The Arunachal Times - Archives

Kurung Kumey Students stage dharna in protest against Govt decision on PDS

CM assures to reconsider govt order

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union staged a peaceful dharna at Niti Vihar/ Chief Minister Official residence tri-junction today in protest against the state government’s decision to reintroduce head load carriage system of Public Distribution System (PDS) items in various parts of Kurung Kumey district.

Students from university, colleges and some in their school uniform shouted slogans and displayed banners and posters demanding immediate cancellation of government decision.

Demanding immediate cancellation of head load carriage system of PDS in the district, the agitators were further demanding resumption of air dropping of PDS items and other essential ration commodities and proper specification of motor-able and non-motorable areas in Kurung Kumey District.

Meanwhile, Union informed that Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has assured to reconsider the recent order of head loads carriage system of PDS in different destination of the district and conduct a round table discussion on September 14 at his office residence. The team will consist of Chief Minister, AKKDSU executive members, four elected representatives along with ZPM Chairperson of the district and departmental heads. AKKDSU further appreciating the immediate decision of the Chief Minister for the welfare of the people of Kurung Kumey District, however, threatened that it would agitate further if the CM fails to execute his assurances.

Damin Parsi-Parlo Youth Organisation also lamented the decision of the government.

It further highlighting about the acute shortage of food items and malnutrition related diseases in the area appealed the government to depute medical team with sufficient medicine. It expressed the hope that the MLAs and Panchayat leaders of the area will initiate steps for the development and betterment of the people.

Nyapin, Sangram, Phassang Students’ Union (NSPSU) while supporting the demand of the All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union for air-dropping of the PDS item appealed the Govt to bring in a solution to the matter as soon as possible.

Forest official crack down on hunters, seizes weapons

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Forest authorities have seized three Guns, 12 bore cartridges, ten Lead bullets and gun powder and wildlife meat from Pagla Top area of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary while carrying out routine patrolling duty over the area yesterday. All efforts are on to arrest suspect accused namely Tapong Puroik and Nyare Waro.

A case has been registered under section 09, 27, 29, 31, 34 & 39 of Wildlife (Protection) Act’1972 by the Divisional Forest Officer, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve, Seijosa.

The seized guns, other tools used in commission of offence has been confisticated within the provision of section 39 (d) of Wildlife (Protection) Act’1972. The seized wildlife meat has been destroyed under order of court. While a sample of Gaur (Bos frontalis) meat which was seized has been sent to forensic lab for DNA test and confirmation.

The team of officials included Tana Tapi, ADCF, DFO of Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve and Kushal Hazarika, FR, Range Officer, Sunderview Wildlife Range along with five other personnel.

The authorities had earlier booked 12 men including government employees under the provision of wild life Act.

ABK threatens to protest against Apang arrest

AdiSu rejects government clarification

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Adi Baane Kebang, the Apex Body of the Adis while taking strong exception to the procedure used in the arrest of former Chief Minister Gegong Apang has threatened to launch protest in all Adi inhabited areas if the complaint lodged to the concerned authorities do not yield result within a reasonable time.

It has demanded a magisterial enquiry on whole episode regarding arrest of the former Chief Minister.

It further called for equal treatment of all concerned in its meeting held yesterday. In the meeting, it unanimously condemned the manner and ways the former Chief Minister Gegong Apang was arrested by SP SIC M.S.Chauhan.

In a press release, it has said that it was ‘brought to the notice of ABK that there are all together 90 accused in the case out of which some are Legislators, high ranking Officers and kits and kins of legislators. Many of the accused have not been arrested and those arrested were not required for police remand’.

ABK questioned the “pick and choose” manner used in detention of Apang.

“As confirmed, Apang was served first police summon for appearance on 15-8-2010 which was deferred to 20-8-2010 on his request. On 20-8-2010 he appeared but M.S.Chauhan was away in Delhi but the IO gave 64 questionnaires and next date was fixed on 11-09-2010 but in the evening at 6.30 PM he was served with another summon re-fixing the date on 24-8-2010. In the summon letter it was alleged that he is not co-operating with the investigation. On 24-8-2010 he appeared with written statements to all the questionnaires but he was arrested for non admission of the allegations and non cooperation with the investigation. He was arrested without Arrest warrant and straightway taken to Lakhimpur” it said.

ABK further noted that before the police remand the prisoners van was brought.

“Chauhan pulled out the driver of Apang and drove the vehicle himself. Inside the vehicle he showed his service arm to Apang. After police remand he patted Apang on his shoulder and said " Mr. Apang you are with me for 7 days. You be good to me I will also be good to you" before pushing him inside the vehicle’ ABK said.

