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2017

August 27

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Child molestation accused suspended, sent to Jullang Central Jail

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Child molestation accused, Tax and Excise Joint Commissioner, Tani Jongkey has been put under suspension and sent to Central Jail in Jullung on Saturday after the new medical board submitted its report before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC).

Earlier, on Friday the JMFC had ordered constituting a new medical team to determine the health status of the alleged accused so that he could be sent to police custody for further interrogation.

Higher officials of the Tax and Excise Department confirmed that the process of his suspension had begun a few days after he was taken into the custody of the police, and he was officially suspended nearly a week ago.

Jongkey, who has been avoiding police custody on health ground since July 26, is facing charges under section 341, 354 and section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 for alleged sexual assault on an 11 year old girl on June 2 last.

He will also appear for a hearing at the Sessions Court of Yupia in the said molestation case on August 29 next.

School committee refuses new Highway measurement, DC clarifies

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Vexed with the new measurements taken by the Highway authorities for the demolition process to make way for four-lane construction, the School Managing Development Committee (SMDC) of the P-Sector Government Secondary School in Itanagar said that they would resort to a dharna or procession to protect the school land.

In a communiqué, 18th Municipality Ward Councilor, Gora Lotak said that an emergency meeting was convened by the SMDC members on August 20, where it was noted that the Highway authorities had earlier marked 15 meters of space for demolition from the centre of the road. However, they claimed that the latest team from the Highway Department carried out new measurements and now the demolition area on inspection is almost 30 meters from the centre of the road.

The SMDA, which includes parents as well, claimed that the new measurement would affect four buildings, which house six classrooms, one CBSE room and the headmaster's room.

The school had also received compensation of Rs 45 lakh from the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner as compensation amount, which was meant for the boundary wall, said Lotak, but questioned on what grounds was the re-measurement done.

Following discussion on the issue, the members resolved that they would accept the earlier earmarked 15 meters or 12 meters from the centre of the road, and if the compensation is the bone of contention then they would return the Rs 45 lakh.

The school provides education to needy students of six feeder primary schools and four upper primary schools, with a total of 1100 students enrolled during the current academic session of 2017-18.

The members opined and asserted that they would stand firm on their decision in the greater interest of the children.

Supporting the school authorities, the All Papum Pare District Students' Union (APPDSU) appealed to the Capital Administration to spare the school from the ongoing eviction drive for the time being in the greater interest of the students.

Stating that a complaint of partiality in measurements done by the Highway Department has been lodged with the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner by the school authority, APPDSU, in a release, stated that eviction drive against the school should be temporarily suspended until the complaint was cleared up.

Besides, dismantling of the school building will directly hamper the smooth functioning of the school, affecting the academic studies of the students, the students’ union added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner clarified that the board formed for compensation for structures falling outside the Right of Way (RoW) has given the compensation of Rs 45 lakhs for RCC boundary wall, CC platform, two SPT buildings and RCC water tank.

Accordingly, the money is lying with the Education Department and it will immediately be utilised to construct two class rooms for the school.

In the meantime, the Capital Complex DDSE has been directed to make interim arrangement to ensure that education of the children is not disturbed in any way.

Reportedly, Secretary Education has also assured his full support in this regard, and requested the children, parents and school authority to cooperate with the district administration and Education Department to ensure that the demolition drive is carried out well and that the education of the students is not hampered.

NE is richest cultural heritage zone In India : Governor

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The North East zone is the richest of all zones in India in terms of cultural heritage, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor, P B Acharya.

Every tribe or community of the region has distinct and unique culture and traditions, the governor, who is the chairman of the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) said during his address at the NEZCC Programme Committee (PC) meeting at Raj Bhavan here on Saturday as he advised the PC members to maintain the spirit of unity in diversity and be more active.

Emphasising on home stay for artistes and cultural troupe members during any event organised by the NEZCC, the Governor said that it is the foundation for emotional and national integration.

Expressing his concern on Shilpgram, the Governor exhorted the PC members to make the cultural centre of North East, more vibrant and popular. He advised them to explore innovative ways to increase the utility of the state-of-the-art facility.

