The Arunachal Times - Archives

Silver Jubilee Year of Tawang Namghar

TAWANG, Aug 17: Tawang MLA Tsewang Dhondup cum Parliamentary Secretary (Planning) accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu attended the inaugural function of Silver Jubilee Year of Tawang Namghar as chief guest and guest of honour August 16 last.

Tsewang Dhondup urged the members of Assamese Community of Tawang to preserve their rich culture and traditions and maintain a cordial relation with the local people so that a unity prevails.

The MLA donated a PA system to the cultural centre of Tawang Namghar. He further assured that all necessary support would be provided for well being of the cultural centre of Tawang Namghar.

DC Padu advised the members of Assamese community to maintain utmost secular attitude while in thier endeavour in preserving culture and tradition. He also laid emphasis on the need for cultural exchange of various communities to strengthen the national integrity.

All the members of Assamese community residing in the district of Tawang and many local leaders, panchayat leaders and well wishers of Tawang attended the function.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tsering Lhamu also spoke on the occasion. DIPR

Governor to inaugurate bamboo-processing centre

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh will inaugurate a Bamboo Processing Centre, first of its kind at Poma Village, 32 km from Itanagar in Papum Pare district on Aug 18. The centre, which has been set up by the State Forest Corporation with technical help from the Cane and Bamboo Technology Center (CBTC), Guwahati will be handed over to the villagers to run.

Gen Singh, who always have been advocating on financial empowerment of rural populace visited Cane and Bamboo Technology Center, Guwahati earlier this year and expressed his keenness to initiate such project in the State as Arunachal Pradesh has huge bamboo growth. As long-term plan for the project to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship amongst the youths especially of the rural population, the Centre has been established. The villagers are taking up the project in business mode instilled with corporate behaviour for it success. In addition, with 100% buy back guarantee for the produces by the CBTC, Guwahati, it will be definitely be a profitable venture. The local villagers have been trained on handling of the machines and tools of the centre in advance and after inauguration, the unit will be handed over them to run. (PRO to Governor )

President’s Police Medal for Marge Riba

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: Marge Riba, Deputy SP/SDPO, Naharlagun has been awarded President’s Police Medal for meritorious service in recognition of his dedicated service as well as devotion to duty on the occasion of 63rd Independence Day.

He joined the state police department as sub-inspector on Sept 1, 1981 in civil police.

The police officer was posted at Tezu in 1983 and later served the state as officer incharge, Bomdila, crime branch, Police HQ, Itanagar, officer in-charge of Maio Police Station in Changlang, inspector, Indian Reserve Battalion, officer Incharge, Itanagar, Police Station and was detailed for operation“Hurricane” in Tirap district where he had performed his duty sincerely and efficiently. During his 28 years of police service in the state, he solved many extortion cases, shown unflinching devotion towards his duties. He was rewarded by the DGP along with commendation roll in connection of Itanagar PS C/No 115/08 Dt 19/6/2008.

BJP announce the first list

Itanagar, Aug 17: Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce the date for Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh due in October, the central election committee of the BJP has announced the first list of 13 candidates.

Tamiyo Taga, who has been declared as the party candidate from Rumgong constituency, is a former speaker who also served as the education minister. Two former ministers Dr. Tangar Tapak and Lechi Legi are other prominent names.

Tapak would stand from Pasighat West while Legi is the candidate for Itanagar.

The other candidates include Tana Tagam Tara (Sagalee), Ajit Nacho (Nacho), Tapen Siga (Daporijo) Lumpak Paksok (Dumporijo), Katan Kamboh (Tuting-Yingkiong), Tayam Siram

(Panging-Boleng), Oyam Dai (Pasighat East), Wangman Lowangcha (Khonsa East) and Kapnai Wangcha from Pongchau-Wakka constituency, the sources added. UNI

JD (U) to field in all sixty

Itanagar, Aug 17: The Janata Dal (United) (JDU) has decided to contest in all sixty assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh, election for which is due in October next.

JD (U) national secretary Arun Kumar Srivastava is scheduled to visit the state on August 20 next to give a final shape of the election manifesto and to work-out poll strategy, party’s state unit president Sonam Wangchuk and vice president Takir Kurdu told a press conference here this afternoon.

“JD (U), which is a nascent party in the state is all set to give a tough fight in the election and want to change the political culture of the state”, Kurdu said adding, the party’s main thrust was on socio-economic development of the state.

