Arunachal finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This state is supposed to be the ancient Prabhu Mountain as mentioned in the Puranas. It was here that sage Parashuram washed away his sins, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhishmaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini.

Tourists are attracted to this place as it is the abode of pristine nature, has wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, pretty monasteries and sparkling rivers.

The mightiest of the rivers, Siang, becomes Brahmaputra after it gets joined by the Dibang and the Lohit in Assam. Among the places of worship is the famous 400 years old Tawang Monastery- a place which has come under unwelcome attention due to China’s supposed interest in the area. It houses animals like leopard, mithun, tiger, musk deer and birds like white-winged duck, green pigeon and hornbill.

The attractive lush green meadows are an alluring sight in the state which is rich in forest resources and hydro-power potential. Sharing a long border with Bhutan, China and Myanmar, the state is famous for its snow-capped mountains in the north.

In comparison to other North-Eastern states, Arunachal Pradesh has a lot of land which is divided into 15 districts, administratively. The McMohan line defines the state’s international boundary between India and China. The capital of the state is Itanagar in Papum Pare district. It is named after Ita Fort, meaning fort of bricks built in 14th century AD.

Most of the people living in Arunachal Pradesh are of Tibet-Burmese origin. Culturally speaking, the inhabitants can be grouped into three categories. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the Lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. The second group comprises the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thongsas etc., who worship Sun and Moon Gods called Donyi-Polo as also Abo-Tani, the original ancestors for most of these tribes. The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap District. These are hardy people known for their strictly structured village society in which hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practice an elementary form of Vaishnavism.

After independence, the Government of Assam administered the North East Frontier Tracts namely Balipara Frontier Tract, Tirap Frontier Tract, Abor Hill District and Mishimi Hills Districts from 15th August 1947 to 26th January 1950, but a part of these tracts merged with Nagaland later.

The remaining became the North East Frontier Agency which came under the control of External Affairs Ministry first and then later the Home Ministry. After the end of British reign in India, the North East Frontier Agency or the NEFA became a part of India and later, under Indira Gandhi’s Prime Ministership, was granted the status of a Union Territory and named Arunachal Pradesh. It acquired statehood in the late 80’s under Rajiv Gandhi.

The provisional Legislative Assembly of this Union Territory comprising 23 members was formed during 1975 to 1978. The first elected Legislative Assembly consisting of 33 members (30 elected members and 3 nominated members) was formed in 1978. In November 1979, the Assembly was dissolved and President`s Rule was imposed which continued till January 1980.

After acquiring statehood in 1987, Arunachal witnessed its first state assembly polls in 1990 when the strength of the legislature was 60. The state sends one MP to the Rajya Sabha and two MPs to the Lok Sabha.

In the current assembly, Congress won 33 MLAs, BJP 9, regional Arunachal Congress two, NCP two and 14 Independent MLAs. After winning 2004 elections, Gegong Apang became its Chief Minister. Later in 2007 due to party politics, Dorjee Khandu was sworn in as the state head and he is still the Chief Minister.

The Opposition BJP, which had won nine seats in the 2004 assembly elections, had to bear the humiliation as all its legislators including the Leader of the Opposition Kameng Dolo, defected to the ruling Congress in 2007. Besides, its former Lok Sabha member Kiren Rijiju, a very popular leader projected by BJP its chief ministerial candidate, also crossed over to Congress, leaving the party in a lurch.

(Compilation: Arun Chaubey)