April  -  11

NPF is purely communal political

outfit: AAPSU

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has strongly reacted to Naga People’s Front (NPF) statement that AAPSU’s move is vested with political interest.

AAPSU president also dismissed NPF argument that it is a regional party.

“NPF is purely communal political outfit working for the interest of Naga. We have no issue with them. But in Arunachal we do not have Naga population and that’s why we oppose them. Or else we have nothing against them and in fact we being fellow north easterner will always extend our support if they need,” said AAPSU President Takam Tatung.

In a statement Tatung said union only works for the interest of Arunachalee people and by opposing NPF entry, AAPSU is only working to save this state from outside influence.

Further he added, “It’s not fair on them to claim people of Tirap and Changlang as theirs. Just because of few similarities one cannot make such claim.

AAPSU said that state government had never neglected these two districts.

“ Creation of exclusive department of Tirap and Changlang shows how serious government is towards people of these two districts,” it added.

 AAPSU further urged NPF Arunachalee unit members to leave posts at the earliest. “Before people of Arunachal declare them as traitor, its better they should leave their respective post. They are also Arunachalee tribals and they should not commit such mistake. Future generation Arunachalee will not forgive them for this gross mistake,” Tatung added.

AAPSU also took exception to NPF directly attacking AAPSU President Takam Tatung in regards to entry into Arunachal and urged them to refrain from making personal attack against any of their executive members.

 

PPA celebrates foundation day, assuresto lead the party to a new heights

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Peoples' Party of Arunachal celebrated its 34th Foundation Day at Nirjuli today.

The party president Kameng Ringu, in his key note address highlighted the party policy, programme and informed the house that the Election Commission of India has recognized the PPA as a State party with maize as its reserved symbol.

He informed that party shall be reorganized soon.

Party legislators Kumsi Sidisow, Takam Tagar, Er. Markio Tado and leader of party at legislative assembly Phurpa Tsering attend the meeting.

The legislators assured to lead the party to new height.

Sidisow thanked the Election Commission for allotting maize as the party symbol.

Tagar, Tsering and Tado extensively dealt on the advantages of the regional party and regional ideology and informed that PPA will work for the interest of the state.

They also appealled  to the party workers to work dedicatedly and transform the PPA into strong regional political party in the State.

To mark the occasion, traditional cultural programme was performed by cultural troops from different communities.

 

NE Games athletes go through

Art of Living training

ITANAGAR, Apr  10: To boost the competitive advantage of the state in the upcoming 25th North East Games, Sports & Youth Affairs Director D K Dinglow invited the Art of Living to conduct a special mental conditioning camp for the athletes currently undergoing training at Sangey Lhaden Sport Academy. Ninety three athletes who will be competing various disciplines attended the six-day training held from April 5. Seven officials and coaches also took part in the training. A team of senior faculty members of the Art of Living comprising M Rajaque Rahman, Ganga Jerang and Debashree Dam conducted the training.

Elaborating on the training, Dinglow said, “In competitive sports, it’s often mind over matter. If their mind is relaxed and they are mentally strong, our athletes will be able perform better.” Hoping that the players, who are currently undergoing an intensive training and coaching at the Academy, will immensely benefit from the mental training, he said, “Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques can significantly enhance one’s mental alertness, which is vital for an athlete.  They will also help our players to relax and handle pressure with ease.”

“It’s helping,” said Abo Lukham, who will be competing in Wushu. “The techniques taught in the training have helped me improve my concentration, alertness and self confidence. They also trained us on how to adapt to competitive situations quickly and that’s very vital for us,” he added.

“I get very nervous before a fight. But in the last few days, my nervousness is totally gone thanks to the training,” said Talin Taba, who will be representing the state in boxing.  “I have learnt how to gain control over myself and how to settle the mind. This will help me a lot,” he added.

“The techniques  they taught us to get rid of nervousness are very effective. They have boosted my confidence. My concentration has also improved a lot in the last few days,” said Anjali Sagro, a judo player and student of Sangey Lhaden Sport Academy.