Declaring that the party would not go for pre-poll alliance with any parties, both the leaders disclosed that doors were open for post-poll alliance with likeminded party.

“The party would give due share to women candidates and winning prospect of the candidates will be the main criteria for issuing tickets”, the party chief added. UNI

SIRD starts training under BRGF initiative

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: The training of State Level Master Trainers for supporting the PRIs in development interventions, particularly in the process of planning support and creating capacities for effective and meaningful planning and implementation of all grassroots level interventions began at SIRD today.

SIRD Arunachal Pradesh which is also the Technical Support Institution to the PRIs of the State is implementing this training intervention with support from various line departments.

Inaugurating the programme, Director SIRD, Tope Bam called upon the participants to utilize the opportunity provided by the training to the fullest and to acquire all skills required to become ‘State Level Master Trainers’. He dwelt on the background of the planning process in the country and the process of transition from centralized planning to decentralized planning.

He also expressed the hope that the training interventions being undertaken by SIRD should be able to ensure that the Gram Sabha plans are integrated with the State Plan in near future. Addressing the participants, Director Panchayati Raj, Bida Gadi, also appraised the participants of the initiatives undertaken by the Department of Panchayati Raj to strengthen the panchayats. He informed that the Department was in the process of releasing the handbook on planning process. Special initiatives are being undertaken to strengthen the PRIs by the State Government, notably to provide additional support for panchayat office infrastructure and for meeting the basic working expenses particularly at the Anchal Samiti level.

Earlier Kirto Loyi, Deputy Director SIRD welcomed the participants and Rakesh Srivastava, Assistant Director cum Course Director gave a brief programme outline.

SIRD is arranging resource persons from various line departments and engineering departments etc to interact and provide required inputs to the trainees.

The programme shall be conducted for 6 days wherein selected participants based on the participation in various training exercises etc shall be selected as State Level Master Trainers (SLMT). The participants who are selected as SLMTs shall be actively involved in the process of developing District Level Master Trainers and Block Level Facilitators and Animators. The SLMTs shall also be certified resource persons of SIRD Arunachal Pradesh to assist, coordinate and extend the professional planning support to the PRIs upon demand in respective districts.

Are Autonomous councils the answer for Arunachal?

Tongam Rina

At the floor of the state legislative assembly, the MLAs from Tirap and Changlang reiterated its demands for creation of Patkai autonomous council. The timing was perfect as the demand came when the state is gearing up for the assembly polls.

Among many others, promise of creation of autonomous councils for Mon (Tawang and West Kameng) and Patkai (Changlang and Tirap) is believed to have been one of the issues that was crucial in formation of the government led by Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu.

The four districts have 16 MLAs of the 60 in the state. Since it is all about number game, 16 is a decent number, capable of calling the shots.

The demand for creation for autonomous councils had been there for quite some time. The state government even adopted a resolution way back in Feb 2004 for creation of autonomous councils.

Now the adoption of resolutions and passing of bills is not something that’s done with much thought in the assembly given our history of weak opposition parties and extreme loyalty to power and those in power.

On the other hand, people of the state have voiced their opposition to such demands. Civil society movements and students union have spoken out against move for autonomy. Moreover, given the mood of the people in rest of state, it is very unlikely that they would support in future as well.

Autonomy, if at all is given because of political compulsions, would be disastrous. In a unique state like Arunachal, any move as such would be detrimental for the peace, development, and wrong message to those who have been desperately eyeing our land.

The reasons for demands are very predictable. Social, economic and cultural needs.

Every part of the state needs special attention, as the problems are all unique. If special attention means creation of autonomous councils, Arunachal had it. It will soon be a birthday cake from where everyone will soon have a portion cut out even if there is no particular appetite.

Coming back to Changlang and Tirap, these districts have grappled with insurgency for a long time. Both the factions of NSCN are active in the area. What is interesting is the fact that despite cultural affinities of Tangsas, Wanchos and Noctes (Constitutionally as well, these tribes of Tirap and Changlang are known as Other Naga Tribes) with various Naga tribes, until recently, insurgency was not home breed.

However, with passing of years, the scenario has changed. Indigenous tribes of Tirap and Changlang are part of the groups running parallel government that collect taxes from the government and its employees and get a cut from every scheme worth its name. In the battle of supremacy, developments have taken a back seat.

Even the much flaunted Department of Tirap and Changlang have not been able to bring in any changes. It is well-established fact that ideology alone is not the basis why our young men and women chose to rebel against the state.

