Itanagar agog with jubilation over PM's visit

Itanagar, Jan 31 (UNI) Despite overnight showers, Itanagar today got a new lease of life with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh becoming the first Premier to visit the state in the past 12 years. Blessed by weather god with morning sunlight, around 10,000 people thronged the Indira Gandhi Park, the main venue where the Prime Minister was addressing a public meeting.

''We are very delighted to see our beloved Prime Minister who had proved his concern for the people of the state by announcing several developmental projects,'' commented Mr Techi Hamu, a village head.

'' We would extend all our cooperation to the state government in implementing the new schemes,'' he added.

A kaleidoscope of colours were seen in the main venue as tribes from different communities in the traditional attires waited with bated breath to have a glimpse of the Prime Minister. Various cultural troupes left no stone unturned to present their best performances.

''We are fortunate to have a Prime Minister from our region who is committed for our development. He is no less dearer to us than Indira ji and Rajiv ji,'' said Duyu Tamu, a businessman.

'' We were expecting the Prime Minister to clear his stand on Arunachal Pradesh following repeated Chinese claim over the state's territory. But his silence over the issue despite his recent visit to the nation had dampened our spirit,'' commented a senior BJP leader.

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