“This training was very helpful. I have lost many crucial fights because of my short temper. Now I have learnt how to control my anger. I have become mentally stronger. They also taught us how to give our 100%. This will help me win many fights,” exuded Nobin Jamoh, a Karate player.

“I have learnt how to increase my concentration and energy level using my breath. Also the adaptability techniques taught in the training will help us to overcome pressure and focus on the game,” said Genung Tekseng, who will be shooting for a medal in the archery event.

“We focused on equipping the athletes with skills to handle their mind, emotions, pressure and stressful situations. Through yoga, meditation, breathing techniques and other relaxation processes, they were trained to achieve higher concentration, focus, energy and self-confidence,”  explained M Rajaque.

“We equipped them with skill to face challenges in calm and composed manner and adapt to demanding situations quickly. We also taught them some effective techniques to overcome nervousness, pressure and expectations,” he added.

Karate coach Nanu Shangha, who was the in-charge of mental training programme, expressed his happiness that the athletes learnt so many useful techniques that will give definite competitive advantage.

“The training was very good. We are sure this training will help them put up improved performances at the Games. They learnt vitals things like how to control anger and  nervousness and how to improve energy and focus,” he said.

 

Itanagar STS achieves revenue target

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: For the first time since its inception, Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services, Itanagar has achieved more than the revenue target fixed  by the Govt for the year 1010-11. The STS Itanagar station earned revenue of 3,29,99,070  against the fixed target of Rs 3, 26, 22, 968. This was informed by the Station Superintendent, Itanagar STS Gyamar Tadap in a release today.

The revenue earning could have been more if there has been no frequent bandh in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Tadap further informed. Moreover, suspension of bus services due to road blockade, technical defect of old vehicles and poor seat and body conditions  of long distance buses are some of the hindrance in way of achieving more revenue by the Itanagar station, he observed.

Meanwhile, Tadap lauded all STS employees including drivers, conductors and mechanics for their hard work and devotional service. The achievement has proved the notion wrong that departmental staff, especially operational staff are not  sincere and irresponsible in their duties, he said. In fact, the cooperation and devotion of staff in achieving the revenue target has made the operation of buses more easier for the management and set a trend for creating more public confidence, he added. Tadap expressed hoped that the staff shall continue same spirit  to generate more revenue  and  provide better services  to the passengers.

Meanwhile,   Namsai and Tezu State Transport Service stations in Lohit district also achieved the revenue target fixed for the financial year 2010-11. Namsai station achieved 121.05 per cent of revenue target by earning Rs 1,20,39, 792 against the target  fixed at Rs 99, 45, 875, while Tezu station earned Rs 43, 09,633 against the revenue target of Rs 40, 29, 931 (107 per cent).

This is the 2nd consecutive year that Namsai  STS  achieved revenue more than the fixed target. Last year, the station also exceeded the target of Rs 99,09,913 by earning Rs 1,08,90,926.

 

Name a road after Lummer Dai,

APLS to Govt  

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The general body meeting of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) at State J N Museum here today unanimously urged Sahitya Akademi awardee YD Thongchi to continue to head the organization to give it the much desired thrust to expand the horizon of literary activities beyond the state.

However, the meeting elected a 22-member new executive body headed by Thongchi as president, Tage Tada and Jotom Borang as vice presidents and Tokong Pertin as general secretary. Padmashree Mamang Dai and Tony Koyu have been named advisors.

It was unanimously decided that December 2 will be celebrated as APLS Foundation Day every year in a befitting manner.

Recognizing the invaluable contributions of Lummer Dai in the field of literature, the members urged the state government to name a road after him as a befitting tribute to the ‘Luminous Lummer’.

The meeting also accepted the suggestion for inviting articles from budding writers on Arunachal Pradesh. The articles will be sent by the APLS to the local dailies for publication with APLS credit as a step to encourage young writers. The best article/s of the year will be awarded during the foundation day.

As the organization has been expanding and Sahitya Akademi president Sunil Gangopadhyaya in his recent visit to attend the multilingual poets’ meet here on March 29 last assured to ensure representation of the state in the Akademi’s national level programmes, the members decided to go for a membership drive, particularly among those interested in the field to help them avail opportunities likely to come along the way.

