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The oldest town of the Arunachal Pradesh, Pasighat is celebrating centenary year of its foundation. It is the gateway of Arunachal Pradesh, which was established in 1911 by Britishers. The town is the headquarter of the East Siang district. The State government has planned to celebrate its centenary programme in big manner. The town has interesting history.
According to district information and Public Relation officer, Mr. Onyok Pertin, earlier Pasighat was a place of Dibu-Marang people before the advent of Adis. According to history, 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 was invented. In Adi rhapsody, present town is addressed as 'Ane Paklege Didume'.
Few believe the town was named as 'PASIGHAT' after the advent of Britishers 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 the oral historians claim that when Noel Williamson came here, he met one 'Komli' 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.
 A new era of development and social change emerged in the area 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 government professions not only from Bogong area, but many others areas who also settled at Pasighat choosing modern and advanced city life.
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.
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 Higher Secondary Schools, four Secondary Schools, numerous middle and primary schools and various private and voluntary institutions. There are also few colleges namely as- J.N. College, Doying Gumin College, College of Horticulture & Forestry. The AYUSH and Polytechnic Colleges are under process which are expected to be established during the ensuing Centenary Celebration.
Murari Lal Gupta, AIR correspondent, Itanagar
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