The Arunachal Times - Archives

Peace parleys, economic blockade continue in Tirap

KHONSA, Aug 23: Hectic peace parleys are going on at all levels in Tirap district to restore normalcy in disturbed Charaipung, Kamku-Russa and Hasse-Russa in Kanubari circle in spite of indefinite economic blockade imposed by Assam. Tirap DC and SP are personally monitoring the situation. They are holding parleys with their counterparts to restore peace.

In order to check fresh violence a joint patrolling by Assam and Arunachal police is being carried out in the affected area. No fresh violence has been reported and uneasy calm prevails in the area. However, the economic blockade has affected the flow of essential commodities and other materials from Assam on Bimlapur Road, Kherbari road and on Joypur-Khonsa road. But situation is not alarming in Tirap so far as food stock is concerned.

When contacted, DF&CSO, Amit Bengia has informed that there is sufficient stock of foodgrains, enough to last for more than a month. He however, told that fuel and re-filled LPG cylinders crisis may be there if the blockade continued and has instructed all the retail fuel outlets of Tirap district to maintain strict rationing while issuing items to the consumers, reports DIPRO.

The student organizations are also doing their bit to restore the much-needed normalcy in Kanubari circle. AAPSU is watching the development in the trouble-torn Kanubari area closely. In the meantime All Tirap Students’ Union members will visit the affected people with essential items like medicines and salt etc on 24th August 2010.

Meanwhile, EAC Khonsa said that the news of ultimatum issued to the Assamese, as reported by some electronic media from Assam to quit Tirap is malicious, unfounded, baseless and just a figment of imagination. The electronic and print media should be responsible enough to report only the facts and nothing else, he said.

Meanwhile, the Launu Circle People’s Forum strongly urged the state government to recommend a thorough enquiry, preferably by CBI, into allegations against the people of Rusa villages of conniving with the NSCN (IM) and their alleged involvement in the attacks on the people of Assam, Assam police and the SP of Sivasagar.

Since this is a serious allegation that was primarily responsible for the stand off between two neighbouring states, we feel it would be prudent on the part of both the states to recommend a CBI enquiry so that the truth is unveiled. In order to ensure that the whole nation particularly the two NE states are not misled and government machineries are not befooled and misguided by a few vested interests holding responsible positions in the government, it is highly desirable that those responsible for bringing the two, otherwise friendly, states to the brink of virtually waging a war should be booked, it added.

Apang to appear before SIC, questions motive

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Former Chief Minister Gegong Apang would appear before the special investigation cell (SIC) on Tuesday in connection with the Rs 1,000 crore PDS scam in the state for which a PIL (No 50/2004) is in Gauhati High Court.

The Former Chief Minister had appeared before it on Friday.

Meanwhile the former Chief Minister has questioned the working of SIC which he alleges kept him waiting for two hours.

In a press statement, the former Chief Minister said that after summoning him at 10 AM on Friday, SP SIC M.S. Chauhan was not in his office.

“When the SP did not turn up even after waiting for two hours, his subordinates gave me a questionnaire consisting of sixty four questions and suggested that I return home with the questionnaire since I had to refresh my memory and cross check some of the facts” he said.

However the same day another summon reached the former chief minister at around 6.40 pm in which the S.P allegedly accused the former Chief Minister of not willfully cooperating in the process of investigation and refusing to answer any of the 64 questions served in the detailed questionnaire.

The entire functioning of SIC and the manner in which Chauhan is conducting himself appear to be politically motivated, the former chief minister said.

Meanwhile the leader has questioned the validity of reports filed by the sections of the media in which they alleged him of non cooperation. He termed those reports as biased, one sided, partisan and malicious while adding that facts ought to have been verified. He further said that media should not allow itself to be used for political propaganda.

AAPSU saddened by decaying Ering cenotaph

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Numerous visionary leaders of the state have worked tirelessly to make Arunachal a better place to live. Among all, Daying Ering is considered to be the pioneer leader of Arunachal whose contribution to development of state is incomparable. However with passing years people of this state seem to have forgotten his contribution and memories of late Daying Ering is dying a slow natural death.

But there seems some breather if we believe the Apex students Union.

All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has taken up the cudgel to jog the memories of all about the contribution of Late Ering. AAPSU President Takam Tatung, who visited cenotaph of late Daying Ering at Pasighat town, expressed sorrow at the poor upkeep. “Late D Ering is the most respected leader of Arunachal. He has immensely contributed to the development of Arunachal. But seeing the poor condition of his memorial, it makes us to believe that government and citizens of this state has forgotten his contribution,” said Takam Tatung.

He further demanded that state govt declare Daying Ering Memorial as state asset and deploy workers to maintain it throughout the year. “This memorial if properly maintained can be developed into major tourist attraction. State government need to walk extra mile and show respect to visionary leaders like Daying Ering by at least maintaining their memorials properly,” said Tatung.