Thongchi and Dai assured to put their collective weight to ensure Arunachal’s representation in various national and regional literary programmes.

Meanwhile, the monthly literary sitting of the APLS will continue to be held in the museum premises every second Sunday.

 

Arunachal Panorama portrays

the spirit of camaraderie

ITANAGAR, Apr 10:  The three-days Arunachal Panorama, being celebrated at the Rajiv Gandhi University, came down to its final leg today. The festival brought each of the communities together and was joined by the students and faculty members. This afternoon saw the colorful cultural presentations of various tribes. The Galos showcased their traditional marriage system, while Tagins showed how their festival Si Donyi is celebrated. Apart from these, there were various cultural, ritual presentations which mesmerized the audience. The most important objective of this presentation was to convey a simple and meaningful idea how the various rituals are practiced by the various communities of Arunachal Pradesh.    

The food court of the Panorama was one of the major attractions. Each tribe had their own stall where they served their traditional food items and local beverage. There were stalls of Adi, Nocte, Apatani, Nyishi, Monpa, Memba, Sherdukpen, Mishmi, Khampti, Aka, Tagin, Tangsa and of Idus. Most of the stalls were run by the students of RGU.  The Festival also witnessed some stalls being set up by the staffs of RGU and of nearby villagers. Some of the stalls also showcased their traditional cloths, utensils, weapons and armour. The most popular food items were the roasted chicken and pork meat and also the local wines of the different tribes. “Zumin” a local wine of Nocte tribe was proved to be crowd puller.

The evening’s program kicked off with the most awaited event of Panorama- the Apparel Show - a fashion show with a difference. The models adorned with traditional dresses of their respective communities also  explained in detailed about various ornaments worn by them. With the fashion show raising the excitement of the event among the crowd, it raised the bar for the famous Lion dance of the Monpa tribe.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tamo Mibang said emphasized on preservation of own culture  in the form of traditional dance and songs.

Commenting on the festival, Kaming Modi, a student of Political Science said “The program is indeed doing very well and the traditional attire show is the most fascinating”.  Nane Sange Chombay Naksang, one of the participants of the fashion show said, “I enjoyed being part of the fashion show as I got a chance to represent my tribe and also it increased my knowledge of other tribes’ traditional costumes”. Echoing this sentiment, Supha Wati Manak, a student of English said that she felt very proud to represent her tribe.

The program ended with the screening of Arunachal’s first ever feature film “Meri Maa Mera Dharam”. The audiences were overwhelmed by the film and received it very well. The program ended on a high note of camaraderie, bringing the festival of diversity to level higher than before.  (Contributed by Raju Toko, Monalisa Patsani, Tapi Tasang, Taba Champa, all students of PGDMC, RGU)

 

ESDP on Steel Fabrication

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Itanagar branch office inaugurated an Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme on Steel Fabrication in Naharlagun, yesterday.  The programme is sponsored by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Ratna Bhuyan, Assistant Faculty Member, Branch Office Itanagar welcoming the participants brought to the fore the nature of ESDPs being conducted across Arunachal Pradesh. She also threw light on the different aspects of an ESDP.

She said that the present ESDP on Steel Fabrication is a 300 hrs programme which would be conducted for 60 days covering classes in entrepreneurship development, and skill development in steel fabrication.

The inauguration function was attended by Gyamar Tabin, Assistant Director, Industries.

Speaking on the occasion, the officer appreciating the implementation of the ESDPs for the unemployed youth of the society urged upon the participants to be sincere in their effort to learn the skill of steel fabrication through the current ESDP. He said that steel fabrication units in and around Itanagar-Naharlagun towns have been doing well and that new units can readily come up given the huge market demand in the sector.

 

Election Time: Assam Votes

Nava Thakuria

The mood is upbeat in Assam as the State has already completed the first phase of election and going for second phase on Monday for formation of its next Legislative Assembly at Dispur. The polling in the first phase was peaceful, though it was apprehended to be violent as militants threatened the ruling Congress party. Moreover the outcome was also satisfactory scoring over 70% polling.