Lack of opportunities and feeling of being an outsider in their own homeland drive these young men and women to take up the guns. The widening gap between the rich and poor adds to it. Solutions will not come on a platter more so because of involvement of outsiders who will go any length in the name of promised homeland.

Government and people of the state need to take steps tactfully instead of talking about autonomy.

It is necessary that everyone is part of the process of development and reconciliation. Autonomy certainly is not the answer to the problems. Arunachal is not just another state in Indian Union. It is the sentinel of the nation.

Political boundaries drawn by the Indian State will not be respected, if another boundary is drawn in the name of autonomy.

Arunachal to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions

Itanagar, Aug 17 : In order to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) with respect to its functions, functionaries and funds, the Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to allocate Rs ten crore from state plan for schemes to be implemented by them.

''The amount will be allocated among the districts on the basis of the tribal population and funds will be placed with the district planning committee, which will decide the schemes and projects to be implemented by the PRIs through the district rural development agency (DRDA),'' official sources said.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu in his Independence Day speech disclosed that Rs five crore would be allocated as an honorarium to be paid to the PRI members for attending panchayat meetings at various levels.

Sources said to enable the PRIs to meet the expenditure towards telephone, stationary and establishment costs, the government had decided to allocate Rs fifty thousand per year per zilla parishad and Rs twenty five thousand per anchal samiti.

Khandu, in his speech, also highlighted that the PRIs would be actively involved in the implementation of various Centrally sponsored schemes like Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), Swarna Gramin Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), Hariyali as per the Centre's guidelines and the National Bamboo Mission both for the forest and non-forest areas would be implemented through the PRIs and the horticulture and forest department would work out modalities for implementing the mission.

''The Total Sanitation Programme will also be transferred to the PRIs and the modalities will be worked out by the public health engineering department (PHED),'' the Chief Minister disclosed, adding repair and maintenance of water supply scheme for which Twelfth Finance Commission (TFC) grants were being received, would be implemented by the PRIs through PHED as the implementing agency.

Selection and monitoring of works and release of funds would be done by the PRIs, besides issuance of utilisation certificates, the CM said. UNI

Technothlon prelims

ITANAGAR Aug 17: The Technothlon prelims exam was conducted by IIT Guwahati at D sector Naharlagun Government Middle school for the first time in the state on July 19 last.

There were more than 1 lakh participants from all over India. The exam constituted of mental ability questions of 150 marks that had been set by the students of IIT Guwahati. Arunachal students proved by procuring themselves in the top 50.

In the senior squad Saurabh Chauhan and Varun M S of VKV Itanagar stood 3 (third) in the All India Ranking (AIR).

In the junior squad, Rubel Ahmed Talukdar and Shahid Alam Khan of KV 1 stood AIR 4 (fourth) while Karba Loyi and Taba Tanya of Good Shepherd School stood AIR 5 (fifth).

Students in the top 50 would be proceeding to IIT Guwahati for the final round on September 3rd-6th for Techniche the Techfest of IITG.

There were many other students who made it to the Top 250 in their respective categories and they would be receiving their silver certificates soon. The following are the teams who made it to the top 250.

SENIOR SQUAD

1.Saurav Nath and Tanmay Ghosh AIR 72 of VKV Itanagar

2.Aditi Mandal and Pankhi Bhuyan AIR 73 of KV 1 Itanagar

3.Rohit Thapa and Imar Ete AIR 75 of KV 1 Itanagar

4.Deepika Das and Deblina Thokchom AIR 77 of Kingcup Public school, Itanagar

5.Nabagato Bhattacharjee and Jayanta Saikia AIR 101 of KV1 Itanagar

6.Nani Yampi and Jyoti Jopir AIR 141 of Kingcup Public school,Itanagar

7.Dicha Changmi and Byabang Munni AIR 199 of Royal International School, Naharlagun

JUNIOR SQUAD

1.Likha Harry and Paggam Lendo AIR 68 of Good Shepherd School, Naharlagun

2.Shankaracharya Dutta Saikia and Prateek Samal AIR 69 of VKV Itanagar

With just 170 teams writing the exam 12 teams have qualified with 3 in the top 50.

This puts Arunachal as the rank 1 state in this examination. Due to limited time and lack of communication the exam could not be held in the entire state. Result can also be checked by logging into www.techniche.org/technothlon and they can register themselves and give the weekly tests informed Technothlon, Arunachal Chapter Coordinator Taba Abang.