144 Cr PC after ADC’ office is vandalized

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: 144 Cr PC has been promulgated in Bordumsa area in Changlang district due to tension created after the ADC’s office and his car was vandalized. The incident happened today as a Peace Committee formed to broker peace following tension after three Singpho youths were allegedly beaten up by some Nocte boys were in a meeting with the ADC S S Choudhury.

The Singpho Youth Organization demanding arrest of those boys from Raja Nagar involved in the manhandling of the Kherem Bisa Village boys on Aug 13 had served an ultimatum to the local administration which expired today.

Angry at the non action, the SYO and its supporters damaged a portion of the office and the car.

During the Peace Meeting, the representatives of Nocte community failed to turn up which led to the widespread anger.

An official source said that though no arrest has been made on Aug 13 incident, police is investigating the case. The ADC is reported to have assured the agitators that those involved in the Aug 13 incident would be arrested within 24 hours. Meanwhile till the filing of this report, ADC Bordumsa was yet to lodge a Police Complaint.

Ruksin police nabs 5 bike lifters

RUKSIN, Aug 23: East Siang Police nabbed four motorbike lifters during the last two days and recovered four stolen motorbikes from their possession.

A police team led by officer in-charge of Ruksin Police station, Opir Paron, following a tip-off, nabbed the allged thieves from Pasighat, Ruksin and Mohmara villages of neighbouring Assam on Sunday.

The arrested persons were Takolung Darang (16) of Miglung village, Tani Jerang (16), Jen Tassang (15) and Tabu Riba(16) all from Mirem village under Ruksin police station. The arrested persons have been handed over to Pasight police for further investigation. Four motorbikes, including one Bajaj Platinum and three TVS Star Sports were seized by police in this connection.

Assistant Sub-Inspector of Ruksin PS, C Joseph today informed that Ruksin police had also nabbed five motorbike lifters during the month of July last and recovered five motor bikes. (Prafulla Kaman reports from Ruksin)

Aastee FC lift I-Day football trophy

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Aastee Football Club defeated Soccer Yapa team via penalty shot out and lifted the 6th Independence Day Football Trophy at KV No. 2 playground yesterday.

Local MLA Techi Kaso attended the closing ceremony as chief guest and gave away trophies to the winner and runners up teams. Interacting with the players before the start of the match, Kaso exhorted them to concentrate more on games and sports activities and compete at national level events to win laurels for the state.

Itanagar City Development Welfare Association president Ruhi Tagung was the guest of honour.

Strengthening Indian Environment Laws

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Arunachal Pradesh Governor JJ Singh will release Strengthening Indian Environment Laws -- New Lessons and Approaches authored by GN Sinha, chief conservator of forests, on August 24 at Raj Bhawan.

"This research book is interwoven with fabrics drawn from sociology, political science and contemporary public policy. In many ways, this book deals with legal and policy framework for improving environmental governance and sustainable development in India," the author said in a release.

Govt. prohibits sale of artificially ripened fruits & chemically colored Vegetables

NAHARLAGUN, Aug 23: In view of the health hazard posed to general public because of consumption of hazardous artificially ripened fruits by using Carbide Gas by some unscrupulous traders, particularly in the Capital Complex, the Director of Health Services has issued an order prohibiting the use of Carbide Gas in ripening of fruits under Rule 44- AA of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (P.F.A.) Rules, 1955.

Taking action against such traders, a team of Food Safety Officers headed by the Assistant Food Controller has seized acetylene and destroyed the fruits ripened by using Carbide Gas on August 20 at Naharlagun. Necessary punitive action/prosecution is being initiated against the defaulters.

Any specific complaint/information, on the use of Carbide Gas for ripening of fruits, sale of vegetables injected with hazardous chemicals and colouring of vegetables may be given directly to the Assistant Food Controller/food Safety Officers at these numbers M) 9436222903, (M) 9436222985. (DIPR)

KKSU to stage dharna

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Kargu Kardi Students’ Union (KKSU) has decided to stage peaceful dharna at district headquarter Aalo on Sept 10 in favour of its demand for action against dereliction of duty by Govt staff and posting of adequate teachers in various schools of the district.

While taking the unanimous decision for dharna in its meeting held at Aalo yesterday, the union resented that despite repeated pleas the authorities failed to ensure regular stay of employees in posting places and posting of adequate teachers in West Siang district, particularly in the schools of Darak, Kamba, Liromoba, Tirbin and Yomcha circles.

APB & OCWWB appeals workers to avail benefits

Ojing Tayeng

Raga, Aug 23: Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board chairman Jalley Sonam today called upon the labourers and construction workers of the Raga Block to avail the benefit under Building and Other Construction (Regulation of Employment & Condition of Service) Act, 1996 and the Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996.

Addressing an awareness camp at Raga, Lower Subansiri District here today, Sonam advised the workers to avail housing loan besides advance medical assistance, tools advance, maternity assistance, children education assistance and other benefits provided by the board.

