April 16
News Impact
Miscreants vandalise The Arunachal Times office
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: The office of The Arunachal Times was vandalized this afternoon by a group of over 10 unidentified youths, who trespassed into the news desk in between 3.45 to 4 pm and went on a rampage without any reason, and escaped within minutes. No employee was, however, physically harmed in what appeared to be a coordinated and well planned attack in which six computers sets were completely damaged.
While some of the members rampaged the office systematically, few others stood guard making it impossible for the employees to retaliate.
The attack has left The Arunachal Times family flabbergasted as there have been no intimidations of any sort from any quarters in recent times.
An FIR has been lodged with the Itanagar Police Station. The SP City Police Hibu Tamang who visited the spot has assured action at the earliest.
Bamang Tago, Political Secretary to Chief Minister who also inspected the office of this daily has said that all out efforts would be put in by the government to nab those involved.
The daring attack has left the media fraternity shocked.
Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Press Club (APC) registered a strong protest against hooliganism in broad daylight in the most secured Press establishment in the state.
Demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to the guilty without any interference from any quarter, the organisations said it was due to inaction and lackadaisical attitude of the authorities concerned that such attacks have continued unabated.
Orgs call for cancellation of Public Hearing
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: As the date of the public hearing for 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project draw nearer, organizations have called for the cancellation of the hearing.
Siang Peoples Forum expressed the fear that the public hearing of the Lower Siang
Hydro Electric Project would not be conducted fairly and would be stage-
It said that the State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary, N. Tam was seen with Jaiprakash Arunachal Power Limited, Managing Director, Parvinder Singh at the Siang Guest House Pasighat and after sometime both of them were spotted going in to the JAPL office compound.
The very act of State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary’s association with the JAPL, MD validates that the member secretary is under the influence of the JAPL, said Chairman Siang Peoples Forum Ojing Tasing.
The association of both of them would ultimately undermine the proposed public hearing of the Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project to be conducted at Jeying, Rottung and Aalo respectively on Apr 17, 18 and 20.
Given the earlier precedents, it can be easily deducted that the LSHEP which has witnessed canceling of its public hearing three times since 2010, while there is a large growing opposition to the LSHEP by the local people of Siang, the JAPL would obviously resort to bribing and other means of influence on all the persons concerned with the project, he further said.
Adi Students’ Union Itanagar (AdiSUI) strongly opposed the public hearing scheduled on April 17, 18 and 20.
“The government is acting as the agent of power developers by proposing the public hearing against the interest of public,” AdiSUI alleged and demanded the government to postpone it.
While calling upon Adi community of five districts to actively support the cause, the Itanagar unit of Adi Students’ Union also urged the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK), the apex and supreme body of Adi community to play a vital role in this regard.
All Pongging Village Students’ Union (APVSU) conducted a meeting with the Youths and Students of Silli and Jeru village along with the members of Yamne Duyon Students’ Union representing the entire students of the villages on the bank of river Yamne and Eastern Adi Students’ Union at Pasighat today in connection with the Public Hearing for the Project.
The members in their two-
It further said that when the people don’t want their land, rivers and forests to be taken away, the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh should cancel the proposed Public Hearing once and for all and should never invite and notify Public Hearings furthermore.
Upholding and thanking Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) for taking up the cause of the poor villagers opposing the Siang Dam, the members present declared Bodak and Jeying area Bandh on April 17 in the event of the Government’s failure to cancel the Public Hearing fixed at Jeying.
If the project comes up, Pongging village would be submerged completely and displaced.
Rongali Bihu celebrated with pomp and show
PASIGHAT, Apr 15: Rongali Bihu, popularly known as Bohag Bihu was celebrated by the Assamese community in the state with pomp and traditional gaiety.
The oldest Namghar in the state located at Pasighat was the venue for the festivity as the community came out to welcome the New Year.
Education Minister Bosiram Siram, ADC SC Debnath and president (BCCI) Tobuk Dai joined the festivities.
Siram remarked that India’s cultural diversity was the strength which sets it apart
from any other country in the world. Bihu plays a very crucial role in defining the
culture of Assam, he added while greeting the community on the auspicious occasion.
