April 11

News Impact

• Arunachal gets its longest bridge
• LCF's mission health care
• Wushu team wins 13 medals
• IFCSAP, APCLO seek state Govt. Intervention
• YNMA attacks Govt on law and order, demands logistic support to police
• Redress your banking grievances through Banking Ombudsman
• Taloh inaugurates school & medical sub-center
• Mythology of  Longte   festival

Arunachal gets its longest bridge

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The 720-mt-long Digaru bridge linking Lohit and Dibang Valley districts was inaugurated by Minister of State for Defence and Chairman, Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) Dr. M M Pallam Raju at a function at Lohit district yesterday.

The Digaru bridge, the longest bridge constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) ever, was undertaken by Project Udayak. With opening of the bridge, a long pending demand of the local population as well as the Army authorities has been fulfilled.

The Union Minister experienced the hardships faced by the local population as well as Army personnel due to absence of bridges in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh during his more than five hours grueling road journey to reach Lohit after the helicopter in which he was travelling could not proceed further due to inclement weather.

During his road journey, Dr. Pallam Raju inspected each and every under construction roads and bridges on National Highways NH-13 and NH-15.

After the inauguration, he inspected the portion of trans-Arunachal Highway being constructed by BRO and visited Paya Production Centre where all the pavement works material are being produced. The Minister complemented BRO for the excellent work despite severe constraints. Monday’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Lt Gen S. Ravi Shankar, Director General Border Roads (DGBR), Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, GOC, 3 Corps and other civil and military officers and officials.

DGBR Dalbir Singh gave a detailed account of all road and bridge infrastructure being developed in Arunachal Pradesh, according to Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing).

 

 

LCF's mission health care

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Till recently, whenever a place like Vijoynagar in Changlang district pops up in local media, the news used to be that of despair and all sorts of negativity.

Vijoynagar circle, locally known as Moloshidi Valley is still an air-fed area. Being a remote area, the people  are facing many hardships in their everyday life. Health care problem has been one of the major issues causing loss of many precious lives every year, according to an official release.

Keeping this in mind, Life Care Foundation (LCF) led by Philip Ngwazah has been providing free medical care to the people through Medical Supply Journey programmes and by organizing medical camps in many villages since 2008 where medical facility is a distant dream till today. The Foundation also is also trying to provide free educational support to the unfortunate children of the valley by having a Life Care Home in Miao town since last year without any support or sponsorship. This year, LCF was able to make medical supply journey to 8 villages and organize free medical camps in 5 different places starting from February 18 till March 7.

Medical supply journey and medical camps could be possible and materialized with kind financial assistance from a church through Asia Christian Services, Kamlung Mosang, Minister, Food & Civil Supply, Geology & Mining and Art & Culture; S. Agarwal, Coal fields- Kharsang and Shomlung Mosang, public leader of Miao.

Further, the medical programmes could not have been possible without the support and contributions of Chemkha Wangpan, Health Assistant, Karuna Trust (Arunachal) posted in Khimiyang PHC, Dr. T. Khimhun, MO Vijoynagar PHC, Dr. K. Nishing, DHS, Dr. P. Dutta, I/C DMO Changlang; Dr. M. Khimhun, District Tuberculosis Officer, Changlang; Anup Sarmah, Coordinatior- Karuna Trust (Arunachal), Itanagar; District administration, Changlang and Miao Sub-Division and R. K. Rai, CO Vijoynagar.

 

 

Wushu team wins 13 medals

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Arunachal Pradesh Wushu team won seven silver and six bronze medals in the 11th Sub-Junior and 20th Senior National Wushu Championship which was held at Jammu from March 27 to 31.

The medal winners are (sub-junior (Optional Taolu), Monalisa (Sil. in Guanshu), Swrangsiri (Sil. in Gunshu), Smita (Br. in Daoshu), Sanma (Sil. in Taiji Jian), Kumshi (Sil in Nangun), P Gujral, 20 kg (Sil in physical fight), Rato Doye, 44kg (Br. in physical fight), Likha Taz, 52 kg (Sil in physical fight).

Senior group (optional Taolu): Chinglembi Chanu (Br. in Taiji Jian), Thaja Chanu, 65kg (Sil in Girls fight), Abo Lukham, 52 kg (Br. in Men’s fight), Premchandra Singh, 56 kg (Br. in Men’s fight), Manu Gora, 60 kg (Br. in Men’s fight).

The team was led by master Premkumar Singh  who was also the head judge of the championship.

All Arunachal Pradesh Wushu Association president Toko Teki has highly appreciated the performance of the state team.

 

 

IFCSAP, APCLO seek state Govt. intervention

Likabali incident

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: A team of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) visited Malini Mela ground at Likabali, where Assam officials had carried out an eviction drive and demolished the pandal  and other structures built to celebrate Malini Mela.

