Curtain comes down on Junbeel Mela

OUR BUREAU

GUWAHATI/JAGIROAD, Jan 23: The three-day-long annual Junbeel Mela held at Jagiroad came to an end this evening. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi attended at the closing day of the festival.

Addressing the gathering at the programme, Gogoi said that at Junbeel Mela people from all ethnicities converge and forge a greater understanding which has the potential to foil any evil design of divisive forces.

Gogoi said, “Some divisive forces are hell bound to create division in the society in the me of caste, creed and religion to fulfil their rrow gains” adding that he said, “Such forces need to be controlled for the State to go forward and expedite its development”.

Acknowledging the important role played by the Tiwa community, Gogoi said that Tiwa community for ages has been contributing enormously to the development of the State. He moreover said that his Government is committed to the development of all tribal communities of the State and that was the driving force for the government to form development councils. Gogoi also said that Rs. 1000 has been earmarked for the development of all communities and more will be done in the days to come.

Gogoi also said that his Government will do the needful to include Junbeel Mela in the tourist calendar of the State and make it more attractive for the tourists. Conceding to the demand of the Junbeel mela committee Gogoi informed that the Government will allocate land for the mela. Acknowledging traditiol barter system, a unique proposition attached to the Junbeel mela where people from all ethnicities participate, Gogoi emphasised the need to preserve the system which is promoting universal brotherhood. Gogoi also said that a tribal museum will be built in the area which will help in promoting and preserving the tribal culture.

Chief Minister Gogoi also handed over cheques of Rs. 5000 to each of the eighteen ceremonial Kings of various kingdoms as monthly pensions. It may be noted that under the directions of the Chief Minister the monthly pensions of the kings of different kingdoms including Gobha Kingdom has been hiked from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 from January 2016.

Parliamentary Secretary Vivekanda Doley, the King of erstwhile Gobha Kingdom Deepsing Deoraja also spoke on the occasion. Bhadra Sing Deoraja, secretary of Junbeel Mela Committee Jursing Bordoloi, all 18 Raja from various kingdoms along with a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.