HT Correspondent
KHONSA, Oct 23: The General Conference-cum-Selection of New Executive Members of the Tirap, Changlang, Longding People’s Forum (TCLPF) was held with much enthusiasm and participation at the Community Hall, Circuit House, Khonsa, on Thursday.
The day-long programme, chaired by N Changmi, witnessed deliberations on unity, regional development, and employment generation in the TCL region of Arunachal Pradesh.
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The conference began with a welcome address by Hangliam Sumnyan, General Secretary of TCLPF, who briefed the gathering about the Forum’s objectives, achievements, and long-term vision.
He emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation among the people of the three districts — Tirap, Changlang, and Longding — rather than allowing divisions to weaken their collective voice.
Delivering the keynote address, N Changmi, President of TCLPF, elaborated on the Forum’s journey since its inception.
He spoke about the challenges it had faced in pursuing the collective aspirations of the people and highlighted several milestones achieved over the years.
Veteran leader and former minister T L Rajkumar, who attended the conference as a special guest, underscored the urgent need for an Autonomous Council for the TCL region.
He asserted that “integrity, unity, and a sense of belonging” were far more crucial than mere numerical strength when it comes to regional empowerment.
A host of other dignitaries also addressed the gathering, including Wanglong Rajkumar, advisor, TCLPF; Sontung Lowang Bangsia, president, Women Wing of TCLPF; Wangphoon Lowang, ZPM, Deomali; Tediap Hallang, ZPM, Bari-Basip; Jentoi Mlinyak, President, All Ollo Welfare Association; Jiten Wangchha, vice president, BJP Tirap Unit; Ngampay Lamaty, Senior Public Leader; Nokche Boham, public leader; and Thangkai Khusumchai, president, TCLPF Longdong Unit.
All speakers echoed a common concern — the need to strengthen people’s understanding of the Forum’s objectives and activities.
They also discussed ways to ensure that the benefits of the Forum’s initiatives reach the grassroots.
Advocate Somnai Wangpan, president of the Wancho Council, proposed the formation of district-level sub-committees to enhance coordination and strengthen the Forum’s operations at the local level.
The house further discussed the idea of forming a separate Demand Committee under the TCLPF to articulate the region’s socio-political and developmental aspirations more effectively.
Addressing the issue of limited financial resources, several speakers urged elected representatives from the region to voluntarily contribute funds to support the Forum during its formative phase.
After comprehensive deliberations, the house unanimously resolved to submit a formal proposal to the State Government for the creation of 2,000 Grade-D staff posts to provide employment opportunities for unemployed youths from Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts.
The highlight of the event was the selection of new Executive Members of the TCLPF.
Sompha Wangsa from Longding district was unanimously chosen as the new President of the Forum.
The name of Sephua Wangsu was proposed for the post of general secretary, pending his consent.
In his acceptance speech, Sompha Wangsa — who earlier served as Vice President of the Forum — pledged to work selflessly for the welfare and progress of the TCL region.
Acknowledging the socio-economic challenges faced by the people, he announced plans to form district-wise units of the Forum to ensure better coordination and effective implementation of programmes.
He noted that Tirap, Changlang, and Longding remain among the most backward districts in Arunachal Pradesh and vowed to prioritise public awareness, education, economic uplift, and optimal utilisation of government schemes.
“The TCLPF will continue to stand firm in addressing the challenges of our people and work collectively for their welfare and progress,” he said in his address.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Manlem Wangsu, convenor of TCLPF, marking the end of a productive session that reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to unity and regional advancement.
The meeting was attended by Litcha Socia, Chamat Lowang, Ambi Songthing, and several other delegates and community leaders from Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts.
