Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu while attending a Pre-Christmas celebration at Meka Baptist Church in Roing under Lower Dibang Valley district on Sunday remembered the contributions of Christian missionaries in education and health sector.

The Pre-Christmas celebration was organized by the Dibang Lohit Baptist Churches Association.

Khandu, in his speech said he is blessed by the celebration as it coincides with the Arunachal Rising Campaign. He also said the day is auspicious as the country celebrates Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory of India over Pakistan in 1971.

Speaking on the occasion, Khandu also recalled the efforts made by early missionaries, who toiled hard in spreading the message of peace, education and health in the state when there were no road connectivity and modern facilities.

Underlining the importance of religion, the Arunachal CM said its purpose is to facilitate love, patience, tolerance and forgiveness. He said the message of every religion is same and one can attain salvation through any faith.

Khandu also said to bring peace and development in Arunachal, active participation of every religious bodies and community based organizations would be required. He thanked the efforts of these bodies in maintaining communal harmony in the State.

Taking opportunity, he called the missionaries for a clean election campaign. He thanked the churches for taking active role in spreading such message. He said such sustained campaign will have good impact in future making way for good leaders.

The CM on the occasion assured of providing funds for construction of boundary wall for the newly-built Meka Baptist Church.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and State BJP president Tapir Gao also spoke on the occasion.

The celebration, among others, was also attended by MLA Gum Tayeng, Deputy Commissioner Mitali Namchoom, SP Sanjay Kr Sain and former MLA Laeta Umbrey.