The Arunachal Times - Archives

Chakma-Singpho clash leaves scores injured, 144 declared in Miao

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: Scores of people have been injured in M-pen under Miao Subdivision following clash between Singpho community and Chakma refugees today after a dispute over land. 144 Cr PC has been declared in the Mioa and nearby villages after the bloody clash which has left at least nine Singphos and six Chakmas injured. At least four of the seriously injured have been referred to Dibrugarh for further medical treatment.

A Police source informed that clash happened as an aftermath after 60 Chakma families were evicted from M-Pen following a court order to vacate the area on March 31 as some Singphos who have Land Possession Certificate wanted it back.

M-Pen, which is around four Kilometers from main Miao Township originally belongs to Singpho community. However in the early sixties, Chakmas were given settlement in an area measuring up to 8 miles on one side of the road. With time, the refugees, which numbers around 200 hundred families encroached on the other side of the road as well and settled in the area.

Today the clashes occurred as the Chakmas armed with Lathis and Doas allegedly ambushed on some 30 Singphos who were on their way to start construction in M-pen, a police source said.

Apart from scores of injuries, some vehicles are also reported to have been damaged.

Meanwhile, a Police source said that the situation in the area is under control.

Hydro power is the need of the hour: Solanki

5th National Hydro Power Convention

TAWANG Apr 9: “The world is facing the brunt of climate change through various carbon generating thermal plants and industries and during such state of concern, harnessing the vast hydro power potential to meet up the power shortage of the country and the world is the need of the hour” asserted Union Minister of State for Power Bharat Sinh Solanki while delivering his inaugural speech at the 5th National Hydro Power Convention held at Tawang this afternoon. Giving a statistical data on the power scenario of the country, the Union Minister informed that Northeast alone has the capability of generating 43% hydro power with its vast potential. He however resented over the slow process of the hydro power development in the region despite having enormous potential. Solanki while lauding Arunachal Pradesh and its CM Dorjee Khandu for having foresightedness to make the state one of leading states in the country by harnessing its rich hydro power potential, said Arunachal has a great future and that the state and its people will be self sufficient and self reliant in days to come when all these hydro power projects would be commissioned. No educated youths would unemployed and the infrastructural bottleneck of this beautiful state will be addressed in the right perspective, he advocated.

“The faster we move, the quicker we deliver the benefit to our future generation” stated the MoS while urging the power developers to expedite their projects. He further appealed the state government to provide all possible help and support to the power developers so that they complete their projects in time.

Referring to the social corporate responsibility, the minister advised for setting up of Industrial Training Institutes in the project vicinity so that the youths could avail training from such ITIs which would benefit both the power developer as well the local unemployed youths. Besides he strongly batted for having all basic amenities in the project sites which will undoubtedly increase the trust and win the confidence of the local people.

In his presidential address Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu reiterated his stand over strict adherence of the time frame agreed upon during signing of MoUs and MoAs with the power developers. “We will ensure all possible assistance from the state government’s end but will not tolerate delay in commissioning the projects”, Khandu asserted.

While ensuring to provide security in the project sites, the chief minister requested the power developers to give their requisition for security personnel. He however made it clear that the financial liability has to be borne by the developer.

Calling for a unison effort to take the state to new heights, the chief minister said that Arunachal Pradesh is gradually heading towards a concerted development with the constant help from Government of India. He extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister Dr, Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for continuously bestowing blessings to the state.

In his special address Jarbom Gamlin, Minister Power (Elect.) threw light on non adherence to the provisions agreed upon in MoA pertaining to job reservation for local Arunachalee youths by the power developers. While wishing a fruitful session he insisted to have discussion on transmission of power also. Committed effort is required to expedite the hydro power development in the state and I appeal all the power developers to strictly adhere to the provisions of the MoAs and MoUs”, Gamlin said.

