Nafra: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the presence of Union Minister for Earth Science Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the newly formed Bichom district on Thursday.
Bichom, the 27th district of the state, has been carved out of the West Kameng and East Kameng districts.
Khandu on the occasion handed over the insignias bearing deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police (SP) logos, signifying the transfer of responsibilities for the new district, to DC Akriti Sagar and SP Sudhanshu Dhama.
He also laid the foundation for the district headquarters at Napangphung.
Congratulating the people of the newly created district, Chief Minister Khandu said: “Honouring voices of diverse communities, we have fulfilled the longstanding demand of creation of the district, pending since 1984.”
He recalled that the demand for the Bichom district originated in 1984 but officially came to the fore after the formation of the Bichom District Demand Committee in 1996, under the chairmanship of Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Nafra.
Chief Minister Khandu also acknowledged the efforts of MLAs Mama Natung, Goruk Pordung, and Dongru Siongju in the formation of the district.
“While the Bichom district issue remained pending, we created four new districts elsewhere. These are Pakke Kessang, Kamle, Leparada, and Shi Yomi,” he said.
Assuring support for the creation of infrastructure for the new district headquarters, the chief minister promised that all existing infrastructure and assets now being transferred to Bichom district from East Kameng will be replaced with new ones.
He highlighted that the new district would bring far-flung areas under easy accessibility and accelerate economic development through various government initiatives benefiting the Miji, Sajolang, Aka (Koro), and Puroik communities.
Reportedly, 27 villages from West Kameng and 28 villages from East Kameng will be merged with Bichom district from Nafra, Khazalang, Sirilang circles, Lada, and Bana circles.
Khandu also announced that one village that was left out of Bichom district in the original amendment has been rectified through an Ordinance and will now be a part of the new district.
During the ceremony, the chief minister flagged off vehicles distributed to beneficiary Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Arunachal Grameen Express Yojana.
He also laid the foundation of 18 projects and inaugurated an equal number of projects. Additionally, a Multi Technology Testing Centre and Administrative Building of Central Agricultural University (Imphal) were inaugurated, and houses were distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Cabinet minister Mama Natung, MLAs Dongru Siongju, Goruk Pordung, Hayeng Mangfi, Nyato Dukam, Phurpa Tsering, Kumsi Sidisow, and Dorjee Wangdi Kharma were also present on the occasion, along with representatives of Sajolang Elite Society, Aka Welfare Society, Puroik Welfare Society and East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization.
Also read: CM lays foundation for central zone commissioner’s office in Basar