The first phase polls on April 4 covered 62 Assembly constituencies (out of 126), where electorate (85,09,010 out of 3 crore populace in the State) had the opportunity to exercise their franchises. The constituencies under eastern and northern Assam, Barak valley, NC Hills & Karbi Anglong districts are understandably the Congress stronghold, but this time the ground information indicates the party would lose vote shares.

Fate of  485 candidates including the State chief minister Tarun Gogoi is already locked in the electronic voting machines. The opposition parties primarily Asom Gana Parishad demanded to avoid the EVMs, but the election commission stick to their decision to use EVMs for polls.

Besides  Tarun Gogoi, the political fate of State ministers and Congress leaders like Pradyut Bordoloi, Prithbi Majhi, Bharat Chandra Narah, Nurjamal Sarkar, Ajanta Neog and Gautam Roy with AGP leaders Brindabon Goswami, Hitendranath Goswami,  Padma Hazarika, Utpal Dutta and Pradip Hazarika, BJP leaders Ranjit Dutta and Prasanta Phukan  with CPI leader Drupad Borgohain are also being sealed.

The banned United Liberation Front of Asom remained a threat to the authority during the polls as the hardliners led by its military chief Paresh Barua issued threats against the Congress party candidates. Of course, the other faction led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, which has initiated for peace talks with the union government in New Delhi, remained neutral in the polls and the leaders did not cast their votes.

The deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla told the media in New Delhi that polling in Assam was very peaceful. The authority tightened the security with additional forces deployment of over 45,000 security personnel with heavy weapons to keep vigil on nearly 11,000 polling booths. The second and last phase of polls covering mostly lower Assam with prestigious Kamrup district is scheduled for April 11 and the result is due in middle of next month.

The Congress is playing the peace initiative card in Assam election, as the party succeeded in involving Arabinda Rajkhowa led ULFA faction in discussion. Assam chief minister Gogoi is seeking the mandate for the third time for Congress party in Assam. Weighing his expectation, the Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi, prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh with Rahul Gandhi and other high profile Congress leaders visited Assam for election campaigning.

For the opposition parties including AGP, BJP and AIUDF in Assam, corruption against the development initiatives was the primary issue to attack the Congress led government at Dispur. The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government in New Delhi is also facing relentless attacks from the opposition parties mostly for severe irregularities related to Commonwealth Games, 2G spectrum, Adarsh Society scam. Moreover, the high inflation that encourages price rises of all necessary commodities in the last few months emerges another major worry for the government.

In fact, after the general election in 2009, where Indian National Congress with their allies emerged victorious, the ongoing  polls (Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puduchery)  would be a litmus test for the oldest political party of the country.  At least in two places (Assam and Puducherry), the Congress is fighting for regaining power, where as the party is expected to increase its tally in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Around 15 crore electorates are expected to vote for their preferable candidates in these elections, the counting of which will take place on  May 13.

The BJP is also trying its opportunities in Assam, where the party has started attracting the attention of common people in the last few years. The party leaders including L.K. Adwani, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, Susma Swaraj, Smriti Irani etc addressed the election rallies.

In a mammoth rally BJP’s former president Rajnath Singh even claimed that if their candidates won 40 seats in the Assembly election, they would form the government in Assam replacing the Congress.

Though not much in good shape, the united AGP has also tried its best to woo the voters against the Congress government. Both Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, former State chief minister and Chandra Mohan Patowary, the party chief, have toiled to regenerate the support base of the regional party. They are optimistic this time that the incumbent Congress will be shown doors by the voters and particularly it would make a better show in the second phase polling.

(The author is a Guwahati based independent journalist)

• NPF is purely communal political outfit: AAPSU
• PPA celebrates foundation day, assuresto lead the party to a new heights
• NE Games athletes go through Art of Living training
• Itanagar STS achieves revenue target
• Name a road after Lummer Dai, APLS to Govt
• Arunachal Panorama portrays the spirit of camaraderie
• ESDP on Steel Fabrication
• Election Time: Assam Votes

News Impact

Annual prayer

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The believers of Pentecostal Christian Fellowship Church (PCFC), Nirjuli will  organize a 14 days annual prayer at PCFC, Nirjuli from April 11 to 24 next.   The main speaker will be Evan. Fenny Stephen Sammuel, Kerala.