After taking stock of the situation, IFCSAP vehemently condemned the act and urged the state government to tell its Assam counterpart to immediately stop such unlawful activities within Arunachal territory.

“Since Arunachal Pradesh is protected area, any outsider cannot damage any public or private property which is within the political boundary of Arunachal Pradesh,” IFCSAP said in a release.

It reiterated that Malithan area was part and parcel of Arunachal Pradesh.

“There is historical evidence that the original boundary of NEFA is at Akajan Tinali. But Assam government has pushed it back upto Likabali,” the release said and criticized the Arunachal Pradesh government for being a mute spectator to such serious issue.

Demanding a permanent solution to Assam-Arunachal boundary disputes, IFCSAP impressed upon the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to initiate dialogue with Assam government with an assertive stance. Further, the land Act of Arunachal Pradesh should be implemented immediately with a provision of easy procedures for issuing LPC, especially at boundary areas, the release added.

The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Liberties Organization (APCLO) vehemently condemned the destruction of public properties inside Arunachal territory at Malini Mela, Likabali by Assam authorities on April 6.

Repeated destruction of properties and harassment to the Arunachalee people that too inside the Arunachal territory by the Assam officials has posed a serious threat to the time-tested age-old relations between the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the organization said.

Blaming the Centre for its lackadaisical attitude towards solution to the Assam-Arunachal boundary row, the organization further said “the divide and rule policy of the Union government has encouraged the Assam Govt to act as big brother.”  The ruling party in both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh left the boundary issue unresolved to score political mileage at the cost of peace and tranquility of the people of both the neighbouring states, it alleged.

Giving a details of boundary problems right from the  formation of Gopinath Bordolai Committee on boundary, the organization said that unilateral decision to capture 4051.10 sq km Arunachal territory and land  by Assam authorities resulted in boundary disputes and skirmishes along the Assam-Arunachal boundary.  Ground level study on nature of land holding system and implication of forest laws in boundary area is a must before initiating any major steps towards solution to the vexed inter-state boundary problem, the organization opined.

Lambasting the Assam Govt for violating the Supreme Court order to maintain status quo along inter-state boundary, the organization said Assam authorities made it a habit to demolish dwelling houses of Arunachalee people with complete violation of status-quo. Eviction drive carried out by Assam officials and torture meted out to Arunachalee citizens inside Arunachal territory is not only unethical and illegal but also a blatant violation of Human Rights, the Organization said.

APCLO urged upon the Arunachal Govt to register a criminal case against the Assam officials who were involved in illegal eviction drive and to demand compensation from Assam for damages caused to the public properties. It further said the state Govt should request the Supreme Court to file a contempt of court petition against Assam Govt for willful violation of status quo so that the Assam officials could not dare to repeat such undesirable incidents in near future.

 

 

YNMA attacks Govt on law and order, demands logistic support to police

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Youth Network Movement of Arunachal (YNMA) has vehemently criticized the state Govt for prevailing deteriorating law order situation in the state capital.

Launching a scathing attack on State Govt, the YNMA said it is state Govt not police, which is responsible for pathetic law and order in state Capital. The state government has neither deployed adequate number of security personnel nor provided logistic support to police department like adequate number of vehicles, ambulance and fuel to run the vehicles. Moreover, police personnel have not been properly trained to execute task. Where is the government’s internal security policy? It questioned.

“It is very difficult for sizeable number of police personnel with limited number of vehicles to check and control crime at state capital when it occures at more than one place at the same time, especially during night hours,” the YNMA said.

Pointing out the recent attack on a law student Haku Tatak, who is also one of the coordinators of YNMA by unknown miscreants, YNMA said the police personnel did not rush to the spot though they were informed of the incident by a good Samaritan. Even the police was unable to provide an ambulance to take the injured Tatak to nearby hospital. Who is to blame for this messy situation, questioned YNMA.

It  appealed to the state Govt and Parliamentary secretary, Home, to create one more police station in state capital, increase the number of police personnel and provide adequate number of vehicles including ambulance so that police personnel are able to check and control crime effectively and efficiently .

YNMA further called on the state Govt to deploy police personnel at all the sensitive areas in state capital during night hours to control ‘monkey business’ of drunken youths. YNMA coordinators also appealed to the general public to discourage criminal activities in order to create a congenial atmosphere in Arunachal Pradesh. ‘Might is not a means to sort out any problem,’ it added.

Expedite the probe into brutal attack: Orgs

Adi Students Union Itanagar (AdiSUI) has called on SP capital to fast-track the investigation into brutal attack on law student Haku Tatak by unidentified person on the April 6 night.

While condemning the incident the union expressed serious concern over deteriorating law and order in the state particularly in the Capital Complex. They also urged government to provide medical assistance to the victim.

