April -
- Arunachal celebrates Panchayat Day
- AAPSU to hold candle-
lit vigil in solidarity with Irom Sharmila - NERAMAC registers net profit of Rs 1.58 crore
- NCP calls for construction of indoor stadium as per DPR
- Easter celebrated with religious fervour
- BJP concerned at rising corruption
- The killing field
- Railway project in state capital evokes mixed reaction
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Arunachal celebrates Panchayat Day
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: The National Panchayat Day was celebrated in various places of Arunachal Pradesh with huge participation of PR members, officials and public in befitting manner today.
Ziro: Panchayat leaders and heads of department of Lower Subansiri district jointly
celebrated the National Panchayat Day with themes “Equal right, Equal opportunity
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Deputy Commissioner Nila Mohanan, in her address as chief guest said the Day is celebrated to mark the constitutional status accorded to Panchayat Raj institutions with 73rd Constitutional Amendment on April 24, 1993 and to bring more awareness on the increasing importance of the Panchayat Raj bodies.
Urging the Panchayat leaders to work for the development of the society and share their grievances and views on developmental issues, she said, the status, power and functions of Panchayat Raj members are well established in the Constitution of India and they need not be confused of their positions or roles. There is urgent need to give adequate awareness to the PR leaders of their constitutional roles to infuse in more strength and enthusiasm in the Panchayat Raj Institution.
While suggesting them to properly monitor, supervise and guide developmental schemes in the district, she urged for teamwork with the government functionaries as the goals of both are public service.
Lower Subansiri Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Likha Tongum, appealed the PR leaders to work vigorously for the overall development of the district.
Meanwhile, reiterating the demand for 20 per cent share of state budget to Panchayat
Raj institutions, and passing of Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Honourarium Act, he
said, non-
Later, the Chief Guest distributed cash prize and certificate to Bamin Sumpi, D S
Sivam and Tilling Anu, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners of the Essay writing competitions
conducted for school students of the district on April, 20, on the subjects “Gram
Sabha and Economic Development and Gram Sabha-
Tawang: The chief guest of the Day MLA Tsewang Dondup recalled the contribution of Daying Ering in development of local self government in the state.
While, terming the Gram Sabha as the most important institution in Panchayati Raj system he advised that Gram Sabha has to formulate plans and programmes for the villages as the people sitting in state and national capital cannot assess the actual requirements of the villages.
He further said that the Gram Sabha has to decide the beneficiary for all flagship programmes of the Centre so to root out anomalies and to ensure that poor and needy people reap the benefit of centrally sponsored schemes.
While expressing his concern over low literacy rate in the district, Dondup asked the PRI members to shoulder responsibility with department concerned for development of education sector. He also stressed on development of Bhoti language to preserve culture and tradition.
DCCI President Pema Khandu stressed on scrutiny of all flagship programmes of the Centre at block level to ensure participation of PRI members. He also stressed on proper selection of beneficiary for all programmes by the PRIs so that the benefit reaches the actual poor and needy person.
ZPMs, Jambey Tashi, Dorjee Norbu, Dangsang and ASM Tenzin Jambey, Jigme also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, ADC-
Amongst others the programme was attended by former MLA Tashi Khandu as guest of honor, DC Tawang Gamli Padu as the special invitees.
Bomdila: With special focus on the Gram Sabha, the National Panchayat Day was celebrated in the district headquarters Bomdila today.
On the occasion, DC cum CEO Rinchin Tashi said that, after the decentralization of
the planning, programming and the execution aspects, remarkable changes have been
noticed in the developments at the grass-
However, dismayed over the less participation of women PRI members in development process, DC Tashi felt that, it is high time for them to come forward and do shoulder their responsibility. He further urged the PRI members to play a pivotal role for development in the fields of education, health and sanitation, agriculture besides conservation of the natural resources.
Zilla Parishad Chairperson Logiang Rikhong urged the PR leaders to work with a missionary
zeal for the all-
Earlier, ADC cum Member Secretary B Dehingia dealt at length on the origin of the
Panchayat system and the subsequent major changes brought in it by the various committees.
He also advised the PRI members to re-
Large number of Govt officers, Anchal Chairperson and the ASM of Sera village also
spoke on the occasion. Besides Jerigaon-
Yingkiong: The Day was celebrated at Yingkiong with special focus on Gram Sabha amidst huge gathering.
