April  22

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

 

 

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LYVA condemns road blockade

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Likabali Youth Volunteer Association (LYVA) has condemned the act of road blockade on Akajan-Likabali-Bame defense road by Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) in protest against holding of Malini Mela.

Describing the road blockade as unfortunate and uncalled for, LYVA, in a release, claimed that the place where Malini Mela is celebrated is not a disputed land as claimed by AJYCP. “It is an attempt by some organization to vitiate the peaceful and congenial atmosphere prevailing along the inter-state boundary, especially in Likabali and Silapathar area,” the release alleged.

The Malini Mela has been celebrated in the same place since 1964 by then NEFA and present administration of Arunachal Pradesh. This stand has been amply corroborated by the recent Gauhati High Court judgment in which it has directed the authorities of Assam not to obstruct the holding of the ‘mela’, the release added.

 

Slow Loris rescued

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: A Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang) an endangered animal listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 alongwith 2-month-old infant has been rescued from the paddy field at Dollungmukh area of Lower Subansiri district by a villager of Dollungmukh.

Rescuer Nido Talin has handed over the primate to the Curator of Biological Park here for treatment and rehabilitation, informed Park Curator Raya Flago.

The example set by the villager by rescuing an endangered animal despite being an illiterate person will go a long way in creating awareness among people on the need to conserve wildlife, the Curator of the Park said in a release.

 

Three-day training concludes

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: A three-day intensive prophetic training organized by Christian Revival Church, Naharlagun under the banner of APCRCC has successfully concluded at CRC, Naharlagun on April 20 last. The main theme of the training was “Let all things be done decently and in order”.

Attending the inaugural programme as special guest APCRCC president Tarh Kama exhorted the trainees to avail the opportunity and become a good citizen in the society.

Earlier, in his keynote speech, CRC, Naharlagun general secretary and coordinator of programme Tad Akin elaborated on the main aims and objectives of the training.

The three-day programme was concluded with the mass thanks giving prayer.

 

Orientation training for Farmers Club

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: An orientation cum training programme for newly formed Pada Farmers Club was conducted at Mai village Under Yaculi circle by KVK Lower Subansiri on April 20.

Subject Matter Specialist Hage Manty explained the farmers about aims and objective and proper functioning of farmers club and their linkages with banks.

SMS (Agronomy) Yowa Nunu also trained the farmers about green manures and its application in wetland rice.  

Maize and vegetables seeds were also distributed.

Altogether 36 farmers participated during the programme.

 

Society refutes charges

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Bagang Welfare Society Capital Complex today refuted the charges leveled against one Kogam Bagang  for  his alleged attempt to burn alive the Tali PWD executive engineer at Zir. It said Bagang actually tried to kill himself by pouring petrol over his body before the Executive Engineer and others after knowing that his name was left out from the contractors' list for payment.

 The Society said that Bagang had to face financial problem after he had completed the construction works of 4 culverts at Pip-Sorang road. While other contractors were being paid for their works, only Bagang was left out from the list, it added.

It further said "after award of 4 culverts on November 2009, Kogam Bagang borrowed an amount of Rs. 7 lakhs from others @ 10% per month with hope to refund within the financial year. But of his no fault, he has to paid off an amount of Rs. 17.50 lakhs to the borrower by selling his allotted land at Itanagar on 2012 leaving another 4.56 thousand as debt to be paid within this year."

Meanwhile, the organization has condemned all who had denounced the act of Kogam Bagang without knowing the "facts leading to the incident". Further, it requested the state govt to constitute a high level committee for investigating the alleged financial misappropriation involved in Pip-Sorang road project.

 

Mara visits fire victims

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Punji Mara visited the fire victims of Menga yesterday and donated Rs One Lakh to the affected families as immediate relief, informed Janu Nekam, Nayam and Negia Welfare Association of Menga.

While interacting with the victims, Mara suggested them to take utmost care while handling fire. Claiming that electric short-circuit has been one of the major causes of fire in the district, he advised people to seek help of electrician or experienced during electrification and installation of electrical equipment. He also urged the department concerned to provide relief assistance to the victims for their quick rehabilitation.

According to the association, five houses were gutted along with properties worth lakhs of rupees including domestic animals. However, there was no human casualty, the release informed.

 

 

 

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

News Impact

• Govt seeks RBI support to boost rubber cultivation in Arunachal
• Protest in PTC against shifting of trainees
• DMEO appeals for strict adherence to model code of conduct
• Congress, BJP tighten belt for Panchayat poll in Pasighat West
• Poi Sangken observed with traditional fervour
• Petitioner dismayed as APIC delaying return of hearing

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

All rights reserved.

