The Arunachal Times - Archives

Parikrama electrifying performance captivates youngsters

Bos Frontalis Festival

ITANAGAR, May 31: Braving rain and mud at the IG Park, thousands of youngsters turned up to witness the electrifying performance of Parikrama, one of India’s most popular Rock and Roll bands! True to their reputations, the band managed to captivate the attention of the youngsters who swayed to the music during the hour long performance. The band members taught a lesson or two as they greeted the spectators in at least ten languages of the state!

Apart from their original scores “In the middle”, “But it rained”, “Tears of the wizard”, “Vaporize”, “Rhythm and blues”, the band played cover versions of AC/DC, Cold Play, Deep Purple and Iron Maiden.

Thanks to Bos Frontalis Festival organized by Mascot Network Society and Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation, to bring awareness on mithuns and need for its conservation, the evening indeed was a pleasant blend of the tradition and the modern.

Under the theme in transition by CCRD, a Fashion show showcasing the designs of one of the most sought after new designers of India and Arunachal’s very own Jenjum Gadi added colour to the evening. Select models wore the creations by Jenjum named Metamorphosis tribal theme and sashayed on the ramp with a catchy remix of folk songs of the state.

Education Minister who was the Chief Guest of the evening said that it’s on the youngsters to carry forward the culture and tradition of the culture of the state and work toward conservation of the Mithun as it signifies the very core of tribal society.

The Evening also saw the release of new Logo of CCRD.

ePDS launched in Tirap, a giant step towards PDS streamlining

KHONSA, May 31: The ePDS, the first of its kind in whole of northeast and a giant step towards PDS streamlining was formally launched at Khonsa today by Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong.

He also inaugurated the ePDS counter as a part of the launching programme.

Later addressing the HoDs at DCs conference hall, the Speaker appreciated the effort of DF&CSO Amit Bengia and district administration for evolving the ePDS system and hoped that it would go a long way in streamlining PDS in the real sense of the term. He said that Tirap district was faced with a peculiar problem of its own and appealed to the officers to work with utmost sincerity saying that ‘when the going gets tough, the tough gets going’.

Lowangdong also hope that Tirap district would come out with more such innovative ideas in future. Speaker further said that providing food security to the people was the prime duty of any government adding that the benefits of ePDS must reach the poorest of the poor. Earlier Tirap DC W. Lowang in his address said that PDS streamlining is one of the main agendas of the state government adding that efforts were on at all levels to make PDS effective. DF&CSO threw light on various facets of ePDS thorough talk and video clippings. He also clarified the queries post by the participants. The meeting was attended by DOTC Chairman Y. Matey and HoDs.

With not much scope for wet rice cultivation, the people of Tirap practice shifting cultivation. The meager produce from the Jhumland is hardly sufficient to sustain their livelihood. So, they are totally dependent on Public Distribution System.

The District Administration is according top priority to food security. In order to make PDS efficient, consumer-friendly and error-free, the District Administration and department of Food & Civil Supplies have embarked on an ambitious and innovative venture called ePDS. This is the first of its kind in the whole of Northeast and it is envisaged to use the system as a pilot project which will be subsequently replicated in other districts of the state in the current financial year. The project has evolved after a painstaking effort for the last 2 years by Amit Bengia, DF&CSO and Mayank Premi of Beacons Analytics Pvt. Ltd, Delhi. Both of them had carried out demonstrations on key features and benefits of ePDS at Itanagar and Khonsa during the month of March 2010 to popularize the concept and also to create awareness amongst all stakeholders.

It may be added here that the concept of ePDS was first mooted by former Tirap Deputy Commissioner, Ankur Garg in 2008. After close interaction with the consumers, village elders, Panchayat leaders and NGOs it has been decided to put to practical use, this ePDS. It has been developed with the help of private developers and subject matter experts from Directorate of Food & Civil Supplies, Naharlagun and Prof. Abrahem Koshy of IIM, Ahemedabad.

Tirap district though gripped by insurgency problem has been successful in leading the way in introducing innovative and novel ventures like ePDS that would revolutionize the functioning of TPDS in the state. This pilot project was initially funded by BADP, Wakka under the initiative of present Horticulture Minister Honchun Ngandam. It is worth-mentioning here that the department of Food & Civil Supplies is beset with a plethora of problems like non payment of HTS bills to transporters for last 5 years by FCI leading to countless numbers of litigations, fluctuation in monthly allocation of APL rice from GOI, non availability of stocks in most of FSDs (godowns) of FCI located in Arunachal Pradesh, non establishment of full-fledged FCI Regional office and 3 more district offices etc.

APTOA to organise Arunachal Travel Congress, CM to be chief guest

ITANAGAR, May 31: Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) will organize the 8th Arunachal Travel Congress and APTOA Convention in Tawang on Oct 3 and 4. The theme of this year’s convention is “Sustainable Tourism Development in Arunachal Pradesh”. The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu have consented to be the chief guest of the convention, the Association said in a release today.

