Editor,

In the last few weeks, Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed devastating cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Besides Keyi Panyor, the Nari Koyu, Pasighat West, and Pasighat East Assembly constituencies have also been badly affected.

Villages in Ramle Banggo-Lipin-Mane, Tabiripo, Saku-Loglu, Rotte, and Kakki are among the worst hit.

Despite the devastation, I am proud to see the people of Arunachal standing together. Student unions, community organisations, social groups, and ordinary citizens have come forward with relief materials and financial assistance. This is the true spirit of Arunachal – when one family suffers, the entire state stands with them.

But one question continues to trouble me: Where are our members of Parliament?

Arunachal has two Lok Sabha MPs – Kiren Rijiju and Tapir Gao. At a time when thousands are struggling to rebuild their lives, people expect their elected representatives to be on the ground, assessing the damage, standing with the victims, and pursuing the Centre for every possible assistance.

I am particularly concerned about the apparent absence of the MP from the Arunachal East parliamentary constituency, Tapir Gao. Him being a senior parliamentarian, I expected him to visit the flood-hit areas, especially Ramle Banggo, and reassure the affected people. I regularly see updates about his official engagements in different parts of the country and abroad. Yet, during one of the worst natural disasters in his own constituency, I have not seen any visible outreach or expression of solidarity. If such efforts have been made, people should be informed about them, so that the people know their representative is with them.

Members of Parliament also have access to the MPLADS framework, which, subject to the applicable guidelines, can support certain works related to natural disasters. More importantly, however, people expect leadership, empathy, and a visible presence during times of crisis.

This is not a political attack. It is a democratic question and a sincere appeal. Leadership is not judged in comfortable times but in moments of hardship.

The people of Arunachal deserve representatives who are visible in their hour of need – not only in words, but in action.

Bompa Lomdak,

Raga