Don Bosco, Mintong, the second Salesian presence started in the Tirap District of East Arunachal Pradesh, is situated about 78 km from Khonsa and 29 km from Longding. The centre was began with the purpose of catering to the upper Wancho area. Fr. Thomas Vattoth was appointed to the centre in 1996. This centre is only a few hundred kilometers from the boarder of China.

 

Mintong, meaning ‘a place marked by bamboo’ in the Wancho language, was first marked by the Cross in 1979 by Fr. Job Kallarackal from Naharkatiya. Fr. Job sent Taiwang Wangham who is the Chief today, and Pongham Wangpan to study in Don Bosco, Mao in Manipur. Two others Lona and Lipha were sent to St. Anthony’s College in the early 80’s. In 1983 Pongham and Taiwang came away from Don Bosco, Mao and were admitted to Bosco Bible School along with Wangtho Wangsu. These and a few Catholics were present in the village till 1985.

 

The first Upper Wancho Convention at Mintong in April 1992 was an event to be noted. About 5000 Catholics gathered for four days during the Holy Week. All assembled on Holy Thursday. Fr. Palliparambil George, Sr. Rachel, and Sr. Lucy Horo of the Sisters of Charity, along with the catechists and the Bible School students conducted the programme. Mgr. Thomas Menamparambil came for the concluding mass on 19^th April, Easter Sunday. It was his first official visit as the Bishop. All his other visits were incognito. He was visibly moved at the Catholic crowd and the very disciplined and devout behaviour. Mr. L. Lochia MLA, who was the chief guest, Mr. Wangnam Ex-MLA, Mr. Ponglaham and the leaders from Borduria who were present at the gathering spoke of it as the biggest gathering of Wanchos ever.

 

In August 1997 Mintong was made into an independent centre with 31 villages. Till then it had been functioning as a sub-centre of the parish of Borduria. On 25^th March 2007, Minthong parish was divided. At present there are 16 villages under Minthong parish.

 

AIDA, the social service agency of the province, opened its centre at Minthong in 1993. They conduct awareness programme in different villages. The leaders meet once in a month. Their target group is the marginalised society, especially women and children. They conduct training programmes in various fields such as education, health and sanitation, cultivation, plantation, etc.

  

 

Now the Salesians run a lower primary school for the children of the locality. There is also boardings for boys and girls who attend in the Lower Primary School. In 2007, there are 125 students and 9 teachers. There are 52 boys and 23 girls in the boarding. AIDA continues its social action through their training and awareness programmes.

  

Mission Centre, Pastoral work and Evangelization, Village Masses, Village Visits, Pastoral Services, L.P School, Boarding for boys & girls, Adult Education.

 

 

Don Bosco, Mintong

C/o Don Bosco School

Longding, Tirap Dt. 786 631

ARUNACHAL PRADESH