MAM LIDU: Ancient Legend of Dobu River Set for Recognition as MLA Ninong Ering Promises to Expedite”

MAM LIDU: Ancient Legend of Dobu River Set for Recognition as MLA Ninong Ering Promises to Expedite”

IPAK DIYUM

Korang, Jan. 6:-In a warm display of unity and grassroots democracy, the Panchayat members, including GPCs, GPs, former members, and prominent public leaders of Korang village in Siang district, hosted their respected leader, Hon’ble MLA Shri Ninong Ering, at the scenic banks of the Dobu River yesterday. The occasion was marked as a picnic-cum-interaction programme, providing a meaningful platform for open dialogue between the people and their elected representative.

During the interaction, the villagers formally placed their grievances and developmental demands before the MLA through a memorandum. Responding promptly, Shri Ering assured the gathering that genuine public demands would be addressed with sincerity and urgency. Emphasising the core ideology of the BJP, he reaffirmed that elected representatives are chosen to serve the people, not to rule over them. He further highlighted that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, accords the highest priority to strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, recognising it as the backbone of inclusive and participatory governance.

Taking advantage of the interaction, the Siang Voice team drew the MLA’s attention to the age-old mythological legacy of MAM LIDU—a colossal stone statue believed to be lying in the Dobu River since time immemorial. Listening keenly, Shri Ering assured that he would soon visit the site through a planned programme to personally assess its historical and cultural significance, with the possibility of recognising it as an adventure spot or tourist destination. Notably, the statue is located barely half a kilometre upstream from the Dobu RCC Bridge.

According to the legend of MAM LIDU, as narrated by our fathers and forefathers, Mam Lidu was a mighty mountain king who once attempted to save the villagers residing downstream of the Dolu River. As the story goes, a devastating flash flood descended from the mountains. Upon receiving news of the impending disaster, Mam Lidu stretched his gigantic mountain body in an effort to block the floodwaters. However, before he could fully reach the spot, the raging flood struck his head and nose. Unable to save the villagers in time, Mam Lidu was petrified into stone. Even today, the broken nose of the statue remains visible in the Dobu River—a silent testimony to the legend, yet unknown to many of today’s youth.

Folklore further narrates that the mountain formed by Mam Lidu extends over a vast stretch, originating and running nearly a hundred kilometres up to the Igo Dari area of West Siang district.

Esteemed readers, the complete and detailed legend of MAM LIDU will be presented in the next episode.