The proposed convention will have technical and interactive sessions involving all tourism stake holders of the state like tour operators, travel agents, transporters and hoteliers. APTOA also decided to invite major travel trade related organizations from across the country to take part in the travel Congress.

Meanwhile, APTOA got a major boost with the assurance from CM for an all round tourism development in the state. This assurance came when an APTOA delegation called on the CM and submitted a memorandum appraising its activities today. The CM also appreciated the efforts of APTOA members in promoting eco, adventure and cultural tourism within and outside the state, the release said.

APTOA said, the Chief Minister also urged the Association to organize the next Buddha Mahotsav by giving a professional touch to enable larger participation of foreign tourists and Indian visitors.

Informing that the APTOA in collaboration with Arunachal Tourism will also organize Arunachal Tourism Expo in New Delhi next winter to showcase the tourism potential of the state, the Associaiton also appealed the CM to include two senior members in the recently constituted State Level Monitoring Committee on Tourism to enable proper tourism input from the travel trade industry.

APTOA Chairman Tsering Wange and President John Panya also appraised the Chief Minister about the harassment meted out to Arunachal tour operators and transporters in Assam by Assam Police and Para Military Forces by off loading the tourists and requisitioning the vehicles at random. The associaton claimed that the chief minister assured to write to Assam counter part to solve the problem on priority.

Govt urges administration to act tough against fake ultras

ITANAGAR, May 31: The Home Minister Tako Dabi lauded the ample efficiency demonstrated by police personnel led by the OC, PS, Deomali in nabbing the two self-styled NSCN (K) cadres at Deomali, Tirap district on May 29. A case has also been registered against the culprits. He further informed that these self-styled ultras in the name of NSCN (K) & NSCN (IM) in Tirap district are collecting money even by using the local shopkeepers and businessmen as conduits and pocketed the money.

Therefore, the Government has directed the district administration to launch massive hunt to apprehend these fake ultras working in the name of real ultras, in almost all the places of Tirap district. A few such ultras are also reportedly working in some localities of Changlang and Lohit districts. So the District Administration and the civil society should come forward to nab these unwanted and fake nuisance creators only for the sake of grabbing money operating in different villages in the districts of Tirap, Changlang and Lohit. The Capital Complex of Itanagar is also not free from such fake ultras, which generally resort in serving extortion notice through mobile p hones. However, such fake ultras in the capital complex have been reduced, but yet to be completely wiped out. DIPR

DM terms bandh unlawful

ITANAGAR, May 31: The Capital Region District Magistrate Padmini Singla has termed the 24 hours Capital bandh given by All Nyishi Youth Association on June 2-3 as unlawful and illegal. The Association is calling a bandh in protest against non preparation of AOP and other issues. She said that strictest preventive action must be ensured by the Police leaving no scope for agitators to disturb normal activities of the residents. Home Minister Tako Dabi has viewed seriously the rampant bandh calls, particularly in Itanagar / Naharlagun. He has cautioned that the government will not tolerate any further bandh as such act tantamount to encroachment of the fundamental rights of the citizens. DIPR

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) also requested the CM to curb the frequent ‘bandhs’ being organized by different organizations and find an amicable solution to their problems. Bandhs not only hamper the economic development of the State but also gives negative image of the state to the outside world, it said.

All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF), in an emergency meeting attended by the representatives of all federal units today appealed the All Nyishi Youth Association to withdraw the proposed 24-hr bandh on June 2 and solve the matter through dialogue with the state Govt.

Affirming that bandh calls are not solution to the problems, the Federation said, besides the development activities of the Govt, such bandh calls badly affect the wage earners, state economy and transportation. Instead of involving in petty bandh calls, the ANYA should involve in welfare activities and lead the state towards development, the federation opined.

World No Tobacco Day observed

‘Keep away from tobacco products’

ITANAGAR, May 31: World No Tobacco Day was jointly observed by the VHAI Project Khusi, Kingcup Public School and VHA of Arunachal Pradesh at Itanagar today.

More than four hundred students participated in the day-long program that started with the power-point presentation on the bad-effect of tobacco on health by Dr. Lobsang Jampa, State Epidemiologist.

75 students of the school enthusiastically participated in poster competition organized in this occasion.

The chief guest of the function Dr. Emi Rumi, Project Director, AP State AIDS Control Society appealed all to get rid of tobacco both in smoking and non-smoking forms. He opined that students, adolescents, women and youth should not be trapped by the tobacco-industry to sale its products.

Dr. Rumi also expressed surprise the way the new pictorial health warning on tobacco products is being deferred by six months period, as the new warning would be highly useful to help save millions of lives from the silent-killer like tobacco.

Principal of the School A. K. Palit too appealed the students to refrain from chewing all kinds of tobacco products. He also told that products like Tiranga should also be banned.

It’s noteworthy that Project Khusi is working in Itanagar town with 300 victims of drug with the aim of protecting the Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) from HIV/AIDS. Later participating in an hour-long discussion in Doordarshan Kendra, Itanagar Dr. S. Tawsik, Selection Grade Pathologist of the General Hospital, Naharlaun and Ajay K. Tripathy of VHAI appreciated the efforts of State Government, print & electronic media, student bodies, NGOs and schools.

