The Arunachal Times - Archive

28 surrender with arms and ammunitions

KHONSA, Aug 07: 28 terrorists of various outfits surrendered today along with a large quantity of weapons and ammunitions at 19 Assam Rifles Battalion Headquarters at Khonsa. It is a boost to the process of peace building in Tirap, Changlang and adjoining areas of Assam.

The sustained and continuous counter insurgency operations launched by the 25 Sector Assam Rifles under DAH DIVISION coupled with the psychological initiatives motivated these terrorists to shed the path of violence and join the national mainstream. These initiatives have been the focus of the Assam Rifles and have formed the pivot of success in changing the attitude and ideology of the terrorist. Most of these youths had fallen to the false Robinhood image of terrorists or were recruited by force, said a release issued by AR.

The Adarnee Sabha Ceremony at 19 Assam Rifles Battalion Headquarters, Khonsa was presided over by Brigadier VSBS Cherukupalli, Commander of 25 Sector Assam Rifles and attended by Colonel Naveen, VrC, Commandant 19 Assam Rifles, Ankur Garg, Deputy Commissioner, Tirap District and Anil Shukla, Superintendent of Police, Tirap.

Brigadier VSBS Cherukapalli felicitated and congratulated the surrendered cadres for their bold and wise decision to join the national mainstream. He added that the return of large number of cadres of various outfits is an indicator that terrorists are fast losing ground and our operations coupled with psychological initiatives are bearing dividends.The commitment of the Army towards the well being of these misguided youths and their families go well beyond the “Ceremony”. All efforts are being made to assist them to secure their rehabilitation package from the State Govt. Also, at the initiative of GOC 2 Mountain Division, a Rehabilitation Centre for them has been commissioned at Dinjan Military Station where vocational training such as driving, welding, plumbing, vehicle mechanic training, carpentry and electrical training is been imparted with a view to equip them to earn their livelihood. Based on the directions of DAH DIVISION, units of ASSAM RIFLES are motivating the youth of TIRAP and CHANGLANG to join the soon being raised Porter coys in Arunachal Pradesh and Arunachal scouts Bn. In the past as well, motivating the youth of Tirap and Changlang to join the recruitment process of Assam Rifles has yielded large dividends. In addition, there are numerous projects like infrastructure development projects and self employment schemes especially in remote areas have been undertaken under OP SADBHAVANA.

Finally, a bridge over Siang!

H.K. Roy

PASIGHAT, Aug 07: Finally after more than two decades, bridge over Siang is ready!

The long awaited 763.5 meter-long Raneghat Bridge over Siang River will be open for public use from August 10, informed the Chief Engineer (BRO) Anil Kumar today.

The foundation stone was earlier laid by the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi way back in 1988 and constructed by Gamon India Ltd.(GIL ) at a cost of Rs32 Cores.

It took about twenty years to complete the bridge to connect Upper Siang, various Districts of Eastern Arunachal including Dibrugarh and Tinsukia of the neighboring state of Asom.

It is worth mentioning that under the active initiation of Governor JJ Singh, the company speed up the working pattern and the final touch of the construction will be completed tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in a massage local MLA Bosiram Siram and the DC Pasighat Onit Panyang congratulated and extended thanks to the executing agency- BRO, GIL for successful completion of the bridge.

Siram further appealed the state Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu to invite the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to inaugurate the bridge at her convenient schedule.

Siram said that he has been personally monitoring the progress for early completion of the bridge.

The bridge over Siang created a record of shorts for all the time it took. It’s been subject to ridicule as well from the locals for the amount of time it took for completion.

Bank strike cripples financial businesses in Arunachal

Itanagar, Aug 07: Financial business came to a standstill in Arunachal Pradesh, following a two-day strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) across the country since yesterday.The UFBU called the strike after alleged reduction of proposed wage hike offer from 17.5 per cent to 13 per cent by Indian Bank Associations (IBAs).

All sorts of Banking services had been badly affected in the state as more than 1000 employees of all public sector Banks joined the stir, demanding immediate fulfillment of their demands.