He lauded the efforts of the Sri Sri Sankar Guru Kristhi Kendra, Pasighat for organizing
the festival in a befitting manner and advised to protect and preserved the age-
Among others, the President and Secretary of SGKK, Pasighat Basu Prashad Baruah and Arun Saikia and eminent writer and poet Girin Tamuli spoke on the occasion. DIPRO
ACCI warns unscrupulous elements
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: Taking serious exception to self-
ACCI president Lala Techi said that the so called organizations who have been trying to supersede the ACCI, state’s apex traders’ body, and the bazaar welfare committee (BWC) in respective areas, would be derecognized if they don’t behave with discipline and win the confidence of the ACCI and the BWC to operate in the state.
The meeting aimed at redressing the public hue and cry over the brick trading and
reported collection of tax at gates erected by the Cement & Steel Traders’ Association
of Arunachal Pradesh (CASTA-
“We have to shoulder the responsibility to check law and order and regulate the unorginzed market through united efforts of the traders’ bodies in the greater interest of the state and the business community to benefit the masses,” Techi said.
Responding to the ACCI’s suggestion, Biri Tabin, president CASTA-
Earlier, Tabin highlighted the objectives behind forming the CASTA-
Denying that CASTA-
Responding to Itanagar Market Welfare Association general secretary Biri Kamey about
the miscommunication by few CASTA-
He said that the state has been losing huge revenue and with numerous projects in the pipeline, Arunachal Pradesh would be the highest consumers of cement, steel and bricks within next few years, Tabin advocated opening of carry and forward agents (C&F) within the state boundary by all companies for them to pay tax and create employment opportunities for the unemployed local youths as well as transporters. He also suggested setting up of a modern brick kiln at Holongi to reduce high cost of bricks and meet the growing demands.
CASTA-
Highlighting various milestones, Techi said the ACCI was instrumental in reducing tax on many items and it would move the state govt for exempting or reducing tax on others items, like fish.
Paying rich tribute to former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for realizing the value of ACCI and incorporating most of his suggestions in states industrial policy, Techi said the state govt led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, particularly, parliamentary secretary Phosum Khimhum had accepted ACCI’s concept to set up an Arunachal hut in the capital for the growth of trade and commerce.
Responding to the allegations that officials, particularly Arunachal Pradesh Agricultural Marketing Produce Committee were collecting tax from market, Techi clarified that it should be a facilitator not tax collector for the benefit of the growers.
ACCI vice president Dominic Tadar castigated the reported goondaism of some youth organizations in the Capital Complex, while general secretary Tarh Nachung announced that the ACCI as per its 2009 decision would not tolerate indiscipline in the market. Anyone resorting to illegal practices would be brought to book through the administration, he cautioned.
Nachung blamed the traders for encouraging tax evasion, saying that the ACCI would play a proactive role to enrich the state coffer.
Naharlagun BWC acting general secretary Nawan Lamnio urged the ACCI to regulate all traders’ bodies and take the officers and traders encouraging illegal practices.
Baisakhi celebrated at Naharlagun
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: The Sikh Community in Capital Complex celebrated Baisakhi yesterday.
Addressing a function to mark the day, MLA Techi Kaso called on the community to protect their rich culture and heritage. He said that good values of the Sikh religion must be propagated and preserved.
Kasso took part in the Kirtan Ardas. Ragi Jatha from 21 Sikh Regiment led by S. Balihar Singh, Tajender Singh and Mandeep Singh performed Kirtan on the occasion.
As token of gratitude Naharlagun Gurudwara Singh Sabha Prabandhak Committee (GSSPC) led by its president Sardar Sukhvinder Singh Sandhu, Director, Town Planning presented saropas (Saffron scarf) to Kaso and other senior officers including Sardar Parminder Singh Commandant, ITBP, S. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, DIG, APP, S. Kanwarjit Singh, Chief Engineer, WRD,AP, S. Santokkraj, Adm officer BRO etc.
“Guru Ka Langar” was organized for participants, guests and invitees.
Hundreds of invitees from different communities, religious organization, CRPF, BRO, attended the function.
