CHETAM, 12 Oct: Villagers of Dasi and Kare in Upper Subansiri district will be observing 'Potor-Uyi', a traditional Tagin ritual, at Harak between two villages from 13 to 23 October in view of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic affecting domestic animals in the state.

The villagers have submitted a representation to the Chetam circle officer, seeking issuance of a magisterial order for observance of the ritual and temporary restrictions on public movement and transportation in the two villages during the period.

As per the indigenous faith, beliefs, and cultural tradition of the Tagin community, Potor-Uyi is performed when an epidemic or contagious disease threatens human beings, domestic animals, or wildlife in a particular area. A Potor-Uyi ritual had been performed by the Tagin Cultural Society in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The villagers stated that the disease has been spreading across different parts of Arunachal, including the foothill regions and adjoining areas, causing serious concern among livestock owners as it poses a significant threat to domestic animals, particularly mithun, which holds immense economic, cultural, and traditional importance for the indigenous communities.

The communities have proposed the customary restrictions during the ritual period, subject to administrative approval, and resolved to impose a customary penalty of Rs 1,00,000 on violators to ensure strict compliance and minimise the risk of further transmission of the disease.

The representation submitted by the GPCs of Dasi and Kara villages urged the circle officer to issue an appropriate magistrate order to regulate public movement and transportation through the designated area during the ritual period, arrange wide publicity, deploy police personnel, and set up a temporary naka at Sera village and coordinate with the veterinary authorities for disease-prevention measures.