It further said that Apang refused medical cheek up before production but whole day from 10 AM to 8 PM he was not given food. A senior citizen in such circumstances complained of chest pain in the evening. Instead of taking him to hospital he was taken to Naharlagun and Itanagar Police station. Only after civil society intervened, he was taken to R. K. Mission Hospital, ABK said.

Meanwhile Adi Students Union (AdiSU) Itanagar Unit has rejected the clarification given by government spokesperson Jarbom Gamlin in which he had said that government had no role in the arrest of former Chief Minister Gegong Apang.

The Union asked “If state Govt. has no role in investigating the PDS Scam and SP SIC M S Chauhan is lonely responsible for the arrest of former Chief Minister, then who were the authority that appointed him. The fact is that controlling authority is the state govt and MS Chauhan was appointed by the state Govt”. It further said that Chauhan was handpicked and is a puppet of the present Congress Govt in the state.” It further said that the manner in which the former Chief Minister was arrested is “purely politically motivated, pre-planned and smacks of political vendetta”. If it was not the case why Apang alone was arrested that too without issuing any notice or arrest warrant, it asked while wanting to know what had happened of those accused in the PDS scam.

It further said that the Chief Minister has to clarify to the people of the state on the whole issue while adding that all needed to be treated equally as per the law.

It further called on the Govt. to immediately suspend and transfer MS Chauhan and remove him from SIC for misbehaving with the former CM. It alleged that SP was incapable to handle such a major case. The Union further demanded that PDS scam be handed over to CBI for fair and independent probe while adding that SIC is not competent authority to probe the case as it has become an agency to be used by some men in power.

Villager construct offices, quarters at Silsango

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The villagers of Silsango circle conducted a three-day social service from August 26-28 last.

During the social service Puyu Panchayat constructed a Circle Officer Quarter while Pai Panchayat constructed Circle Officer Office and Badha Panchayat constructed Circle Officer staff barrack under the initiatives of ASMs of the three Panchayats.

Meanwhile, Silsango development committee was constituted with ZPM Nabam Bate, ASM Taw Nikam and Nabam Tali as Chief Patron, Chairman and General Secretary respectively to supervise the developmental activities and tackle the local problems of the newly established Circle Headquarter, Silsango.

SSA teachers threatens pen down

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: All Arunachal Pradesh Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association AASSATA has served 15 days ultimatum to Govt in favour of its demand for regularization of SSA teachers on seniority basis.

The Association said their ultimatum comes in to force from Sept 1 and threatened that it would resort to series of pen down strike from Sept 16 if the Govt does not pay heed to its demand within given period of time.

In its ultimatum addressed to Education Minister, the Association resented that despite assurance of 75 per cent reservation for A/T posts and 25 per cent for J/T posts for SSA teachers, the Govt failed to regularize any SSA senior teacher till date. Even several representations to the Govt for regularization did not yield results, the ultimatum said.

Services of many contractual appointments under various departments have been regularized without re-interview, the Association claimed and demanded that services of senior SSA teachers also be regularized on similar line without further delay. It said mere assurance and announcement are not enough, there should be prompt action to materialize the assurance.

GREF manhandles FGA executive Director

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The Executive Director of Future Generation Dr Tage Kano was manhandled today by the GREF officials at Ziro. The incident occurred at Tajang village when Dr Kano was heading back to his car along with his wife and daughter after some purchases at the canteen.

The GREF personnel snatched the keys of his car and pulled him out of his car. The personnel allegedly gheraod Dr Kano and manhandled him in front of his wife and the child.

An FIR has been lodged at the Ziro Police station.

On the other hand, the GREF authorities were unavailable for comments.

ALSU demands arrest of all accused

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: All Arunachal Law Students Union said that law should be equal for all while demanding arrest of all politicians, contractors and officer involved in the multi crore PDS scam. The Union while appreciating the arrest of former Chief Minister Gegong Apang, has however, condemned the procedure used by the SIC in his arrest. It said that every citizen has equal right to protection before the law. Union further appealed the government not to pay the PDS contractors for Hills Transport Subsidy from the money received from Hydro power and said that many contractors had submitted false bills without supplying the food items. It further said that upfront money received from hydro power should be used for development of the state.

Five Arunachalees arrested in Assam, Union demands action

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The arrest of 5 Arunachalee youth at Chapakhowa in Tinsukia district of Assam is turning out to be another matter which is souring the already deteriorating relation between two states. It is to be noted that five youth were arrested yesterday after they allegedly got into an altercation with locals.

Talking to this daily, Taba Taku, who had contested Lok Sabha and elder brother of one Taba Tadhe Goyang, an advocate, who is one of the arrestee, explained in detail the entire sequence of event.

“Case is related to one Arunachalee woman, who had got married to a local man of Shantipur, Assam. The family feud had led to problem and for that this hearing was necessitated. Local hearing was conducted at Roing and finally verdict was declared in favour of Arunachalee woman. After this the boys who had attended the hearing were returning to Itanagar, when they were attacked at Chowpakhowa,” informed Taba Taku.

