Tawang, Mar 13: An awareness programme/meeting on Coronavirus (Covid-19) was conducted today here at DC’s Conference Hall attended by MLA Tawang Tsering Tashi, Padmashree Awardee Thegtse Rinpoche, Abbot Tawang Monastery Gyabong Rinpoche, top brass  of the District Administration and various other stakeholders.

Secretaries of Jamyang Choekorling Gonpa, Bramdungchung and Gyangong ani gonpas, HoDs, taxi & tour operators, hoteliers and Ex-PRI members attended the meeting. Prior to this meeting, the Tawang MLA and DC Sang Phuntsok had a separate meeting with all the spiritual leaders of major monasteries and nunneries of Tawang and Ex-PRI members to discuss about the spiritual measures to be taken to spread prevention related awareness among common people. It was decided that prayers, rituals and chanting of mantras will be conducted by all the monasteries voluntarily for prevention of Coronavirus on Sunday, March 15 and higher Lamas will be consulted for further rituals and prayers.

During the Conference Hall meeting, I/c DMO Tawang Dr. Urgen Lhamu informed the aims and objectives of the meeting. Representing Khandro Drowa Tsangmu District Hospital Tawang, Gynaecologist Dr. Tenzin Kunga gave a brief presentation on Covid-19 and elaborated the facts about the virus and clarified doubts of the members of various organizations present. Both the Rinpoches stressed on maintaining hygiene and said it’s time to  keep faith on the Triple Gems and pray for safety and security of all sentient beings. DC informed government has already issued orders preventing any foreign tourist from entering Arunachal Pradesh and compulsory screening of all those entering the state through Bhalukpong, Balemu and Jang checkpoint. He also assured that official correspondence will be made with the Bhutan administration regarding vigil on movements of people from both sides in all ensuing religious functions.

Tashi while reiterating government’s commitment in tackling the situation, appealed all to take refuge in religion and faith along with maintaining the laid out preventive steps. He further requested all not to spread rumours through social media that might create panic. DIPRO