Bili-Kombo Controversy: Press Briefing by IFCSAP || MPL News Live|| Arunachal Pradesh

Описание: Bili-Kombo Controversy: IFCSAP Condemns Horsen Ete, Questions Administrative Lapses

MPL News Live

Itanagar, Dec 12:The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), led by President Dr. Emi Rumi, has issued a strong statement expressing concern over the December 6 Bili-Kombo incident, alleging that what should have remained a local matter was escalated into a statewide controversy by the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) and its units.

Local Issue “Unnecessarily Escalated”

Addressing the press, IFCSAP stated that the events at Bili-Kombo — a village where nearly 99.9% of the population follows the Indigenous Faith — were “blown out of proportion” through repeated statements, press briefings, and counter-allegations from the ACF.
According to IFCSAP, the matter could have been easily resolved within Kombo villages and the West Siang district, but was instead projected as a larger communal confrontation, creating avoidable tension.

Praise for Kombo Villagers’ Unity

IFCSAP lauded the people of Kombo’s nine villages under the All Kombo Welfare & Development Society (AKW&DS) for showing unity, discipline, and courage.
The society stated that the sudden arrival of thousands of people from West Siang, Shi-Yomi, Lepa Rada, and Lower Siang for an Advent Christmas celebration raised genuine concerns, given the demographic and cultural sensitivity of the area.

“Any village with such a distinctive Indigenous Faith profile would naturally feel overwhelmed,” the statement added.

Sharp Condemnation of Horsen Ete

In its briefing, IFCSAP strongly condemned Mr. Horsen Ete, President of the West Siang District Christian Forum, calling him the “principal mastermind” behind the event.
They alleged that despite multiple objections and formal representations from the village elders, AKW&DS, and traditional authorities, Ete went ahead with the programme, ignoring the risk of a potential law-and-order issue.

“Such insensitivity and disregard for community sentiment is dangerous and unacceptable,” Dr. Rumi said.

ACF Accused of Fueling Sentiments

IFCSAP said it remained silent initially, expecting the issue to be resolved within the Galo community itself.
However, the organisation claimed that ACF’s “selective narratives”, public allegations, and multiple media statements complicated the situation and gave it an unwarranted communal angle.

For a respected body like ACF, IFCSAP said, the approach was “deeply disappointing.”

Administrative Oversight Questioned

IFCSAP acknowledged that the West Siang District Christian Forum had obtained permission from the District Magistrate and an NOC from the Superintendent of Police.
However, it criticised the district administration for allegedly disregarding the statutory authority of Gaon Buras and Gaon Buris, who are empowered under the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation, 1945 to ensure peace and social order.

The society also claimed that the number of participants far exceeded what was permitted and that the administration failed to intervene to defuse the situation.

“Villagers Acted Within Their Rights”

IFCSAP stressed that the Indigenous Faith villagers acted peacefully and within their traditional rights to safeguard their land and cultural sanctity.
“No cultural community should feel intimidated in its own homeland,” the statement said.

Outrage Over Social Media Abuses

IFCSAP also addressed a separate issue involving Mr. Toi Riba, whose audio messages targeting senior Galo elders, including former minister and Indigenous Affairs Council member Shri Doi Ado, went viral after the incident.
Describing the content as “disgraceful,” IFCSAP demanded an unconditional apology for insulting a respected figure of the Galo community.

Dr. Rumi urged supporters not to react emotionally, adding that he would pursue legal action against Riba.

Call for Peace and Respect

Concluding its statement, IFCSAP appealed to all stakeholders — community organisations, religious bodies, administrative authorities, and citizens — to refrain from inflammatory remarks and instead uphold Arunachal Pradesh’s tradition of coexistence, mutual respect, and cultural harmony.

“Arunachal is a land of diverse beliefs and shared heritage. It is our collective responsibility to preserve peace,” IFCSAP said.