The Galo Welfare Society (GWS) honoured Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu here on Friday at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre for his contribution towards functionalization of Lower Siang district and creation of Lepa Rada district.
In a thanks-giving ceremony organized to commemorate the functioning of the two districts by the government of Arunachal, Deputy Speaker Tumke Bagra on behalf of GWS presented the Chief Minister with a ‘citation of gratitude’.
The GWS in its citation remembered former chief minister late Dorjee Khandu who had made the commitment for creation of Lepa Rada district in December 2008. With the functionalization of Lower Siang district and creation of the new district, the society extended its sincere appreciation of the chief minister’s commitment to the Galo community.
The GWS member in their speech appreciated Khandu for bravery award to former DSP late Bomto Kamdak, establishment of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, opening of Jomde Kena Memorial College at Lower Siang, establishment of Staff Selection Board and for creation of Dept of Indigenous Affairs.
He said initially there might be hiccups in running these districts smoothly for infrastructure, manpower shortages and other challenges but these can be overcome if the people cooperate with the government in right earnest. He assured all support and funding for successful functioning of the two districts.
Khandu said the creation of the districts is a part of ongoing developmental initiatives taken up by his government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the centre so that the fruit of development reaches nook and corners. He underscored the importance of selfless devotion by leaders for development of the state and said that the leader must not cling to the post and should be able to sacrifice his position if it is required for the greater interest of the people.
In his speech Union MoS Home Kiren Rijiju said while touring length and breadth of the vast undivided West Siang district, he always felt that it was a kind of injustice to the people of the area not being granted their demand of district reorganization. With the creation of Lower Siang and Lepa Rada districts, the government has fulfilled the long pending aspiration of Galo people and done away with the injustice. He assured his full cooperation for the development of the newly created districts.
Arunachal tourism minister Jarkar Gamlin requested the CM for giving further support from the government so that the newly created districts could be developed into model districts.
Earlier, the chairman of the organizing committee Tomo Basar welcomed the guests and GWS president JM Boje while giving background of the ceremony profusely thanked the CM, his cabinet colleagues and all MLAs.