Addressing the gathering ADC cum In-
AAPSU to hold candle-
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) will organize candle light vigil tomorrow in solidarity with Irom Sharmila, the iron lady of Manipur who is on hunger strike for last 10 years demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFPSA). The candle light protest will be held at Akasdeep Market in the evening around 6 PM. AAPSU has urged all Arunachalee citizens to come out and join the protest.
“In our state this draconian law is applicable in Tirap and Changlang districts.
Also we need to show solidarity with Irom Sharmila who has been fighting for well-
of Rs 1.58 crore
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd,
(NERAMAC) a Govt. of India Enterprise under the Ministry of DoNER recorded a sales
turnover of Rs 96.62 Cr during the fiscal year 2010-
During the last fiscal year, NERAMAC hosted several programs in the region to scale
up awareness among the agri-
S Bhattacharjee, MD, NERAMAC informed that NERAMAC could withstand the external market
conditions like substantial increase in input costs or pressure on margins by comparative
increase in sales and optimization of business plans with product-
NCP calls for construction of indoor stadium as per DPR
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Nationalist Congress Party state unit has expressed concern over
the controversy arising out of the construction of Indoor Stadium at Sagalee. In
a release NCP state unit Vice-
Further he questioned how project of such huge nature can be carried out without floating NIT. “State government should look into this matter and award work to deserving contractor. If project is not carried out to best of possible who will take responsibility in future. Also authority should take into consideration like senior citizens, public leaders and student representatives before carrying out such huge project,” Tana stated in a release.
Easter celebrated with religious fervour
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Easter Vigil was held in various Churches in Arunachal today with a rich display of symbols, rites and readings. The gloom and the darkness after Good Friday were driven away from the church and the merry mood swept across the entire city when the main celebrant Rev. Dr. John Thomas, Bishop of Itanagar diocese began the midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Itanagar, by lighting of the fire and the Easter candle in the almost darkened Church. Bishop during his homily divulged the importance of various symbols used during Easter vigil Mass. Rev. Fr. Joby Sebastian SDB concelebrated the Mass.
The candle carried with loving reverence and lyrically praised in word and song, is a sign of Christ, "the light of the world," and celebrates the victory of light over darkness that humanity has ever longed for. All those present at the vigil were invited to light their small candles from the great Easter Candle and the Church gradually became flooded with light symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ who continues to guide our lives.
Easter, is the most important feast of the Christians which is celebrated to commemorate
the most important tenet of Christianity -
Bishop John Thomas greeted the people on the occasion and wished them the ‘Fullness of Life’ that Jesus came to give to all.
Faithful celebrate Easter at Nyokum Lapang Church
Rev. Fr. Tomy, the Parish Priest conducted the Easter vigil service of Light, liturgy of the word, renewal of Baptism and the Holy Mass for the faithfull gathered on Saturday at 8.30 pm that went up to 11.30 pm here at Nyokum Lapang Church.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Nyokum Lapang Itanagar celebrated the Easter vigil in all solemnity. Rev. Fr. Tomy said what God has done in the past and doing for the people are always remembered and called everybody to look on to the new life of Easter. The candle light being the symbol of peace is always practiced by the Church and he called upon every individual to follow the same.
The celebration ended with the sharing of eggs and cakes sponsored by Bate Koyu and Roy Chirian respectively. The hearts of many were delighted at the resurrected Christ as everybody went home happily at midnight.
BJP concerned at rising corruption
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Cell today celebrated the National Panchayati Raj Diwas cum Women’s’ Political Empowerment Day here at its headquarter today.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest Tamiyo Taga, BJP legislative party leader of BJP Legislature Party (BLP) expressed concern over rampant corruption being practiced in the state and the country as a whole. He said corruption has become part of life under the successive Congress Government. No one is free from corruption and it needs be minimized for the larger interest of the development, he said. In Arunachal Pradesh, corrupt persons are being elected on several occasions and innocent and honest leaders are termed to be weak and unfit, the party said.
Highlighting the evolution of Panchayati Raj system and Women’s political empowerment in the country, the BJP stressed on more participation of grass root people in planning process through Gram Sabha in order to accelerate development process and to minimize the corruption level.
State BJP General Secretary, Tai Tagak highlighted the journey of local self governance in the country and the importance of role and functions of the PR Institutions in development process. He said PR bodies in the state have been facing numerous problems due to non devolution of power and function to PR bodies in effective way.
