GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
                                                       DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIOONS & PRINTING
                                                                                                NAHARLAGUN

IPR (PR) 3/06                                                                                                                                                             Dated Naharlagun, the 14th March, 2006

                                                                                        Press Release Sl. No- 148

ITANAGAR, MARCH 14 - The closing Losar Festival of FIRE DOG YEAR, 2006 as celebrated here at SiddharthaVihar here today with befitting manner and festive gaiety. Addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion as chief guest, Legislator Ngurang Pinch appreciated the rich cultural heritage of the Monpas and  Sherdukpens of West Kameng and Tawang districts. He told that Monpas are hard working and maintained work culture despite living in high altitude. Dwelling on the importance of development of tourism, Pinch said that Itanagar Buddhist Gompa should be declared a tourist spot by the state government. He said that the Gompa, which is maintained by the Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society (IBCS), is visited by lots of tourist for which the people feel proud for having such a magnificent institution and important assets of state. He emphatically said that the land encroachment at the Gompa site would not be compromised and expressed that, the government should declare Itanagar Gompa as tourist spot to attract tourists from far flung areas. On the occasion, he gave away Rs, 10,000/- for excellent cultural display by various troupe. Earlier the DC, B. Gadi while speaking as the guest of honour expressed his happiness and pride over the traditional art and culture preserved by the Monpas and Sherdukpens. He emphasized to preserve age old heritage to attract more tourist. Gadi said that most of the tourists go to Tawang and Bomdila only because of the rich cultural heritage of the Buddhist. He appreciated the Monpas for being simple in nature and peace loving people. Further the DC said that Tawang and West Kameng district has now become world famous tourist spot and people are preserving their own literature and dress costumes without much modernization. Referring to the encroachment of land around the Siddhartha Vihar, the DC assured that the matter would be looked into urgently in view of the importance of tourist spot which is the asset and property of the state. He further said that there are only two tourist spots left in the state capital, namely the Ganga Lake and Buddhist Gompa which is worth seeing  for the nips and other visitors from outside. The DC further sought cooperation from the local public leaders to protect land from encroachment and told the representative of the Itanagar Buddhist Society to pursue the matter in his office to prevent future problems. Further the DC assured to take up land encroachment problem as soon as possible to resolve the issue. Earlier, the  IBCS President, Tsering Thongdok while welcoming one and all urged the government and District Administration to look into the grievances of Itanagar Buddhist cultural society. The day long programme was graced by other distinguished guests. Lighting of lamps and cultural programme were other highlights of the celebration.

Sd/- Leki Phuntso
Dy Director IPR
Naharlagun