Govt seeks RBI support to boost rubber cultivation in Arunachal

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today  pleaded the Rubber Board of India (RBI) to extend technical and financial support to give a new thrust to rubber cultivation in the state. Chief Minister was addressing the awareness workshop on rubber cultivation at SIRD conference hall today.  The workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Commerce, GoAP, Rubber Board of India (RBI) and agro gramin United (agun), Naharlagun.  

Terming the workshop as historic beginning in the field of rubber cultivation, Chief Minister said that rubber  could change the life of rural masses in the state.

Stressing the need of collaborative approach, the  Chief Minister hoped that rubber cultivation  will play a significant role in  achieving the  state Govt’s  five-year job generation target of one lakh. “Though we are little late, but we have to take rubber cultivation in bigger way for the benefit of rural people, particularly the unemployed youths,” the Chief Minister said. “Only during the previous financial year, my government decided to make all out efforts and take up rubber cultivation seriously under a mission mode project (MMP) as we have picture-perfect climate condition and vast stretches of land made just for it. Besides making best use of our resources in this way, we would also be uplifting the economic condition of the people of the state,” he added.

Emphasizing the need of selection of genuine beneficiaries under rubber cultivation schemes, the Chief Minister also observed that  rubber can be a good alternative source  of  income for the people who are reportedly involved in opium cultivation in some districts.  Rubber cultivation will not only change the life, but it will also help reduce the opium menace, he observed.

Earlier, Rubber Board of India chairperson Sheela Thomas in her addressed disclosed the ambitious plan to boost rubber cultivation in North Eastern region including Arunachal Pradesh.

Currently, out of the total potential area of 25,000 hectares of land, rubber is planted only in 2,540 hectares of land in Arunachal Pradesh and the state  so far produced only 195 MT of rubber, she informed. Thomas further said East Siang, West Siang, Papum Pare, East Kameng, Lohit and Lower Dibang Valley and Tirap have been identified as potential areas for rubber cultivation.  Highlighting the RBI development programme for the North East state,  the chairperson further disclosed RBI assistance to the rubber farmers such as plantation subsidy – Rs 30,000 (six installments), boundary protection - Rs. 5,000/12,500 (Bamboo / Barbed wire), irrigation - Rs. 3,000 (One installment), restocking - Rs. 20,000 (Six installment) and  Revitalization Rs. 13,500 (Three installment).

Rubber is planted in 1.28 lakh hectares of land in North East, including 64,480 hectares in Tripura and 38,090 hectares in Assam.

Chief Secretary H K Paliwal in his address said that  rubber cultivation will go a long way in replacing jhum cultivation in the state. He expressed his hope that with the support of central Govt the state  will achieve the  target  under rubber cultivation within the next five years.

Rubber cultivation will not only provide employment opportunities, it will pave the way for rubber industry in the state, Paliwal said.

Agriculture Minister Setong Sena in his brief speech,  highlighted the initiatives of the Govt to boost rubber cultivation in the state.  

Finance Minister Chowna Mein said  that the Planning department has already accorded top priority to agriculture sector including rubber cultivation in  Arunachal.   Emphasizing the need of strict monitoring for proper implementation of rubber scheme and selection of beneficiaries,  he said  the state would take up rubber in mission mode project in next five years and achieve the target.

Agro gramin united chairman Likha Maj delivered vote of thanks.

Sheela Thomas was accompanied by rubber production commissioner Dr J Thomas, additional RPC MN Gopinath, project coordinator Dr D Choudhury, deputy RPC PC Goswami and  ADO BK Borthakur in the workshop.

Besides the progressive rubber growers of the state,  MLA Nang Sati Mein, commissioners, the PCCF, senior officers of RBI, HoDs, rubber growers, officers of Trade & Commerce department including director Tokong Perting were present on the occasion.

 

 

Protest in PTC against shifting of trainees

Personnel have no choice but to go:PHQ

Amar Sangno

ITANAGAR, Apr 21:  All is not well with the Police Training Centre (PTC) Banderdewa, as hundreds of recruited constable personnel both IRBn and APPBn from East Kameng and Longding district  today lodged its strong protest against the authority’s decision to shift them to Dergaon PTC in Assam.

Sources from PTC Banderdewa informed that recruited constable personnel from both districts are anguished with the authority’s decision to shift them even they are on training since last 12 days from 9th April.

“If we are to be shifted  to Dergaon, why didn’t the authority mention in calling letter,” questioned a personnel. “In our calling letter it is clearly mentioned we would be undergoing training here at Banderdewa PTC,” he added angrily.