All Banks remained closed, causing severe inconvenience to the customers as all financial transactions remained suspended and all the ATMs remained inactive mainly because of technical snag besides non-availability of cash. The demands of the UFBU included second option for pension and compassionate ground appointment scheme. UNI

BJP blows poll bugle, confident of a best show

Itanagar, Aug 07: Despite the poll debacle in recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh is confident of a record comeback in the ensuing Assembly elections in the state due in October next.

“We are confident enough to form the next government in Arunachal Pradesh with thumping majority and could secure more than 35 seats”, BJP Northeast In charge P Chandrasekhar Rao told a news conference here this evening.

The saffron party during the 2004 assembly elections could manage only nine seats in the 60-member assembly and ironically all the members switched over to Congress later.

The BJP has already chalked out various strategies accordingly to counter the ruling Congress party’s attempt to ‘manipulate and manage’ voters besides resorting to unfair means during elections, Mr. Rao said.

“As a measure to avoid bogus voters our cadres will cross check all the electorates enlisted in the voters list from house to house in each constituency from August end after publication of the final list by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP leader said.He added that pleas would be made to the ECI for directing the concerned officials to follow all formalities and code during the poll process including proper checking of electronic voting machines (EVMs) ten days ahead of polling.

Elaborating on the party’s poll plank Mr. Rao informed that issues like non-availability of electricity in many villages, drought like situation in many parts of the state compelling the farmers to abandon their field besides mismanagement of the Congress government including nepotism and corruption would be the major issues for the BJP.

Responding to media queries on the emergence of NCP as a strong party in the state which could hamper the poll prospect of the BJP, Mr Rao emphatically said that NCP would indirectly help his party by dividing Congress votes.

“NCP in Arunachal Pradesh is neither controlled by Sharad Pawar nor by P. A Sangma but by the ruling party”, he alleged.

BJP would favour a triangular contest which would help the party to defeat Congress”, he said adding, the party would not enter into pre-poll alliance with any parties but options would be open for Independent candidates in some areas.

To a query regarding tendency of winning candidates of changing allegiance, the BJP leader commented that it was the common problem of the entire north east region irrespective of party affiliations.

Earlier BJP state unit president Dr Tangor Tapak informed that Mr. Rao, who is on an assessment tour to the state had visited East and West Siang district had already launched the Mandol Chalo Abhiyan throughout the state. UNI

Pul’s whirlwind tour of Anjaw

TEZU, Aug 7: The Finance and Tax and Excise Minister Kalikho Pul toured Anjaw district and visited Chaglogam, Metangliang, Manchal, Chipru, Goiliang, Yatong, Nusai and Walong recently . The Minister also visited Hydro Power sites at various locations and expressed his satisfaction over the progress of ongoing projects in Anjaw districts.

Addressing series of public meeting, Pul said that the dawn of development in the new born district has been possible due to co-operation of the people and efforts put-in by development departments. He expressed his gratitude to the land donors of the district. He also disclosed that proposed CO HQ at Metangliang will be made operational very soon. He inaugurated a newly constructed PHE building at Walong on the occasion.

The Minister was accompanied by Anjaw Deputy Commissioner C.S Jeinow, Hayuliang ADC R.K Borthakur and various heads of departments of Anjaw district. (DIPRO)

Work for economic progress of farmers and state: Gyurme

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: The annual operating plan meeting of the department of horticulture is being held at its directorate, Chimpu, Itanagar from August 7-8.

Inaugurated the meeting Parliamentary secretary Tsering Gyurme exhorted the officers to work diligently for economic progress of the farmers and the state as a whole.

He stressed the need of research and development work in the field of horticulture to minimize the dependence on other states for technology and planting materials and suggested that the government horticulture farms in the district should be maintained as model farms for demonstration of the technology to the farmers so that farmers from other state come and visit the model farms of Arunachal Pradesh.

He further expressed need for development of proper infrastructure for marketing, post-harvest and packaging for horticulture produce to acquire maximum benefit to the farmers and advised the officers to maintain proper work culture and make the department responsive and people friendly.

