A study of Hindu and Christian mission in Arunachal Pradesh

 

A study of Hindu and Christian mission in Arunachal Pradesh

 

           By

 

Mr. Liankhankhup Sektak B.Th., B.A.

 

   

   

 

       Arunachal Pradesh has been the only tribal state, greatly influenced by Hindus culture, language and religion unlike morethan 400 Scheduled Tribes which formed 80% of the population of North-East India. The history of christianity in Arunachal Pradesh has been traced back as early as the arrival of Mrs. C.A Bruce in 1834 and Rev Nathan Brown, the first American Baptist Missionary reached Sadiya on March 23, 1836. Many schools were opened for Arunachalee at the border town of Assam-Arunachaleven today in an aim to bring all round development especially for the people of Arunachal Pradesh.The first martyred of Arunachal Pradesh Fr. Nicholas Krick and Fr. Augustin Bourry in September 01, 1854 sown the seed of the gospel, as a result; handful of native students who had studied in the border town schools were converted into christianity early 1920s and became Teachers, Evangelist and first class officer of the state Government.

        The 1950 census of India had shown (0.0 %) Christian and (0.0 % Literacy rate) in Arunachal Pradesh which made no effect to the Hindu in general RSS in particular. A cultural renewal movement that began in 1960s was correlated with anti-christian activities which led persecutions instensified in 1970s. In response to Christian ministries in Arunachal Pradesh, Indira Gandhi felt the need for Hindus Missionary work in NEFA (Arunachal) and Nagaland and recommended and established RAMA KRISHNA MISSION school in 1965 at Aalo, West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Thereafter, hundreads of Hindu Missions and missionary works began in the soil of Arunachal Pradesh.The 1960s and 1970s had been significant for the birth of native churches and the birth of Hindu missionary activities followed by persecution and restriction of christian and its ministry.

 

       The 1978, "Freedom of Religious Bill" which the Mizo's writer term as " Setana Bill" was enacted to prevent anti christian cultural revival movement in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The restriction of issuing Inner Line Permit (ILP) , Scheduled Tribes (ST) to christian and physical assault was the common tools used by Hindu's symphatizers.

Throughout our research, we would like to focus how the Christian and Hindu missionaries have been doing their ministry and how its impact the future of Arunachal.

 

 

 

I. Hindu mission in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

       There were no single Christian recorded in 1950, then its rose 1438 christian in 1961 that alarmed the Hindus leaders to send thousand of Swamis which came into force in 1965. [1] The 1971 census revealed that there were 2593 Christians (0.79) that led violence and persecution. Nitin Sethi wrote , "The RSS affilliates , famous for converting tribals to Hinduism in central India, are having a field now aday in Arunachal Pradesh". The Rss are applying their Central India conversion policy toward Donyi-Poloism in Arunachal Pradesh as the RSS saw people of Arunachal Pradesh like a ripe fruit ready to pick. [2] According to Rss representativesmeeting held from March 16-18 in Nagpur 2012; they declared Arunachal and Manipur as provincial units which their unified provinces increased from 39 to 41. They also decided to increase its missionary works and activities in the North-Eastern states especially to focus Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. [3]

 As of 2004, the Rss had morethan 60,000 Sakhas [branch] throughout India.

 

[I]. Rama Krishna Mission School, Arunachal(1965-)

 

  The Hindu first missionary work began in 1965 at Aalo, West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. At that time Arunachal was called NEFA. The missionaries of RK Mission had been travelling inter-village and distributing Television Freely, free medical treatment and media ministry that paved away to boost their mission. As of today RK Mission has one hospital at Itanagar, two schools at Aalo and Narottam Nagar, Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. An estimated 1000 swamis, missionaries and workers effectively carried out their ministries. [4]

 

[II] Vivekananda Kendra Vidhyalaya (VKV):

 

       Arunachal VKV is a Hindu spiritual organization setup under the project of Vivekananda Kendra Siksha Prasar Vibhag with its headquater at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. In September 1973, K.A Raja, Lt. Governor of Arunachal Union Territory had a detailed discussion about the Christian and its ministries with Late Pujya Eknathji Rande, the founder of VKV who promised to give priority for Arunachal in Kendra's plan of National building. Approximately, there are 64 VKV Schools in India which 22 of them are in Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated 3000 missionaries emphasizing academic and cultural. [5]

 

[III] Freedom of Religious Bill 1978 of Arunachal Pradesh:

 

       In order to ban, torture, discriminate and impose restriction to in and out state born christian and missionaries, Lt. K.A Raja, the then Governor of Arunachal Pradesh presented " Indigeneous Faith Bill " which the cabinet and parliament passed and enacted respectively. In this act, CONVERSION ; which is defined as a renouncing faith and adopting another faith was banned in this act. Buddhism and Hindu Vaishnava sect both are non- indegineous faith included whearas Christian is excluded in the list. Some people especially among dominant Adi Tribes considered Christianity and the modernizing tendency associated with it as a threat to their traditional identity. [6] The VHP has already begun distributing stickers " PRESERVE YOUR CULTURE, PRESERVE YOUR IDENTITY" to all arunachali households.[7]

   

 

    In May 03, 1978, churches from Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur,Shillong and the rest of North-East organized a massive protest against " Arunachal Freedom of Religious Bill 1978". [8] Right to Religious Freedom quaranteed under article 25-28 of the Constitution of India and Article 18 of universal declaration of Human Right quarantees everybody the right to freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion.

 

[IV] Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS):

 

       Rss is " National Volunteer Organization" to spread its ideology and Hindus belief since 1925. In 2009, David Hallorah Lumsdaine estimated that there were 1 Million Volunteers, who were modeled on the Hitler Youth. Rss and its militant wing Bajrang Dal has participated in a wide range of riots, often participating in organizing an inciting violence against Christians and Muslims. Sarsangh Chalaks is the head of the RSS organization and Sakha (branch) did most of Rss work all over India. In 2004, it has 60,000 Sakhas (branch) that fallen 1,000 since the fall of BJP led government in 2004. [9] According to Rss representativesheld from March 16 to 18 in Nagpur 2012, the Rss had decided to increase its activities in the North-East and declared or promoted Arunachal and Manipur as provincial units now 39 to 41 [10]

 

[V] Vishua Hindu Parishad (VHP):

 

       VHP are also one of the widely participated in communal riots, persecution and inciting violence against Christian in general Muslim particular. This society took up the religious conversion of Hindus by Christian Churches. It was founded on August 29, 1964 on the festival day of Shri Krishna Janmashtami - to serve and protect Hindu religion (Dharma). [11]

 

[VI] Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP):

 

        AVP is a Sakha (branch) of RSS who promote education, health and Hindus ideology and culture in Arunachal Pradesh. It has 17 district level and 88 circles committees, 42 dedicated wholetime workers. It also runs 41 Balwadis , 3 schools, 22 Bal Vikas Kendra, 130 village health workers , 67 sports and culture centers in 17 district of Arunachal Pradesh. Modi Trust, Kalyan Ashram, Vanvashi Vidyarthi Parishad, Purbanchal Kalyan Ashram are the main supporters of Arunachal Vikas Parishwad. [12]

 

[VII] Inner Line Permit (ILP):

 

      Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by Government of India to allow protected/restricted area for a limited period. This act is an offshoot of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Acts 1873 which protects crown interest in the tea, oil and elephant trade by prohibiting "British Subject" from entering to any commercial venture and became an adversary in trade to crown agents. The word "British Subjects" was replaced by citizen on India in 1950. It also the enactment for protection of Tribal culture by the contemporaneus advocates of ILP in North-Eastern states. [13] Kiren Rijiju said , " It is mandatory to guard our territory but we must not close it to our own people and we should be open up..many areas like protected area permit and restricted permit very soon". The Hindus missionaries took advantage of the Inner Line Permit Restriction which impose Arunachalee's own brothers and sisters who lived in Nagaland , Mizoram, Shillong, Manipur and the rest of India. The Arunachal Government simplify the procedure of ILP in an aim to boost foreign and domestic visitors are concerned and a lot of Information Technology [IT] intervention is taking place. [14] Although the christian missionaries who carried the light of the gospel under prohibition, restriction, opposed, defamed, tortured, martyred and trial in Arunachal Pradesh; Today many native christian obstained the light of the gospel and now pass-it-on to their family, neighbours and surrounding areas who are still in the darkness.

 

 

II. Christian mission in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

     The history of Christianity in Arunachal Pradesh was traced back as early the ruled of "AHOM RAJA". But historian claimed that th North East India had Christian presence even before the Ahom Raja, Rudra Singh. Ahoms tribe of Shan origin entered the head of North-East valley in force in 13th CE overcome the remnant of the former dynasty left by Koch invasion. These Ahoms Kings were the last native dynasty and from them the province take its name Assam.