During his keynote address NHPC CMD S K Garg called for effective media campaign to build up a positive image in the minds of the people and also stressed for effectively implementation of the social corporate responsibility in order to boost the hydropower development in the region. Infrastructural bottleneck, lack of communication, delay in forest and environment clearance and many such problems have been affecting the progress of the projects, Garg said.

Principal Secretary (Power) Dr. H K Pahliwal also spoke on the occasion.

Among others, APEDA Chairman Likha Saya, MLA Alo Libang, Parliamentary Secretary to Mizoram CM, Pu Lal Thanzara, Local MLA Tsewang Dhondhup and Jambey Tashi, AK Bajaj Chairman CWC, NEEPCO CMD I P Barooah, Principal Secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering, Secretary Power Tumke Bagra and numerous delegates from CPSUs and IPPD were present in the convention.(PRO TO CM)

NSUI celebrates foundation day, calls for strengthening party base

Itanagar, Apr 9:Along with the rest of the country, the Arunachal unit of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) today celebrated its 39th foundation day with a day-long programme at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Tanga Byaling participating in the celebration exhorted the students to be a part in the nation building exercise by strengthening the Congress Party at the grassroots.“You should act as a catalyst in dissiminating the developmental activities of the Congress-led state government to the people and should bridge the gap between the party and the grassroot workers”, the minister commented.

Assuring all possible help for the growth of the party, Byaling called for concerted efforts to strengthen the hands of party chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for overall development of this landlocked state. NSUI state president Kafa Bagang while highlighting the activities of the students’ wing of the Congress party said that the organisation had redifined the whole concept of student’s activism through its ideology and practices.“We have played a participatory role with government to implement the best practices and policies besides acting as a bridge between students and policy makers”, Bagang added.

Earlier, Byaling accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Food and Civil supplies besides office bearers of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and NSUI planted trees in the compound of Rajiv Bhawan to mark the occasion. UNI

Governor meets Army chief

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Gen JJ Singh, who is in the National Capital on an official tour, met the Chief of Army Staff, Gen VK Singh at South Block, New Delhi today.

The Governor, on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh felicitated the 26th Chief of Indian Army on assuming the office of Chief of second largest army in the world. He expressed his hope that under the dynamic leadership of Gen VK Singh, the Indian Army will touch new heights in all fronts. In his continuous effort to give impetus in the raising of Arunachal Scouts, the Governor took the issues related to it while referring his meetings with the Union Defense and Home Ministers in the meeting.

Gen VK Singh, who visited Arunachal Pradesh before assuming the office, was apprised of the security scenario of the State.

This endeavour of the Governor, it is felt will definitely expedite the process of the indigenous battalion and also create better scenery for the Core Security Group. (PRO, Rajbhavan)

Arunachalee villagers used as labourers by NSCN (K) at gunpoint: AAPSU

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: No matter what the State Home Department may claim, the presence of Naga insurgents and their never ending atrocities meted out to the people of Tirap and Changlang district cannot be denied. The insurgent groups still rule the roost, unhindered and untamed.

In a press statement today, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union informed that on Thursday about 60 -70 villagers from Changlang districts were forcibly made to cut a road in the deep jungle of Indo-Myanmar border.

“Villagers, numbering around 60-70, from 3 villages adjacent Changlang district were made to work in deep jungle at gun point by the NSCN-K cadres,” says AAPSU president Takam Tatung.

In support of NIT at Dedzilling

Dear Editor,

Dedzilling, under Bhalukpong administrative circle is suitable for establishment of National Institute of Technology for many reasons. The location has many advantages including better means of transportation and communication having railway station within 3 km at Bhalukpong, air facility at Salonibari Tezpur (40km). Above all, the people of Thrizino, Buragaon, Jamiri, Bhalukpong and Tippi donated their land free of cost for the proposed site.

Therefore, I urge upon the state Govt to expedite work for early establishment of NIT at the proposed site for the betterment of one and all.

