The Arunachal Times - Archives

Union Cabinet to decide on replacement of AFSPA: Chidambaram

Ranjit Sinha

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today said that the Union Cabinet will take final decision on replacement of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) with more humane law. The draconian law gives the security forces to shoot or kill and there is legal immunity for the personnel.

He said the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee and also second Administrative Reform Commitee prepared report with certain recommendations for replacing the existing AFSPA. Considering all the recommendations the union ministry of home affairs has submitted the report with a note at Union Cabinet. Now Cabinet has to take a final decision, he said while talking to media persons here.

The AFSPA is in place in Tirap and Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Responding to a question the Home Minister said, ceasefire agreement with NSCN factions is not applied to Tirap and Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh. “That does not mean that they (militants) can carry on their activities here. We will not allow them carry on activities under the guise of ceasefire agreement in the districts, he added. The Security forces would act if there are subversive activities in these districts, he said.

While his attention was drawn by the media persons towards reported failure of India to get ADB and World Bank fund for Arunachal Pradesh, Chidambaram in clear term said, if we need loans from ADB or World Bank we will take it, if not required we will not. But project will not suffer due to lack of funds, he said. He added that Development projects in Arunachal Pradesh will not suffer due to fund.

Regarding renaming of Rajiv Gandhi University which requires constitutional amendment, Chidambaram said he got a representation on this regard and assured to pass it to the ministry concerned.

When Home Minister’s attention was drawn towards the former MP Wangcha Rajkumar ‘s murder case, he said the case is being investigated by CBI which is still in progress and that some accused are still absconding.

On decades-old Assam-Arunachal boundary dispute, the Home Minister informed that the Govt will take step after receiving the report of the Justice Tarun Chatterjee boundary commission.

The Home Minister arrived in Itanagar on a two day visit to the state earlier visited Subansiri Lower HEP Gerukhamukh in Lower Subansiri district undertaken by NHPC.

POMA: Reiterating the promises made by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Minister P Chidambaram said, Centre will always stand by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The youth of the State should have belief that they have a bright future. He said this during an address to the people during a visit to Bamboo Processing Centre at Poma, 32 km from Itanagar.

Impressed with the activities, Chidambaram said that success of the Centre should be an eye opener for all. Education, Health and development will follow if there are economic activities, he said. Chidambaram, who was very impressed by the produce, even purchased some items as souvenir and encouraged the rural community to focus on such activities, which can be achieved without destroying the environment and the culture.

Chidambaram who also visited the Gekar Sinyi Lake stressed on tourism in the state. Comparing Arunachal Pradesh with that of Sikkim and Bhutan, he said that there are huge employment opportunities in the sector.

Earlier, addressing the gathering Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Gen JJ Singh appreciated the hard work put in by the people on the success of the project. Hoping for some more such projects in other parts of the State, he said, these project will not only help in financial empowerment of the people but also arrest the migration of people to urban areas, which has been cause of concern for all.

Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Ltd Managing Director, GN Sinha , in his welcome address said, Poma bamboo processing centre is an integral part of the strategy to convert Poma into a model village in Arunachal Pradesh, which envisages implementation of scheme from relevant development sectors aimed at bringing about integrated development of POma and its peripheral villages.

Poma Panchayat Anchal Samiti Member Techi Ana, who also spoke on the occasion, said visit of the union Minister to the village and to the Center will always remain a guiding force and also a source of inspiration.

A three-point memorandum for early notifying of Poma village as a model village, establishment of cultural centre at Poma and establishment of a National Institute of Technology at Jote was submitted by Upper Balijan ZPM Nabam Sukia.

State Home Mnister Tako Dabi, PWD Minister Nabum Tuki and Parliamentary Secretary Kumar Waii and with hosts of officials and public leaders were present on the occasion.

Earlier on his arrival to the village, the Union Minister was accorded a warm traditional reception led by the local MLA Nabum Rebia. The Union Minister went around the center and interacted with the artisans. Live demonstration of craft making and handloom was also presented on the occasion along with display of indigenous produce, such as can and bamboo, handloom, handicrafts, horticulture produce, which was organized by government departments.