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: A team of All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) recently visited Dollungmukh to take stock of the situation after Assam officials brutally assaulted the HGB of Kherbari along with another person.
Taking serious note of the present situation, ANSU and the team also demanded construction of an alternative road from Dollungmukh to Kimin via Kakoi to reach Itanagar. The ANSU team accompanied by representatives from various students unions and organizations, including Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU), All Arunachal Pradesh Border Area Students' Union (AAPBASU), All Papum Pare Dist. Student' Union (APPDSU), All Kimin Students' Union (AKSU), Lower Subansiri Dist. Nyishi Students' Union (LSDNSU) resolved to demand the state government to establish a police station at Dollungmukh along with check gate to thwart such incident in future.
The team claimed to have found that the Assam forest department was illegally carrying out plantation activity just 500 mt away from Govt Hr. School which is clearly falls within Arunachal territory.
“This incident was in total violation of the agreement signed between the Chief Ministers of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 1972 where both the state govts had agreed to maintain the status quo in boundary for harmonious and peaceful coexistence,” ANSU said.
“It is not a new incident. A youth was shot at leg by Assam forest officials during a clash in 2007. In spite of such incidents, the people of both Dollungmukh area in Arunachal Pradesh and Boginadi in Assam are maintaining a cordial relationship,” ANSU said.
It also demanded the government to immediately solve the boundary dispute and also to give medical relief to the injured HGB and another person.
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: The Land Owners Union (LOU) of Lower Siang Hydro Project, Pasighat in an emergency meeting at Bodak recently sought the govt. intervention for conducting free and fair public hearing without any intervention from ‘outside forces’ at in three Siang districts.
Welcoming the proposed public hearing, LOU appealed to all to participate in it proclaiming that the future of the next generation lies on this mega project and the new life of the next generation should not be jeopardized due to political differences, LOU said in a release.
Meanwhile, LOU, in its meeting, placed few demands before the authority which included, road and air connectivity to the villages, schools up gradation, primary health centres, agricultural development by providing ware house facility and marketing set up to sale agri products, 90% employment quota for the local youths and project affected people, special packages for downstream areas and development of social activities.
GWS dharna
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: The Galo Welfare Society (GWS)) has decided to organise a phase-
GWS also condemned the assault on Taba Murtem, the Head Gaon-
Election will be on time: AAPSU
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) while taking cognizance of the request made by the Rajiv Gandhi University Students’ Union (RGUSU) for the announcement of the date and venue of the union general conference cum election, the apex students’ body of the state in a message said that once the extended time period as provided in the union constitution get expired, accordingly the general conference cum election will be held without any further delay.
Org demands govt action
ITANAGAR, Apr 15: All Arunachal Pradesh Border Affected Youth Organization (AAPBAYO) while condemning the brutal assault on Kherbari HGB under Dollungmukh by Assam officials recently, demanded the Arunachal Pradesh Government to take immediate action against the guilty officials.
Tree plantation by Assam forest officials inside Arunachal territory is totally illegal, the organization said and urged the state government to look into the matter seriously.
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All rights reserved.
I don’t want to live my life in darkness
Dear Editor,
Most of the days we get to read news of anti-
I wonder who would provide funds or revenue to the State for fulfilling these needs of the people when the only major source of revenue generation of our state is being opposed. For how long we would depend on Central govt. for funds. Here I would add that we live tax free in Arunachal Pradesh, sacrificing one source of revenue. Arunachal, presently, in terms of revenue don't stand anywhere near states like Sikkim which is a tourism hot spot and where few HE power stations are already running and few more are being constructed hassle free even after 2011 earthquake.
So it’s obvious that our students will find that other North-
Hence I find most of the Anti-
Yours,
MP, Arunachal Pradesh
Capital complex-
Dear Editor,
They punish the ones without helmet, Why don't we punish the ones who do the management? Capital road seems like a driving school, When we look around everyone who's driving seems fool, "I don't care which way you are going", This thinking makes the lines keep waiting, There are no rules or regulations for parking, Who cares if about 100 cars keep waiting? Roads are a mess and people get stressed, Why not look at the core of the problems.
