The Arunachal Times - Archives

There are ways of doing it

Dear Editor,

The recent report of damaging of Dari to Chambang RIDF Road by some public in protest against the alleged corruption is very disturbing one.

If any corruption happens, there are many democratic ways to show their dissatisfaction. Damaging the already constructed road although it is not in good quality is just digging their own grave. If any medical emergency happens to them they are the only one who is going to suffer. At the same time justice should be done to public of that area. If any irregularity happens concerned officer or leader should be punished as per law. Road is life line and there should not be any compromise and percentage culture in this sector.

Hope no organization will resort to such type of protest in future.

Yours,

Concerned citizen

(on email)

Help sports andsportsperson to grow

Dear Editor,

We are a very good sports state if we take it on fun and enjoyment level. We enjoy playing and every child of the state plays football and we are very good at it.

But now a days, the parents advice young ones to stop playing because our state in particular and country as a whole doesn’t care about our sportspersons.

They don’t take steps to nurture young talents.

I have been born in a sporting family. 2 of my elder brothers have represented the state in Subroto as well but they have not progressed much because the game doesn’t provide them bread.

This is high time now we think about the ones who are good at it and let them do what they love. Many would have left their profession if they had depended on govt. aid. The likes of Tapi Mra, Yukar Sibi, Gumpe Rime have excelled because they got support from family or community or nongovernmental organizations.

We need more sports schools, facility, opportunity and we want play.

Yours,

Tonia Mara (on email)

DN college

Police atrocities and citizens

Dear Editor,

This is in response to a letter “they looted my hard earned money” by James Gao published on Dec 11 issue. It is a shame on part of men in uniform they are using such a shameless act while in duty. Off course I agree with James.

In the month of June, I was traveling in a night sumo to Yingkiong with a poor labour bound to go to Boleng. The poor labour was without his pass. One police man actually demanded the labour Rs 100 for not having passed and stopped our sumo for half an hour.

The police let go of us only after he was paid Rs 30. I do not know what is the function of check gate at Raneghat?

If it is to check the illegal import and export, illegal entry of outside people into our state then why did the policeman allowed illegal people to let go after collecting pocket money of Rs 30.

It would be a lucky day for the policemen on duty if 100 people illegally cross Raneghat check gate. This a common observation that genuine passengers, trader are soft target. So I request uniformed man to behave more decently. They should encourage innocent villagers to earn more instead discouraging them as we believe that uniformed men is there to protect the weaker people not suppress them.

Yours,

Er. Oni Ejing

Bomdila (on email)

The show pieces

Dear Editor,

While traveling in Arunachal, I found that the State Bank of India have reached most of the small towns in state.

But to my utter surprise, all these branches are queued to the fences and even to the road sides in some of the places. The ATMs seems to be show piece of the locality as most of the ATMS are defunct like standing towers of BSNL.

Yours,

Bhaskar(on email)

Guwahati

Why exclude Misings?

Dear Editor,

The Jaiprakash Associates Ltd is again playing a dirty game. Why they have not included the Mising people and their villages which are within Arunachal Territory in Downstream Impact Assessment Report of Lower Siang Hydroelectric Project? It is purely an intentional deed to create another boundary dispute and disharmony between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The Mising villages lie in the downstream area of LSHEP & are within Arunachal Pradesh.

The villages beyond Seram village which includes Namsing, Gadum, Mher, Paglam, irrespective of Districts as long Mising's are humans and within Arunachal, should have been included in the Downstream Impact Assessment Report.

Our Mising brothers have been living in this area for Generations and their absence in the report reflects that this Company is not at all ready for any Relief and Rehabilitation to the Mising people of Arunachal, not even on humanitarian grounds.

Arunachal is an integral part of India, how come this Company had violated and challenged the integrity/patriotism of Arunachalees by distorting the Geopolitical Map by putting the "Red Lines"(Chinese Claim Lines) in their EIC & EMP. We Arunachalees are more Indian than your company and your company can be rightly called "Today's East India Company". The East India Company of the British plundered India & your Company is targeting for a "Plundering Spree".

An FIR had been lodged by Forum for Siang Dialogue as a Reaction to the wrong reports which appeared in the EIC & EMP. Our Chief minister & Home Minster, who is himself from this district, should take a strong action to such acts and deeds. The Mising villages within territory of Arunachal should be included in the Downstream Impact Assessment report of LSHEP at least on Humanitarian grounds or someday these Villages will be a bone of contention between Arunachal & Assam.

