April 18
World Heritage Day
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Entry into Itafort Southern Gate has been made free for all visitors on the occasion of World Heritage Day celebration tomorrow.
This day is celebrated to mark the collective efforts of the international community to protect and preserve the world heritage sites.
The day offers an opportunity to raise the public awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it as well as draw attention to its vulnerability.
Arunachal Pradesh being a state of rich and varied cultural heritage of immense value contributes to the richness of world heritage.
“Let us be proud of our rich and dynamic cultural heritage and do our bit in its preservation and promotion,” said Thangwang Wangham, Minister for Research, S&T, CA.
Fourth convocation of NERIST on April 19
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University), Nirjuli, is all set to hold its fourth convocation on 19thApril at NERIST play ground.
During the convocation, 55 bright meritorious students will receive the gold medals
in different disciplines. Thirty one candidates will receive Ph.D. degree. M. Tech.,
M Sc. and MBA degrees will be awarded to 179 candidates. Besides this, 377 students
will get B. Tech. and B. Sc. Degrees, Diplomas and certificates will also be received
by the students who have completed different Diploma and Certificate programmes from
the institute during 2012-
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, who is also the President of the NERIST Society would be the Chief Guest. Board of Management Chairman Air Marshal (Retd.) Pranab Kumar Barbora, will chair the convocation. NERIST Director Prof. P K Das, Members of Board of Management, Academic Council members, Deans and Heads of the Department of NERIST, Alumni, Faculty, Officers, Staff, Students will also attend the function.
The institute has attained 32 years of its existence.
Minister inspects tourism projects in Bhalukpong
BOMDILA, Apr 17: The Union Minister of State Mahesh Sharma and Minister of state
for Home Kiren Rijiju inspected the on-
Mahesh Sharma who holds the charge of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture while appreciating the quality of work and the judicious use of the fund allotted, assured to release the balance central share.
The Tourist Infrastructure Development for tourism at Tippi under Bhalukpong is being funded by NEC and the project cost is of Rs 420.08 lacs while the Development of Adventure Sports Tourism at Lower Bhalukpong is being funded by Ministry of Tourism and being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 385.75 lacs.
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in his brief interaction at Bhalukpong helipad volunteered and assured to make the Angling festival of Bhalukpong an annual event for which the matter would be taken up with the Ministry of Tourism and NEC in earnest, he said.
Among others, Jt. Secretary Tourism, GOI and Joram Beda, Secretary Tourism, GoAP, accompanied the union ministers. DIPRO
Two moderate earthquakes hits NE
Tezpur (Assam), Apr 17: Two earthquakes of moderate intensity rocked Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal in the early hours today, according to Regional Seismological Centre, Shillong.
The first, measuring 4.8 magnitude on the Richter scale, occurred at 3.35 AM with its epicentre at 26.8 degrees North and 92.7 degrees East longitude at Rangapara in Sonitpur district bordering Arunachal Pradesh.
The second quake, measuring 3.8 magnitude, occurred at 5.50 AM with its epicentre at 26 degrees North latitude and 92.4 degrees East longitude at Morigan in Central Assam.
There was, however, no report of any casualty or damage so far.
Two houses burnt down
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Two houses were completely burnt down in a devastating fire which broke out at Upper Dobam village, Karsingsa on 16 April midnight. The houses belonged to one Yura Tayum and Yura Tatung. Even though there was no loss of life, properties worth lakhs including local ornaments and one vehicle was gutted down.
Speaker Nabam Rebia who is also the local MLA visited the accident site along with members of Block Branch Congress Committee Banderdewa. The president of Block Branch Congress Committee Banderdewa, Neelam Tang appealed the local MLA for establishment of fire tender at Banderdewa. Rebia also donated some relief cash and assured every possible help from his inside. Meanwhile All Nyishi Youth Association Capital Complex has also appealed state govt. to provide help to the victim at the earliest.