The Home Minister is scheduled to visit Tirap and Tawang as well on April 3. (With inputs from PRO, Raj Bhawan)

Greater Nagalim, refugee issue and boundary row figure in AAPSU memo to PC

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union while welcoming the talks between centre and NSCN reiterated that it would oppose any move of the Government of India to include any part of Arunachal under “Greater Nagalim” .

The people of Arunachal Pradesh and its popularly democratically elected State Government must be taken into confidence when the question of conceding any part of the Arunachal’s territory arise, it said in a seven point memorandum to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today.

A three member delegation led by its President Takam Tatung had met the Union Home Minister today at Raj Bhavan Helipad.

The Union further drew attention of the Minister to the presence of Naga militants in Tirap and Changlang and their 'extra-territorial activities'. It further urged the Central and the State Governments to come together and flush out the militants from the area to put a halt on the anti-national activities. However, Union stated that it could be possible only if govt adopt a humane approach as military operations are not the solution to this issue.

On the presence of Chakma-Hajong, Tibetan and Bangladeshi refugees in the state, the Union further asked the centre to consider the seriousness of the issue, and find out lasting solutions to the perennial refugees issues. The Union decried the centre’s inability to come up with a tangible or concrete decision on vexed refugee issues despite several appeals by the Union, citizens and government of the state.

The Union which have been spearheading a movement demanding deportation or rehabilitation of refuges in other parts of India further said that the Chakma Hajong refugees enjoy the support of ISI, Bangladesh based Shanti Bahini and some banned militant organizations of the region. Union further called for renaming of Rajiv Gandhi University, a Central University, to Arunachal University and urged the minister to raise the issue before the Union Cabinet.

Assam-Arunachal Boundary issue also figured in the demand list of the students. Union urged the Minister to “play the role of catalysts in finding out lasting solutions to the border boundary tangle. It said that subsequent State and Union Government are not making any efforts to hammer out a permanent solution to the border imbroglio between the two states and as a result common people are suffering.

The Union further called for proper, judicious and time bound implementation of Trans Arunachal Highway and objected to inordinate delay in completion of the Green Field Airport while demanding that it be made operational within a year period.

Creation of Arunachal Regiment also was a point raised by the students. Once the regiment is raised it would not only inspire and motivate our youths to adorn the uniforms of the Indian Army and join in guarding the borders but would also solve unemployment and militancy problems in the state, the Union said.

JAC nabs three peddlers, calls on govt for measures to contain drug abuse

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Lohit which has gained notoriety for rampant opium and drugs addiction and trafficking have launched an operation to contain the menace.

The Tai-Khampti Singphow Council, spearheading the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising of various local NGOs including Tai-Khamti Development Society (TKDS), All Namsai Area Youth Association (ANAYA), Women Welfare Society Namsai, Mohila Samiti Chongkham, Youth Association Chongkham, with the support of the local administration, Police department and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have launched a combine combing operation against drugs & opium use from March 25.

In its first operation, the JAC which conducts sudden raids and search, have succeeded in apprehending three drug peddlers with brown-sugar in their possession. They are Chow Khouk Mounglang of Lathao village, Chow Phitika Chowtang and Nang Rupa Chowtang of Solungtoo village.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) appeals all including the state government to extend help and logistic support in containing the menace of drugs and opium consumption among the people.

The Joint Action Committee further said that considering the seriousness of the matter, the state govt. ought to come up with genuine plan and strategy. Establishment of full-fledged Narcotic Department (under NDPS Act) in Lohit District with adequate trained police force and Drug Squad / Special Task Force to curb the opium / drug abuses and deal with drug related problems, strengthening the police network and posting of committed police personnel to guard the porous borders specially Dirak Inner-line Check Gate to prevent the entry of smugglers and supply of brown sugar and heroine into Arunachal Pradesh from Assam are suggestion of the JAC.

BSF strengthens position

R T Tara

YINGKIONG, Apr 2: Today at the slalom round I and II of the 7th National Rafting Championship, at Halleng village, the BSF rafting team has topped the points tally by scoring 300 in Slalom round, making a total of 501. The Army Adventure Wing Nimu is in second place with 496 points, while AAW Belgam are in 3rd position with 467.The Local Arunachal rafting team are at 7th position with a score of 372 points followed by J&K with 366.