The 13th Itanagar Assembly Constituency Youth Congress Committee has also expressed sadness over inhumane attack on Haku Tatak. While appealing the  authorities concerned to expedite the investigation , the Youth Congress said if the culprit(s) are not arrested at the earliest, it might encourage criminal activities  further putting the life of other people at risk.

 

 

Redress your banking grievances through Banking Ombudsman

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: A banking awareness programme was conducted by officials from office of Banking Ombudsman for north eastern states, Reserve Bank of India, Guwahati in collaboration with Orchid Foundation Guwahati and Society for Indigenous Development, Pasighat at Science Centre, I G Park here today.

During the campaign, awareness on ‘Banking Ombudsman Scheme, Grievance Redressal Mechanism for Bank Customers, Detection of Fake Currency Notes, Fraudulent Non-Banking Companies and Fraudulent SMS and E-mails including ATM were highlighted by the resource persons.

Addressing the gathering, Banking Ombudsman for North Eastern State BB Sangma briefed about the role of office of Banking Ombudsman in resolving the grievances relating to deficiency of customer service of banks.

He informed that Banking Ombudsman Scheme (BOS) was introduced by Reserve Bank of India in 1995. The BOS enables an expeditious and inexpensive forum to bank customers for resolution of their complaints relating to certain services including credit cards, ATM and Internet banking service rendered by banks.

“If you do not receive any reply within a period of one month after filing a complaint against a particular bank or you are not satisfied with the reply given by the bank you may approach office of ombudsman for redressal of your grievances,” he said.

However, he advised that a complainant should first try to find out satisfactory result directly with the bank concerned. He informed that mobile banking system/ cashless transactions would be adopted in north eastern states soon.

Reserve Bank of India, Guwahati Deputy General Manager A K Kureel through powerPoint presentation highlighted on various tactics applied by fraudster to lure the bank customers.

He advised the public not to fall into the trap laid by unscrupulous persons offering rewards of fictitious lottery schemes and not to be lured by schemes of various non banking financial companies offering very high returns on their investments.

Further highlighting about misuse of magic pen by unscrupulous persons, he advised the public to use own pen while filling up Cheques for safety and security.

Anyone can directly lodge their bank related complaint at boguwahati@rbi.org.in and also can get detail on banking ombudsman schemes at http://www.rbi.org.in/commonman, he added.

Reserve Bank of India, Guwahati Treasurer BK Pegu demonstrated various features of genuine Indian currency notes and how to detect fake currency notes.

Meanwhile, exchanging some mutilated notes of the participants on the occasion, Pegu briefed about the exchange value of mutilated notes.

He further briefing about certain banking rules and regulation said that there should be a separate service counter for old age citizen in the bank.

Orchid Foundation, Guwahati President Dr. Neelanjan Konwar highlighted the objectives of the awareness programme. He urged the people to avail the facilities offered under Banking Ombudsman Scheme  meant for redressing grievances of bank customers free of cost.

The Banking Ombudsman can receive and consider any complaint relating to the deficiency in banking services including internet banking. These include:

* Non-payment or inordinate delay in the payment or collection of cheques, drafts, bills etc.

* Non-acceptance, without sufficient cause, of small denomination currency notes tendered for any purpose and for charging of commission in respect thereof. l Non-payment or delay in payment of inward remittances.

* Failure to issue or delay in issue of drafts, pay orders or bankers cheques.

* Non-adherence to prescribed working hours.

* Failure to provide or delay in providing a banking facility (other than loans and advances) promised in writing by a bank or its direct selling agents.

*  Delays or non-credit of proceeds to customers' accounts, non-payment of deposit or non-observance of the Reserve Bank directives applicable to rate of interest on deposits in any savings, current or any other account maintained with a bank.

* Refusal to open deposit accounts without any valid reason for the refusal.

* Levying of charges without adequate prior notice to the customers

* Non-disbursement or delay in disbursement of pension (to the extent the grievance can be attributed to the action on the part of the bank concerned, but not with regard to its employees).

* Refusal to accept or delay in accepting payment towards taxes, as required by Reserve Bank/Government

* Forced closure of deposit accounts without due notice or without sufficient reason

* Refusal to close or delay in closing the accounts

* Non-observance of Reserve Bank of India guidelines on engagement of recovery agents by banks and any other matter relating to the violation of the directives issued by the Reserve Bank of India in relation to banking or other services.

 

 

Taloh inaugurates school & medical sub-center

Pasighat, Apr 10: Industry, Handloom & Handicraft Minister Tapang Taloh inaugurated a medical sub-center and Govt Primary School at Lokpeng village yesterday. He was accompanied by officials and public leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Taloh highlighted various developmental projects in the area and said that all schemes and projects should be taken up on need base basis. He assured to provide fund for a permanent  building for the medical sub-center and development of the school surroundings.

