December 07
Arunachal Idol
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: The final of Arunachal Idol will be held on Dec 8 at IG Park. Altogether five contestants; namely Anu Mra, Pokge Karbak, Kailukh Lukham, Bomto Taba and Tarh Neroli will fight it out for the coveted winner’s trophy.
Darshan Raval, India's Raw Star and a versatile playback singer will grace the occasion along with Dj Leenata from Ukraine.
Students decry sexual assault on school girl
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: All West Kameng Students’ Union (AWKSU) today strongly condemned
the alleged sexual assault on a minor school girl of Govt. Middle School, Jerigaon
by the headmaster in-
The victim is reportedly suffering from mental and physical trauma after the incident,
the students union informed, and demanded proper investigation, fair and speedy trial
against the alleged accused and early filing of charge-
The Headmaster in-
Union seeks DC intervention
to restore bridge
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: Siyum Nacho Limeking Taksing Students’ Union (SINALITASU) in its representation to Deputy Commissioner Upper Subansiri has demanded early restoration of Menga Bailey Bridge which collapsed on November 20.
The Union stated that the bridge is the lifeline of more than 50,000 populations consisting of three administrative circles.
“After its collapse, neither restoration work has started nor work to divert the road” the union resented.
Casting its apprehension that some element may be behind the collapse of the bridge, it demanded for constitution of fact finding committee.
Meanwhile, in a separate representation, the union has written a complaint against frequent and exorbitant hike of Tata Sumo fare from Daporijo to Siyum, Nacho and Limeking. The students union stated that Tata Sumo owners charge very high fare making it difficult for the common people to afford. It sought district administration’s intervention to regulate the Tata Sumo fares.
Health dept directed not to
finalise selection process
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: The Itanagar Permanent Branch of Gauhati High Court has directed the state health department not to finalise the selection process initiated for regularizing the 150 posts of the 356 Multipurpose Workers (MPWs) in the department. The interim order was passed on December 2 last.
The direction is the outcome of a writ petition filed by Malaria Eradication Employees
Association (MEEA) challenging re-
The Association had also written to the Chief Minister seeking immediate cancellation of the interview and that the appointments are done on seniority basis.
VKV, Nirjuli organises students’ talent show
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: To create an opportunity for the students to showcase their talents and skills in various fields, the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Nirjuli organised a talent show yesterday.
Around 400 students performed classical dances as well skits and songs before their parents and audience.
Unnikrishnan PM, Education Officer of VKV Arunachal Pradesh Trust said that such programme provides the young students a good opportunity to show their latent talents, skills and techniques in various fields. Moreover, participation of students in huge number in the programme itself is an achievement for the school, he said.
EAC Mabi Taipodia Jini said the talent show would boost the morale of student to expose hidden talent in them.
DFP organizes public sensitisation campaign
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Tezu and Nampong units jointly organised a special awareness programme on mother and child’s health and Mission Indradhanush at Wakro under Lohit district yesterday.
Chief Medical Officer of Wakro PHC Dr. D Sonowal explained in details the importance of maintaining good health by mother and pregnant women, and timely immunization of newborn and pregnant women to avoid atleast seven vaccine preventable diseases as well as healthy pregnancy.
Similar programmes were also organised at Bhekuliang of Lohit district and Kamlao of Changlang district earlier.
The campaigns on selected theme are being organized in 201 districts throughout the country, including seven districts of Arunachal Pradesh from July this year.
The aim of the campaign is to sensitize the public, particularly women about the importance of maternal health, immunization, child/infants’ health, adolescent health, family planning, HIV/AIDS etc, informed Department of Field Publicity.
The main activities carried out during such campaign were, rallies, feedback collections,
group discussions, photo exhibitions, film shows, free medical check-
Quiz competitions was also organised during the programme and winners was awarded prizes.
Clarification sought from Taga
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: The 35th Pangin-
In a release, it termed his absence during the event as immature, being the representative of the district.
News Impact
44 years later, a martyr remembered
[ Une Pertin ]
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: Forty four years after he laid down his life for the nation, during
the 1971 Indo-
Though belated, Capital Complex Tajang Welfare Association (CCTWA) organized an event in his memory in Itanagar.
In December 1971, when the Indo-
But on the fateful day of 6th December 1971, his garrison was bombarded heavily by the enemies and in the ensuing aftermath, the 24 year old soldier lost his life, making the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. Unfortunately, Mihin’s mortal remains were never found.