Both mentioned that with the collective efforts of all we can save our people from the menace of tobacco. Tripathy also appealed all to effectively monitor the sale of tobacco products to minors as well as to check smoking in public places which are illegal.

Govt. must act tough on Chakma-Hajongs: LAWA

ITANAGAR, May 31: Concerned over vexed Chakma-Hajong refugee issues, Lendo Ao Welfare Association (LAWA) has demanded the State Govt. to initiate drastic action to flash out all illegal migrants settling at M-Pen and Kathans of Changlang and Lohit districts.

Citing the problems now Tripura is facing from Chakma-Hajong refugees, LAWA said that time has come for Govt. to act tough on the issue. Otherwise, a day will come when those illegal migrants will demand for a separate state within the state, the association cautioned. Meanwhile, LAWA appealed to the authorities concerned to clean bamboo bushes near town area, the most suitable place for mosquito breeding, to control spreading of malaria.

Siram spells out new initiatives under education policies

PASIGHAT, May 31: Highlighting the New Education Policy and Right to Education in a interactive meeting at Siang Guest house on May 29 last, state Education Minister Bosiram Siram said that free education including reading and writing materials would be provided to all and there will be no admission fees upto Class VIII standard.

The meeting was organised by the by the East Siang unit ATA.

Education is the basic need and right of every child, the minister said and urged the Principals, Vice-Principals, HMs and teachers to be disciplined, sincere and dedicated while imparting quality education in the state.

Responding to the SSA teachers demands, Siram said all possible and genuine demands would be considered by the present government. The DC Onit Panyang and DDSE Marken Kadu expressed their happiness over the new education policy in the state.

the President ATA (East Siang) Tabung Ering appealed for immediate release of necessary funds for school management and also required funds for Security Fencing of Sikshak Sadan.

Among others, the District Coordinator SSA Kalom Ering and DAEO J. Yirang were also present in the meeting. DIPRO

Big Dam: socio-economic development or depression?

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, May 31: The Tug-of-War between the Anti-Dam and Pro-Dam along with state government for construction of 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Electricity Project over River Siang is not a matter of the economic development of the area but it is an issue relating to preservation of land and environment.

No doubt, the construction and setting up of Dam will provide ample jobs opportunities including contract works to the local people.

However, we should remember that only a handful of contractors will be the ultimate beneficiaries, and we shouldn’t expect economic streamlining or benefit with the little amount we receive today from the authority in form of compensation against our land and property which we have inherited from our fore-fathers.

Lower Siang Project Affected Welfare Society in a press statement said that “some people who do not belong to dam affected families are misleading the people of Ponging and other villagers for political motives”. The statement smacks of regionalism as the construction of Dam would affect not only the particular village or area; it will also equally affect upstream and downstream people in terms of submergence and environment impact.

Our people should know that any big dams has many impacts on our ecology, environment and social life. Ponging and its surrounding villages are the immediate affected areas, but the whole Arunachal Pradesh as well as others states of the country will face the same environmental impact.

The dams will hold back sediments and debris. The life of organisms including fish at downstream depends on the constant feeding of river with debris. Debris provides hiding places for all sizes of animals and surfaces for phytoplankton and microorganisms to grow. Although debris might come from the river above the dam, it is trapped in the reservoir and never appears in the downstream. This means it losses both nutrients and habitat for most animals and fishes.

It also changes the temperature of the river, as the water in reservoirs are warm at the top and cold at the bottom, if the water is released from the reservoir, it is usually released from the bottom of the dam. And there is a sudden change of temperature in the downstream water, many micro invertebrates depend on a regular cycle of the temperatures throughout the year is affected.

It also stops fish migration, many fish must move upstream and downstream to complete their lifestyles. Many Dams are built without fish ladders. If enough adult fishs do manage to climb above a dam, there remains the issue of their young, how will they get back downstream? Many are killed by predators while they wander in the reservoir above the Dam. Many are killed in their fall downward through the dam to the river below. They are not killed by the fall itself, but by the high levels of nitrogen gas at the base of the Dam. Once the dam is built there will be dramatic consequences on the nature of the environment both upstream and downstream of the dam. The magnitudes of these effects are usually directly related to the size of dam.

Besides, soil erosion and other impacts, it will also restrict the flow of river below the dam, in case the entire flow has been diverted for other uses, there may no longer be any flow in the original channel below the dam. Just imagine, what will happen to the mighty Siang, if we welcome the Big Dam today.

In case a dam bursts, what will happen to people living in the downstream? Ayeng, Mebo, Kiyit, Sigar, Rani, Tode Bamin, Ruksin, Pasighat and others areas are set to be destructed heavily.