Describing the hydro-power potential of Arunchal and its natural resources, including limestone, the Minister informed that the Govt is planning to setup a food processing unit in the area which will help in producing value added products. He appealed all to create congenial atmosphere and help setup industries which will go a long way in solving the unemployment problem.

Speaking about Right To Information (RTI), Taloh said that RTI Act should not be allowed to be misused to become a tool to obstruct the developmental activities. Replying to a two-point memorandum regarding construction of a link road and community hall, the minister assured to look into their demand.

District Medical Officer Dr. T Taloh said that health care facility in the district is improving very fast with the support and guidance of the minister. He said that required staff has been placed and medicines would be made available. He also informed that OT facilities will be introduced at Boleng CHC very soon by posting qualified doctors. He sought cooperation from all in improving the health services.

Taben Jamoh, ZPM, prominent leaders, GBs  also spoke on the occasion, among others. DIPRO

 

 

Mythology of  Longte   festival

By Nangram Pingkap

The Nyishi community, which inhabits in the Central and the Western part of Arunachal Pradesh and also in some parts of upper Assam believes in the existence of some Supra-Physical beings and ancestor deities. Hence, their customs and traditions may rightly be described as conventional. They also propitiate a great variety of deities- benevolent and malevolent, beneficent and maleficent which are credited with the power of influencing their lives and actions from womb to tomb. To avoid the anguish and displeasure of these unforeseen Supra-Physical beings and also to get their blessings, they are (Deities) worshipped with performances of rituals and festivals individually and collectively by sacrificing domesticated animals and with the offerings of attiing (rice powder), takki (ginger), rughmagh (fowls feathers), amchuk (un-husked paddy-grain) and other related items.

With these sacrifices and offerings, the Nyishis believe that human being can live a life of peace and prosperity on this earth only when a perfect harmony is maintained between human, God and nature.

Longte is one of such propitiations; literally, it means a large wooden or bamboo barricade/fence which is erected on the principal path leading to their habitats generally at a place where their ancestors used to close the path on community basis with the belief that it demarcates the domain of humans and spirits from ill-intended trespasses.

In the olden days, the festival was celebrated in clan-wise or village-wise during the advent of spring season or during a major Mithun sacrifices ritual in villages concern in the month of Datey - Polu (February) and no particular day was fixed. However, with the impact of modernization, cultural diffusion and advent of administration into the Nyishi Society the timing of the celebration had to be changed to month of Lechar-Polu (April) to avoid coinciding with examination timing of school children’s and give full access to the Govt. officials participation.  

MYTHOLOGY:

As per the myths of the Nyishi community, the genesis of the Longte is contemporaneous with the marriages of Abotani and his Dogging gingnam (migration) for survival with his Associates.

Myth had it, that Abotani, the mythical ancestor and progenitor of human race and also the hero of his time married number of wives including Kusuk - Kurak (Dry leaves), Hutung-Rungbung (Bamboo-Tube), Tagne-Hamak (Toads), Nyido-Noko, Nyido-Negin, Nyido-Lote Loder, Nyido- Nonang, Nyido-Nosho etc, all of who were celestial wives.

Finding no suitable lady as his life-partner on earth, Abotani decided to avenge his misfortune by creating havoc on earth. Empathizing his plight, Doriang-ne (a divine and merciful lady) came to know the evil plans of Abotani. So, she sent a messenger- Hintejorjo-Pu, (humming bird) which in turn impressed upon Abotani against resorting to such type of extreme steps. Further, the Hintejorjo-pu  informed that a divine lady named Changa-Griang- Loyang-tamangne (known for her beauty and charm on earth) was found weaving all the time in a beautiful place on the earth.

HinteJorjo-pu assured to offer his service to Abotani. Resultantly, Abotani with the aid of Hintejorjo-pu impregnated Changa-Griang- Loyang-Tamangne by applying an ingenious trick.  Finally, Changa-Griang-Loyang-Tamang-ne (the most beautiful lady on earth) conceived and gave birth to Atu Nyiya (a baby boy). The birth of a male baby hitherto heralded a series of extreme problems for Abotani.

All the malevolent contenders who wanted to marry Changa-Griang- Loyang-tamangne like Kiarg-Riargh (the deity of forest), Nyor (the deity of land), Sii (the creator of all living things), Pamdu (the deity of snow), began claiming the fathership of the child. In this regard, even Changa-Griang-Loyang-Tamang-ne herself too was confused because she could not understand the fact on how she could conceive and gave birth to a baby without having any physical contact with any male.