He further added, “It was a pre-planned attack. After hearing at Roing got over, they went back to Assam and planned this attack. Mob of more 200 people had attacked them with stones, catapult and even looted money. In self defence they took out ‘dao’ and tried to scare them away.” The mob damaged two cars and almost tried to lynch the Arunachalees but timely intervention of Assam police saved their life. Of the five, two is reportedly seriously injured. “We appreciate Assam police for their prompt action. We also take opportunity to thank Arunachal police specially our IGP, Lower Dibang Valley SP and DIGP East Robin Hibu. Further we urge Assam government to provide enough security as locals may again try to attack the arrested Arunachalee boys,” said Taku.

Meanwhile taking serious notes on non release of 5 Arunachalee youth at Chowpakhowa, All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) demanded state government for their early intervention in this matter and take up the matter with their Assam counter part. ANSU urged public and students organizations of Mishing community of the area to allow Arunachlee youth to be released on bail from police custody for further medical treatment. It has been reported that locals are pressurizing authority not to give bail to the Arunachalees.

Union has further requested students union and others NGOs of Assam not to indulge in economic blockade for even a minor incident. Just to popularize their student unions and NGOs, the small incidents should not be made into state issue, ANSU said. Recent economic blockade against people of Tirap and Changlang district by Assam based organizations is not in the spirit of humanity, the Union added.

All Papum Pare District Students Union (APPDSU) has urged Assam authority to immediately release five Arunachalee youth arrested at Chowpakhawo. Terming their arrest as unfortunate, APPDSU has called up on Assam authorities to arrest those people who tried to kill Arunachalee youth in a mob attack. As whole attack was pre-planned, all the people involve should be arrested and put behind the bar, APPDSU demanded.

Pre-Solung festival at RGU

RONO HILLS, Aug 30: The ambience in the Rajiv Gandhi University today wore a festive look with the young man and women swaying to the rhythmic ponung chants amplified by jingling of sondorong (brass wraparound at waist), tampirang (silver ornament worn around neck by women),

Dressed in traditional attires –Galuk, dudap (beads worn by the male) and Gale, the students, lecturers and public alike thronged in large number at the Auditorium Hall here just to lose themselves in the festivity.

The Pre-Solung Festival Celebration was organsied by the Adi Students Union, RGU.

Attending as chief guest, Dr Tangor Tapok, President BJP State unit, emphasized on proper documentation of rich culture and tradition of the Adi community in order to preserve it for posterity.

Dr Tapak lauded RGU students for organizing the festival in the centre of highest learning in the State in a befitting manner and hoped that the endeavour of the “young minds” to preserve the age old tradition showered to them by their ancestors will be continued in coming days too. The Chief Guest, however, regretted over the inappropriate timing of 12 hours bandh call by Adisu in Pasighat recently.

“The bandh was called at inappropriate time when the members of Adi community are usually busy preparing for the Solung festival, the main festival of Adi.” He opined that differences could be sorted through constructive dialogues over any issue. Prof. T Mibang, RGU Vice Chancellor incharge said that the Pre-Solung festival in the University is a humble efforts by the students to highlight few aspects of Adi culture, tradition and heritage. He wished Solung Festival would bring peace and prosperity through out the State.

Urging the students to take optimum use of their stay in the RGU, Tobom Dai, AAPSU Spokesperson said that the students here are chosen one among their respective communities hence they should know their responsibilities and serve their community when they pass out from here. On the occasion, David Gao, Gold Medalist in Political Science, Ratna Tayeng, Gold Medalist in Tribal Studies were felicitated by the organizing committee.

ATI training on office rule and procedures begins

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: A week-long training on ‘office rule and procedures’ for LDCs,, UDCs/Assistants of Arunachal Pradesh Civil Secretariat Administration and Heads of Department of both Itanagar and Naharlagun got underway at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Naharlagun today.

Addressing the participants, ATI Director (training), Pema Tshetan reminded the participants of their vital role in maintaining office up-to-date. Describing them as the proper custodian of office records and documents, the director, however, cautioned that lack of sound knowledge on office rules and procedures could hinder works, according to ATI release.

Exhorting them to demonstrate higher level of vision, ability and honesty in discharging their duties, the director, at the same time, observed that at times staff members are under pressure to do "illegal at the behest of the superior." But, one should obey rules & regulations and avoid such mistakes, he said.

Earlier, Deputy Director T Lodo, who is also the course director, highlighted the course content and informed the participants about the basic objective of the training programme which aims to equip, update knowledge of the officials about the latest office rules and procedures and to understand their duties and responsibilities more clearly.

