The Arunachal Times - Archives

Declare Calamity emergency in Dibang Valley: ZP

ANINI, Apr 25: With rain and destruction unabated, Dibang Valley Zila Chairperson Empi Meya has called on the state government to declare Calamity Emergency in the district. In an email to this daily, he called on the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for introduction of relief sorties for evacuation of patients, dropping of life saving drugs, food stuffs and LPG/Kerosene in plenty for entire monsoon period. He further called the chief minister to direct BRO to place Bulldozer in all block points in Roing-Anini road and RWD Division to clear Matoli-Aleney road which is another optional road to Anini from Amboli bridge point and place adequate fund for maintenance.

He said that torrential rain has left the district cut off completely and people are facing hardships as there is no electricity, food stock, Life Saving Drugs. Diarrhea, measles and other diseases are breaking out to the epidemic level, he added while informing that in an emergency meeting, all the executing agency of BADP schemes had been told to spare at least an amount of Rs. 100000/= for purchase of Life Saving Drugs.

Tang Memorial Soccer Tournament gets underway

Capital Complex go down fighting 0-1 to Papum Pare

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: Defending Champion Capital Complex went down fighting 0-1 to their rivals Papum Pare in the opening match of the 9th Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun today.

Papum Pare right winger Taba Rakesh scored the only goal of the match in the first half which later turned to be the match-winner.

The match which started on a promising note on a relatively good weather later turned out to be game of missed opportunities. Papum Pare could have won the match by a bigger margin had they converted into goals the golden scoring opportunities that came in to their favour.

Rakesh almost doubled the score in the first half, but his goal-bound shot which he lobed over the goalkeeper missed the target by a whisker. Later, in the second half, Papum Pare’s dependable striker Loie Kena’s strong footer too sailed over the goal post.

Stung by a goal in the first half Capital Complex regrouped in the second half and raided Papum Pare citadel on several occasions to restore parity. But in vain. Their all attempts were successfully thwarted by Papum Pare defenders.

Earlier, PWD Minister Nabam Tuki declared the tournament open by kicking off the ball.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Tuki encouraged all the participating players to be a good sportsperson in their chosen field. One could also earn livelihood from sports if pursued seriously, he said, adding that sportspersons are always preferred in Army and police recruitments.

While citing examples of few achievers, especially in the field of sports and mountaineering, Tuki said that he was hoping to see Arunachalee boys and girls representing the country even in Olympics in near future.

While recalling Late Tadar Tang, after whose name the tournament is organized, Tuki advised participating players to use this tournament as a good platform to nurture and hone their natural talents.

Later, he contributed Rs One lakh to organizing committee fund for smooth conduct of the tournament. MLA Techi Kaso, who was the guest of honour, encouraged players to aim high and be a good player. While stressing on the importance of maintaining discipline by a sportspersons, Kaso said only a disciplined person could reach the desired goal whether it is in sports or other field. Appealing the participating teams to show true sportsmanship throughout the tournament irrespective of the outcome of the game, Kaso said winning or losing one or two matches make no team better than other.

Moh Mol celebrated with traditional fervor in Changlang

Preserve bio-diversity: Tacho

CHANGLANG, Apr 25: “Moh Mol” the major annual agricultural festival of Tangsa community of Changlang was celebrated with traditional fervor and full of gaiety today.

The chief guest of the celebration and Anini MLA Rajesh Tacho while extending his best wishes advocated for preservation of bio-diversity. He urged them to avoid unnecessary felling down of trees and the practices of ‘Jhum’ cultivation in every possible way.

Tacho, who is also Parliamentary Secretary, Agriculture, urged the younger generation to preserve age-old rich culture and insisted their larger participation to inherit and continue pass it to the later generations.