He further briefing about the other initiatives taken up by board said that it is planning to provide school admission fees, uniform and bag to two children of each family of the workers from next academic session beside distribution of exercise books.

He advised the workers of all government department/PSUs and workers of organized and unorganized sector of Raga block to register their names under Workers’ Welfare Board to avail the benefit.

Meanwhile, responding to a memorandum submitted by Raga Block, he assured for construction of workers centre at Raga.

Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Commissioner Ojing Darung responding to the workers demands also informed that the benefits like funeral assistance, housing loan and pension and other benefits of the workers would be enhanced soon.

He advised all the HoDs of the Raga block to deposit 1%cess and also advised the workers to be dedicated in their duties and get them registered in the board to avail all the benefits offered by the board.

All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union Deputy Secretary Rokhe Boda appealed the Chairman and the Commissioner to enhance the wages of the workers.

ADC, Raga Taru Talo, District Labour Officer T Ete and BDO Raga encouraging the workers to register their name in the board assured to provide all possible help to the workers in the matter. Anganwadi Workers state secretary general, All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union Raga Block General Secretary, President, Women Wing President Yachuli Block also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the AAPWU Raga Block in the memorandum appealed for establishment of workers shed/centre at Raga, issue of uniform to the workers and enhancement of wages of casual workers.

On the occasion, the board issued exercise book to 500 workers free of cost.

Micro credit management prog at Tezu

Tezu, Aug 23: North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd.(NEDFi) in association with Amik Matai Society has organized 1 day Awareness program on Micro Credit Management on 22nd August at District Industries Training Hall, Tezu for the trainees of the Skill Development Program on water Hyacinth based crafts.

The Program was attended by the officials from Industries and NEDfi besides the representatives of the Collaborating NGO, Amik Matai Society and the participating trainees from SHGs and Cooperative Societies.

A.K. Das, AGM (NEDFi) dwell in length about the Micro credit initiatives of NEDFi to support rural entrepreneurship through setting up of income generating units such as water hyacinth based crafts for which the SDP was conducted for 10 days. Extension Officer, Industries explained the various aspects of micro credit management and SHG -Bank linkage initiatives of agencies such as NEDFi, NABARD etc…Certificates were distributed to the 28 SDP trainees on water hyacinth based crafts. Documentary on the water hyacinth based industries in Thailand was shown to the trainees besides the display of the water hyacinth craft products made by the trainees during the 10 days Skill development program.

Secretary, Amik Matai Society assured that the NGO will facilitate the trainees in setting up of water hyacinth based craft units through micro credits. Amik Matai Society will also provide other escort services for the enterprising trainees.

Workshop on nursery technique and community based ecotourism

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Department of Forestry, NERIST has conducted a training workshop on Nursery technique and community based ecotourism at Old Ziro in collaboration with Achukuru welfare society yesterday.

88 participants from various villages participated in the workshop.

G. Pangging, PI, project has described the significance of the GBPIHED-GOI-UNDP CCF-II project “Linking cultural heritage with natural heritage: A case study of community based conservation and alternative livelihood option in Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh”. This project focus on the promotion of community based ecotourism and to explore other livelihood options in Ziro. In the training workshop, nursery practice as an alternative livelihood option was emphasized. Relevance of agro-tourism, cultural tourism and rural tourism was highlighted with reference to Ziro valley. Community has important role to play in sustainable development of the region through community based ecotourism.

Department of Forestry, NERIST H.S. Gangwar, emphasized that ecotourism could be linked with nursery management since nursery helps in restoring the degraded hill and wasteland. The application of growth hormones; role of bio-pesticide and bio-insecticides and harmful effect of inorganic inputs in plants were highlighted.

Farmer club in Tali

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Farmer's Club Programme of NABARD and promoted by National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh has reached Tali Circle of Kurung Kumey. Magne, Yorda, Soduk, Lodekure and Roing Village Farmer’s Clubs were inaugurated on August 17.

The Farmers Club Programme was introduced by NABARD in 1982 with the help of a group of farmers to propagate the philosophy of Development through Credit viz, proper credit usage, enforcing strict credit discipline, adoption of proper production techniques, proper savings and prompt repayment. The role of the farmers club has been expanded to enable them to strengthen agricultural extension services, facilitate transfer of technology, undertake collective purchase of inputs, production and marketing, capacity building of farmers, formation of SHGs, Joint Liability Groups, assume the role of a leader and act as NGOs.

ATA U/Subansiri unit reconstituted

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Upper Subansiri district unit of Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA), in its recently held general conference, has reconstituted its executive body with Tapu Maying, Tabu Nyalom and Jummar Kenu as president, vice president and general secretary respectively.

The conference was attended by 475 teachers of the district.

Meanwhile, the new body has assured to support SSA teachers’ demand for phase wise regularization of their services. It also assured the AT(A) teachers’ demand for immediate correction of their pay anomaly which was ‘incorrectly fixed’ in 5th Pay Commission.

