KHONSA, Nov 28: A community hall was dedicated in memory of former minister, late Wangnia Pongte at Katang, the circle headquarter of Bari-Basip administrative circle.
The dedication was held by Khonsa East MLA cum Chairman Arunachal Pradesh Medicinal Plant Board, Wanglam Sawin and Changlang MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary DoTCL, Tesam Pongte.
Late Wangnia was the first graduate, first gazetted officer and the first elected representative to the Arunachal Legislative Assembly from Tutsa Community. He is also known as father of the Tutsa community.
Addressing the gathering, Sawin said that this is a small gift to the departed soul and it is with his blessings that the All Tutsa Welfare Society (ATWS) has taken a humble start to uplift, empower and enrich the beautiful tradition and cultural heritage of the Tutsa tribe.
Under both the central and state governments, the Tutsa community will see the fruits of development, he hoped and appealed to the district administration and all line departments to work with consorted efforts to develop the areas inhibited by the Tutsa who had been neglected since long.
He further informed that Chief Minister Pema Khandu has given a positive node in-principle for establishment of a Sainik school in Tirap district and appealed to the Khela, Lamsa and Bunting villagers to spare land for the school in greater interest of the children.
Tesam has appealed to maintain the community hall properly as mark of respect to the departed soul of late Wangnia.
Tirap Deputy Commissioner, P N Thungon described late Wangnia as an open-hearted and straightforward personality, who had persistently worked for the people of Tutsa community and the state.
The DC also highlighted the importance of both education and health sectors.
Changlang Deputy Commissioner, Wayong Khimhun also said late Wangnia Pongte was not only a leader of Changlang but a popular public leader of the state.
Saying that peace is pre-requisite, Tirap SP, Jitendra Kumar Meena appealed to the people of Tirap and Changlang to restrain from facilitating any anti-social elements to mushroom in the area which becomes obstacle to all development activities.
Booklets of Tutsa folklore, based on alphabet, phonetics and spoken dialogue was also released by Sawin and Tesam.
A brief life history about the construction of the Late Wangnia Pongte Community Hall was highlighted by ATWS Chairman, Tediap Halang, while former MLA Kamthok Lowang shared the experience he had with late Wangnia.
