[ Kali Yomcha ]
Late Talo Taggu was a prominent and widely respected leader of yesteryears, who served as a public representative of the then Along north constituency (presently the 27th Liromoba ST Assembly constituency) during the early 1980s. His leadership came at a time when Arunachal Pradesh was still in its formative years, and his contributions remain deeply etched in the history of the state.
This constituency has long been a pathfinder in the development of Arunachal Pradesh. It has produced towering leaders such as Lijum Ronya, former minister; late Jarbom Gamlin, former chief minister; Nyamar Karbak, presently chairman of e-governance; and presently Pesi Jilen, the sitting MLA. The representatives of this constituency have consistently earned the trust, support, and guidance of successive chief ministers, from the days of union territory to the present.
In the same spirit, late Abo Talo Taggu emerged as a promising and dynamic leader during the 1980s, serving the constituency with dedication for nearly a decade. His tenure coincided with a challenging phase marked by a lack of connectivity and basic infrastructure. During those days, there was no proper road network, and administrative facilities were scarce. People had to undertake arduous journeys -trekking nearly 40 kilometers via Taba Sora and Nikte to Wak trijunction – just to access the nearest transport service from Aalo to Kamba.
The Loum Bango-Yomcha region, in particular, witnessed the emergence of strong and capable leaders under his guidance. Among them was Rakshap Yomcha (now a retired DIGP), who rose under the patronage of late Damli Yomgam, a political jamadar, later as PI. Together, along with other dedicated local leaders such as Gede Yomgam (retired PA), Jeka Yomcha, (retired PI), Sokde Gamlin (ex-ASM), late Banya Gadi, late Yorkop Gadi, late Kingom Likar, late Minluk Romin and many others, they worked closely with late Taggu in advancing the region.
One of the most significant achievements of late Talo Taggu was the establishment of the Yomcha subdivisional headquarters in 1982. The people of Yomcha voluntarily donated land for this purpose, driven by a shared vision of progress and a better standard of living. However, it is a matter of concern that many of these land donors are yet to receive due recognition from the authorities, despite their invaluable contributions.
In those times, the people faced immense hardship due to the absence of basic amenities. The nearest marketplace was located in Tirbin, requiring a 7-8 hour journey on foot. The establishment of the subdivision headquarters brought significant relief and marked the beginning of development in the area.
Another notable contribution of late Taggu was the administrative reorgani-sation of several villages. Tego Gamlin and Kadai Yomgam were merged from Ubu Bango into Loum Bango (now Yomcha ADC headquarters), bringing administrative convenience to the people. Similarly, Keak and Yaki Tato villages, which were earlier under Kaying/Rumgong administration, were integrated into Kamba Bango through his proactive leadership, with support from local leaders such as Rakmik Boje, Doyom Likar, late Mamin Tato, Ejum Karbak, Yijum Potom, late Tajir Pale, and others.
Furthermore, the establishment of the middle English school in Yomcha during his tenure laid the foundation for educational development in the region. The people of Loum Bango and the entire 27th Assembly constituency continue to remember him with deep respect and gratitude. The fruits of development enjoyed today are rooted in the seeds he sowed during the early 1980s.
Late Talo Taggu’s legacy as a true and selfless leader will forever be cherished by the people of the constituency. His vision, dedication, and service remain an enduring inspiration for future generations. (The writer is the son of Jeka Yomcha, who was a close associate of late Talo Taggu during the formative years of the Yomcha subdivision headquarters movement.)