Centurion’s death mourned

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: All Luyi Youth Association of Upper Subansiri district mourned the death of Yado Gapak and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Gapak, wife of late Tom Gapak, died today at around 6.30 am at Dapke village under Puchigeku circle at the age of 105 years. He left behind eight sons and three daughters.

Society threaten hunger strike

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Expressing resentment over state Govt’s alleged failure to fulfill its 16-point charter of demands, All Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Society in its emergency meeting held at Naharlagun today decided to launch a series of stir including hunger strike in front of State Legislative Assembly from Sept 3.

The demands of the Society, include establishment of colony for disabled people at Banderdewa, provision of scholarship and free education to disabled children, monthly pension for handicapped citizens, unemployment allowance to educated handicapped youths, 3 per cent reservations in all departments for disabled and creation of separate department to look into the problems of differently abled people.

Self-employment best source to arrest unemployment problem

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Self-employment is only source to arrest the growing unemployment problem in Arunachal Pradesh, said Shiley Sonam, vice president of Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) today. He was addressing as chief guest at the valedictory function of 42 days training on mobile repairing organized by the Jarkum and Yania Charitable Society (J&YCS) with support of NABARD, Itanagar office. Sonam also distributed certificates to the trainees.

Presiding over the function, J&YC secretary Hake Tako called upon the participants to become self-employed by setting up mobile repairing centres in the state and assured every possible help to the trainees. The resource persons and trainers Deepak Das and Tami Tayu also spoke on the occasion.

Toppers felicitated

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: All Sagalee Employees’ Forum (ASEF) has felicitated the Class X and Class XII toppers of Sagalee area in an impressive function held at Naharlagun on Aug 21. Class X toppers Nabam Apung (9.40 CGPA), Nabam Jumi (8.80 CGPA), Nabam Yachang (7.00 CGPA) and Class XII toppers Nabam Ania, (Hum, 65.80%) and Tana Bapu (Sc, 85.67%) were presented awards by Kapa Kholie, UD secretary as the chief guest on the occasion. He advised the awardees not to be complacent with the present achievement, rather set it as bench mark for future achievement. Dignitaries including Advisors to CM A K Techi, Vishal P Nabam and public leaders of Sagalee area attended the function.

Meanwhile, All Sagalee Students Union (ASSU) has appreciated the ASEF and hoped such award will boost the morale of the toppers to achieve the goal in their career.

Committee demands demarcation school boundary

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Taba Yabi, Yanya Niji and Nabam Shelly (headmaster) have been appointed as chairman, vice chairman and convenor of the Sector Education Committee of the Govt Middle School, Police colony Itanagar for the term of two years term. The 17-member committee will look into the grievances of the school and find out ways and means for improvement of the school infrastructure for quality education. Meanwhile, the committee demanded proper demarcation of school boundary and construction of boundary wall and decided to pursue the higher authorities for upgradation of the school upto Class-X under Rashtriya Madyamik Siksha Abhiyan and for overall development of school infrastructure.

ACA to conduct series of cricket tournaments

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Following instructions issued by BCCI, Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA) has decided to conduct a series of One-Day cricket tournaments for various age groups in 2010-11.

The Tournaments would be held for Boys U-16, Boys U-19, Men’s U-22 and Women, according to an ACA release.

Raksha Bandhan: The Bond of Protection

Dr. Jayadeba Sahoo,

India is a spiritual oriented country and is one of the richest nations in respect of cultural and spiritual perspective. The festivals of this land form the most important link that sustains its cultural heritage. The number of festivals celebrated here is hardly comparable to festivals celebrated by other countries. Twelve months in a year is filled with thirteen big festivals. 'Raksha Bandhan' has a special importance among them. The cycle of time keeps rotating but its memories remains. To freshen these memories, memorials are made, stories are written, birth days are observed, in which self respects, love, true feelings are imbibed. Unfortunately, a day comes when respects & love ceases and rituals remain. It would not be exaggeration to say that festivals now-a-days are being celebrated to just continue the tradition.

'Raksha Bandhan' had been reduced to an annual ritual hardly reflecting its true significance. Sisters apply a sacred red mark - 'Tilak' on the centre of the fore head of their brothers, tie Rakhi considered to be a sacred thread on their right wrist, besides offering them some sweets as token of their love & affection for them. The brothers in turn give them some gifts and money.

Now what is the esoteric meaning of this ritual?

It is commonly believed that a sister ties "Rakhi" round the brothers' wrist so as to bind him in an obligation and renew his pledge to support and protect her in time of need. This could not really be the object of this ceremony. There are several reasons for this. It is worth considering that if a sister ties Rakhi with the object of getting the brothers protection at the time of distress, then a fully grown-up and strongly built sister tying Rakhi to a brother of tender age is meaningless. More over, before marriage it is the legitimate duty of parents to protect the girl and after marriage of sister, her protection becomes the responsibility of her husband. Again it is meaningless in tying Rakhi to a brother who is leaving so for away and sister knows that he cannot reach and give her any help or physical protection in time. It is thus obvious that the significance of this festival is different from what is said to be.