Instead of just targeting on some innocent ones? Accidents dont happens just because of bikers, But the jam makes it occur.
lathi charge won't do anything, my dear. Think logically and practically if you care. You’ve got the power to do works, Why just waste your time only on your personal work.
Yours,
Waii Sonam
Itanagar
Changing Arunachal
Dear Editor,
Arunachal Pradesh, 'the land of rising sun', perfect epitome of unity in diversity,
with its perfect diversified culture and ethnic mosaic had always bewildered people
from a foreign land. The state in the past which used to be a symbol of peace, riots
free, corruption free and above all the people were united but for the past few decades
the people of state has changed drastically and cupidity of people has increased.
Now the people of Arunachal Pradesh run after money like they are the all sources
of happiness in life. At present, Arunachal is in the era of uncertainty. The state
which used to be peaceful and in harmony is now filled with communal-
Sometimes I often wonder, why those blips of communalism? Why the cupidity? Why can’t an issue be talked out amicably? The people still needs awakening. For the better future of the state every nook and corner needs to be improvised, be it the administrative areas or journalism areas or the people. The journalist especially should have their fundamental rights to the fullest right to speech and expression. We all should also acquire the ethics of leadership. We need to have ethics for sustained growth and peace.
So now the people of Arunachal Pradesh are looking for a new avatar which can enforce a suitable law and order and awaken the people. We believe our new avatar is Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.
We are all optimistic about the future events that will happen in Arunachal under the command of Chief Minister and the Arunachal Pradesh civil forces will posses honesty and integrity to counter and avert any type of doomsday scenario. Lastly we all should work with integrity and honesty and also succeed with integrity.
Yours,
Nanak Tangu
Pasighat
Peace is our strength
Dear Editor,
We have been alarmed by many mishaps like social, economic, political and Mega dams. Border disputes are our age old rooster with China, Nagaland and Assam which our honourables are yet to sum up to an amicable conclusion. With Nagaland its ethnic but Assam it is our lukewarm attitude which is paving them courage. The Likabali episode had truly triggered our hearts with ire towards our neighbor and our State Govt for its slothful attitudes towards the erring people. Arunachal Govt always is very lenient or so to say skipping to such coercion but one day it will give rise to giving up our entire land to them.
Assam is advancing with such nerve because of the route we are dependent on them which they think is our weakness. Our neighbours’ should discern that peace is not our weakness but our strength to endure with our neighbour. Likabali in particular and Arunachal as a whole are anticipating an amicable solution. Perhaps the border trade route with China will solve the problem eternally.
We are also keen to know that what might be the outcome of the imminent Cabinet meeting to grant the kismet of Namchik Coal mining. What aim might be conferred to us: deterring or handing over the mining to the Satyam group of Industries undermining the larger interest of the people and its right? It is wonderful Arunachal captains are very interested in many abominable projects which are beyond the interest of the people. If the duration of the mining had ended then it is best to call a global tender. We are anticipating the decision of the cabinet. Capitalist drains out our treasure and our land is being by the neighbours’?
Yours,
Karunath Pazing
Boleng
Political prisoners
A recent report says that around 1,000 political prisoners including students, activists and monks are still in jail in Burma. The report further states the increase in arbitrary arrests, harassment and surveillance of former prisoners in the past few months.
Both the US and EU have moved to ease sanctions against Burma in the wake of its
widely lauded by-
Assistance Association of Political Prisoners says that 494 individuals remain in jail, while another 465 are strongly suspected to still be behind bars.
The current number of political prisoners is now at pre-
Arbitrary arrests, harassment and surveillance of former prisoners have also continued
during the past few months. At least three re-
The Burmese government claims that all remaining prisoners are guilty of terrorism or using explosives. AAPP claims that many activists have been wrongfully accused and convicted of crimes they never committed under Burma’s arbitrary laws.
A number of countries in the EU, including Germany and Italy, are keen to see all
sanctions lifted on 23 April when the bloc’s foreign ministers will meet to discuss
the issue. In January, non-
The business lobby has already been stepping up efforts to have sanctions completely removed. Business Europe, a group representing 20 million companies across 35 countries, met at the end of February to draw up an advocacy strategy.