As many as 44 officials are attending the training.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Teaching fraternity of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Siyum, parents and students under the banner of Orphan Trust Society (OTS) have cleared the jungles on the link road of the school through mass social service in Siyum circle on Aug 21 last.

Earlier, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school was formed in general meeting where in the both the teachers and parents exchange their ideas for improvement of education scenario and congratulated the toppers of internal board examination 2009-10. OTS chairman Tapa Baki distributed hostel materials to the students during the meeting.

ASUCC supports AYA

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Apatani Students’ Union Capital Complex Itanagar pledged support to the demand of Apatani Youth Association (AYA) to grant Autonomy to Ziro-I under Lower Subansiri district, according Organizing Committee release.

While supporting the demand, the students union said that autonomy for Ziro-I is a timely demand for bringing rapid development to the area which is deprived from its due share in development front due to constant pressure created on government by some groups. It appealed to the Government not to succumb to pressure of such groups in decision making as many government establishment which are supposed to come up in Ziro-I area have been snatched away, claimed the students union. It also described poor health and education facilities in Ziro-I which needs govt’s urgent attention.

BMWSAP chalks out annual plan

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The Bishnupriya Manipuri Welfare Society of Arunachal Pradesh (BMWSAP) has formulated plan and policies of the Society here recently.

In its first executive body meeting of the society it was resolved to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of the community in bigger way. Society also decided to help explore latent talent of the students and felicitate the brilliant students of the community in its annual general body meeting.

Meanwhile, the Society appointed Brajogopal Sinha as its president while Rakhal Mishra (formerly president) has been elevated to the post of advisor.

SF8 from Octobor 2nd week: OC

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The first ever State Club Football League, christened State Super Football 8 (SF8), will be organized from the second week of October, 2010.

The main aim of the tournament, which is being organized for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh following All India Football Federation (AIFF) guidelines and instructions, is to tap latent football talents of both rural and urban areas and expose them at national level.

For the convenient of the proposed football league, all the 16 districts has been divided into four zones with champion club of each zone qualifying for the state league. Zonal level league would be organized in identified districts while the grand finale (State level league) will be conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun.

The tournament is being organized under the banner of Arunachal Football Association.

Time to stop double standards in the name of people

Ajay K. Tripathy

With the advancement of science & technology, especially the information technology, now many are not prepared to believe that public memory is short. However, some politicians need to understand that they can no longer fool people by using that old tactics. Take the example of congress party’s view on naxalism which is a major challenge in contemporary society and we find that two senior leaders, Mr. P. Chidambaram and Mr. Digvijay Singh, have drawn parallel lines by airing the views regarding their so called solution for the naxalite problem. By doing this they put their party in safe-side, but not the common people. Likewise, this kind of scenario had been observed after Babri Masjid demolition or even naming whether former Prime Minister of Home Minister should be held responsible for allowing Mr. Anderson to leave India when thousands were suffering in Bhopal.

Now the centre of attention is the rejection of Vedanta’s bauxite mining proposal at Niyamgiri of Orissa by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), Government of India. In fact, the proposal was submitted by the State Government to the Central Government which is considered as a formality in a federal system of governance. And suddenly Jairam Ramesh has become a hero, from zero, which is also recognized by Rahul Gandhi as he fully took the advantage of present situation and did not lose time to visit Niyamgiri. After Jairam’s comment at China to seek China’s technical support for help constructing mega dams at Arunachal Pradesh and mentioning noble laureate Dr. R. K. Pachauri or his organisation as alarmist for their views on the melting of Himalayan glaciers; the Minister faced some embarrassment both in Government & party. Maybe Mr. Ramesh would be a happy man now, as his latest action suits the congress party to a great extent at least to put the BJD in trouble during next election. Moreover, Naveen Patnaik’s gamble on rejecting Bt brinjal has virtually become a boomerang for him which may affect the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Orissa that are essential for the socio-economic development of State(s) in a globalised world. As usual Mr. Ramesh formed a committee and took its help to reject bauxite mining proposal at Orissa; and no one should be surprised if a high-power committee recommends in favour of Bt brinjal cultivation in India in near future.

The fact of the matter is that an intelligent Minister knows how to get the things done through committees. Then what about the eight-member expert committee of IIT Guwahati, Dibrugad university and Guwahati university that categorically recommends to reduce the height of mega dam which is likely to be constructed in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh border? Why the same minister informed the Rajya Sabha recently "I can't become the minister to stop all projects."? Why the MOEF is not accepting the protests against mega dams seriously when they take place in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh? More interestingly why Mr. J. B. Pattnaik, present Assam Governor & former Orissa Chief Minster, is silent?. Can’t Mr. Pattnaik convince Mr. Ramesh to adopt the same formula as North East is more vulnerable to earthquake, floods, landslide, cloudburst, etc.? Few activists may be happy now over the Vedanta-mining verdict of MOEF, however, what has happened to the movements led by Baba Amte, Medha Patkar, Sunderlal Bahuguna, etc. against the failure of the same ministry to protect the rights of indigenous and displaced people?