 

ASSU demands action

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Sagalee Students Union (ASSU) has urged the authority to arrest the persons who set ablaze the house of one Nabam Taku at Rupung village under Papum Pare district on April 8 last.

This is the second time that the house of Taku was set on fire by miscreants, the union claimed. It appealed the authorities to arrest the persons involved within a week and take stern action against them to avoid economic blockade in the area.

Meanwhile, the Union appealed to the deputy commissioners of both Papum Pare and East Kameng districts to settle the boundary dispute between the two districts.

 

Urdu Shayari book released

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Rajya Sabha MP of Sikkim O P Lepcha released a Urdu Shayari book, titled ‘Sukun-E-Dil’   during Mopin celebration at Basar  in presence of MP Takam Sanjoy and  other dignitaries on April 5 last. The book is authored by Annu Basar. The meaning of Shayari  is explained both in Hindi and Galo dialects.

The book will encourage the people of Arunachal Pradesh  in particular and North  East in general to learn more about Urdu literature, said Lepcha. The book is available in book stores of the state capital and district headquarters.

 

Forum reiterates

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Chambang Area Youth Forum has reiterated its demands for  action against the  tourism department and seizure of  trading license of Ziro based Ascant India Company  in regard to alleged misuse of Rs 15 lakh  fund meant for Penjik Chollo Festival here.

 

Pongtu greetings

ITANAGAR: Aruna-chal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has extended festival greetings and best wishes to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of ‘Pongtu,’ and expressed his hope that the festival will promote peace, happiness and prosperity for all and also invoke the blessings of Almighty for a bumper harvest and security of the crops against natural calamities.

“Joining all my Tutsa brethren, I offer my prayers to Supreme God Rangkathok for his choicest blessings”, Gen Singh added in his festival message.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has also extended warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Pongtu festival of Tutsa community of Tirap and Changlang. In his festival message Khandu hoped for peace, good health, prosperity and bumper harvest in the years to come. He believed that the festivals are mirror of the society which replicates the vibrant and unique traditional culture of a particular community. He further batted for preservation of the age-old tradition and culture.

 

Alien Gods  to launch Lunar Blackened Death

ITANAGAR: The famous Arunachalee Heavy Metal Rock Band Alien Gods would launch its debut Album  ‘Lunar Blackened Death’ here at Mopin Ground, Itanagar on Monday evening.

The album has already been released at Guwahati on April 9. There will be performances by Rock bands like Church Ov Blood, Tormentor and other rock bands. Lead vocalist, Olik said that the album is to preserve the songs and it is especially  a gift for the fans who were unable to attend our concert.

As part of the launch, the band which is six years old will organize competitions which include head banging, guitar meltdown, and guitar solo.

 

Appointment

ITANAGAR, Apr 10:  Bamang Chai has been elected as the new president of the Unemployed Arunachalee Engineers’ Association (UAEA) in a bye-election held here on April 8 last.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

An open letter to Chief Minister

 

Dear Editor,

I've never been much of a fan of open letters. After all, why make public something meant for one person. However, I don't have your email ID or Mobile number. Regular mail will never get past your sycophants and reach you. Hence, this seems to be the best option. Also, I don't speak only for myself. It's something a lot of young Arunachalees currently feel. However, we don't know the right way to express this and get it addressed.

The issue is quite simple: our beautiful state, Arunachal Pradesh - popularly known as " The Land of Rising Sun" must get rid of corruption at the earliest. Whatever the solution, you will have a pivotal role in implementing it.

I don't think you would have a personal interest in being corrupt. I hope, money would hold or play a little significance for you at this stage of life. Neither do you come across as someone who aspires to a Lavish Life - Style. Yes, we do understands, the compulsions of running a political party require vast amounts of funds. This brings in cronies and moral compulsions, which have become part of any politicians’ life.