Will the government or the company refurbish their lost land, material and life? No, the MoU under Article 11, said that “either party the state government and the company shall not be responsible in any manner for the losses arising out of the force majeure situation such as earth quake, flood, fire, explosion, epidemic, cyclone, external invasion, civil commotion, riots, landslide etc, which are beyond the reasonable control of the effected party. However, the party so affected, upon serving notice thereof to the other party setting out therein particulars thereof shall be excused from performance of its obligations to the extend prevented, delayed or interfered with for the period force majeure condition persist. The party so affected shall make its best efforts to remove such cause of force majeure as expeditiously as possible and shall continue performance hereunder with due dispatch when ever such cause (s) is removed”.

Despite some of the impacts of Big Dams, one wonders why the government campaign for hydro power projects. Instead of checking inflow of population and minimising the future problems of the society our leaders seems busy inviting problems. Are they doing all these to make their constituency wealthy and secured?

One surprising aspects also is the fact that many small hydel power stations hsve not been renovated to the cater to the needs of the people. Instead they have been neglected.

Another peculiar nature of our government is that, while it opposed the construction of Dam over Tsangpo (Siang) in Tibet by Chinese government, it is pressuring indigenous people to accept construction of Dam over Siang River.

If right decisions are not made by our people, soon our limited land and resources will be taken from us.

AAPSU fact-finding team lauded

ITANAGAR, May 31: All Papum Pare District Students Union (APPDSU) has appreciated fact finding team of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) for visiting Chakma settlement area of Kokila and Hollongi village. In a press statement APPDSU president Nabam John said people of this state has great hope that present AAPSU team will take this issue to appropriate level in the coming days.

He also appreciated the role of Tobom Dai, spokesperson AAPSU and Chakma refugees issue committee chairman and Nabam Tamar, Vice-president AAPSU and vice-chairman Chakma refugees issue committee for working seriously towards finding solution to long pending Chakma-Hajong issue. John who himself had accompanied AAPSU team during their visit to Kokila and Hollogi informed that everybody was surprised to find that tribal people of state has given free hand to Chakma to use their land. He said this practice should be stopped and asked people to learn from Miao incident, where Chakmas have taken over the land where initially they worked as labour.

AYSU serves ultimatum

ITANAGAR, May 31: All Yachuli Students Union (AYSU) has expressed unhappiness over government’s muted response to their one point memorandum submitted way back in month of February regarding their plea for establishing proposed polytechnic at Yachuli town. In a press release issued AYSU says despite their repeated appeal state government is yet to respond.

Further AYSU has given 10 days ultimatum to state government in this regard. If they fail to respond, union would take its own course of action which includes bandh call in premises of 16th Yachuli constituency.

Complaint against census

ITANAGAR, May 31: Bharatiya Janata Party, Anjaw District president B Kri appealed the state governent to ensure fair and transparent census in the district to avert future complications.

While complaining about the negligence of officers engaged in the census duty, Kri alleged that family members of BJP District Yuva President Sothik Kri of Tambruglat under Hawai circle have not been enrolled in the ongoing Census.

Org calls for just treatment of animals

ITANAGAR, May 31: People for Animals requested the State Government to ban all the issued licensed guns/rifles used in hunting & killing innocent animals. It called on the Chief Minister and Minister Environment & Wildlife & Forest to take up some strong measures against ongoing cruelties against animals and implement their dialogue into action. It further called on the State Govt. & M/S JP Associate who is implementing the 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Project to take utmost care of Nature, Wildlife, & Environment while constructing the project.

IPR mourns demise of Late Michi Tajang

NAHARLAGUN, May 31: Michi Tajang, Peon, in the department of Information and Public Relations died this morning at General Hospital Naharlagun following illness.

The officers and staff of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations assembled in the office premises and observed two-minute silence to pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul and to give strength to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss.

The Director IPR Leki Phuntso expressed grief and shock at the demise of late Tajang.

Born in the year 1961, late Tajang had joined the department in the year 1984.

Career fair draws large number of students

ITANAGAR, May 31: Around two thousand students visited the two-day 1st Career Fair of Itanagar.

Most of the Students are found interested in Engineering, Hotel Management, Pharmacy courses.

27 institute from Bangalore, Delhi, U.P, Sikkim, Orissa, Punjab, Haryana, Dehradoon, West Bengal have participated for the fair organised by the SAPE, leading education fair organizer and supported by Directorate of Higher & Technical education, Government Arunachal Pradesh.

House gutted in fire

ITANAGAR, May 31: One house was gutted down in a fire accident at Kheel-II village, Toru Circle on May 15 last.

The victim of the fire accident Tana Tato Tara informed that despite an FIR has been lodged at Sagalee Police Station on the same day no any police personnel visited the spot to investigate the accident till today.

Criticising the officer in-charge of Sagalee Police station for not paying heed to the FIR, Tara appealed the concerned authority to take nessary step for early investigation and provide relief and financial assistance to the fire victim.

Monitor distribution of ration items: AAPCA

ITANAGAR, May 31: All Arunachal Pradesh Consumers Association (AAPCA) has appealed the Food and Civil Supply Minister to initiate steps for effective distribution of ration items in the state.