Director horticulture Lomdak Tago also advised the officers for timely implementation of schemes and project for the best interest of the farmers. The officers should strike hard to translate the aspiration of people into reality and stressed for proper record maintenance and timely submission of reports and returns.

Borum United pip DNFC 1-0; CCFC hold BNFC

NAHARLAGUN, Aug 7: Borum United FC pipped Dera Natung FC 1-0 in a league level match of the Abotani Cup Football Tournament being played at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here today.

Techi Hatiyo was the scorer for the winning team.

Earlier, the match played between Capital Complex FC and Battalion (B.N) FC ended in a goal-less draw.

Today’s matches

Darko Sports Club vs. Sood Sports Club (2 pm); Borum United FC vs Nyokum Lapang F.C (3.30 pm).

Dept continues crackdown on traders

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: In its continued efforts to safeguard interest of common consumers, the Legal Metrology Mobile Team inspected more trading establishments of Naharlagun today and detected irregularities on violation of various provisions of the Standards of Weights & Measures (Enforcement) Act, 1985 and booked cases against defaulting traders.

A considerable numbers of packaged commodities and weights & measures items were seized from them and detained for legal and punitive action. M/s Basar Commercial Centre, M/S Arunsiri Gas Agency, M/s Neel Kamal and M/s Arun Enterprise were the prominent defaulters. As per norms, every Gas Agency has to install a platform weighing machine at delivery point for testing / weight of filled LPG cylinders by consumers as and when they have doubt on net content of the cylinder.

Unfortunately, M/s Arunsiri Gas Agency failed to fulfill the requirement which is detrimental to the interest of common consumers informed K.P. Tago of Legal metrology department.

Sanjoy calls early sanction of Arunachal Scouts

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: MP Takam Sanjoy called on the Union defense secretary Pradeep Kumar and urged him to expedite the sanctioning of four battalions of Arunachal Scouts at the earliest as committed by the UPA government.

Sanjoy emphasized that Arunachal Scouts will naturally support and supplement the endeavor of the army during the time of dire necessity.

The MP further informed the union defense secretary that the technical and financial aspects may be examined clearly before the matter is placed in the union cabinet.

Matters relating to internal and external security were also discussed while Sanjoy further asserted for security of Arunachal Pradesh.

The MP pointed out that Google Website shows Arunachal Pradesh in the map of China and condemned such conspiracy which aims at tarnishing the growing image of India in the international arena. It is because of this that ADB and World Bank objections are pouring in which will effect developmental focus the UPA government is providing to the state of Arunachal Pradesh especially in infrastructural sectors, Sanjoy added.

The MP also met Union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora and informed him of the shortage of gas and gas cylinders in the state.

He also highlighted the grim situation of bottling, shortage and storage plan at Kimin. Sanjoy urged the union minister to make ways for exclusive supply gas and gas cylinders to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Road map for Financial Inclusion at Changlang District

Itanagar, Aug 07: NABARD has organised a one day District Level Seminar on Financial Inclusion at Changlang on Aug 5 for Bankers, NGO’s, Govt. Officials in collaboration with District Administration, and State Bank of India. The seminar succeeded in creating a road-map for securing high level financial inclusion in Changlang district. The seminar was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Dr, S B Deepak Kumar, DC.

He stressed on the need to have a high level of Financial Inclusion in the District to usher in economic development. He appreciated NABARD for convening the Seminar and hoped that this would help in creation of awareness among bankers, NGOs, Govt Officials and action points which would be monitored through DCC Meetings. M K Mishra, Chief Manager, SBI, LHO, Guwahati appraised technology intervention. He displayed to the participants’ required items viz. mobile phones, biometric identification, sim cards etc. which would help in bringing about branchless banking even in the most remote corners.

A K Pasrija, DGM, NABARD, Itanagar discussed in detail about Rangarajan Committee Recommendation and that each bank branch manager should open 250 new rural household A/Cs, 250 new KCC, 100 General Credit Cards, 100 Swarozgar Credit Cards, 100 micro insurance policies and one Farmers’ Club in each village.

