aug17 29

2017

August 29

Home

AITF disapproves cabinet decision on Tibetans, demands its revocation

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) urged the state government to revoke the state cabinet's recent decision to implement the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy, 2014 and create 100 Bodhi teachers posts.

A meeting was held in this connection, wherein the AITF members observed that the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014, approved by the state cabinet is tantamount to recognition of the refugees at par with the indigenous tribal communities of the state and it would adversely affect the core interest of the indigenous population in job opportunities and other economic activities.

"Arunachal Pradesh cannot be compared with other states as even people from rest of the country are not allowed to settle in the state, own properties, trading licenses etc, as per the provisions under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873", stated the AITF in a press communiqué.

The AITF further said that the cabinet decision was taken without prior consultation and deliberations with the stakeholders, especially when such policy decisions are detrimental to the demography of the state.

As per the 2011 census, the Tibetan refugee population in the state is more than 10,000, which has since then been escalated given our sparse indigenous population.

With regards to the decision of creation of 100 Bodhi language teachers post, AITF was of the opinion that the government should come out with a vivid state educational and language policy before taking such steps.

"There are many indigenous tribal dialects recognized and notified by the state government as third language in the state and therefore, any policy decision for recruitment of vernacular language teachers should be all inclusive with wider consultations with the indigenous tribes of the state," added the press statement.

Three forcibly attempt to enter Arunachal without ILP

[ Taba Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: In a blatant case of disregard for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulation, three non-APST youths from Assam attempted to forcibly enter into Roing town from Shantipur check gate without obtaining ILP, on last Friday.

When IRBn jawans on duty asked the three youths, who were on bike, to register at the gate and take prior permission before entering into Arunachal territory, they flatly refused to do so and started to abuse the jawans.

The youths who claim to be members of the All Assam Students Union, reportedly said that they will enter Arunachal without seeking permission, in complete violation of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 Act.

Instead of following the laid down rules, the Assamese youths along with the support of several organizations from Dhola-Sadiya area started to protest on the Assam side of Shantipur and stopped vehicle movement, especially targeting Arunachal registered vehicles.

Reportedly, they started demanding that Kanggo Pertin, the IRBn jawan, who stopped illegal entry of the Assamese youths, be suspended and also sought apology from him. However, instead of supporting the jawan for performing his duty, senior officials of Shantipur check gate buckled under pressure from Assam and humiliated their own official by making IRBn jawan Kanggo Pertin apologize to the three youths in front of a hostile Assamese crowd.

The video of apology is being widely shared in various social networking sites, thereby causing immense trauma and pain to jawan Pertin and his family members.

Ever since Dhola-Sadiya Bridge has been opened, Roing area is witnessing massive influx of visitors from Assam. It is reported that many of these visitors who are not aware of ILP provision simply refuse to obtain ILP and often create trouble in Shantipur check gate.

Meanwhile, the Dibang Adi Students' Union (DASU) has written to the Superintendent of Police, Lower Dibang Valley district and lodged a complaint against one Abraham Taying, Sub-Inspector, posted at Shantipur check gate for failing to protect the IRBn jawan on duty.

"Despite executing his duty sincerely, IRBn jawan Kanggo Pertin was forced by officer Taying to tender public apology to those three law breakers instead of booking them under appropriate law. It is also seen that they have made mobile video of his public apology. Such unprofessional act of Taying is a disgrace to the entire Police Department.

What will the public think of Arunachal Police? Such act shows that Taying is not serious regarding implementation of ILP Act. We need an efficient, strong and bold officer at the check gate who can challenge such miscreants on spot rather than compromising with them," stated the DASU.

"If according to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, it is obligatory for Indian citizens from other states to obtain permit to enter into Arunachal, then why were these three miscreants not following the constitution instead of fomenting trouble between Assam and Arunachal. Such people should have been booked under appropriate law," the DASU added.

The Union has demanded for immediate suspension of SI Abraham Taying, besides posting of a bold and strong police officer at Shantipur check gate and booking the three Assamese youths for trying to provoke clashes.

Cake controversy continues to receive criticism from Congress quarters

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The cake cutting episode involving top BJP leaders continues to receive sharp criticism from Congress quarters with the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Arunachal Pradesh demanding resignation of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr Mohesh Chai on moral grounds for allegedly showing disrespect to the national flag and map.

The Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee also vehemently condemned the alleged act of cutting a cake inscribed with tri-color and Indian map by Rijiju, Mein and Chai during a party programme on August 24 and termed it as great insult to the national honour.