 

        The three Tibet bound Portuquese Jesuit missionaries Viz. Stephen Cacella, John Cabral and Fontabona from Italy who reached Hajo and Pandua near Guwahati , Assam in September 26, 1626 on their way to Tibet were believed to be the first missionaries who seth footh in the land of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire North-East was under Assam even after the British annexation of Assam in 1824 as an incident of their war wìth the Burmese. The modern and earliest 19th century missionary interest in the North-East was shown by the Baptist of Serampore from 1816-1837 and significantly the ministry of Krishna Chanda Pal in Cherapunji. Encouraged by David Scott and Major Jenkins, the Serampore opened a school at Guwahaty in 1829 where Mawsmai and Mawmluh made a beginning in the development of Khasi literature. [15]

 

       Since 1834, the whole of the North-East India was under the jurirdiction of the Vicar Apostolic of Calcutta. Mrs. Elizabeth Bruce (March 1804- February 19,1885 ) wife of Charlese Alexander Bruce ( January 11, 1793- April 23, 1871) reached Sadiya in 1834 and pioneer to established first Missionary School at Sadiya (Arunachal Pradesh) . In the church of Epiphany of Tezpur, it was written , " The church is proud to have the names of Mr. & Mrs. Bruce associated with the church of Epiphany of Tezpur". [16] tIn March 23, 1836, Rev Nathan Brown, the American Baptist Missionary reached Sadiya and began the missionary work in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh after two years of Mr & Mrs. Bruce in Sadiy. Miles Brownson (1812-1883) , an American Baptist Missionary reached Sadiya on July 08, 1838 on the second years of Rev. N. Brown. Yumri Taipodia, a native researcher concluded that the Khampti, Singpho and the Adi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh are the first hearer of the gospel of Jesus but the Khampti and Singpho remained unconvinced. [17] Brownson opened a school at Jaipur (adjoining towns with Namsang) and studying the languages of surrounding tribes including Namsang, Noctes and Wanchos with the help of Captain Hannay. Brownson made his first journeyed to Namsang on January 07, 1839 whereas the villagers took him as spy for the British East India Company to collect information before annex of their territory. He won the favour and goodwill of Khonbau (Chief) who saved his life and he stayed there untill January 29, 1839 studying and preparing Catechism in Nocte. He established a school with the help of villagers during his second visit to Namsang on December 20, 1839 later he brought his wife and daughter Marie, in March 13, 1840. On may 07, 1840, the American Baptist Mission sent Cyrus Barker with his wife accompanied by Rhodha Brownson , sister of Mile Brownson. In october 02, 1840, they returned to Jaipur due to frequent attack of fever which became their last journey to Namsang. Brownson no more eager to work at Namsang after the dead of her sister in December 08, 1840 and moved to Nowgong. [18] Rev. William Robinson, an American Baptist Missionary and frontline academician who served Principal of Guwahati Government Seminary first attempt to grammarise the missing language for institutional use in 1841. He authored " A short outline of Miri Grammar" and "Notes on the Daflas and the pecurialities of their language" [19]

From 1850, the Foreign Missionaries of Paris ministered to the scatter Catholic communities in the Assam Valley. The Roman Catholic father Nicholas Krick first explore the Abor Hills in 1851, during his first journey across the Tibetan border in 1851-1852. In his second journey with Fr. Augustine Bourry towards Tibet, they were martyred on the footpath of Somme Village, Mishmi Hills in September 01, 1854. It was written, " Mission unto martyrdom,

        The amazing story of Nicolas Krick and Augustine Bourry,

        The first martyrs of Arunachal Pradesh" [20]

        M. Bernerd, Society of Foreign Mission letter dated November 16, 1854 concerns the murder of Krick and Bourry by the Mishmis and measure was taken by the British to investigate the murders. [21]

 

       In 1869-70, Chowsam Gohain (a khampti chief) was sent by British to Tibet to try and open communication with the French missionaries following their appeal for assistance. Assam became part of the prefecture of Bengal in 1870 under the care of Foreign Missionaries of Milan [PIME]. In 1890, the whole Assam was entrusted to the care of the then newlx founded German Society of Catholic Education (known as Devine Savior or German Salvatorian).

In 1870, some graduate students from Nongsawlia School [converted into normal school by Government in 1867 ]were taking-up teaching position for the first time proved that the Roman Catholic Churches were fruitful in Ministry of Education. [22]

Joseph Francis Needham was the Assistant Political Officer of Sadiya from 1882-1905. He travelled far and wide, known and unknown twenty three years of his service career. In 1886, accompanied by Captain Molesworthy Crossed the Indian border to discover a mountain route to Tibet through the lofty range of Mishmi Hills. Eventhough he was designated for political activities, he did the ministry of God through literature ministry alongside his career. He authored , " Outline Grammar of the Shaiyang Miri Language" in 1886; All time popular story "Prodigal Son" in 1896 and episode prevailing in the village court " DOLUNG KEBANG" in 1899. Later these stories were published in the Linguistic Survey of India by Sir George Abraham Grierson. [23]

 

      In 1893, John Firth came to North Lakhimpur and opened a school " John Firth Mission School " for students of Arunachal Pradesh.Frederick William Savide ( F.W. Savidge or Sapupa) 1862- September 28, 1935 and James Herbert Lorraine (J.H Lorrain or Pu Buanga) February 06, 1870-January 08, 1944 were the two who pioneer Missionary work in Mizoram, Sadiya and Assam has been unforgettable in the history of Mizo and Adi.The two Missionaries under London Baptist Mission supported by Arthington Aborigine Mission arrived Sairang Village, Mizoram on January 11, 1894 , the day is observed as Missionary Day.The Arthington Mission mandated that the Missionaries should move to new fields, and handed over its field to Welsh Presbyterian Mission in 1897 and they left Aizawl for England on December 31, 1897. In fact, the Presbyterian missionaries had station in Khasi Hills and claimed Lushai Hills as their operational areas that result to dissolved Arthington Ministry prematurely in Mizoram. [24]

 

      In 1899, they formed their own " Assam Frontier Pioneer Mission" after completing a short on medicine and returned to India in 1899. On June 16, 1900; they arrived Sadiya, Assam (now Arunachal) and began to learn Abor-Missing language and literature works. The native wonder an ordinary person to pickup foreign language within a short span of time. They prepared Abor-Miri language, and published " Isorke Doyinge" and " Jisuke Doyínge" in 1902 ; translated his own work "The story of the true God" with F.W Savidge at Sadiya. In 1902, the Welsh Presbyterian Mission decided to split Mizoram into two mission fields, the southern region was handed to Baptist Mission Society, London. The experienced and unemployed Baptist workers Savidge and Lorraine were recruited immediately and left Sadiya for Mizoram on February 1903 and arrived Lunglei on March 13, 1903 [25].

 

 

       Rev. SAD Boggs, sent by American Baptist Mission Society established Eastern Theological College (ETC), Jorhat, Assam which is an important institution for the entire North East in general Baptist in particular.

Rev. Lyman Ward Beecher Jackman alongwith his wife arrived Sadiya on December 07, 1905 as a successor of J.H Lorraine and F.W Savidge. He gained complete command over Abor-Miri and other language within no time and authored three books in Abor-Missing language VIZ. 1. Keyum Kero Kitap 1914, Rom Kiding kela Korinthian Doying 1916 and Mathike Annam Baibel 1917 published in the Local Press, Sadiya. In 1909, Rev. L.W.B Jackman accompanied by Captain Noel Williamson, Political Officer of Sadiya were visting Kebang, East Siang of Arunachal Pradesh. In March 20, 1911, Noel Williamson accompanied by Dr. Gregorson, Medical Officer of Europe alongwith 47 porters and arm escort left Pasighat for the second trip to Kebang where they all faced mercilessly murdered in the day light at Sissen Village and Komsing in March 11, 1911 except three persons who was said to jumped in the river and informed the incidents to the British rulers. [26] In May 07, 1910 , Watkin Roberts accompanied by his students Lungpau and Thangkai (first christian in Southern Manipur) reached Senvon, Southern Manipur which is observed as " Missionary Day".

 

        In 1914, L.W.B Jackman visited Dambuk and Meka with a vision to established Mission School where he came into contact with Dugyon Lego. The school were established one at Ebung (Dambuk) and Lupang (Meka) with the help of Apinda Momin and Suren Sangma (both were Garos) . In 1918, Rev Jackman admitted Dugyon Lego at Jorhat Christian School and support all his expenses. In 1920, he and Tamik Dabi took baptized and converted into Christian. Between 1914- 1920, the schools were shifted to Samak, Roing . [27] His wife had "improper relations" with a British officer there in 1920 and later confessed to her husband who promptly went out and shot the officer to death. He was imprisioned two years before he returned to America. [28] Sensu Nar, the first Nyshi Christian profess that he was believer in 1919 and baptized in 1920.

 

        In 1921, the new missionary Rev. John Selandar alongwith his wife Mrs. Hilda, an American missionary arrived at Sadiya to take-up Rev. LWB Jackman's work among the Adis and surrounding tribes. In 1926, Dugyon Lego completed sixth standard from Jorhat Christian School and began to work with Jackman mostly in literary works. Yumri Taipodia stated that after Dugyon Lego and Tamik Dabi completed their course, Dabi served in the state Government and Dugyon chosed to remained as an evangelist. [Ibid,End Notes 17] . Rev John Salendar and Dugyon published many books with the support of other brethren, VIZ, 1. Padam Abor Primer in Roman script " AB KITAB" 1935, 2. Beginners of Arithmetic in Padam Abor " Padam Kikiname Kitap Lunggue -1; 1937, Romans and first Corinthian in Abor 1941, Padam Abor Chart - 1942, Isorke Aku Doyinge 1943, AB KITAB (2nd Edition 1944), AB KITAB ( 3rd Edition 1947).

 

      Translation of New Testament Holy Bible was taken up alongwith Kosham Lego (the first matriculate among the Padam Abor in 1944) and Okep Tayeng , halves done as the Second World War Progress. Hurriedly those were done and printed in 1948. Dugyon was appointed as mission Teacher and posted in Dambuk.In 1945, the Japanese troops invaded Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh and controlled untill the collapse of Japanese Empire. [29] In 1946-48, the American Baptist Forein Mission Society transferred those three schools Viz. at Balek, Ebung and Meka (Roing) to Mrs. Indira Miri, the then Education Secretary, Government of Assam. Thus, Dugyon Lego was re-appointed as Govt. school teacher in 1947.

In August 15, 1950 ; 8.6 magnitude earthquake richter scale hit Assam-Tibet that claimed 780 lives. The school in Dambuk was completely destroyed by earthquake and flood, shifted to Roing in 1954. He remained as Teacher at Roing till his retirement in 1967. The first Teacher and first Christian of Arunachal Pradesh abode his heavenly home in November 14, 1983 at Roing. [ 30].