For bringing financial inclusion, he also explained the support provided by NABARD for Micro Finance Vision 2011.

In his presentation, N Paul Choudhury, AM, NABARD, Itanagar discussed about Farmers’ Club and how these Clubs could be utilized in the formation of Self Help Groups, Business facilitators bringing financial inclusion in the district.

The discussions revolved around :Recommendations of the Committee on Financial Inclusion, Strategy of NABARD for Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund (FITF), Micro Insurance and Financial Inclusion, Funds transfer and Financial Inclusion, Technology Intervention and Financial Inclusion, Farmer’s Clubs as SHPI, Business Facilitator and Business Correspondent Model, Action plan for the district. LDM, SBI, Changlang District appealed to bankers for opening no frill accounts, linkage of SHGs, engaging Business Fecilitators.

Tengam Ngemu, ex Minister suggested involvement of Panchayats for creating financial literacy.

R K Paul, Seva Kendra, Miao supplied a list of 48 Self Help Groups formed by the Kendra and requested SBI for opening SB A/Cs and credit linkage.

Stakeholders recommend clear-cut rural tourism development and promotion policy

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: The oneday awareness programme on Rural Tourism sponsored by NABARD recommended Clear-cut rural tourism development and promotion policy on the part of the State Government is a pre-requisite for planned and systematic development of the sector. Involvement, of various agencies like Panchayats, NGOs, and other agencies in framing policies is considered as the need of the hour. The house took positive note of the information given by Director of Tourism that the Master Plan for Tourism in the State will be ready soon.

It was also agreed that the stakeholders based on the issues discussed prepare a Strategy Paper which may be titled as Rural Tourism Development in Arunachal Pradesh - Vision Document -2013-14 for submission to higher authorities and policy makers and circulation.

Concerned State Government may take initiatives for constituting District Level Committee under the Chairmanship of DC with agencies like Panchayats, NGOs, and other agencies as members for promotion, monitoring of tourism development in the district on a regular basis. The monitoring and progress reports would be consolidated at the Head Quarters for dissemination and publicity.

It was also felt by the house that the concerned State Government department give due importance to maintenance of existing tourist infrastructure facilities.

The house felt that there is lack of co-ordination among the various stakeholders which need to be plugged. Concerned State Government should give more importance to publicity of various schemes and programmes for the benefit of the people.

The idea of having a common platform of the stakeholders in tourism sector for raising issues and concerns was considered by all as urgent need. Other institutions like NEDFI, SIDBI and banks should also come forward for sponsoring similar programmes in the future.

It was observed by the house that the commercial banks in the State so far have shown little interest for participation in such programmes. It was unanimously agreed the their participation is important as credit requirements will come from them. In future programmes, organizers should ensure participation of commercial banks.

NABARD sponsored Rural Tourism Awareness Programme ends

The one day awareness programme on Rural Tourism completed yesterday at State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Itanagar.

The programme was sponsored by NABARD in collaboration with a local NGO named Young Mission Adventure Club (YMAC) and a local NGO, Young Mission Adventure Club (YMAC) and Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP). About 30 participants drawn from Tour Operator Associations, people with hand-on experience, Hospitality industry, and financial institution and unemployed youth with tourism certificates attended the meet.

Director, Tourism A.K. Singh inaugurated the programme and addressed the issues on the potentials, prospects, problems and policies and the plans of the State Government. He thanked YMAC and NABARD for organizing the programme for creating awareness to the various stakeholders.

On tourism policy of the State Government, he apprised that his department had submitted a Draft Master Plan, (prepared by a team of Consultants from Kolkata, in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), to the State Government for necessary approval which is expected clearance very shortly. Delving on Rural Tourism, he stated that it is next to hydro-power in terms of potentials for promotion of livelihood and generation of income and employment for the people of the State. He also informed the gathering about the efforts made by the department for relaxation and simplification of various restrictions for tourist visiting the State. He cautioned reckless growth in tourism sector for which a planned strategy is required to be put in place.