Yours,

Loga Tallang

APYC state secretary

Naharlagun

BSNL’s shocking services

Dear Editor,

I am an esteemed BSNL customer having a pre-paid number based at Itanagar. On 03rd April’2010, I got two messages from a number 56363 informing me that I have been charged Rs.8/- per week from each messages for subscribing ‘DEV pack and SM pack’ A total of Rs.16/- had been charged from my balance on that day for the two packs. Again on 07th April, I got another message from the same number and charged Rs.8/-, and the message stated that the same would be charged weekly for subscribing CRI pack. I was shocked and confused to see all these messages, because I did not subscribe any DEV/SM/CRI packs neither do I have any knowledge about the number 56363 nor its services.

So, to ascertain the facts, I inquired about the matter to BSNL Officials at Itanagar Office. But they could not provide any solution rather suggested me for further inquiry/clarification from BSNL customer care. After my repeated trials for many days and perhaps to one of the world’s busiest mobile numbers i.e. BSNL customer care No. 940024365, I could connect/communicate to the caretakers. They agreed that the number 56363 is theirs. But when I asked why/how and for what reason I am being charged this way? They could not give me concrete details and ways to avoid the service.

Therefore, it is my humble request to local BSNL authorities to investigate the matter and stop unnecessary harassment to the customers.

Yours,

ohn Panyang

(On email)

Jamiri needs urgent attention

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw attention of the concerned authorities on the renovation, preservation and protection of Historical site of West Kameng district especially the megalith sites of Jamiri.

As per govt. records, a megalith remains at Jamiri reveals ancient types of burial practices. However, this culture is in a stage of gradual decay, but the remains of this archaeological finding still exist. Besides such graves, there are two different megalithic sites have been noticed in Jamiri village.

The local inhabitants of Jamiri village have their own beliefs that these stones are very sacred and significant. It is interesting to note here that the practice of a megalithic culture of present Hrusso has been depicted to ancient king of Bhalukpong. From these archeological remains we have come to know about the pristine culture of Hrusso community in particular and Arunachalees in general. As we know that archaeological monuments are good source for the reconstruction of the history of any land, so it is our moral duty to preserve and protect archaeological monuments. But it is surprising to see that this pristine and rare historical site of the state is being destroyed or decayed partly by weathering process and due to ignorance and negligence of the concerned authority.

Therefore, I would like to request concerned authority to take immediate steps to preserve and protect the historical site.

Yours,

Dama Miji

Jamiri, West Kameng

AAPSU leaders also expressed apprehension that the new jungle road would facilitate easy movement of the insurgent group based in Myanmar. While calling attention at the latest development, Tatung said that if early initiatives are not taken and if the porous boundaries not sealed it may be catastrophic in the region.

This is not the only instance of atrocities meted out to the people there. They are often made to carry rice for the ultras deep in the jungle and have to fork out Rs 50-350 per month as house tax, according to AAPSU. The apex students’ organization also urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to come clear on the murder of former MP Wangcha Rajkumar’s assassination.

It said that though suspects have been arrested but it was still not clear on the motives behind the assassination and urged the premier investigating agency not to be ‘eye washed’ and table their findings at the earliest possible time. One of the most popular politicians, Rajkumar’s life was cut short on 23 Dec 2007 in Deomali when assailants shot him dead.

The assassination case was later handed over to CBI by the state government.

AAPSU also expressed satisfaction over the State government’s decision to hold the recruitment rallies of Arunachal Scout in various parts of Arunachal. It urged the State government to issue a gazette notification soon to pave way for recruitment of unemployed Arunachalees in Arunachal Scout.

Lower Subansiri gets Sarathi & Vahan Soft Ware

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri Sadhana Deori launched the Sarathi & Vahan Soft Ware today.

During the inaugural function ADC W.Tikhak, Dist. Transport Officer S.Tayang, Heads of the department and administrative Officers attended. S.Tayang , DTO who successfully initiated and completed the Project at the right time.

Deputy Commissioner on the occasion issued two learner’s license to two lady Officer M.Yam Golo , DDSE and N.Yirang, CO. Now every Driving license seekers will have to register their details in computerized system. Under the sincere and dedicated works of S.Tayang the Govt’s revenue is increasing.

