A massive peace rally was taken out in Tawang against the illegal Encroachment of Government land in the Tawang. The rally was organised by the Joint Action Committee to convey resentment against illegal construction activities on government lands. Thousands of people participated in the rally including villagers across the districts and Gaon Burahs showing their resentment over all the illegal encroachments.

Joint Action Committee (JAC) Chairman, Namgey Tsering clarified that the rally was not against any particular community or religion but against illegal construction in Tawang. “We have obtained proper permission to conduct this peace rally and shall obey the rules framed by the government but the government should also listen to our grievances,” he said.

“We will oppose any illegal construction whether it is Gompa, Temple, Church or any other structures and it is not against any particular religion. However, the matter is being differently interpreted by people,” he added.

One of the Gaon Burhas participating in the rally said: “Our parents have donated this land to the Govt without any compensation, with a hope for better development and security of the area, but illegal construction of buildings on this land is not acceptable to us.”

It is to be noted that, months earlier, the Tawang Police had arrested the Pastor of the Revival Church, Joseph Singhi based on an FIR lodged by the District Land Revenue and Survey Officer allegedly for illegally constructing the church. Recently, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has welcomed the constitution of the three-member committee led by Minister Mama Natung, MLAs Nyato Dukam and Nyamar Karbak to resolve the Tawang Church issue. ACF President, Toko Teki in his recent press conference had assured that the forum is ready to cooperate with the committee and will respect its final decision.