Yours,

Dr Samson Borang

On e-mail

Democracy is not depriving others

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Er Kirpak Dini's letter published in your daily on Dec 11. Border problem alone does not signify the underdevelopment of a place or a region. 29 Basar unlike Likabali is far from Itanagar and commercial towns like Silapathar. Prices of essential items are exorbitant, the terrains are inhospitable and due to lack of other opportunities there is complete dependency only on traditional economy.

The cabinet approval for Lower Siang dist comprised of Basar and Likabali constituencies, problem cropped up with Likabali and Nari making demands for removal of Basar. The reason you are hungry does not entitle you to snatch away the food from your neighbour. Democracy does not give you the right to deprive others.

Practically, a Basar or Likabali HQ does not concern me or the remainder West Siang but what concerns us is the need for a new dist which will in many ways have a say in our future. There is dearth of opportunities in a small place like Aalo, and West Siang with its vast population obviously would be relieved almost by 50% in case the bifurcation takes place. With the population being halved more opportunities would be available and this we view as a positive aspect for both sides.

The intention of Nari-Koyu to join in the proposed Lower Siang dist is understandable and with the trans-highway project to be completed soon, distance would be reduced. But the adamant or ignorant leaders because of their myopic view are unconsciously depriving them their only opportunity to integrate themselves to Lower Siang. The unrealistic aspirations (I believe) like building a HQ inside the mountains, and on the other hand not agreeing to govt grant of a new dist, would finally result in the govt failing to solve the puzzle game.

Yours,

Duge Ete (on email)

Aalo

RTI and them

Dear Editor,

I would like share my views regarding rampant misuse of "Right to Information Act 2005" by many good citizens of the state by filing RTI in the departments just for their vested interest, whereas RTI is meant for bringing transparency in the development activities. It is the only weapon through which the misuse of power and money which are meant for mass development can be ventilated. But filing RTI against any department or organization becomes child’s play which ultimately not only hampers the day to day functioning of office works but wastes man power, papers, time and money as well.

Therefore, I strongly appeal to the authority concern to formulate policy in filing of RTI. An applicant should seek prior approval from concerned authority first if it is approved then only he/she can file RTI so that the authenticity of filing RTI should be checked and rampant misuse of RTI can also be controlled.

Yours,

Mungwarig Khimhun

(on email)

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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

Yaja Waii Memorial T20 Championship

Ashok Chettry shines as Gorkhas win over Vikings

SEPPA, Dec 13: Continuing their winning run ‘The Gorkhas’ registered their second consecutive win crushing Papu Vikings by 23 runs in Late Yaja Waii Memorial T20 Championship, 2010-11 played at Seppa ground today.

Dashing opener Ashok Chettry gave the Gorkhas flying start as he hit nine boundaries and five sixes in his quick 78 from 54 balls. He was bowled out by Hira Natung. Prem Rai, who came in to bat after the dismissal of Bijay Tamang, contributed 33 runs from 31 deliveries with help of 7 boundaries and Bishnu Chettry added useful 31 runs. The partnership put on an impressive 64 runs to post a huge target of 175 runs before Papu Vikings.

In reply, Papu Vikings could manage only 151 run from 20 overs which was 24 run short of the target.

Opener Banu Lollen greeted Om Chettry with a hit to the fence in the very first ball. He, however, was run out by the same bowler through a direct hit from silly mid on. The partnership between Tai Teli (44) and Muddu Muri (16) put on 60 runs before the former was caught at deep cover area by Bijay Tamang off the bowling by Purna Tamang. Vikings innings finally collapsed to 151 all out in 20 overs.

Training on stress management

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: A week-long training programme on stress management, exclusively for teaching staff of various central government institutes, commenced at Administrative Training Institute, Naharlagun today.

Altogether, 29 teachers are attending the training programme.

Speaking on the occasion, ATI Director (Training) Pema Tshetan appreciated the Brahmakumaris Centre for extending their cooperation and sharing their value-base techniques and skills on stress management.

Coordinator, Brahma-kumaris Centre Dr. J Sahoo highlighted about the objective and the course content.

Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms/Training AB Shukla encouraged the participants to be ideal and inspiring teacher and expressed the hope that the training would help them manage and improve their productivity in teaching and learning job.