The NSUI, the student wing of the INC demanded the Governor and Chief Minister to take necessary action against the BJP leaders.

Shortage of NHM medical staff in Upper Siang

YIGNKIONG, Aug 28: Implementation of various health programmes under National Health Mission (NHM) in Upper Siang district is likely to be affected due to non-availability of medical staff, including doctors.

The concern was raised by DMO Dr Dubom Bagra during a review meeting on physical and financial achievement of NHM on August 25.

The DMO disclosed that out of the total 23 contractual ANMs, only seven were available and likewise, only 21 GNMs out of the total 28 and two laboratory technicians out of the four were currently available in the district. Furthermore, there were no medical officers after the mass transfer and posting of health officers, the DMO said.

Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman District Health Society, Duly Kamduk, who chaired the review meeting, took serious note of the acute shortage of medical staff and urged the DMO to refer the matter to the authority concerned immediately.

Earlier, DRCHO Dr Appir Apang highlighted the physical and financial achievement of NHM in the first quarter of the current year.

DTO Dr Ahik Miyu presented the status and progress of RNTCP and other programmes, like the NCD. (DIPRO)

IJU condemns attack on media

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the premier organisation of working journalists in the country has strongly condemned the attack on media persons and their vehicles in Panchkula, Haryana by the followers of Dera Sachcha Sauda head, Gurumeet Ram Rahim, who was convicted for two rape cases by the CBI special court.

In a statement,IJU President S N Sinha and Secretary General D Amar noted that the dera goons brutally attacked TV crews and other journalists without any provocation with stones and sharp weapons. The dera supporters also set numerous OB vans on fire, besides other media vehicles.

"The assault on the media was meant to stop the information and scare away the media", they said and demanded that the Haryana Government take immediate and strong action against the culprits of the dera and their instigators to prevent recurrence of such incidents and compensate the loss of the media.

"We also urge upon all the governments to give adequate security cover to the scribes so that media can function in a fearless situation", the duo said.

The IJU also called upon all working journalists in the country to protest against the lack of safety of journalists in the country.

SSA teachers seek enhancement of salary

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The Central Executive Committee, All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers' Association (CEC, AASSATA) has in a representation to the Deputy Chief Minister on Monday, sought early implementation of the Bidol Tayeng Committee Report and Recommendation in respect of enhancement of SSA teachers' salary as per 7th CPC.

The Association also said that the Minister Education, H Ngandam had assured to enhance the salary of in-service SSA teachers in pretext of 7th CPC and as per the Bidol Tayeng Committee Report and Recommendation during a meeting held on March 5, 2017; to discuss the three-member committee report and recommendation, headed by Secretary Education Bidol Tayeng and to look into the demands of ATA and ASSATA in response to the representation dated October 16 and 23, 2016.

9th North East Riders Meet at Rengging

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: Rengging village in East Siang district will host the ninth edition of the North East Riders Meet (NERM) in November.

Jointly conducted by four bullet clubs of Arunachal, namely Arunachal Bullet Club (ABC), Royal Siang Riders (RSR), The Gliding Piranhas and 30°North, this is the second time Arunachal Pradesh will play host to the NERM from November 10 to 12.

Addressing reporters at the Press Club on Monday, ABC Chief, Dingwang Wangham said that the NERM, which began in 2009 with merely 20 riders, has grown over the years with almost 1000 riders this year. He informed that the riders are aiming at an environmental-friendly theme, titled 'Wheels on Green Hills'.

Wangham informed that they have tied up with the Forest Department and the local administration in Pasighat to conduct a large scale plantation drive by all participating riders. It would also act as an opportunity to share the culture of the state with riders from all across the country and world, he added.

Jobomchang Mengu of the RSR informed that there will be an array of adventurous activities using natural resources, and no plastic will be allowed in the event location. Only bio-degradable items will be used to keep pollution to a minimum. Since Bullets are known to act as pollutants to some degree, Mengu said that it was an attempt to give back to the environment.

So far, 746 riders from outside Arunachal have registered for the Bullet riders' only event and they expect more to join in before the start of the event.

A non-commercial and non-profit event, Mengu said that it was an attempt to send out a message to riders and people across the country and globe about Arunachal as a tourism hotspot.

He appealed to the government, administration, departments concerned and people of the state to be hosts to the riders and show the true hospitality of the state.

'Need to disseminate new agricultural technologies among farmers'

KHONSA, Aug 28: Minister, Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, DoTCL, Fisheries, Wangki Lowang has put emphasis on dissemination of new agricultural technologies among farmers to improve their livelihood.

