GUWAHATI:
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on Sunday said that time has come for Arunachal Pradesh to become self-reliant and stop depending solely upon the central government for all its needs.
Khandu cited the example of a newborn child, who depends upon its parents for all its needs, but after becoming an adult goes independent.
“If we count our state from the Union Territory days, we are 50-years-old and if we count from our statehood day, we are 36-years-old. Both ways, we are mature and it is time for us to become economically as well as administratively self-reliant,” Khandu said while speaking at the NyokumYullo celebrations at Nyapin in Kurung Kumey district.
Khandu maintained that Arunachal Pradesh had huge potential to become economically self-reliant, while mentioning sectors like tourism, hydropower, agriculture and horticulture, minerals and other natural resources. These resources, he insisted, have to be turned into revenue for which every individual has to contribute.
“We have the political will. Now we need people’s will,” the chief minister said.
Referring to a coffee-table book on Kurung Kumey released on the occasion, the chief minister said he never thought the district had so many scenically beautiful places hidden from the outside world.
The chief minister called upon the people to explore these places and showcase them to the world and pave way for a huge boost in tourism.
Admiring the pace of development in Nyapin assembly constituency, especially in road connectivity, Khandu remembered his last visit to Nyapin 10 years ago.
“That time it took me more than 12 hours to reach Nyapin from Itanagar. This time, despite making several stoppages en route, it hardly took 6-7 hours to reach here. I must congratulate local legislator and Home minister Bamang Felix for ensuring the fast pace of development,” he further said.
Hailing the Nyishi community for traditionally celebrating Nyokum festival each year with vigour, the chief minister remembered the festival he had attended at Nyapin 10 years ago.
“During that time, the Nyibus had predicted that one day I will lead the state as its chief minister. Their prediction has come true and I owe to them and the people of Nyapin for their blessings,” Khandu revealed.