Programme Committee Chairperson, Ahola Those, Secretary of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland, called upon the members to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage with innovation. She urged them to be realistic, specific and focus to the objective of the Zone Cultural Centre. The Chairperson also underscored the need for increasing the area of responsibilities of the NEZCC.

Earlier, welcoming the newly constituted Programme Committee for 2017-20, D Vashum, Director in-charge and Member Secretary, NEZCC requested the members to focus on quality programmes. "Let us strive to bring the people of North Eastern states closer to each other and also to the people of other parts of the country,' he appealed.

The Programme Committee had an in-depth discussion on the programmes to be implemented by the Zonal Cultural Centre for the year 2017-18, which includes Discover North east, painting workshop, Spring Festival, Octave Festival, Shilpgram Weekend Programme, Shilpgram Utsav, documentation of traditions and cultural heritage, sculpture workshop, traditional tribal festivals of the North East and community learning programme.

The Committee also reviewed the achievements in the year 2016-17, and decided to have border area programmes at two places in each state.

A five-member subcommittee, which includes PC members from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura was set up to make the Shilpgram Utsav more popular, while PC members from Assam agreed to shoulder responsibility to address the local issues of Shilpgram, Guwahati. (PRO to Governor)

ZPC alleges irregularities in CGI sheets procurement under PMAY-G

KOLORIANG, Aug 26: Kurung Kumey Zilla Parishad Chairperson and All Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Parishad Secretary General, Sangha Tagik has alleged gross irregularities and corruption in procurement of CGI sheets under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-G (PMAY-G) in the district.

In a letter to the state Chief Secretary on Saturday, the ZPC claimed that the CGI sheets supply work was awarded to bidders who have quoted rates below five percent, violating the PMAY guidelines for procuring superior quality materials.

'As per the guidelines, financial bid quoted below five percent of the tender amount is liable to be rejected. However, it was found that the supply work was awarded to those bidders who have in fact quoted rates below five percent and have submitted fake SAIL dealership license for fulfilling the eligibility criteria', the ZPC alleged, terming it as a gross violation of the guidelines and recommendation of the tender evaluation committees at the district and state levels.

The ZPC further appealed to the Chief Secretary to direct the Secretary Rural Development not to issue work order against M/s Tenzing Construction and M/s B A Enterprise, re-scrutinize the said firms and not to release payment to the suppliers without having proper verification of the Deputy Commissioner and ZPC of the concerned district.

Cake cutting controversy: APCC criticizes BJP leaders

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The BJP leaders' act of cutting a cake inscribed with tri-color and Indian map with a traditional dao (machete) has come under sharp criticism from the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).

The Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) on Friday alleged that the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Dr Mohesh Chai on August 24 cut a cake inscribed with the tri-color and Indian map during the flagging-off ceremony of the BJYM's "Sankalp se Siddhi-Naya Bharat Manthan Tiranga Yatra".

The way the national tri-color and Indian map was disfigured using a local dao by the BJP ministers, legislators and leaders deserves condemnation from all quarters, said APCC President Takam Sanjoy.

"It is an act of total disgrace, disrespect and dishonour to the Indian map and National tri-colour. It is a total violation and insult to the Indian national flag and Indian Map under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 (Amendment Act, 2005)," Sanjoy said.

"This is not the first time this has happened. Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a national flag as a handkerchief on the International Yoga Day celebration and in another occasion, he (the PM) presented an autographed flag to a chef," the APCC President alleged.

"This BJP culture of offering indignity and defiling national honour must end here", he added.

In another Press statement, APCC criticized the BJP for spreading 'wrong information' about joining of 12 INC ZPMs from West Siang district.

"Thus far, INC had one ZPM from Gensi area. Those ZPMs, who joined BJP recently were from the PPA," the APCC said.

DA, students lodge complaints against each other

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Siang District Students' Union (SDSU) President Tagu Mibang has lodged a complaint against the Siang Deputy Commissioner for allegedly threatening him with dire consequences.

In its complaint lodged at Pangin Police Station on Friday, the Union president said that the DC has misbehaved, used abusive words and threatened him with dire consequences without any provocation, when a team of student leaders called on the DC with a request for reconsideration of date for LDC, UDC and MTS examinations.