No one should be surprised if one day Mukesh Ambani, or his close companies, gets the nod of union government for bauxite mining at Niyamgiri, Orissa. In fact, the internal chemistry of some industrialists and politicians are better than water & milk. Me and Dr. N. C. Saxena were at Kathmandu in November, 2009 to participate in a workshop that was organized by the Asian Development Bank and few UN agencies; so, next time when I would meet him I may put few questions amidst all the things happening after the MOEF accepted the four-member committee’s report which Dr. Saxena chaired. I may ask him is he satisfied with the work done by the Governments of different parties to help protect the interests of the tribes in and around Niyamgiri? Why Kalahandi, Bolangir & Koraput (KBK) region of Orissa is still considered as one of the very backward pockets in country? What would happen to the common people in upper Assam as well as Adi, Nyishi, Monpa, Apatani, Galo, Mishmi, Tagin and several other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh once the mega dams are built on Siang, Subansiri, Lohit and Kameng rivers which are the tributaries of mighty Brahmaputra? (The contributor is former Senior Manager of VHAI , he can be contacted at ajayktripathy@rediffmail.com & tripathy.ajay@gmail.com)

Best AWW awardee felicitated

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The staff under ICDS Project at Koloriang felicitated Bengia Yamang, the recipient of best state level Anganwadi Worker Award (AWW), at a function organized at Conference Hall Koloriang. She was presented with a pair of traditional dresses and local Dopin on the occasion by chief guest T Messar, EAC and i/c deputy commissioner Kurung Kumey district.

Speaking on the occasion, Yamang exhorted Anaganwadi workers and helpers to work sincerely for effective implementation of ICDS programme at village level for the benefit of poor and needy children.

Koloriang CDPO Ringu Kama highlighted the role of Awanganwadi workers and helpers in successful implementation of ICDS programme. He also spoke about six packages under the project and advised them to stay in their respective Anganwadi centres.

The programme was attended by 145 AWW/ helpers and staff of the CDPO.

CRPF efforts for Khonsa

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The 36th battalion, CRPF deployed at Khonsa, today inaugurated a training centre for imparting training in tailoring.

Sanand Kamal, Commandant 36 BN, CRPF inaugurated the centre and he told that a 15 days familiarization training would be given to women of Bera gaon and Jedua village where the CRPF had been distributed sewing machines and its all accessories with a view of uplift the economic condition of the village women.

Apart from the beneficiaries of those places, women of nearby villages can also take part in the training.

Dr. Abha Kamal, the president of CWWA of 36 BN, CRPF was present among others.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The school authority of government middle school, Nitivihar, Itanagar along with School Management Committee and Parents jointly conducted a social service at School premises recently.

The School authority appreciated Additional town magistrate Talo Potom for his visit to the school during social service.

Meanwhile Potom advised the parents and the SMC to continue its supports to the school and assured to provide a dust bin outside the school.

SMC Chairman Tai Chali also assured to appraise the school problems to the state government for further development of the school.

AACSA meet

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: All Arunachal Commerce Students’ Association (AACSA) conducted its executive body meeting yesterday.

During the meeting, the members discussed about job reservation system for commerce students in all the commerce related jobs, establishment of Commerce College in the state and adequate posting of Commerce teachers in all the school having commerce stream.

Union formed

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: In order to help proper disposal of condemned vehicles and scrap materials, an organization called West Siang District Scrap Union have been formed with Mindo Ado as president and Ligo Basar as general secretary respectively.

Boys surrender

CHANGLANG, Aug 30: The three from Rajanagar village, wanted in a case of manhandling of some boys from Bisa village on Aug 13 is reported to have surrendered at the Bordumsa Police Station on Aug 26. They were subsequently released on bail. However, Bordumsa circle is still under 144CrPC.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Hillang Nima and Hura johny have been newly elected as a President and General Secretary of Pachin Youth Club (PYC).

Union demands full-fledged DFDO

ITANAGAR, Aug 30: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union has appealed the higher authorities of the fisheries department for immediate posting of full-fledged fishery development officer in Papum Pare district to look into the activities of the department.

The union in a release today said that fish farmers of the district are facing lot of problems as the department in the district is being run by incharge DFDO. The need of the hour is appointment of full-fledged DFDO for implementation of available fishery schemes for the beneficiaries, the union said.