Tsering Wange and John Panya, representing Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) as Chief Adviser and General Secretary shared their sweet and sour experience over the years and offered suggestions for the development the sector. The concept of rural tourism as that connoting tourism showcasing rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially was explained by them in brief to the participants. They also apprised the participants on the slow but steady rising trend of preference of tourists, especially foreigners, for rural tourism as against conventional ones of staying in hotels and visiting cities or metros.

The Chief Advisor and General Secretary, APTOA stressed on the need for change of attitude for imbibing the qualities of hard work, discipline, diligence, patience, commitment and hospitality by the local people for attracting more tourists in the State which is found lacking, though it has marginally improved now. The need of policy makers in the State Government for ensuring better co-ordination, transparency and clear-cut policy and widespread publicity in print and electronic media by selling Arunachal Tourism as the ultimate destination was highlighted by them.

S.S. Kar, Deputy Manager, Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, Itanagar re-emphasized the fact that more and more tourists prefer to stay in villages to experience local touch, taste, cuisine and flavor of original rural Arunachal Pradesh.

District Tourism Officer (DTO), Tawang Mr. Mije impressed upon the participants that village Tourism does not required huge initial capital investment and it can be taken up by entrepreneurs with a small amount of investment. He cited a live example of the Bread and Breakfast Scheme initiated by the department in Shyo Village in Tawang District which is generating supplementary income to the villagers. He revealed that during the recent few years more and more tourists have shown their interest towards Middle and Eastern part of the State especially Subansiri and Siang Districts where there exists unique and undiluted culture and tradition as compared to traditional destinations like Tawang and Bomdila where Culture and traditions are influenced and akin to neighboring countries.

MT Anga, President, All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) and General Secretary, All Arunachal Pradesh Maxicab Association (AAPMA) stressed the importance of efficient and reliable transport system for promotion of Rural Tourism in the State. He asserted that for this to take place stakeholders like Government Departments, Private Tour Operators, Drivers and public need to play their respective roles.

K.Vaiphei, Manager NABARD said that existing rural tourism potentials in different forms and activities like river rafting, angling, trekking, mountaineering, wild life, natural scenic beauty, natural habitats, has the potentials for giving employment and livelihood opportunities for the unemployed youth of the State. He highlighted the role of NABARD in rural development including rural tourism under its Non Farm Sector activities. He stated that a clear-cut policy framework should be put in place by the State Government for promotion and development of rural tourism as the pre-requisite condition. Linking rural tourism activities with credit is important for sustainability of the activity where commercial bankers and financial institutions need to come forward for credit and financial support, stated K. Vaiphei. He encouraged stakeholders to raise their voices in a democratic manner without resorting to violence in various fora and highlight their achievements and problems for necessary action by policy makers and others. He also suggested formation of State Level Co-ordination Committee for Tourism/Rural Tourism development by Stake holders which should prepare Strategy Paper, sort of a Vision Document -2013-14 and translate the vision in sweeping speed. He also requested the State Government representatives to look into the issue of relaxations in the various existing restrictions for more inflow of tourists. He informed that NABARD will explore ways for sponsoring exposure visits to Sates like Sikkim and Meghalaya where Rural Tourism is flourishing provided good proposals are submitted.

Teme Riche, a qualified local businessman from Daporijo in the Sector who is presently working in New Delhi talked of basic requirements like accommodation, sanitation. There is a need for change of attitude by the locals, and proper coordination amongst various stakeholders.

S. Teetu Yoka, President Action –Aid Society Arunachal Pradesh share her experience and narrated the difficulties faced in getting projects sanction from Government Departments. She regretted that in spite of all potentials, we are not able to sell these potentials. She challenged the participants to work hard without expecting much from others and show to world and others that rural tourism is possible.

Arunachal Travel Congress

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: Arunchal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) will organize the V11 Arunachal Travel Congress cum APTOA Conference on 22 August at Itanagar with collaboration from Department of Tourism Govt of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Arunachal Travel Congress 2009 will dwell on ways and means to project, promote and develop tourism in the State. This year the conference participation will not be confined to tour operators and hoteliers of the State alone. Other stakeholders would also be invited to attend the programe. Arunachal Travel Congress cum APTOA Conference was earlier organized thrice at Itanagar, twice at Tawang and once at Bomdila.