The programme is being organized in collaboration with Prajapita Brahma-kumaris Centre Itanagar with senior Raj Yoga teachers.

KVK Tirap conducts animal health camp

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tirap in collaboration with Deomali veterinary dispensary organised a free animal health camp at Deomali general ground today.

A team of veterinary doctors including Dr Jitu Moni Das, SMS, KVK and Dr Julie Phukan, veterinary officer, Deomali vaccinated 150 domestic animal including 50 goat against foot and mouth disease and distributed free medicine.

Deomali SDO G Singpho, and EAC B Lego visited the camp to boost the morale of the livestock farmers and the organisers of the animal health camp. Singpho assured all possible assistance for successful conduct of such beneficial programmes in future.

ADDWA’s new body appointed

ZIRO, Dec 13: All Dutta Development & Welfare Association (ADDWA) has appointed a team of executive members for effective and smooth functioning of day to day business of the Association for the session 2010 to 2012. The Association is the apex body of Dutta village, Ziro.

Er. Koj Tarang and Er. Koj Tajo have been selected as President and General Secretary respectively while Yachang Tacho as the Publicity Secretary of the Association.

Tezu HS celebrates 58th Annual School Day

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Lohit Deputy Commissioner, R. K. Sharma inaugurated the 58th Annual School Day Celebration 2010 of Govt. Hr. Sec. School Tezu today.

In his inaugural speech he called upon every student and teachers to create a cordial atmosphere so as to make the institution a centre for excellence.

He categorically explained the need of coordinated efforts of teachers, students and parents in nurturing the young minds who are the future of the nation. He appealed the school children to excel for all round development and to take up co-curricular activities with sportsmen spirit. The competition should be for excellence and not hatred and envy. Further, he administered oath to all the participants and declare the annual school day open.

The function was marked by colourful march-past band display and colourful local dance competition.

Apart from teaching fraternity and students DDSE Lohit K. Rina, EAC, S.K. Paul Choudhury and other Govt. officers and parents attended the function.(DIPRO)

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New org. formed

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The un-employed youths of Nyishi community in a meeting today formed “All Nyishi Unemployment Organization” and appointed Phassang Raish, Docha Toluk as president and general secretary respectively.

NSSP decides

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The Papum Pare unit of Nepali Sanskriti Surakshya Parishad (NSSP), in a meeting yesterday discussed various issues related to the Parishad and also chalked out future programmes of the district unit. The meeting stressed on the need of strengthening the organization functioning of the Parishad in the district and. Besides the executive members of the parishad the meeting was also attended by delegates from Assam.

APBOCWWB appreciates UD & H deptt

ITANAGAR Dec. 13: Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) chairman Jalley Sonam appreciated Urban Development and Housing Department for issuing uniforms to safai karamchari and drivers of sanitation trucks.

He further expressed the hope that the department will issue other essential items like hand gloves, masks etc. to them since those laborers have to work in the most unhygienic places. He appealed to the safai karamcharis to keep the capital neat and clean by discharging their duties properly and sincerely.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Takar Doke, Bomluk Kadu and Todi Kadu have been selected as new president, vice president and general secretary of the Ramle Banggo Welfare Society (RBWS) for a tenure of three years.

Kaso chief guest

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Local MLA Techi Kaso and Capital DC Dr S B Deepak Kumar would attend the 1st Foundation Day celebration of Niya Colony here at Itanagar on Dec 30 next.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Niya Colony Development Committee (NCDC) Nirjuli has deeply mourned the sudden demise of its publicity and information secretary Tana Noven, who died on Dec 8 at Niya Colony. He leaves behind his father, mother, wife and two sisters and a brother.

He was a simple, honest and always ready-to-help person, said the NCDC in a condolence message.

Christmas celebration

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: A three day programme from Dec 23 will mark the Christmas celebration at Koloriang.

Kurung Kumey DMO Dr Higio Tama and Lower Koloriang ZPM Nangram Niani have consented to grace the programme as chief guest and guest of honour respectively. Arunachal Pradesh Christian Church Council (APCCC) general secretary Biki Anand will be the speaker of the programme.

AAPWU conference held

Tawang, Dec. 13: More than 500 workers from all the governmental and nongovernmental sectors of Tawang participated in the annual conference cum awareness programme of All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union, Tawang District Unit which was organized at the General Parade ground. Leki Tsering, President AAPWU, Tawang district unit briefed about the importance of unity of workers’ union and said that the main aims and objective of the Tawang unit AAPWU is to help the poor and needy workers of Tawang in particular and of the State in general. He read out 14 points problem faced by the workers of Tawang which will be submitted to the State President AAPWU.