Changlang Deputy Commissioner Deepak Kumar exhorted all to provide education to their children by sending them to the school. He promises every possible help from the district administration and urged the conscious parents to guide their wards constantly to the right direction and to be vigilant on teachers on their duties. The colourful dances, delicious Tangsa dishes, the folk songs and dance by all ages, release of Rang Frah faith promotion cassettes and CDs by chief guest were the major attraction of the day long events.

Changlang(South) MLA and parliamentary secretary, Mining and Mineral development P Khimhun, Changlang (North) MLA and parliamentary secretary, IPR & Printing, Thinghaap Taiju also spoke on the occasion. Commandant 25 Assam Rifles, Col. H B Gramopadhay, heads of the department and Public leaders of changlang.

In Manmao circle also the festival was celebrated in joyous and pompous way.

State estimate committee on district tour

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: The State Assembly Committee on Estimates headed by chairman Dr. Tangor Tapak (MLA) reached Khonsa yesterday on its first phase of official tour to Tirap, Changlang, Lohit and Anjaw district. The 6-member estimates team includes MLAs Tapak Taku, Alo Libang, Yumsen Matey, Likha Saaya and Phurpa Tsering. However, Saaya and Tsering are expected to join the team later.

During the intensive week-long tour the Committee would carry out spot verifications and assess the ground situations, interact with local populations, local bodies and grass root level institutions over the status and impact of implementation of the various development projects/schemes, especially Sarva Shikshs Abhiya, NRHM, Social Welfare, Women and Child Development and the Department of Tirap and Changlang (DoTC), according BJP legislature party sources. The activities of the Committee on Estimates include scrutinizing new proposals for fresh expenditure, sanction allotment out of the lump sum grants and to suggest retrenchment and expenditure, among others, sources said.

DRDA staff comes under ambit of 6th CPC

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: The state Govt has approved to extend the benefit of 6th Pay Commission to the employees of the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) at par with employees of the state Govt with effect from January 1, 2006, said an official order.

Meanwhile, All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association of Arunachal Pradesh state unit extended sincere thanks to Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for extension of 6th CPC to DRDA employees as well as timely release of state matching share and additional fund for clearance of long pending liabilities. It also appreciated Rural Development Minister Takar Marde for his prompt action.

While extending special thanks to MP Takam Sanjoy for obtaining assurance for continuous 90 per cent funding for DRDA and additional fund for clearance of liabilities from the Centre, the Association expected that the state Govt would find out permanent solution to the problem of DRDA employees.

RGUSU reiterate its demand on VC’s removal

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: The Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union while continuing its earlier demands has called on Vice Chancellor Professor K.C Belliappa to tender his resignation. The Union have already closed the VC’S office and Administrative Block and has decided to continue its movement pressing for removal of VC. It said that demands would continue even if coming semester examination due in an week’s time have to be postponed. It further said that VC should be held responsible if there is any untoward incident in the University.

RGUSU Tayuk Sonam said that students want him out of the University Campus as he has “lost all his moral sanctity and authority to sit further in such a prestigious institute of higher learning”.

Return of tainted VC has agitated the peaceful mind of the students and campus dwellers once again, he said.

The Union further informed that it has submitted fifteen points reports to President, Prime Minister, UPA Chairperson, Ministry of HRD, Chief Minister, Governor and Education Minister, MP and local MLA of Doimukh “stating VC’S acts of nepotism, misuse of power & dignity of the post of Vice-Chancellor, contemptuous disregard and violation of the Acts, Ordinances and Statutes of the university”.

Sonam further informed that he had a thorough telephonic conversation with Director of Central University R.D. Sah on the removal of VC.

Sah reportedly said that the case is with the President of India and a final call will be taken soon.

Sonam further informed that Nabam Tuki who is the Chairman of the High Power Committee on the VC issue has submitted his reports for further persuasion by the state government. Tuki is reported to have told the Union that VC should be replaced to restore normalcy, peace and development of the university but removal or resignation of the VC is with the centre.