The party also called upon the party leaders and panchayat leaders of the party to monitor proper implementation of the MNREGS in districts and bring awareness on Rashtriya Swasthuya Bima Yojana which covers health insurance for all registered rural households under the scheme.
The women SHG leaders should also reach out to the designated banks and Block Development offices besides District Planning Offices for funds meant for SHG activities and Bank credits for group economic activities, the party said.
The Chairman, BJP Panchayati Raj Cell, Sambu Siongju highlighted the activities and role of the cell and called upon all for building strong and vibrant local self government bodies in the state.
National Council Member, Wangman Lowangcha, State Vice President Kabak Yabii, President, Mahila Morcha, Kenjum Pakkam, President, Yuva Morcha, Doni Nich, President, ST Morcha, Tadar Akap also spoke on the occasion. State BJP Padmeshwari Jamoh presided over the function.
Tom Simai
Beyond doubts, mesmerizing Arunachal Pradesh, once known as ‘the wildlife paradise’ has transformed it into ‘killing field’. The spectacular animal kingdom that once thrived with our genial ancestors are now petrified to traverse the suicidal zone manned by the diabolical descendents because at any instant, a stray bullet, a poisonous arrow or a veiled trap may eliminate their carefree existence. The trepidation is shrinking the salubrious kingdom as the animals are migrating to safer pastures where they can graze and gallop leisurely without human intervention.
In recent months, our state has pioneered a couple of significant steps to revivify the slumping graph of wildlife. For start, it has abrogated statewide killing of wildlife and secondly, barred the issuing of gun license for three years. It is a major step for the resurgence of wildlife but I presume, not an exemplary one.
In a state like ours, where we devour any wild animal and discus about its delicacy, texture and taste, just watching them on National Geography, mere broadcast of ban is not enough. It will not yield desired corollary.
Reportedly, every month, some 300 species of birds and animals are hunted down in Changlang district alone. And if we include whole of state in the calendar, the situation is pandemic. How do we deal with such catastrophic upcoming?
Preferably, the prohibition should also include reform policies for traditional hunters and poachers. Without reforming them, ban or no ban, the situation stands unchangeable.
Inclusively, a three years interdiction on new gun license is a thoughtful step but can it alone restrict the poaching activities? Is it enough to withhold the declining animal population? Considering the ground realities, it is not the new gun that is obliterating the wildlife but it’s the old guns that are creating the havoc.
From the kids flaunting the catapult to the grown up priding their sophisticated guns, everyone is responsible for the current situation.
Besides the exorbitant price it earns as regular income, the misconception of wild animal’s meat as medicine and aphrodisiac has descended its populace to alarming level. In fact, our ethnic liberty and the feeble implementation of wildlife act are also equally responsible for this wildlife genocide.
Above all, the reason of this catastrophe is due to lack of coordination between the authorities and the civil society. They impose and we breach the ban. For instance, the ban on plastic or polythene exists in almost all the precincts but yet it has matured into a menace. Look around, every corner of the districts is decorated by the banned material – the vibrant poly piles. I presume, the gun was introduced in all the rural areas to protect ourselves and our field from the marauding wildlife. It was to scare away the wild life not to smoke them. In all this the gun has been the real culprit; perhaps our state is the only state where every third house has a gun. Therefore on experimental basis, seizing the gun from the villages and towns infamous for hunting for a couple of years and statewide implementation of the wildlife act will definitely come up with some short of results. With these kind of drastic steps only the wildlife will prosper and prevail in our emerald backyards.
In solitude, I ponder, when will we grasp the verity that the spectacular sight of playful animals on a panoramic backdrop will earn us more dollars than it could as a red meat or exotic delicacy? Hope, it’s not too late by the time we decide to protect the vanishing wildlife.(The writer can be reached at simaitom@gmail.com)
Railway project in state capital
evokes mixed reaction
Taba Ajum
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: These days whenever anyone passes through Doimukh, the oldest town
situated in the periphery of capital complex they can see Railway project construction
going on in full speed. This project when completed will connect this landlocked
state with rest of India. It is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects
initiated by the central government in the state, apart from much talked about trans-
Though the railway line was proposed till Itanagar, state Govt decided to terminate it at Naharlagun.
