The event was attended by a conglomeration of legislators, leaders, intellectuals, gaon buras and villagers from both the communities.