The Arunachal Times - Archives

Mopin celebrations starts on a colourful note

Sena advocates preservation of environment and culture

Staff reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Mopin is being celebrated across the state. The colourful festival of the Galos, apart from rituals, people greets each other by smearing rice powder on each other. In Itanagar, despite rain, people celebrated the day with traditional gaiety and fervor.

People from all walks of life with their traditional attire thronged the festival ground to participate and performed the rituals and Popir, the traditional rhythmic dance.

Finance Minister Setong Sena who was chief guest of the celebration, appreciated the community for their efforts in maintaining and preserving the old age social and cultural activities of the community.

He further concerned over global warming, called for preservation of flora and fauna besides preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the tribes.

‘Though Arunachal Pradesh has vast areas under forest cover, but due to rapid change in the life style of the people, rampant forest destruction is going on, he said. He said that if maintained properly, Arunachal will become one of the global tourist hotspots.

Guest of honour MLA Techi Kaso also appreciated the Galo community and appealed the people to preserve and promote thier tradition and culture.

North East Students’ Union General Secretary Gunjum Haider extending the festival greeting called upon the people to remain united and promote rich cultural heritage of the community.

Later, Sena along with Kaso Sena, Chief Secretary Tabom Bam and other guests took part in Popir and prayed for the prosperity and good health of all the communities.

KAMBA: MP Takam Sanjoy, the chief guest of the Mopin Festival expressing satisfaction over the 33% women’s reservation bill and its subsequent clearance in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha), informed that it would also be passed in Lok Sabha soon. He advised the women folk to be prepared for the larger participation in the State Legislative and Parliament and also appreciated the youths of the area for having vast sports talent.He advocated for uniform culture and tradition among the Abo-Tani group and also appealed the people not to mix religion and politics. Sanjoy informed that the communication bottleneck between State Government and Centre would be bridged slowly with utmost sincerity and dedicated efforts.

Regarding renaming of “Galong to Galo” he said that it would be passed in the Indian Parliament in the forthcoming Session.

At Pasighat also the Mopin festival was celebrated with traditional fervor.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest Education Minister Bosiram Siram said ‘Festival belongs to all’ and no culture in this world was static but every culture has its dynamism with the changes of time and development of attitude of people.

While greeting on the occasion, he was highly impressed by the Mopin anthem and said that Arunachalees participate all festivals with enthusiasm showing love and peace for prosperity of all communities and lauded the traditional social fabrics of the state while admitting that the people were yet to have better education and intellectual development. He further expressing hoped that such festival brings unity, integrity, love and affection among all sections of people, called upon all religious groups to preserve, promote and celebrate all the festival together like Solung, Mopin, Nyokum, Lossar etc without any differences between rich and poor, cast and creed.

Earlier, the Guest of Honour MLA Ralom Borang emphasized the festival as the most important identity of a community and tribe.Adding that it reflects the cultural background of an individual human being and advised one and all to join with fellow community members irrespective of religions. He also appealed to preserve and promote the age-old tradition and cultures to pay tribute to the ancestors.

Special invitees Father Simon Taiko (SFS, Pasighat) and Jarjum Ete Prez (GWS) also extended their Mopin greetings to the people.

On the occasion, Engineer Tapi Darang (EE PWD) was felicitated by CMFCC for his outstanding services rendered to the society.

YINGKIONG: Mopin festival was celebrated with traditional gaiety today.

MLA Alo Libang and Chairperson (ZP) Dunggoli Libang attended the function as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA while praying for prosperity and good health of all the communities said that the festival should be celebrated with traditional fervor.

Dunggoli Libang said that irrespective of any religion, all should maintain their culture and tradition. Unity and co-operation should be maintained in the society. Attired in their traditional costume, various cultural parties presented traditional songs and dances besides community feast.

Deomali: At par with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh the Mopin Festival was celebrated at Deomali in Tirap District today with gaiety and pomp. The Mopin Flag was unfurled by E.Yirang, CO, Deomali who is also Chief Advisor, Festival Committee. Despite heavy rain, the CCF, SDO and other HODs also attend the occasion.

Community owned Rhododendron squash production unit in Tawang starts functioning

TAWANG, Apr 5: The first community owned Rhododendron squash production Unit in Arunachal Pradesh has started functioning in village Sakpret of Tawang district.

The centre was established as part of Joint Livelihood Enhancement Programme of IVth Battalion of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Winrock International India (WII).