However this railway project evokes mixed response from Arunachalee citizen. Some section of citizen supports it, while other bitterly opposes.
Those supporting says this project will lead to the beginning of new era of developmental activities. “Obviously with coming of railway, we will see more development. Delhi will be nearer to us and we will not feel isolated from rest of country,” says T Tahin, a resident of Doimukh. Further he says that goods will be available at cheaper rate in Arunachal after the completion of railway project due to less transportation charges. “Road connectivity has changed the face of state during last 10 years and am sure railway connection will usher in new era of development. In fact government of India should have brought this railway project long time ago,” continues Tahin.
But not all the citizens of the state are enthusiastic about this project. In fact large number of Arunachalees fear that coming of railway may lead to heavy migration of people from mainland India into state and thereby endangering local culture and tradition. They cite the example of Dimapur town of Nagaland while opposing this project. Dimapur was connected with railway by union government to bring the Naga people into mainstream India but instead of fulfilling its main purpose, it leads to their further drifting away. “Today in Dimapur one can see more number of mainland Indians than indigenous Naga people. Business are being dominated by outsiders and to certain level local residents are feeling alienated. Also many local tells that crime rate has jumped up after introduction of railway,” informs an resident of Itanagar who often frequents Dimapur for business purpose.
Many Arunachalees too fear that with railway influx of outsiders to state will manifold in future. “Thanks to Britishers, we have ILP system which somehow controls the large influx of outsiders. But when railway starts operation, ILP will have no relevance. That time anybody can commit crime in capital complex and get away easily using railway route,” says Tarh Eha, resident of Naharlagun. Further he added, “With heavy migration, it will lead to sudden increase in population. Naturally crime rate too will increase. Further locals will be reduced to minority in capital complex and our dying culture will have faster death than expected.”
Also majority of citizen can’t understand the logic behind pushing of railway project and slowing down of work on green field airport. “Though foundation stone for Green Field airport was laid down long time ago, but no work begins yet at ground level. Why is central government not serious about this airport project though they are hurriedly trying to complete railway line construction,” questions another resident of Itanagar. No doubt railway will bring in development but it is also sure that Arunachal will not remain same in years to come.
Keep it up
Dear Editor,
This in apropos the news item –RGU media students win laurels (April 12). I congratulate
Moji Riba, other faculty members and RGU mass communication students for bringing
laurels to Rajiv Gandhi University in particular and Arunachal Pradesh in general
in recently concluded inter-
The management and teaching skill of professors, faculty members, guest lecturers and resource persons of RGU mass communication department really deserve appreciation for this achievement. Please keep it up the same spirit.
Yours,
Dedo Ete, Itanagar
Please clarify
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the letter written by Pistana CO (on April 20) alleging All Yachuli Students’ Union of singing political song. Such allegation before media has deeply hurt the sentiment of the student community and it has lowered down the image of the union before the society.
Therefore, you urge the Pistana CO to clarify within a week time as to how the union is singing a political song and on behalf of which political party?
Yours,
Toko Nega, president
Tao Teti
GS, AYSU
Take people into confidence
Dear Editor,
We appreciate the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) for raising various
issues including hydro project, corruption, security concern in Tirap and Changlang
and border problem with China. But I think some of the issues raised by the student
union and other organizations need to be re-
In recent past, AAPSU president raised important issues of downstream villages like Lichi, Sher, Hawa Camp and Kimin affected by RHEP (NEEPCO). But the down stream affected people of North Lakhimpur in Assam, who are depending on water of Ranganadi for irrigation did not find mentioned. If the project affects the people of Arunachal, it also affects the down stream people of plain area who have been depending on Ranganadi. Moreover, before raising issue on the RHEP, we should know the technical phase of the project which was commissioned almost a decade ago. The people, for whom AAPSU is raising the issues, are unaware of the technical matter of the project. It would have been better if consent were mooted through public meeting to review all technical aspects of the project including the need of fish ladder.
However, RHEP can be impressed to introduce warning system to alert downstream people before releasing dam water in order to avoid any possible disaster.
The demand for releasing 50 per cent of water has no logic since there is no sufficient
water to feed the power house during lean season due to non-
However, it is a fact that project has adversely affected the local and the authority
must look into the socio-
I, being the project affected person, would like to suggest AAPSU president to move the issue with the approval and consent of the locals. We can expect positive outcome of the movement only with the support of the local people.
