Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: Amid rising concerns over communal tension in West Siang district, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) led by Dr. Emi Rumi has strongly condemned the recent incident in West Siang, describing it as a deliberate attempt to provoke unrest in the Indigenous Faith–majority village of Bili-Kombo.
In his address, IFCSAP President expressed deep appreciation for the unity and restraint shown by the people of Kombo and the All Kombo Welfare & Development Society (AKW&DS). Despite the sudden arrival of a large and unexpected gathering from multiple districts for an Advent Christmas event, the villagers of Bili Kombo, where nearly the entire population follows Indigenous Faith, was naturally alarmed by an event that drew thousands from West Siang, Shi-Yomi, Lepa Rada, and Lower Siang. In such a context, any village would perceive a disproportionate influx as intimidating or insensitive, IFCSAP said.
Dr. Rumi directly criticised Horsen Ete, President of the West Siang District Christian Forum, calling him the “principal mastermind” responsible for provoking the situation. According to IFCSAP, Ete deliberately ignored repeated objections from Indigenous Faith followers, senior citizens, and village authorities, despite clear warnings that the gathering could lead to a law-and-order situation. Such conduct, the organisation said, reflected a disturbing disregard for community sentiments and traditional authority structures, and had the potential to create unnecessary division within society.
IFCSAP also expressed disappointment with the response of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) and its affiliated bodies. What could have remained a district-level issue within the Galo community, it said, was turned into a statewide controversy through a series of press briefings and counter-statements that, in IFCSAP’s view, distorted facts and fuelled further misunderstanding. The society said it had deliberately maintained silence in the hope that local leaders would resolve the matter amicably, but ACF’s sustained rhetoric and selective narratives left no choice but to clarify the situation publicly.
The organisation also questioned the role of the district administration, noting that while the event had obtained formal permission from the District Magistrate and an NOC from the Superintendent of Police, the authorities appeared to have overlooked the statutory role of the Gaon Buras and Gaon Buris
Stressing that its intention was not to escalate the matter, IFCSAP appealed for greater administrative sensitivity and mutual respect among all communities. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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