Doctors appeal for report

ITANAGAR: Arunchal Pradesh Doctor’s Association (APDA) appealled to the Govt. to expedite the submission of one man inquiry committee to inquire into the incident of assault on Dr Tana Talin Tara, MO, Leporiang. It said that report should be submiited soon so that it may be reviewed by the doctor community and decide on necessary follow-up action.

Workshop on NCSC

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology, Itanagar is going to organize a day-long state level resource persons’ orientation training workshop on National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) at Science Centre I G Park here on Aug 31.

Master trainers will impart training to the resource persons from the districts. Accordingly the trained resource persons will carry forward the NCSC activities in their respective district on the theme “Land resources: Use for prosperity, save for posterity”.

‘Root out corruption’

ITANAGAR: Tassar Mangha Charitable Society (TMCS) has appealed the people of the state to stand together to root out corruption from top to bottom.

While discussing the rampant corruption in the state on Aug 28, the society demanded arrest of all the accused involved in the PDS case and also demanded seizure of their properties. Pointing out the arrest of former Chief Minister Gegong Apang, the society said it is a turning point for all the departments to stand up against corruption.

The society called for concerted effort to remove economic disparity in the society and root out corruption before it is too late.

Thanks to govt.

Dear Editor,

The Nurses of the state herewith are filled with gratitude and thank the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for his personal intervention and kind initiative to the grant the 6th CPC Part’B’ Scale for the professional nurses of the state in toto.

Sincerer thanks and appreciation also go to Health Minister, Finance Minister, Parliamentary Secretary (Health & FW), Commissioner Finance, S.S.F and Health Department and also the Chief Patron of TNAI Branch, First Lady of Arunachal Pradesh, for enabling the nurse to draw the pay and allowances of the 6th CPC, ‘B’ scale which was long due.

The Nurses are also filled with gratitude for Chief Minister, for his sympathetic hearing on the problems and assurance to expedite the setting up of the “State Nursing Council of Arunachal Pradesh” and the “Nurses Cadre” for the overall improvement of Nursing service in the state, which in turn will greatly benefit the Health Services and the Community at large.

Yours,

Pate Yasuk (Ngurang),

General Secretary

Trained Nurses Association of India (T.N.A.I)

Arunachal Pradesh State Branch Itanagar.

The place where they don’t have toilets!

Dear Editor,

There are big massive gates at the entrance of Banderdewa, Naharlagun and Itanagar -- the symbol of warm receptions to the visitors and tourists in the state. But one has to struggle to find out a public urinal/toilet, what to think of safe drinking water point at important public places in Capital region. Some individuals somehow find corner to lighten themselves without thinking about distasteful scene or environment pollution in the city, but where should women go? It is a big question for the citizen to ponder upon.

Itanagar is a capital city, where one could not get a drop of safe drinking water without having Rupees 20 in their pockets. The state Govt must give importance to the civic amenities of the capital city where the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich are living.

Another question is that of foot path for pedestrian. I should suggest that there must be a foot path along the highway at capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Thousands of road accidents are due to lack of proper foot path for pedestrians.

Therefore, I request the authorities; particularly local authorities formulate proper town planning at the earliest to bring succour to the city dwellers as well as the visitors of the Capital. This is not an appeal from the party alone, it is a desire of every citizen to have proper civic facilities including proper road with footpaths.

Yours’

Kenjum Pakam

President, State Bharatiya Janata

Mahila Morcha, Itanagar

Apang deserves to be treated with respect and decency

Dear Editor,

It was really shocking to read about the arrest of the former Chief Minister, Gegong Apang who is allegedly involved in the multi-crore PDS scam. It’s a matter of condemnation if the veteran politician is really involved in the scam and he is ought to be taken to task, if proved guilty. But the manner in which the senior politician was arrested is highly condemnable. The high handedness of the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) team was uncalled for and hence it has evoked strong resentment from the public. Considering his service rendered to the people of our State for more than 20 years, Apang deserves to be treated with respect and decency. He is not ought to be treated like a common criminal when he is not even convicted.

The timing of his arrest and the unsavory manner in which the senior politician was arrested speaks volumes of political vendetta, which has set a bad precedence. It’s high time; the real culprits who accumulated wealth at the expense of the poor citizen get exposed and punished. Any common man can say with conviction, that there are several other big fishes swimming in the ocean of corruption and to catch them, the net of CBI is the only option. This premier investigation agency is the only competent agency to expose the real culprits involved in the multi-crore PDS scam.

Yours,

Suraj Tayang, Tezu

(on email)

Where is the voice of BJP?