In a poignant tale, his sister Mihin Yabo Tage recounted how local seers and mediums had to be employed to give his soul proper rest.
Born to Late Mihin Lalin and Late Mihin Raja on 15th October 1947 at Tajang village, Lower Subansiri district, Mihin had joined the 5th Assam Regiment as a Sepoy on 15th Oct 1966.
Perhaps in a sad reminder of how we treat our “real heroes”, his name was conspicuous by the lack of recognition he received in his own state as well as from the community itself.
Chairman CCTWA Tage Tatung informed that Major Gen. Kr. VS Lalotra (Retd), who is the consultant of the proposed Arunachal Martyrs Memorial, in Indira Gandhi Park Itanagar has already responded positively for Mihin’s name to be included in the list.
MLA Tage Taki has assured to push forward the proposal for inclusion of his name in AMM with the Governor and the Chief Secretary. He also informed that he would take up the matter with the centre.
In a bid to rectify the long overlook, the CCTWA organised today’s gathering to pay tribute to the soldier as it appealed the government to gather all relevant documents for preservation in the state museum.
Tatung requested the government to initiate payment of all due pensions to the family of Late Mihin and also provide a service on compassionate grounds to next of his kin.
Though forgotten in his own state, the brave soldier’s name was engraved in roll of honour at Chamb. The Chief of Army Staff also issued an honorary badge as well as a certificate in 1999 honouring the soldier.
AdiSU appeals Assam orgs to pressurise Centre for re-
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) today appealed to the various Assam
based organisations, including All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Takam Mising Porin
Kebang (TMPK), Krisak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) to pressurise the central government
for re-
The appeal was made by AdiSU at the 14th general conference of Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) held in Dhakuakhana, Lakhimpur today before AASU Adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya, its president, representatives of powerful Krisak Mukti Sangram Samitee and various community based organizations of the state.
AdiSu general secretary Buteng Tayeng, who led the team, said that conduction of
a resurvey of the project was very necessary to know the impacts of the dam at downstream
as many villages—both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh—are located at downstream besides
the Dibru-
The AdiSU leader also appealed to the people of both the two states to maintain a healthy relationship regardless of their language, cultural and geographical differences.
Highlighting the various problems faced by the students of Arunachal Pradesh studying in Assam and people while travelling through the state, Tayeng appealed to the All Assam Students’ Union and (AASU) and TMPK to extend their helping hands whenever necessary.
“Assam and Arunachal are two faces of a same coin,” the AdiSU leader said, and hoped for a better and healthier relationship among the people of the two sisterly states.
Monday Musing
[ Ranjit Sinha ]
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam had dreamt of a developed nation. To fulfill his dream, the visionary leader and scientist had advocated for PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) to reduce the rural and urban gap in terms of access to basic needs like education, drinking and electricity supply, road infrastructure and health care facilities.
Unlike Kalam’s PURA concept for a developed nation, the present NDA Govt is determined to elevate the cities as ‘engine of growth’. According to think tank and policy makers, almost half of India’s population are going to live in its cities by 2030 and rapid urbanization with provision of latest technology will create abundant job opportunities and thereby improvement in quality of life. With this in mind, the centre has come with the concept of Smart Cities.
Pasighat is among 98 designated Smart Cities announced by the Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu in August end this year.
East Siang district administration, Pasighat Municipal Body and over 26000 people of Pasighat have already accepted the challenge to witness the name of Pasighat in the list of top 20 cities in Centre’s Smart City Mission.
When we dream of inclusive smart cities, particularly in Himalayan state like Arunachal Pradesh, we cannot overlook the financial aspect.
The Centre kept aside an amount of Rs 1 lac crore with an aim to make 100 cities of the country smarter. It is given to understand that each selected city would be provided with an amount of Rs 1000 crore. Centre will release Rs 500 crore during the period of five years beginning from the financial year 2015 for selected city and each State Govt has to generate half of the total amount as matching share of 50 percent.
For Northeastern region, it is a big relief, as the states of this region are going to enjoy the fund sharing pattern of 90:10 under the Smart city mission. If Pasighat is selected in the first phase, out of Rs. 1000 crores, Arunachal Govt will have to generate matching share of Rs 100 Cr for successful implementation of the smart city project. We can only expect that resource crunch state like Arunachal will play its role perfectly and release the matching share for successful smart city project.
