ITANAGAR, Mar 31: A delegation consisting of the Central Longte Committee (CLC) and Nyishi Festival Committee(NFC)headed by CLC Chairman Lokam Kani and NFC General Secretary Amit Bengia called on the Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday at his office to apprise and enlighten him on the importance and significance of preserving the oldest festival of the community—Longte, the only festival amongst the Abotani groups wherein no animal sacrifice is made as a part of the celebration.
The Chief Minister appreciated the committee for making an honest effort towards zealously guarding the unique and important festival which can go a long way towards preservation of animals and birds both domestic and wild. Khandu expressed his happiness over the fact that hunting in any form was made taboo during the festival season adding that this was indeed unique which should be invariably emulated by the other tribes of the state.
The Chief Minister assured all possible help and support towards grand celebration of Longte festival and also urged the delegates to create more awareness on protection of wildlife which is facing grave danger due to mindless killings and indiscriminate hunting.
Minister for PHED, Bamang Felix and Parliamentary Secretary (Home &Education) Pani Taram were also present during the meeting and actively participated in the discussion.
It is worth a mention here that the culture of seeking donations from VVIPs and high ranking dignitaries has been done away with from the year 2012 as it is against the spirit of Longte festival celebration.