Grand entry: Monks stand guard outside the main gate of the prayer hall at Tawang monastery on Saturday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Itanagar, Nov. 7: A day ahead of the Dalai Lama’s seven-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh starting tomorrow, the state government today pledged to provide foolproof security to the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Home minister Tako Dabi, who assumed office today, said the Dalai Lama would be a state guest and given the highest security cover in Tawang and Bomdila and during his one-day trip to the state capital on November 14.

“Time and again, China has unnecessarily poked its nose into Arunachal affairs by claiming our state as its own territory. In this process, China has made a mockery of itself. His Holiness, who has a large devotee following in Arunachal Pradesh, hardly require anyone’s permission to visit our state. China unnecessarily made it a controversial affair and we are not bothered about such hollow claims. For the time being, His Holiness’s security is our prime concern,” Dabi told reporters.

He said soon after taking charge as the new home minister of the state, he convened a meeting this morning to discuss the security measures for the Dalai Lama’s visit.

Dabi said his priority as home minister would be to streamline the security system and operationalise the district jail at Tezu and the Yupia and Basar sessions courts.

Allocation: The portfolios allotted to 11 legislators in the newly elected Assembly last evening were somewhat along expected lines. Former home minister Jarbom Gamlin was given power and additional charge of parliamentary affairs ministry while home went to Tako Dabi. Nabam Tuki retained PWD and urban development.

Former Speaker and Nampong MLA, Setong Sena, bagged finance, while former deputy Speaker Takar Marde assumed charge as rural development minister.

The education portfolio went to Pasighat MLA Bosiram Siram, a first-time MLA like Sena and Mard. Another first timer, Honchun Ngandam, the Ponchau Wakka MLA, got horticulture department.

Chowna Mein got PHE, Tanga Byaling health and family welfare, former finance minister Kalikho Pul got rural works department while former health minister Atum Welly got water resources development.