Twenty community members have already been trained in Rhododendron squash production. The squash production unit was under trial run for three days under the supervision of ITBP and WII officials, the results of which show that the unit can produce 150-200 litres of Rhododendron squash per day, with a market value of Rs.80/litre.

Training is being given to the community for sustainable extraction of flowers from the community forest area of Sakpret village in Tawang. The processing centre is capable to produce food products like jams and squashes from other fruits and flowers as well. In a very short time frame, after FPO certification is obtained the products from this unit will be marketed. The community is also raising a Rhododendron nursery for producing saplings which will be utilized for forest landscape restoration.

While Commandant Jackson P. Therattil of IVth Battalion of ITBP inaugurated the unit, Brigadier C. P. Mohanty, Commander 190, Mountain Brigade presided over the function.

Jackson P. Therattil emphasized on the fact that the project effectively demonstrates the commitment of ITBP to provide sustainable livelihood options to the local community through proper utilization of locally available natural resources.

Brigadier C.P. Mohanty appreciated the initiative and expressed the interest of 190 Mountain Brigade in joining such activities. He also hoped that such activities, which aimed at livelihood enhancement along with natural resource conservation, will spread all over the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

As an encouragement to the overall initiative, Secretary General of Yuva Arunachal, Chombey Kee donated seed money for the labour work which will be invested by the villagers in the project.

Monalisa Sen and K.M. Jayahari, Programme Officers of Winrock International India said that with support from DST and SRTT, the organization will continue to provide guidance and support to the villagers for running the unit till the year 2012.

The programme was constantly guided by Daljeet Singh, Inspector General of Police (Eastern Frontier) and Dr Kinsuk Mitra, President, Winrock International India. The villagers appreciated the dedicated efforts of Assistant Commandant Rajesh Luthra and Havaldar Ratan Singh.

The overall project is supported by the Civic Action Plan (CAP) of ITBP and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) through Winrock International India. DIPRO

Aalo STS crosses target revenue

AALO, Apr 5: The State transport services (STS) Aalo, has crossed the revenue target fixed by the government with an excess of 13% amounting to Rs.15, 45,935, informed the Station Superintend Tuter Nima in a statement. The department had fixed a revenue target of Rs.1, 23, 04967 for the Aalo Station while it achieved a revenue of Rs.1, 38, 50,902.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh State transport Services, Aalo celebrated revenue achievement in a function held on April 3 last at its premises. The function was organized in honour of sincere and dedicated services rendered by the staff of STS Aalo.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak speaking on the occasion as chief guest appreciated the Station Superintendent for his dedication, sincerity to service for which the State Government had conferred Silver Medal in August 2009. He also appreciated the team works of the staff and advised them to maintain the same spirit and tract record of Aalo station in future too. Attending the function as Guest of Honour Vijay Tamuk, Circle Officer appreciated the staff for revenue achievement and narrated the successful working style of Station Superintendent during his college days.

Governor calls for completion of Gandhi Bridge by 2012

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Gen JJ Singh, who was on a two-day maiden visit to Yingkiong, district headquarters of Upper Siang district, inspected the on-going construction of the motorable suspension bridge over River Siang today.

To have the closer look at the project on the both sides, the Governor, along with First Lady, Anupama Singh, Parliamentary Secretary JK Pangeng and local MLA, Alo Libang, and district officials walked across the 300 meters Gandhi Bridge which is made of rope.

During her visit to Yingkiong in early seventies, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi had provided fund for procurement of steel wire for the bridge, which was till then made of cane. Therefore, the bridge is called the Gandhi Bridge. Going to the details and having apprised of the important of the Bridge for people in both banks of the River, especially those of Tuting, Gelling, Singa, Migging, Yingkiong, Palling and its neighbouring villages, the Governor called for time bound completion of the project.

Calling for early completion of bridge with correct specification, Gen Singh said that lots of time have already been wasted in the construction of the bridge. He promised to organize regular review meetings on the project, he said

Gen Singh, who ensured the completion of the bridge over River Siang at Pasighat by persistently pursuing at all levels, suggested on Project Officer instead of district head of work department to oversee such important and large project. Let us complete it by end of 2012, he said after being apprised of hurdles in the implementation.

PWD Executive Engineer Er. Gobo Yirang, informed that the Rs 25.21 crore steel suspension bridge project was sanctioned in 2006 and works started in July 2006. Due to landslides and lack of approach road, the bridge which is scheduled to be completed in March 2011 is taking time.

