[ Bengia Ajum ]

NAHARLAGUN, 9 Jul: The state government’s decision to name the newly constructed road connecting Damsite and Model Village ‘Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road’ has bewildered many people in the state.

According to local residents, the road was traditionally known as Kangkra Putu, and the decision to rename it was taken without consulting them. After Chief Minister Pema Khandu officially inaugurated the road on 6 July as Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road, many people took to social media to express their surprise over the move.

The Indian Youth Congress was among the first to oppose the decision, arguing that Dr Mookerjee made no direct contribution to Arunachal Pradesh, and that naming a road after him was therefore inappropriate. Since then, the issue has come under intense scrutiny on social media. While critics have questioned the decision, BJP supporters have defended and praised the move.

Local residents have also joined the chorus, saying that the road’s original name should have been retained.

“The name of the road was suddenly changed. This is the first time we have heard the name of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. We don’t know who he was or what contribution he made to Arunachal,” said a local resident.

“There are countless Arunachali personalities who have contributed immensely to the making of modern Arunachal. Why not name the road after one of them? Why this fascination with leaders from mainland India?” questioned another resident.

The 4-km road connects Damsite with Model Village. It was constructed in two phases, with the Public Works Department (PWD) building one section and the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) constructing the remaining stretch.

The area falls under Ward 16, represented by IMC Mayor Likha Nari Tadar.

Speaking to this daily, Tadar defended the decision to name the newly constructed cement concrete (CC) road after Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

“His contribution to India’s freedom movement and the political developments in post-independence India is well known. People should read about him and learn more about his contribution to the nation. He also founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, which later evolved into the BJP,” said  Tadar. (With input from Bini Yurom)