In a letter to the minister the Association claimed that the beneficiaries are deprived of the actual ration quota since 2006 The ration card holders are being distributed only 15 kg of rice each against the allotted quota of 50 kg, it added.

The association requested the Govt to check the supply of monthly ration items and monitor the distribution of ration items by the fair price shops to solve the scarecity of ration commodities.

Tea awareness campaign

ITANAGAR, May 31: A team of executives of the Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers Association will conduct an awarness campaign among the general farmers in districts from June 10 and 19 next. The campaign will focus on shifting of jhum cultivation to organic tea plantation as tea is the only sustainable crop which can enhance economy.

Demands supported

ITANAGAR, May 31: All Mebo Students’ Union and All Mebo Circle Unemployed Youth Forum appealed the concerned authority to concede the demands of Mebo Area Bachao Committee. The Mebo area is already facing flood fury and the problem will be increased if the proposed three dams are built in and around Mebo area, the organisations said.

Women Commission urged to intervene against women atrocities

ITANAGAR, May 31: Apatani Youth Association highlighting the increasing crimes against the weaker section of the society particularly the women and children in the Ziro valley appealed the State Women Commission to look into the cases seriously and initiate necessary steps with concerned authority to pursue for speedy trail, prompt punishment and not to grant bail to the criminals.

It further citing the cases of Habung Chunya and Dusu Halley said that the early release of crimals encourage them to commit repeated crimes.

Power disruption

ITANAGAR, May 31:132/33kv, 5MVA, R-phase transformer of Ziro substation, Powergrid Corporation of India Limited has developed some technical defect leading to interruption of Power Supply in Lower Subansiri and Kurung Kumey districts, according to an official release. The rectification/replacement of transformer has been taken up with top priority and may take some time for restoration of normal power supply, the release said.

State’s RIDF XVItarget pegged at Rs. 195.00 Crores

ITANAGAR: National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) has earmarked Rs. 195.00 crores as normative allocation for new projects in Arunachal Pradesh for the year 2010-11 under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) Tranche XVI. The current sanctions under ongoing tranches (RIDF XI to XV) to the state are Rs. 496 crores; of which drawable amount during 2010-11 (as per schedule) is Rs. 284 crores. The minimum estimated drawals during 2010-11 are pegged at Rs. 160 crores.

In order to expedite the process and claim the estimated drawals, NABARD has written to the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to enhance the borrowing limit of the State under Article 293(3) of the Constitution of India and draw up a suitable strategy for posing early submission of RIDF proposals so that NABARD can sanction them expeditiously, according to an official release.

ACDF condemns forceful conversion

ITANAGAR: Changlang District Christian Forum (CDCF) has condemned any kind of foreceful conversion of any one to any religion. The Forum was reacting to the alleged forceful conversion to Christianity by activists reportedly having nexus with under ground elements in Changlang.

Faith is a feeling and embracing the faith and religion is not an immediate act but a decision which follows a graudal and long process, the Forum asserted. Expressing displeasure over the report of alleged forceful conversion of Buddhist Tikhaks Community of Changlang, it termed the allegation baseless and said that Christianity lives for peace and brotherhood. Such kind of news is embrassing to the peace and harmony of the local people. However, the Forum extended its solidarity to Tikhak community of Nampong on this matter.

Doctor assaulted

Itanagar: A doctor of Ramkrishna Mission Hospital Itanagar was assaulted this evening by escorts of a patient. The incident happened at the emergency ward of RKMH.

In protest against the incident the doctors of the hospital decided not to extend their services at emergency, pay clinic and OPD.

Blood Donor Day

ITANAGAR: To mark International Blood Donor Day, a month long program shall be launched at RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar on June 1. The month long campaign shall include multi media campaign through various media channels, blood donation camps and social mobilization throughout the state. Parliamentary Secretary Nido Pavitra would launch the programe.

This year the theme is “new blood for the world with special focus on youth.

BJYM appointment

ITANAGAR, May 31: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state unit president has appointed Dug Saha as its vice president effective immediately.

Condolences

ITANAGAR, May 31: All Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Employees Welfare Association deeply mourned the untimely demise of welder STS, Itanagar, Rubu Tayu, who died on May 29 in a tragic road accident.

The members of the association prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended their condolence message to the breaved family members.

I am not sleeping rather I am passing sleepless nights!

Dear Editor,

Apropos the news items "Anini battles aftermath of devastating floods " published in your news paper on 29th May and the remarks made by one Rajiv Mihu, Secretary of All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) that our legislative member is sleeping in Itanagar while Dibang Valley is struggling. In this connection first of all I strongly condemn his immature remarks on me that I am sleeping at the critical crisis time of Dibang Valley District and before labeling such type of wild allegation against me, Mihu should have at least judged the facts what I have done after the collapse of lone BRTF road in between Anini and Roing which is the life line of Dibang Valley District.