Hundreds join traffic awareness prog
TAWANG, Apr 17: The Tawang district police in convergence with the District administration and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Mission, Tawang, launched a two day ‘awareness programme on road safety and traffic rules for children of SC/ST & minority community’ with the theme ‘safety is not a rule, it’s a way of life’ on April 15 and 16.
On the first day of the programme, an indoor session was conducted wherein the participants were made aware of the safety driving and importance of seatbelt. The resource persons like Tawang DDSE Apel Tayeng, Kesang Norbu, OC SB cum CI Tawang and Jang OC and President’s award nominee Anand Mandal delivered lecturers on road safety and traffic rules. Tawang DSP PN Thungdok also elaborated on road safety, traffic rules and vital traffic signs through PowerPoint presentation.
The students later took out an awareness march with placards and shouting slogans to create traffic awareness.
The second day of the programme saw an outdoor practical session with multiple programmes like erection of four traffic sign boards and the setting up of two public announcement systems to regulate the traffic. Significantly, four CCTV cameras were also installed in old market to monitor the vehicular movement and detect criminal activities.
Finally the programme ended with distribution of 30 helmets to the bikers and 13 traffic jackets to the traffic personnel by Tawang DC Abishek Dev, Tapasya Raghav, ADC Tawang, Anto Alphonse, SP Tawang and Tawang DFO Pradeep Wahule and DSP PN Thungon.
SBI branch opened at Kharsang
Changlang, Apr 17: The long wait of people of Kharsang circle headquarters for banking facilities at its doorstep ended with opening of a new branch by the State bank of India, here at Kharsang, today.
The New Branch was formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Changlang Chanchal Yadav, IAS.
The positive impact of the Bank on the people is expected both from financial as well as social aspect.
The ZPM, Anchal Chairperson, Ex-
Sanskar Bharati celebrates Navavarsho to promote harmony
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Sanskar Bharati Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with Donyi Mumsi Foundation Itanagar organized the Navavarsho Utsav in a befitting manner on April 16 at Vivekananda Hall R K Mission. The motto of the programme was to enlighten the people about Indian New year and spreading the message of universal brotherhood, social harmony and cultural integration among the common people residing in the capital complex.
Addressing the celebration programme as chief guest, Parliamentary secretary, Women & Child Development, Tribal Affairs and Social Justice, Karya Bagang asked the organiser to continue this type of activity in future.
Sanskar Bharati State unit president and MD APIDFC, Tony Koyu and RSS Prant Pracharak Sunil Mohanty described the aims and objective of the programme and importance of the Navavarsho Utsav.
The main attractions of the cultural programme included melodious songs and beautiful dances presented by the members of Sanskar Bharati and other invited artiste from different institutes. Singer, producer and director Delong Padung and singer Rerik Karlo were also present on the occasion. The programme was jointly sponsored by Yamuna Group of Institute, Yamunagar, NGF College of Engineering and Technology, Palwal and Jai Polytechnic, Ambala, Haryana.
Training programme for border districts
KOLORIANG, Apr 17: The Capacity Training Programme on Weaving, Tailoring, Plumbing, Broom and Pickle Making under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) Blocks of Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi District was inaugurated by Deepak Shinde, i/c Deputy Commissioner, Kurung Kumey and Tarh Chakum, Assistant Registrar of Societies on April 17 at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Koloriang.
The training programme is sponsored by the Department of Skill Development and Employment Generation, Arunachal Pradesh and organized by Manghi Welfare Society, Sangram.
During the programme, Shinde called on the trainees to be sincere and finish the training. He said that the District Administration will recommend for loan and job placement for all trainees who successfully complete the training programme.
Tarh Chakum also suggested that after successful completion of training, if any trainee needs to establish their own shops or SHGs, the department will assist.
State Level Taekwondo Championship from April 27
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The Lower Subansiri District Taekwondo Association under the aegis
of Arunachal Taekwondo Association will organize the three-
The championship will be the basis for selection of candidates for National Championship along with School National Games. All the District Taekwondo Associations, affiliated sports clubs and interested individuals are requested to take part in the championship positively.
