DIRANG, Nov 25: Underscoring the importance of apex community organisations in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged the Monpa Mimang Tshokpa (MMT), the apex body of the Monpa community, to work for societal uplift and for harmony among different communities.
The chief minister, who inaugurated the office of the MMT here in West Kameng district on Saturday, said the apex bodies play an important role in preserving the cultures and traditions of the communities.
“Such organizations help bridge the differences among different communities and build peace in the state,” he said.
The chief minister urged the business community and the local leaders to contribute for construction of MMT offices in Tawang and Kalaktang also.
He also released the organization anthem developed by the MMT.
Local MLA Phurpa Tsering, Seppa MLA Mama Natung, MMT president Rinchin Dorjee and DoKAA Chairman Jambey Wangdi were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Pema also attended the consecration of the ‘108 Mane’ by Guru Tulku Rinpoche at Mandala Top here.
“The ‘108 Mane’ is the first of its kind in India, where the mantra ‘Om mani padme hum’ is inscribed on 108 pillars constructed as five concentric circles with a stupa in the centre.”
“According to Buddhism, chanting of ‘Om mani padme hum’ 108 times or more helps your entire body, heart and mind to come into deep contemplation, revealing the innate wisdom for tolerance that eliminates anger, greed, delusion and all evil thoughts,” he said.
Stating that Arunachal’s tourism success story requires significant participation of the local communities, the chief minister lauded the locals here for making the ‘108 Mane’ project a success through community participation despite fund constraints.
He said local communities must ensure peace and a favourable atmosphere for tourists, maintain cleanliness, and preserve their culture for tourism to thrive in Arunachal. He said the site would not only attract religious pilgrims but other tourists, as well.
Assuring them of his help in filling the gap of missing infrastructure at the sacred site, Pema promised to provide fund for electrification this year, and informed that the work for water supply has been completed.
The chief minister urged the locals to preserve their forests and wildlife, and said that, besides the ‘108 Mane’ being an important religious site, Mandala Top is also known for its diverse wildlife habitats. He commended the WWF for its work through community conserved area (CCA) projects in preserving the forests, and promised to help if they require any government intervention.
Advisor to CM, Japu Deru, and MLAs Mama Natung and Phurpa Tsering were also present. (CMO)