Since 1950, the field work of the American Baptist Missionary work in Sadiya has been brought under Council of Baptist Churches in North-East India (CBCNEI). Rev John Salendar relocated the Sadiya Mission centre to Panikua (Assam) and became Dibru-Sodia Mission centre. He went back to America in 1953. [31]

 

The birth of Church organization and persecution of Christian in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

     The first churches of Arunachal Pradesh believed to be built by either Dugyon Lego( the first converted Christian) or Sensu Nar (the first Christian among Nyshi) in 1920s. In 1953, Pu.Khotinkham, APO NEFA to built church in Aalo (Along) the proposed was rejected by NEFA. It was believed that unquoted many more students who were studying in Christian schools in Assam and Shillong were converted into christianity.The 1960s -1980s are termed as the birth of the churches in Arunachal Pradesh. The native believers are taking-up the lead of spreading the gospel with the help of missionaries and now Arunachal is heading toward to be a Christian state.

 

1. Roman Catholic Church today in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

 The Roman Catholic Church Father Augustin Bourry and Father Nicholas Krick were the first martyred and saw the seed of the Gospel on September 01, 1854 in Arunachal Pradesh.  CIn June 01, 1963 , young students from Apatani (from Ziro) Viz. Mr. Joseph Tage Moda, Mr. William Tage Tatun and Mr. Athanasius Roto Tajo met Fr. Luigi Cerato ( An Italian Priest) has been traced back as the origin of Roman Catholic Ministry in Arunachal Pradesh. The three students were in search of Christian School in North Lakhimpur while they came into cöntact with the priest and got baptized on September 19,1963. The Roman Catholic Church of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the baptism of three noted school boys on September 19, 2013.The three students launched the 'Morning Star Society' to coordinate their religious activities and common celebration like Christmass. On their holiday trips to Arunachal , they encouraged young boys and girls to seek education provided by the Missionaries in Assam and Shillong. It was written," A good number of those who left Ziro for these Missionary institutions returned as baptized catholics. Though the teenager boys had no missionary support in their homeland, they kept their faith alive and turned into student Apostles".

The Catholic parish at Ziro was set-up in 1997, Fr. Sebastian Ayilookunnel ar resident parish priest.

 

 

       In 1977, Fr. Kulandaisamy of Tezpur Diocese had started the first Roman Catholic mission to Nyshi people at Harmutty, a border town in Assam. Newly ordained Salesian Fr. Jose Cheenparatty took over the mission among Nyshh people in 1981 and did extensive work among them. In October 02, 2014, Bishop John Thomas Kattrukudiyil of Itanagar Diocese dedicated the first New Testament Bible in Nyshi on the occassion of Diocesan, Fraternity Convention of North-East India held in Itanagar.The Catholic Church of Arunachal Pradesh now number morethan 200,000 in a population of some 900,000. [32].

 

2. The journey of Adi Christian Gidum Kebang (ACGK) among the Adi Christian:

 

     The American missionaries and the London Baptist Missionaries from 1834-1953) were said to be the pioneer missionaries in the Adis' land. After the last American Baptist Missionary left in 1953, the appointed Adi native workers were said to be ineffective that result to had forsaken the Christian and follow the Bhagovat faith of Missing. The ex-student of Sodia Mission School Mr. Mame Megu and Mr. Genong Meggu persuaded them to follow Christianity. The Sabha and Adi Committee appealed CBCNEI for an Adi native missionary thus Rev. J.C Karon was appointed as Evangelist by CBCNEI in 1960. The ACGK known as Adi Christian Gidum(ACG) is said to be the oldest native Church Organization which was formed in November 11, 1963 at Gausola ( Joint village of Adi and Missing) under the guardianship of Rev. J.C Karon.

 

       In 1966, it was renamed as Adi Baptist Banne Kebang (ABBK) where Mr. Taro Boje was appointed as Evangelist in October 25, 1966 , Mr. Taro Boje and Mr. Barjo Taye as licenced Evangelist in 1968 and Mr. Tai Tatu , Dakto Doke as Adi-Galo evangelist in 1970 under ABBK. In 1975, ABBK was renamed as Lohit Baptist Christian Association ( LBCA) as other than Roing area found absent in ABBK conference. It was renamed from ABBK, Siang Baptist Christian Association (SBCA) by Pasighat Christians. It was further devided into Eastern Lower Siang Baptist Christian Association (ELSBCA) and Upper Siang Baptist Christian Association (USBCA), then Adi-Galo Baptist Church Association (AGBCA). [33]

 

3. Nyshi Baptist Church Council (NBCC):

 

         In 1893, John Firth came to North Lakhimpur and opened a school especially for students of Arunachal Pradesh. The first Christian among Nyshi Mr. Sensu Nar profess that he was believer in 1919 and got baptized in 1920. The author is unable to trace presently the missionary work of Sensu Nar among Nyshi 1920-1969 or other brethren.Nyshi Baptist Church Council (NBCC) was formed in April 01, 1969 at John Firth School, North Lakhimpur. Initially it was established as Nyshi Christian Student Union under Mr. Epa Tana Tara as president and Mr. Ter Tana Tara as Secretary.In 1972, it was renamed from Nyshi Christian Student Union (NCSU) to Nyshi Christian Convention (NCC). The anti-Christian movement, persecution, tortured across Arunachapal Pradesh was at peak in 1974 that compelled to withheld the fifth meeting of Nyshi Christian Convention ( NCC). In 1978, NCC was renamed into Subansiri Baptist Christian Association (SBCA) . Finally SBCA was renamed into its present name Nyshi Baptist Church Council (NBCC) during Annual Conference held on February 02, 2001 at Sangalee. [34]

 

4.Chakhesang Missionary works among Galo Community:

 

       The Nagaland based Chakhesang Mission Society (CMS) roled in missionary work had been significant that pave a way to be an independent church organization without outside missionaries involvement. It was January 30, 1980, a team of CMS Missionaries comprised of Mr. Edisoi Rose, Rev. Dupar Vasa and Mr. Vekhonyi Medeo met Mr. Jawaharlal Doley , to be the first CMS Evangelist at Telam which is considered as the existence of CMS Missionaries among Galo Community in West Siang. In May 06, 1980, the second survey team of CMS, Rev D. Vasa, Mr. K. Lasuh and Pastor Venulhu reached Telam in an aim to establish missionary works among any community which they found Galo Community thirst for the gospel.

 

       In January 01, 1984 at Likabali Meeting, The Adi Galo Baptist Church Association (AGBCA) became the mission field of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), Nagaland.In January 28, 1983 in the Phek Agreement, some leaders of AGBCC sorted out the exact modalities, programme and mode of financial support by CBCC. As a partnership Ministry, The Chakhesang Mission Society had sponsored 14 Theological Students, 28 native workers in various ministry. [35]

 

5.Galo Baptist Church Council (GBCC) Today:

 

     GBCC is an independent christian ministry, concentrating among the Galos was officially migrated from Adi Baptist Banne Kebang (ABBK) since 1982. Prior to the birth of GBCC, many Galos were appointed by CBCNEI and ABBK as native evangelist. The inception of Christianity among the Galos has different version and diverse opinion. It is widely concluded that no missionary agencies nor christian organization were pioneering in spreading the gospel among Galos, rather they embraced christianity themselves.

 

       According to Jomar Gamlin, the inception of Christianity among Galos are classified in division or circle wise:

1. Nari Area - 1967-68.

2. Likabali Area 1968

3. Aalo Area 1959-1967

4. Dari Circle - 1973

5. Kangku Circle - 1966- 1979

 

 

 

           In April 17, 1982, the Galo representative elders unanimously passed the resolution to form saperate Galo Church Association that the nomenclature of the association kept on changing from time to time. Since 1982, the Galo Christian were under Adi Galo Baptist Christian Association ( AGBCA) . It was renamed Adi Galo Baptist Christian Association (AGBCA) , further it was changed into Adi Galo Baptist Church Council (AGBCC). In October 04, 2001, the Telam Excutive meeting decided to omit the complex word 'Adi' from their associate name and finally it is known as Galo Baptist Church Council (GBCC). Since January 29, 1982, The Nagaland based Chakhesang Mission Society (CMS) , Tangkhul Baptist Church, Imphal and Mizoram Baptist Society had been partnership in the ministry of God that bore a hundred fold fruits. As of 2007, an estimated 35% converted Christian among the Galo Community in Arunachal Pradesh. [36]

 

6.United Pentecostal Church NORTH-EAST INDIA (UPCNEI) Missionary works in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

      The United Pentecostal Church North-East India (UPCNEI) , its headquater in Shillong and Mizoram declared Arunachal as "Mission Field' in December 09, 1989, but Sister Kenter Doji said to had started voluntary ministry since 1983. Having heard the fruitful ministry of Sister Kenter Doji; the mission board appointed her as 'first native Missionary' in 1986 and subsequently appointed as ' MISSION FIELD DIRECTOR' in 1996.

Today, the Pentecostal Church Ministry has been presence in East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang and Changlang that bore significant change for Arunachal, Bokhar Community in particular. [37]

 

7.Presbyterian Church Synod (Mizoram) missionary works in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

       The Presbyterian Church (Synod) , Mizoram declared ' Arunachal Mission Field ' on December 10, 1984 after signing MOU agreement with Upper Siang Baptist Christian Association (USBCA) under the guardianship of Arunachal Evangelical Board (AEB).

Since August 13, 1985, the USBCA and AEB does ministry in the name of Presbyterian during Annual Meeting where Evan. Tator Ketang was given licenced to conduct Baptism and Sacrement wherever his service is required.