Enzyme immunoassay analyzer inaugurated at Heema hospital
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Dr B Rana, CMD, Heema hospital today inaugurated new TOSOH automated enzyme immunoassay analyzer at Heema hospital Laboratory. This new sophisticated immunoassay testing system using Japanese technology is first of its kind in the state. With the availability of this latest technology, wide range of immunoassay tests including Thyroid Assays, Anemia Assays, Cardiac Markers, Tumor Markers, Reproductive Endocrinology Markers, Diabetes Assays, Kidney Markers and many more will be done in the hospital.
Meanwhile Heema hospital has become the only hospital in the state to have an external quality control check conducted by Christian Medical College Vellore for its clinical biochemistry laboratory services. Speaking on the occasion Dr Rana urged everyone to carry on the mission to acquire excellence in diagnostic support accuracy.
Career counselling
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) in collaboration
with Shillong based Martin Luther Christian University will conduct a two-
Aimed at widening the horizon of educated youth to decide their future careers,
the resource persons would help the participants acquaint with numerous career options
to break the age-
Those who have appeared or passed class-
Rally against Land Acquisition Bill organized
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Kra Daadi District Congress Committee and Block Congress Committees have organised a rally at Palin on April 9 in protest against Land Acquisition Bill of BJP Govt and BJP election manifesto during Delhi Assembly election in which the people of the North East were declared immigrants.
The rally was attended, among others, by Takam Pario, Minister, PHE & WS, Markio
Tado, Parliamentary Secy. Civil Supply, Minkir Lollen, General Secretary APCC, in-
BDC alleges violation of DPR
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The Bodo Development Committee (BDC), Village Bodo under Sawa circle
in East Kameng district has alleged violation of DPR in construction of PMGSY road
from 51 km Holing point (Seppa-
In a complaint letter to Chief Engineer, RWD, Western Zone, against Seppa RWD Executive Engineer, the BDC alleged that the RWD Seppa, executing agency of the MPGSY road, is ignoring the Bodo village despite it was mentioned in the DPR (Package no. 03/03/039) for connecting the village under the PMGSY road.
The executing agency had also ignored the order of the District Vigilance Officer, Seppa for construction of road as per DPR connecting Bodo village, the Committee further said.
The Committee requested the CE, RWD, Western Zone to look into the problem and take necessary action against those responsible for violation of DPR.
4th IRBN organizes half marathon
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The 4th IRBN today organized a half marathon for its personnel with the theme “Run for good health and say no to drugs”. Participant from Tawang, Taraso, PTC, Naharlagun and Jully, took part in the marathon. All the participants finished 18.5km long run within 2 hrs.
Before flagging off the marathon commandant Meghna Yadav encouraged the participant.
She reminded the participant about the theme of marathon and appealed everyone to
keep away from drugs. She promised to organize this type of event in coming years
too. Altogether 87 personals of 4th IRBN irrespective of rank and age run took part.
Constable Balongso Bellai of D-
News Impact
Centre agrees to roll back AFSPA
I personally want complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Arunachal: Kiren
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: In a dramatic development on Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today informed that the Centre has agreed to roll back its decision to extend the law to twelve districts bordering Assam. However, he said that it will be applicable within the 20 km radius inside Arunachal territory bordering Assam as earlier until all insurgents groups are flushed out.
MoS Home’s revelation came on the sideline of Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma’s press interaction at CM office conference hall this afternoon.
Rijiju maintained that the extension was made so that forces can go beyond 20 kilometers radius in their efforts to contain the movements of the militants.
Admitting there was a serious communication gap between the centre and state government over AFSPA, he said, “There will be more intelligence sharing between centre and state agencies. There should not be any gap, since both are working for national security”.
“If there is a lack in intelligence sharing, we will strengthen it.” he added. He also said that the “centre will honour the state cabinet and government’s sentiment over extension of AFSPA beyond 20 km radius. That is why we agreed to the state government’s proposal to roll back the extension”.
