Centre recognizes Arunachal's importance: Kyndiah

Itanagar, Apr 19 (UNI) Union Tribal Affairs Minister P R Kyndiah today informed that the Centre has decided to accord top priority to Arunachal Pradesh as it was intergral part of the country.

''The Centre has always responded positive to the feelings and aspirations of the people here and the recent visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A K Antony bear testimony to the Centre's concern for the state,'' Mr Kyndiah said while addressing the 'Nyishi Day' celebration here this morning.

Stating that Arunachal was a strategic and sensitive state, the union minister praised the people for fighting against all odds.

''The people should respect their rich cultural heritage and should work to preserve it,''he said adding that the Centre was focusing on the cultural diversity of Arunachal.

Referring to the (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2008 by which the derogatory nomenclature 'Dafla' was changed to 'Nyishi' on March 19 last, Mr Kyndiah said the Centre had responded to the sentiments of the people of the state and accordingly passed the bill in the Parliament.

''Being a tribal I feel that sense of equality should prevail among the tribes and there should be no discrimination'', he said adding that the change of nomenclature has provided the social and cultural identity to the Nyishi tribe.

UNI UPB PP KLC1409