Without workers no one can construct buildings, roads, bridges and therefore he stated the significance of workers as the backbone of developing nation at par. Pointing some problem he thanked Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu and the State Government’s decision for considering second time hike in wages with other facilities like the enhancement of wages, regularization of workers working for more than 20 years in service, etc.

The members of Tawang District Unit, AAPWU also met CM, Khandu and MLA Tsewang Dondup. They assured all help for the betterment of workers. (DIPRO)

Advent x-mas at Yingkiong

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: In a befitting manner Upper Siang Christian forum, Yingkiong celebrated advent Christmas on 12th December 2010 at General ground Yingkiong. MLA Alo Libang attended the occasion as chief guest and ADC Rajesh Panyang as the guest of honour.

Libang exhorted all to love each other specially the downtrodden people to become a true Christian.

Panyang, exhorted the freedom of religion and to continually keep the spirits of unity & harmony for peace of nation. To marks the occasion, town caroling was carried out which started from general ground at 8.00am covering all the route of Yingkiong township. After town caroling there was joint Sunday fellowship service in which Father Joseph of Catholic Church Yingkiong shared the Christmas message.

In his Christmas message, he recalled the life & sacrifice made by Jesus Christ and appealed all to follow his path of sacrifice. The programe also saw song and dance performances and bible quiz competition.

DVSU serves ultimatum

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Dibang Valley Students Union (DVSU) has served two-week ultimatum to the BSNL general manager for restoration of STD/mobile network service and transfer of JTO and TTA from the district.

The union threatened to launch democratic stir in case of the failure of the authorities to fulfil its demands within the stipulated period of time.

AIEE exam

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi will conduct the 10th All India Engineering/Architecture entrance examination for admission to B E/B Tech and B Arch and B Planning courses in various NITs, IIITs, deemed universities and for few state institutions on April 24, 2011. Sale of information bulletin will start from Dec 15 in regional office of the board, various bank branches and institutions. For detailed information one may visit: www.aieee.nic.in

Provide security

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: All East Kameng Contractors Welfare Association has appealed the police department in East Kameng district for adequate security to the road construction agencies being engaged in the district.

In a letter to the East Kameng SP, the Association said that security arrangement is needed for timely completion of the ongoing road projects.

APYA seeks contract works

ITANAGAR: While reviewing the development schemes being executed by various departments in Puroik dominated areas in East Kameng, Kurung Kumey and Papum Pare districts, the All Puroik Youth’s Association (APYA) has appealed the department concerned to distribute contract works to Puroik contractors and Panchayat leaders.

The APYA in a release today said that outside contractors have been awarded many contract works for implementation of schemes for long time in Puroik area. Now the genuine Puroik contractors and panchayat leaders should be awarded contract works, it said.

GUS postpones protest

ITANAGAR: Galo Students Union (GSU) has deferred its proposed 12 hour bandh call in Galo dominated areas in protest against non-action by state government against PDS accuse from Galo dominated areas.

In a press statement GSU General Secretary Pakmik Taipodia said, “With students of Kamki College writing exam, we have decided to defer the bandh call to 21st December to register our protest against administration of West Siang district for not acting on demand placed by us.”

Journalists at receiving end again, give 48 hours ultimatum to govt

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: What has come as a shock and regrettable realization for media persons working sincerely in the state, two of their members were physically assaulted and abused while taking details of an accident in Papu Nallah area along the NH52A Sunday evening here. The irony of the fact is that the two young journalists were ladies at the first place.

Appu Gapak and Nyapi Bomjen, journalists working with The Sentinel Arunachal, while on their way to Naharlagun from Itanagar came across an accident just after crossing the box-cutting (few meters away from the Dree Ground) at about 8 pm. As they saw a white Maruti Zen (AS-O1M-9266) precariously hanging on the edge of the road and a crowd gathered around it, they halted their scooty and went on to enquire. As they were noting down the registration number of the car and captured a few photographs, a person from the crowd suddenly challenged them.

When they introduced themselves as journalists, the person objected and started abusing in a language not befitting to any individual, least of all to women. Sensing trouble, both Appu and Nyapi assured the agitated person that they would not file any report on the accident if that was troubling him. This was, however, not to convince the ‘unknown’ person.