 

       The Upper Siang Presbyterian Christian Council Adhoc meeting was held at Jomlo Mongku Village, under the chairmanship of Evan. Tator Ketang and Evan. Tama Tasing as Secretary in the presence of fifty members on September 20-21, 1985The first Youth General Conferencd of Upper Siang Presbyterian Council was held at Lokpeng Village on October 19-21 , 1985 and first Upper Siang Presbyterian Council Church Women Conference was too held on December 07 - 8, 1985. In February 23, 1986, the Upper Siang Presbyterian Council first meeting or first conference was held at Koreng Village.

 

 

 

8.The Tangsa Presbyterian Church in Arunachal Pradesh today:

 

      The Tangsa Presbyterian Church in Arunachal Pradesh was unanamously formed by Mr. Ranjung Jugli on April 14,1988 at Changlang. The newly found denomination appealed to join Mizoram Presbyterian Church that the Synod appointed Synod Missionary Board (SMB) to follow-up their appeal.The Synod Mission Board (SMB) agreed the appeal of Tangsa Presbyterian on March 23-24, 1990 during Synod Conference. The Synod Mission Board (SMB) further decided and established ' Arunachal Mission Field ' in 1991 at Lakla. In an aim of better governance, the SMB relocated the Mission headquter to Khasan in 1995. In 2012, it was devided into three Pastor area VIZ. Lakla , khasan, Mio and Changlang. For further expansion of the Presbyterian Ministry, the Arunachal Field headquarter was shifted to the Capital city Itanagar on April 04, 2002. The School Ministry of the Presbyterian Church Synod , Mizoram in Assam- Arunachal Pradesh School has been one of the important tool for the christian ministers as well as Hindu and Muslim. St. Peter English Medium School (now St. Peter High School was established under Arunachal Evangelical Board (AEB) at Madhuripathar, Dhemaji, Assam on June 06, 1988. The Arunachal Evangelical Board (AEB) transfered the school to Mizoram Synod Board (MSB) in 1991. Mr. Liankima, who was a hindi Teacher at St. Peter English Medium School was appointed as Evangelist in February , 1989. Since or till 1994, he served two years as Missionary in Koreng Village widely praised by the local members of the church.In 1992, under the sponsoruding 375 and 470 native workers or evangelist. Baptist Churches of Mizoram report as of March 2002, there were 418 mission workers, 187 missionaries and 231 native workers and 60 mission workers of its own. [39]

 

 

Persecution of Christian and its effect in Arunachal Pradesh:

 

       The history of Christianity in Arunachal Pradesh and the entire North- East teaches us that, the Hindus devotees and sympathizers are one of the most who create enemity, social unrest, misunderstanding and even persecute Christian by using political power the 'Right to freedom of thoughts, Conscience and Religion'. As I stated in my novel, one shall not cönsider culture and religion in the same category. " RELIGION IS BELIEF and CULTURE IS OUR IDENTITY". Therefore, those who think National Integrity, they're not particular in a single religion as they know India is diverse culture, religion and cuisine. A vast democracy like India should stop harassing, discriminating, ill-treatment of the people in the name of religion. Rather , the Government should encourage all religions to play a vital role in the upliftment of societies of India. The contemporary problem here in North-East and the rest of India that some politicians, Official and orthodox Hindus often persuade the citizens to be a Krishna Bhakta (Devotee). When the law makers are in your opposition, what happen next? An unnamed God's minister from CFI Ministries North- East Region quoted about ministry experienced in Arunachal Pradesh , " When I started my ministry in Arunachal in 1975 as a young man, there was no religious freedom. I was told by government officials that they would throw me in to jail if I did not stop the work. But God had a different plan! I have a vision that every person in the state is reached for Christ". [40] We do read and know from History of Christianity throughout the world that without hindrances and persecution, the growth of the Churches Crippled. In September 01, 1854 , the first persecuted Roman Catholic missionary Fr. Augustin Bourry and Fr. Nicholas Krick were martyred at Mishmi Hills while on their way to Tibet on their second journeyed. They were the first martyred in Arunachal Pradesh. [41]"He was reportedly killed on his sick bed on August 2, 1854. Along with Krick, the villagers buried him at Somme ", . The missionaries who worked with people of Arunachal Pradesh had faced ups and downs of life without further reference. [42] The missionary works of Christian bear fruits slowly one generation after another, the light of the gospel has been passing-on as far as Arunachal Pradesh is concern. Although, the growth of Christianity in Arunachal Pradesh cannot be compared as in Mizoram and Nagaland. It comes in mind that what actually makes the Christian less progress in Arunachal? Farlex stated that Some people especially among the dominant Adi Tribe , considered christianity and the modernizing tendency associated with it as a threat to their traditional identity. [43] The morethan 26 Major Tribes and 101 sub-tribes are richly blessed with traditional ornaments, clothes and dances. They also have traditional rituals sacrifice like 'Gena', Mopin, Solung which the newly converted christian compelled them to avoid the events which are against Christianity. I do hope new generation shall realize ' Cultural modification ' is the need of hour which religious rituals shall be excluded where all religion of the same tribe shall preserve their culture without bothering religion that may re-union the broken brothers and sisters. Eventhough there were minor opposition and obstacle wherever christian exist in Arunachal Pradesh, not of that had happened in 1960s and 1990s never before .

