Thongdok seeks Assam help on Buddhist site

From our correspondent

Itagar, Sept 22: Aruchal Pradesh Assembly Speaker TN Thongdok on Thursday had a series of meeting with Assam Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal and the State’s Environment and Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma and Minister of State (Independent) for Labour and Revenue Pallab Lochan Das.

Thongdok requested them to dote a portion of land for the construction of a stupa or gompa at Singri in Assam. It is believed that an 18th century Buddhist monk med Jigme Lingpa had mentioned Singri as a Buddhist pilgrimage since the 14th century.

The Buddhists, especially the Sherdukpens, have been using the place for the last rites of their deceased. The Monpas of Kalaktang, Dirang, Tawang and nearby areas, too, visit Singri routinely.

The speaker stressed on the age-old cordial relationship between the people of Aruchal and Assam and hoped it would be maintained for generations to come. He also informed Sonowal that he had discussed the Singri issue with his Aruchal counterpart Pema Khandu, who assured support for developing the place as a Buddhist pilgrimage. Sonowal also assured Thongdok of support from the Assam government.