Itanagar: In a historic move, the Adi Bane Kebang and Tanii Supun Dukun, the apex bodies of the Adi and Apatani communities, signed a joint declaration on Sunday at the first ‘Adi-Apatani Summit’ held in Arunachal Pradesh Pasighat.
This significant step aims to strengthen ties between the two communities, promote cultural exchange, prevent communal discord and foster mutual cooperation for the development of both communities and the state.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Home Minister Mama Natung, and several other leaders representing both communities attended the event.
Witnessed the historic Adi-Apatani Summit 2025 held at Pasighat, a remarkable initiative aimed at fostering closer ties between the two communities.
The role of community-based organizations in maintaining development, peace, and progress is truly invaluable.@TribalAffairsIn… pic.twitter.com/OivHwOIX82
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) January 19, 2025
CM Khandu said, “Today, we are not just marking a summit of two communities; we are witnessing the triumph of unity, understanding, and a commitment to preserving the age-old fabric of communal harmony that has long been the cornerstone of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural mosaic.”
Khandu said, “We cannot afford to let petty misunderstandings or rumors disrupt the harmony that had been carefully nurtured over generations.”
He further emphasized the need to face these challenges with maturity, understanding, and mutual respect.
The declaration adopted at least 13 resolutions that included non-imposition of customary laws of one tribe on the other or be given precedent for any dispute resolution, any criminal or civil offence committed by individuals or groups shall not be allowed to be tagged as a communal issue.
“Any individual disputes or controversies over motor accidents, marriages, theft, property and land disputes of individual, family, clan or village shall not be construed as a communal issue,” it stated.
“Both the communities shall uphold social and communal harmony, confidence building measures by encouraging inter-tribe marriages on mutual consent, social and cultural exchanges,” it added.
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The Adis, the second-largest tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, primarily reside in East Siang, Upper Siang, West Siang, and Shi-Yomi districts.
The Apatanis, a tribe with a population of less than one lakh, mainly inhabit the Lower Subansiri district.
By signing this historic Joint Declaration, both communities have reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity, and the well-being of their people.