Finding no any acceptable solution, Changa-Griang-Loyang-Tamang-ne proposed that a series of tests were to be conducted to ascertain the father-ship of the child. Amongst the many tests, she handed over a piece of meat to the child and asked him to give it to his real father. The child crawled from person to person and finally gave the piece of meat to Abotani, who was sitting at the corner of the room in a pitiable condition, and thereby, provoking all other malevolent beings.

As a result, the father-ship was proved and Changa-Griang-Loyang-Tamang-ne accepted Abotani as her legitimate spouse. Then and there, gruesome, animosity and malice against Abotani started emerging from all corners in leaps and bounds. Finding it extremely difficult to live in harmony with those malevolent beings, Abotani sought the advice of Doriang-ne, a divine lady who could foresee the future to suggest as to how Abotani and his Associates could separate and migrate to a safer place.

Doriang-ne advised Abotani to consult and seek the advice of Thugh-Changtum (a divine lady) and Tugung-Butey (a great benevolent spirit). Under such perplexing situation Thugh-Changtum (divine lady) and Tugung-Butey (a great benevolent spirit) felt pity for humankind and advised them to seek the help of Ane- Doriang-ne or Ane-donyi (Mother Goddess resembling the Sun).

Accordingly, Tani and his Associates were advised to start Dogging-gingrap (migration) before the dawn of spring season, the time when evil forces, diseases, epidemics, serpents etc, are yet to become active on the earth’s surface. The period of this Dogging-gingrap (migration) is referred to as the era of NIKUM TUGH… The mouths of all the domesticated animals and birds to be taken along with them were tied up so as to restrict creation of any noise which could awaken the evil spirits, but some of the evil spirits managed to dig out the plan of Abotani and his Associates. At the same time, Abotani also committed certain stupidities by not following all the instruction of Ane Doriang-ne. Due to the follies committed by Abotani, the malevolent spirits followed the human beings throughout their migration. Herein, the Nyishis believe that till today the malevolent spirits leave no opportunity to cause misfortune and harm to humankind.

After having committed certain stupidities, Abotani, without having any second option once again sought the advice of Ane Doriang-ne. Accordingly, she gave following advice to Abotani and his Associates:

1. That all unforeseen problems/miseries can be minimized by appeasing the evil/malevolent spirits by performing rituals, offertories and by sacrificing domesticated animals as and when the problem arises.

2.  Tugh Tariap was advised to erect two wooden posts (Longriap)in upright position, at Narba Gillang (a pass), one with left hand to restrict the entry of evil spirits or destructive forces in human domain(siikhi doligh-ham, deregh yarangham, dighdhar rachik-ham haghragh debe) and the other with right hand to signify multiplication of human race, his domesticated animals and crops (lapang piire ham, richigh-kimu ham, dinte subuham haghbukh debe).

3. Tugh Tatup was advised to go to Kampung Ryang, (where a plant with large leaves grow) to collect kukam (Large Leaves)and with these leaves he was asked to cover the tops and holes, so as to avoid injuries from objects like thorn, poisonous insects, sharp materials etc.

4. Tugh Changtum was told to prepare rice powder (attiing)for feasts of human and deities as sacred refreshment. She was also advised to offer rughmagh-Amchuk (White fowl feather & un-husked rice grain) to Gods and Goddesses of Namchang-Suku (Settlement areas and source of drinking water) as Nyishu Sujo-Gumlung Chakjo (token for up bringing, care and protection).

Abotani and his Associates followed above instructions religiously and won the love and affections of the deities, with this the era of NIKUM TUGH ended and the era of NIYA TUGUNG  (Atu-Gungte)started.

Atu Gungte (a pious and divine man) and Ayu Gumru (pious lady with divine nature)led the humans to a safer places and gifted the future generations following household articles, which symbolizes and signifies the domesticated animals or birds and food-grain  to men and women folks:

After getting all these household articles, the humans started their own occupations for their survivals. First they started looking for their Gangdha deligh-Gangte deligh (settlements areas).

Some of the others who stayed back in gangtung rudung (their earlier settlement places) started occupying the lands while Gangta Taba-bu succeeded in occupying new habitats before the others, Gangkar yayar-ne became the caretaker of the new occupied lands and Gangping Peming-bu became expert in giving names to land, forest, rivers, hills, streams, materials etc.

As seen above, the humans finally won the heart of the deities and able to defeat evils of malevolent nature, succeeded in capturing and converting the Tabhagh-Taigh Namchang to Heme-Hu Namchang (dwelling places of snakes and bees to playground of joy full children); Sunyu-Tarmu-Abdak-Riitu Namchang to Hu Namchang (Extinct and barren land to growing up land); Gumgo Namchang to Ryunghigh Namchang (habitats of wild boar to pigs habitat); Dumpung(Deer) to Bingtung (Goat); Bigchugh (Wild Bostfrontalis) to Subu (Mithun); Tade (Mountain bird) to Bobigh (Fowl) and lastly the humans started striving for their own future, their personal development and prospects. Thus originated the celebration of Longte by the Nyishis and is relevant even till date for the facts narrated in the foregoing paragraphs.