     A cultural renewal movement that begun in 1960s was correlated with anti-christian activities that contributed to christian persecution which instensified in 1970s by the Government . It was unexpected and unbelieveable that such a big state Government backed by Central Government would support the anti-christian movement whereas the Constitution quaranteed Religious Freedom . Churches reported numerous kidnapping, torture , dispossesion of their belongings, physical assaultation, jailed and burning houses and churches. Christianity was virtually banned in the mountainous state of Arunachal and North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) had even enacted legislation to curb conversions, primarily to Christianity, in 1978 amid Christians being persecuted and churches being burnt. The christian were discriminated, ignoring admission and denied to issue Schedule Tribe (ST) certificates and necessary documents by officials. Mr. Wanglat, a baptized members of 1960s wrote , “now, Changlang and Longding in eastern Arunachal are Christian ". He further added that Elwin Verrier, an anthropologist and tribal activist.Who came to India as an Anglican priest from Britain, renounced Christianity and converted to Hinduism in 1935 became the agent of disinformation (against Christians) to the government as its advisor,”Later, the Hindu nationalist lobby also tried to exploit the situation through officials and politicians to keep Arunachal hostile to Christian. [44] The 1971 census of India had shown 0.79 % christian that alarmed the Hindus devotees to curb the growth of Christian less the influenced of Hindu's be narrowed. “Christian students were persecuted and beaten up those days by fellow student leaders. They also confiscated Bibles and burnt them,” recalled Boa Tarin who became a Baptist secretly in 1969, when he was hospitalized with malaria while studying at the government school in Ziro.[45] Mark Riedemann interview for "Where God Weeps," a weekly television and radio show produced by Catholic Radio and Television Network in conjunction with the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need stated that Arunachal Pradesh was the first state of India to promulgate an anti-conversion law 1978 that no Christians nor priest could enter this land. Father George Palliparampil (now bishop) was regarded as a “persona non grata”; his photo was posted in every police station. Despite these obstacles, today over 40% of the approximately 900,000 inhabitants are Catholics and their number is growing rapidly. [46] Verrier Elwin, an anthropologist and chief advisor on tribal affairs to Jawaharlal Nehru, India´s first prime minister, formulated a "religious policy" for Arunachal Pradesh that aimed at keeping both Hindu and Christian missions out of the region in order to allow Arunachal Pradesh tribals to preserve their culture and practice their "Donyi-Polo" (Sun-Moon) faith. Hinduism, represented by the Ramakrishna Mission (RM), gets federal government support, while Christianity, represented by Baptists and Roman Catholics, is still officially forbidden from entering the state whearas the Rama Krishna Mission authorities have been allowed to set up 18 schools and practice Hinduism in AP. Christian missioners have been denied official permission even to enter AP," The federal government´s anti-Christian bias began in 1969 forbid foreign missioners in northeastern India and existing were forced to leave the country. "The government supported (Hindu) religious groups like the Arya Samaj and the Anand Margis to break the Christian influence in northeast India," Said Takam Sanjay.[47] Another move, Lieutenant Governor K. A. Raja ordered all the parents to withdraw their children from the Catholic schools and the government sent notifications to the bishops of Dibrugarh and Tezpur to send back the Arunachal students from their Catholic institutions. Consequently, the students were withdrawn from the Catholic schools and admitted to Rama Krishna Mission Schools in Arunachal Pradesh and elsewhere. [48] In 1969, the Indian government took an unfavorable attitude toward the Christian missionaries in the North-East to leave the region. The Christian missionaries working in the North-East came under suspicion in the context of the separatist movements in the tribal areas, particularly in Mizoram,Nagaland, Manipur and Shillong that the Government might success Free Christian in Arunachal Pradesh and elsewhere but its multiplied into a thousand folds wherever persecution exist. The Christian Schools were accused of teaching religious belief to become christian but only god knows the truth war of words between Hindu and Christian. [49] Lieutenant K.A Raja was a well known official who played a vital role in the name of Hindu Dharma by using political power to persecute Christian and paved away for the conversion of Hinduism in Arunachal Pradesh. He first then ordered all Arunachal Students who studied in Christian schools were called back the then admitted in Hindu Orthodox school Ramakrishna across Arunachal Pradesh. In his second attempt against Christian, he had visited Late Punya Eknathji Rande, founder of Vivekanda Kendra at Kanyakumari in September 1973. He had a detailed discussion with the ongoing Christian Conversion in Arunachal Pradesh who then promised most priority in Kendra's Hindu Mission. In 1977, VKV established in Arunachal Pradesh now have morethan 22 out of 60s VKV in All India with approximate 5000 Swami Teachers in vkv alone. In Raja's third move, fully encouraged in an aim to broaden Hindu's influenced; he presented ' Indeginious Faith Bill' in 1977 the same was approved and passed by the Lieutenant Governor K.A Raja led Government and the parliament that enacted officially in 1978. The bill was designated as a tool to wiped out christian and convert people of Arunachal Pradesh to be Krishna Devotee. [50] Thereafter, ‘Joint Action Committee for Freedom of Religion in Arunachal Pradesh was jointly formed by Christian churches’. This committee comprised leaders from all Churches in North-east India with headquarters in Shillong. The committee was led by the heads of the Catholic and Protestant Churches. It gave wide publicity concerning the persecution of the Christians in Arunachal Pradesh and tried to elicit support for persecuted Christians. Their efforts bore fruit and the issue was taken up by various political and social groups nationally. The Christians experienced some respite because of the efforts of the ‘Joint Action Committee’. [51] Shri. B.B Jamatia Memorandum to Prime Minister of India dated March 26, 2011 stated that Churches across North-East had organized a massive protest against 1978 ' Freedom of Religious Bill' which only Christian Conversion was considered as renouncing of faith not Hindu conversion. [52] Nitin Sethi wrote , " The RSS affiliates, famous for converting tribals to Hinduism in Central India are having a field now a day in Arunachal Pradesh". The door of conversion is opened for Rss and its affiliates and there was time the native christians had to left Arunachal and its community being christian. It is totally against Nehru's 'Religious Policy' in NEFA. If there was no strong foundation laid by Christian, Rss and its affiliates famous for converting would have converted the whole Arunachal Pradesh into Hinduism. In this contemporary challenges of Mission in Arunachal Pradesh, one must understand 'Religious Policy' of Arunachal Pradesh by the Hindus or government. The Rss had claimed distributed every household of Arunachalee that ' Preserve your culture, preserve your identity'. The Hindus are not in keen to protect Tribal Religion ' Donyi Polo' rather they influenced them with Hindus culture and belief by providing religious based education and health care from their hundreads of educational institutions and hospital across Arunachal Pradesh. As Christian are down trodden and emotionally, politically and socially discriminated and hurt, the Rss had decided to increase its activities in North-East and promoted Arunachal and Manipur as provincial units now 39 to 41 on March 16-18, 2012 in Nagpur.[53] The persecution which was severe between 1960s to 1990 cause was influenced and inciting violence by the Hindus Devotees who too convinced Government and used political influenced to creat social unrest and put enemity between brothers and sisters of Arunachal Pradesh. Temples were constructed every nook and corner of the cities, towns and villages. Thousands of Hindu priests and swamis began visiting people home to home to performe ritual and sacrifices wherever their services are demand. As a result of Hindus influenced, most of the all Donyi- Polo worshippers are converted in belief without changing their religion that by worshipping three crores plus Hindu deities and offer sacrifices to the earn blessings. Unlike Nehru's Religious Policy for NEFA adviced by his tribal welfare Minister Varrier Edwin, an Anglican priest converted into Hinduism that neither Hindus nor Christian mission to work in Arunachal Pradesh inorder to protect tribal religion 'Donyi- Poloism'. The Hindus exploited tribal religion under the wing of ' Protect Tribal Culture' or ' Protect Indegineous Faith' and is still injecting Hindus belief which most of the intellectual people consider Hindus are the protector of their identity. Sooner or later, I do hope that people of Arunachal Pradesh will realize the ' Religious Policy ' of Hindu's religion towards them and may demand to leave them alone to protect 'Donyi Poloism'. The Hindus missionaries use not only political, educational and healthcare influence, but also foreigners in an aim to deter the presence and growth of Christian in the North- East India, Arunachal in particular. Stephen Knapp, a member of Iskcon, the Hare Krishna Movement, since 1975 who works with global Vedic community as a Krishna bhakta (devotee) and disciple of Srila Prabhupada and his western delegates Dr. David Frawley, Andrew Foss, Vrindavana Parker, Yvette Rosser, and Surya das Youngwolf invited by Swami Dayanand Sarasvati, Coimbator for "North East India Janajati Faith & Culture Protection Forum" on 14 to15th of December, 2002 that focused on the increasing threat in India's northeast regions of the loss of its culture and traditions because of the number of conversions that are taking place, often by questionable tactics. Knapp further added that David Frawley told him, Prime Minister of India, Vajpayai personally said to him that foreigners can say more than Indians can which locals cannot always say and be taken seriously and got more press coverage. [54] Throughout our research, we have found and learn that the Hindu's devotee ' Religious Policy ' toward Arunachal Pradesh and the entire North-East has been carried-out under the banner of " PROTECT INDEGINEOUS FAITH & CULTURE " which they took advantage to convert innocent tribals into Hinduism by accusing Christian as hostile, alien faith link with insurgency. The truth can't be hidden and now the new generation will leave no stone unturn to protect their ' indegineous faith and culture ' without the help of Hindu's spiritual organization who are the wolf in sheep's clothes'. The Hindu's Ministries gain momentum through their financial power, backed by Rss and influenced Government, teaching them its belief in their estalishment school and through healthcare but good samaritan Christian who are slow and steady prefer to win the RACE. The first persecution of Christian 1970s to 1990 impact the presence of christianity (0.59% into 40% as of today) and Arunachal is heading toward a christian state. Without another severe opposition or persecution , it is likely to take time longer than expected.

 

Biography Sections:

 

 

1. Biography of Mr. Ommon Panyang

2. Biography of Rev .Tajir Tamut

3. Biography of Mr. Tapiom Darang

4. Biography of Mr. Tama Gao

5. Biography of Mr. Tanik Kopak

  

By Mr. Liankhankhup Sektak

 

 

"... a farmer sow his seed and some fell along the path

and the bird ate it up.. some fell on rocky places ... and

the sun came up, the plants were scorched; they

withered because they had no root" [ Matt 13:3-6 ]

 

 

 

The first native christian [claimed] of Upper Siang Mr. Ommon Panyang was born in Depi Village, near Arunachal-Assam border on January 27, 1951 from traditional Donyi-Polo's family. He was said to have pioneer in spreading the gospel to Pange community and most of the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Though he was a faithful minister of God, he gave-up christianity or backslide since 1987-88 citing personal reasons and he became withered because he had no root in Christ foundation.

 

I. GENEOLOGY:

 There are 29 generations from Abo Pedong to Kenna, grandson of Mr. Ommon Panyang. Pedong begot Doni, Doni begot Nibo, Nibo begot Bomi, Bomi begot Midum, Midum begot Dumde, Dumde begot Depong, Depong begot Pusi, Pusi begot Sinung, Sinung begot Nupang, Nupang begot Panyang, Panyang begot Nyamat, Nyamat begot Madan, Madan begot Ankeng, Ankeng begot Kekir, Kekir begot Kirtong, Kirtong begot Tongkut, Tongkut begot Kutte, Kutte begot Tejong, Tejong begot Tamut, Tamut begot Mukti, Mukti begot Kisak, Kisak begot Saknying, Saknying begot Nyiling, Nyiling begot Lisan, Lisan begot Sankam, Sankam begot Kammon (Ommon Panyang), Kammon begot Monkeng, Monkeng begot Kenna who is the 29th generation of Pedong.

2. Childhood memoirs:

Ommon Panyang is a father of seven sons and two daughters. He is the owner of newly established Paradise Public School in the heart of Geku Town. His father adviced him not to envy nor steal rather to survive with roots or leaves. He obeyed his parent's advice and friendship with elderly men and good citizen. There were deep division and discrimination unlike today that fuelled the children to fight among their groups by pelting stones. He was also a great hunter and hunted hundreads of fiercy animals that endangered the people.

 

  During the immidiate post independence untill the end of 20th century even today, the economical condition of tribal dominated area was misery and nightmare. Some christian churches and NGO'S reached tribal area with limited concentration. The helpless poor tribal survived with wild banana, roots and leaves as poverty and unemployment remain a great challenge. Ommon said ," I satisfied my hunger by eating Tase tree (Adi), roots and grasses.

 

3. Christianity in Upper Siang:

     

        During 1972-73, his wife was demon posessed and unstable even after the priest performed traditional sacrifices by sacrificed with hens and eggs. The believers prayed for her and she got heal that led them willfully became christian. Ommon is considered the first christian of Upper Siang and Rev. Tajir Tamut as Siang District. He came into contacted with christian at Depi Village near Arunachal- Assam border thereafter attended Depi Baptist Church near Telam of West Siang District. He accepted Jesus as his personal savior and Lord in 1971 from deacon Mr. Tabang Messar from Miriem; who was also the local evangelist of SBCA now ABU. During 1971-72 Arunachal- Assam boundary disputed, he migrated from Depi to  Sumsing in 1973. He constructed a church near community cemetary that was demolished after the authority express their objection. The Geku and Komkar destroyed the church based on the Adi Supreme Court Bogum Bokang decision. Defying the authorities, a handful of christian re-constructed at the same place in the following year that was seen by them as provocation.