“As we were leaving, the person suddenly attacked us, tore our note-sheets and threw away a mobile phone. Not satisfied, he even hit us and tried to push one of us into the road-side gorge,” said Appu.

What pained the young journalists more was the silence of most of the spectators present at the site.

“No one, except a few, tried to help us or pacify the attacker. Literally, we had to run away from the place in humiliation,” added Nyapi, who thanked the few civilized people who prevented the attacker from chasing them.

The press fraternity under the umbrella of Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Press Club (APC) taking strong exception to the humiliation and assault on the journalists while on duty had lodged a written complaint with the local police station late Sunday night.

However, both the organizations today served a 48-hour ultimatum to the authorities to nab the person(s) involved in the assault.

Appealing all aware citizens and civil society organizations to raise voice against the act and impress upon the law enforcing authorities to nab the perpetrator and implicate him under relevant sections of the law, both the organizations appealed all to change their mindset when it comes to media persons and especially women.

“It is the attitude and mindset of the people that has to change for an evolving and civilized society where the media can play a constructive role and women can live without fear and discrimination,” an APC release stated today.

The organizations expressed anger on repeated attacks on the fourth estate and regretted that in most cases culprits are let off and cases never solved, which in turn encourage repeated and unmindful attacks on journalists. They said that the media fraternity would decide on its next course of action if the person(s) involved are not arrested within the stipulated time.

Naharlagun Officer in-Charge, Inspector T Susen, while pacifying the agitated members of APUWJ and APC, including both the victims, assured to nab the attacker, who is yet to be identified. The police, however, have taken into custody one Venkata Lakshmipati Raju, production manager of SMS Smelter, who was driving the vehicle and who, according to Appu and Nyapi, was interacting with the attacker on the spot.

Police have registered a case No 153/10 u/s 341/323/354/427/506/509 IPC and launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate Talo Potom today remanded Raju to 24-hour police custody and directed the police to produce him in Court at 1 pm Tuesday.

Itanagar gears up for Red Ribbon Superstar contest

ITANAGAR, Dec13: Air of excitement is griping state capital in anticipation of grand finale of Red Ribbon Superstar contest to be held on 15th of this month at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar. In this regard today, a sensitization workshop for the winners of Red Ribbon Superstar Contest from districts under Multi Media Campaign was held at conference hall of the Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun by Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS). All the 9 bands participated in the workshop.

APSACS Project Director, Dr. Emi Rumi calling upon the band members present to play a responsible role as ambassadors of HIV/AIDS awareness, said, you are the voice of the youth and it is your duty to carry forward the message through your music. ‘You are responsible for spreading the message of AIDS/ HIV to the people and bring change in your home districts and particularly among your peers’, added Dr. Rumi.

Earlier, APSACS Joint director Dr. Riken Rina detailed on the basic facts, figures and causes of HIV/AIDS to the participants through an interactive power point presentation. The core committee members of the MMC campaign on HIV/AIDS also spoke on the occasion. Around 65 members from the nine winning bands from Upper Subansiri, West Siang, East Siang, Tirap, Changlang, Lohit, East Kameng, West Kameng and Tawang participated in the workshop. APSACS Deputy director Tasor Pali briefed on the rules and the regulations for the bands to be followed during the Red Ribbon Superstar Contest final.

The grand finale of Red Ribbon Superstar contest will be held on 15th of this month. Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu will be chief guest for the occasion whereas Health and Family Welfare minister Tanga Byaling will grace the evening as guest of honour.

Villagers opposed land acquisition

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The Gaon Burahs, ASMs and general people of seven Sajolang (Miji) dominated villages under Lada circle in East Kameng district have discussed the land donation issue and opposed total evacuation of entire villages for donating land to the Army.

After threadbare discussion in a meeting held at Govt Middle School, Tippi in West Kameng on Dec 11, the villagers formed an interim committee, titled, Sachung Besai Welfare Committee (SBWC) with Bopai Puroik, Seppa EAC as its chairman for early settlement of the land donation issue.

The house also adopted three point resolutions in this regard and said that Indian Army should approach the SBWC of the affected area to avail land for army establishments. It further said that there should not be evacuation of the present villages to other place at any cost. The proposed land if donated by the people of affected area then it will be far from the village, the house resolved.

