April  02

Panchayat and Municipal elections on May 16

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, April 1: Keeping all speculation at rest, the Arunachal Pradesh is going for both Panchayati Raj and Municipal elections simultaneously on May 16. The counting for votes will be held on May 21. However, notification for the elections will be issued on April 16  and the code of conduct will come into the force immediately after formal announcement of poll schedule.  This was announced by State Election Commissioner K D Singh in a press meet here today.

According to Singh, a total number of 5,83,409 voters will exercise  their franchise in 1841 polling  stations to choose a total number of 9365 members of panchayat institutes from village to district level. There are 7403 seats for Gram Panchayat Members, 1785 for Anchal Samity Members, 177 seats for Zilla Parishad Members.

Simultaneously, Municipal body elections will be held at Itanagar and Pasighat for 30 and 12 wards respectively. The Municipal elections are being held in the state for the first time. A total number of 61,493 voters will decide the fate of 30 councilors at Itanagar, while 9683 voters will exercise their franchise to elect 12 councilors under Pasighat municipal board. Hopefully, 10 and 4 seats will be reserved for women both in Itanagar and Pasighat municipal elections, the Singh added. The election to Panchayati Raj will be held through ballot papers while the municipal body through Electronic Voting Machine, (EVM).

Singh further informed that date for the Panchayat and Municipal elections was  fixed after due consultation with the state Govt and political parties. The term of the existing Panchayat institutes will come to an end in the 1st week of June.

Responding to a specific question, Singh said that there is a constitutional obligation to conduct the Panchayati Raj elections in time.

Terming the elections as ‘festival of democracy’ Singh made an appeal to the all political parties and voters to ensure smooth and peaceful election.

While referring to the code of conduct, the SEC informed that strict election model code of conduct will be in place. This time, slaughtering of Mithun and other domestic animals during the period of elections will be construed as an offence as it amount  to luring the voters, the SEC said adding, therefore, slaughter of animals during the period of election process shall be banned except in community and traditional rituals for which necessary approval will be given by the concerned district municipal election officers/DCs, he added. State Election Commission secretary K.Payeng and Under Secretary Higio Talla were also present in the press meet.

 

This time, slaughtering of Mithun and other domestic animals during

the period of elections will be  construed as an offence.

 

 

 

Airport fiasco back to haunt govt

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, April 01: The airport fiasco is back to haunt state government. Armed with information gathered through RTI, in a press conference held today at Arunachal Press Club building, the Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum (BCIF) claimed that the airport has been shifted from Karisingsa to Hollongi by Airport Authority of India (AAI) following request of the State Government.

Rejecting the Govt’s clarification on shifting of the airport, BCIF General Secretary Kipa Taniang stated that airport has been shifted for the benefit of some influential people.

“……on the request of State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, AAI explored and prepared a pre-feasibility report on the new site at Hollongi for construction of a Greenfield Airport,” a letter written by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India, on October 20, 2011 to Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh which was obtained through RTI by BCIF, read.

State government has been maintaining that it had no role in shifting of the airport from Karsingsa to Hollongi.

Taniang further informed that the proposed airport site at Hollongi is a notified land for settlement of Chakma refugees. But, persons belonged to Chakma people figured in the list of people affected by the proposed airport was only 156 out of the total 410, the BCIF General Secretary said while showing a list obtained through RTI. “How can they claim compensation against land notified for settlement of refugees?” Taniang questioned. He informed that names of many high profile and influential persons figured in the list.

“Documents obtained through RTI revealed that the area from Changmara to Magoni River (i.e. flat land between inner line and foothills excluding existing plantation area) was demarcated for settlement of Chakma refugees in 1978 by the State Government,” Taniang said.

He further informed that state cabinet in a meeting in 1999 on “Policy Issues of Chakma Hajong Refugees residing in Arunachal Pradesh” decided that (a) “after assessment of the land vacated by the refugees and moving out of the settlement, the deputy commissioner should take over all this land and then hand it over to the department for afforestation and (b) No sale of land whether to non-tribal or local tribals should be considered valid”. Taniang informed that a PIL has been filed in Gauhati High Court in January this year against shifting of the Greenfield airport from Karsingsa to Hollongi and early construction of the same at Karsingsa site.

Vowing to continue the movement until fulfilment of the demand, he said that BCIF would even knock the door of Supreme Court on this issue, if situation compels.

