Abo-Tani Clan Organization demands DATCA, rejects MAR & PAC demand

ITANAGAR: The Abo-Tani Clan Organization (ATCO) on Monday appealed to the entire Tani clan legislators to place the demand for creation of the 'Department of Abo-Tani Traditional & Cultural Affairs' (DATCA) during the ensuing State Legislative Assembly session scheduled to be held from August 27.

Addressing the media at the Press Club here, ATCO president Tapa Ruji informed that though the organization has already completed all the formalities for the creation of DATCA yet the file is still put on hold or is "under process" in the office of the State Chief Secretary. He added that despite seeking appointment to appraise the matter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the organization was never invited.

"If the State government does not fulfill our demand, we will go for a peaceful rally in the days to come. But the organization will not go for any kind of bandh calls which affects the entire people of the State," he said.

He posed, "If the districts of Tawang and West Kameng can have the Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs, why is the State government reluctant on the creation of DATCA?"

"The DATCA can be a platform to preserve the traditional, cultural, age-old practices of the Tani clan," he pointed out. Meanwhile, the ATCO also rejected the demand of autonomous district councils, terming it as a move to benefit selective districts in the State. The organization said that the State government should rather focus on scrapping the unfavorable laws which does not serve the interest of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier, the ATCO submitted a memorandum to the CM, Chief Secretary and Governor of the State rejecting the demands to form the Mon Autonomous Region (MAR), and the Patkai Autonomous Council (PAC) as well as the immediate creation of DATCA.

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