Before, during and after the course of the celebration of Longte Festival, the stakeholder’s are expected to observe certain taboos or restrictions which are as follows:-

a) Any kind of sacrifices which involve bloodshed of animals or birds are strictly prohibited just before, during and after the celebration of the festival.

b) Dances/Circular movement around the fence is

not done except placing or erecting their respective decorated bamboo poles in it and shouting/yelling of hymn called Gugrey with rhythmic.

c) Giving of domesticated animals like mithun, pig, goat etc. to others are not done for some days after the celebration of the festival.

d) After the closer of the path with longte longriap/barricade/fencing neither the stakeholders themselves nor other people are allowed to cross the fencing for at least seven days or less.

e) Rice powder in paste form is not smeared to people as practiced in some communities. But rice powder is thrown on the sacred fencing and bamboo poles.

f) There used to be heavy exchange of edible items like Oppo (Local brew) and adding (meat) and also male members used to visit each others house while females remain in their respective house to receive the guests and to offer them meats & drinks.

The Nyishis believe that these formalities are observed to strengthen the demarcation of domain of humans and spirits and to free from the influences of ill intended trespasses of destructive or harmful forces. In brief, Longte is a customary practice to emphasize the efforts and endurance of humankind to block outside evils like epidemics, diseases and ill influences so that health, wealth and prosperity is maintained.

Thus, it was how the Longte became a traditional and customary practice of the Nyishi community since time immemorial. It was believed to have, first celebrated at Narba Namchang (After erecting Longte-longbe or Longte Longriap at Narba Gillang), a mythical place where the early Nyishis settled and the present day culture of the tribe evolved.

CONCLUSION:

The Longte is a festival which does not distinguish any person on the basis of age, creed, sex etc. and it does not involve any kind of bloodshed ritual sacrifices during the course of its celebration. It has also close link with agricultural activities of the people. During Longte, the benevolent spirits are invoked for their blessings, so that there may be bumper production of food-grains and the occurrence of famines, damage by pests and rodents, drought, landslide, flood, etc does not hamper cultivation.

The festival also emphasizes on the fertility and multiplication of animal husbandry and human beings for centuries to come.

On the whole, Longte is connected with the invocation of benevolent spirits for peace, prosperity and wellbeing of humankind.

It was, and is, an organized, conscious and deliberate attempt to uphold the pristine and age old custom and tradition. In the context of the rapid socio-cultural transitions, the celebration of the Longte festival is a much felt and conscious collective effort to preserve and promote the unique tradition of the Great Nyishi Community of the State of Arunachal Pradesh for the generations to come... thus popular chanting goes...

“SIILU-GE ATTU-GUNGTE –ge, AYU GAMRU-ge, GINDU ALUSO, ABU NYIA KU-NGAM RICHI-KIMU-AM, DINTE-SUBU-AM,  TACHANG-TABIGH-AM HUGAR MUDUBE, SIIKYI-DOLYIG-YE PYANGMA DEBE, DIIRAGH YARRANG-NGE RANGMA DEBE, NU KYILLUNG KYIPPE JIPPI-KA, HAGLO HAGPE JIPPIKA…ATTU-GUNGTE NU, AYU GAMRU NU……”

Which means……

On this auspicious occasion of Longte Festival (Migration day), May Atu-Gungte, Ayu gamru, shower blessings to each one of us with health, wealth, peace and prosperity. And also may they (Atu-Gungte and Ayu Gamru) protect us from all evils like diseases, epidemics, droughts, famine, accidents, flood, landslide etc. for the years to come. (The author  is an APCS Officer, 2009 batch, presently serving as Circle Officer – cum - BDO at Pip Sorang, Kurung Kumey District. He welcomes all constructive and positive feedbacks from the esteemed readers.)

AAAPTWA  resolves to work for the people

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Welfare Association (AAPTWA) in a meeting held here today resolved to work for the welfare of the tribal people of the state.

In his address AAPTWA president Pumcho Tapuk explained in details about the aim and objective of the organization. Tough the Association is now in an infant stage, it will emerge as one of the leading organizations to work for the well-being of the tribal people, he said.

Chief Patron Bida Taku, Chief advisor Yura Magung, advisor T K Murtem also spoke on the occasion and offered valuable suggestions for effective functioning of the Association  so that it can serve society efficiently. The meeting was presided over by Perlek Nima, the legal advisor of the association.

 

Mopin cum Galo day

ITANAGAR, April 10: A three days festival cum Galo Day was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at Namey village in East Siang district from April 5.