Dear Editor,

The BJP which is seen as alternative to Congress at centre and many state in country unfortunately is voiceless in Arunachal while smaller parties like NCP are fearlessly voicing the concerns of the people in all important issues such as reckless signing of secret MOAs and mortgaging the entire river basin of the state without consent of the people. The BJP seem to be confused and its leaders too are busy looking for MOAs, while the manner and timing of arrest of G. Apang is being questioned by parties including student forums and NGOs the BJP again is mum and confused. The party at the centre which has led the protest moment against skyrocketing price rise of essential commodities by the UPA Govt, its unit in Arunachal is maintaining a pin drop silence on siphoning of thousand worth PDS items by the corrupt leaders, officials and contractors.

Such indifferent and apathetic attitude of a national party which is seen as bipolar opposite in playing the role of constructive opposition party is really saddening and astonishing.

Yours,

A citizen

(on email)

There is something fishy in the arrest of Apang

Dear Editor,

The circumstance in which Former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and 2nd longest serving Chief Minister of India Gegong Apang was arrested is condemnable and shameful for entire state. As shown in popular news channel of the region, he was pushed and pulled in such a way that even he could not walk properly. We should not forget the contribution of Apang especially to attain statehood of our state among others. If such personality is handled in such a way we smell something fishy in it and seems entire episode is made in such a way that he is framed by some bigwig political opponent to bring down his hard earned political reputation.

Govt. should do something to stop this before it becomes trendsetter for every political opponent and bring ill repute to our state in days to come. It is okay to punish wrong doers but according to law. Personality and stature must also be taken care of while the process of arrest is done. Even India's most dreaded terrorist Azmal Aamir Kasab was handled in a dignified way. Why Apang was subjected to such an ill treatment?

Yours,

Bullet Yowa

President,

Arunachal Youth

Association.

Why is 10% being deducted?

Dear Editor,

I on behalf of Contractual Staffs working under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), would like to thank the concern authority for taking initiative for enhancement of salary for NRHM Staffs from April’2010, But on the other hand it is observed that our salary/wages is being deducted at state head quarter @ 10% per month from each staff’s salary for 4 months.

So, in this regard, I wish to know, why 10% of salary is being deducted at state head quarter and for what purpose? When was the order given for 10% deduction from salary and on what basis? Why the same is not being done in the case of other contractual staff of other departments?.

Therefore I request the concerned authority to look into the matter.

Yours,

Kipa Tanang (on email)

Computer Assistant

NRHM Kurung Kumey

Let there be discussion and debate

Dear Editor,

This is with references to the demands made by joint action committee for fresh memorandum for 2000 MW Hydel Project of Upper Subansiri district, which was published in your daily on 28th August 2010.

It has come to my knowledge that lately a committee called joint action committee has submitted their memorandum in order to meet the grievances of affected people against the 2000 MW proposed dam. I am happy that some have come forward to justify the proposed Dam. But I understand a single committee with no remarkable understanding and discussion with the affected people has no absolute right to make demands on behalf of all. There should be a thorough debate within the society first to accept the proposed dam. After that we should think about rehabilitation or compensation. However, the question of rehabilitation to the affected people will be an impossible task as no people would like to be displaced.

Well I am not an expert but to my knowledge it is going to affect the entire Upper Subansiri belt, inclusive of downstream like Sippi, Daporijo, Dumporijo, etc.

I urge the committee not to jump into the meager resolution rather try to bring all the intellectual bodies and concerned citizens and have meaningful outcome to tackle the ongoing Dam issue of Upper Subansiri.

Yours,

Gandhi Siga

Daporijo

Hope Media will lessen the distance

Dear Editor,

We the Kargu Kardi Students’ Union (KKSU) congratulate Jarpum Gamlin for his selection as the president of Arunachal Press Club (APC) and Tongam Rina of Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist (APUWJ) and their whole new teams. We do hope that the newly constituted team will lead the state press fraternity to a better position and lessen the distance between the public and the government.

We do agree upon the inability of the local media to spread out to the interior places, where real Arunachalees live, due to limited human resource and financial problems.

We being the representative of the rural/interior areas of the state will ensure that the every grievances and needs of the rural area are being brought to the media as we have been doing since our inception. We are thankful to the media for playing a major or vital role in solving various problems of our remote area and hopes that they will continue to help us in our endeavor to uplift the society.

Yours,

Binya Ronya (On email)

President,

Bomli Yomgam,

Editor KKSU

Stand united

Dear Editor,

Apropos to the press release made by Arunachal Anti- Corruption Sena against the appointment of DRROs under Directorate of Relief Rehabilitation & Disaster Management, I wholeheartedly support the demands made by AACS president Subu Kechi and request other pressure groups and citizens to support and stand with the Sena for the cause of righteousness.

