HT Correspondent
LEDO, May 17: In a momentous and culturally significant event, Bisa Mung Dang Gam Singpho was formally coronated as the new King of Bisa Gaon, a heritage-rich Singpho village in Ledo under the 83rd Margherita constituency of Tinsukia district, Assam, on Saturday.
The coronation follows the passing of Late King Bisa Nong Singpho on January 15, a revered leader whose legacy left an indelible mark across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In recognition of his contributions, the Assam government accorded him state honors during his last rites. As per Singpho tradition, the throne passes to the eldest son upon the demise of a king.
The coronation ceremony began with ‘Smriti Tarpan’ (ritual homage) in memory of the late king, followed by blessings from the Bhikkhu Sanghas. The ceremony drew a large gathering of dignitaries, community members, and well-wishers.
Among the prominent attendees were: MLA Bhaskar Sharma (83rd Margherita constituency), Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner Swapneel Paul, EAC Pritom Gogoi (Margherita Co-District Administration), Asom Gaurav Awardee Manje La Singpho, Singpho Development Society Chairman M.N. Singpho, Singpho National Council President Sengram Lebram & General Secretary Omio Ningda, Noted social worker, journalist and litterateur Jagat Changmai, Renowned poet and academic Dr. Ranjit Dutta, Tirap Autonomous District Council Demand Committee General Secretary Pallab Shyam Wailung, Dr Pannyasara Mahathero & Pannashri Bhikkhu, Tai Phakey National Council President Saiwin Chakhap and Singpho Literary Committee Chairman Ongdu Singpho.
The event also witnessed participation from numerous organizations, including students’ unions, tribal bodies, women’s groups, business communities, and the Margherita Journalists Association, all of whom felicitated the new king with traditional honors.
Jagat Changmai, in an emotional tribute, shared his five-decade-long friendship with the late king, recalling his tireless efforts to uplift the Singpho community and highlight its cultural legacy to the world.
In his speech, MLA Bhaskar Sharma remembered Late King Bisa Nong Singpho as a figure known across the country for his honesty, kindness, and humility. He announced that a museum and statue in memory of the late king would be established in the Margherita region.
The newly crowned king, Bisa Mung Dang Gam Singpho, pledged to work for the overall development of the Singpho people in both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and harmonious relations with other communities in the region. A souvenir and photographic spotlight dedicated to Late King Bisa Nong Singpho, edited by Jagat Changmai, was also unveiled during the event by the esteemed guests.