Pasighat Municipal executive officer Deepak Shinde said “We are very much ahead in
one-
He further informed that preparation for pragmatic Smart City Proposal is in final stage and will be released within the next few days. There will be final round of consultation before the plan/proposal is submitted to the Centre within December 15.
The State Government has already appointed DDF Consultants Pvt. Ltd, a New Delhi based agency to assist the PMC in preparing the Smart City Proposal for Pasighat.
As the date for submission of smart city proposals/plan to the Centre is nearing, it is expected that the untiring efforts of the people of Pasighat and the PMC will bear fruits.
Knowledge without practical application
has no meaning: VC
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University Tamo Mibang opined that knowledge that has no practical application is of no use.
Addressing the valedictory function of week-
Highlighting the vitality of Economics Department, the Vice Chancellor said that the people of the Northeastern region need to build up themselves to reap the benefits from Look East/Act East Policy.
There is need to identify potential benefits and costs of the policy for economic benefits of people. The researchers must give appropriate inputs and suggestions to the policy makers. Otherwise, the policies would not help, he opined. Prof Mibang suggested the academicians to do research on distribution of income.
He also highlighted various problems being faced by the North Eastern States, like ethnic conflicts, militancy, transport and communication which are posing as stumbling blocks for development in the region.
We would not be able to develop at par with other States unless these problems are resolved, he added.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor distributed certificates to the participants.
Prof. A Mitra, Department of Economics, RGU and Prof. SK Nayak, Coordinator, CDS, Department of Economics also spoke on the occasion, according to a release from the Department of Economics, RGU.
APSLSA conducts legal literacy
class for school children
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: In its continuous efforts to make the students aware about various
Acts that protect the children’s rights, the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services
Authority organized a day-
Legal experts Budi Habung, District and Session Judge, Yupia, Hirendra Kashyap, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Yupia, Batotsi Kri, lecturer, Arunachal Law Academy and Dani Belo, Deputy Secretary (Law) and OSD, APSLSA made the students aware about various Acts and laws, including Juvenile Laws, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act that protect the rights of children and Drugs Laws. The experts also explained in details about the consequences of drugs abuse.
A film ‘Apne Ajnabi’ on racial discrimination by APSLSA was also screened during the programme. School Principal Levi E Katy said that such legal awareness programme would help the children in their overall development and becoming responsible citizens.
Soil Health Cards distributed on Soil Day
ITANAGAR, Dec 6: Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers to mark the International Soil Health Day programme across the state. World Soil Day is annually held on December 5 to highlight soil's importance on Earth and it is linked with the United Nations' year of Soil.
The day was observed at Abotani Hall, Hapoli alongside Pre-
Attending the programme, ADC, Lower Subansiri, N Chatung lauded the activities of SHG and KVK for organizing the function. He suggested the farmers to apply the new technology and new concepts in their fields to increase.
A total of 14 SHGs and progressive farmers put up their stalls in the exhibition and was judged by Hibu Tama and Umesh Mishra.
Diko Manipolyang Farmers Club was given the first prize followed by Apatani Farmers Club and Hong Farmers Club respectively. Technical literatures were also distributed to the farmers. The programme was attended by 558 registered farmers of different farmers club and progressive farmers from different villages of Lower Subansiri district.
The day was organised in collaboration with District Agriculture Officer and Project Directorate ATMA.
Meanwhile in Papum Pare, an awareness programme on healthy soil and importance of soil health card was organised by KVK, Papum Pare at Jumi village under Kimin circle to mark the World Soil Health Day on Dec 5.
Experts from KVK and Agriculture department spoke on the importance of soil testing and soil health for qualitative and quantitative crop production.
Toria (TS-
In Upper Subansiri, the World Soil Health Day was observed by District Agriculture Office and KVK Upper Subansiri at Kuporijo on Saturday.
Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers at the end of the fucntion.
At PASIGHAT, the World Soil Day was celebrated at Samity Hall, GTC by District Agriculture office, Farmer's Training Centre and Gramin Training Centre.
District Agriculture Officer ADO, Principal GTC spoke on deforestation, bad agricultural practices and pollution that cause soil degradation and erosion. Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers. DIPRO
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
-
Extend cooperation to TAH project
The inordinate delay in construction of Trans-
In the eastern Arunachal situation is better and progress has been found satisfactorily.