Richo assures fund for rural sports activities in state

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: The president of Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA), Padi Richo has assured necessary fund for development of rural sports in Arunachal Pradesh. He gave this assurance while attending the inaugural function of the two-day state conference of the Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) as chief guest at Ziro yesterday.

Richo, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Land Management and Labour, informed that the AOA is contemplating talent hunts in Kabadi, Khokho, Volley Ball, Football and few other sports in the state. He sought the cooperation of AVP in taping the talents of the youths by organizing sports activities. A reputed company has already agreed to sponsor rural sports in the state, he added.

Appreciating the roles of the AVP, including pioneer Talom Rokbo and present office bearers of AVP led by Nabum Atum, he said, they are the real rich man on earth as they are working selflessly for the development of the mankind with least materialistic support.

AVP General Secretary Techi Gubin, while presenting the activity report of AVP in last one year, said road infrastructure and PDS in rural Arunachal is very pathetic and sought immediate attention of the Government. Expressing concern over lack of adequate civic facilities in the Hydro-project areas, he said, while tapping the Hydro-power resource of the state the genuine local residents’ needs like road connectivity , hospital, schools should not be overlooked,.

G.S.Khotari, General Secretary, Akhil Bharati Bhanbaasi Kalyan Ashram, Nabum Atum, President, AVP also spoke on the occasion.

Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Sadhana Deori, District head of offices, AVP activists and over 1000 delegates from various parts of the state attended the function. DIPRO

Duyu Meena Mudang crowned Mrs Arunachal 2010

NIRJULI, Apr 25: Dr Duyu Meena Mudang was crowned Mrs Arunachal 2010 last evening in Nirjuli. Toko Yapa and Mariyam Kaye Tagru were declared the first and second runners up respectively. The three winners bagged Rs 100000, Rs 75000 and Rs 50000 respectively besides gift hampers.

Those who won other sub-titles were Nabam Madur Taba (Mrs Best Smile), Ngurang Yasuk Pate (Mrs Best Skin) Techi Rani (Mrs Best Talent), Giogi Reena ( Mrs Audience Choice) Hillang Mama (Mrs Best Hair) and Mohini Hosai (Mrs Confident). The pageant witnessed 25 beautiful and talented Arunchalee ladies from different background competing for the title which was organized by Rim Creation in association with the Arunachal Pradesh Women Voluntary Organization with a slogan, ‘Let us join together to fight against cancer’.

A mother of a son, Dr Duyu wants every woman to be aware of their rights and privileges.

She said that her first priority would be to make women aware about cancer and help them fight it better.

The top five were Mohini Hosai, Toko Yapa, Duyu Meena Mudang, Monica Lowang and Moriyam Kaye Tagru.

Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso and Oju Welfare Association’s chairperson Bini Yanga were the chief guest and the guest of honour of the event.

Linkage between conservation & livelihood needs of communities

ZIRO, Apr 25: A two-day visioning workshop on promotion of ecotourism at Ziro was concluded today in the Information and Learning Center, Hanoko. The workshop was organized by Future Generations Arunachal (FGA) and Ngunu Ziro in collaboration with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Darjeeling and supported by Ford Foundation as a part of the project designed to establish linkage between conservation and livelihood needs of the local community.

The members of the Local Coordinating Committee (LCC) and the Village Welfare Workers (VWWs) of the area worked out the detailed plans to carry out the three-year project. Similar ecotourism project all over the world ranging from Ghalekharka-Sikles in Nepal to Luangwa Valley in Zambia to Kampung Kuantan in Malaysia were discussed and the participants made plans to replicate the successes and avoid the pitfalls in those projects. Earlier in February, a socio-economic survey with emphasis on tourism activity in the area and to find out the feasibility of various components of ecotourism was carried out. The plans are being prepared based on the preliminary findings of the survey. It is expected that a comprehensive package ranging from homestays in the traditional Apatani villages to wildlife tours will be developed.