Hoisting the Galo flag on the occasion of Galo day on April 5, Head Gaon Burah Bomnya Doke advised the people of the village to preserve their tradition and custom and maintain unity and integrity for peaceful co-existence.

Dance, essay writing and quiz competitions among the students of Namey Middle School and cultural programmes were the main attraction of the three days festivity. Large number of community people, Govt officials and people from nearby villages of Assam participated in the festival.

 

An appeal

ITANAGAR, April 10: A  girl child identified as Kajik Soja, 7, was found near the chief secretary’s official bungalow here at around 6.30 am on March 26, informed All Puroik Welfare Society Kapit Bechang in a release today.

Meanwhile, Bechang informed the police about  the girl and appealed to her guardians/parents to contact on phone No. 9436872945.

 

ANYACCU appeals

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Nyishi Youth Association Capital Complex Unit (ANYACCU), appealed to the  Development Commissioner of Finance department to release the all bank draft/bankers cheques prepared by the department, which have reportedly been deposited into civil deposit under major bank head 8443, within a week.

Due to delay in payments, the public are facing lot of problems, like repayment of bank loans on time and various other domestic problems.

 

Pongtu festival

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd) J.J. Singh and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki conveyed their sincere greetings and good wishes to all the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tutsa community of Tirap and Changlang district, on the auspicious occasion of Pongtu Festival.

The Governor expressed the hope that the festival of Tutsa community will usher-in peace and prosperity.

On the festive occasion, the Governor offered prayers to Almighty for bumper harvest and happiness for all.

Tuki, in his message, said that the agriculture festival of Pongtu will bring in peace, prosperity, happiness and bumper harvest for the people of the state”.

 

Committee formed

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Arunachal Pradesh State Assembly Speaker has nominated MLA Tako Dabii as chairman of six-member ad-hoc committee constituted to examine the matters relating to modalities in providing contract works up to Rs 90,000 to local people, according to an official release.

 

Farmers exposure tour

ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Nine selected farmers from Lower Diabang Valley district were taken to Gujarat on an exposure tour to train them on groundnut production and value addition at Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, Gujarat from March 24 to 29.

A total of 9 selected farmers of the district were accompanied by Miss Nanang Tamut (SMS ,Home Science) and Mr. Jimmy Mize (SMS, Fisheries) to the esteemed institute for the programme. Several eminent scientists delivered lectures on prospects and potentiality of groundnut cultivation in North East Hills (NEH) region, improved varieties suitable for the region, agronomic practices for sustainable production, pest and disease management, marketing strategies and value addition for effective utilization as well as higher monetary benefits.

The farmers were imparted hands-on knowledge through field visits to fields of various progressive farmers. They also learnt knowledge on improved farming practices such as polythene mulching, drip irrigation, ‘fertigation’, farm implements. Farmers were also taken to farm section of the institute where they could observe improved farm implements, germplasm and entomology laboratory, cold storage, wild species unit suitable for fodder and soil conservation.

The team was accompanied by subject matter specialists Nanang Tamut and Jimmy Mize. The tour was initiated by Dr. T.J. Ramesha, Programme Coordinator Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lower Dibang Valley.

Stop before the spark starts flying

Dear Editor,

The constant contravention by the Assam authorities against the Supreme Court`s directives to maintain Status-Quo in the inter-state boundary areas has led to social turmoil and confusion among the citizens of Likabali, West Siang district.

People of Arunachal Pradesh are already affected by International boundary problem wherein China claims Arunachal Pradesh as their land.

To add salt to the injury, the Assam authorities are creating the same atmosphere of insecurity, which are not legally and constitutionally valid, by trying to occupy  land in Arunachal.

In spite of promoting peace and harmony among the Indians, our brethrens in Assam seems to be interested in divide and rule policy among the peace loving people by inciting ill motives and creating communal disharmony through boundary row.

I appeal to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to sort out a permanent solution through meaningful dialogue with the Assam Counterpart as soon as possible before the spark of hatred flares up wild out of control. Further, it is an earnest request to our Chief Minister to declare Likabali the HQ of proposed Lower Siang for maintaining proper law and order.

We don’t want others to intrude and rule our home.

Yours,

Jumnya Rina

Itanagar

 

 

Is this real democracy?

Dear Editor,

I am not pointing or intending against any particular person, but being in a democratic country I am just focusing on the common problem of Arunachal Pradesh.

Though Indian independence is 64 years old, but is it really appropriate in terms of Arunachal Pradesh?

For me Arunachal at present is like struggling India prior to its independence. Arunachal under corrupted politicians and officers, who commit atrocities with their power every now and then, is like India, during British Empire.

Though bandh calls are nuisance and trouble maker, but in several cases left with no option people are compelled to opt for it. I too emphasis for democratic way of protest, but where is democracy and its principle in our state?