Further, from times immemorial, until a few decades ago, it was customary practice for the family priests to tie Rakhi and apply "Tilak" to each and every person of the family. The priest also tied the sacred thread to the doors, windows of the' house and newly purchased household. A Tilak like sacred mark was also put on those items. The scriptural story says that when Indrani and Yumuna tied rakhi to their brothers- Indra and Yama respectively, it had brought Indra and Yama a memorable victory" over demons or devils.

Raksha Bandhan is also variously known as 'Vish-torak' (destroyer of Venomousness or vice- eliminating) Parva (festival), "Pap- Nashak" (destroyer of sin) and Punya- Pradaayak (bestower of boons) Parva.

Again "Raksha Bandhan " is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Shravana (August) when on each Monday of it devotees travel long distances to pour water on the ‘Shivalinga’ -the stone image of Incorporeal God - Supreme Being of light after which comes Raksha Bandhan.

The above details suggest wider and deeper socio-spiritual significance, linked with Shiva-Papakateswar (Redeemer of Sins) -God. These expressive or symbolic names indicate to the unmatched bond of vice less and pure love between a brother and sister reminding all thereby to maintain vice less virtuous life.

In the light of this spiritual meaning Raksha Bandhan can be said to be a universal festival because it is not related to any particular religion, but it is related to universal human values. Its relevance for human welfare has not diminished; rather it has increased in today’s situation as every individual today is under constant threat of the vices of lust, ego, greed, anger and attachment.

The pure love between brother and sister is acclaimed the world over. The customs and conventions of India, in fact engross a very deep philosophy. The pure love between brothers and sisters as glorified by Rakhi festival is symbolic of a great cultural tradition. The magic effect of the words – ‘Dear Brothers and Sisters’ with which Swami Vivekananda addressed the World Conference on Religion at Geneva has been so dramatic that the gathering felt instantly a unique kind of spirituality, goodwill and closeness that helped to overcome all kinds of differences. These words thus hoisted the flag of Indian culture so high in front of the world congregation of different religions.

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU)- an Institute of Universal Peace & Culture celebrates 'Raksha Bandhan' with this connotation as revealed by lncorporeal Being of Light (Jyotirlingam) Supreme Soul God-the world Benefactor Shiva) by descending onto the corporeal medium of Prajapita Brahma (the founding father of BKWSU) at this time of complete degeneration of values.

Brahma Kumaris and Kumars (the spiritual children of Prajapita Brahma) as non- violent spiritual ambassadors carries and conveys to all brother souls this divine message of achieving victory over vices i.e. lust, anger, greed attachment and ego - the real enemy of mankind by - strict observance of continence through soul consciousness considering all fellow beings as brother souls under the Fatherhood of the Universal God incorporeal. This makes the mankind as a one family with feelings of universal brotherhood. So the Brahma Kumaris Sisters ties Rakhi to all irrespective of religion, race and gender and appeal one and all to donate not in gross, kind and cash but from one's inner pocket (soul) those five great vices and negative addictions that lie hidden there in - considered presumably as treasures at present- as mere trash once and for all. This will usher in a Golden Aged "Value Based Better Society” of third millennium and we can inherit it with this Spiritual empowerment. This is the clarion call of Brahma Kumaris Institution on eve of Raksha Bandhan- the bondage of protection, A Festival of Universal Brotherhood & Social Cohesion.

In conclusion, the main aspect of the festival of Raksha Bandhan is therefore connected with the sacred vow of purity and a pledge to obtain and impart divine knowledge and attributes. Its origin is the confluence age and the purpose is the purification of all souls and transformation of the world.

So, let us all irrespective of different religious faith, celebrate this 'Raksha Bandhan' and empower our self through process of Supreme Communion (Raja Yoga ) with Him to inculcate His Supreme Commands of Universal Values to establish a “Value Based Happy Society of Culture of Peace & Non Violence ” – our most cherished desire. The understanding of this eternal truth will usher in religious harmony & world peace. Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University has been engaged in this task for last 74years since its inception in 1936-37.

The true way of celebrating 'Raksha Bandhan' would be to realize the significance of the present auspicious time ( Sangam Yuga, which is end of Kaliyuga – Iron Age and the beginning of Satyuga – Golden Age ) and by pledging to discard all negative traits such as anger, greed, ego and lust and by leading a life filled of love, compassion, respect, humility, cooperation, responsibility, divinity.

On this auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, August 24, 2010, take a moment for deep spiritual introspection and free yourselves from the bondage of greed, the lust for power and a slave of promiscuity and make God your eternal companion for true peace, happiness and prosperity. (The writer is Head,Dept. of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University)

SEC to take dev. issues

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Sector Education Committee for Govt. Middle School, Police Colony was formed in a meeting on August 21 with Taba Yabi as chairperson and Yanya Niji as vice chairman besides 17 other members.