AG office hands out termination letters

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Local Employees of AG office, Itanagar, who are currently employed on contract, is facing uncertain future after they were given termination letter and asked to leave office by 31st December. This happened despite Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai’s assurance for hiring more number of local employees for its Itanagar office.

“AG office would induct maximum numbers of locals from the state in its office to uphold the close affinity with the state. I would also suggest for inducting graduates from commerce, economics, statistics etc. in Public Sectors Undertakings of the state in order to augment the maintenance of accounts in the correct and proper manner in these PSUs. CAG offered to provide free of cost training to such inductees in the AGs office to expertise them in the subject,” this was stated by CAG chief Vinod Rai during his meeting with Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu in the month of February.

However in contrary to his promise AG office has been recruiting outsiders and showing the door to local employee’s thereby deeply hurting sentiments of local Arunachalees. Already apex student body AAPSU had warned that if local employees are fired from job, they will take their own course of action.

The present team of employees is associated with AG office, Itanagar ever since they branched out from Shillong. With their sincerity and hard work, they established this office. But without bothering about their contribution, now concerned authorities of AG office have served them notice to leave office by 31st of this month. Their act of serving termination letters also shows disrespect to Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, who on November 9 had written to CAG chief Vindo Rai to look into grievances of APST contract employees of AG office. In his letter CM while reminding Vinod Rai of his assurance, had sought his personal intervention in this whole matter. Khandu has asked him to appreciate the service rendered by local APST employees in setting up of AG office, Itanagar.

Meanwhile local employees of AG office frustrated with non-cooperative attitude of authorities have given them time till 17th of this month to end this crisis. If not, they have threatened to launch dharna against authorities of AG office. “We are sick of this situation. Life has become tough ever since we were served termination letter. Along with us even our family members are facing uncertainty,” stated one local employee.

He further added, “We request every Arunachalee to support us. We appeal to AAPSU, ANSU, GSU, AdiSu and other student bodies to help us in this need of hour.”

NRHM review meet

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: A day long Review Meeting upto 2nd Quarter 2010-11 under NRHM program was organized by the State Health Society at DHS Conference Hall, Naharlagun on Dec 10.

Dr. T. Basar appreciated the program and said that various welfare schemes are being run under NRHM from which a lot of people are benefited. Appreciating the State Health Society for organizing the meeting, he hoped to achieve the goal soon. The DHS suggested pursuing a separate RRC for the state of Arunachal Pradesh in order to address and solve many issues of the state and also to avoid comparison with the neighboring state of Assam whose topography is vastly different from that of our state.

Secretary (Health & FW) Kaling Tayeng, exhorted all the districts to immediately upload data into the web portal and to update the reports. Further, he strictly asked the districts to focus mainly on reducing IMR, MMR, TFR etc. rather than focusing more on infrastructure development.

He advised the DMO’s to stick to the timeline for DHAP submission. Further, District Health Society should not hesitate in terminating the contractual MO’s who are habitual absentees and donot report to work, he said. He asked to maintain the quality of HMIS portal and to avoid any kind of discrepancy.

Dr. D. Padung, Nodal officer (NRHM) apprising the Chairman and the participants from the districts, said that the focus of the Review Meeting is on Physical and Financial performance of the districts upto 2nd Quarter 2010-11 and that the data are based on web portal. He led the review with the help of power point presentation. Looking into the data shown in the slides, Secretary called for explanation from the districts for utilization of fund. Further, he pointed out that the data of Concurrent Audit, FMR and HMIS Web portal must tally with each other.

Minister pointed out the notification issued regarding transfer and posting of Medical staffs will not be entertained on medical ground. He further informed that the laboratory should be functional 24/7 for the benefit of public. Expressing concern on the increased cases of malaria, he asked all concern to seriously look into it.

Selling of wild animal meat, birds prohibited

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Complying with Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden’s order, Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) has strictly prohibited selling of wild animal meat and birds in daily markets of Itanagar falling under IMWA jurisdiction.

A monitoring committee has been constituted to keep strict vigil on selling of such items in markets, IMWA said in a release and appealed all to refrain from such illegal activities.

Violators would be booked under Wildlife Protection Act and as per IMWA bye-laws, it added.