Training on Conduct Rules begins

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: Proper understanding of conduct and discipline is the foundation for successful career as government servant said Director (Training), Pema Tshetan during his inaugural address at the week-long training programme on “Conduct Rules” which commenced today at ATI, Naharlagun.

While dwelling at length at the present working scenario of the government offices and departments in the state, Tshetan lamented that there is clear indication of downward deterioration of work culture and efficiency as well as lack of discipline among the work force particularly at the middle and lower level of the government functionaries.

The Director further pointed out that these negative symptoms of poor work culture, lack of integrity, discipline and devotion to duty is prevalent amongst the local employees.

With the change of policy in recruitments, all government offices and departments are manned by Arunachalee employees and they should set a guiding example of good work culture and devotion towards duties by taking up responsibilities more seriously, he added.

Earlier, the Deputy Director (Trg) & course coordinator of the programme, T Lodo said that ATI is constantly making effort in raising the efficiency level of government employees through various in-service training programmes.

The training programme on “Conduct & Discipline Rules” is an important target for the institute in order to infuse proper understanding of the rules and to adopt in their day to day service life.

Lado further requested all the participants to take the training seriously and cooperate with the guest resource persons.

Advocate Sunil Mow, Advocate R L Yadav, PO (Home Deptt.) Y S K Kameswari and Director (TRG) Pema Tshetan are the resource persons.

I-Day celebrated throughout Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: The 63rd Independence Day was celebrated in various parts of the districts with much enthusiasm and reports of I-Day celebrations are still pouring in this newspaper house.

The I-Day was celebrated in a befitting manner at newly upgraded ADC Headquarter at Bordumsa sub-division.

Unfurling the national tri-colour as the chief guest on the occasion at Bordumsa general ground, Health and Family Welfare, Food and Civil Supplies Minister C.C. Singpho highlighted achievements of UPA government at Centre and Congress Government in Arunachal Pradesh on PMGSY, SPA, NEC, NREGA, Technology Mission, Sarva Siksha, National Rural Health Mission and many other schemes that have immensely benefited the general people. He appealed the youth and the students to dedicate for the cause of the nation and become worthy citizen.

Informing people about the swine-flu H1N1 he appealed people not to be in panic. All possible measures will be taken care to prevent swine flu, he said and wanted civil society to create awareness on AIDS/HIV for greater safe of the human race against this dreaded disease.

He appealed all citizens to cooperate government and take active participation in developing the with knowledge on government policies and programmes and desired Government functionaries specially the officers of development departments to be transparent and become people friendly for their interest in public service.

“Promote environmental awareness”

At Wakro, in Lohit district Col. P.L. Jayram, Commanding Officer of the 26 Maratha Light Infantry unfurled the tri-colour on behalf of Maj. General B.S. Sachar, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding the DAH division in presence of teachers and staff of Apna Vidyabhavan. Col. Jayram conveyed that the DAH division led by Maj. Gen. Sachar was committed in striving to make the Apna Vidyabhavan, Wakro and also the world a better place for the future generation. “Army is keen to see that children in schools get better facilities to promote learning all over the hilly and difficult areas of Lohit, Anjaw and Dibang Valley”, he said. Apna Vidyabhavan, Wakro is a school for the underprivileged children from extremely remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh and has been adopted by Brigadier Manjeet Mehta, SM Brigade Commander 82 Mountain Brigade. The students on the occasion presented a cultural programme with the theme of “Global Warming and preserving our environment.”

The issue of Global warming is of immediate concern to all and so the awareness of children on environmental issues today will help make a better tomorrow, Col. Jayram pointed out. Speaking as the guest of honour, Shantanu Kri, the first ever journalist belonging to the region stressed upon the importance of the great cultural heritage of India and the need to build it into the education of the youths. Col. Jayram presented school bags, books and stationary to the students on behalf of Dah division.

The Chairman ASSET thanked Col. Jayram, all ranks of the 26 MLI and the Army for the continued support for the welfare of the children.

The Independence Day was also celebrated at Ziro, Raga, Yachuli, Dollungmukh, Pistana, Kamporijo and Yazali administrative centres with various programmes.

While unfurling the tri colour at Subansiri Stadium, Ziro MLA, Nani Ribia highlighted the achievements of the state Government in the last two and half years. Rebia sought the continued support and cooperation of the people to the government.