Governor also inspected the Helipad, which is facing danger of being eroded by the River Siang. Local MLA Libang, while showing him the western portion of the helipad, requested for his personal initiative to mitigate the problem, to which the Governor agreed.

Libang also submitted a four-point memorandum, which include, sanction for the construction of 100 bedded hospital at Yingkiong, adequate fund for construction of Gandhi, Kodak and Nubo bridges, construction of road from Yingkiong to Singa via Jido and flood protection for Yingkiong township.

Parliamentary Secretary Panggeng, who represent Geku Mariyiang constituency, while extending invitation to the Governor to his constituency dwelled on tourism potentials in his area. He also urged upon the tourism department to harness the potential. Along with rafting, we must conduct angling competition also, he suggested.

During the interaction with the people on his first day at the district headquarter, Governor dwelled in length on Home Stay concept. Gen Singh underscored the importance of the Gaon Burah institution and ‘Kebang’ system, the democratic form of taking decision. Governor also spoke on Mithun conservation and propagation.

Earlier Governor Gen JJ Singh inaugurated a foot suspension bridge over Singa Kobung, christened as the ‘Silver Bridge’ at Yingkiong yesterday. Local MLA Alo Libang, Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain, SP M. Singh, host of officials and public leaders were present on the occasion.

Implemented by Urban Development and Housing department as the cost of 130 lakhs, the foundation stone was laid by the then local MLA and Chief Minister Gegong Apang on 20th November 2006.

During his stay at the district headquarters, Governor visited the Jan Suvidha centre, an e-Governance project set up by District administration, which uses software designed and developed by National Informatics Centre, Upper Siang district. Official informed that certificates and licenses, which took days and weeks to process, are done in an hour time using computers and Internet connection.

Governor also visited the DC Office and appreciated the Deputy Commission for giving ethnic touch to the office, especially the DC chamber for using locally available can and bamboo product. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

AR continues crackdown on UGs

KHONSA, Apr 5: In a daring operation yesterday, 19 Assam Rifles apprehended a hardcore cadre of NSCN (K) Self Styled Sgt Maj Noklem Wansu operating in Longding Sub division.

Initial interrogation revealed he had enrolled into the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army in 1996 and after 11 years of Service had deserted from his Battalion. Post desertion, he joined the NSCN (K) in 2007. Being a trained soldier of the Indian Army, he was enrolled as Sergeant Major. Using the Identity Card bearing No F479968, of the Indian Army, he could easily access the govt offices and could pass from the check points established by the police and the security forces.

NSCN (K) exploited this fact and was spreading news of mass scale desertion from the Army ranks in near future, a source quoted. Gullible and innocent population was befooled by this UG cadre for last two years. On receiving reports of this, 19 Assam Rifles geared up its intelligence machinery and started obtaining leads of Noklem Wansu. During assembly elections he could manage to escape once when an operation was launched to nab him as the security apparatus was disadvantaged by the absence of hard intelligence and photograph of the individual.

Wansu is a resident of Zedua, a village near Longding. Zedua is hub of UG activities and is regularly sanitised by 19 Assam Rifles.

Initial interrogation also revealed that he had collected lakhs of rupees from the govt departments and the local population in 2009. This an important catch by the unit and it is pertinent to recall that 19 Assam Rifles has been playing a very crucial role in establishing normalcy in strife-torn district of Tirap. During the visit of the Union Home Minister on 03 April 2010, the role of Battalion in Tirap was appreciated.

Taking eye care to the unreached

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Rinchin would have been blind for the rest of the life. He lives in the Shoktzen, a village on Indo-China border. His place is devoid of basic eye care services. He was suffering from bilateral total cataract. The free Mega Eye camp organized by Voluntary Health Association of India Lumla, Primary health centre, in collaboration with District Blindness Control Society, Tawang and Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar came as a boon for him. He was operated in the camp and the next day could see the world again. It was a life reborn, a joy unfathomable.

The Free Mega Eye camp was organized from March 28 to 31 at VHAI Primary Health Centre, Lumla. Screening of patients was done at Dudunghar, Zimithang and at Lumla on March 28 and 29 and surgery was done for operable cases 0n March 30 and 31.

In spite of torrid rain and cold conditions, huge number of patients turned up to avail the opportunity. In total 565 patients were screened and free medicines were dispensed. 86 refractive error patients were given free spectacles, the cost of which was born by VHAI Lumla PHC.