It may be mentioned that FGA is also carrying out a wildlife survey in the adjacent Talle Wildlife Sanctuary in collaboration with the Wildlife Department of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The organization has been working since 1997 mobilizing the communities to bring about a sustainable development in the state.

Call for promotion of Ecotourism in Arunachal

Training Prog takes off at NERIST

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: The Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, (Deemed University) is organizing a three day-long workshop cum training programme on “Ecotourism, Community-based Tourism and Rural Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh” which started on April 24.

Director, NERIST Dr. Joram Begi, said that Arunachal which has lots of tourism potential however have not been able to capitalize on it. He reasoned that this could be due to lack of proper transportation system, development and policies. He further suggested that developmental activities and agriculture be taken up at plain areas of the state while conservation strategies should be taken up in higher reaches of the state.

Head of Department, Forestry, Prof. M.L. Khan, emphasized that Eco-tourism should be promoted as a means to protect and conserve natural ecosystem and cultural diversity. Prof. B.K. Tiwari, Coordinator, Regional Centre, NAEB, Shillong emphasised on management, protection and conservation of the forest area for sustainability and economic viability. Further, he added that Arunachal Pradesh has great potential in ecotourism/Rural tourism as in Meghalaya and Assam.

K. Vaiphai of NABARD spoke about the role of NABARD in promoting different activities for rural development while B.S. Sajwan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest emphasised on forest cover and rich biodiversity of the state. He pointed out that the state’s unique biodiversity, rich cultural heritage are blessing which could turn around the fortune of the state.

RC NAEB, Shillong have sponsored the programme and NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh was the Cosponsoring agency. This programme is being attended by the forest officers/forest management committee’s members from almost all districts of the state.

Weekly physical training for state police personnel in the offing

Ziro, Apr 25: As part of his policy to revamp state police department, the state Home Minister Tako Dabi has instructed the District Police authorities here to engage the personnel of the department in March-past or other Physical Trainings at least twice in a week.

The Minister, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Land Management and MLA, Padi Richo and Lower Subansiri DC, Sadhana Deori, while inspecting the Ziro Police station during his visit here today said the weekly rehearsal of March past of personnel, besides keeping them physically fit, active and alert would also bring sense of discipline and responsibility to duty in their minds. A formal instruction on the matter has already been issued to all the S Ps of the state, he added.

He also told the SP to send the list of personnel addicted to drinks to the Police headquarter for further action.

After being informed of shortage of personnel, Vehicle, office computer in the district through the Superintendent of Police and Officer-in-Charge of Ziro Police station, he assured to look into it personally on priority.

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the maintenance of law and order of the district and in particular of Ziro township after going through the records of Police station. (DIPRO)

Clash of titans today

ITANAGAR, Apr 25: Three-time champions Lower Subansiri will play against East Kameng in a league match of the on-going Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium tomorrow.

Lower Subansiri team is fielding relatively a new team this year barring few tournament veterans. Atleast six players are likely to make debut in tomorrow’s match. Players to be observed will be Tage Tath, Bamin Tatung, Toko Takar and Mihin Pullo all strikers.

"We are fully prepared for tomorrow’s match. Our boys are physically and mentally fit to deliver cent percent," Lower Subansiri Team coach Pura Tath said today.

"If we play upto the mark, we should win the tomorrow’s match."

He also expressed the confidence that his team will regain title. "Our team can upstage any side in their days," the coach declared.

Another match to be watched tomorrow is the clash between Kurung Kumey and indomitable East Kameng at 1.30 pm.

Kurung Kumey was the first team to lift the coveted trophy permanently by winning the tournament for three consecutive times in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Buluge Umbrey passes away

ROING: Buluge Umbrey (85), father of Laeta Umbrey, MLA Roing died today at 10 am following prolong illness at his Abali residence, near Roing.

He served as Gaon Burah of Aohali village in East Siang district and of Abali village in Lower Dibang Valley district for more than 50 years. He is survived by four sons, two daughters and 19 grand children.