Claiming cent percent fulfilment of the agendas of his election manifesto, Rebia said that Circle Officer’s HQ has been created at old Ziro, Schools have been opened in almost all the villages with adequate infrastructures, Roads have been constructed for every villages and old roads are being improved, rapid response team has been constituted for health service delivery, water supply and electricity have been improved in the constituency in last five years. DIPRO

The 63rd Independence Day was also celebrated successfully at Hunli & Dambuk Sub-Divisions and at Koronu Circle Headquarters.

At Dambuk, SDO D Tali unfurled the tri-color at the school football ground and paid homage to the freedom fighters of the nation in his speech.

Prabhat Pherry by the government staffs, students and teachers, multi-colour cultural programme depicting the national harmony and games & sports were the other attractions of the day.

At Hunli, T. Miso, SDO unfurled the national flag and addressed the gathering while J. Umpo, CO unfurled the tri-color at Koronu. Cultural programme and games & sports events were also held.

Umpo in her speech highlighted the importance of the day and remembered the great heroes who struggled to achieve freedom. She appealed the masses to maintain communal harmony and peace for over all development of the region. DIPRO

At Koloriang: MLA Lokam Tassar unfurled the national flag and highlighted the work of the present government in the district as well as in state as a whole. He also pointed out on various developmental projects and schemes being implemented by the state government to benefit the people.

Exhibition show, games, sports and cultural show were also held.

Tassar also pointed out that the present state government has revived the Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Apex Bank, streamlined the PDS, establishment of FCIs, funds allocated to the PRI besides adopting people friendly policies. (Special correspondent: DIO Bamang Apo)

At Daporijo : Heavy rains, water filled streets and muddy roads could not dampen the spirit of patriotism of the people of Upper Subansiri district on the Independence Day as hoards of people came to attend the celebrations at Rijo ground in Daporijo on August 15 last.

The celebrations kicked off with the hoisting of the tri color by the Deputy Commissioner H. K. Shalla and a parade and band display by the APP and school students of schools in and around Daporijo.

Shalla stressing on the need for harmony and cooperation in the smooth functioning and growth of the district urged every individual to have a hand in maintaining law and order.

He also made an important announcement whereby the use of “toko” leaves, the main cause of fire accidents, was to be discontinued and CGI sheets to replace them by March 31 next. DIPRO

At Tawang : The 63rd Independence Day was celebrated at Lumla ADC Headquarter-Division of Tawang district in a befitting manner with participation of all Government officers, officials, students, GBs, public leaders and villagers.

The ceremonial flag was unfurled by the Lumla MLA Rev. T G Rinpoche who congratulated the people for living in a free-India.

Later he highlighted on the various developmental programs of the government in the region as well as in the State.

At Mukto: The remote circle headquarter under Tawang district which shares its border with Indo-Bhutan, celebrated the 63rd Independence Day with a sheer difference.

Best part of the momentous day was that all the villages in the area enthusiastically took part in the day long celebration despite road blockages in several points from Jhang to Mukto.

Circle Officer Lobsang Tsetan unfurled the tri-color amidst huge gathering. The locals displayed their utter patriotism by actively participating in all the events organized on the day.

Panchayat leaders led by Mukto Anchal Samity Chairperson Namgey Tsering and ZPM Dangsang assisted the local administration in conducting cultural competition, volleyball tournament, archery competition and badminton competition amongst the villagers which was a great success.

Handsome prizes were awarded to the winners. In order to boost horticultural activities in the area, special prize was conferred for the best horticulturist.

PT display by the school children and guard of honour by 38 battalion of SSB were other highlights of the day. PRO to CM

Meanwhile, Collegian and university students of Capital Complex belonging to Taliha-Payeng circle of Upper Subansiri district celebrated the Independence Day here at the residence of former MLA Munji Mara in the state Capital.

As part of the celebration, discussion on various developmental activities taken up during Mara’s tenure as MLA was deliberated upon by panchayat leaders and students present. The students appreciated the development activities done in previous times by Mara and also his social responsibilities towards his constituency.

Green Changlang clean Changlang

CHANGLANG, Aug 17: A mass tree plantation as well as cleanliness drive took place at Changlang yesterday.

All the shopkeepers were asked to clean the surroundings of their respective shops by the District Administration. They were also instructed to keep a dustbin each which would be cleared by the Department of UD & Housing on daily basis.