In today’s slalom round, BSF were the best with timing of 3:19:68 followed by AAW Nimu 3:23:05. AAW Belgaum was at 3rd position with 3:24:05, while local Arunachal Guys clocked 4:57:33 minute. Tomorrow rafting marathon competition will be held at Gandhi Bridge point to 12 kilo.

Ambulance for Yazali PHC

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: ASM Chairperson Likha Appi flagd off an ambulance, donated by NEEPCO at government higher secondary school Yazali recently. The programme was organized Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, Yazali Branch.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest Appi thanked the NEEPCO authority for donating an Ambulance to Yazali PHC and four computer sets to government higher secondary school Yazali under Community Development Scheme.

Corporate Social responsibility??!!!

Dear Editor,

The Article with the Heading 'corporate social responsibility' by one A.K Mishra, GM Dibang Multipurpose Project, which was published by your esteemed daily on 2.4.10, was indeed his social and even a corporate responsibility to let the public of the state come to know of the Charity works undertaken by NHPC at and around the DM project. It was indeed his official responsibility also to do the same.

The list of charity works carried out by NHPC is really commendable and praiseworthy and it shall be appreciated by likeminded people in every future endeavor they take up for the uplift of the Project area to fulfill the so called 'Corporate Social Responsibility'.

Who does not need Developments? Everyone needs a change to come in their life, a change by which one can prosper and lead a good life initiated by that very 'change' be at any cost. Developing ahead is the goal of everyone, be it an individual, literate or illiterate, poor or rich, department, state, a corporate body or a country.

Here, I personally want to put a noble suggestion that, Development 'alone' at the cost of the Nature should not be termed as any Development. Rather it is anti-social. And I justify it this way- A Mega Dam with the potential of 3000 Megawatt, built, any place in any part of the world will surely have its Negative Impacts on the Nature and Environment in and around the Project area immediately and eventually the Downstream People and Environment will witness Nature's fury one fine day and then it is apocalypse. Even then, we desperately need Development of our State in particular and the Nation in whole. So the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has entered the MOU/MOA with NHPC and stated it very clearly in the same Agreement that 'in the event of any future catastrophe/casualty arising out of the Dam due to Natural calamity, NHPC and the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh will not be held Responsible. In such eventuality we the people shall Perish at the peril of the Nature. These are the apprehensions and doubts in the minds of the People of the Project area and even likeminded people of the State. These doubts need a proper corporate clarification to the society for; we need development at any cost.

As per the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh Relief and Rehabilitation Policy 2008, the rate for a developed Agricultural Field is fixed @ Rs. 1,75,000(One Lac and Seventy Five Thousand) only per hectare which is also so minimum compared to the present day local value of the same land. This is one point in which a so called Corporate Social Responsibility lies and the project affected people can't be taken for a Joy- ride and their land inherited from their ancestors or even purchased from a fellow indigenous comrade should not be snatched at a throw away price. At one point the Greenery of the present Location left to nature at its best also contributes a lot to the Oxygen store for the world and especially compensating for all the Corporate of the world who are busy developing at the cost of the nature and herein it is 'social corporate responsibility'. We the people of Arunachal Pradesh have been preserving Nature since ages till date and compensating all the Carbon emissions and works against Nature carried out by the Corporate, without boasting about it out in any forum. We, the People of Arunachal Pradesh, shall manufacture Oxygen till the Universe exists and compensate all the wrong deeds of all the Corporates of the world, silently without any Propaganda. We need Development at any cost for, We the Under Developed, Poor Arunachalees shall preserve the Oxygen Reserve for the world and Corporates as in duty shall bound to carry out an inborn job for the prosperity of World and other Elites. Any Corporate House Listening?

Yours,

Vijay Taram

on email

Where is the Municipal Corporation?

Dear Editor,

It is quite unfortunate that even after twenty three years of acquiring our statehood and functioning of the Panchayati Raj at the rural level since 1969, no government of the state has bothered to set up Municipal Corporations in various districts of the state.

It should be kept in mind that no comprehensive or well-planned development of urban areas can take place without the active participation of elected representatives from different areas, sectors of the district. A stronger administration with elected representative would only cater to the basic needs like water supply, electricity, health service and primary education in a city.

The present haphazard growth of the state capital and illegal encroachment of Govt land is giving a wrong signal to the other districts also, even the well planned district like Lohit is now infected by the wrong example of the Capital Complex. Grabbing of Govt land is taking place openly in the district.