He was addressing a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap organized day-long programme on 'Sankalp Se Siddhi' at the community hall of Deomali on Sunday last.

The Minister also distributed 12 soil health cards to the farmers on the occasion.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner, P N Thungon in his address highlighted the importance and benefits of organic farming. He also emphasized on Open Defecation Free district and to keep better working environment in each and every office of the district.

Senior Scientist and Head of the Tirap KVK, Dr Indu, Retired District Agriculture Officer, G Hocha and DFO Deomali, Navneet Shrivastava also shared their expert views on doubling farmers' income by 2022.

A total of 256 farmers participated in the programme.

The KVK Yachuli also organized a programme on 'Sankalp Se Sidhi", to improve the living condition of farmers through improved agricultural practices.

Transport Parliamentary Secretary Lilkha Saaya, who presided over the meeting, lauded the efforts of the government to reach out to the weaker sections of the society through the scheme. He called upon the farmers to be aware of the new policy, beneficial schemes and new agricultural technologies to double their income.

Saaya, who is also the local MLA, asked the KVK officials to prepare soil health cards for Yazali,Yachuli and Pistana circles. He also advised the farmers to dig composite pits in their backyards to generate organic manure.

Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen and KVK head and senior scientist Dr A N Tripathy also highlighted the objectives of the programme.

The government envisions doubling the income of farmers by 2022, focusing on improved agriculture practices and better agricultural marketing, informed Dr Tripathy. He assured to provide all assistance to the farmers.

The programme was attended by PRI members, progressive farmers, scientists and officials from agri-allied sectors. (DIPRO)

Smart classroom launched in Tirap

KHONSA, Aug 28: The "Smart Classroom (K-Yan)" for Tirap district was launched by Agriculture Minister, Wangki Lowang on Monday at Government Higher Secondary School, Khonsa.

Launching the programme, Lowang termed the day as historic and said that introducing smart classrooms is a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and that Chief Minister Pema Khandu is taking lead role in the state level to digitize all sectors so that younger generations get benefit out of this project.

He suggested the student's community to grow the habit of reading and draw inspiration from great personalities.

Adviser to CM, Wanglin Lowangdong said that as a part of the Digital India policy, the education sector has also been prioritized and the concept of smart classroom would certainly bring a change in the way of imparting education. He urged the students to avail the facilities adopted and to become better persons in the society.

Expressing concern on the health and education sectors, MLA cum Chairman Medicinal Plant Board, Wanglam Sawin said that fund for construction of principal office in Khonsa and renovation of water supply has been placed this year.

Reiterating that the smart classroom would bring a revolutionary change in the education sector,Tirap Deputy Commissioner, P N Thungon said that it would make students more pro-active and smarter. He also stressed on the need to do away with drug abuse.

Further, resource persons elaborated about the smart classrooms in length with device machine.

Students, teachers and principal of GHSS Khonsa, besides ZPC Sontung Bangsia, SP Tirap JK Meena, DDSE Pubi Lombi and HoDs attended the programme.

Chairman seeks support for smooth functioning of board

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: Newly appointed Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) Jalley Sonam on Monday sought the support of everyone for smooth functioning of the Board and welfare of the workers community of the state.

Sonam said this while interacting with the leaders of 14 different trade unions and organizations of the state at the Board's office, and discussed various issue pertaining to welfare of labour community and the Board itself.

The trade union leaders raised various issues such as mismanagement of fund allegedly during the tenure of the last chairman and demanded for constitution of high level committee to inquire into the matter. Other issues raised during the interaction programme were requirement of permanent site of Board office, closing of distribution of items and kits without verification from the authority and coordination committee meeting before any important proposal of schemes of the board in future.

Stating that blame game will not benefit the Board, Sonam requested them to work sincerely to bring back the lost glory of the Board.

Disclosing that many awareness programmes need to be conducted in different parts of the state and several issues are to be sorted out systematically, the Chairman appealed to all the trade union leaders and common people to extend coordinated efforts for successful operation of the Board.

Suggesting the trade union leaders to work sincerely and maintain dignity, Sonam said that he would leave no stone unturned for the development and smooth functioning of the Board with proper consultation and advice of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Labour Commissioner and Secretary (APB & OCWWB) Ojing Darung cleared the queries made by the leaders of trade union, while Assistant Director Labour & Employment D Bahattacharjee also gave his inputs.