Sources also disclosed that reason for protesting is that as many personnel reportedly did not have pocket money for mess fee in PTC Dergaon.  “I don’t have single penny for another mess fee at Dergaon PTC,” said other personnel. This correspondent is being informed that there is chaos like situation among the personnel while managing the amount for mess-fee.

However when contacted, sources from police headquarter (PHQ) said that recruited constable personnel have to go, saying that authority has no choice but to shift them to PTC Dergaon. PHQ also clarified that PTC Banderdewa has only intake capacity of 450 personnel at a time, whereas currently there are more than six hundreds personnel in the PTC. “We have limited seats and it is virtually impossible to accommodate more than six hundreds personnel at a time” said officer from PHQ over the telephone.  Further it also said that delay in shifting was due to delayed respond from Assam counterpart.

 

 

DMEO appeals for strict adherence to model code of conduct

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Deputy Commissioner cum DMEO Capital Complex Sanjay Goel urged all the political parties to strictly abide by the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ for free and fair conduct of Municipal election.

The DC cum DMEO, in a meeting with the representatives of all political parties for smooth conduct of Municipal Election 2013 at conference hall of Director of Urban Development here today briefed all about the procedure and formalities of election, the Model Code of Conduct and informed the dates of respective events.  

He requested them to avoid slaughtering of mithun and other domesticated animals during the period of enforcement of election Model Code of Conduct. He also warned them against misuse of Government vehicles for campaigning and restrained the use of loudspeakers from 6 am to 9 pm. He further restricted all from organizing rally/ procession etc within a radius of 100m from Raj Bhawan, CM’s Bunglow, Banquet Hall, DC Office and SP Office, Legislative Assembly.

He also informed that State Election Commission (SEC) has declared the two days prior to end of the poll as ‘Dry days’ along with May 21 being counting day.  Special Observer Dr. SS Bedi, Principal Secretary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, said that since the officers are bound by law and political parties by moral, both should work together to ensure smooth conduct of election. She said that any person whoever is found to be involved in bogus voting will be dealt strongly as per the law.

Kameng Ringu, President PPA, Kahfa Bengia, President NCP were some of the representatives of various political parties who put forward their grievances and suggestion which was welcomed by the Observer and the DC assured to take up the issue with the state election commission so that it could be taken care of in the next elections.

He also asked them to contact the ROs and AMROs in case of any uncertainty.

APCC General Secretary TC Tok also shared his views.

Capital SP assured to provide all out support concerning security during the election.

The Municipal election, which is going to be held for the first time in Capital Complex, has a total of 30 wards which have been divided into 55 polling stations.

The date of polling would be held on May 16 and counting will be held on May 21. The last date for filling nomination is on April 23.

The representatives of the Political Parties were issued kit containing documents, including Model Code of Conduct, list of polling stations, copy of polling- station wise electoral roll, other instruction/ advisories of SEC etc.

Observer Sanjay Kumar Saxena, Secretary, Power, Observer R.K Singh, Additional PCCF, Surendra Kumar, IPS, SP City, Bokar Basar, RO, Sibo Passing, RO, A.C Baruah, MERO, other officers along with representatives of various political parties were present in the meeting. DIPR

 

 

Congress, BJP tighten belt for Panchayat poll in Pasighat West

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Apr 21: With Panchayat Election day fast approaching, the ruling Congress party and opposition Baharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have tightened their belts to fight election in Pasighat-West (Ruksin) constituency.

The Block Congress Committee (BCC) of Ruksin today opened a temporary election office at Ruksin town for smooth conduct of the activities related to panchayat election.

The general secretary (Admn) of BCC Ojing Panyang informed that the Congress is fielding candidates for all Gram, Anchal and ZPM posts under the block. As such, former Ruksin ZPM Tonggeng Panyang is again allotted party ticket to contest in the same block, while Nei Taloh and Tajing Taki are given ZPM ticket to fight in Bilat and Sille-Oyan anchal blocks respectively.

Like the ruling Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too is preparing itself for contesting the panchayat election in all the posts/seats. The saffron party has a strong base in Ruksin Mandal as their party MLA is representing Pasighat-West constituency. Moreover, BJP national general secretary Tapir Gao is a native of Ruksin block.

The BJP mandal committee was recently reconstituted with Tamat Jonnom as its president and other 14 executives. The party has already constituted Block, Sub-block and Village- Level election committees for smooth conduct of the election activities. Its mandal level office is running at Ruksin village.