Joint Arunchal-Assam meet for peaceful co-existence

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: A joint meeting of the police and administrative officers, panchayat leaders, intellectuals of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was conducted in Govt Middle School, Bormai under Tarasso circle in Dec 11 last to bring normalcy and maintain peace and tranquility in Tarasso area, informed VI-Tarasso ZPM Nabam Eka in a release today.

The meeting was held in view of the recent unpleasant incident in inter-state boundary area involving some people across the border, the release said. After threadbare discussion on the cause of such incident and the need of peaceful co-existence the meeting resolved that accused in unwanted incidents be booked and punished as per law and compensation be given to victim’s family, the release added.

Dibang Valley left to fend for itself

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Citizen of Dibang Valley district has been virtually battling for survival ever since district was cut from rest of state around 8 months ago due to washing away of road by heavy rainfall. Pathetic situation of Dibang Valley district reflects the complete failure of Arunachal Pradesh government in solving crisis affecting the citizen of this state.

In today’s world with all sort of modern gadgets available, it’s hard to understand how BRO, the agency responsible for maintaining road between Anini and Roing can’t restore the road connection even after eight months have passed by. Whenever any organizations or local citizens’ makes hue and cry, state government gives a press statement stating road connection will be restored soon but till now people of Dibang Valley are waiting for road connection. Despite Dibang Valley sharing an international boundary with China, state and central government together is giving a blind eye to the woes of local citizens.

Prices of essential commodities are so high that it has become impossible for ordinary citizens to afford them. Talking to this reporter, Omila Migi a resident of Dibang Valley told over phone, “We are very frustrated with the response of state government. We are facing so much of problem and each day our hope is getting bleak due to lackadaisical attitude of government.”

The only source of connection with outside world through phone has also been wiped out because of breakdown of BSNL network. After a month, the services were restored today.

Government Higher Secondary School Anini is reportedly functioning without Principal, Vice-Principal and subject teachers for the last six to seven years.

This has infuriated local citizen a lot. “We request the state Government to solve all this issues and crises related to Dibang Valley District at the earliest and do not concentrate on only signing MoA, MoU with private hydro power developer for projects in Dibang Valley District,” said Omila Migi.

He further added, “We request education minister Bosiram Siram to solve education related problem of Dibang Valley District as early as possible for benefit of student communities.”

He also appealed to all civil societies and student communities to support people of Dibang Valley in this hour of need. “AAPSU has been very vocal about problems faced by people of Dibang Valley. But we request the apex student body and other capital based organizations to put more pressure on state government to solve this human crisis at the earliest,” said Omila.

Total sanitation campaign reaches interiors of Upper Subansiri

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: IEC Camp on Total Sanitation Campaign was held at Yatek Ripa Village, 65 Km from Daporijo on Dec 11. A team of Resource Persons from PHE Division Daporijo organised the programme which was attended by PRI Leaders, GBs and Villagers of Luchi, Yatek Ripa and Tapi Villages.

The motto of the IEC Camp was to give awareness to those people about health, hygiene and sanitary practice with special emphasis on construction of Low Cost Sanitary Individual household Latrine to do away with Age Old practice of Open Defecation.

Er. M. Kino appraised the gathering about TSC Program, its aim and objective.

Er. M. Tatu highlighted unhygienic practice of rural mass in general and its implication on health of the people. Er. RC Sharma, imparted the villages with basic knowledge of common diseases, its causes and the role of carriers in the form of flies and other animals. While presenting Sanitary Toilet as a prime solution to various health related problems, he practically demonstrated the technology for construction of Low Cost Sanitary Toilet in the village. For better understanding of the procedures for construction of LCS toilet, Er. G. Nochi spoke in detail in local language which was highly appreciated by senior citizens of the village.

Er. N. Konia spoke on the provisions under TSC, Financial Assistance provided by Central as well as State Government and cleared queries and confusions related to the Program.

Villagers led by T. Nalo, ASM, participating in this campaign appreciated PHE Department for such awareness camp and expressed their willingness to shun Open Defecation practices as they were convinced that improper disposal of human excreta is the root cause of many dreadful diseases which causes high infant mortality every year.

Recently, on 7th of Dec Er. M. Tatu, visited Lebri Village one of the remotest village of Baririjo circle in Upper Subansiri Distt. (USD ) and halted there for two days to supervise W/S works and to create awareness about sanitation.

PHE Division, Daporijo is making sincere effort to cover every nook and corner of USD to spread Awareness on Health, Hygiene and Sanitary Practice, a departmental release said.