During the year 2008-09, the revenue collected was Rs.43,60,711/- and during 2009-2010 Rs. 59,53,113/- respectively.

Make Arunachal a literate state: Siram

PASIGHAT, Apr 9: Education minister Bosiram Siram appealed to the people of the state to join hand to make Arunachal a fully literate state.

Attending a public meeting at Yagrung yesterday, Siram stated that he would put his best efforts to make the people educated, knowledgeable and worthy citizen. The present government is committed to eliminate illiteracy with a noble mission by providing free education upto class VIII standard, he added. He further informed that the education department is trying its best to enhance infrastructures like school buildings, fencing, teachers’ quarter to boost the morale of the teachers and students in the state.

Siram also emphasized the need for vocational education in schools.

The minister while talking about the JnNURM City bus services, appealed to the people to be honest and cooperative for its continuity and maintenances. Siram reiterated that only hydro power generation could bring prosperity and make the state wealthy. People should come forward and cooperate with government in implementing its plans and programmes in the larger interest of the state, he appealed.

While replying to the five points memorandum submitted by Namuk Taloh, ZPM Bosing Banggo, the minister assured that all genuine and justified demands like construction of PHC building and doctors quarters, well equipped science laboratories, extension of school building, security fencing of Yagrung Secondary school would be considered soon.

Earlier in his address, deputy commissioner Onit Panyang lauded Siram for providing two ambulances from his MLALAD fund and three busses under JnNURM scheme for Pasighat. The DC also appreciated chief minister Dorjee Khandu and UD minister Nabam Tuki for their kind supports in bringing developments in the district. He expressed his gratitude to education minister for the up-gradation of JN College, sanctioning of Polytechnic College and VKV at Pasighat. Panyang advised the people to act seriously and cooperate with the officials on Census duty on national interest.

Among others, BCC president Tobuk Dai and party functionaries, local leaders, senior citizens and HODs attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

Allegation on misuse of BADP funds useless: Markio Tado

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: Reacting to an allegation of misuse of BADP funds in Pipsorang by his predecessor Takam Sorang, MLA Markio Tado has termed it totally baseless and politically motivated.

The Misuse of fund for BADP Schemes against Pipsorang BADP Block by the concern officers & officials and the contractors doesn't arise as all the sanctioned BADP schemes has been executed and implemented successfully and sufficient infrastructure has been created, he said. He further assured to create sufficient infrastructure in Pipsorang circle from the available BADP Funds to fill-up the critical gap of development and uplift the socio & economic condition of Pipsorang.

He further said that Sorang’s allegation is sending a wrong signal to the masses about his intentions, where a senior leader like him instead of assisting is busy in making complaints against developmental activities which is condemnable.

Tado further added that today any fund is accountable because of awareness among the Panchayat leaders, contractors and hence misusing of fund is not possible. Taking a dig at Sorang’s tenure as MLA, Tado further said that present economical and social position of the people in the area speaks the truth.

Meanwhile Former MLA Takam Sorang has demanded that bills against BADP scheme under Pipsorang should not be cleared till completion of site verification by third party monitoring committee while adding that payment have been made to several fake contractors without verification of the site. He further added that an FIR was lodged against officials on misuse of BADP and that investigating officer had asked the administrators for freezing of BADP account till completion of investigation, which Sorang alleged is yet to be complied with.

APSTS achieves revenue milestone

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: Despite various constraints and poor condition of buses, the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS) achieved a milestone by earning revenue of Rs 12.72 crore against the revenue target of Rs 12.71 crore fixed by the Planning Commission, Govt of India during the financial year 2009-2010.

