Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday, 12 November 2026, reaffirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's commitment to safeguarding the state's indigenous faiths, traditions, and cultural identity, announcing a package of measures including enhanced funding for the Department of Indigenous Affairs and a more frequent Indigenous Faith Youth Festival. The announcements were made at Seppa in East Kameng district during the inaugural event of the 8th Indigenous Faith Youth Festival.

Key Announcements at the Festival

Chief Minister Khandu declared that the Department of Indigenous Affairs, established in 2016-17, would be further strengthened with additional funds to be provided in the forthcoming Revised Estimates. The enhanced allocation is intended to expand the department's programmes and extend its reach to more young people across the state.

Significantly, the Indigenous Faith Youth Festival — organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) — will henceforth be held once every two years instead of three, with the next edition scheduled for 2028. This year's festival drew more than 1,000 delegates from across Arunachal Pradesh, a larger turnout than anticipated.

Funding, Tourism, and Infrastructure Commitments

Khandu assured early consideration and release of gap funding sought by IFCSAP through a memorandum submitted to his office on 6 November, citing the higher-than-expected participation this year. He also announced the revival of the Kameng River Festival, with financial support to be channelled through the Tourism Department.

Highlighting East Kameng's potential for adventure and cultural tourism — including river rafting and paragliding — the Chief Minister called for greater tourism awareness and hospitality training among local communities. He directed that the road leading to the Gurukul at Lada be taken up during the current financial year, along with improvements in water and electricity infrastructure. He noted that six Gurukuls are currently functioning in the state and affirmed continued government support for their development.

On the development front, Khandu said 30 projects with a combined estimated cost of ₹340 crore had been dedicated to the people of East Kameng through foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremonies.

Strengthening Institutional Structures

The Chief Minister announced that the Council constituted under the Department of Indigenous Affairs would be made more effective through regular meetings and greater empowerment. He also directed the department to consult IFCSAP while identifying and prioritising projects, given the organisation's direct understanding of the needs of indigenous faith communities.

Khandu also referred to research and documentation work being undertaken by the RIWATCH Institute on the traditions of the Mishmi community, and noted that discussions were underway on a proposal to establish an international tribal learning centre or university in Arunachal Pradesh, expressing hope it could be brought before the state Assembly next year.

Cultural Identity, Coexistence, and Youth

Emphasising that development and technological advancement must not come at the cost of cultural identity, Khandu urged the younger generation to remain connected to their roots, languages, customs, faiths, and traditions. He cautioned against the misuse of social media and technology to create misunderstandings among communities, stressing that the preservation of indigenous faiths must go hand in hand with respect for other religions.

The Chief Minister underlined that cultural preservation cannot depend on legislation alone and requires active participation from individuals, community organisations, and faith leaders. As the festival draws delegates from across the state, it represents one of the most visible platforms for indigenous youth engagement in the Northeast.