 

 

Capital administration resumes fight against encroachment after a lull

ITANAGAR, April 01: The capital administration today carried out drive for removal of illegal encroachments on the footpath by the vegetable vendors, pan shops, sundry vendors, etc. During the drive, furniture used by the vendors for the same was seized and destroyed. Similarly the hap-hazard parking done by the auto-rickshaws near R.K. Mission Hospital and Akashdweep market was streamlined and many auto rickshaw drivers and private vehicle owners who had parked their vehicles illegally were fined. At many places, the construction material dumped on road- sides was removed and seized by the District Administration

The drive took place in presence of Sanjay Goel, Deputy Commissioner, Surendra Kumar, SP, City, Talo Potom, ADM-cum-CEO and contingent of police/PPPF personnel’s. The District Administration has now decided to carry out the drive of streamlining the parking and removing encroachment on NH52A, sector road, foot paths, etc continuously for the next few months. Accordingly, a dedicated team has been constituted to carry out these drives from morning to evening at least for the next three months. During the said drive, the focus will be mainly on streamlining the parking situation in Capital Complex, removal of construction material illegally dumped on the road side and also removal of encroachments from roads, footpath, etc. The persons violating the orders of the District Administration would be penalized and if required their vehicle and construction material would also be seized. The District Administration has been persistently carrying out such drives for last one year, however there is still much to be done to improve traffic, parking and beautification of Capital Complex. The residents are requested to cooperate with the District Administration such drives, the capital complex administration appealed.

 

 

Attempt on life of EE

Orgs demand arrest of all accused  

ITANAGAR,  April 01:  Arunachal Pradesh  Public Works Department  Engineers Association has urged the  chief secretary of the state  to  provide  security  in all PWD offices so that  the officers and staff  work in a peaceful atmosphere.

Vehemently condemning the incident  in which the miscreants attempted on the life of Executive Engineer, Tali PWD division at his camp office at Ziro, the  Association   also urged the  authorities to give stringent punishment to the culprits.

“Culprits should not be allowed to go scot-free as it will encourage  the  anti-social elements to carry out further unlawful activities,” the  Association said and sought intervention of the  CS  to go into the details of the incident for stringent  punishment to the  culprits. “Such act of assault/intimidation/threatening etc to the PWD engineers is not a new phenomenon. Every year the engineers are put to lot of mental harassment from various quarters. Despite our repeated requests and plea to provide security cover to all the field officers, especially during the 4th quarter of the financial year, no concrete action has been taken by the Government due to which the anti-social elements take the opportunity to manhandle the officers on very flimsy grounds,’ the  association rued.

Meanwhile, condemning the attempted murder of Executive Engineer Nich Tader at Ziro,  the Development Monitoring Committee of C/o Phaa Steel Bridge & Dha to Gangte Road has appealed the law enforcing authority to immediately provide security to the officer and his camp office at Ziro. The accused Kogam Bagang has reportedly argued with the officer and in a fit of rage sprinkled petrol from a bottle which he took out from his bag and tried burning him. Some people had accompanied Bagang who were waiting for him in the car. Fortunately, the officer was rescued by some people who were in his chamber. Bagang was later arrested on March 31 last.

Further seeking public cooperation in the case, the committee urged Lower Subansiri SP to arrest all the accused involved in the incident and award exemplary punishment.

Meanwhile, SAS vehemently condemned the attempted murder of Nich Tader, EE, PWD, Tali Division at Ziro on March 30 and demanded capital punishment for the accused.

 

 

They take back sweet memories for rest of their lives

Ranjit Sinha

ITANAGAR,  April 01: Since NEFA days to present Arunachal, many non-tribal people had returned to their native places after serving the state in the capacity of either Govt employees or businessmen for decades together.  The reminiscences about Arunachal which they take back along with them become the source of inspiration to enjoy the retired life with positivity.

 And one of the souls, who still loves to sink in the past life in Arunachal Pradesh, is a retired engineer, namely, B. P. Singh, (Former Chief Engineer, Power, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh).

Singh, now a resident of Varanasi, is  more than a happy man, when he comes to know that a large chunk of Arunachalee students are studying in Banaras Hindu University. Singh found out the Arunachalee students and invited them over a dinner party recently at Madhuvan Lawn, Sunderpur. Around 40 students attended the party including some from Assam.

Of course the dinner party was mixed with emotion as Singh shared his memories of his days in Arunachal Pradesh where he had served for more than three decades.

