Echoes of log-drums and gun-shots reverberated in the atmosphere as Noctes of all ages, donned in traditional attires, celebrated Chalo-Loku at Deomali in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap District with much fanfare.
The added joy this year - the presence of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki - showed in the crowded faces at the festival ground.
For the citizens of Deomali, it became a historic occasion as for the first time any chief minister had joined in their celebration ever since its centralization.
Satisfaction and joy for local Legislator Wangki Lowang, playing the perfect host, knew no bounds.
"You are proud owners of a very rich culture. Your ancestors have preserved it jealously for you. Now it's your turn to pass it on to the next generation," Tuki said in his address to the people switching between Hindi and Assamese.
Lauding the Noctes for embracing peace and development, he assured that in the next five years Arunachal Pradesh will witness a visible change in terms of socio-economic development of all corners and tribes of the state.
"Our predecessors have done a lot but there's still a lot to do. We are a bit late and therefore will have to work together to bridge the gap," Tuki appealed.
Informing the people of the successful job-mela conducted at Itanagar a couple of months ago, he assured similar programmes in the districts to reach out to the rural unemployed youths.
He said the state was developing in all fronts and the state government is committed in ushering
overall development in key sectors like education, health, communication, sports and agri-horti. He specifically pushed for tea cultivation in a large scale as Deomali and its adjoining areas were tailor-made for it.
Tuki assured his support and cooperation for construction/upgradation of a stadium and infrastructure for the Wangcha Rajkumar Government College at Deomali.
Referring to several memorandums submitted by the people on the occasion, the chief minister said that all issues will be addressed as per official procedure and assured that the genuine ones will see the light of day at the earliest.
The public demands included upgradation of Deomali Sub-Divisional Office to ADC status, a sub-treasury office at Deomali, completion of Deomali-Dirak road, anti-erosion scheme for Deomali township, fire brigade and post office for Deomali, Deomali-Soha bus service, police station at Soha, etc.
The chief minister, immediately on arrival, laid the foundation of the Wangcha Rajkumar Government College at its permanent site and inaugurated an Indoor Stadium before joining the festivities.
Also present in the celebration were former ministers Wangpha Lowang and Chenkham Hondique and other officials.