On being asked Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s statement that the centre’s decision to extend AFSPA was unilateral, Rijiju clarified that misunderstanding was because CM did not get copy of the decision.
“There will be no unilateral decision from home ministry. Whatever, decision will be taken together with full intelligence sharing”.
Rijiju further added that he personally want complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Arunachal Pradesh. However, he said that both the state government and the centre have to work in close coordination to drive out insurgent groups from Arunachal Pradesh.
He expressed the hope that the state government will cooperate with the centre to flush out the insurgent groups from Arunachal forest before AFSPA’s complete withdrawal.
On the reported Army personnel molestation of local women at Taraso, he remarked that enquiry committee will be set up to find out who were behind the incident. He added that there is no army camp nearby.
Govt orders enquiry into Taraso incident
[ Tongam Rina ]
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The state government have ordered an enquiry into the alleged Army atrocities in Jullang village of Lower Taraso in Papum Pare on April 6.
The DC, Papum Pare have been asked to submit the report. The SP is reported to have started the initial enquiry today with a visit to Jullang.
Meanwhile, the Police have confirmed that there was Army movement on the day 12 personnel of Indian Army allegedly molested three Arunachalee women.
A FIR has already been lodged by the villagers at Balijan Police Station accusing Indian Army of public atrocity, outraging the modesty of women and trespassing.
The area fall under AFSPA and within the 20 kilometre radius with Assam, so it is unlikely that anyone will be held responsible, a source said.
Under section 6 of AFSPA, legal immunity is provided to the armed forces from prosecution unless the victims manage to get a sanction from the Central government.
The section reads, “Protection to person acting under Act.—No prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government, against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers conferred by this Act.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home in a post in a Social Media network has said that Chief Minister has asked for an inquiry against those who created “drama of false accusation against Army at Taraso”. Army is not even present in that area, forget about deployment and harassment, writes Kiren Rijiju in the post.
The Army and Paramilitary forces often ventures into Tarosso area as they continue their offensive against NDFB (S).
This journalist and the daily stands by the story it ran on April 15 regarding the molestation of the women. The news was based on evidence collected from Jullang village.
CoSAAP defends Govt, clarifies on GPF and NPS money
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh today defended the state government by clarifying that no order of restricting the employees from withdrawing Government Provident Funds (GPF) was issued by the government. Clarification from CoSAAP came amid rumours of financial mismanagement by the state government and allegedly debarred the employees from withdrawing the GPF amount.
Addressing a press conference at Arunachal Press Club here today, CoSAAP secretary general Pate Marik claimed that the govt has not issued any such order banning the govt employees from withdrawing their GPF/NPS money as being rumoured.
“In case employees are deprived or debarred from withdrawing their money by an order issued by the govt, the CoSAAP will definitely intervene and oppose such move,” Marik asserted, adding that CoSAAP has no objection if the employees are not deprived of their rights. However, Marik asked the employees who are facing such undue problems (if any) to come forward and report the same to CoSAAP so that the matter is redressed.
Claiming that the state govt is planning to create its own State Pay Commission, the CoSAAP observed that it’s too early to go for such move considering the state’s financial position. The creation of State Pay Commission will directly affect the state exchequer and employees and govt should reconsider it, CoSAAP added while discouraging the government on idea of create own pay commission.
It lauded that the govt for fulfilling some of their major demands, and urged to address others demands which include implementation of 60 years retirement age, transport allowances, children education allowances etc.
CoSAAP also expressed serious note of the repeated attack on teachers particularly college teachers and appealed the students to refrain from such activities which will only ruin their life and career.
With connectivity, Arunachal will reach new tourism heights
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The rich culture of Arunachal would reach nook and corner of the world through tourism aided with the wings of aviation ministry said Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma in a press briefing along with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and Tourism Minister Pema Khandu here this afternoon.