V. K. Singh, Director (Ayurveda), Government of India who had also served for two decades in Arunachal, was also present on the occasion. Others present on the occasion were Dr. B. Kumar, Assistant Professor, IIT BHU, N. K. Mishra, Manager ABC, Naharlagun and M. P. Singh, BHU.

Many Arunachalee students also sang songs for their hosts and felicitated them with ‘Tanggo’ (Arunachal’s traditional attire), which was followed by performance of traditional Ponung dance at the request of Er. Singh.

Later, addressing the students Singh also assured all possible help to them in times of needs. All the students were very thankful to Er. Singh for his love and affection towards Arunachal and its people. (As narrated by Bido Sora, a  Faculty of Law, BHU)

 

 

BJP castigates Govt on law and order

ITANAGAR, April 01: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)Arunachal Pradesh today condemned the incident of attempt on life of  Er. Nich Tader, EE of PWD Tali Division at Ziro camp office.

Blaming the state Government for present law and order situation in the state, BJP in a release today said  that the  state Govt  has misled the recently concluded assembly by claiming improved law and order situation in state while extortionists have been active for last two years.

The Congress government in state is directly  or indirectly responsible for the pathetic law and order situation in the state, the BJP said.  The party further said that the state government can not escape from the primary responsibility in protecting the life and property of the citizens and advocated for appointment of independent home minister.  The BJP demanded justice for Er. Nich Tader and other officers who are facing life threats and extortions etc.

Meanwhile, condemning the attempt on life of Er Tader, All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) has demanded the Lower Subansiri district administration to immediately arrest the culprits and investigate the matter properly at the earliest.  Govt should provide security to officers for smooth office functioning, it said.

 

 

78th Utkal Divas celebrated

By Staff Reporter

NAHARLAGUN, April 01: The people of Odisha working in various fields in this Himalayan state for the last three decades celebrated the 78th Utkal Divas under the banner of Arunchal-Utkala Sanskrutika Parishad (AUSP) at a function at Kali temple here today.

Though the celebration had first began at the initiative of then governor Surendra Nath Diwivedi in 1992, the initiative continued and the Oriyas serving in different parts of the state joined the occasion in subsequent years.

Following the Jagannath philosophy of ‘service to man is service to god’ and with the Lord’s blessings, the Oriyas  have kept the Odisha flag flying high across the globe leaving an indelible prints where ever they served, said AUSP president Pradeep Kumar Behera.

On this day in 1936, Orissa became an independent state with Biswanath Das as its first Prime Minister. After the defeat and demise of the last Hindu king Mukunda Dev, Utkala now known as Odisha lost its complete political identity in 1568.

To regain their lost pride, Odias revolted under the leadership of Utkala Gouraba Madhusudan Das, Utkala Mani Gopabandhu Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Pandita Nilakantha Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Basudeba Sudhaladeba, Radhanath Ray, Bhubanananda Das, A P Patro and many others. They founded Utkal Sammilani and fought for three decades which led to the formation of a politically separate state under British rule on linguistic basis on this day.

 

 

SAS demands arrest of all attackers on Govt staff

ITANAGAR, April 01: Swtam Aajin Society (SAS) has demanded the district administration and police to apprehend the remaining criminals involved in the physical assault on two Govt employees and snatching of a car and service rifle of a security personnel deployed at Banderdewa check gate.

Likha Talo, a surveyor in Town Planning Department and Licha Tat, a Lab Assistant in Rajiv Gandhi Govt Polytechnic, who also happened to be the member and treasurer respectively of SAS, were mercilessly beaten by a group of criminals with the intention to loot them on March 28 at around 9 pm, SAS in a release informed. They snatched the vehicle of Tat and cell phone and money purse containing ATM and Pan Cards, driving license and few cash amount.

However, the snatched Chevrolet vehicle (No AR- 01E-4359) and the service rifle of the CRPF personnel were recovered by the SAS team on the same night from Doimukh.

While narrating the thrilling experience during the search operation, SAS in a release informed that it started search operation in all colonies and sectors within Itanagar in separate groups immediately after the incident. Later, the SAS team headed towards Gumto where they intercepted the looted vehicle and started chasing it. After few minutes of chase, the driver of the looted car fled leaving the car at Doimukh Market. It was immediately informed to SI C Namchoom of Itanagar PS, SDPO J Basar of Naharlagun and CoSAAP President NL Togu. After recovery of the car, they continued search operation. Subsequently, three of SAS members along with two police personnel succeeded to nab one of the culprits near Amba village along with the key of the looted car and three live bullets of the snatched rifle at around 2 pm on the same night. On further search operation, they recovered the rifle, the release informed.

Earlier, on being informed, Itanagar Police alerted various check gates around Capital Complex immediately and subsequently, security personnel manning Banderdewa check gate intercepted those gondas. But interestingly, the criminals managed to flee snatching the service rifle of the CRPF personnel, who tried to stop them.

Meanwhile, SAS vehemently condemned the dastardly act and threatened to take its own course of action to nab the culprits, if they are not arrested within a week.

“We conducted the search operation because the victim duo was members of our society (SAS),” the release said, adding that the incident should not be politicized for personal benefit. SAS demanded exemplary punishment for the culprits and urged authority not to grant their bail plea.

Hailing the Itanagar Police team led by SI C A Namchoom for nabbing one of the accused involved in the robbery and physical assault of Licha Tath, lab technician of Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College and Likha Talo, a Surveyor with UD department, the Licha Welfare Society has urged police department to nab the other culprits involved as early as possible and to award exemplary punishment to the criminals.

Condemning the incident as barbaric and an inhuman act, it sought exemplary punishment for the criminals involved so that anti-social elements would not dare to repeat such incidents in future.

The society further urged all the NGOs, organizations and common public to cooperate with the law enforcing authority to do away with such habitual criminals in future.

 

 

Orientation meeting for PRI members held at Changlang

ITANAGAR, April 01: The one day orientation meeting of the PRI Members of the district was held on 28th March at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Changlang. The meeting cum workshop was chaired by Chanchal Yadav, Deputy Commissioner cum Chairperson, DHS, Changlang. The Meeting was attended by the PRI members of the district.

At the beginning, Dr. Tope Yomcha, DRCHO, welcomed all the members and gave the Keynote address and highlighted the programmes under NRHM- VHSNC/VHND, JSSK, JSY, School Health Programme (ARSH) and RKS/HMC.

In her address DC expressed happiness and felt encouraged by the large gathering of PRI members for the first time at one place. She initiated the proceedings by sharing her adept knowledge on VHSC/VHND, JSSK, SHP and other NRHM activities. And she urged all the PRI members to accumulate as much knowledge as possible from the meeting cum orientation and disseminate them to their respective areas.

Jumpo Jugli, Chairperson, ZPM, Changlang district suggested that such type of orientation should be held regularly at the block levels so that more and more grass root level PRI members can participate.

Dr. P Dutta, DMO, Changlang, put more details on VHNSC/VHND- the misunderstandings between ASHA and PRI members. The poor funding of VHSNC in the CFY was mainly due to non submission of SOE in time. He also explained to the queries raised by some of the members regarding the RSBY (Rashtriya Swastha Bhima Yojana).

The power point presentation on VHSNC/VHND, JSSK, JSY, SHP and RKS was presented by Dr.Tope Yomcha, DRCHO. While presenting the power point, he welcomed all the queries and explained them to the PRI members.

Cash reward stands

 

The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

 

 

Awareness campaign begins at Khanu village

ITANAGAR, April 01: The Shungkuh Wancho Women Welfare Association (SWWWA) of Pongchau- Wakka has started awareness campaign on 31st March at Khanu village under Wakka circle of Longding district. The campaign begins in colourful manner under the chairmanship of Chingsan Wangham Chief of Khanu village. Many public leaders, ZPMs, ASMs, GPMs, HGBs, GBs and educated youths as well as government officers from various department of Wakka Circle attended the first day of campaign.

The President of SWWWA Ngunkhaw Ngandam disclosed the aims and objectives of the awareness campaign. The campaign mainly targets on the importance of girl education, problem of drug addiction and child-marriage. The Secretary SWWWA Sumi Wangsa in her address spoke about need for spreading awareness on HIV (AIDS) and also on the need to maintain personal hygiene and sanitation of the area.

The Circle Officer of Wakka, C. Chukhu took active part in the programme and encouraged the organizing team as well as the people of the Wakka Circle for such motivational and innovative awareness Camp. After covering nine villages, the awareness campaign will end on 3rd April at Longkai village.

 

 

Resolve airport issue

ITANAGAR, April 01: All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) today called on the Finance Minister and held discussion  on its charter of  demand  which include immediate solution to the  demand for shifting of greenfield airport  site from Hollongi to Karsingsa and proper explanation behind shifting of greenfield airport site from Karsingsa to Hollongi. The organization in a release claimed that the  finance minister assured to discuss the  matter with CM.

 

 

Cultural week concludes

ITANAGAR, April 01: The two day art and culture programme organized by district art and culture department concluded today at DIC complex, Aalo. The auspicious occasion was graced by  Tuter Nima, Station Superintendent APST. Terming the day as an important and

significant occasion Nima called for utmost priority by the govt on this sector by pumping in more resources.

He also called for large scale celebration by choosing a more appropriate date to preserve and protect our age old culture from erosion.  The wave of change is inevitable but the root that hold us firmly is our culture, tradition, belief, faith, worship and tribal practices and we cannot compromise with those values for the sake of change and imitation, he rued.

The District Art and Culture Officer, Tapun Taki highlighted the importance of the day and appealed one and all to imbibe the rich traditional art that fetched our livelihood and culture that have knit us together through the ages. We need to infuse these values to younger generation to carry forward, he added. Earlier Gijum Tali, DIPRO welcomed the gathering and Pratap Nath, RM extended his thanks to one and all for making the programme a successful one. Traditional dances, exhibition of local art and crafts were displayed on the occasion.

 

 

RDS conducts essay competition

ITANAGAR, April 01: Altogether 29 participants took part in an essay competition which was organized by Rural Development Society (RDS) at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Polo Colony, Naharlagun on March 31 last. In the essay themed ‘Life History of Mahatma Gandhi, his contribution to Khadi & Village Industries in India’ Kenma Gibi of Dera Natung Govt. College here was adjudged the winner. Sourav Sarkar of the host school and Engam Dui of KV-1 bagged the second and third position respectively.

The top three winners of the competition were awarded with cash amount of Rs. 2000, 1500 and 1000 each and 15 consolation prizes were distributed.

 

 

Org accuses agri department of nepotism

ITANAGAR, April 01: Alleging that the department of agriculture has sanctioned supply work of various agricultural inputs for the year 2012-13 to 28 firms by the way of pick and choose policy, the Registered Agricultural Dealership Owner’s has appealed to the state government to immediately cancel the selection and to issue fresh tender for the same.

It claimed that government of India had sanctioned huge amount of money for the supply of various agricultural inputs for the year 2012-13 to the department of agriculture which after receiving the amount allegedly selected 28 firms without proper tendering process for the said work. The 28 firms to which the works were awarded are not even registered, it alleged.

By doing this, the department has curtailed the fundamental rights of other eligible firms and contractors, the organization further accused.

 

 

Vice Chancellor Trophy-2013

Dept of Basic Science lift title

ITANAGAR, April 01: Akhilesh Sahani scored 55 runs and took 4 wickets to help Dept. Basic Science defeat Dept. of Environmental Science by 68 runs in the final of Vice Chancellor Trophy-2013 at Rajiv Gandhi University playground, Rono Hills today.

Sahani was declared ‘Man of the Match’ for his all-round performance.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Tamo Mibang gave away the trophy to the Champion team while Dr. Richob Taba, Registrar distributed trophies to the runners up team and man of the match.

Started on March 20, the event was participated by 13 teams representing various departments of the campus. Anil Mili, Deputy Director of Physical Education, RGU also attended the final event.  

Tassar Anung, President, Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union (RGUSU) expressed happiness over successful conduction of the championship.( With inputs from Debananda S Medak, Mass Comm Dept, RGU)

 

 

 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

 

260 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

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

All rights reserved.

News Impact

• Panchayat and Municipal elections on May 16
• Airport fiasco back to haunt govt
• Capital administration resumes fight against encroachment after a lull
• Attempt on life of EE
• They take back sweet memories for rest of their lives
• BJP castigates Govt on law and order
• 78th Utkal Divas celebrated
• SAS demands arrest of all attackers on Govt staff
• Orientation meeting for PRI members held at Changlang
• Vice Chancellor Trophy-2013

Preferential treatment is wrong

Dear Editor,

It is simply disgrace to witness how a certain movie star's "suffering" is generating more sympathy among a large  section of people and media than the plight of the families of 257 persons, killed in the 1993 blasts, just because he happens to be a member of the "upper crust" of society!