APTOA Executive Body made a representation to the State Government to revive the District Tourism Development Committees and to include members from APTOA in the State level tourism development meetings. Instituting of State Tourism Award to give due recognization to the deserving tourism pioneers who has contributed immensely to the socio economic development of the State was also discussed.

Several other issues including RAP/PAP problems faced by tour operators and the negative impact of Swine Flu H1N1 virus on travel and tourism industry were also discussed, added John Panya, Secretary APTOA

Compensation demanded

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: Kelay village land owner committee (KVLC) appealed the concerned authority to compensate the land owner of Kelay village immediately.

It claimed that the road construction has already been started from Kurung village to Pari village via Kelay village without consultation of the land owner

“Depute medical team”

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: ASM, 21 Taderko Anchal Segment, Lower Suabnsiri District said that Malaria and other related disease are spreading in Taderko, Lina, Loth and Tajgi under Lower Subansiri at an alarming rate.

It appealed the district authority to depute medical team with sufficient medicine and testing equipments in the area.

It further informed that on the request of panchayat leaders of the affected villages, the district medical officer, along with health assistant, malaria sub-inspector and field assistant was deputed on June 26 last but it needs more help to contain the disease.

Condemnedill-treatment of candidates

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: Totpu Panchayat Youth Welfare Society and All Parang Circle Youth Association alleged that answer sheet of one of the SSA teacher aspirant at Sakiang, Mengio was snatched away.

It said that the candidate was from Totpu village under Parang circle and applied the SSA teacher interview under 80:20 ratio but was ill-treated by a representatives of other union.

Meanwhile, APCYA appealing the education department not to transfer any teachers from Parang circle demanded for posting of sufficient teacher at newly upgraded government secondary school Parang.

Frontiers in Electronics and Communication

NIRJULI, Aug 7: Human kind has come a long way from the age of single transistor technology to the present day technology of miniaturization and nano-science. In the process, the boundary separating the different trades of sciences and technology has become very blurred. The exchange of ideas and knowledge among the people of various fields is the need of the hour.

The Department of electronics and Communication Engineering, NERIST, has taken another step forward by organizing a three days workshop on “Frontiers in Electronics and Communication” in collaboration with Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics, Calcutta University, from Aug 7-9.

The workshop is attended by faculty from NEHU, RGU, NERIST and students.

A team of six experts from Calcutta University, Prof.P.K.Basu, Prof. Susanta Sen, Prof. N.R.Das, Prof.Gautam Gosh, Dr. A. Battacharya and Dr. S. Pandit, will deliver lectures on various fields of Electronics and Communication.

The inaugural function of the workshop was held this morning with Dr.Joram Begi as Chief Guest and Prof. P.K. Basu, Calcutta University as Guest of honor.

Dr. J. Begi elaborated on the technological milestones that we have covered. He also spoke about the impact of the technology in society especially in Arunachal Pradesh.

Guest of Honour, while delivering the keynote address highlighted various programs which are in que.

He also gave an overview of the various lectures to be held during the workshop.

Dean Academics of NERIST, Prof.P.K.Das spoke on the academic structure of the Institute.

He also emphasized on the effort taken by the institute to maintain the high standards of technical education. He also informed that the institute is on the process of signing MOU with IIT’s so that collaborative research works can be carried out in the institute. Speaking on the occasion HOD, ECE and the Co-ordinator of the workshop Prof. Md. Anwar Hussain says that knowledge cannot grow inside a closed bottle. He emphasized on the need of knowledge exchange and mutual support.

Union demands cancellation of interview

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union in a letter to Chief Engineer, power Eastern Zone said that the advertisement of power department by Superintendent Engineer (E) Miao Electrical Circle-II is snatching the legal rights of workers who have been serving under the department of power from last 20-25 years.

It further said, for appointment of technical staff walk in interview is not necessary, as the workers are capable and expert already to execute any kind of technical job in the department.