The MoS culture and tourism is on two day visit to Arunachal to undertake the tourism potential in the state. He also said that Arunachal can be a throughout year tourist destination in Northeast; however for it connectivity must be improved. Stressing the immediate requirement of connectivity in tourism development, Dr. Sharma said that connectivity is a major problem in Arunachal, unless it is developed the tourism sector cannot be successful.
“Our foremost effort should on to expedite the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi so that tourism inflow may increase, he stated.
MoS Tourism and Culture also added there should be no hindrance in executing the
Greenfield Airport. He further informed that Tourism Department and Civil Aviation
is introducing Pawan Hans’s hub especially for tourist at Guwahati and Itanagar.
He expressed satisfaction over ongoing Bhalukpong-
Earlier Dr. Sharma assured to CM Nabam Tuki a ‘zero hindrance’ for Arunachal tourism, civil aviation and cultural related files in three ministries in which he is looking after. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in his address expressed hope that the centre would keep extending helping hand to Arunachal Pradesh. He welcomed Dr. Sharma on behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Negi suggests counseling centers to address adolescent health issues
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi has suggested for setting up of counseling centers in every school to address the adolescent health issues.
Though the Centre is making all efforts to provide the best health care facilities
to its citizens through various schemes and programmes, the deliverance of healthcare
is still at very low and dismal state due to lack of discipline and efficiency, the
Chief Secretary said while addressing a meeting on Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram
(RKSK) and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) with stakeholders at Banquet Hall
here today. Negi assured to seek help from Narcotics and Home departments for incentives
for nodal teachers under RKSK programme. Director of National Health Mission (NHM)
P N Thungon stressed on the importance of convergence with various departments, especially
with education and women and child department for smooth implementation of RBSK and
RKSK programme. He also admitted that the implementation of RBSK and RKSK programmes
in certain district was not up to the expectation due to non-
He requested the Chief Secretary to issue directive to concern department to ensure better coordination and cooperation for successful implementation of programme.
While reviewing the implementation of the programme in districts, the NHM Mission Director requested the DMOs to take initiative to conduct convergence meeting to accelerate the RBSK programme and realize its objective.
The DMOs & DRCHOs presented the progress on RBSK and RKSK in their respective district
for the year 2014-
Earlier, the progress report of Mission Indradhanush of the five identified districts, East Siang, Upper Siang, East Kameng, Lohit and Changlang were presented.
Commissioner (Protocol, Health & FW) AK Meena, Secretary (Education) RK Mishra, Deputy
Director (ICDS) N. Ringu, Dr. Tana Natung, Co-
Fingerlings released in confluence of Sipu, Yomgo under Riverine Conservation
AALO, Apr 17: Thirty thousand five varieties of fishes were released at the confluence of Sipu and Yomgo River as a part of riverine conservation awareness and fish rearing on April 16.
Commissioner Fisheries Huzar Lollen, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu, HoDs, PRIs, Women Wing, fish farmers, NGO and SHG were present to witness the release of fingerlings.
Addressing a gathering of 200 farmers, Commissioner Fisheries Huzar Lollen said that excessive fishing on commercial lines, disturbing the balanced gift of nature is forcing the department to initiate conservation efforts. He expressed dismay at the fact that as against requirement of 3500mt, only 15,000 metric tons of fishes was being produced even after 35 years of existence as a department after its bifurcation from Agriculture.
Commercial fish farming is one of the most viable means of sustenance world over and 113 species of ornamental fishes in our state can mitigate the demand of fishes abroad.
He cited the name of Jumdo Jini who has curved a niche for himself in fish culture and enrolled in the list of progressive fish farmers at Delhi.
The Commissioner disclosed that 18 beneficiaries of the district will be selected to undergo training at Pasighat to avail 100% funding with marketing facilities. The Commissioner also interacted with fish farmers to know the ground realities and problems faced by the farmers.
West Siang Deputy Commissioner, Pige Ligu said that subtropical fish farming is more productive and can help people to be self dependent.