Our, Arunachal Pradesh, today, is well known as a land of scam after scam. Once, we were known for our integrity, simplicity and peace - loving nature throughout the North-East in particular and in the entire country as a whole. But, today, sad to know, we are only known for all the wrong reasons. I think, if I'm not wrong, we as a state, need to have introspection and retrospection to bring back our days of glory.

As you know, corruption prevents the benefits of globalization from reaching the common man. This is absolutely true. In fact, it not only cuts existing benefits, it cuts out future opportunities for the younger generations. I feel, corruption is worse than terrorism. Terrorists blow up existing infrastructures such as roads, platforms, airports and power plants etc. Corruption prevents such infrastructures from being built, which means innocent lives that could be saved are not.

Corruption is a vulnerable disease. But that sounds a little defeatist. A disease is something inflicted upon us by nature. Corruption isn't caused by little bugs falling from the sky above. Corruption comes from unchecked power. For instance, take the example of electric power, a wonderful invention that brings light and comfort to our homes and offices. But, before this power reaches us, it is kept under control at various sub - stations to limit the voltage and current. If electric power is unchecked, it can burn our homes and offices.

Sir, if u want to fix this 'disease' - and you can do it certainly in our home state. As a layman or as a student, I would suggests you to set up an Independent Council against the so-called corruption. It should not be under the control of any politicians and should have the power to prosecute politicians ( almost all " First World" countries have this). Without these changes, no matter how many wonderful and heart touching speeches are made, the so-called disease will remain uncured.

Finally, as a state we have enormous expertise in covering our backs and not rocking the boat. Right from school days, we Arunachalees are taught to shut up and not question anything. Thus, even though some of the above things are obvious, nobody important will sit up and say, 'we need to change things'.

It isn't easy to change things but it needs to be done. And you, respected sir, of all people, have the best chance of taking this archaic bull by the horns and showing it the right and proper direction.

The million dollar question of young Arunachalees are asking is: are you up for it?

May God save our state.

Yours,

Dejir Zirdo (on email)

Delhi University

 

 

An act is no solution

Dear Editor

It is great to know that Govt. has agreed to include 5 civilian members in drafting committee of Lokpal bill. But the real challenge will be not in its becoming an Act but in its real implementation.

Just an Act can never end corruption in India; we have to reform ourselves first.

Yours,

L.Ete Aalo, (on email)

 

 

For the good of GB institutions

Dear Editor,

Chief minister's assurance to revisit the social institutions administered by gaon buras/buris(GBs) is although late but nevertheless a good start because at grass-root level law and order is kept under control by these GBs in absence of police and most of the time administration. Firstly, political leaders have to end their patronage in appointing GBs. Secondly, monthly honorarium of GBs should be raised as it is meagre. Thirdly, the Assam Frontier(Administration of Justice) Regulation 1945 needs urgent amendments.

Lastly, incentive must be given to Ex-Officio Assistant Commissioners for their extra work for looking after these social justice delivery institutions.

Yours,

Renaissance Man,

(on email)

 

 

Nguri and MMS case

Dear Editor,

The letter issued by the All Nguri Welfare Society (on April 7) was unfortunate, baseless and misleading. Here we would like to reveal some facts regarding MMS scandal at Daporijo.

Keli Nguri visited the victim’s residence twice and third time they picked up the boy from near the APST bus station Daporijo at 2.30 pm and took him to Boham Bo's residence and forced him to give statement that he  was not tortured in the custody. Then the victim was taken to SP Daparijo stating that they were guardians and requested for the withdrawal of the case. Facts reveal that Nguri is also involved in this case.

Further we request the authority not to transfer the SP Daporijo till the case is solved.  

Yours,

Sijum Rilo

President, Karga Ao Students Union

 

 

Let us lift the veil

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to let all the politicians of the state and more particularly, the so called leaders of Tirap and Changlang know that we are very ashamed of you all.