It further threatens to launch strike if the authority fail to stop the walk in interview scheduled on August 11.

ALSU and ATKSSU react to bandh

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: All Lohit Students’ Union (ALSU) and All Tai-Khampti Singpho Students Union (ATKSSU) condemned the damages caused on public properties and the bandh called by AdiSU at Jaipur, Namsai area on August 6.

The unions further condemned the bandh carried out by AdiSu without the consent of local students’ union. Under constructed commissioner building, Urban department building and office of the Horticulture deputy director at Jaipur, Namsai were severely damaged and burned down, the unions alleged.

ALSU and ATKSSU said that AdiSU should thoroughly examine facts before claiming land in the area. The unions further added that the area was temporarily given to Sommua Miri on sympathetic ground by the local Khampti people.

DC and police appreciated

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: Leporiang People Welfare Committee Capital Complex (LPWCCC) appreciated the capital complex deputy commissioner, Naharlagun police and CRPF jawans for their prompt action in shifting of the dead body of late Karsang Tado from the residence of Tadar Nikam of Dokum colony Naharlagun on August 6.

The committee further appealed to the tribal people to condemn any illegal practice which may cause irreparable damage to the beautiful tribal social ethos.

Scout and Guide vocational training concludes

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: The state level vocational training course of Bharat Scout and Guide Arunachal Pradesh, organized at its head quarter, Polo Colony Naharlagun concluded today.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, under Secretary Education M Sora appealed the students to take part in such organization and make effort to become an ideal citizen of the country and assured all possible help to the Bharat scout and guide Arunachal unit.

He inspected Book Binding, Chalk, Candle, and Detergent powder making unit, first aid, Yoga, computer training, fine arts and handicraft training units.

MEEA to go on indefinite dharna

ITANAGAR, Aug 07: Malaria Eradication Employee Association has decided to stage indefinite dharna from Aug 10 demanding appointment of 144 SFR and RFW. It said that state government has not complied with its decision taken last year regarding the appointments.

Narayanasamy to arrive in Itanagar

ITANAGAR: Union Minister and general Secretary, All India Congress Committee in charge of Arunachal Pradesh V Narayanasamy is arriving in Arunachal on Aug 8. He is to attend the manifesto and coordination committee meetings of APCC at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, Itanagar.

4 young artists selected for scholarship

ITANAGAR: Ministry of Culture, government of India, New Delhi in collaboration with North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur is going to award young talented Artist scholarship for the year 2008-09 to Nyidey Sumnya, Khamnya Thinra, Matnye Afi and Rajev Mena during Independence Day celebration at IG Park, Itanagar.

Mahila Congress demands 15 seats

ITANAGAR: In a joint meeting of Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (APMCC), Itanagar, CMCC, DMCCs, BMCCs of all districts held at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Itanagar today, the Mahila Congress demanded reservation of 15 seats for women aspirants in the forthcoming assembly election in the state.

During the meeting it also discussed about the visit of Secretary AIMCC, In-charge Arunachal Pradesh Naznin Farooque on August 10 and All India Mahila Congress President and MP Dr. Pratibha Thakur on August 26.

(Readers’ Forum)

Is there some one to hear us?

Madam,

Anini which “usually” remains cut off from the rest of the world is actually one of the most beautiful places in the world. The place can be undoubtedly the hub of tourists and nature lovers. Visit to an Anini will render an immense aesthetic pleasure. But unfortunately Anini - dubbed as “Switzerland of the East” by many visiting big shots, is today facing endless problems.

Anini is infested by most poisonous serpents like the deadliest vipers found in Tally Valley and Sarli areas. But the 60-bed District Hospital with only three doctors including DMO, has no Anti-venom infection, although every week there are two –three cases of snake bites reported. It has no labs and apparatus to have simple R.M.T.

GHSS Anini is also riding on a wheel chair invulnerably pushed by SSA teachers. There are 6 regular teachers, whereas nine are from SSA who particularly has no option in rendering periods/classes even those of CBSE standards.

