Itanagar, Jan 17: Speaker Tesam Pongte, along with legislators Techi Kaso, Dr. Mohesh Chai, Chakat Aboh, Tadar Meena, Secretary, and Officers of APLA, visited the historic Old Assembly Building at Naharlagun today. The tour included an inspection of key sections of the building, including the Main Assembly Session Hall, Old Nokmey Namati Hall, and the Speaker's Chamber.
The programme was part of the internal activities of the Legislative Assembly, with the main events scheduled to commence after the Budget Session.
As part of the programme, the Speaker distributed fruits to the indoor patients at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS).
During a press briefing, the Speaker stated that the Old Assembly Building is not just an iconic structure but a symbol of the state's rich legislative heritage, having served as the venue for numerous pivotal decisions in the past. This visit reflects the Speaker's dedication to honouring the past while embracing the future of governance. The Speaker also acknowledged that the building has been the alma mater for great leaders of yesteryears as well as many present members.
The Old Assembly Building served the state for a long 42 years, from 1975 until May 2017, when the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly shifted to its new building at Itanagar. Following this transition, the heritage building was handed over to TRIHMS. Pongte expressed joy that the heritage building is being used for such a noble cause.