DAPORIJO, OCT 15:

The Tamin Welfare Society (TWS) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Jiko Leriak Tamin, a respected priest, community orator and traditional figure, who passed away at his residence in Leriak village under Giba Circle in Upper Subansiri district on Thursday following a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, the society said the late Tamin had made significant contributions to the spiritual and cultural life of the people of the undivided Giba, Chetam and Nilling circles under the 24-Daporijo Assembly Constituency.

Members of the society also visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and pay their last respects.

One of his notable contributions to the preservation of indigenous faith and cultural heritage was his role as priest of SI-DONYI HILO at Daporijo in 2001, with Kochu Natam Maying serving as assistant priest.

The festival was conducted under the chairmanship of late Tadak Dulom, former minister, with Er. Taanu Tamin, Chief Engineer in the Rural Works Department, serving as secretary.

The society stated that the late Tamin became the first priest from the Tagin community to perform the SI-DONYI HILO rituals under the SETU-JOLWK system, replacing the traditional Flag System. It described the transition as a significant milestone in the history of the festival and the preservation of indigenous religious practices.

Remembered for his knowledge of traditional rituals, spiritual guidance and community service, the late Tamin devoted much of his life to upholding indigenous beliefs and customs. His wisdom and dedication, the society said, would continue to inspire generations.

He is survived by two wives, four sons and four daughters. One of his sons, Advocate Tambo Tamin, served as secretary general of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh.

His mortal remains will be laid to rest at his native village, Leriak, in accordance with traditional customs and rituals.

The Tamin Welfare Society described his demise as an irreparable loss to the Tamin Society and the Tagin community. It expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed to Goddess Anv Donyi to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear the loss.

“May his departed soul rest in eternal peace,” the society said.