Yours,
Taba Rajen,
President,
Yachuli Mandal BJP
Any worthwhile suggestion please!
Dear Editor,
Of late, after the political expansion of the Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, there have been condemnations and arguments doing rounds by numerous institutions, organizations and learned individuals expressing dismay over its introduction in Arunachal Pradesh and its acceptance by some individuals.
I, being an Arunachalee and especially being one from Tirap, am also gravely concerned and alarmed like my fellow Arunachaleese due to these developments.
However, it is ironical to note that in spite of all these arguments and suggestions, nobody, whether it be an institution, organization, or for that, even the representatives of the people, especially those of Tirap and Changlang has been too serious enough to reason it and hint a way out of this mess.
I personally, and I suppose even my brethrens of Tirap and Changlang, would very much want to be pulled out of this abysmal cavern of conflict and contradictory situation. But have any of us tried to ponder into the situations of how the people of Tirap and Changlang have been categorized and mentioned under ‘Any Naga tribes’ under Serial No. 10 of S/T notification 1950? And Further, have any of us tried to seek opinion of the people of these two districts who bear the brunt of all these push and pull and tried to figure out what is in their mind, or what they may prefer – as the saying goes, “only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches” (‘the most’ in context of the people of these two districts). So, why not we agglutinate and try to resolve the matter instead of aggravating it. After all, what have been experienced shows that it is of no use to keep our fingers crossed and expect the (so called) representatives of these two unfortunate districts to do anything worthwhile. So it’s an earnest beseech to all my Arunachalee brethrens that a positive suggestion be made to bear a fruitful outcome.
Yours,
J K Lowang,
Itanagar
We need more self-
Dear Editor,
The on-
The Arunachal Pradesh Police deserves appreciation for such initiative, we extend our sincere thanks to DGP Robin Hibu and other members associated with this noble initiative. Hope, the police department will be conducting more such camp from time to time for the benefit of our daughters and sisters.
Yours,
Bapir Megu, Itanagar
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News Impact
Stop encroachment: AAPANWA
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Expressing resentment over the unabated encroachment of land at
Jaami Jate area, the All Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Nibu (Priest) Welfare Association
(AAPANWA) today slammed the police for not preventing the illegal encroachment in
Jaami Jate area. The Association said that the area was declared by the court as
disputed area and also issued directives to remove the illegal structures and stop
the illegal activities like earth-
Good Friday and Easter Sunday observed in CRCs
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: CRC Naharlagun, the centre church of APCRCC has joined the rest of the world in observing the Good Friday and Easter Sunday by keeping fasting programmes and two prayer services under the leadership of its Pastor Hillang Taya.
Hundreds of believers prayed for the humanity and world peace. Evangelist Jungi M.
Bhusal and APCRCWW president Assu Taba were the main speakers of the three-
Meanwhile, at CRC Doimukh APCRCC vice-
Donyi-
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: 12th Donyi-
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest ADC Yingkiong Rajesh Panyang advised the youths to preserve own religion, culture and tradition and also maintain peace and communal harmony in the area.
Altogether, 2000 Donyi-
Cultural show, Games and Sports and religion procession were organized to mark the day.
Conference of engineers
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Various issues confronting the serving engineers of the state will be discussed in the general conference of Arunachal Pradesh Engineering Service Association to be held on 30th April at Banquet hall, Itanagar. Engineers from various work departments are expected to participate in it.
NSUI team to visit state
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Taranga Gogoi, national secretary and in-
Moh-
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has conveyed heartiest festival greetings and best wishes to all the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Moh Mol.
In his festival message, Governor hopes that this festival of our Tangsa community
of Changlang district ushers-
On this festive occasion, joining our Tangsa community, I offer my prayers for bumper harvest, wealth and for longevity of the Nong Culture, Gen Singh added in his message.
Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has extended his sincere greetings to citizens particularly
the Tangsa community on the auspicious of occasion of Moh-
He prayed almighty god to bless every individual with peace, prosperity, good health and bumper harvest in the days to come. He further appealed the people of Arunachal to preserve their rich cultural heritage.
NE Games goes online
ITANAGAR: Watch NE Games 2011, events and results round the clock from April 25-
The site is developed by a team of journalists headed by Taro Chatung to facilitate online viewers of NE Games for a specified period.