However, for the information of the people I would like to inform that immediately after collapse of the BRTF road in between Anini and Roing, I had elaborately asked for immediate help and necessary assistance for Dibang Valley District. Apart from this, I am the first person who had written the Chief Engineer Project Udayak, Dumduma, C/o 99 APO to immediately take necessary action for restoration of road connectivity on BRTF road in between Anini and Roing on war footing. I, therefore, request Mihu to come to my office at an official hour and verify all the correspondences made in this regard.

I am the first person from Arunachal Pradesh who took initiative to contact Eastern Air Command, Ministry of Defence, Shillong to immediately provide helicopter for lifting the construction materials from Roing for construction of road and bridges to various damage points on BRTF road in between Anini and Roing as per requisition given by the CE, Project Udayak, C/o 99 APO.

As far as ration sorties are concerned, Chief Minister has already given six ration sorties which had already performed their duties. Considering my request govt had again approved two ration sorties on May 28-29. Considering my humble request CM has once again approved nine ration sorties for Dibang Valley District which will be in operation within a short period of time depending on weather conditions. This will facilitate to meet up the food crisis of Dibang Valley District at this hour of crisis.

As far as stranded people Anini Concerned, I had initiated a note requesting CM to provide maximum Jackson Helicopter service to Anini by suspending other routes till road communication in between Anini and Roing is restored, but it was not possible because the other parts of Arunachal Pradesh are also in need of Helicopters.

However, HCM had approved three special Jackson Helicopter service for Anini on 17/5/10 (two times) and on 18/5/10 (one time) for lifting the stranded people of Anini.

I am still trying my best to provide maximum helicopter services to Anini for clearing the stranded people. About life savings drugs, Government is taking all efforts to send maximum medicines to Dibang Valley District to contain the prevailing situation of Dibang Valley District and I am also still in constant touch with various NGOs for providing necessary assistance to Dibang Valley District.

I, once again reiterate that I am not sleeping rather I am passing sleepless nights for the people of Dibang Valley District to manage maximum assistance. If I would have been at Anini I could not do anything for my people from Anini, therefore I have to stay at Itanagar for getting maximum assistance for the people of Dibang Valley. We can fight with everything but we cannot fight with natural calamities and therefore; at this juncture we should not blame each other or get credit out of the situation for our political or personal benefit rather we should keep ourselves calm and fight unitedly with the situation.

Yours,

Rajesh Tacho

Parliamentary Secretary

Aruanchal’s capital looks like a paddy field in rainy season!

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned regarding unhygienic sanitation and lack of proper drainage system in the Twin Capital City.

It pain me to see the condition of Twin Capital City during rainy day because it looks like a wet paddy field as there is water everywhere because of lack of proper drainage system. This not only spoils the beauty of the city, it becomes breeding ground of mosquitoes and flies, which may cause outbreak of different types of diseases.

Furthermore, the Urban Development department is requested to engage labours even on the holiday to clear garbage’s and serve prohibitory order on throwing of garbage into the drain.

Yours,

Koj Kapa (email)

Itanagar

CIC need to be made functional

Dear Editor,

Community Information Centre needs special attention from authority concern. CIC, the most important office of today in remote areas seems to be losing its glory day by day because systems are not being updated.

In remote areas CIC is the people’s office as it is used not only to avail students’ results but all computer related works as well.

We have been making use of CIC for last 5, 6 years. But it’s very sad to mention that with discontinuation of internet this year, we are years behind.

Efforts must be put to take necessary steps to bring back its normal function for the sake of the poor people especially who resides in remote areas where CIC is the life line not only for local people but also for the various department staffs.

Yours,

Tame Tara

ASM Bameng -II

East Kameng (on email)

Wrong information furnished to media

Dear Editor,

News under the caption AR scores major success in Khonsa against NSCN (IM), arrest six was carried in your daily on May 26 based on a press statement by 19th Assam Rifles of Khonsa.

I am the mother of one of the arrested who is hardly 16th yrs and 11th months old.

On the fateful early morning of 25th May at around 4.00 A.M. when I was away from home for my daughter’s treatment in Assam, 19th Assam Rifles Personnel took my son under their custody as he was sleeping. He was taken to their camp at Khonsa and kept along with five others. In the Assam Rifles camp my minor son was tortured physically with electricity devices at his genital part. Due to the electric shocks, my son is getting problem while urinating.

After whole day torture and interrogation, my son was forced to take a photograph with two other arrested persons with three Pistols, few types of ammunition and three mobile handsets.

On same day at around 3.30 P.M. the Assam Rifles handed over the six arrested persons, including my son to the Khonsa Police along with one FIR copy.

They have clearly mentioned that one person suspected to be a member of NSCN (IM) was arrested from Khonsa village along with one 9mm pistol without magazine, one motorbike, one Nokia Mobile and few other articles. It is also stated in the same FIR that during my son’s arrest they have recovered one 9mm pistol with magazine and one mobile phone.

But the fact is that my son was a student of Town Secondary School, Khonsa and recently he has completed a driving course at Golaghat, Assam for three months training period which was organized by Don Bosco Motor Driving School, Golaghat, Assam.