The Changlang Divisional Forest Officer Chimoy Simai issued 1565 numbers saplings of different varieties namely Gol Mahar, Nahar, Maha Neem, Ashoka, Amla, Jalphai, Siris and Pine which were delivered through the Department of UD & Housing.

The trees were planted in the office premises, Schools, Assam Rifles camp, CRPF Camp and all other colonies including Changlang Bazar Line.

People from all walks of life took part enthusiastically in mass plantation lead by the Changlang Deputy Commissioner Dr S B Deepak Kumar with all the head of Offices, Changlang. (DIPRO)

Mass Plantation

Campaign at Tawang

Led by the DC Tawang Gamli Padu, the officers, staff and students participated in the mass plantation campaign ‘GO GREEN ARUNACHAL’ at the district here at Tawang.

The campaign started with planting of a sapling at DC office complex by DC at 09.30 am. More than 5000 saplings were planted in all colonies and office complexes including ADC and CO headquarters in the district. The campaign will go on for a week where more saplings are targeted to be planted. The saplings are made available by DFO Tawang. DIPRO

Hibu calls for innovative projects

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: DIG, Robin Hibu, stressed on the need for taking up innovative projects for the society and also outlined the urgent need for environmental projects that would involve cross section of people and agencies as well as institutions such as police training centre for the greater benefit of future generations, while addressing the 9th Installation ceremony of the Rotary club of Rising Sun Itanagar at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashoka.

Rtn. Kishore Nath as President, Rtn. Avijit chakraborty as Secretary, Rtn. T. Madhusudan as Vice President took charge Rotary Club of Rising Sun Itanagar.

Former president of the club Rtn. K. C. Dhimoley presented annual report for 2008-09 and also briefed about the two awards given by the Rotary District 3240 to the Itanagar Club during 2008-09 while the outgoing Secretary Rtn. Dinesh Agarwal, briefed about the activities taken up by the club during 2008-09.

Earlier Rtn. Tomi Ete, Charter President of the Club shared his experience on the Rotary Movement in Arunachal Pradesh. He also outlined various achievements and initiatives taken by the club in service of mankind and difficulties being faced in expansion of services.

President, of the club Rtn. Kishore Nath, outlined various projects that the club plans to initiate during 2009-10. This includes a joint venture project to be launched in collaboration of Arunachal Pradesh Aditya Solar Society (APASS), Itanagar “Future Wealth Project”, for distribution of solar devices to needy people of rural areas at subsidized rates.

Secretary Rtn. Avijit Chakravorty briefed about the objectives, approaches and benefits of the project.

Awareness meeting on Swine Flu held

CHANGLANG, Aug 17: The Deputy Commissioner Dr S B Deepak Kumar in an awareness meeting on Swine Flu today expressed serious concern at the likelihood of the disease spreading in the district after positive cases reported from the neighboring states.

He advised the members present to learn about the influenza to protect oneself, one’s family and community as well. The DC expressed his intention of intensifying preparedness activities against H1N1.

The District Medical Officer Dr P De informed that pandemic Influenza transmits through the droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person who is coughing and sneezing.

The minimum distance necessary for such transmission is 3 feet. It can also be transmitted through direct skin to skin contact and indirect contact with respiratory secretions (touching contaminated surfaces and then touching eyes, Nose and mouth).

Dr De informed that the virus is killed by heat of 56 degree Celsius for 3 hours or 60 degree Celsius for 30 minutes and with common disinfectants such as formalin and iodine compounds.

As precautionary measures Dr De advised all to cover one’s mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, before and after touching one’s nose, eyes or mouth.

He also advised them to avoid crowded places. Dr de appealed to every one to join and extend helping hand in the fight against Pandemic Influenza (H1N1), which is creating public health problem and a serious matter of concern in the health sector globally. (DIPRO)

Educational and medical awareness tour

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: Topo Eche Students’ Welfare Association (TESWA) conducted educational cum awareness tour on health and hygiene in the entire village of Topo Eche and Lodu area of Dumporijo from August 2-10.

Resource person from Education department and Department of health Daporijo accompanied the members of association during the tour.

Blood samples of 288 patients were taken and medicines and first aid were provided free of cost to the people.

The Association thanked DMO Dr. JM Boje, DDSE M Bagra, MO Dr, D Saikia and his team for their active support during the tour.