According to this class-conscious school of thought, the actor should have been provided a clean-chit and allowed the luxury of escaping from the clutches of law and punishment just because he hails from a "good family", not a "born criminal" and committed a "mistake" that too for "self-defense"! But the very same brigade does not extend this gem of "liberalism" for the convicts who are not born with silver spoons in their mouths. As far as class-based chauvinism is concerned, India simply has no peers.

Firstly, "goodness" of a family is not dependent upon academic degrees, wealth or social status. Rather ideals, values and deeds form the yardstick of goodness. Else it gets concluded that families plagued by poverty, unemployment or illiteracy are not "good" and if any of its members are found on the wrong side of law, no problem if they are awarded adequate punishment! Only philistines can define "goodness" of families through such vulgar yardstick.

Secondly, there lies no reason to believe that a person is definitely "good" just because his parents are "good". Else it implies that children of criminals are definitely "criminals"! There exists innumerable persons of questionable credentials hailing from "good" families and countless civilized individuals from "bad" ones have established themselves in the society through sheer hard work and honesty.

Thirdly, the actor might not be a "born criminal", but the same fact is applicable to criminals of all hues around the world. Why don't the Dutt-loyalists shed crocodile tears for them also! As far as theories of "mistake" and "self-defense" are concerned, again infinite people have fallen prey to it. But their plight does not draw sympathy from any quarter! Even the proverb of "Let bygones be bygones" is also being sprinkled lavishly to save the actor! I would have liked to see if those very same people could have acted such "broad-mindedly" had any of their family members got killed by the Mumbai blasts!

However the section which is zealously rooting for the actor and lamenting his "plight" by invoking the "logic" of  Dutt  being an established actor, his playing of "Gandhian" roles and the economic consequence of the sentence on Bollywood should definitely take the cake! Had a mason, driver, clerk or teacher gets a sentence of imprisonment, there would not have existed a reason to bother! But a Bollywood actor's imprisonment is simply "intolerable"! And thanks to the Dutt sympathizers, we have at last got enlightened of the fact that his portrayal of "Gandhian" roles was not meant for monetary gains, but to propagate the values of peace and ahimsa! This also implies that an actor certainly becomes a "terrorist" if he dares to enact such a role in films! And why don't the "kind-hearted" lot, who are extremely perturbed while calculating the "mammoth" monetary losses of the producers whose films might get stuck due to the sentence served on Dutt, feel an iota of pain for the immense plight and helplessness of the innocent wives and kids of the poor convicts who have been framed or committed crime due to certain circumstances or just to fight the pangs of hunger? The hypocrisy and heartlessness in the "modern" society have crossed all limits of decency and sanity.

As far as the Bollywood moguls are concerned, it comes hardly as a surprise when they expect immunity unto themselves.  Superstars who should have now been confined to prison for killing endangered animals or trampling innocent pavement dwellers to death by driving in an intoxicated state get treated as "role models" in the society and reign as "cynosure" of all eyes! In this sorry state of affairs, it is fully expected that Bollywood will assume itself as residing above all norms of law. Thus the sentence of Dutt's imprisonment has arrived as a bolt from the blue for this complacent lot. Bollywood and the loyalists of Dutt should remain thankful to the judiciary for allowing Dutt to get away with much lighter punishment despite hobnobbing with terrorists like Anees Ibrahim.

In this "great" country,  innumerable poor people(many of them being absolute innocents), accused of petty crimes, not only continue to languish in dungeon-like jails for decades as under trials, but also for more years than the maximum possible years of punishment for the alleged crime! But no one cares to show a bit of compassion to these unfortunate lot as they are poor, "uneducated" and do not hail from "good" families!

When will India learn to demand justice for individuals on the basis of neutrality and humanity instead of taking into account their glamour, profession, social or economic status?

Yours

Kajal Chatterjee,

Peerless Nagar, Kolkata

 

 

 

Security should be beefed up in capital complex

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I want to draw the attention of Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh towards the increasing insecure atmosphere within Capital Complex. Now a day’s our city is under the threat from various murderers, burglars, vehicle lifters, bike lifters, hooligans and kidnappers. Day by the crime rate is increasing in the capital complex. Common citizen of capital complex is being terrorized.

The security around capital complex should be beefed up and night patrolling should be carried out along the highway from Banderdewa to Hollongi and also in every sectors of the capital complex to check such illegal activities.

