Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Nov 23: Arunachal Press Club (APC) President Chopa Cheda tendered his resignation from the post on Friday, following his decision to enter electoral politics.
Cheda has stepped into active politics, declaring his MLA candidature from the Chayang Tajo assembly constituency in East Kameng district. He will formally announce his candidature on 30 November at Seppa.
Cheda had taken charge as the APC president on 30 August, 2013. During his five-year tenure the state’s media witnessed significant changes.
“Do not think I am running away from the responsibilities of the fourth pillar of democracy; I am going to shoulder more responsibilities for the media fraternity in years to come as a lawmaker with power in hand to fight for your causes on various platforms, if I am elected,” he said.
Cheda’s contributions towards the welfare of the state’s media persons have been immense. They include, inter alia, registration of the APC, and enhancement of the working journalists’ welfare fund.
He mentioned the allocation of Rs 5 crore for the construction of the press club building, along with a plot of land in the heart of the capital city for the purpose, and said, “For this, I, on behalf of the entire media community of the state, remain indebted to the state government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.”
He expressed hope that his successor would work with the same zeal. Cheda also said that, with the growing number of young journalists, the media community would contribute more to the development of the society.
“I thank each one of you for supporting me in my endeavours as the APC president for two consecutive terms. Your guidance and support will always be a reference point for me to work hard and responsibly,” he said.
Before offering his resignation, the outgoing APC president assigned to Dodum Yangfo, Editor-in-Chief of The Dawnlit Post, the task of the acting APC president.
Cheda read out his resignation note amid a gathering of members of the APC, the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and the Arunachal Electronic Media Association (AEMA) at the press club here.
“My resignation is based solely on personal reasons, and it does not in any way imply that I was not satisfied with my association with the media community,” an emotional Cheda said.
APUWJ President Amar Sangno presented a brief on Cheda’s contributions to the state’s media and said: “Your services to the press community of Arunachal will remain peerless. You brought significant changes in the state media, for which the entire media community extends gratitude to you.
“Our best wishes will always be with you,” Sangno said, adding, “We do hope that you will be a successful politician, just the way you were a successful president of the Arunachal Press Club.
“Your stint as the APC president from 30 August, 2013, to this day will remain unparalleled and unsurpassed,” Sangno said.
Acting President Dodum Yangfo accepted Cheda’s resignation letter, and, acknowledging the responsibility given to him, said he would try to replicate Cheda’s way of working for the welfare of the state’s media, and sought support from each and every one.
APC Adviser and former APC president Taba Ajum lauded Cheda’s contributions for the welfare of the press fraternity, and acknowledged that plenty of problems pertaining to the media houses and journalists in the state were fully addressed under Cheda’s leadership.
“Your contribution towards the state’s media will always be remembered,” Ajum said, and wished the outgoing APC president a better future.
AEMA President Mukul Pathak said that, during Cheda’s tenure as the APC president, Arunachal’s media witnessed a lot of positive changes and streamlining of the system.
Senior journalist Tongam Rina lauded Cheda’s straightforward nature and decision-making ability. She wished him a better future, and urged him to continue serving the society.
Former APC general secretary Taya Bagang and journalists Sanjay Mosing, Nellie Manpoong, Jackson Tayeng and Tagu Ningee also spoke and extended best wishes to Cheda.