It is really surprising to see that none of the representatives of the people have so far come out in support of the AAPSU or the other civil societies, or at least made any attempt on their own with regards to the opening of the Arunachal Unit of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF). As in the words of Anna Hazare, who has recently led a crusade against Corruption, "the politicians are the slaves and the public is the leader". So, isn't it the duty of the slaves to protect the interests of their masters?

This time over the statement of the NPF is more bold than ever, where it has clearly shown undue interest in the districts of Tirap and Changlang. Who are they to interfere into the internal affairs of the state of Arunachal Pradesh? Why are they so especially concerned only about Tirap and Changlang? The obvious reason is there for all to see. There are millions of people world over, who have witnessed suppression and discrimination, why not care about them? And what about all those innocent people who are being suppressed at their own home state by their own people or groups?  

The NPF has taken us for granted and feels that we, the Arunachalees are dumb and stupid enough to believe in whatever statement they come out with. We are not Suppandi or Moose- DUH? Are we supposed to take that?

My words of wisdom for the office bearers of NPF, "we don't believe our own politicians, how come do you expect us to believe somebody from outside, whose motives are yet to scrutinized". We do surely respect your rights, but not at the cost of our state.

I ask, would you really welcome a party from Arunachal to set up a base at Nagaland? On second thoughts, may be you would, because we are not claiming any Naga group to be Arunachalee and moreover there are elements that would never let us function there.

History is witness to all those glorious wars in the ancient, contemporary and the modern times, which resulted only because of the imperialism or for the territorial expansion of a regime or country.

There has been scores of incidents from where, we- the people of Arunachal and our respected politicians should learn. The Chakma Hajong issue, the recent uprising of the non-tribal for the grant of PRC to them- these should at least be an eye opener for us.

If the next time some outsider comes seeking for any of the privileges, we would not be in a position to negotiate, because this time, the outsiders are armed with all sorts of weapons and they have already subjugated our fellow brethren in Tirap and Changlang, these outsiders are the dreaded NSCN. The strong words of the NPF, wherein they are claiming the residents of the Tirap and Changlang to be Nagas does bring to the fore the serious concern about the nexus between the NPF and the extremist factions. The NPF- Arunachal Unit is nothing more than a tool towards the long time dream of the Greater Nagalim, which clearly marks part of Manipur and Tirap and Changlang into their territory.

Further, I do question the very timing of the Naga Student Federation (NSF) in inviting the president of AAPSU at their general conference. So far, APPSU has come forward to question the formation of the Arunachal Unit of the NPF. This move by the NSF is purely a politically motivated and calculated move to appease the AAPSU leadership, which has so far been the voice to raise the concern of the people of the Arunachal. Further the statement of the NSF, as to its jurisdiction irrespective of artificial territorial boundaries seriously raises question about the veiled and desperate attempt of the NPF.

Does that imply that the NSF also considers Arunachal as a part of its territory, where it can exercise its jurisdiction?

The AAPSU leadership has so far been vocal about the whole episode and we expect that they continue to do so without succumbing to the appeasement policy of the NPF and NSF. This is a time, when there is a desperate need for a greater role of the AAPSU in play, as the political parties and all our politicians are keeping mum over the whole issue and are reluctant to come forward in support of their public and the voters.

Leaders are not born, they are made and this is the ripe time for the AAPSU leaders to bring home the point that we don't want division of our state at any cost. Let us lift the veil and see what is the real motive of the NPF and the NSF.

Yours,

Duge Soki

Naharlagun,

 (on email)

 

 

We are whistleblower

Dear Editor,

The Save Arunachal Forum (SAF) will keep doing the job of a whistleblower in bringing to the knowledge of public about every instance of mis-governance and misappropriation of fund at Govt level.

Now it is the moral duty of every right thinking Arunachalee to come out with the realistic attitude to deal with such scandalous situation. It would definitely be unfair to keep asking the Forum – what next ?

As the saying goes, ask not what the country can do for you, ask what can you do for the country,  let us remember that if we are not the part of the  solution to the problems, then we are very much part of the problem.

Yours,

Kaling Jerang

President, SAF

 

 

 

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----Editor