The citizens of Western Arunachal along with political representatives will have
to seriously ponder over this prevailing situation. Keeping this in mind the recent
statement of Mama Natung, parliamentary secretary cum MLA Seppa West urging people
of his area to cooperate with executing agency of 311 Km Nechipu-
___________________
-
Alienated by Supreme Court of India
Dear Editor,
The recent rejection of Review petition by the Supreme Court has made us feel alienated in or own land. Now we feel like we live in a country where, we, the native people of Arunachal are being deprived of our own rights.
Until now, the constitutional and the fundamental rights were designed to protect and safeguard the citizens of India but now I am a little bit concerned if these rights were actually designed for us or for the refugees.
The recent Verdict given by the Supreme Court the Chakma and the Hajong issue is the worst of the worst judgment in my opinion. How could the Supreme Court take such a bold step without the consent of GoAP and the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh? The SC didn’t even bother about the sentiments of its own people against the Refugees. The Supreme Court should understand and accept that we as Indians have every right to be informed and consulted before taking such important decisions. Without doing so, the SC has shown total negligence and disrespect towards the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
The judgment is totally biased and a dictated one for me and my fellow Arunachalees because we were kept in dark and not even asked once for our opinion.
Now who will take the responsibility if we happen to be the next Tripura ruled by Aliens in our own land? Are we being trapped in a very big conspiracy to kick us out of our own land?
A thought came into my mind that maybe all this time we are being taken as the real refugees.
Because by the Supreme Courts perspective, Chakma and Hajongs will be given the utmost priority.
Whom should we trust now to deliver us justice? If the highest and the most powerful house of all can make such big foul judgment leaving the Arunachalees beg and cry, for we can do nothing but keep trying.
I am being very clear in my statement that, with the judgment delivered by the SC, I totally feel like an alien in my own land, with the right to protect my homeland taken away from me and left to be invaded.
If SC has such a soft corner for the refugees, then why don’t they shelter them in Delhi or some other state, who are willing to give them citizenship and shelter. Why force us to take the responsibility? Or do we have to be the dumping zone of refugees permanently?
Yours,
M.Lowang
Steer clear of ‘catch 22’
Dear Editor,
Isn’t it the height of irresponsibility and dereliction that the rebelling Congress legislators obstinately refusing to attend to their responsibilities for months together ignoring the appeal of the people who voted them to power.
Its time they must come to term with the distinct reality.
In a system where majority matters, calculating the majority out of 47 Congress MLAs, that too when the figure of the opposing faction is available in the equation, the problem is of an elementary standard. So, it is simple reasoning why must the present CLP leader should continue as he enjoys the support of the majority. Alleging the leadership of blatant nepotism, financial mismanagement, poor governance or improper fund allocation is nothing but washing dirty linen in public. Nor the public is too naive to expect better governance from the unsatisfied faction. As far as the Congress legislators in the State Assembly are concerned, the party still commands majority unless the dissidents master enough courage to call it a day. In this scenario, pertinacious demands for the CLP leader to step down seem more like egoistic hedonism of few dissident and opposition leaders.
Even a political layman will advise the missing veteran leaders to steer clear of the ‘catch 22’ situation they are pathetically in or resign.
Yours,
Legobaying
One person is not responsible
Dear Editor,
This is in response to headline ‘Taga criticized’ that was carried in your daily on Dec 5.
Personally, I am a big fan of Adi Baane Kebang for working for the cause of the Adi Society. But unfortunately, this time I am against Adi Baane Kebang, Siang District unit. Their condemnation of Leader of Opposition Tamiyo Taga is very unfortunate and seems politically motivated. I want to ask ABK, Siang unit whether they tried to know his reasons why he couldn’t make it on that day? Perhaps, he might have had some urgent personal work. How did his absence on that day became a stumbling block as development is not dependent on one individual but it is depended on all of us. Did you ever try to understand how your cheap comments are going to malign ABK and Adi community as whole?
Do not indulge in politically motivated activities. Because ABK is known for their priceless and tireless works towards the good cause of Adi community but some individuals comment may malign the hard earned reputation in one go.
Lastly one person cannot stop development if we all want it.
Yours,
Nini Tapak
Hubli, Karnataka