The achievement was possible with constant guidance of the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and timely monitoring and guidance of the Parliamentary secretary, transport, Karikho Kri and Transport commissioner Y D Thongchi and the able administration of General Manager Opak Gao and his team of officers of the transport department, said an official release. Meanwhile, State Transport Service department extended especial gratitude to vigilance wing headed by Bamin Hinda, assistant General Manager and Finance and Account Officer S Bhowmik and all other officers and officials of the department for their collective effort in achieving the target. The department also sought cooperation of the common pubic in its effort to reach out masses in future.

Census training begins in Roing

ROING, Apr 9: Two Days Training for Supervisors and Enumerators for 15th Census 2011 has begun at Govt Higher Secondary School Auditorium here today.

Deputy Commissioner cum Principal Census Officer, Roing Y W Ringu in her inaugural speech has once again sought the sincere and dedicated service of the Supervisors and Enumerators in conducting an accurate, error free and timely completion of house listing and housing as per the time scheduled by the Govt.

She further called upon the teachers (engaged in census duty) to sacrifice their leave (summer vacation) for the welfare of the nation in conducting this important national exercise and further urged the officials to exercise the census duty in addition to their own regular duty and visit the houses at morning and evening hours when the people would be usually found in their respective houses and not during the office/working hours.

M. Tato, EAC cum Census Charge Officer spoke on the importance of conducting Census Operation and also called upon the trainees to well equip themselves in the two days training program me and called for their sincere cooperation in smooth and successful conduction of Census 2011.

Master Trainers, G S Awasthi, District Library & Information Officer and S. Sangkaran, District Coordinator (RMSA), Roing imparted training to 20 Supervisors, 98 Enumerators and 11 Reserved Officials. M. Pertin & A. Pertin, EACs cum Census Charge Officers, Jally Umpo, CO cum District Nodal Officer(Census) and Rakesh Tacho, CO cum Census Charge Officer Desali were also present in the training. (DIPR)

Review meet of RD prog

Changlang, Apr 9: A review meeting of Rural Development Programme under Changlang District was held here at Changlang today, under the chairmanship of Dr S B Deepak Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, Changlang.

The meeting was attended by Block Development Officers of seven blocks and others officials.

In the meeting the Chairman was briefed by the respective BDOs on implementation of NREGA, IAY, SGSY and Hariyali projects.

Chairman Dr Deepak urged all the Block Development Officers to implement the RD Scheme sincerely and complete them successfully. He assured them of site visit to inspect the ongoing RD Schemes.

Tayom Bage, PD, Changlang District highlighted about the RSBY to be launched in the district soon.

Mopin in Daporijo

Daporijo, Apr 9: Mopin was celebrated by the Galo community of Upper Subansiri district at the Rijo ground with full traditional gaiety and fanfare on April 6. While addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion as the chief guest, Parliamentary Secretary Cooperation Nido Pavitra said that there is a need to maintain peace and harmony amongst ourselves and stay united as one. He stressed on preserving our culture and traditions through the celebration of festivals by saying that irrespective of our religious beliefs, we should not forgo celebrating our festival which have a basis in our culture and define our identity as a tribe.

Stating that he was a Catholic Christian who never missed an opportunity in joining in on celebrating festivals, he appealed to the Christians of the Galo Community to join in and take pride in celebrating Mopin.

The Galo community was present in full numbers in their traditional attire and presented a colourful cultural programme of traditional dances and songs.

ZPM (Gusar) Pakde Uli, DC H. K. Shalla, ADC G. Ete and other distinguished guests took part in the celebration.

DBYC thank the Chief Minister

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: Don Bosco Youth Centre, Itanagar in its Annual Financial Audits meeting held here today thanked the Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu, for the generosity shown in giving grant-in-aid to DBYC. While recognizing in this significant gesture a genuine concern of the Chief Minister for the welfare of the youth of the state, Don Bosco Youth Centre commits to lending all support to his visionary leadership to accompany the youth population of the state to greater heights of excellence and holistic well-being.

The Youth Centre considers it a bounden duty to realize for all the youth of the state, the extolled vision of accomplishment and excellence that the honorable Chief Minister consistently upholds and spares no effort to realize. The Don Bosco Alumni Arunachal Pradesh as well as the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Union has expressed gratitude to the honorable CM in this regard.