The Committee will take up entire issues of the school, including demarcation of the school boundary, protection wall, infrastructure development, upgradation of the school upto class X under RMSA, introduction of computer education etc.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: All Namsai Area Youth Association (ANAYA) has selected Shau Sila Longkan as its president and Chau Mahajini Chowpoo as General Secretary.

National Trade Fair

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: National Trade Fair at Subansiri Stadium, Hapoli organized by Mumbai Trust Organization was inaugurated by Hage Tado, Joint Director, Handloom and Textile, Lower Subansiri on August 22.

Hydro power could bail us out!!!

Dear Editor,

Being a regular reader of your daily, I am frequently encountered by the Hydro power projects. I have gone through various opinions and ideas proposed by various individuals and consequently framed my own set of opinions. Construction of such huge power projects would definitely cause ecological imbalance in addition to the lives of many innocent farmers of various areas.

Firstly, regarding the numerous environmental impacts, I would agree with Nima Khenrab, whose article was published on 21st of this month. Accordingly, I would like to propose for Diversion (Run-of- the- River) type of hydropower plant. It would cause the least environmental problem.

Coming to the next point, “Population dilution”, it is obvious that such mega projects would require large amount of man power apart from heavy machineries. This will result in large number of outsiders migrating to our state. It is also obvious that many of our people, due to some or other reasons are not able to attend schools and therefore may not find place in such projects. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t. Training programmes and workshops can be organised and trainings can be imparted to our own people so that they are fit to be part of such projects and subsequently preferences can be given to our people. This will not only avoid the large number of outsiders entering our state but also create livelihood for oneself. Needless to mention the alarming rise of unemployed youths particularly the engineers can be subsidised to large extent.

I fail to understand why some of the educated youths of our state are against such developmental activities. Whereas, one should be constantly pressurizing the state as well as central governments regarding approval of more projects and other developmental activities.

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Gen. J.J. Singh during a speech expressed shock and displeasure for importing bottled water from other states when we have such pure water gifted by nature.Above all, I strongly feel that Government should provide adequate compensation to the dam affected mass. Regarding earlier promises and non-fulfilment of those promises by the leaders, I would like to ask the general public as to why did they elect those leaders? Why didn’t you elect the right person, one who could really look after such matters? We can’t just keep on blaming leaders alone. We are also equally responsible for such corruption. Where were our social and civilised thoughts when we were readily accepting huge amount of cash money during elections? Each one of us is equally responsible for such corruption and illegal activities carried out by our leaders.

We can’t expect everything at our footsteps. We have to put efforts and make sacrifices and make our state an independent state. Why can’t the people of other states depend on our state? Why is it always us and us and us that are dependent on others? Why can’t we contribute something to the nation’s economy? It is my humble appeal to the public of Arunachal Pradesh and the people of Siang belt in particular that we encourage such projects keeping in view the Government provides adequate compensation to those affected mass.

Yours truly, (On email)

A concerned citizen!

Not all hate Arunachalees

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter regarding Taba Ajum’s article “ The intricacies of Assam – Arunachal relation” published on the edition of 22nd August, 2010. I was really sorry to read some of the statements made by the respected journalist which are quite misleading and to some extent provocative to disturb the age old relation between the two states.

May be, there are untoward incidents here and there as it may be true for both the sides but there is no reason that whole of Assamese community will love to hate the Arunachalee people. I was personally hurt, because I know one man and his colleagues, who served the state of Arunachal Pradesh from the year 1964 and now resides at Telam which is again a border area between the two states and happens to be my father in law. These types of statements remind me of a headline I read in a Hindi newspaper in Bihar during 2003. The headline was “ Assamese are killing Biharis”!!! Those killers were militants, but the headline means that all the Assamese are members/killers of extremist organisation. I was at Patna that time, and I had to answer awkward questions from my Bihari friends like “ aaplog kya kar rahe hain Assam mein?”

Regarding the police harassments on Arunachalee citizens plying their cars on Assam roads, in my knowledge any car with correct papers can ply all over the country without any objection. I admit that I also have seen at some places as he mentioned, where the police always stop the vehicles registered in Arunachal Pradesh. But why the driver or the owner give the police the Laxmi if he has all the requisite papers to drive and not carrying any illegal things!

Most of the Assamese people may not know about all the cultures or traditions or about all the places in Arunachal. For this awareness to happen we need more publicity and more cultural exchange programmes. As Bomdilla and Tawang are well known to Assamese people and to any outside people because it is well placed in the tourism map of the country. We can take the examples of friendship day and Valentine ’s Day which is well known to us though they are quite foreign to our indigenous cultures but well publicised in all the available types of media.