However, the DC clarified that the team of students barged into his office and started arguing over the LDC, UDC and MTS exam being conducted in the district and asked for its postponement.

The DC said he assured them that adequate time has been given to the students to reach and appear in the examination hassle free.

Despite continued appeals to maintain peace and render cooperation in the successful conduct of examination, the members maintained an aggressive stance, used foul language and threatened to defame through media and other social networking sites, the DC said, adding they did not heed to the request to peacefully leave and finally had to be escorted out by the security guards.

It was further informed that a police complaint has been registered at the Pangin Police Station against Tagu Mibang under section 107/151 CrPC for disturbing the peace and tranquility and also causing disturbance in official work.

No need to worry over implementation of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy: NPP

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The state unit of the National People's Party (NPP) urged the people of the state not to worry over the implementation of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014.

The policy will not make any impact on the socio-economic development and change the state's demography. Rather, we should stand together to extend our solidarity for the cause of the Tibetans who are fighting for autonomous region within the People's Republic of China, the party said in a statement.

The party in an emergency meeting chaired by state unit President Gicho Kabak, who is also the President of Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh, appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju for adopting the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy on humanitarian ground.

The party further appreciated the decision of the state cabinet to implement the policy in the state.

In order to streamline the process of facilities to be given to the Tibetan refugees, the centre had formalized the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 and accordingly directed the Arunachal Pradesh Government to implement the same, he said.

Party Spokesman and Vice President Nima Sangey Saling said that the Centre had directed the state government to implement the welfare schemes for the Tibetan refugees and further directed the state governments to extend a 20-year land lease agreement.

He urged people not to blame the state government for implementation of the policy.

Former minister and party Vice President Anok Wangsa said thousands of Tibetans arrived in India in 1959 under the leadership of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama after China occupied Tibet.

The Tibetan refugees have been given as special guest status and protection by India on humanitarian ground. They have been living in India for the last 50 years. The Tibetans refugees in 45 settlements in 10 states, including Arunachal Pradesh have no uniform guidelines for the facilities to be extended to the Tibetan refugees living in India, he said.

In order to streamline the process of facilities to be given to the Tibetan refugees settling in many parts of India, the central government formalized the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014, and accordingly directed the state government to implement the policy, he added.

Legal awareness camp at Simong village

YINGKIONG, Aug 26: Upper Siang District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) organised a day-long legal awareness camp for gaon burahs, women organisations, PRI members and the locals on Saturday to sensitize them regarding schemes available under the legal aid services and various provisions of law.

JMFC cum Secretary DLSA, Mary Kamsi spoke about the schemes available under legal aid services and urged them to avail its benefits. She also delivered lecture on the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011and access to justice for all under Legal Services Act, 1987.

Resource persons Akoying Tekseng, Kabang Taron, Dubom Tekseng spoke on Protection of Women from Domestic Violence act, 2005;Concept of Sec 125 CrPC; the Assam Frontier(Adm of Justice) Regulation, 1945; MV Act, NDPS Act and Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

True Independence

Flights Of Fantasy

[ M Panging ]

On 15 August, India celebrated the 71st Independence Day. Independence Day marks the Indian Republic emerging as an independent nation, free from the clutches of British rule. Independence Day is celebrated across the country with parades, cultural shows, prabhat pheris, etc.

However, in some areas of North East, Independence Day is marked by bandh calls by various secessionist and other organisations. The days around Independence Day are marked by increased security checks, harassing many travellers. Unlike other places, in Arunachal Pradesh, Independence Day is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Many people fly the national flag in front of their houses and shops. Many vehicles also fly the national flag. Sweet shops selling jalebis, pakoras and mala rotis spring up at many places.

Despite 70 years of independence, are we truly independent? True independence implies self reliance in food, housing, clothing for all citizens. Self reliance means non-dependence on other nations for these basic requirements. True independence implies universal free education and universal free health care. It may also include essential services like free stabilised electricity, free water supply etc. It may not be too idealistic to include fundamental rights like free speech, secularism, pluralism etc.