Yours,

Tasen Ruti, Nlg,

(on email)

Judiciary is the true protector of the interests of the poor

Dear Editor,

Rampant corruption and misappropriation in the Public Distribution System of the state has been one of the most lucrative business ventures for the politicians and the PDS contractors. When the poor hungry people of the state suffered without food and other basic commodities, this group has been earning huge profits through the PDS schemes from the Central government meant for the people living below the poverty line. While public utilities hardly reach the common public, thousands of crores of rupees are claimed in the name of transportation charges and other ways. The public have been suffering for a long time now and the recent arrest of former CM Gegong Apang late as it is, is a welcome gesture in providing justice to the poor. Justice delayed is justice denied, but in this case it's better late than never. The Gauhati High Court has proved once again that the Judiciary is the true protector of the interests of the poor and downtrodden by initiating this investigating. More such investigations need to be initiated to check the on-going corruption in most of the schemes in the state and bring to justice all those involved. However, this arrest is only the tip of the iceberg. There might be efforts to put this in the cold storage as some of the loyal followers of Mr. Apang who were also involved are still in power and might try to influence the process. Kudos to SIC who has shown the place that these filthy corrupt politicians belong to, who can't even spare the food grains meant for the poor and the hungry people of the state. Although these politicians think that they are not accountable to anyone inspite of being in a democracy, they are to the Judiciary at least.

Yours,

Hopeful Citizen,

(on email)

Hats off to Tamo Dadda

Dear Editor,

Hats off to Tamo Dadda for writing a master piece article on Wildlife (A tale of two Jackals, The Arunachal Times, 30th Aug issue). Perhaps this article will make our wild life authorities to re-locate the widower jackal friend of Dadda to a safer place. As according to laymen’s knowledge, a jackal never finds another mate after the demise of their better-half’s, so Dadda or wildlife authority being authority on this subject matter can atleast do an experiment on finding a suitable female mate for him so that he overcomes his loneliness and in the process save this beautiful animal from being wiped out from this habitat and help him live in love and peace without despair.

This is a genuine response to what Dadda wrote and I hope that this article may make our people respect the wild life and refrain themselves from going on for wild life expeditions.

I Thank Dadda once again for sharing with us his experience.

Yours,

Tokong Pertin (on email)

Itanagar

Look at other options too

Dear Editor,

It is high time that Arunachal government learn lesson from the recent economic blockade imposed on Manipur and on Tirap and Changlang. This is due to the complete dependence of Arunachal on Assam for its food grains and transportation. Arunachal should build its own inter district route and open trade with its neighbouring country for its basic needs instead of depending on Assam.

Yours,

Kerala Borang,

Pasighat.

We don’t have enough land for ourselves

Dear Editor,

We would like to highlight our grievances towards the authority concerned regarding the Army settlement at Gumto. The survey works for Army settlement was carried out by the concern official without taking any public opinion nor there any intimation to the land owners.

As maximum fertile & plain lands of the village has been affected by the railway project, the villagers are gradually shifting their dwelling place towards the hill which is almost serving like a mother to the villagers as the poor public depend largely on the area for firewood, bamboo, wild vegetables, rearing of Mithun. It is also the water source from where public depends for potable water.

Moreover, the surveyed area was used for Jhoom cultivation & presently it has standing useful tree plantations. Therefore, forceful acquiring the land will force the affected public to go for fresh land clearance for Jhoom cultivation which is detrimental as the government is also discouraging it. It is also to mention here that village forest & J.N.V. School has also covered major chunk of forest land in the village.

Therefore, question of Army settlement at the mentioned place does not arise. Question is that when the villagers do not have enough land for themselves how can they donate 400 acres of land.

Yours,

Techi Nisam, GPM, Chukhu Lalin, Gram CP and Chuku Soni, Nabam Paul, Tana Shel, Tassar Nachal, Gumto

Renovate oldest road of state

Dear Editor,

I would like draw the attention of authorities concerned on the pathetic link road (C K Road ) that connect district headquarters of Tirap and Changlang.

In my recent visit to the area, one of the native told me that Changlang- Khonsa link road which is also known as C K Road, is the oldest road which link district headquarter of Tirap and Changlang. Once upon a time it was lifeline of undivided Tirap and was constructed during the British reign. Since Changlang district had been bifurcated from Tirap district, the link road has been left unmaintained. Now the condition of road is such that it is not motor able.

Though the link road is proposed under the "Trans- Arunachal Highway" and survey has been done already but there is no sign of any initiation.

Hence, it is my sincere request to the authorities concerned to renovate Changlang- Khonsa link road.

Yours,

Koj Kapa (on email)

Khonsa.

There is another kind of blockade

Dear Editor,

Every morning, I really like to spend a few minutes browsing your website. These days, I would rather begin with your site than CNN or ABC or BBC; and I begin with a hot key combo of ctrl f and typing 'chakma'. There is economic blockade of another kind in Arunachal, I am sure your newsdesk is well aware of. There is a story waiting to tell from towns of Changlang, please bring it out.

Yours,

Rajendu B Chakma,

(on email)

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----Editor