Media is one of the important sources to get news for the people of our state and around the Globe but today they are also not safe to execute their duties in the state. Therefore, I would like to appeal Parliament Secretary ( Home) Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh, Director General of Police, Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Complex, Superintendent of Police Itanagar Capital Complex, Deputy Commissioner, Yupia Papum Pare District, Superintendent of Police Yupia, Papum Pare District to provide full security for the people of Capital Complex City. Further I request all the media persons of the state to equally treat all the public.

Yours,

Sannu Hai

Senki Park, Itanagar

 

 

 

Attempt made on the life of engineer is condemnable

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to share few things regarding the brutal attack on Er. NichTader, Executive Engineer, PWD-Tali Division on 30th March at around 10:30 am in his camp office, Ziro.  The Nich Welfare Society and Nyishi Site Society have condemned such criminal act and I do personally condemn such brutal attack. He was tried to be burn him alive by one Kogam Bagang, a resident of Pip-Sorang circle, under Kurung Kumey District. Such act is very undesirable and highly condemnable. Here I do appeal the concern authority to verify whether Kogam Bagang is a native of Pip-Sorang or not? As per the clarification given by the Sorang Welfare Society he is not inhabitant of Pipsorang circle, if so then what is his status and whether he is real contractor or fake contractor of Pip-Sorang Circle? Sprinkling of petrol or any type of method used for an attempt to murder is not the solution. One can get the information by filing RTI for transparency.

As a matter of fact the Tali area for long had no road connectivity and is counted among one of the most backward place of the state. Er Nich Tader who has been posted at Tali Division recently has worked tirelessly to ensure the completion of road project under RIDF scheme of (NABARD) from Barta camp to Kumey River near Tali for which the people of 20th Tali Constituency have appreciated his work.

Inspite of his tireless and hard efforts Er Tader, has been awarded with an attempt to murder by sprinkling petrol on him which is very undesirable. I request the public, educated youth and public leaders of Tali Area to wake up from dark side for the development of the area. I request the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to depute proper security for Engineers and Head of Departments especially during financial year ending for their safety. I also appeal district administration to conduct through investigation and give proper punishment to the culprit as per the law for the heinous crime. The respected political leaders are also requested not to pressurize or interfere during the investigation.

Yours

Nich Raju

Village Yachuli,

 

 

 

Arunachalee youth need to do soul searching

Dear Editor,

Today we live in a generation when everything’s is getting mixed up. The modernity has affected the whole fabric of young lives. Modernity has brought many problems especially in the case of young generation. This has led to the lowering moral standard, drug addiction, alcoholism, murder, rape, suicide, gun culture etc. Young people are struggling for identity and dignity, security and equality.

Many youths says, "There is no hope for tomorrow." We have too many aimless youth in our society. It is true that young boys and girls are confused. And “do your own things” and “it's your life” are the slogan of the youth today.

But there are thousands of young people who see corruption everywhere and they want to play a role in building a better world. If you are ready to contribute something to the world, what role can you play for our society? In what ways you want our society to develop? These are some tough questions to answer. There are so many inequalities today. The rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer. We see bribery, corruption, lying, cheating and killing everywhere. Unemployment crisis is mounting up. There are inequality between man and women.

When we see the condition today, there are tensions between the denominations. There is suspicious, hatred, misunderstanding among the youth workers. We attend camp, conference and seminar but our living standard don’t show that we live committed life. These prejudices should be removed by young people.

Arunachalees are losing our rich traditional culture. We are losing the rich tradition of folk music, dance and languages. We have forgotten our history. Young people must realized our failure and enrich our cultural values and history.

Yours,

Lindum Ruth

Problems with GM crops

On the 11th anniversary of the official approval of Bt cotton in India, the coalition for a GM-Free India released a compilation of scientific papers titled “Adverse Impacts of Transgenic crops/Foods: A Compilation of Scientific References and Abstracts” which showcase the mounting evidence on the adverse impacts of transgenic crops and foods on various fronts.

While the government does not hesitate to announce even on the floor of the Parliament that there are no adverse impacts from transgenic crops/foods, with this compilation, we hope that fooling of the public by the proponents would stop.  This is by no means an exhaustive compilation but only illustrative, said the coalition in a statement.

The implications of this living, irreversible technology have to be understood on different fronts by policy makers and citizens before GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are released into the environment, particularly on a large scale.

The debate on GM crops is always peppered with statements that opposition to GM crops stems out of “misguided emotion” or “ignorance” and that there is no “scientific evidence” for the negative effects of the technology. But the reality is that there is significant amount of scientific evidence that shows the problems with GM crops, the coalition said.