70 years post independence, let’s examine some basic figures. As per latest figures, India still has 21.9 percent population below poverty line. The literacy rate of India is 74 percent, which is below the literacy rate of China, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. As per life expectancy, India is ranked 125th with life expectancy of 68.3 years, below those of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. In Healthcare index, India ranks 154, below Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. According to 2016 figures of Corruption Index of Transparency International, India ranks at 79 place out of 176 countries. India is also the second most unequal country in the world with the top one per cent of the population owning nearly 60 percent of the total wealth.

India also imports most military weapons like aircraft, ships, tanks, submarines, weapons and ammunition and thus is totally dependent on other nations.

The same figures for Arunachal Pradesh are also not so good. As per the same figures, the poverty rate of Arunachal is 34.67 percent. Arunachal literacy rate is 66.95 percent, which is third from the bottom, above only Telangana and Bihar. Arunachal has also one of the highest figures of unemployment in the country with figures of about 90 per 1000. Arunachalese do not have universal free education and universal free health. These figures combined with lack of stabilised electricity and poor infrastructure, like roads, water supply etc makes life of an average Arunachali harder than others.

Except for few items, Arunachal depends on other states for most of its requirements of food, clothes, groceries, pen, paper, and soap; almost all products.

It is admitted that these basic figures are much higher as compared to the eighties and the nineties. However, these figures indicate that we are still lagging behind other nations and Arunachal is lagging behind other states.

How many more Independence days would be required to achieve independence in the true sense?

(The writer is a retired Group Captain of the Indian Air Force)

Hunting, fishing prohibited in Potin

POTIN, Aug 26: In a public meeting held under the chairmanship of Potin ASM, Lishi Baka at Potin village on Friday last, it was decided that illegal activities like hunting, fishing, felling of trees, etc, within Potin Panchayat jurisdiction will be prohibited with the aim to protect and preserve the area's biodiversity.

It was further informed that strict action as per the law will be taken against those found engaging in such illegal activities.

AR's Monsoon Magic drive culminates

CHANGLANG, Aug 26: Stationary items were distributed among 50 students of D School, Old Changlang in the final leg of the 15 days 'Monsoon Magic' drive organized by Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of DAO Division, in conjunction with DHFL Pramerica Co Ltd, Dimapur.

The Magic Monsoon drive was a combined civil-military initiative for the greater good of the people, especially children in the insurgency-infested district.

In a series of programmes carried out over a fortnight, the Assam Rifles, colloquially addressed as "Friends of the Hill People", reached out to numerous schools in the district to distribute various items ranging from stationery to umbrellas to young students in the area.

Stationery items, mosquito nets, waste baskets, umbrellas, caps and other items were distributed to 160 students of Bapuji Government Primary School, Old Changlang; Primary School, Kengkhu Government Primary School and D School during the drive, which was held in four phases.

PCI condemns violence against media in Panchkula

NEW DELHI, Aug 26: The Press Club of India today condemned the violence against media persons in Panchkula, allegedly by the followers of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was convicted of rape by a CBI court.

In a statement, the PCI demanded strict action against the miscreants, saying the state government should take urgent steps for the safety and security of journalists.

It also demanded that the television news networks be compensated for the losses suffered by them.

Enraged by the verdict, Singh's hysterical followers damaged at least three OB vans of private television channels and severely assaulted journalists covering the violence yesterday. (PTI)

DFP conducts 'Sankalp Se Siddhi' programme

TEZU, Aug 26: The Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Tezu unit organized a Special Outreach programme on "Naye Bharat Ka Manthan-Sankalp Se Siddhi" at Mahadevpur-I village on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Namsai ADC, Vijoy Talukdar said that even after achieving freedom, India is lagging behind in many fields, but the numerous flagship schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last three years for development of the country have paved a way for making a new India.

Highlighting the importance of Swachh Bharat Mission and Beti Bachao -Beti Padhao Scheme, he appealed to the villagers to keep their homes, surroundings and public places clean and tidy. "Proper and complete education, besides rights and respect to every girl child are very essential for our society in particular and the country as a whole to build a new India", he added.

Resource person, C T Longnou, PGT of Government Higher Secondary School, Mahadevpur spoke about Quit India Movement and India attaining freedom.

More than 500 people, including students, teachers, PRI members, government officials, youth, women and children took part in the programme.