It is a global phenomenon that all the states or countries are mutually inter dependant, because God has never given a state all its requirements. It is for the benefit of both the states to have trade among them because in a way Arunachal is getting all its requirements fulfilled and on the other hand some people from Assam are earning livelihood from the business. Opening the border with China is a good option but to trade, not to close the roads to Assam.

I was hurt by some of statements made in the article and being a native of Assam and serving in Arunachal (though in central service) provide me the base to say these things. Here I am not advocating that all the Assamese people are good citizens but want to say that all Assamese people don’t love to hate the Arunachalee brothers. This border issue is a more political one that can be amicably solved by dialogues between the state governments. We should not bring in our emotions and sentiments over the political issues. Ultimately we are members of the greater NE Region family of the country which needs united voices to make it louder to be heard by the mainstream India.

Yours,

Bashab N Mahanta

Itanagar, (on email)

When corruption is justified as an inalienable part of our culture

Dear Editor,

This is with reference to the article, ‘Corruption – a way of life’ by Tom Simai. When corruption is justified as an inalienable part of our culture, it is not because it has benefits, but to think corruption will ever reduce in our country has become a utopian dream.

As author tries to appear complacent with benefits of corruption, there is reluctance to talk about the problem, which reflects ‘issue fatigue’. Since media in our state has only risen, we can only wish that, journalists of our time not to give up. Our babus, netas and chamchas will preach such stories, but it is not expected from our young journalists, who are the ‘guardian’ of our society.

This is not the first time it has been told corruption is a part of life. But saying it every time, it has also been said that benefits of corruption are not worth the costs.

If a person prefers the recommendation process for a govt job, he must remember, his bribery has taken away the right of a worthy candidate.

The glitters of our rising crorepatis and rich bureaucrats have other sides of their stories too. Recall any rich politicians in Itanagar and visit the people of his constituency. At the expense of poor people, our netas have become rich.

So truth does not prick, but makes the person to realize life is worth living. It is this fact that gives us hope and this hope has propelled the mankind to surge ahead to achieve the unachievable

Yours,

Nang Wuyu

Miao, (On email)

Pharmacists are important organ of health delivery system

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in an effort to throw some light on the role of pharmacist and its nomenclature especially against the backdrop of it being ignorantly referred to as compounder by the many every so often.

There is a general lack of awareness about the pharma profession in the society as a result this profession has not been utilised to its true potential. Pharmacists are often viewed as someone whose role is limited to merely dispensing medications. From societal point of view their roles are not considered very significant or influential. But the fact is that pharmacy is directly related to the healthcare and lives of the people.

Wikipedia defines pharmacists as health professionals who practice science of pharmacy. They participate in disease-state management, where they optimize and monitor drug therapy or interpret medical laboratory results in collaboration with physicians and/or other health professionals. With the change of time this profession has also undergone a significant change with now its role being primarily shifted from just dispensing of drugs to more patient-centric approaches viz safe, effective and appropriate medications and enhancing pharma services to patients. It is important to know that pharmacists are quite competent to advise anyone on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of medications. In advanced countries like USA it is pharmacists who are entrusted to monitor the health and progress of patients to ensure safe and effective use of medications with the help of modern IT tools and computers.

It would be a loss to society if the expertise of this specialised professionals are not availed to its optimum. So next time you visit a pharmacist ask and expect (demand if you may please, its your right!) more professional services from them. And its an appeal to my pharmacist brethrens to raise their bar of professional excellence to meet the expectations of society.

Last and surely not the least it is wrong to refer pharmacist as 'compounder'. This 'misnomer' might have come into existence during those days when medicines were locally compounded (mixed) in the hospital dispensary. This was sometime done by trained persons, not necessarily pharmacists! To be registered as pharmacist it is mandatory for one to graduate or do a diploma course from recognized college of pharmacy. The fact is that 'compounder' is a non-existent word in the field of pharmacy and it would be quite inappropriate to address them so.

Yours,

Dipten Ratan

IPR Secy, ARPA

Publication without proper knowledge of legal procedure!

Dear Editor,

On Aug 21, you have published a news item with the heading "Court dismisses Ete's counter petition while directs EC to respond Pakke Kessang representation" without conformity with the legal propositions in regards to the Election Cases.

It is well settled under Election Laws and Code of Civil Procedure, after filing of Election Petition, the Respondent has statutory right to file Miscellaneous Application before the same court praying for dismissal of Election Petition, as such, I had filed Miscellaneous Case for the same. Therefore, question of "instead of filling Written Statement" doesn't arise, as Written Statement has to be filed after availing such rights prescribed under law.

Moreover, the High Court has not dismissed any Counter Election Petition twice, as no any Counter Election Petition was filed by me, besides there is no any law permitting for filling any petition called Counter Election Petition, as such, dismissal of counter election petition twice is misinterpretation and misleading.

It transpires, you have published the said article to mislead the general public with an intention to damage my reputation at the instance of the Election Petitioner and otherwise I don't find any reason for making such false publication.