 

 

        The mob from Geku, Damro, Adi Passi, Padu, Silli, Ponging, Jeru and Sibum again destroyed the second church. They also feast themselves with his mithun, two boxes full of important documents were turned into ashes. The then chief of Geku Mr. Ayot Paloh refused their proposal to slaughter his pig and claimed that he was healed through Ommon's prayer. They mummered themselves , " We donot want christianity and let the christian be driven away from Adis' Community". In 1976-77, Rev. Tajir Tamut of Lilleng alongwith brethren were driven away  from their villages by the collective authorities; they got shelter at Ngorang village near Sadiya where christianity where christianity in Arunachal originated. Ommon was a nominal christian and compromised with them that cause no harm to him during persecution of christian in Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

4. The growth of Christian :

        

         In 1973 at Sumsing, Ommon and his wife started observing sunday doing no works that drew attion from the villagers that they were Lazy. In the beginning they taught dances , singing and even the bitter Apong (local wine) was sweet after they prayed for them. The entire community with puppet government were threatening against measurement the spread of christianity across Arunachal Pradesh with tooth and nail. Ommon and his wife, alongwith handful of christian prayed to God to turn their darkness eyes into light. As a result, Mr.Tatam Panyang, Osung Panyang and Lelek Ejing were converted into christianity in the year 1974. The native christian who were in Upper Siang coordinated meeting at Mr. Osong Panyang's home in the presence of Rev. Tajir Tamut and discussed various issue that enhance their faith stronger in God. The recent newly converted christian were baptized by deacon Mr. Tajum Koyu who came on foot from Ruksin to Upper Siang. Further more, Evan Taro Boje who came on request on foot to Yingkiong baptized the first christian of Yingkiong Mr. Takit Sitek, Mr. Jami Jijong and Mr. Dubom Pangam in the midnight and reached choubis (24 kms) in twilight in the year 1976-77.

 

5. The birth of Adi Baptist Churches Association (ABCA).

         

        Persecution of christian in Arunachal was at its peak in 1978 even more worse after the enactment of " Indegineous Faith Bill" that led numbers of churches converted into ashes by the persecutors. The christian in Upper Siang call themselves as Sango Baptist Christian Association (SBCA) from USBCA in the year 1978 ; Evan Ejong Tayeng persuaded them to loyal in SBCA. that they agreed his petition. In march 24, 1979 at Sumsing, delegates from Lilleng, Boleng, Komsing, Yingkiong and Sibum formed Adi Baptist Churches Association (SBCA) that led demolition of Komsing Church in April 14, 1989. Unfortunately ABCA though few churches in Upper Siang, there was bifurcation in August 13, 1985 with presbyterian led by Evan. Mr. Zathuama. The founding nember of ABCA Mr. Ommon Panyang gave-up christianity citing personal reasons in the year 1987-88 following the formation of Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang in 31st December 1987. Inspite of forsaken, persecution and bifurcation, gradually the church growing and till writing of this story, Adi Baptist Churches Association has 44 churches, a prayer centre and one school Zion Baptist English School.

 

                                 THE STORY OF SERVANTS OF THE LORD

 

The forgotten gold Rev. Tajir Tamut

       (Biographical sketch)

              

              By           

   Mr. Liankhankhup Sektak B.Th, B.A

 

Rev. Tajir Tamut , one of the oldest Christian in Upper & Siang district was born on October 10, 1942 at  Lilleng Village, under the newly created Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.God blessed Tajir with four sons VIZ. Ojing,Thomas ,Abraham, Nalang and six daughters VIZ. Atop, Onyok, Olip, Yamem, Aroti and Yanyot(germany). His parent Takut and Yamang(Mize) alongwith all his family members were orthodox Donyi-Polo who believes and sacrificed to ghost periodically whenever misfortune or sickness happened in their family.

1.Generation:

            Mr. Tayang Tamut, the forefather’s of Rev. Tajir Tamut begot tapiom, Tapiom begot Tahan, Tahan begot Talut,Talut begot Rev.Tajir Tamut, who is the fther of Ojing and grandfather of Kento.He was a good farmer and cultivator and no water field was concentrated on those days.

2.Childhood Memoirs:

             I have written anumbers of biographies of different people with different background till today,many of them had forgotten their childhood days  and events to extract in theirbiographies. Most of the Tribals’ forefathers were great hunter and Tajir too hunted hundreads of fiercy animals that endanger wildlife and the people. His childhood friend Mr.Tangar Mibang and Late. Mr. tabuk Mibang loved himand assisted him when they were in this world.He was an eye witness of the Second War War ,Indian independence and 1950 devastating earthquake that claimed nearly a thousand lives across Indo-Tibetan border.The British political incharge of domsticaffairs  Mr. Jemhap used to visit Lileng, Tuting and Geling periodically. Arunachal is astate where all clans and family share their portion of land and pss-it-on generation togeneration.

3.Early Education:

              Though the 1950 census ofIndia indicated Arunchal Pradsh Literacy rate 0.00%  , but  he completed his standard one in Assamese at Lileng chool on 1957. He uused to attend schoolwith traditional knife and coat (Gallup). He is a man of self learning  beside Assamese  and now could read and write in English and Adi coded formed by early Christian Missionaries.

 

 4.Embracing Christianity:

            The persecution of Christians and anti-christian movement in Arunachal Pradesh intensify in 1970s effected the minority across the state.Tajir also one of such leader’s who took to tortured Christian in Boleng area. God call him through his daughters and wife fade that led him become Christian. Traditional animal sacrifices were performe inorder to free them from their sickness, he lost two of his daughters and wife alongwith all his cattle. God sent Mr. Tapun Ering(Teacher) while he was mourning and he presented a tract and said ;” NO JONH KE ANAM KITAP PORILA KANAMME DUK DEM NO MIPANG YEKUMAPE” that may be translated “ If you read the book of Jonh, you’ll no more remember your sicknesses.” He took the book and read in the core of his heart again and again,thus; God spoke and comforted his uncomfort heart and peace of mind. He accept Jesus as hispersonal savior and gotbaptized and became apart of God’s family.

5.Church planting and persecution:

               In August 31. 1975 , he met some Christian who were in Govt.Employee and had fellowship with Teachers and Government employee at Boleng. The movement of the Christian was spread in and out of Boleng that led the employees summoned by their officer incharge and leaders. He asked him ,” Are you Christian”?.Tajir firmedly replied that he was Christian and he warned him not to carry-out any Christian activities in Boleng area except in his home village.The Government servants were also warned termination in wake of anti-christian campain if they dare christianism. As a soldierof the cross, he and hiswife fearlessly carried out preaching the word of God and five notable persons were converted into christianityVIZ. Mr.Taso Tamut, Mr. Tator Ketan, Mr. Takeng Tamut, Mr. Tanga Sitang and Mrs .Yayem Sitang in the year 1976 at Dosing and Lileng Village. The Villagers supported by Bango leaders or inter-village chief warned them direconsequences if they fail to give-up Christianity within specific period. The leaders feared that by embracing Christianity, their age-old practices and traditional identity would be threatened.

 

In the year 1976-77, all the chiefs of Magong,Dogong, and Sirit Bango came to Lilleng Village with a great conspiracy in an aim towiped-out the presence of Christianity in Lileng  and its surrounding. Viz.

 

Mr Tasing Tatin (President Riga)

Mr. tamak Taduk (Asai Sitang Village)

Mr. Tasap Tamut (Yekshi Chief)

Mr. Tatong Tapak (Deku Chief)

Mr. Tamon Tali (Youth leader Deku)

Mr. TaporTatak (Youth leader Rumgong)

Mr. Tanyeni Komut (Rumgong chief)

Mr. Tasik Mize (Jomlo Chief)

Mr. Taruk Taggu (Pareng chief)

Mr. Tamer Tali (Supsing chief)

Mr. Takom Pabo (Yibuk Chief)

Mr. Tamon Ering (Riew Chief)

Mr. Tapang Taki (P1 Grade-1 Aalo Town)

Mr.Tagong Tatak (P1 Jema-Rumgong)

The cited chiefs ured thenewly converted Christian to give-up their faith but they have decided to follow Jesustill the end of their life. The Kebang passed verbal resolution that all the Christian to left their villages leaving behind all their possessions. The leaders sold  Rice Mill to Mr. Tannat Tamut in throw way price of Rs. 2000, water field to Mr. Taso Gao in Rs. 2000, and 35 pieces of wood(Tokta) that was kept in water field and also 5 pieces of cooking pots. They pioneer ministry and showed an example by leaving behind all their belongings because of Jesus and settled in Ngorang Village in the year 1977-78 and reached bach their village in 1979. There are some believers from Lileng, Boleng and Dosing whose properties were sold off being Christian.VIZ,

Mr Taso Tamut (Waterfield – Rs. 1000)

Mr. Tator Ketan (Simang water field – Rs.1000)

Mr. Takeng Tamut (Water field –Rs. 1000)

Mr. Tanga Sitang (Simang water field-Rs. 1000)

Mrs. Yayem Sitang (One cow- Rs. 1000)

 

Many people misunderstood that by restriction, persecution and conspiracy would compel the Christian to give-up their faith ,instead it mould better and strengthen their faith that multiplied into thousand folds. Christianity was suppress and struggle for her existence in the beginning. Today, there are ten persons who strongly opposed Christianity during Tajir’s ministry were mostly converted into Christianity

 

Mr. Tapon Jamoh( Chief)

Mr.Tarung Mibang( Chief)

Mr. Tapam Sitang (Chief)

Mr. Tatak Mize (Chief)

Mr. Takar Mize(Chief)

Mr. Tapum Mize

Mr. Tasang Mize

Mr. Tanni Tamut

Mr. Tapum Tabi

Mr. Talom tamut

 

6.Rev. Tajir Tamut Ministry.