And my son was not arrested from Khonsa village but from Khonsa Town. Thereafter, accordingly the Police registered a case vide, Khonsa Police Station Case No. 23/2010, under sections 384/212/34 of IPC read with sections 10/13/17/20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Section 25(1-A) of Arms Act. And section 3 of BEFR Act.1873.

On May 26, at around 4.00 P.M. the Khonsa Police produced all the accused, including my son, before the Judicial Magistrate, First Class at Khonsa, which lapsed the mandatory period of 24(Twenty four) hours as per section 57 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,1973 and section 5 of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act.1958.

In this instance case only one accused is suspected to be member of NSCN (IM), who was arrested from Khonsa village and rest are public who were arrested from different places. Now at present out of six accused persons, three are in the Police lockup and three are in the CRPF Quarter guard including my minor son and they all are granted for Police remand for ten days. Since my son is a minor still then he is kept in the CRPF lockup along with the under-trial prisoners and with the habitual offenders and his incarceration will lead him to mix with hardened criminals in the lockup which will jeopardize his bright future.

Those findings and arrest of my son are false and fabricated.

My son is at present under medical treatment due to physical torture by the 19th Assam Rifles.

Torture and other forms of ill-treatment are forbidden under international law under all circumstances and without any exception. Adequate safeguards to prevent torture and ill-treatment must be in place, such as proper judicial supervision of detention, and access to doctors and lawyers.

Yours,

Richa Socia

Mother of Sanjay Socia

Khonsa (on email)

Let PWD office function for people’s benefit

Dear Editor,

The recent incident of locking PWD Divisional office and sub-¬divisional office Yazali by some miscreants is not only a cowardice, but also shameful act for the people of Yachuly Constituency. Due to criminal intimidation meted out to office staff by some anti-social elements, the functioning of Divisional Office has been badly hampered, it has caused immense inconvenience to public of Pistana and Upper Ziro-II circle.

If something goes wrong, it should be dealt with according to law and procedure through appropriate authority not by taking the law into own hand.

Considering the prevailing situation at Yazali, we would like to appeal the competent authority to take stock of the situation and allow the functioning of PWD divisional office at Yazali in free atmosphere for the convenience of people of Yachuly Assembly Constituency in particular and common people in general. Further, police and local administration are also requested to take immediate action against person responsible for locking down of PWD office and threatening to Govt. staffs in order to prevent repetition of such unwanted incident again.

Yours,

Toko Ramsy, Yoglu village

TokoTei, Deed village

It’s time to draw a conclusion

Dear Editor,

Apropos the editorial "Questionable policies on tobacco"( 31 May), there is a proverb in Bengali which says "Ask the thieve to steal and tell the householder to remain cautious"! If this is the state of affairs, then the menace of theft can never be terminated. In the same vein, it can be safely concluded that fight against the ills of tobacco and smoking can never be won unless the tobacco-based industries are immediately done away with. Isn't it a matter of joke that on one hand the Government asks the people to quit smoking, but on the other encourage flourishing of tobacco lobby just for the sake of earning revenue! By taking resort to such blatant double-standards, a sincere fight against the menace of smoking is simply impossible. This is the very reason why despite laws, smoking in public places can't be curbed and even the law-makers and high officials of the Government are found to be smoking in public or office!

It is high time the Government arrive at a conclusion regarding its priority ---- whether they prefer a pollution-free body and environment or inflow of revenue in State exchequer?

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata-114

Airport should be in Capital region

Dear Editor,

I would like to appreciate the union government, for abandoning the Airport Project at Tawang. Tawang is a land of natural beauty, constructing airport means destroying the same scenic beauty. Apart from that Tawang is very much near to Sino-Indian border which may create problem in coming days.

It would be better if Airport is constructed near Capital complex, as capital is the main area where population is more.

Yours,

Jumli

Bangalore (on email)

We should take a lesson from Siang flood-2000

Dear Editor,

The District Administration of East Siang had witnessed the catastrophic Siang Flood of 2000. Than what was the need of Public hearing at Pangin Village which doesn't have connection with the flood of 2000. Its total failure rather corruption on part of Govt. to conduct hearing at Non Flood affected areas of Siang Flood 2000.

The after effect of Siang Flood 2000 was tremendous at our Lower Siang belt of Baskota at Muriline (Pasighat), Two mile ghat, Berung, Sika Tode, Sika Bamin, Pillungmukh, Kemimukh, Jampani, Kemi Village and Oriamghat. The Public hearing could have been conducted on this largely affected downstream areas.

The Famous Siang flood 2000 though it originated from a minor crack on a dam in China, but the after effect of the flood was totally hazardous and devastated. My native village of Sika Tode and Sika Bamin and Neighbouring Berung Village totally got submerged under the scary Flood water of 2000.

The District administration till now could not complete the overall survey of total property damaged in that cruel Flood of 2000.