Education is a powerful instrument of social, economic and cultural transformation of the nation, for this we truly rely on JNV. But it has too failed to reap the benefit of infrastructural developments.

Connectivity is the key component of the rural development, whereas JNV is not yet well connected.

The projects which are being executed under UD (Urban Dept.) has a number of initiative with strong edifice to construct a school building, dormitory-boys and girls, residential quarters, kitchen and dinning block with the budget estimated cost of Rs 13 crores. But due to shortage of human resources they were unable to comply with the deadline offered. As result students are still boarding on a building which officially belongs to the forest Department. Despite this we have officer like U.P.O. (Urban Programme Officer) of Urban department. I vividly remember the day we first met. Frequently visiting to the construction sites from dawn to dusk, delivering and shouldering the work of LDC, Surveyor, AUPO and even of peon, his dedication towards work is worth mentioning.

We are really very obliged to him for lightening up every individual and for being so gracious.

The consensus is that owing to the problem, we require to fill up the vacant posts in urban department which include a LDC, AUPO, Surveyor and a peon.

Are the top bureaucrats and policy makers in Itanagar hearing us?

Yours,

Niranjan Mili

Chairman (MAPS)

Anini

The plight of Arunachalees cancer patients in Mumbai

Madam,

I being a sufferer would like to highlights the plight of Arunachalee cancer patients in Mumbai and draw the attention of the NGOs and Govt for immediate sympathetic action.

In the year 2004, I had been referred from Naharlagun General Hospital to Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital and had been diagnosed with CA of nasopharhynx, a form of cancer. The doctors at Tata Memorial advised me for chemotheraphy and radiation for 5 months for my tumour to cure. I, being a bread earner of the family was confused and worried as the treatment would go a long time, anyhow I continued the doses of therapy. Meanwhile, it was my first priority to find a suitable place to stay in Mumbai around the Tata Memorial Hospital as it would be convenient for my treatment.

On my enquiry I found out that there were bhawans for separate states, I enquired about our Arunachal Bhawan too, but to my surprise there was not a name of it nor locations allotted. With great difficulty I found a Shanti Bhawan near the hospital charging an amount of 600/day, it was the lowest minimal fare near the hospitals during 2004. Anyway, I managed to stay there for 5 months and completed my therapy. However, I was advised by the doctors to visit 3 months alternatively for regular check up and since then I have been frequenting this city many a times.

In March 2009, the doctors however found my tumours spreading and advised me to stay for at least 5 month and still I am living at Mumbai near Tata Memorial in a rented house.

My point is that this is not just my story, it’s a story of many Arunachalees who are visiting this city for treatment and many other purposes.

I myself have seen more than 20-30 families since last March, the main problem here is the problem of accommodation. Today I pay a monthly rent of 18000 for just one room, a bathroom and a kitchen. This is the problem of every Arunachalee visiting Mumbai. With no knowledge of the city our innocent people are just made scape goat and fooled in every corner.

My expenses till today may be around 13lakhs (including treatment), most of the expenditure of my treatment has gone in living in this big city.

The trauma and harassment we undergo knows no boundary far away from home, I know large number of my Arunachalee people have been facing the same problem here at this city.

And to add woes to the patients, there is still no brick of a bhawan or guest house in Mumbai for our Arunachalee people, whereas the Govts of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya have cropped up seeing the rising number of cancer patients from their respective state. Therefore, I on behalf of the cancer patients appeal one and all to extend support for an urgent guest house for those Arunachalees inflicted with these disease near the Tata memorial hospital as an immediate relief. Rented flats available near Tata memorial hospitals are best options, if somehow our government could take them on rented basis it would be a commendable approach, till the completion of Bhawan at Vashi. I hope government and various student bodies at state take a serious note of the problems, keeping in mind the large Arunachalee people visiting the city.

I highlight this problem not to tell my problems, but to highlight the difficult circumstances which I underwent that is not experienced by any of my Arunachalee fellows here at Mumbai.

Yours,

Nangbhia Shilly (Patient)

Tata Memorial Hospital,

Mumbai