The medical team led by Dr Lobsang Tsetim and Dr. T. Sorum, Ophthalmologist from Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar performed free operations on 39 patients of which 28 cases were cataract, operated by modern sutureless technique with intraocular lens implantation. Other surgeries performed were 3 squint, 1 trabeculectomy (glaucoma surgery), 3 oculoplastic surgeries and 4 other minor surgeries. The intraocular lens used for the camp was donated by Loye Foundation, Arunachal Pradesh.

MLA Jambey Tashi, was the Chief Guest of the closing function of the camp held on March 31 and Lobsang Dorjee, ADC, Lumla was the Guest of the Honor.

MLA who was pleased with the good work being carried out by VHAI Lumla PHC and Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Itanagar promised to extend all his help and support.

The department of Ophthalmology of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar has been carrying out routine outreach surgical camps in difficult areas of various districts of the state and also in Assam. In doing so it is taking a major role in reducing the burden of blindness in the state.

EPS initiates plantation drive

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: The Environment Protection Society, Tawang in a mass plantation drive planted more than 500 saplings of different varieties today. The plantation was carried out near the New Electrical office Tawang.

MLA, Tawang Tsewang Dhondup, Superintendent of police S.N Mosobi, D.F.O and Executive Engineer (electric) took part in the plantation programme and lauded the Society for carrying out the task. He expressed the hope that more such programe would be carried out soon. The MLA had provided funds for the plantation program.

A Society release expressed unhappiness at wanton destruction of environment and called on all to join hands to save it from further destruction.

APPSU concerned at selling of wild meat and timber

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: All Papum Poma Student’s Union (APPSU) has expressed concern over the alleged illegal timber business being carried out in the Sangdopota circle of Papum Pare district. Union also condemned illegal hunting activities carried out in these jungles which are threatening existence of many endangered species.

APPSU claimed that despite presence of forest check gate at Poma, wild meat is openly sold in capital complex area. In this regard, union has urged market welfare associations of both Itanagar and Naharlagun to work closely with authorities to stop selling of wild meat in open market. They also asked authorities to strictly apply various provisions under forest acts and punish those offenders, who kill endangered wild animals without the fear of law.

Easter Panorama office robbed

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: The office premises of Eastern Panorama, The News Magazine of the North East located on the 2nd floor of the Goswami Building, Opposite Black Diamond Towers, Old Post Office, G.S. Road, Dispur, Guwahati – 781005 were robbed on the night of the April 3rd.

Among the items stolen which amounted to Rs. 7 lakhs were a Beta Camera, Mini DV Camera and one metrox Set with 2 monitors and 1 CPU

An FIR was filed at the Banghaghar Police Station on the following morning and an investigation to apprehend the culprits is being carried out by the authorities.

ANYA demands ‘White Paper’ on AOP

ITANAGAR: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has demanded White Paper on Annual Operating Plan (AOP) indicating the reasons as to why the usual planning process was not invoked during the fiscal 2009-10. Association said, it will resort to democratic movement if its demand is not met within 15 days.

In a single-point memorandum to the Chief Minister, the ANYA said the people of the state wonder why the state Govt, particularly the Planning Department could not conduct the AOP meeting and publish the AOP which is an obligation for a democratically elected Govt to do so.

Spending public money without proper planning and budgetary process amounts to undemocratic and autocratic functioning, the memorandum said and added that people want to know what kind of planning, budgeting and fiscal discipline is being maintained while spending from the public coffer.

Prof Ganguly passes away

ITANAGAR: Directorate of Higher and Technical Education deeply mourned the sudden demise of Prof J B Ganguly at the age of 84.

He was the first regular principal of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasigaht who served the college from 1965-69. Later he joined Tripura University as professor and then became the vice-chancellor of the university.

Even after his retirement he was involved in many social activities and was a reputed economist of the north eastern region of the country.

The Directorate shares the agony of the family in its hours of sorrow and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Pre Dree

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Apatani student’s community studying in Guwahati recently organized pre-Dree celebration at Arunachal Bhawan, Guwahati. Dr. Chow Chetha Langkhun(medical specialist) and Dr. Junaid Ashraf were chief guest and guest of honor respectively for the day.

Society decides

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: All Chimir Youth Welfare Society (ACYWS) in its recent meeting held at Boa-Simla town laid down certain terms for society to be followed. Society decided that henceforth no new plantation garden would be started without prior information to ACYWS and selling of land also needed to be informed in advance.