By : Onyok Pertin , 12 Jan 2011 : Earlier Pasighat was a place of Dibu-Marang people before the advent of Adis. Oral history says, one Baling of Yirang clan fought with another Baling of Dibu-Marang clan and after prolonged fight both died together at present Sibo-Korong. In Adi word ‘Sibo’ means ‘die
together’ Korong means river or stream. One Luyi Perme lived above the
present Tigra village and left the place for left bank of Siang River.
Thereafter Adis from different hilly areas of upper belt settled at Sikel, Romkang, Balek, Roing, Tikra, Rasam, Mongku, Kelek and so on.
Scholars say that the present Pasighat was known as ‘Paklek’ or Paglek Pigo originated from Kopak (BANANA). By using the last syllabi of KOPAK – PAK + LEK =PAKLEK. In Adi rhapsody present town is addressed as ‘Ane Paklege Didume’.
Few believe the town was named as ‘PASIGHAT’ after the advent of British during the first decade of 1900 or the first expedition of Noel Williamson. They say ‘Pasighat’ is originated from the word ‘PASI’, a sub-tribe of Adi. Some of oral historians claim at the time of arrival of Noel Williamson, he met one ‘Komli’ by name and of ‘Regon’ clan who was rafting ‘Suppi” (a country boat) on Siang River (present Komlighat) while interacting, he informed his name was Komli Regon and belonged to ‘PASI’ near the Ghat (River yard) and later KOMLI REGON’ was named as Komlighat and the place as Pasighat.
During the 1st expedition towards Bogong (Balek), the people retaliated to the British forces at present Yapgo village and Seltum Yomso and Jorin Perme were shot dead by British forces and many others led by Basing Moyong also fought and injured. The expedition was finally extended towards Balek and the Britishers constructed a garrison at the present Roing village. The local people have unearthed the war weapons like rifles, bullets, shoes etc and other materials seems to be used by British forces.
The British administration was extended to Pasighat from Sadiya only
after the murder of Noel Williamson by creating with a post of Political Assistant Officer officially in the year 1911-12 and further development continued. Although Pasighat was the epicenter of the then Frontier Administration / Track, NEFA and Arunachal Pradesh, it remained a sub-divisional headquarter after creation of five district in the name of major river –SIANG ,LOHIT, TIRAP, SUBANSIRI and KAMENG till 1980 when the then Siang District was bifurcated East Siang and West Siang.
The British administration forcibly occupied the present place of Pasighat Township, later Government of India issued boundary notification and many landowners / families of Bogong area comprising Roing, Balek, Mongku, Tikra, Rasam, Kelek had to loss their lands,paddy fields, etc without any compensation.
The prominent social, cultural and political figures of Bogong area/Pasighat circle during the last century whom the Pasighatians are indebted to remember their contributions are mentioned as follows ;-–Late Mutlem Dai, Apaying Rukbo, Kitem Jamoh, Bapak Jamoh, Bangkin Apum, Baatem Moyong, Bidal Tabing, Gongaying Ering, Johlom Dai, Jojir Moyong, Tolo Sobo Ering, Lihrin Moyong, Ngulom Dai, Bingkang Tabing,Tanari Dai, Matpang Tamuk, Kolkom Jamoh, Raktem Jamoh, Kuttik Moyong,Orin Moyong, Tagoli Jamoh, Subuk Tasung, Bote Moyong and many more.
A new era of development and social change emerged with the leadership of modern educated group of people beginning from legendry Late Dr. Daying Ering followed by younger generations. In between 1960-80s, many intellectuals of Adis left footprints in various fields like politics, social, cultural, literary, religious and govt.
professions not only from Bogong area but many others of Adi areas who
also settled at Pasighat choosing modern and advanced city life.
In politics, Late Bakin Pertin, Late Tumpak Koyu, Late Talo Kadu, Late Sutem Tasung, Late Opang Moyong, Late Talom Rukbo and Shri Kabang Borang are unforgettable personalities. Shri Oshong Ering IAS (Rtd), a visionary and an eminent writer in addition to his parental profession and other prominent figures who served the state with high ranking /capacities like Shri Matin Dai, Late Toyi Dai, Shri J.M. Tangu, Shri Yommut Perme, Shri Tani Ering, Shri Opang Ering, Shri Tagom Darang,Shri Tayon Darang, Shri Ogam Apum, Shri Mading Tayeng etc.
Establishment of premier educational institution like J.N. College in 1964 was the turning point in the history of Pasighat which is also considered as a source of inspiration for the entire state. It produced numerous politicians, bureaucrats, lawyers, academicians,journalists, rulers and social workers etc.
Pasighat, the birth place of the first Union Deputy Minister Food & Agriculture Late Dr. Daying Ering and three more MPs, Late Omem Moyong
(Deori) Rajya Sabha MP, Late Bakin Pertin MP (Lok Sabha) and presently
Shri Ninnong Ering MP (Lok Sabha) became also the centre of politics
of the state as the state’s first regional political party P.P.A. was also formed here right from first general state legislative assembly election in 1978. The people of Pasighat have been witnessing six MLAs so far namely Late Talo Kadu, Late Sutem Tasung, Shri Tapum Jamoh, Shri Ninnong Ering, Shri Tobar Jamoh, Shri Ninnong Ering and Shri Bosiram Siram for second consecutive term. During these 30 years of political history, Shri Bosiram Siram became first Cabinet Minister from this constituency. Besides, education and politics, the General Hospital grabbed the best position in the state in health sector.
Starting the journey with two primary schools – one at Balek and other the present I.G.J. Govt HS School during 1947, the town has now two Hr. Sec. Schools, four Sec. Schools, numerous middle and primary schools and various private and voluntary institutions. It could also establish few colleges namely– J.N. College, Doying Gumin College, College of Horticulture & Forestry. The AYUSH and Polytechnic College are under process expected to be established during the ensuing Centenary Celebration.
Besides all sorts of physical and materialistic developments the people are taking interest to gain the moral, psychological, ethical and spiritual developments which can not only make themselves free from influence of antisocial elements, nepotism, communalism,violence, mental stress etc but to inspire to follow the paths shown by Gandhijee, Vivekananda and the other visionaries of the nation. It would garnish and promote real sense of peace, tranquility and all round developments.