Former Minister Doi Ado stressed on releasing more fishes at Ebu, Mebbu, Tarsu, Hu, Sipu, Hego, Hirik, Hiru, Hisum and other rivers. He appealed the administration to put a ban on fishing for 2 to 3 years. The fish farmers of West Siang district who spoke on the occasion appealed the Govt. to enhance the subsidy for carrying out fish pond in large scale as per the specification of the Govt. as present incentive is too meager for the poor farmers to take it up on commercial lines. DIPRO
ANSU seeks Rijiju’s intervention in construction of Itanagar-
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), which has been demanding for
construction of 4-
Highlighting the impacts of traffic congestion in the twin capital cities of Itanagar and Naharlagun, especially during office hours, ANSU President Byabang Joram stated that though the numbers of vehicles have increased manifolds there has been no improvement in road infrastructure in the capital city causing untold sufferings to the public and motorists.
Improving the existing road into 4-
The ANSU team also informed Kiren of the ‘negative’ report sent to the Chief Engineer (NER), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H), New Delhi by UM Shambharkar, SE& RO (MoRT&H) and the union’s strong protest against the report and submission of a memorandum to the state chief secretary in December last year press for withdrawal of the report.
According to ANSU, Rijuju has assured to take up the matter with Ministry of Transport
for early sanctioning and 4 lanning of Itanagar-
Taloh for general consensus on Adi-
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Apr 17: Education Minister Tapang Taloh emphasized on the need of a consensus from different sections of both the communities on the issue of reunification of Adi and Mising people living in Arunachal Pradesh and bordering Assam.
Minister Taloh, who was speaking at the inaugural programme of Adi-
“I will discuss the issue with all Adi MLAs of the state and request them to contribute
for development of the head office of Adi-
Earlier, retired IAS officer Oshong Ering briefed the origin and evolution of the
Adis, including the present Misings. He stressed on development of Adi-
Among others, local MLA Tatung Jamoh, East Siang ZPC Kaling Dai, Pasighat Chief Municipal Councilor, Denong Tamuk and Mising organisations leaders of Assam also spoke in favour of Adi Mising reunification.
The 3-
ANYA demands thorough probe into Tarasso incident
ITANAGAR, Apr 17: The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has condemned the alleged molestation of the innocent women of Jullang village of Lower Tarasso on 6th April last by the unidentified Indian Army personnel. ANYA president Biri Kakum, who had earlier voiced strongly against the sudden implementation of AFSPA in the 12 districts of the state, said that, “Such unfortunate incidents from army are the beginning of a dark side in this peaceful state, which indeed are matters of grave concern.” ANYA will always stand against the implementation of such dreaded laws in the state.
ANYA demanded thorough inquiry into Taraso molestation incident and booking of the culprits as per the law enshrined in the military guidelines, as soon as possible. ANYA further stated that step motherly attitude of outsiders and misuse of AFSPA indeed should be acknowledged by all, as the incidents occurred late midnight in the name of ‘security measures’.
ANYA while reacting to statement of former Finance Min. Kaliko Pul stated that if the misappropriation of the funds by the state Govt. is in such a huge tune, the Govt. should come up with proper and accountable remedies to address the public and the deprived mass of Govt. employees, teachers, contractors and others affected due to the financial constraint in the state. ANYA also appeals various political parties, leaders and individuals not to encourage mushrooming of self styled unions and organization for mere self centric motto.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Challenging time
The street of Kashmir is once again witnessing massive violence. Today violent clashes broke out between police and protestors in various parts of state. The clash broke out after Jammu and Kashmir government today foiled ‘March to Tral’ by arresting separatist leader Masarat Alam and putting Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani under house arrest. However, the violent protests were reported from Tral and Srinagar areas after the Friday congregational prayers against the Tral killings earlier this week.