Panggeng resigns

ITANAGAR: MLA J K Panggeng resigned from the membership of the Fourth Legislative Assembly to join Congress. Elected on Arunachal Congress ticket, he quit the party as well. Panggeng said that he is convinced that only INC can look after the welfare of the downtrodden people and that INC’s principles and policies are best suited to the tribal people.

Apang calls on NSTFDC head

Itanagar: MLA Omak Apang today called on Gur Saroop Sood, chairman cum Managing director of National Schedule Tribe Finance and Development Corporation to apprise him various possible partnership with financial houses like Arunachal Pradesh Rural bank and others who could become partners under public-private funding in convergence with Block development and NREGA and others to pave way for rural employment and engagement of youths in development process.

The chairman of APIDFC further convinced the chairman to include micro credit under MLALAD.

Apang who is the Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development Finance Corporation also exchange ideas on how to activate self help groups for micro credit and micro finance with UPA’s vision for empowerment of women. He further called on Sood to expedite the pending projects of the APIDFC.

GBs demand action against CO

ITANAGAR,: All Sangram Circle Gaon Burah Welfare Association in a letter to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh alleged that Independence Day was not observed at Circle Headquarters at Sangram as the Cirlce Officer did not show up on the day. They said that the Circle Office have been closed since Aug 3 after final day of hearing for verification on the claims and objections of the electorates.

Expressing anger, the GBS said that abstaining from celebration of the Independence Day is being disrespectful which calls for stern actions.

BSNL strike

ITANAGAR: BSNL Employees Union, Arunachal Pradesh Division would join in the nationwide two days strike from Aug 19 as per the call given by United Forum of BSNL Unions.

The strike is being called for realization of long pending demands.

(Readers’ Forum)

Congratulations

Madam,

Independence Day this year is an emotional moment for me as my elder brother Marge Riba is one of the recipients along with others. I congratulate you on receiving the award for your excellent performance and contribution in your chosen field. We are very proud of your achievement and you are an inspiration for all the youngsters.

Yours

Kenli Riba

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Thanks for the support

Madam,

The people of 36 Nari-Koyu bestow special thanks to the people and public leaders of Likabali circle for their role in demanding the inclusion of 36 Nari-Koyu in the proposed new district “Lower Siang”.

We also thank the State Government’s early response in considering inclusion of 36 Nari-Koyu in the new district based on the ground realities and problems faced by the people of the area.

Yours Truly

Pagyor Koyu

Pakte Koyu

Upper Ramle Banggo

Do not incite us

Madam,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to highlight the incident of the burning and destruction of Govt. property i.e. the Commissioner’s office at Namsai sub division during the Bandh called by the AdiSU on 6th August 2009. The AdiSU have claimed that the disputed land and the areas of Joypur, Samuguri and New Jenthu under Namsai sub division belong to the Adi community residing in the area.

The fact is that the Khamptis gave land in the area to the Miris for temporary settlement on sympathetic grounds and to create a labour force to work in fields owned by the locals. The people who settled here then and now claim to be Adis (to benefit from the ST status given to the Adi tribe here) are actually Miris from the flood plains of Assam. The Khampti community has a history of donating land to the needy as seen in the case of the Chakmas at Chongkham, and the same followed here. But now the AdiSU in claiming the areas as theirs, without knowing the facts and consulting the Khamptis and destroying Govt property as well as creating disturbance here, has alienated and angered the local khampti population.

Another point to be stressed here is that the bandh call was not a sudden one but a widely publicized one as can be seen in the ultimatum served by the Union in your esteemed paper. The bandh should have passed off peacefully. So how could a mob gather and burn down the Commissioner’s office, Urban Development office and the Horticulture office? Normally during a bandh security forces are deployed for security reasons and the area has no dearth of them with the Army, CRPF and Police stationed here. What was the administration under the ADC doing? Was he taking the day off? Or was it deliberate?

The administration delayed in arresting the culprits and some arrests were made only after the locals stormed the houses of the culprits. The administration should remember that the damage done was to the Government and not an individual. All the culprits should be arrested to show to the people that crime against the Govt. is not tolerated.

There is a request to all those involved not to take any steps without verifying the facts and also to the politicians involved (It has come to light that some politicians are involved in inciting the union to claim the area) not to politicize the issue for their own gains. We, the Khampti Community as a whole take a strong stand in claiming the area as ours. And request outsiders not to step on our peaceful and giving nature and claim the area as theirs.

Chow Mongsengwin Maunglang

Namsai, Lohit district.