                   Many people who knows Tajir may wonder me why I put Reverend  before his name. It is not wonder, “ A person who forsake all his belonging and hometown for the sake of Jesus is worth honor than than persons who has degree and have mouth”. Reverend is an honour to him by me on this day February 16, 2016 and as of now he shall be known as REV. TAJIR TAMUT as a sign of respect to the first native Christian , who converted and bring many peoples in the feet of Christ even till today He was pioneer in spreadingthe gospel to Komsing, Jorsing, Pangi, Sissen, katlek, Koreng, Lokpeng, Tarak, Riew, Beging, Geku, Sumsing, Sibum and Komkar though the local churches might developed their own version of story.Tajir carrid-out his ministry of God voluntarily without receiving a single penny from any Christian nor organization till today. The old gold and pioneer Christian has been forgotten 37 years since 1979 from the formation of ABCA. I do hope the church would recognized his ministry and deed and honor him by awarding Lifetime achievement with fulltime Pastor as he can. “ The more we think for ourselves, the more we destroy ourselves. The more we think for others, our blessings grow”. 

        He went to many villageson foot and preached the word of God and distributed tracts of Gospel of Jonh. He said,” Ami dungko notti lo leyongbito dem amie lala poridoope”. He prayed to god for them if God can one day turn them into his light. He couldnot spare time to work for his own field and family and prayed to god that not to let him died in hungry while he does his ministry. Though he did not have things to eat, god answer his prayer and anumbers of people embraced Christianity from the villages he did ministry. Though he was hurtemotionally and physically, he did not lost hisfaith towards Jesus instead he did ministry happily and wish everyone come into thelight of God. I first met with him on February 13,2016 during the 38th ABCA Annual General Conference and  the next day there he presented me his autograph on VALENTINE DAY.  I consider it was my first Valentine Day Gift and the greatest gift which I’ve ever received in my life that we all could realize the forgotten gold.

 

Biography of Mr.Tapiom Darang

By Mr. Liankhankhup Sektak

 

".. whoever believes in him is not condemned , but

whoever doesnot believe is condemned already,

because he has not believed in the name of the

only son of God" .[ John 3: 18]

   

          Most of the Adi's christian in Arunachal Pradesh has the tail of sickness, evil disturbances behind their christianity and Mr. Tapiom Darang also becomes christian after he was miraculously healed by the prayers of believers from Komsing. His testimony show the importance of gospel tract ministry with prayerfully that God does speak to his people in his own time if we give him chances to work among his people. The pioneer christian of Pangin Mr. Tapiom Darang was born from Mr. Taben Darang and Mrs. Yalup Padung (Darang) at Kebang on July 27, 1948 and migrated to Pangin in the year 1965 and live here with his family today. During his childhood, they constructed local bamboo bridge with his childhood friend Mr.Taki Taloh and play upon the bridge made by them and said " HE HARBANG".He got married with Mrs. Yapang Tagi (Darang) in 1962 and she bore six sons and one daughter.He migrated to Pangin in an aim to start business or shop as Pangin is Sub health centre under medical componder . He studied at Pangin Primary School at Koreng there then upto three standard in Assamese under his excellent academician Tamuli.

 

In Pangin, he became a good friend of Mr. Takek Jamoh and both share the ups and downs of life. He was one of the active members of anti-christian movement that started in 1960s. A handful of christian who were in Komsing kept alive their faith to God inspite of their church demolished in April 14, 1979 and her surrounding came to know the presence of christian in the village. His friend Takek gave him tract distributed by christian saying that it can caste out evil spirit or demon posses. He kept beneath in his box less people may made him accountable and agent of christian. In August 22, 1982, Tapiam was deadly sick and less chance to recovered from his sickness. He realised what was kept inside his box and told his son to bring that book before he died. Though he was not christian, truly believing that his sickness can be cure by keeping bible tract under his pillow. He open the Bible at once and it was written ".. whoever believes in him is not condemned , but whoever doesnot believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only son of God" .[ John 3: 18].

 

 

 

Biography of Mr. Tama Gao

By - Liankhankhup Sektak

          Tama Gao is one of the oldest christian within Pangin area, and distinguished person as far as christianity concern in this area. I first met him at Aalo Taxi stand on rainy day when he was returning from Yingkiong as ministry. He was looking like 85 years above and I did helped him and accompany till his own home since then we become friend. I could started his partial biography coverage after two years of burden and January 25, 2015 thus it came into reality while verbal conversation with him.His father Tamar Gao and mother Yape Gao (Paron) left in this world early but he was following his grandpa Mr. Taling Gao's ancestral religion untill 1980s. He was also a sincere devotee of Donyi-Poloism. He had two brothers Viz. Tasik Gao ( died while young) and Tapiang Gao (died after grown-up), none of them produced any offspring.

        He is literate without attending school. He is a man of courage, dedicate and a man of self learning. My mother Mrs. Nemneihching Sektak also like him can read and write without attending School. A handful of persons achieved such goal. Wild yam was the main source of food as people were unaware of Jhum cultivation. A woman name Jiksak reportedly died of hunger while in search of wild yam in the forest. Child marriage or child engagement was one of the common practiced. Many controversial cases arose when the girls refuse to get marry whom the parent engaged after they grown-up. Some British officers who witnessed Child marriage advice parents to wait till their children attain suitable years and leave an option to choose their life partner. It so happen today, Tama is witnessing the new generation get marry with their self determination.Tama had married to Yadeng Tali and Yayang Tali who produced five boys Viz. Tagiram, Tasen, Tasam, Tagum, Tajing and Yakum, Yalek, Yari, Yapak, Yani. God blessed him like a tree planted on the riverside with many fruits. Unfortunately, Yadeng suffered sudden attack of paralysed in the wee hours of morning and died after two years. After many years, Yayang also reportedly died in the bossom of other without adding more.

          Tama Gao is an inhabitant of Koreng Village, who also pioneer Christianity Baptist to Presbyterian . "He successfully persuaded the Koreng Christian to unite in one denomination now Presbyterian", Tangir Tamut added. Tama recall those non Christian life as son and daughter of Setan. He had made sacrificed in fear of Setanic powers untill all his livestocks, ornaments and his possession in ritual sacrifices as per the priest demand. He was also learned that no Christian priest demand neither livestocks nor penny in lieu of sacrifices to God.

          The miracle of healing that happened to Pangin Resident Mr. Tapiam Darang closely associated with how Tama become a christian. According to Tangir Tamut, Tapiam was severely sick many months in 1980s and nobody expected him to recover from his sickness. His family did intermittently ritual sacrifices, it had no sign of improvement. His families give-up hope and he himself lost a faith to recover again from the trauma. One fine day while he was sleeping, like a vision he heard a voice saying, " If you want to recover from your sickness, check your box something in it", that awoke him-up. He found no one in his home when he woke-up and spotted " The Way of Life" , a christian tract; given by his friend Mr. Takek Jamoh. Someone presented that tract to Takek forwarded to Tapiam, hidden in a box due to ongoing Persecution of Christian in Arunachal Pradesh. Tapiam believed and had a deep faith in Christian God that if any Christian pray for his sickness; he would recover from his sickness. He sent an invitation to handful of Christian in Komsing whearas they responded him to abstain prior permission from Bango authorities. Tapiam request was turn-down several time by the Bango authorities and at last granted by Tasap Tali, the then Bango Secretary. It was saying that he would be please to see a deadly sickman could spent normal life through prayers.

   

          After abstain green light from Bango, the Christian brethren from Komsing came and continuously prayed and massage for him one after week. Thus, his faith in God led him to complete recovery. He began to attend church at Komsing from Pangin by leaving advance on Saturday, After hearing the miracle healing story of Tapiam, he accompanied his friend to Komsing for church and later he was claimed as Christian. All those healing took place in 1980s and Tama Gao was also deadly sick in his village. He came to know that Adi Baptist Evangelist Mr. Ejong Tayeng had been station at Komsing for healing ministry. His family members consent him to go and get heal but not to become christian. He got complete healing and voluntarily take an oath before god and decided that he is Christian now and follow Christianity. His families and villagers call local Panchayat meeting against his new belief and persuaded him to loyal in his former religion. He had decided to follow Christian, therefore; he was isolated in the society.

         It was a turning point god's plan in sickness that happened to Yameng Gao, hailed from Koreng Village. The villagers knew very well her that even the christian prayed for her, she would not recover again from her paralysed and promised to him that the entire non-christian villagers would become christian as well. God answered the sincere prayers of brethren viz. Tapiam Darang, Takek Jamoh and Tama Gao for Yameng Gao and she was fully recovered from her sickness. The spirit of the Lord is slowly moving to this village and as of writing this story, halves of the entire villagers turned into Christianity.

 

 

Biography of Tanik Kopak (1962-)

 

By Mr. Liankhankhup Sektak

Read here the original article published on web by me..

http://khuppaite.blogspot.in/2014/08/tani-kopak-1962.html?m=1

 

        Tanik Kopak was born and grew-up in Komsing Kumku, East Siang , Arunachal Pradesh in 1962. His father Tapang Kopak was an orthodox Donyi-Polo greatly influenced of Hindus cultures and religion. The 1962 'Indo Chinese War' had the negative impact on ecomic, public health, civil supplies and daily needs especially Tanik's family in particular. Later he met an accident caused him paralysed the then he became Christian ever since.

 

1. Family Background:

     

         Tarak beget Tanseng (who was said to be resided in Riew), Tanseng begat Tamut, Tamut begat Tasi, Tasi begat Taki, Taki begat Takak, Takak begat Tapang and Tapang begat Tanik Kopak.Tanik got married Oting Kopak and has four daughters Yanga, Yatok, Yakiam, Bonne and two sons Kalom and Gandhi. Tapang Kopak recieved a copy of free huge Holy Bible while at Shillong between 1971-72 that he and his families used to often read. Tanik quoted as saying ," I was believing and trust Christian even before I was willingly became a Christian".

 

 

2. Early education and Memorable Days:

 

        Tanik was attending Komsing L.P School later upgraded Middle School where P.K Roy Kormokar Dibrugarh served as Headmaster and Mr. K. Tambi Darai Tamil Nadu served as Teacher respectively. He helped his teachers and stayed with them there he learned " Communicative English" practically with them. I was surprised when I first met him and he was communicating with me in English such an elder man literally unbelievable. He caught 200 fiercy animals which endangers for human being. He is also one of the person who constructed famous Komsing Hanging bridge over Siang River which was washed away by man made Chinese flood around 2000 A.D.

