Sidisow pleads for unity at Aka festival

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Nov 12: The six-day Nyetridow festival of Aka (Hrusso) community began at Thrizino in West Kameng district with a splash of cultural colours, sights and sounds.

Addressing the iugural function, local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary PHE & Water Supply Kumsi Sidisow underlined the message of unification and community bonding that every festival conveys.

“This festival provides us a platform for celebration with a message of unity and brotherhood and commul harmony among the members of the community and with others in the area,” he said, calling for preservation of cultural heritage. West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Sol Swaroop, the guest of honour, also sang the unity tune. “A harmonious society gives the kind of support the administration needs to push for development of an area and the district as a whole,” she said, thanking the indigenous people for maintaining traditiol values.

Among those who addressed the gathering were Aka Elite Society President Gobardhan Nimasow, Organising Committee Chairman Tsang Dorjee Sidisow, and social worker Paul Sidisow. Lhamu Dususow read out the mythology associated with the Akas and the essence of the festival. Thrizino ADC Nyoda Nyori, heads of departments of the area and community leaders of the Aka community were present on the occasion. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju are expected to take part in the festival, scheduled to conclude on November 15.