Ruksin block/mandal comprises three Zilla Parishad, 35 Anchal and 150 Gram Panchayat seats spreading in its three circles. Both the ruling and opposition parties are taking infrastructure development of the rural areas as their main poll plank.

 

 

Poi Sangken observed with traditional fervour

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Theravada Buddhist Society with great funfare and enthusiasm observed and celebrated the Poi-Sangken here at Theravada Monastery, Itanagar.  

Devotees from all walks of life attended the festival. Poi-Sangken is mainly observed after completion of 3-day celebration of traditional Water Festival-Sangken to commemorate the beginning of New Year and to seek blessing from elders and for thanksgiving to Triple Gems -- the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha-- to bless, protect all human beings from all evil as well as to keep them happy and tranquil and free from all suffering in the new days to come. Delivering his discourse, Venerable Gyanavomsa Mahathra, Bhikkhu of Guwahati Buddha Monastery said that meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. By engaging with a particular meditation practice you learn the patterns and habits of your mind, and the practice offers a means to cultivate new, more positive ways of being. With regular work and patience these nourishing, focused states of mind can deepen into profoundly peaceful and energized states of mind. Such experiences can have a transformative effect and can lead to a new understanding of life.

Further speaking, he said that there are many things in life that are beyond our control. However, it is possible to take responsibility for our own states of mind – and to change them for the better. According to Buddhism this is the most important thing we can do, and Buddhism teaches that it is the only real antidote to our own personal sorrows and to the anxieties, fears, hatreds, and general confusions that beset the human condition.

To understand the higher realms described in Buddhism that comprise the worlds of pure form and the formless worlds can only be understood by those who undergo special training in meditation, he added.

Venerable Gyanavomsa Mahathra besides speaking on the importance of Buddhist meditation also spoke on attainment of Nibbana (Nirvana) and water being essential part not only for the celebration of Water Festival Sangken but also in most of life form.

Head Monk of Theravada Buddhist Monastery Itanagar, Venerable Ratnadeepa was also present during the celebration.

The celebration ended with a community feast while engaging in day-long fun by splashing water on friends and passersby. (Contributed by Chow Bilaseng Namchoom).

 

 

Petitioner dismayed as APIC delaying return of hearing

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Apr 21: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC), which is allegedly failing to deliver justice to the appellants concerned now caught on defiant to High Court’s order regarding dispose off appeal cases on merit. The High Court (HC), in the judgment order of the writ petition (C) No-238 (AP) of 2012 Lenzing Pertin-Vs- state of Arunachal Pradesh passed on March 3,2013 ordered the APIC to dispose the appeal case on merit. But, the APIC is delaying return of the case, which is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction to the petitioner.  The case, in fact, was against violation of Right to Information Act, 2005 by a PIO of state Public Works Department and non-compliance of APIC for disposal of an appeal case. The aggrieved petitioner finally moved in Itanagar Permanent Bench of Gauhati High Court, challenged APIC for dismissal of an appeal case without giving him chance to attend the hearing. Stating that the APIC was violating his fundamental right enshrined by the Constitution of India, he prayed to the High Court (HC) to quash the APIC impugned order and to direct the APIC for fresh hearing.

The HC after perusing all records and materials related to this case came to know that the Chief Information Commissioner acted illegally. The appeal was dismissed by APIC on February 15, 2012 when the petitioner was not present before the commission. Thus, the HC directed the APIC for fresh hearing on March 20, 2013 without fail. The APIC, on compliance of the HC order conducted the hearing on March 20 last, wherein the respondents failed to attend before the commission. The commission decided to return hearing of the appeal case within first week of April (current month). According to the petitioner, the APIC assured him to return the hearing during first week of this month, but it has not done it even after passage of a month.

It may be recalled that the APIC, in pretext of the Supreme Court’s order in Write Petition (C) No.210 of 2012 Namit Sharma Vs- Union of India, is keeping a lot of APIC cases in abeyance and consequently, a lot of RTI activists like Lenzing Pertin are being debarred from getting official information under provisions of RTI act.

“The inaction/dysfunction of APIC is indirectly encouraging the corrupt officials to misappropriate public money that they are now quite reluctant to furnish any financial information”, Pertin lamented.

Huge round of applause to Vivekananda Yuva Shakti

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to extend sincere thanks to this NGO (Vivekananda Yuva Shakti) regarding their help in the form of Blood Donation towards me. I was admitted in R K Mission Hospital, Itanagar and I was in dire need of around eight units of blood. I could hardly manage 3 units from my friends and family member. One hospital staff told me about this organization and asked me to contact a person named Ramesh Jeke from Daporijo whom I never knew. When I contacted the person, he expressed the willingness of the organization to help at the time of need which has moved my heart. This reminded me of what Vivekananda said, "service to man is service to God."

