The Twin Guardians of Yomcha: The Story of Akker and Kadai Yomgam

 

In the heat of Yomcha Circle within West Siang, the twin villages of Akker Yomgam and Kadai Yomgam emerge as a breathtaking sanctuary for the Yomgam family. This ancestral land is defined by a rare geographical harmony, where the intimate curves of the valley met the towering strength of the mountains. Cloaked in a dense, lush green canopy, the landscape is uniquely marked by striking black-colored rocks that serve as a natural boundary, distinguishing this territory from all others in the region.

The identity of the village itself is carved into its stone; Akker derives its name from a significant rock known by the villagers as Akker Lipik. This "Akker Lipik" is considered the suitable and auspicious foundation of the land, grounding the village's identity in the very earth it stands upon. Higher still lies the formidable that serves as a throne for the kings of the air. It is from this "huge rock" that great kites and eagles conduct their silent surveillance. With sight honed by the mountain winds, these birds of prey watch the village courtyards for the slightest movement, waiting to swoop down upon ducklings, chickens or hens.

While the heights are ruled by the eagles of Piim Lipik, the soul of Akker and Kadai resides in the water. Beneath the mountain peaks, hidden streams flow through secret uderground channels, their rhythmic pulse echoing against the black stone. Each morning, as the sunlight is thrown directly into the village and the birds begin their chorus, the sound of these rushing streams serves as a reminder of the generations who have lived in harmonny with this land.

The cultural fabric of the villages is deeply rooted in Galo traditions. The traditional architecture of the houses-built with varying sizes of logs, bamboo walls and Taa-ek (Toko Patta/Fan Palm) thatched roofs, is a marvel of indigenous engineering. These homes are central to an animistic way of life that sees the devine in every tree and stone. This spiritual connection peaks during Mopin, the grand festival where the community seeks the blessings of the goddess of harvest. Clad in white, the people perform ancient rituals and the iconic Popir dance, smearig rice flour on faces as a symbol of purity.

Survival in this rugged terrain is sustained by a dual mastery of the land. The villagers of Akker and Kadai practice both shifting cultivation (Jhum), which respects the forest cycle and meticulously carved step-cultivation terraces that hug the slopes. These emerald-green stairs transform steep inclines into productive fields. In these twin villages, every log in a house, every terrace on the hill and every ritual in the field is a tribute toa heritage as unshakeable as the black rocks surrounding them.  

Benji Liine: Unveiling the True Indigenous Significance of Darak's Sacred Site

The Benji Liine site, revered exclusively by the local Galo indigenous tribe, is an extraordinary sanctuary located deep within the Darak Circle of the West Siang District,, Arunachal Pradesh, where immense natural splendour converges with a powerful, age old legend. The site's spiritual significance is entirely distinct from hinduism or any other organized religions, rooted instead in the tribe's ancient, time honored belief system. While the main stone, the Liine, is occasionally and incorrectly identified as a Shiva-linga or related to Lord shiva by external observers or even in government data, this association is far removed from the genuine, age old indigenous faith followed by the Galo People. The area is defined by its overwhelming, pristine natural environment, starting with the dense subtropical and temperate forests that cloak the hillocks in vibrant emerald shades; here, towering trees, a thick, rich under growth and an atmosphere scented with wild orchids and damp earth is constant and showcases the region's remarkable biodiversity. A crucial element of the landscape's tranquility is the proximity to flowing water, specifically the confluence of the Sisa River and the Siyik or Siek River, whose pure waters tumble and gently flow over smooth stones, providing a constant, soothing backdrop that acts as a vital artery of life for the valley. Looming over this verdant and dynamic river setting are the formidable mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalayas, which cradle Benji Liine, standing as silent, majestic guardians; these peaks shape the region's climate, offering visitors wide views of rolling hills that often disappear into a soft, mystical mist. Ultimately, this magnificent natural theatre encompassing the endless green canopy, the powerful, unyielding rivers and the immense mountains perfectly aligns with the famous, immovable Liine (Stone) at the site's center, profoundly reinforcing the Galo belief that this sacred space is governed by the powerful and immutable laws of nature and spirit.

Despite the deep authenticity of Benji Liine to the Galo people, its future is threatened by external pressures. The erroneous labeling of the site as a hindu pilgrimage spot contributes directly to its commodification, simplifying a complex indigenous beliefs system into a tourist attraction for mass consumption, thereby depreciating its unique cultural essence. Furthermore, this site represents a broader pattern of negligence by the government and local governance toward the beliefs of indigenous peoples. A lack of actual intervention by the government to officially recognize, protect and document the site according to Galo customary law and traditions means the site is vulnerable to exploitation, misrepresentation and the slow erosion of its sacred meaning by external narratives and unmanaged visitor influx. The failure to intervene effectively demonstrates a disregard for preserving the unique and ancient faith of the Galo indigenous tribe.