I don't need to highlight the election system in our state, as everyone knows about monetary and muscle power involvement. Further in Govt. Offices back door appointments and below the table deal is a common practise.

To add to the dismay, I would like to draw attention towards deteriorating law and order prevailing in our state. Every day we hear about heinous crimes like murder, robbery, loot, unnecessary beating up, destruction of public properties etc.

Also stepping out at night time has became more dangerous than the nightmare and common people are the main sufferer either from the police personnel or drunken street Romeos.

Further, atrocity of law enforcing authorities towards common people is not a rare problem, but when we need them, where do they go?

Recently at Likabali, Assam police personnel raided and destroyed Malini Mela complex, but where is our law enforcing authorities? In the state of Khusi khusi raising voice for own right also sometimes turns into crime. It seems in independent India, we are in dark regime.

Recently our state government took step towards facilitation of higher education through opening of few universities which is really appreciable.

In last few years our state govt did take several steps and measures for improvement of elementary education and large sum of funds and schemes were meant for this purpose. Did our state govt really achieve its goal?

Beside this there are several problems and drawbacks in the systems of so called 'Independent Arunachal Pradesh, the land of rising sun".

I expect from my fellow citizens to judge by themselves and come up with suggestions and solutions.

Yours,

Tagio Duyu

 

 

Needs a relevant response

Dear Editor,

“Democracy is by the people, of the people and for the people".

Soon it will be against the people if the government stops responding to the needs of the people and their welfare for which it has been formed.

Malinithan has always been an inextricable historical property of Arunachal. And its grand 'mela' had always been welcoming the tourists and many outsiders mostly from neighbouring Assam.

Instead of making it more successful, the neighbouring state is trying to disturb the peace and harmony of both the states.

Recent chaos led by few learned need more social education and a relevant response from our state government is needed.

Yours

Pakli Lombi

Coimbatore

 

 

Naked mountains

Dear Editor,

There was a time I use to love my ride to Itanagar, because it’s so much greener and fresher than dusty old Naharlagun and cooler too if people might have noticed. But recently I find no difference, it saddens me to see the beautiful mountains standing naked and exposed now. I think it’s time the concerned officials and departments did something about the burning of forests and banning jhum cultivation in the capital area.

Yours

Ngimon Khomrang

 

 

One of its kind  

Dear Editor,

It is peculiar to notice the serpentine road separator at Bank Tinali, traffic point area; it is unique in India and may be one of its kinds in whole world.

Such an unprofessional workmanship and quality is rarely seen in today’s world. Is it only the design we got to decorate our capital. Atleast some minimum design, finishing touch could have been given. A capital is the face of our state. Ruined Itafort is still better in work and quality.

I being a dweller here is really sorry to see our capital complex decorated in such a manner. Bank tinali , is a high profile tri- junction in the heart of the city. But NH-52A, a part of prestigious road system in India is maintained in an unprofessional manner. Shall I call it improvement or defacement of capital city.

Who is responsible for it; APPWD, GREF (BRTF), UD or Police?

I strongly urge the authority concern to check the work done and atleast put some engineering designs to make it purposeful as well as beautiful.

The separator should be straight in line and there should be turning point for traffic coming from opposite direction.

Any future construction near high way should be made to enhance beauty of our state capital to welcome domestic and foreign tourists.

Yours,

Bunty Tao,

Itanagar

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

 

 

 

 

India’s position in global ICT ranking

India ranked 69 this year in terms of global information and communication technologies (ICT), according to latest series of Networked Readiness Index report published by the World Economic Forum and INSEAD. This is a further slip of India from its 43rd position in 2011.

The report that examined 142 developed and developing nations in terms of their ability to leverage advances in ICT’s to drive economic productivity and social development, saw China almost 20 ranks ahead of India, at 51.

Referring to the long procedures of paper work that needs to be completed before starting any business processes in India, the report highlights, extensive red tape stands in the way of businesses and corporate tax is among the highest of all analyzed countries.

The country ranked 117th in the individual usage pillar. The report emphasized on the relatively low figures of ICT being used in the country. It states that there are 61 mobile subscriptions for every 100 people and a mere 7.5 per cent of the population uses the Internet. Since only six per cent of households own a PC, broadband Internet remains the privilege of a few, with less than one subscription per 100 people. Upgrading skills and infrastructure would contribute to increasing these figures, states the report.

However, India ranked fairly well in terms of availability of new technologies and venture capital, intensity of local competition and the quality of management schools.

Despite major advances made in the ICT sector, India faces hindrance in trying to overcome several factors. The biggest and the most basic being the need for efficient and continued power supply to its increasing population; the essential requirement for such technologies. Secondly, the technology needs to percolate to all parts of the country, especially the poor in the rural areas. An imbalanced distribution of such, can hardly be called a success story.

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