GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
                                                          DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PRINTING
                                                                                                           NAHARLAGUN

IPR (PR) 3/2006                                                                                                                                                              Dated the Naharlagun 7th March,2006.

                                                                                                PRESS RELEASE SL.NO.210

Along, April 7- Mopin, the popular agrarian festival of the Galo Community, was celebrated with traditional fanfare and enthusiasm from April 4 to till today at Along. The festival formally close today. Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Minister health and family welfare and civil supply, Shri C.C. Singpho, said that festival is an important part of our socio -economic and cultural life and each tribe has its festival associated with bumper harvest and general well-being.  Adding that while all festival are based on common theme and values, festivals also gives us a district identity, Singpho said that it is our duty to preserve our age -old cultures and tradition. Recalling his days with people of West Siang as an administrator, he said that he had learnt a lot from the people of the district to lead a public life. Extending his Mopin greeting to the people of West Siang, the Guest of Honour, CE (PHED, Er. Geyum Padu, stressed on the need to take lead role by
community members in all celebration process so that our culture and tradition continue to thrive and prosper. He suggested a fixed and minimum tenure for organizing committee for the festival. The special Guest, Shri Tapang Taki, Ex-PA recalled his nostalgic association with older generation in celebrating the festival. Local MLAs, Shri Kito Sora and Shri Gadam Ete and Deputy Commissioner, Shri Tope Bam were also present on the occasion. Shri Henkir Lollen, President CMCC extended his warm welcome to one and all for participation and co-operation in its successful celebration. The Central Mopin Celebration Committee (CMCC) felicitated Late Taken Riba, Shri Taken Ngomdir and Shri Rayom Jini for their outstanding contribution for the cause of our society. Dances, Yaan-Kaben, Volleyball competition and drawing completion and Mithun Sacrifice formed part of the central celebration at Along.  The cultural competition was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner, Shri Tope Bam on March 31ast. Mopin Celebrations in other parts of West Siang. The Mopin celebration at Kamba, was joined by Minister PHED Shri Tater Kipa, as the Chief guest, who extended his Mopin greetings to the people,while MLA and Advisor to HCM, Shri Rajesh Tacho was the Chief guest at Kaying on the occasion. The Mopin Celebration at Darak was graced by the Chief guest ,Shri Gojen Gadi, MLA and Chairman APEDA and at Dairy farm , Shri Dibang Tatak, MLA and advisor to HCM was the honored chief guest Ex-Minister, Shri Lijum Ronya, graced the Mopin celebrations as chief guest at Keak respectively.


Sd/ D. Dodum
PRO.