Ongo Mini ATM in town

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: Facilitating traders to step up from traditional to cashless mode of transactions under the central government's Digital India initiative, the 'Ongo Mini ATM' was launched by Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan at Akash Deep Market Complex here on Sunday.

The 'Ongo Mini ATM' runs on Ongo application platform, which is developed by the India Transact Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGS Transact Technologies Ltd, the leading banking payment solution provider in the country.

The core services provided by the mini ATM are the point of sale (POS), instant withdrawal of money with any debit card, transfer of money, billing, etc. The services of 'Ongo Mini ATM' are approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Addressing the gathering, Dhawan urged everyone to move towards cashless India, and also appealed them to support the initiative. He also informed that efforts are being made to make Akashdeep a digital market place to be followed by other market places.

The project is being undertaken by the Quantone Traders Pvt Ltd in the Northeast region and was initiated by its franchise owner Dongche Hapung.

Speaking to the media, regional project head Krishna Basumatary informed that the mini ATM, which also works as POS machine will be highly beneficial for traders as they have to make one-time payment of about Rs 15000, and is covered by life time warranty as opposed to the POS machines currently issued by banks on rental basis.

Panchayat meet on New India

YINGKIONG, Aug 28: A Panchayat Sammelan was organized in the DC's conference hall under the aegis of district Panchayats on August 25 last to hold discussions on 'New India 2022'.

Reading out six points of the 'New India' pledge, Deputy Commissioner Duly Kamduk urged the officers to adopt it in letter and spirit for making a new India by 2022.

He exhorted the district HoDs to prepare the schemes in consultation with PRI members for transparency and accountability of schemes. He also asked them to issue directive to their subordinates posted at outpost administrative centres to disseminate the departmental schemes, especially to the youth, enabling them to avail the benefits.

Dwelling on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, he urged the PRI members and officers to motivate the people for constructions of compulsory Individual Household Latrines and generate awareness in their respective segments to avoid usage of hazardous chemicals in rivers and streams.

ADC cum DPDO Tapik Pertin suggested that PRI members prepare inclusive schemes of 29 subjects under My Village, My Development Scheme.(DIPRO)

Float tender as per norms

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: Balijan CD Block Contractor Association (BCDBCA) has in a representation to the Parliamentary Secretary for Home and Education on Monday appealed to initiate early steps to ensure that floating of tender against Jote Law College under CD Block is carried out as per the norms by selecting contractors within the state after and NIT has been called.

As per the norms, tender should be floated against any central and state government work which is worth over Rs 1 lakh, the association stated.

'Teachers sought'

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: In a representation to the Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner, VIII-Mengio ZPM, Tarh Passang on Monday informed him about the shortage of subject teachers at Government Secondary School Mengio, Sakiang and sought posting of adequate subject teachers within a week.

'The said school is the lone secondary level school in entire Mengio CD Block and is presently run by only three teachers', informed the ZPM, adding that the recently transferred teachers have also not joined the school yet, which has hampered the proper functioning of the school.

The ZPM informed that the school required four trained graduate teachers -one each for English, Hindi, Mathematics and Social Studies subjects, besides one PET, a music teacher and a clerk.

State VHP AGM held

Naharlagun, Aug 28: The annual general body meeting of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Arunachal unit was held at Seva Dam, Lekhi, Naharlagun on Sunday.

Joint Secretary General of VHP, Milind Parande urged the workers to gear up welfare activities in interior villages to provide maximum benefit to poor and underprivileged tribal people.

He appreciated the state unit of VHP for running 25 free computer education centres across the state and also for providing two ambulances in ltanagar for poor and needy patients, free-of-cost.

Taking serious note of the diminishing priesthood and poor living standard of priests in the state, the VHP leader decided to organise an inter-district priest convention during February, 2018 to protect, promote and for welfare of indigenous priesthood.

State BHP President Puluk Lida honoured few popular figures, who have newly joined the Pranth Samiti.

Earlier, state VHP General Secretary Peng Perme highlighted the various activities taken up last year.

Educational tour by KKSU

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The Kargu Kardi Students' Union (KKSU) conducted a week-long educational tour cum career counseling programmes in entire schools falling within its jurisdiction to mark the 20th foundation day of the union.

The tour started from Government Upper Primary School, Keak on July 21 and covered Government Secondary School Darak, Government Higher Secondary Schools (GHSS) Tirbin and Liromoba, before culmination at GHSS, Yomcha.

Chairman of North East Youth Foundation, Ranjan K Baruah and Jummo Potom from the Urban and Housing Department were the resource persons for the career counseling.

The touring team also took stock of the various problems of the schools and assured the students that their grievances would be placed before the higher authority for early redressal.

The union also organised various literary competitions.

---- Editorial ----

India-China will have to learn to live together

Finally better sense seems to have prevailed as China and India have agreed to end a lengthy standoff at the Sikkim border that began in June. Both the sides are reportedly moving to withdraw their troops from the remote Doklam Plateau, a region that both China and Bhutan claim. The standoff began in mid-June after Chinese troops started building a road on the Doklam plateau. Indian soldiers rushed to stop that, triggering the worst military tension in decades with China. The breakthrough comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to China in a few weeks for a summit of the BRICS group of nations.

There was growing fear that stand-off could lead to escalation of tension. During the tensed period media on both the sides indulged in provocative rhetoric against each other. The de-escalation of tension should make way for constructive dialogues between two nations to resolve the outstanding issues. India and China have differences of opinion and view on several issues. The border row is yet to be resolved and China still claims whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of south Tibet. The border standoff like the one witnessed in Doklam might again take place in future. There is a need to put in mechanism to resolve such issue at the earliest before situation goes out of control. Both India and China should learn a lesson from Doklam incident and do not allow such incident to repeat in future. The two nuclear armed nations will have to learn to live together even though they may be competing at various forums.

___________________

---- Readers Forum ----

Anarchy when political power bows to religion

Dear Editor,

This refers to the report, "32 died in violence after conviction of Dera chief " (National, August 27, 2017). Anarchy is bound to happen when political power bows to religion. And this has practically been staged in Haryana. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rightly said to Monohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister of Haryana, "The Chief Minister is also the Home Minister.

Why have you allowed people to assemble for seven days? If they were antisocial elements, why were they allowed entry for seven days?"

It is a pity that when the judiciary is trying really hard to drive religious prejudices like triple talaq out of the socio - political backyard, our political representatives are fighting shy of such responsibility even though they themselves had promised to take up that job after getting elected.

We need to realize that there are two aspects of religion - spirituality and religionism. Sri Aurobindo had rejected religionism or sectarianism in religion. He said, "On the other hand, religion when it identifies itself only with a creed, a cult, a Church, a system of ceremonial forms, may well become a retarding force and there may therefore arise a necessity for the human spirit to reject its control over the varied activities of life."

According to Mark 12 : 17, Jesus Christ said, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Here Caesar means the Government. This is a clear message for a secular government, which is not connected with religion. Had we followed this teaching, we could have avoided oceans of bloodshed and banished many Rasputins from enjoying political power.

History has indeed witnessed many Rasputins, big and small, coming out of an unholy alliance between religion and politics. So, the people need to be very cautious about religious dogmas hijacking our political rights as well as our evolutionary progress. The names of those who shared the public space with Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh even after his being charged with as grave a criminal offence as that of a rape, must be made public. The electorate should be in the know about such political Who's Who to beware of them.

Yours,

Sujit De,

Kolkata

Selective Service by a police officer

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention to the unjust application of law.

Last night, there was a police checking at Naharlagun.

I forgot my wallet with driving license at home. I pleaded for mercy but i was denied. The policeman denied other govt. officials and a fauji with medical case explaining the need for law and the necessity of Chalan.

I was touched by his discipline and professional attitude while conducting his duty being a non-APST amidst the APST.

When I returned back with the money for Chalan , the IRBNs stopped a costly car with two women and a driver. As I was going to receive my Chalan, that car pulled over near the officer and a lady in the back said , '' Sir, yeh log humko rukarae " and the officer exchanged few words and let her go.

The lady while going said ' jai hind ' and the officer offered a salute as a sign of courtesy. I asked the officer regarding this immoral act and he said that he knows them well and they are reputed people.

When I further enquired for equality of law, he began to threaten me with court and high cost of an advocate. His advice was, ' hum jantae ' & ' Apna ka deko.

It was midnight and my family was with me. I was shocked by his changed flexible melodramatic policeman image. I had to say sorry to calm him down and leave. I never got what he meant by 'reputed'.

l appeal to the officials to serve all rather than the selected few. The handsome salary and other benefits you enjoy is the tax that common public pays to the govt.

We appreciate your efforts to serve and our co-ordination is a guarantee but we expect the genuine code of conduct as well. We are resilient by force, not by choice.

Yours,

Tony Bage

Advertise posts

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem daily, I would like to request the secondary education department to kindly advertise various vacancies of teachers as soon as possible as there are many vacant posts.

Yours,

Aspirants

___________________

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

---Editor