ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Dream for United Arunachal (DUA) has taken its statewide unity campaign to West Kameng district, bringing together community organisations, student bodies and local representatives to promote social cohesion among the state’s diverse tribal communities.
The delegation, led by DUA chairman Dr Gumjum Haider and secretary Suraj Tayam, received a welcome during its statewide tour under the campaign ‘EK AUR DUA’ (Empathy Kindness Arunachal Unity Ride). Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombay hosted the gathering, which was attended by administrative officials, Zilla Parishad representatives and members of several local organisations.
Those present included the Shergaon Village Council, Tenga Valley Council, All Monpa Students’ Union, All West Kameng District Students’ Union, Women Welfare Association, Monpa Mimang Tshogpa, Kalaktang Tsopa, Arunachal Regional Youth Welfare Association and Shergaon Youth Association.
Chombay highlighted the cultural diversity of his constituency, which is home to the Monpa and Sherdukpen communities, and stressed that social harmony and cooperation were essential to development.
He called for communities, youth groups and local leaders to work together without discrimination based on tribal or regional identities. He also emphasised transparent, people-centric governance and structured consultations with local stakeholders before major development projects are undertaken, saying local aspirations must guide planning to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The MLA urged young people to prioritise skill development, constructive engagement and social initiatives over regional divisions. He also highlighted grassroots empowerment and border-village development as important to the state’s economic prospects and security.
Commending the campaign, Chombay encouraged the organisers to continue reaching out to communities across Arunachal Pradesh to advance the goal of a united and self-reliant state.
Haider said the ‘EK AUR DUA’ movement aimed to establish a pan-Arunachal platform founded on empathy, kindness, mutual respect and solidarity among tribal communities.
The campaign will begin in the western belt, engaging with the Sherdukpen, Bugun, Sartang, Miji, Aka and Monpa communities. The planned outreach covers Dirang, Tawang, Jang, Bomdila, Lumla, Shergaon and Rupa.
Subsequent phases are expected to extend to central, foothill and eastern districts, including Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Kamle, Daporijo, Aalo, Basar, Pasighat, Likabali, Namsai, Tezu, Hawai, Changlang, Longding and Tirap.
The organisers said the statewide outreach would encourage dialogue and cooperation on social and developmental issues. Haider identified community unity, youth skill development, catchment-area conservation and ecological protection as priorities for the state’s long-term development, linking them to the broader goals of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Arunachal’ by 2047.
The campaign places particular emphasis on involving young people and local organisations in addressing social challenges while promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development.