Thousands of human lives, cattle’s, and wild life species got wiped out in that cruel flood. Hundred acres of paddy cultivation were damaged by the Flood and we the natives of Berung, Sika Tode. Sika Bamin and Jampani were turned out to be refugees during that scary flood of 2000. Like refugees of Somalia and Mozambique at Africa we were being carried by tractors and trucks to safe areas at neighbouring safe villages. The famous Siang Flood 2000 totally rendered us homeless. We were starving like beggars and lost our properties including castles, paddy cultivation, fertile lands, our beloved village friends and several house hold plantations in that cruel Flood. My family was totally thrown apart and only after a couple of week we could come face to face with each other when the flood declined.

The State Famous Dying Ering wild life Sanctuary known for its rich sanctity of species of Flora and Fauna lost its 80 percent identity. The species like greened parrots, spotted deers, Asiatic elephants, Hollock Gibbons, Leopards, spotted Tigers, Porcupines, black bears, wild boars totally got extinct in that cruel flood of 2000. Flora species like Teak, Hollock, Teeta Sampha, Kobo and best furniture oriented trees were wiped out by the famous Siang flood of 2000. The twelve km. length and ten km. breath of wild life sanctuary has been totally converted in to a barren desert. Now you can't find any species at Dying Ering Wild Life Sanctuary.

Before 2000 every year in winter more than fifty trucks of loaded potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflowers, cabbages, brinjals, green chilies, maize, peas, beans, mustard were being exported not only in whole Arunachal but entire part of our country. But the Siang Flood of 2000 made the fertile land of Jampani comparable to the Thar desert of Rajasthan. That much was the after effect of flood 2000. Expect if LSHP get minor leakage or meet with nature's fury what would be the next effect of the land by such another flood.

Gomsi is being referred to 13° Century Ahom Kingdom which is at my maternal uncle’s field about 15 km. from Pasighat town. The Siang Flood of 2000 submerged majority of the historical archaeological site and now only about half an acre land is left out for us to be visited and surveyed. Every year History and Geography Department Students and Staffs from Jawaharlal Nehru College Pasighat visit the archaeological site for study and survey. If another flood from LSHP occurs what would be the face of Archaeological site?

Sika Toda, Sika Bamin, Sille, Rani, Berung, Kemi were one of the largest Paddy cultivators of whole East Siang. But the Siang Flood of 2000 reduced the fertility of our agricultural land and converted them into barren waste land. Hundred percent of our native village people depend on Paddy cultivation for daily survival.

Yours,

Kalom Apang

R.G.U. Rono Hill Doimukh

Grounds for a ‘failed state’ have been laid

Dear Editor,

I would like to bring to the notice of all Arunachalees, that our state is faced with problems and issues which will have profound impact on its future, and the consequences of which will be hard to reverse. The most recent instance has been the mushrooming of Hydro Power projects and the numerous MoA's and the MoU's being signed by the state government and the private companies- interested in making profits and only profits. The government has been trying to sell these deals as being in the interest of the public which has been amply and fully shown by the merciless and brutal assault on the people of Ponnging village by the CRPF and the police. Peaceful demonstration as a means of protest is a right of every citizen of this country which has been violated by the unwarranted assault by the government machinery bought by the corporate houses. The banner of the Congress Party hanging in Zero point "Congress ke Dono Haath, Garibon ke Saath" very well sums up the intention of this party, but the only words missing is "To exploit you".

The grounds for a `failed state' have been laid by the government and we have ourselves to blame for these, as they are our representatives. The entire North East has been a playground for the mainland people who have been trying to Sanskritize and Indianize the tribals from this region. Our very existence has come to a threat, as we are so deeply attached to our lands and it would be very difficult to survive outside it. However, divided our state might be in terms of their tribal affinities, our tribalism binds us to our lands as a cohesive force which no one can take away from us. Dear brothers and sisters of Arunachal, and here I refer not only to the people who are suffering but also the people who are better off that, the time has come when we have to shed our narrow parochial affinities and stand up to support our fellow brethren in other areas of the state who have been victims of state repression. Let this be a warning to the government that a government not representative of the interests of the people will not be able to continue its rule of misrule. Let's stand united behind the people of our state together as Arunachalees.

Yours,

Concerned Citizen

E-governance is the need of hour

Dear Editor,

Everyone will agree that this is the time for Fast information Technology but our state government is yet to come out with a uniform plan to computerise the important offices like the office of Deputy Commissioners. I feel that every District administration should create website, wherein all the information, datas, latest news, RTIs ,major file movements, circulars, notifications etc can be fed. It is high time that the Government think seriously on this as electronic media is the fastest way to communicate with citizens and ensure transparency too. There should be video conferencing facility with the DC/SP in the District. This will be of great help during the time of Disaster and also to keep track of the development activities in the District. Every head of department should have a website with grievance cell with emial id of the concerned officers. The Government has provided officers under NIC and their service should be utilized for the welfare of the public.

I request the State Government to have a broader and serious look at the need of e governance.

Yours,

Sandeep Kipa (on email)