DAPORIJO, 30 Sep: Indigenous affairs minister Mama Natung highlighted the importance of indigenous faith and role of traditional priesthood in preserving the state's cultural and spiritual heritage, while addressing the 21st Foundation Day of the All Arunachal Pradesh Priest Welfare Association (AAPPWA) here in Upper Subansiri district on Wednesday.

He called for greater participation of youth in carrying forward traditional knowledge and practices.

The minister announced that the honorarium of traditional priests will be enhanced in recognition of their role as custodians of the state's indigenous spiritual heritage.

The minister also inaugurated the Doring Riokdum Lingny at IFCSAP ground before joining the main celebration at Si-Donyi Hilo Jaaring, where traditional prayers were offered.

MLA Taniya Soki, indigenous affairs secretary Pige Ligu, its director Likha Suraj, Tagin Culture Society president Larji Rigia Dukam, AAPPWA president Tatung Tagar, among others, attended the programme.