Training on Value addition of Agriculture and Allied Produce

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: A training and demonstration programme was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papum-Pare today at SVC Hall, Directorate of AH & Veterinary, Nirjuli. The objective behind the training was income generation through self employment, Reducing post harvest losses of tomato through preservation technique.

All together 20 women farmers from Jote, Mani, Barum, , Nirjuli and Laptaap, Sagalee and Abotani farmers club attended the programme.

Dr. Nabam Gama, Farm Manager, KVK P/Pare highlighted the objectives of the training programme and the need for value addition of the agri & allied produce for income generation.

Morseng Modi, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) has taught the farmers the detailed concept about Value addition in Tomatoes besides demonstrating the Tomato Ketchup and Sauce Preparation.

Tadang Meena, S M S (Agronomy) of KVK Papum-Pare imparted training on Traditional Herbal Kitchen Garden, its importance as a home remedies for cure of day to day ailments. She highlighted the medicinal values of plants like Black Nightshade, Nayantara, Indian Pennyworth, Musandri, Nefapu, Tulsi, Podina which abundantly consumed by the tribal people. She also demonstrated the infusion and decoction preparation of the medicinal plants to the farmers.

Vivekanand Safi, S M S (Fisheries), demonstrated the value addition of fish by preparing fish pickle. The core objective of the programme was to utilize the small sizes fish which is mostly discarded during monsoon season, as fish is available during this season. He stated that various other methods are also available for getting more profit and has very high prospects of their commercialization in the region.

All the women actively participated in the programmes and expressed their satisfaction over the quality training.

NABARD takes banking to customers doorstep

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: For the first time in Arunachal Pradesh, NABARD has accorded sanction to Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank for implementing Financial Inclusion through Intensive Computer Technology (ICT) solution by Business Correspondents (BC) model using card based and hand held Point of Sales (PoS) device in three districts viz. Papumpare, West Siang and Upper Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh. This endeavor would decrease the levels of financial exclusion in the state

The salient features of the sanction include engagement of 30 BCs in the three districts, opening of 30000 card based accounts in 2 years. Each BC would be provided with hand held PoS device with biometrics, smart card, camera and printer support. The device will have both GPRS and wireless internet interface and can work both online and off-line. The sanction includes cost of capital items required for the project and recurring expenses. With the implementation of the project, each BC would form 300 card based accounts, 50 GCC, 50 KCC, 25 SHG accounts besides opening accounts for NREGA payments, remittances, micro insurance and other banking services during the first year.

Training on safe driving conducted

ITANAGAR, Apr 9: The Road Safety Cell, PHQ yesterday organized a safe driving training programme for drivers of 23 Govt departments at DHS conference hall Naharlagun. Altogether 90 drivers participated in it.

Capital SP Hibu Tamang highlighted various aspects of traffic and road safety through power point presentation and instructed the drivers to follow traffic guidelines.

Inspector KVG Pillai of Road Safety Cell imparted knowledge on road signs and defensive driving, while Naharlagun PS OC Inspector L R Rana highlighted the MV Act and other safety norms. Other resource persons of the training were ASI G B Pillai and SI Kipa Hamak, incharge traffic cell, Naharlagun.

During interaction session SP Capital assured that police department will approach the Govt for demarcation of parking places, construction of footpaths etc to ease the traffic congestion being faced in Capital Complex and also to reduce road accidents, according to an official release.

APCC condemns attack on officials

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has vehemently condemned the attack on the few officials of Patel Engineering on March 31 last in which a geologist succumbed to his injuries after three boys beat him up severely. Two others beaten up employees are undergoing treatment in Tezpur.

Lauding the West Kameng SP and his team for their prompt action in apprehending the culprits involved in attack, APCC said such shocking and barbaric incident create bad impact in the mind of outside investors in the state. It also urged the state Govt and district administration to deal with the matter with iron hand and award exemplary punishment to the culprits.