With the ever increasing number of people migrating from rural area to urban centres, the pressure on land is increasing day-by-day. There are illegal construction on both sides of the main highways, there are no place for vehicle parking, even land meant for social forestry has been swallowed by land-hungry people, both the haves and have nots.

The land meant to serve as a kitchen garden in the Govt quarters too has not been spared by several unscrupulous officials. Illegal constructions are mushrooming and the Government is only a silent, passive spectator to such gross defiance of the minimum civic sense in a democratic set up.

There is an urgent need to take timely and appropriate steps by the State Planning department to give a serious thought to systemic urban planning through the help of democratically elected corporators. The Government should act first before the situation becomes grim and goes out of control and slums start multiplying raising further the crime rate and other related law and order problems.

The most blatant and glaring example of fearless encroachment was the unofficial occupation of the area in Itanagar which was earmarked for the construction of the new assembly and secretariat. The Govt should take stringent action against such law breakers.

Yours,

Sotai Kri

Ex-Vice president

Lohit Zilla Parishad.

She donated an amount of Rs 50,000 to APWWS, Yazali and also donated some amount to GBs and cultural troops.

General Manager (personal) NEEPCO PC Saikia who attended the function as special invitee also assured to sanction more community development schemes and appealed the concerned authority to properly use the ambulance.

Head of Project RHEP, NEEPCO Yazali NK Mao highlighted on the newly introduced scholarship for the students pursuing higher education.

Mopin greetings

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh has greeted the people of the state on Mopin. Its president Nabum Atum in a message said that Mopin is a festival of happiness, belongingness and prosperity and appealed all to join in the celebration.

No pay till completion of work

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) appealed all the working agencies and departments of Upper Subansiri District not to award or release payment without the completion of work to any firm or contractor under various schemes and project of the state and the centre.

It also urged all the departments and contractor to systematically use the released funds which are meant for area development.

Chess championship

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association president Dobin Doka will be the arbiter of the district level chess championship at Aalo from April 17 to 20.

DA to act against land encroachers

AALO: West Siang District Administration has issued notice to encroachers at Yoji-Yora, Aalo. The encroachers have been asked to vacate the land within seven days. Failure to comply with the order will attract proceedings under the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Evection of Unauthorized Occupant) Act, 200.

An area of 91314 Square meters at Yoji Yora was allotted to SSB in 1998 which it later handed over to NHPC (Ltd) without the consent of the District Administration. In the meantime, it was private individuals who have encroached on the land! (DIPRO)

BBGBWA conference held

ITANAGAR: Bosing Banggo Goan Burah Welfare Association conference was held at Pasighat yesterday.

Speaking at the conference as chief guest All Arunachal Pradesh Gaon Burah Welfare Association (AAPGBWA), President Nabam Epo appealed the GBs to preserve and protect flora, fauna and customary laws and suggested the GBs to follow the guidelines in order to avoid delay in payment of honorarium and other dues.

Meanwhile, Omang Boko has been appointed as secretary women wing Upper and East Siang District Unit.

AAPGBWA General Secretary Tache Lombi and women secretary Tana Yaga also attended the conference.

Expulsion

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association (AAPCA) has expelled vice president Yowa Bullet and joint secretary Techi Sushil for indulging in anti-association activities.

"AAPCA had never conducted any election or selection; thus, reshuffling or reconstitution of the association as published in today’s edition of this daily does not arise," AAPCA clarified. Further, the press release issued regarding the reconstitution/reshuffling of AAPCA was a handiwork of few executive members to create a precarious situation within AAPCA, it stated.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Arunachal Public Motor Transport Federation District Executive members has appointed its District office bearers with Tsering Wange, David Sangtham, Loli Dolo, Rubu Tamin, Proba Dulam, N Bagra, Tabiram Moying and Biri Kame as President of West Kameng, Tawang, East Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri,West Siang, East Siang and Kurung Kumey District.

Hage Tana, Ramsing, Gigo Doji and Ha Taching would be General Secretary of Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, West Siang and Kurung Kumey District respectively.

Appointment

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Nationalist Congress Party, 15 Sagalee Assembly Constituency Block President Nabam Kalik has been appointed as vice president (HQ), NCP Papum Pare District Unit.