31/08/2025
Siang Eung Desk, August 29, 2025:
In a significant order, the District & Sessions Judge, Pasighat, has directed that the upcoming Solung Festival shall not be celebrated at the Solung Festival Ground, Kaying, until further orders. The decision comes in response to a civil suit filed under the Specific Relief Act, 1963 read with Section 151 CPC by the Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Kaying Circle (CSFCCKC).
The plaintiffs, represented by Mr. Tagom Jomyang (President) and Mr. Takeng Padung (General Secretary), sought judicial intervention after a dispute arose regarding the right to organize the Solung festival at the traditional ground.
According to the case records, a massive fire accident occurred on July 14, 2025, at Kaying, destroying seven houses located barely 100–150 meters from the festival ground. The court noted that in Adi customary practices, such accidents are treated as inauspicious, and ritual restrictions prohibit major celebrations for a certain period. The festival committee had earlier passed a resolution on July 18, 2025, suspending the Solung Festival for this year out of respect for the affected families and community sentiments.
However, when some individuals, including Smt. Yamong Pabin and Sri Yaming Jerang, declared themselves as the President and Secretary of a rival festival committee and began collecting donations to hold the festival at the same venue, the plaintiffs approached the court seeking restraint orders.
After perusing documents such as the police complaint, FIR, and meeting resolutions, District Judge Shri K. Tasso observed that continuing with the Solung celebration at the designated ground would amount to “dilution of ritual restrictions” and could not be permitted. The court held that the balance of convenience lies in favour of the plaintiffs, and irreparable damage to the affected families cannot be compensated if the festival is allowed at the disputed venue.
Accordingly, the court restrained the respondents and any other person from celebrating Solung at the Kaying Festival Ground. However, it clarified that people are free to celebrate Solung in their respective colonies or private homes.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 9, 2025, with notices issued to the respondents.