The said article has been published by you without proper knowledge of the legal procedure and thereby you have misled the general public and damaged my reputation. Hence, it is requested not to publish such unwarranted article in future without proper knowledge.

Yours,

Gadam Ete

Parliamentary Secretary (Civil Aviation)

(Editor’s Note: The news item was filed based on court decision which is available with this daily. On 8 April this year, the Court had rejected the Miscellaneous Application submitted by the Respondent where he had raised an objection saying that attested to be true copy was not written on the election petition served to him. On 19 Aug, the court dismissed another Application filed by the Respondent in which he had raised an objection that the Election Petitioner had not furnished any affidavit along with the verification, which he claimed, rendered the entire election petition and the pleadings contain therein unworthy of trail. The court did not uphold this objection and instead directed him to file a written statement in the election case within a period of 20 days from the date of the order. Based on these facts, this daily stands by its story.

However, we regret that term Miscellaneous Application was inadvertently mentioned as a counter petition in the news item).

When govt office encourage corruption

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my experience with Department of Tax & Excise , ZONE-II Office. The very first step of Department of Tax and Excise is to bring different business communities under the scope of VAT by making them Register under VAT. Tax Department of every State Government makes the Registration process as easy as possible so that it would include more and more firms or dealers under VAT and thereby generate more revenue. During the tenure of Amit Singla, as Commissioner of Tax & Excise) much encouragement has been made for Registration under VAT which resulted in more revenue generation of Rs 105.42 Crores of VAT and Rs 16.10 Crores of State Excise . It was for this VAT registration only I visited the Superintendent of Tax & Excise Office, Zone II last month but I was shocked to learn from the lady Dealing Assistant that they are charging Rs 2000/- (Two Thousand only) for processing of Registration apart from Security Money of Rs 10000/- as Fixed Deposit. After VAT registration again for CST Registration Rs 2000 is charged. VAT registration form and CST registration form are charged Rs 100/- each. While VAT Return filing also, for every return we have to pay Rs 100/-. The C-Form is charged Rs 500/- each. All these processing fees and cost of forms are taken without tendering any money receipts which is nothing but “Under the Table Arrangements”.

Now my question is if a firm or dealer has to pay this much of money as bribe for VAT registration then why won’t he try to abate Tax. At the very first stage (Registration) only if the Department sell off its dignity then why would a businessman hesitate to do Tax Corruption. This kind of illegal arrangement is very much fine for a corrupt business man but for a honest Tax Payers it is very big trouble. Why would an honest Tax Payer manage those extra processing fees or bribe. I would appeal the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to kindly avoid this kind of “Bribe or Corruption Culture” in a sensitive revenue generating Departments like the Department of Tax and Excise. I know after this letter I’ll be the foe of the Tax &Excise Department but I would like them to take it as constructive feedback as only a few are responsible in spoiling Department’s name. I do bet that if any honest inquiry team in disguise goes to check the Zone II office then they will surely find out that whatever I have written is true.

Yours,

Sanjay Debnath

Guwahati, (on email)

When ducks swim on the road

Dear Editor,

A few days ago I was on visit to my alma-mater RamaKrishna Mission School Deomali. what I have seen was that the roads leading to Khonsa and Deomali through Naharkatia and Margherita respectively has deteriorated so much that large ponds have come up in every meter where ducks swim.

It totally has become un-motorable but kudos to those bus drivers of government and private vehicle who drive on such roads. How can we expect development in such places where the roads are not good condition? On emergency case, a medical patient will die on the way if he/she has to pass through these roads to reach hospitals in Assam. It is a shame on the part of legislatures of the district who were once called strong men of the state. Development of Deomali and Khonsa has stopped in the last fifteen years, whereas once it was at the height of glory during the days of timber business.

Yours,

Javon Samon (On email)

Bordumsa

Collect the dues from contractor

Dear Editor,

Apropos the news item that PDS Contractor Union is protesting against the non-payment of Hill Transport Subsidy, it is suggested that dues of Apex bank may be collected from them from their pending HTS as most of them are defaulters and cases may be initiated against them to bring back confidence of public in govt. and democracy.

Yours,

Lijum Ete, Aalo

Lest you should invite wrath

Dear Editor,

It seems that all odds are against the teachers of Arunachal Pradesh. News after news are being carried about the unpunctuality and absence of teachers from their posting places. Are they really so bad? Or is it that they are being targeted because they have no political or administrative power ? Or is it because even if you talk ill of them they can’t harm you ?

Why doesn't anyone write about the officer who has made someone wait many days for just a signature? Or about the dealing assistant who comes to office at 11 AM and leaves at 2 PM? Why not write about the elected representative who never turns up in office or skips assembly sessions?

Unpunctuality is rampant even among the high ranking officials. Everyone is afraid of pointing it out, lest they should invite their wrath. Teachers are easy targets!

Yours,

Dr Bengia Abo

RIMS Imphal,

(On email)

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor