April 21

News Impact

• Central team assures to solve flood problem in Lohit
• CM calls for collective efforts for desired results under TSC  
• Key to NE development is infrastructure: PM
• Mithi takes charge as APCC president
• Sheltering the criminal is a crime too
• McMohan line should be the keystone: Raj Bhavan
• Daporijo bids farewell to DC A. Abhyankar

BJP unit  supports AAPSU’s demand

ITANAGAR, Apr 20:  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Papum Pared district unit has expressed serious concern over ever increasing price hike and financial mismanagement in Arunachal Pradesh. In a release while supporting the demand of  apex student body AAPSU for white paper on the scandalous mismanagement of funds and the precarious financial situation of the state, BJP Unit said the state government should not cheat poor people of Arunachal.

Further, the  party added that because of rising food price, the poor tribal people of state has been forced to again go for Jhum cultivation and this has led to  the open burning of forests in the hills for clearing the land for self-cultivation.  The forest fires in the hills of the capital reveal the fire of hunger of the poor tribal citizens for whom rice and other necessary food items are beyond their reach.

 

Capital petrol depots to join nation-wide strike

ITANAGAR, Apr 20:  Petrol crisis looms large as Federation of All India Petroleum Traders (FAIPT) has decided to launch nationwide strike by shutting down petroleum depots in protest against non-redressal of their grievances. This decision was taken in a Federation meeting held at New Delhi on April 16.

In the first phase, petrol pump across the country will remain closed from midnight of 22nd April till the midnight of 23rd April. Further the Federation decided that if their demands remain un-addressed, it will go for indefinite closure of petrol pump from midnight of 29th April. Meanwhile, Capital Complex Petroleum Depots Association (CCPDA),  Itanagar has decided to extend support to the national movement by closing all petroleum depots of the state capital on 23rd April. While regretting the inconvenience caused to the consumers, CCPDA  sought cooperation of citizens in this regard.

 

AEKSU defers bandh call and sets fresh deadline

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: Following the reported assurance from Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to look into Seppa PHED water treatment plant issue, All East Kameng Students’ Union (AEKSU) today temporarily deferred its proposed bandh call on  April 23, ahead of the chief minister’s visit to district headquarter.

In a release union informed that the chief minister’s assurance came after its representatives called on him and submitted three points representation here today.

Union in its representation demanded immediate arrest of the then Executive Engineer of PHED for allegedly mismanaging funds for water treatment plant worth Rs 9.18 crores.

It also demanded that the project be completed as per the detail project report and should be commissioned subsequently. Further it sought public apology from then PHED  EE.  

AEKSU later set fresh deadline of one week to fulfill their demands and stated that failing to fulfill their demands in stipulated time, would force it to go ahead with its boycott of the chief minister’s visit to the district headquarter.

 

Forum blames teachers

ITANAGAR, Apr 20:  Blaming the teachers for the reported raising percentage of students failing in various secondary and higher secondary schools in East Siang district, Ruksin Area Youth Forum today said that such shocking results happened due to non posting of junior and senior teachers in the district.

It further viewed that due to the state’s defective education system to achieve 100 percent literacy rate, the quality education is ignored.  

Expressing concern over the shocking percentage,  Forum urged government to look into the matter.

 

ANYC demands ban on erroneous book, apology

ITANAGAR,  Apr 20: All Nyishi Youth Council (ANYC) today said that   book on general knowledge, titled, ‘Ever Latest Arunachal Pradesh -2012’ has carried the derogatory word “Dafla” in place of “Nyishi” in page no 88.  The ANYC further claimed the book was published by GBD’s publication and Manoj Jain of editorial board wrote this derogatory word instead of Nyishi.

ANYC demanded the state Govt to ban all the copies of the book with undesirable word and arrest the wrong doer and further demanded public apology from him within 10 days.

 

Leaders protest DC’s letter on status quo

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: A group of Panchayat and Public leaders of Likabali area strongly protested the letter written by West Siang deputy commissioner to his Dhemaji counterpart aftermath of the Malini Mela incident urging for status quo at Malini Mela ground.

The Malini Mela ground where the Malini Mela has been celebrated since 1968 falls within Arunachal territory and hence, question of maintaining status quo at Mela ground does not arise, they said in a signed press release and demanded the DC to withdraw his letter written on April 6 immediately.

It claimed that celebration of Malini Mela started a decade before signing of an agreement between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Government to maintain status quo along the boundary in 1979.

 

Renowned writer passes away

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: Renowned writer of Arunachal Pradesh, Kengsam Kenglang breathed his last after prolonged illness at Old Changlang village in Changlang district at around 2 pm today. He leaves behind two sons, three daughters, two daughters-in-law and a grandchild. Late Kenglang retired from Govt. service as a District Art  and Culture Officer in the year 2001. He was awarded the Khandelwal Award by Assam Sahitya Sabha in the year 2011 for  his  excellent contribution in Assamese literature.

Deeply shocked eldest son-in-law and Trade & Commerce Parliamentary Secretary Phosum Khimhun along with his wife Dr Mekcha Khimhun, said, “We are speechless at his passing away. We would always cherish his love, affection and always miss him. Let his soul rest in peace.”

His well-known books were Longkai Aru Thaknang, Tangsa Janajatir Sadhu,  Teeli, Jene Kukur Tene Tangon and Aair Homan Hobo Kaun.

The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS), in a condolence meeting at the premises of Directorate of Research here this afternoon, mourned the sudden passing away of the renowned writer Kengsam Kenglang and observed  two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

APLS president Y D Thongchi while recalling his close association with the septuagenarian, said, “It is my personal loss. I will always feel his absence.”

The Society’s vice president Dr Tage Tada and general secretary Tokong Pertin said that the death of Kengsam  is an irreparable loss for the state.

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

All rights reserved.

The Bandh culture

Dear Editor,

It is somewhat surprising but true that since early 80s ‘Assam Bandh’ has been a frequently heard and unpopular word in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in districts bordering Assam. It is because; the people of Arunachal have to cross Assam to go to other places of the state due to communication bottleneck.

For instance, Bomdila, the district headquarter of West Kameng is very near from Itanagar in aerial distance. But in practical, it is very far to reach Bomdila as people have to travel half of the road through Assam.

Likewise, to reach Tezu in Lohit district, the people of Pasighat in East Siang have to undertake a gruesome day-long journey crossing the mighty Siang and Brahmaputra Rivers, more so in summer.

When one has to go to distant place next day, he or she is accustomed to ask someone if there is any bandh call in Assam on that day. It is a fact that most of the bandhs in Assam are called hurriedly by the bandh callers.

Nowadays, numerous local bandhs are called frequently on petty issues covering a particular district or a very limited area.

Be it a bandh in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji or Dibrugarh, it affects almost all in Arunachal although these bandhs are called in Assam.

The most unpleasant “bandh culture” in NE states is adopted particularly by the student communities and other organizations in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in an effort to draw the government/ authority’s attention towards their grievances/demands.

But, the agitating organizations never think of the fact that the unpleasant culture is causing huge loses to the economy of the states and man days.

Some eminent critics had been raising voice against the negative impact of bandhs culture but their reformative views did not have the grant of legislation for several years.

Subsequently, the apex court of the country during the last year declared bandh calls illegal. But the unhealthy practices adopted by those organizations have not been ousted. The recent bandh called by Assam based peasant’s organization Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and others students’ union, against construction of mega hydro power projects in Arunachal Rivers has been creating mixed reaction among the people.

The agitating organizations have claimed that it was time bound movement of the people for their safety and security from impending disaster. Observing the present situation, it is unlikely that the Assam Government or the Central Government would initiate a strategic solution to the problem.

The Arunachalis, who have no concern with the demands raised by the Assam organizations have been suffering a lot from such bandh call in Assam since long past.

Wisdom should soon prevail upon the organizations to realize that every bandh called has a very bad affect on the lives of innocent people besides losses in terms of economy.

Yours,

Donyi Taga

Rani Village, Pasighat

 

 

Don’t tarnish the image

Dear Editor,

This in response to the letter published on April 17, 2012 in your readers forum under title “Inefficiency will pave way for newer things” by Tashi Lobsang of the Society for Development of Culture and Education,  which is totally dubious.

We are shocked over the dragging of Late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s name in the dirty political games being played by them.

Late Dorjee Khandu is admired by everyone in Arunachal Pradesh as a legendary Chief Minister who ushered in unprecedented development within a short span of time. Arunachal witnessed development in all sectors in leaps and bounds during his stewardship. The development which he brought particularly in Tawang is a cause of envy for the rest of the state. Such was his charismatic figure and contribution towards Arunachal in general and Tawang district in particular. The public misguided   by white lies that MoU & MoA were signed secretly and hurriedly and that public hearings never held in the presence of public.  There is nothing secret in this era of RTI where all public hearings were videographed.  One should be careful before saying anything because it will tarnish   the image of Late Dorjee Khandu which the people of Tawang cannot digest.

Sudden popping up of the Dam issue in Tawang is a cause of ambiguity for everyone in the country. It is obvious that some sort of pseudo politics is being played as no dams are coming up in Tawang as far as our knowledge goes. The people who are playing this ugly politics should bring up issues which are of larger interest for the common man living in the district. If at all the society for development of culture and education is concerned, why did they chew it at that point of time? Why didn’t they dare to protest when Late Chief Minister was alive? Why are they speaking it now?

The development of the Tezpur to Tawang road has nothing to do with the State Government. It is being done by the Border Road Organization (BRO). This claim of Tashi lobsang makes it amply clear how knowledgeable he is about the development process in the district. The construction of NH13 is not just development but a National requirement owing to strategic importance of Tawang.   

The people of Tawang have long been watching the so called bold and consistent efforts of the SMC for the last few months. Everyone in Tawang knows what the cards are and what are up in the sleeves of SMC. Though it amounts to washing of our own linen in public, we urge the mushrooming societies in Tawang not to test people’s patience. We live in a democratic society and not in a feudalistic nor in a theological society. Democracy guarantees right of speech but it is associated with corresponding duty. We wish wisdom prevails over the so called Society for development of Culture and Education.  

We would like to wind up by asking one simple question to the concern and responsible SMC. Have they ever planted a single tree in the district? It is very easy to complain and comment, but providing constructive and permanent solutions is difficult. Hence, we appeal the members of both SDCE and SMC to stick on the issues which concern their respective societies and stop tarnishing the image of late Chief Minister.

Yours

Gendan Tsering

Koncho Tsering

Rajiv Gandhi University,

Tashi Lhandup Kee,

Dorjee Dakpa

Genden Tsering Kee

Dera Natung

Government College

Itanagar

 

 

A College at Nyapin

Dear Editor,

I on behalf of the people of the 19th  Nyapin-Sangram S/T Assembly Constituency would like to extend a hearty thanks and appreciations to the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for the proposed maiden visit to the Area at Sangram.

Nyapin¬ Sangram Assembly Constituency is lacking in all developmental fronts, the proposed visit of Chief Minister will definitely create an avenues of developmental activities and will bring certain changes in the arena of Education, Health and Economic. The people of the constituency hope to see the certain changes in the all round developments.

Also, I sincerely thank MLA Nyapin-Sangram Assembly Constituency Bamang Felix for the initiative to invite the Chief Minister in the area. This kind of rare programme is quite appreciable and we do hope that such gesture will be continued in the days to come.

The government college at Nyapin is still not functional, the foundation stone is just laid and there is no such infrastructure is erected.

We do hope that the Chief Minister’s visit to the area will make the college functional from the next academic year with all requisite infrastructure facilities. The Government College at Nyapin will help students who cannot afford to go out of their areas to pursue their higher studies.

It will not only benefit the students of Nyapin-Sangram areas rather it will benefit the whole district of Kurung kumey in pursuing their studies. The functioning of Nyapin College will also reduce the overcrowding of the students at Dera Natung government college Itanagar. Also starting of Nyapin College will change and contribute to the education scenario of the state as whole.

Yours,

Kuku Ringu

 

 

Yomcha needs Science labs and senior teachers

Dear Editor,

I request the authority concern to provide science laboratories & post Senior Teachers   at  Yomcha Hr.Sec School of West Siang.  

Yomcha school was established as venture school in 1946 under the initiation of Late Tamik Dabi, social reformer during the British  period & NEFA.

The school was upgraded as M.E school in 1948, Secondary school in the year 1990 and finally Hr.Sec School in the 2011.

Former member of parliament(M.P) Rajya Sabha Nyodek Yomgam, former Minister Lijum Ronya,  retired Director of Health Service(DHS), Govt of (A.P)Dr Golek Yomcha., IPS Raksap Yomcha are some of the  prominent  products of Yomcha school.  Despite the backwardness of the area, School did well academically due to the good efforts of public mainly by Retd PI Damli Yomgam. But the time has changed as the Education Department could not take initiation & provided good facilities for the school.

The school doesnot have a single Microscope for practical class even though it was upgraded as secondary school in the year 1990. Due to absence of science laboratories & Senior Teachers, the students are deprived even of basic facility required in a science  laboratories.

After the up gradation to Higher Secondary School, only one S/T has been posted at school so it is not possible for the students specially the Class X1 & X11 students  to study in the school.

Hence, I would like to appeal to the concern authorities to look into the suffering of the students and provide science laboratories and  post S/T in the school.

Yours,

Yomjum Yomgam

Former student

Yomcha School

 

 

 

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

Central team assures to solve flood problem in Lohit

TEZU, Apr 20: The five-member central inter-ministerial team headed by K.K. Mittal, Joint Secretary (P-I) Home Affairs which arrived here today assured the Lohit district authority of central assistance and support to solve the flood problem of the district permanently.

While apprising the central team of the major flood problems in the district, Lohit deputy commissioner R K Sharma said that the district has been adversely affected by the flood in 2004 and no permanent or temporary restoration work could be possible due to financial constraint. The inhabitants of the area have been living under constant threat of fresh floods every year, the DC informed.

Flood problems in Namsai which is plainer as compared to other areas of the district is also facing the similar flood problem every year, he said and urged the central team to consider the memorandum submitted to the central authority to solve the problem permanently. He also highlighted about the problems faced by the power department.

The Water Resource Department (WRD) provided detailed information to the visiting central team about flood in the district with facts and figures, causes and damages caused to the area and possible preventive measures with PowerPoint presentation. The presentation also included the river system of Sukha Nallah, Tabang Nallah and Tezu Nallah.  The team was also informed of the danger posed by those rivers with data collected in the last 11 years and help of some graphic visuals from the Google Earth. It said that Sukha Nallah and Tezu Nallah stretching over 38 kms and 32 kms respectively have been the main threats to the entire Tezu township. The power department stressed on the express lane for proper supply of electricity from Assam to Lohit district.

Earlier, the team interacted with heads various department to know ground realities in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner soon after their arrival.

Mittal, Chairman of the team expressed his satisfaction over the overall presentation by the concern departments and assured their assistance and support to meet up the various points laid down in the memorandum submitted to the Government of India.

Y W Ringu, Director, Disaster Management who accompanied the team asked the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments to provide specific information regarding the loss of agricultural/horticultural land, crops, fruits, vegetation by natural calamities so that a supplementary memorandum could be submitted to the team for consideration.

The other members  of the team were, Rajpal Singh, Director (PAMD), Planning Commission, Ashok K. Rajpat, Director (CEA), Ministry of Power, Deepak Kumar, SE (Coord), Brahmaputra & Barak Valley Basin Organization, CWC, Shillong, Ravi Prasad, Regional Officer, Itanagar, Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways.  DIPRO

 

 

CM calls for collective efforts for desired results under TSC    

NGP Award ceremony

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: A good health alone could ensure productivity, happiness and better quality of life in rural India, the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said while addressing the 2nd Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award giving ceremony held at Banquet Hall today.

The Nirmal Gram Puraskar, is a vital component of the Total Sanitation Campaign, with the objective of improving the sanitation, hygiene and living environment in rural India, the chief minister said as he called on the involvement of all concern to achieve the desired result. He said that the institution of Nirmal Gram Puraskar plays an important role in encouraging healthy competition among Gram Panchayat, and help in reaching the goals of TSC.

In period from 2008 to 2011, 34 Gram Panchayats of the state have won NGP awards and become Nirmal GPs.

Chief Minister informed that the Centre sanctioned TSC project with an estimated cost of Rs 64.01 crore, of which state share is 15.63 crore and contributions of beneficiaries is Rs 4.48 crore.

The achievement so far included construction of 1,15,560 individual household latrines covering both BPL and APL families, 3,944 School toilets, and  1,866 Anganwadi toilets. The reported achievements of house hold latrine stands at 63.13%, School toilets at 98.58%  and Anganwadi toilets at 95.28%.

However, Chief Minister stressed on proper monitoring of the TSC programme with active involvement of the stakeholders like the community, the PRI leaders, the women, the school children, the school teachers, the ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, the NGO etc. Together they could act as agents for transformation to usher in behavioral and attitudinal changes in a tradition bound society like ours, the CM added. There is also need to revise the project report based on increased population and actual marked costs,  chief minister said as he called for more emphasis on software components of the programme such as IEC, support system.

The Chief Minister said that in Arunachal Pradesh difference in the economic status of BPL and APL households is razor thin. Hence leaving out the APL households from ambit of the incentive scheme could be counterproductive. As per guideline of the program, the cash incentive for construction of individual household latrine is limited to the BPL families only.  

Taking into consideration the high cost of inputs in Arunachal Pradesh due to difficult terrain and remoteness, with many villages and administrative centers still outside the coverage of road network, many at tracking distances of days, the present norm of Rs 4000 per unit is not anywhere near adequate. The centre needs to take a relook on this issue and consider special dispensation for states like Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister said.

It is also learnt that such minor problems like non-availability of registration cards of BPL families also stand in the way of on-line entry of application for NGP nomination, the Chief Minister called on the district administrator to play a more positive role and sort out such problems on ground.

To sustain the momentum of TSC and National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) the Govt. stands committed to provide all assistance including required state shares for the two programmes.

A host of dignitaries including Minister Tanga Byaling, Parliamentary Secretary PHED Karikho Kri and  award winners participated in the  programme.

The awards were given to Kherem, Podumoni, KumariKhamti (Lohit) for 2011-12 while 14 Gram Panchayats including Topo Hechi III, Lable-4, (Upper Subansiri) , Banggo (Lower Dibang Valley) and Chongkham 2, Kathalguri, Deobeel-1, Deobeel-II, Solung Two, Nampong, Nongtawshyam, new Danglat, Khowji, Manpangliang, Mawal of Lohit got the awards this year. Certificate and cash prizes for handed out the winners by the CM.

 

 

Key to NE development is infrastructure: PM

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: The key to development in the north eastern region is infrastructure, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while inaugurating the platinum jubilee celebration of the Assam Legislative Assembly  at Guwahati today.

“We need better educational and services infrastructure. We need better transport connectivity. As connectivity improves and capabilities expand, so will commerce and employment opportunities,” the  Prime Minister said.

Stating that new initiatives have been taken to strengthen India’s relation with Bangladesh and Myanmar, the Prime Minister further informed that  during his visit to Myanmar next month he would discuss with the leadership of Myanmar how we can increase opportunities for expansion of trade, economic cooperation and connectivity to the larger ASEAN region. Assam and the other states of the North East can and should play leading roles in our efforts to Look East-wards, he said.

"I would like to see Assam emerge as a new engine of growth for the northeastern region and the country as a whole in the 12th Plan period. I am confident that in the 12th Plan Assam will be able to record a rate of growth of over 9.0 percent," Singh said and assured all possible help on the part of central government to achieve this goal. This (Assam) legislative assembly is a temple of our democracy. It is a sacred place for us to reaffirm our Constitutional commitment to pluralism, human rights,  secularism and the dignity of every citizen.

“Our freedom and our democracy are the proud inheritance of our national movement. To do justice to this inheritance, we, the elected representatives of our people, are obliged to provide honest, effective and capable leadership and government.” PIB/Ghy

 

 

Mithi takes charge as APCC president

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: Newly appointed Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Mukut Mithi today formally took charge from Nabam Tuki, in a simple function at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here today. “It is a right decision by AICC president Sonia Gandhi that one of the most experienced and capable leaders has been appointed as the president of APCC,” said Tuki prior to handing over  the charge to Mithi amid huge round of applause from the party leaders and workers present on the occasion.   

Tuki, who held the party’s top post for almost four years, said, “I wrote to the party high command to a take a decision on appointing the new president. I think the decision taken by party high command is for the welfare of Congress Party in Arunachal, he said.   “We are like a family and will work with a team spirit for the development of the party and the state as well.”  

Expressing his gratitude to party high command for reposing faith on him, a jubilant Mithi said, “I feel AICC chief Sonia Gandhi took the right decision considering the larger interest of party. I am confident that I will live up to the expectations of party high command.”

“I appeal all Congress office bearers and party workers at all levels to work with a renewed vigour to strengthen the party organization and ensure that the fruits of development reach out to the people living at nook and corners of the state,” he said.  

 

“They could overpower one of the hoodlums”

While reassuring that all the goons involved in last Sunday’s attack on a media house would be brought to book and given punishment, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki  told the Press persons that at least one of the hoodlums could have been overpowered by the Arunachal Times staffers on that day… Instead of preventing them from going on a rampage, the AT staffers just remained as mute spectators to the crime.”

“Instead of being non-cooperative, please cooperate with us (govt as well as police) to nab the culprits,” said the Chief Minister while referring to a decision of the local Press fraternity not to entertain any Press release issued by GoAP as well as local organizations if the authorities fail to arrest the offenders before April 24.

Stating that the local Press had previously boycotted the govt releases for about two months during the tenure of late Dorjee Khandu as CM, Tuki said, “Please help us to help you…It will serve no purpose other than making loss to both govt and media institutions.”

“I once again appeal to my media friends that whatever they may report it should be constructive,” Tuki added.

 

 

Sheltering the criminal is a crime too

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: Majority of state government machinery led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Capital police refuse to accept the fact that law and order situation has deteriorated in the last few months.

Citing data of criminal records available, they say that crime graph has considerably reduced.   If one goes by the official record may be CM and capital police is right.

However, both CM and capital police are missing an important aspect. Most of the citizens losing faith in legal justice system and policing have stopped reporting criminal activities to the police.

In Arunachal legal justice system is so abysmal that citizen has lost complete confidence. The offender uses various tactics to get the case withdrawn.

Even if any citizen gathers courage and file case, he or she gets intimidated from every corner putting life of complainant and his or her family at the risk.

Many a times the clan or family members of accused comes up to victim and very politely says, “Apna aadmi hain, galti se ho gaya tha, map kar do.”

While committing crime, where does those ‘Apna Aadmi’ feeling goes away?

After putting someone’s life at risk with their criminal act just to save themselves from clutches of law they come up with such apologies. If victim do not accept this ‘Apna Aadmi’ theory of apology, then threatening and intimidation begins putting pressure on the victim to withdraw the case.

It has been observed that in such situation to certain extent police also supports the compromise formula. Such kind of compromise justice system encourages the criminal elements in Arunachal.

The other day during Nyishi day celebration at IG Park, President of Nyishi Elite Society while commenting over law and order situation in state capital had requested chief minister to take strong action against people from Nyishi community who are supposed to be involved in criminal activities. He said because of few people’s misdeed entire com-munity’s image gets battering. This statement is a welcome one and to take this further, the elders of the community need to set examples.

What we generally experience in capital complex is that if a person commits crime then senior members of the clan or tribe helps them to get bail. Just because the person belongs to any XYZ clan or tribe, senior members should not blindly support them.

One of the main reasons for increase in criminal activities is patronage given to the criminals by elders of their clan. This directly encourages them to indulge in criminal activities as in the back of mind they know that their elders are there to protect them from police.  

Until and unless this groupism in the name of clan or tribe does not end, Arunachal will never be crime free.

The community and clan elders have to come out and denounce those members who are involved in criminal activities. With weak judiciary system one can hardly expect any justice in Arunachal. Because of non-punishment, the criminals are getting away easily after committing crime. Therefore a social movement should be started cutting across tribe and first step in this direction will be to stop sheltering the criminals whether he or she belongs to a particular tribe, clan or religion.

The tribal society of Arunachal since time immemorial has never sheltered those people involved in the criminal activities. In fact during old days people involved in criminal activities used to be pushed out of the villages. In the name of development Arunachalee tribals have forgotten to live the tribal way of life in true sense. It is time to remember tribal ethics and tribal way of life.

 

 

McMohan line should be the keystone: Raj Bhavan

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: Raj Bhavan has said that the question of dialogue will certainly imply discussion on certain disputed portions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and as a starting point for such a dialogue, the acknowledgement of give-and-take principle has to be recognized. This is in context of the overall boundary with China, extending from Aksai Chin in the west to North-East India in the east and for the North-east India, the McMohan line should certainly be the keystone of the edifice. The perceptional differences between both sides on disputed pockets along the border should be discussed by Govt. representatives at the highest levels. We need to display the highest levels of diplomacy, statesmanship and statecraft in solving this long pending issue, the message read.

Raj Bhavan issued the press release in response to the news clippings displayed on some TV news channels which have attributed certain comments on the resolution of Indo-China border dispute through give-and-take and the non-negotiable status of Arunachal Pradesh to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. Governor Gen (Retd) J J Singh’s views have been purportedly taken from a speech that he had made at a seminar which was organized by Rajiv Gandhi University, on March 8-9.

When read in the overall perspective, the comments have been quoted out of context and an impression different from what was conveyed has been created, the statement read.

Our relations with China assume great importance for the overall peace, progress and development of the region. We have an ongoing strategic and co-operative partnership in place which began with the historic visit of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to China in 1988 laying the foundations of a much more vibrant relationship between the two nations. The visit by Prime Minister Vajpayee in 2003 followed by the appointment of special representatives to solve the border issue has given a further thrust to the same, the message further read.

Successive Governments at the Centre, across the board and irrespective of party affiliations have always advocated a peaceful settlement of the border dispute in a pragmatic and mature manner, through mutual understanding and through dialogue to discuss the disputed areas, the message added.

 

 

Daporijo bids farewell to DC A. Abhyankar

Daporijo, Apr 20: The people of Daporijo bid farewell to their outgoing Deputy Commissioner Ameya Abhyankar here today. He is leaving the district on completion of his tenure in the state and will be posted at Delhi.

Abhyankar is a 2007 batch IAS officer who served in Tezu and Basar as ADC and was posted as Deputy Commissioner, Upper Subansiri, on 13th August 2010. During his 20 months tenure as DC, Upper Subansiri, Abhyankar had taken an active initiative in organizing the Subansiri Youth Festival 2011 and conducting Mobile Offices in circle headquarters with the motto of office at the doorstep of the people.

During the farewell meeting held at the ADC chamber and attended by officers and officials of DC office, ADC G. Ete highlighted and appreciated the various efforts undertaken by Abhyankar in the development of the district.

Abhyankar, thanking all present for their cooperation in making his tenure in the district a smooth one, said that the praises heaped on him for the success of some of his initiatives would not have been possible without the active interest and support of the people here.

Abhyankar also added that a person is truly successful when he or the position he holds becomes immaterial and the system becomes such that it functions smoothly and along the right path irrespective of the person sitting in the chair. So he advised all to work hard and do the right deed.

The public of the district have appreciated the efforts of Abhyankar in conducting exams and interviews for recruitment in various posts in a free and fair manner. They said that candidates had been selected on basis of merit and hoped that the system would continue. (DIPRO)

The plight of print media

India has been witnessing a significant role of print media in refurbishing the society and in infusing a sense of nationalism among its citizens since the beginning of 18th century. Even the revolutionary movement  during British era did not begin with guns and but with publication of newspapers. With the advent of information technology, the role of media also increased to give a right direction to the society in the modern world. It succeeded to elicit public opinion against the dogmas that negate the human values.

Unfortunately, torture, harassment and humiliation to media persons began during the British-India era and the legacy continues till date though we are the citizens of free-India. It is believed that our country is increasingly witnessing systematic attack on the freedom of Press and print media during last half century.

Many critics are of the opinion that laws in our country do not have a specific mention of the freedom of press nor does it give a special right to the press. However, Article 19 provides all citizens with the right to freedom of speech and expression which also becomes a source of inspiration for the media.

In the north eastern part of the country, the print media has been pushed to a corner as they have to face many challenges from many quarters – be it the governments, or non-state actors.  Unfortunately many journalists in our neighbouring states have either lost their lives or kidnapped or intimidated.

In Arunachal Pradesh, many a times,  the men in power seem to be satisfied when they said media in our state is crawling and in very nascent stage. It is difficult to read the pulse of the leaders whether they really want Arunachal media to flourish or not.

As the condemnations are pouring in as usual, we are still hoping for conducive atmosphere where not only the print media but all citizens of the state would live a dignified life in a peaceful environment.