3. Hinduism and Christianism in context with Arunachal Pradesh:

 

      Hindus religious and cultures had been greatly influenced across the state and thousands of Hindus Missionary and mission came to exist there then.After Arunachal Pradesg became the 24th state of the Union of India on February 20, 1987, The Hindus Mission [ Arunachal Vikas Parishad, R.K Missions, V.K.V and several hindu's mission] accelerated inorder to attract and win people of Arunachal Pradesh for Hinduism. Mother Teressa, a Calcutta based Roman catholic nun was forcefully restricted to entry Arunachal Pradesh at Banderwa gate by a group of protesters influenced by Hindus Religious leaders. Inorder to prevent christianity in Arunachal Pradesh, the Hindus influenced and pass FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS BILL in 1987, the then christians were humiliated, torch, persecuted, burnt downed their churches and homes and even jailed by the authorities. Untill the establishment of DONYI-POLO YELAM KEBANG by Golgi Bote Talom Rukbom on the 31st December in 1986, no ganging of Donyi-Polo established even they consider as their ancestral religion. The Adi Baptist Church in Komsing which was said to established in 1978 or before faced lot of trial and hardship. Initially, the ministers of God who visited Baptist Church in Komsing were torched by the mob and the local church members hid them in the forest in fear of life. Amazingly, the spirit of God is moving in this village and now almost 50% becomes Christian.

 

4. An accident made him become Christian:

        It was December 23, 2008 14:30pm which changed Tani's life once for all. He and his friend Tapang Panor went to the forest in search of cane for repairing house. According to him, he was carrying ten roll of cane (6-8 pieces per roll) with an estimated 50/60 kilograms and met an accident in the slope and wet forest. He slipped his left leg in the narrow road and rolled with a cane like a wheel of chair finally landed in the bed of huge wood. He could neither moved nor utter a single word to shout for help. His friend was not aware of his friend accident which he later found him in the spot where he landed. " He found me after I had attemp to shout thirty times", Tanik added. Tapang could carry upto near Komsing Karo Village where Tanik's father-in-law is residing. With the helped of Karo's residents, he could managed to reach his inlaw's home. Tanik says ," If Tapang Panor had not carried me on that day, Komsing Forest would have been my burial place".After he was given first aid treatment, he was sent to consult doctor at Pangin. He was refered to Pasighat and they refered again to Dibrugarh for further treatment. After all test and formalities done, he was admitted in ICU and requested to do operation in Guwahati. He was sent back to Pasighat as his families couldnot afford for his operation. On November 04, 2014 while he was interacted with me he lamented ," If I could have sufficient money and did the operation in time, I may have been a normal man as you".

 Mr. Tanik Kopak ( on October 15, 2016)

5.Ritual Sacrifice.

        Tanik was in Pasighat for a while in hope that traditional ritual sacrifice could heal him. Tapang Kopak arranged a Donyi- Polo priest and performed ritual sacrifices twice for him; that too ineffective. The local priest surrendered him.

6. A layman Prayers:

        Tanik life has been risk and his father couldnot see his son still no movements even after basic medication. Tapang Kopak approached a layman hail from Riew Village who is now inhabited in Pasighat. A layman of God Mr. Tagir Tapak prayed to God and did massage for him a week long. After a weekend, he requested him to walk-out and do exercise as he could. May be due to Tagir's massage, he could move slowly and take food himself. He was yet again sent back to his current hometown Pangin to spent for the rest of his life.One fine day while basking sun, he met a missionary Mr. Lalmalsawma and his wifd Puii and invited to pray for him there he had narrated ins and outs of his woe. The missionaries continually and periodically prayed and massage in his residence. He felt better and comfort through their cordial and concern. They invited him to attend church whearas he refused saying ," I could neither move nor walk". They promised , "God will carry you" come to church tomorrow. Early in the next morning, the couple came to him with the help of a stick, he attended nearby church. The congregation prayed for him and welcome amazingly hope after hope for him. Later he took baptized and becomes christian he and his families till today. " If there is no christian who cares for me even today, I might not live anymore", he lamented.

 

 

 

 

                         BIBLIOGRAPHY OR END NOTES

 

 

1. Dr. Nani Bath, Understanding religious policy of Arunachal Pradesh, Jan-March 2006, Vol 7, No. 3

2. Nitin Sethi, Rss turns Arunachal Tribals towards Hinduism, April 29, 2014 [Retrieved online]

3. Retrieved [ http://samvada.org /?p=9028

4. (Smt. Indira Gandhi letter dated July 21, 1965 as published in http://www.ramakrish namissionaalo.org /index.htm)

5. http://vkarunachal.org /cms/node/6

6. Farlex, Church Missions Dynamic in North-East India,The free Library (Retrieved)

7. Rajendra Sharma (Retrieved) http://expressindia.ind ianexpress.com /ie/daily/19990208 /states.html

8. http://vifindia.org /article/58

9. http://en.m.wikipedia. org/wiki/Right- wing-politics(Retrieved also from http//

rssonnet.org )

10. http://samvada.org /?p=9028

11. http://www.vhp.org /swagatam

12. Heritage Explorer, July 2014, Vol- XIII, No. 7, page no. 10 ( http://organiser.org )

13. http://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/inner_line_permi t#cite_note_2

14. [Retrieved] Kiren Rijiju speech at Leh on August 25, 2014 ( http://reachladakh.com )

15. [Retrieved] Contribution of Christian Institutions to education in the North East region of India ( http://www.easternpa norama.in)

16. http://epiphanychurcht ezpur.hpage.co.in /profile_99225247.html

17. Yumri Taipodia, Critical studies on American Baptist Mission at Sadiya in Arunachal Pradesh [ Retrieved http://www.morungex pressdotcom ]

18. http://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Miles-Brownson

19. Published in " Asiatic Society of Bengal", 1849, Vol 18, part-1, page 224)

20. http://www.guwahati

archdiocese.org /hostory.htm

21. http://librarum.org /book/36026/3100 [Britain and Tibet 1765-1947), pp. 310]

22. [Retrieved from http://www.easternpa norama.in ]

23. http://www.misingonli ne.com/blog/102 /christian-missionary- works-on-missing- language

24. http://en.m.wikipedia. org /wiki/Frederick_Willia m_Savidge

25. http://en.m.wikipedia. org /wiki/James_Herbert_L orrain

26. (Retrieved) , The assasination of captain Noel Williamson and medical officer Dr. Gregorson on 31st March 1911 and Abor Expedition and its consequences, 2011 [ http://pasighat.wordpressdotcom ]

27. Tarak Mize, Book of Records of Arunachal Pradesh, 2007, [page 315-317]

28. http://shbwgen.blogsp

ot.in/2009/10 /research-journal- and-family- newsletter.html

29. http://en.m.wikipedia. org/wiki/Tirap-District

30. http://www.historyan dtheheadlines.abc- clio.com/content Pages/.aspx?entryid=1473608

31. Jomar Gamlin, Brief History of Galo Christians since the inception, Gbcc Silver Jubilee Souvenir (1982-2007), pp. 20.

32. http://m.ucanindia.in /news/arunachal- remembers-50-years- of-first-baptisms- 22070.html

33. (Retrieved) , Souvenir, Gbcc Silver Jubilee (1982-2007)

34. http://www.nbccap.or g/index.php

35. T.J Angu, Mission Partnership with Chakhesang Mission Society (CMS), GBCC Silver Jubilee Souvenir , 2007, pg 70-79.

36. Ibid, pg no. 17-30.

37. http://www.upcnei.org /index.php?

38. Rev. Lalfakhawma Ralte, Ni leh Thla Betute Zing a Pathian hnathawh Roupui (The wondrous works of God in Arunachal Pradesh) , 2013, pg. 51-69.

39. Farlex, The Free Library, Church Missions Dynamic in North-East India.

40. http://cfiministries.org /map_ne.html 41. http://fr.m.wikipedia.o rg /wiki/Augustin_Bourry

42. http://www.persecutio n.in/content /sainthood-process- initiated-french- missionaries- arunachal-pradesh

43. Farlex, The Free Library, Church Missions Dynamic in North-East India.

44. http://www.ncregister. com/ Church Flourishes in India’s ‘Land of Rising Sun’ (by Anto Akkara on Friday Jun 8th, 2012 )

45. Ibid, pg.no. 1

46. http://wheregodweeps .org/index.php /component /k2/157?showall=1

47. http://www.ucanews.c om/story-archive /?post_name=/1990/07 /12/despite- persecution- christianity-flourishes- in-arunachal-pradesh- state&post_id=30841

48. http://mattersindia.co m/christianity- in-arunachal-braving- church-government- opposition/

49. (Smt. Indira Gandhi letter dated July 21, 1965 as published in http://www.ramakrish namissionaalo.org /index.htm)

50. http://vkarunachal.org /cms/node/6 51. http://mattersindia.co m/christianity- in-arunachal-braving- church-government- opposition/

52. Nitin Sethi, Rss turns Arunachal Tribals towards Hinduism (published on April 29, 2014)

53. http://www.vifindia.or g/article/58

54. http://www.stephen - knapp.com /preaching_in_indias_n ortheast_for_cultural_pr eservation.htm

55. Interview with Mr. Ommon Panyang at his residence at Geku, Upper Siang on April 24, 2016

 

 You can also read related extract timeline from my article https://notesonpeoples.wordpress.com/2020/08/24/timeline-of-christianity-in-arunachal-pradesh-till-1950/

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