I want to appeal all the well-wishers, intellectuals etc. to come forward and encourage this organization so that this NGO will serve more needy persons in days to come. I also want to appeal this NGO to keep on doing service they have taken up for the welfare of humankind. My special thanks goes to Ramesh Jeke and his team (Vivekananda Yuva Shakti)!

Yours,

Tawa Kocho Tallang

Seppa, East Kameng

 

 

 

 

Deprived from franchise

Dear Editor,

It is very unfortunate to say that most of the students those who are pursuing for B.Ed/M.Ed or other professional courses are deprived from their Franchise because as per norms and guidelines of the above given courses examination are conducted on the month of May in which the election poll is schedule to be held on 16th May 2013.

Parliament has made a law to ensure free and fair elections and comprehensive system under the 61st Amendment Act 1988 amends Art. 326 by substituting the words 18 years for 21 years but now this rule of Law are going to be curtailed.

Therefore, my appeal to State Election Commission (SEC) is that the date for the forthcoming Panchayati Raj election's be re-scheduled so that every bonafide citizen can exercise his/her franchise to contribute electing the candidates who are worthy of the post for the progress/prosperity of the State.

Yours,

Tater Dugi Tamin

Camp: Dumporijo.

 

 

 

Declare results

Dear Editor

Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned of the  department of Tax  and Excise towards the declaration of written test result for the post of constable. Almost seven months have passed since the day the written test was conducted and yet the results are to be declared.

In addition to that, if I am not wrong, the written test was answered in an O.M.R sheet which would hardly take a week to evaluate the answer sheet. So, I see no reason in delaying the results for such a long time.

Therefore, I would like to request the authorities to declare the result at the earliest possible.

Yours etc

Habung Tamer

E- Sector, Itanagar.

 

 

 

A good sign

Dear Editor

I feel much delighted for certain things that are taking form in our state. On 19th of this month, there was an article from Taba Ajum (Why poor should ....). It is a  good quality article. And on 20th, a letter of appreciation from Philip Jerang  regarding the article was published. These are good signs for our orphan state. One may fail to read the sign that is evident from what I cited in preceding line if he/she reads it without much thinking. But, little thinking, while reading, revealed a self- explaining pictures. What are the pictures? The first picture is Taba Ajum's articles. The information in the articles are of real quality what our people must be provided. The information hold the key to change the direction of a society,(negative or positive). Its  shape the thinking of a society & where informations are fact & of good quality, one like, T Ajum's society can hope for better things. Qualitative informations are essentially important for positive things to happen.

The 2nd picture is Philip Jerang's interest. Person inner being is  best reflected in nature of person’s interest. Unlike, the most of todays youth, who are celebrities crazy or glamour world crazy, he is showing a keen interest in real issues that concern the  health of our state/society. This evident from his various letters wrote in local daily of our state. Future of society is bright when interest of youth of a society is at real issues.

In the last, I can say "the picture of Arunachal is not completely a dark".

Yours,

Nongkin Ratan

Itanagar

 

 

 

 

They are so desperate …

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the kind attention of the DC Itanagar and State Election Commission that some aspirants in the ensuing Municipal election (of the xyz political party) are so confident with their winning chances that they are hanging their party banners and flags, sticking their pamphlet and poster in every nook and corner of their respective ward that too before filing the nomination of their candidature and violating model code of conduct of Election Commission of India. They are so desperate and over ambitious that I have to remind them as a citizen that they are not allowed to do so until the scrutiny result is out. "No hard feeling." My remarks are in general not related to any individual.

Yours etc

KAMTEY RINGU

Naharlagun

 

4-year plan to fight poverty

The World Bank has come out with a multi-billion dollar four-year plan aimed at bringing down poverty levels in seven low-income Indian states.

The states are Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh where majority of India's poor live.

World Bank's Country Partnership Strategy for India proposing a lending programme of 3 billion US dollars to 5 billion US dollars each year over the next four years was discussed by its Board of Executive Directors.

The proposal was announced for the first time by the World Bank President  recently.

Taking cue from the priorities set by the government of India's 12 Five-Year Plan, the strategy looks at  sustaining high economic growth as a critical factor for lifting millions out of poverty in a nation that has the largest number of poor people globally.

Several factors like population density, ecological conditions and the availability of irrigation and transport account for some of the differences among India's states and even within them.  Among the other conditions affecting the poor people in rural India are gender, literacy, land ownership, employment status.