Union calls on ANYA to defer bandh

ITANAGAR: Dera Natung Government College Students Union has urged upon All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) to defer their proposed capital bandh on 27th of this month. In a press statement, general secretary of union Nabam Tuna informed that the under-graduate exams which are currently going on will be affected by this bandh call.

The total strength of college is about 3400 students, however, due to lack of hostel facilities most of them are coming from various places like Banderdewa, Doimukh, Nirjuli, Naharlagun etc by availing bus facilities. In such scenario, if bandh call goes ahead movement of vehicles will be restricted, which will make it difficult for students to reach college to write exam.

Tuna appealed to ANYA to reconsider their bandh call for the welfare of student’s community of Dera Natung Government College. Further he added that if bandh call is not deferred it will destroy life of many students of state.

PR election on May 24

ITANAGAR: Some constituencies in fifteen districts will go to Panchayat polls on 24 May next to fill up vacancies. Last date of filling of nomination is May 3 while the date of scrutiny is May 5. The counting will be held on May 28. Palin in Kurung Kumey and Thembang in West Kameng would vote to elect Zila Parishad members after Phurpha Tsering and Takam Tagar demitted office following their election to the Legislative Assembly.

Onus is on us to take the state on right direction

Dear Editor,

It has been observed that the law and order of the state has worsened, particularly in the capital complex since last year, keeping the whole state on a perpetual boil.

Increasing unemployment problem has the equal magnitude which needs special attention of the authorities at this stage before the problem breaks out in the form of social epidemic.

Majority of our peoples are still below poverty line. Poor people are still starving for essential commodities. The poor patients are striving hard to get life saving medicine in Government hospitals.

The word “Corruption” may be the main reason behind the problems as we have already lost interest in the word “Honesty”. It’s been 24 years since we got full pledged state in 1987. Besides state’s internal revenue the Centre has been pouring huge amount into the state as “special category” status which means we receive 90 per cent plan assistance as a grant and just 10 per cent as a loan as against the norm of 30 per cent grant and 70 per cent loan for states other than north-east.

But why we are still far behind in comparison to other states? Where does the money goes?

In reality, this money gets concentrated in the hands of few leaders, contractors and suppliers instead of trickling down to the common mass. Every one of us is well aware of this reality, but no one has the ability to break the truth so far. Large scale misuse of funds has widened the gaps between haves and have-nots resulting in frustration among the youngsters, encouraging them for other means of earning. There are around 20,000 to 30,000 educated unemployed youth of our state, they are still struggling for their livelihood since the government has been the main employer so far. However, jobs in the government department these days are meant for few rich and high class people.

Is our government ready to take steps to make Arunachal a corruption free state? If not, the picture is very clear, that the days are not far when we will be faced with extensive consequence.

Still we have not lost our peace loving state completely. All this pool of activity needs proper direction. Now the question is who will do this? Ultimately, it is the civil society, well-meaning politicians and committed bureaucrats, who will have to take up the lost cause and bring the state out of its current mess.

Yours,

Taw Teri

Roing, (on-email)

Parents must do something to save the languages

Dear Editor,

I am an ardent reader of Taba Ajum's articles. His article under the heading "Is tribal culture breathing only in rural areas?" like all his other articles was touching and reflects the true face of Arunachal's cultural identity today. He has correctly pointed out that if one enters any new place, first thing visitors look for is trademark local flavor. No doubt, we are leaving all those culture identity day by day.

I remember, when I was in school there were many visitors to our village enjoying the cultural heritage. Now they won’t be too mesmerized if they visit again. Young Arunachalees prefer to speak in Hindi and English; showing of their inability to talk in local dialect!

Many of us have never learned to speak Hindi until we went to school, yet we picked up English and other languages. The main culprits in bringing about this change are the parents. So it is time that the parents should teach our younger generations our culture, especially languages. Other languages like English and Hindi will be picked up anyways.

Yours,

Moji Padu

NERIST, (on email)