Presentations of theme-based song and drama by the Song & Drama Division, Guwahati, besides quiz, fancy dress and exhibition competition of handloom and handicrafts and film shows were the highlights of the daylong programme. Winners of various competitions were awarded with attractive prizes.

Earlier, the programme began with administering pledge to make a new and clean India by 2022.

DLSA conducts legal awareness camp at OWA

NAHARLAGUN, Aug 26: The Papum Pare District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has organized a one-day legal awareness camp at Oju Welfare Association (OWA) conference hall here on Saturday.

DLSA Chairperson, Jaweplu Chai elaborated on the provisions of the legal services under the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority and Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011, while member secretary Tadu Tamang highlighted on the provision of FIR under the code of criminal procedure.

JMFC Habung Tangu spoke on the provision of Domestic Violence Act and concept of maintenance under section 125 of CrPC, while CWC Chairperson Kani Nada highlighted various provisions of the POCSO Act, child marriage and child labour.

During the interaction session, the resource persons cleared many doubts of the participants.

Around 80 members, including OWA Chairperson Ratan Anya, inmates of OWA, victims of child marriage, staffers from One Stop Centre, Women's Helpline, besides para-legal volunteers attended the programme.

Siang United lift Itanagar Solung Football trophy

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Siang United Football Club lifted the Itanagar Solung Festival Football trophy beating Solung United FC Veteran (SUFCV) 2-0 in a thrilling final at Dera Natung Government College playground on Saturday.

Both the goals came in the second half.

The match started on a slow pace but gained momentum as it progressed.

A long-range shot from Thomas Ering of SUFCV was cleared by the goalkeeper for a corner kick. However, Captain Abu Tayeng could not capitalize on the corner kick.

The score remained level 0-0 at the break.

After a barren first half, Nong Panging broke the deadlock in 47th minute before Moshi Saroh scored the second goal in 52nd minute.

Stung by the two successive goals, SUFCV players made some fine moves but failed to score due to poor finishing.

Kaling Tatin missed a golden opportunity to reduce the margin.

Kadung Apang of Siang United also made a good attempt as the ball flew past kissing across the bar.

SUFCV Captain Abu Tayeng was adjudged the "Player of the Match".

Seminar on export procedure under NER Textiles Promotion Scheme

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: In all, 40 participants from Poma, Gungi, Khanir, Remo and Moin villages took part in a two day-long seminar on export procedure under the North East Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), New Delhi, with the support of office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Marketing and Service Extension Centre Naharlagun.

Held at the Bamboo Processing Centre, Poma village here from August 23 to 24 last, the workshop was aimed at creating awareness and providing training to the potential entrepreneurs and manufacturers by organizing workshops, seminars and training programmes to educate and create an environment conducive to the export marketing.

Officials of the Department of Textile and Handicrafts Department (TH&HD) and members of Ajen Anna Society also attended the seminar.

AYA calls on Governor

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The President of Apatani Youth Association (AYA), Ziro, Taku Chatung, along with AYA member Taro Talo called on Governor, P B Acharya at the Raj Bhavan here on Saturday and briefed the Governor about the activities of AYA, particularly on cleanliness drives and 'Clean Kley River' programme.

Chatung also presented a documentary titled 'Ray of Hope' on cleanliness activities in the Apatani plateau.

The Governor appreciated the AYA for its endeavour and exhorted them to continue the good work. He advised the AYA representatives to create awareness about Swachh Bharat Mission and motivate people to adopt 'Swachhta' (cleanliness) as a way of life. (PRO to Governor)

Abotani Cup: Bamang Taji FC to meet Khyoda Brothers in final

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Bamang Taji FC will meet Khyoda Brothers in the final of the U-17 Abotani Cup Football Championship.

Bamang Taji FC entered into the final defeating Kargu Kardi FC by solitary goal scored by Dora Tatum in 62nd minute in the first semi final.

Khyoda Brothers defeated Banderdewa FC 2-1 goal in the second semifinal.

Dolu Chetry and Karo Dada scored for Khyoda Brothers. Krishna Boriak netted the only goal for Banderdewa team

Men of the match were awarded to Dora Tatum (BTFC) and Meching Peter.