Reports said that scores of protesters raised anti-
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AFSPA in Arunachal: knee-
Dear Editor,
Could it be that if the 'ambush' did not take place, the govt. would not have imposed
the AFSPA in the 'so-
It is not for amusement that many civil organisations for many years are crying hoarse for repeal of the Act. Many commissions and committees, such as Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005), the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2007), the Prime Minister's Working Group on Confidence Building Measures in Jammu and Kashmir (2007), the Interlocutors' Report on Jammu and Kashmir (2012) and Justice J.S. Verma Committee Report (2013) have recommended that the Act be repealed or made more humane. But the govt. continues to be adamant. It may also be noted that in a statement by the Union Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram in his K. Subramanyam Memorial Lecture on February 6, 2013 at the Institute of Defense Studies said "We cannot move forward because there is no consensus. The present and former Army Chief's have taken a strong position that the Act (AFSPA) should not be (repealed) amended…"
Closely examining the Act and the manner in which it has been implemented or extended time and again, three questions emerge:
First, why is the Armed Forces (usually understood to consist of the Army, Air force
and the Navy) so interested in being a part of the internal security setup where
their roles are clearly not defined? The expectations of the people of the country
from the Armed Forces are that they will ward off all kinds of threats from external
forces. In other words, their prime duty is to safeguard the nation from any external
aggression. Internal security threats consisting of insurgency, certain groups of
people indulging in violence for some socio-
Equating foreign-
From the years after independence there is no doubt that India has been facing serious
turmoil in certain areas of the country. However, a serious look into the policy
decisions on internal security, ever since, suggests that there has been no fundamental
change. AFSPA, a 1958 Act has continued to be the chief weapon of the govt. whenever
there is 'trouble'. Other policies like MISA (1975), TADA (1985), POTO (2001)/POTA
(2001) have been all political decisions. MISA was to secure Indira Gandhi's political
supremacy. TADA was a knee-
It makes any sensible citizen suspect that the long tenure of the AFSPA has literally
institutionalized the Act made up of the Army, bureaucracy and the Intelligence agencies
top brass and which has had a permanent impact at the very core of India's military
decision making hub. It also makes one imagine that if AFSPA is repealed, the military
super-
In a state like Arunachal, if such is the case, where does AFSPA find its rationale?
As it is, the state is the most geo-
Yours,
Joseph Kuba
Regional Director, IGNOU
Centre has lot of clarifications to do
Dear Editor,
It is baffling that GoI has not learned lessons from the dubious history of AFSPA.
Opposition to AFSPA is not synonymous to anti-
The Union Home Minister is under constitutional obligation to clarify to the people of Arunachal the following:
1. What actions were taken up especially during 1980s and 90s by the Centre and the Army/Paramilitary forces to ensure that insurgency in Assam and Nagaland did not spill over into Arunachal?
2. Was the insurgency spill over into Arunachal not anticipated by the Centre?
3. What is the count/percentage of locals of Arunachal especially from the newly
added districts that supported/harboured/participated in anti-
4. What is the data for rise of insurgency groups in the areas covered under AFSPA in recent years that makes it so convincing that AFSPA be imposed in these areas?
5. Can the State and the paramilitary forces not jointly carry out operations taking inputs and assistance from the locals? Why should there be preconceived notion that the Army and the paramilitary forces cannot work in tandem with civilian Government? Departmental egos can go for a walk. Such joint operations with maximum local intelligent inputs will ensure minimum collateral damages and maximum results and avoid martyrdom of our brave jawans.
6. Will AFSPA do more damages than good since its misuse by some belligerent personnel (like the alleged incidents in Jollang Village and many more in J&K, Karbi Anglong, Nagaland, Manipur) has the potential to ire the locals who have only been cooperating and helping the armed forces in all its endavours in this sensitive bordering State?
If answers to the above are not provided to the satisfaction of the rational minds, one will only understand that the move for extension and extending AFSPA in Arunachal is politically motivated and even its revocation, therefore, will be, only a political stunt to score political brownie points, Armed forces have no will and capability to solve any presence of spill over insurgents in Arunachal, Centre is not sensitive to the feelings of the tribal people of this bordering State, and it has failed the aspirations, hope and love of its beloved people of Arunachal. GoI has lot of clarifications to do.
Yours,
Sam Tage
IP University
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