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December 14

Bridge over Pachin

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: A bridge over Pachin might become a reality soon as the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has written to the WAPCOS, to examine the detailed project report of RCC Bridge over River Pachin connecting ISBT and Naharlagun Railway Station.

WAPCOS has been asked to furnish techno-economic comments/appraisal of the DPR to the ministry for further action based on Arunachal Govt.’s detailed paper work for the project.

 

Siram inspects water projects

PASIGHAT, Dec 13: Advisor to Chief Minister, Bosiram Siram accompanied by East Siang ZPC, Kaling Dai, Pasighat Municipality, Chief Councilor, Denong Tamuk, Dy. Chief Councilor, Kaling Darang, PRI leaders and engineers of PHED inspected the multi-crore water project at High-Region, DST Colony, SS Mission, Lower Banskota, APP Colony and Sawmill areas on Dec 12.

Siram appreciated engineers of PHED also for commissioning the project within stipulated time and with quality of work. He urged the public to maintain unity, peace and to extend support to the government so that more development works can take place.

PHED & WS, AE, Kaling Taki informed that the capacity of every over-head tank is 62,500 Ltrs.  Construction of new tanks, drilling, installation of pump sets etc. have been completed and laying of new pipes are in full swing to connect every house in the areas mentioned. DIPRO

 

People's Convention for start of Kodum Circle

AALO, Dec 13: The people of Ubu Bango have requested the concerned authorities for early functioning of Nikte Kodum administrative circle under West Siang.    

The appeal was made during a convention of People's Convention of Ubu Bango comprising Taba Sora, Dasi, Nikte, Yigikaum, Kunuyami and Humoli held at Nikte Kodum on Dec 12.  

In the public function attended by West Siang ADC, Tamik Talom, the plight of the circle was spoken in detail. It was decided to apprise the state government on the problems that confront the functioning of the circle.

Ex-MLA, Kito Sora, Ubu People's Convention, Chairman, Hoksum Ori and others spoke in the meeting.

Nikte Kodum has been declared as an administrative circle yet till now no infrastructure has been created to make it functional, although the people of the area have donated land for its establishment. DIPRO

 

Org appeals

ITANAGAR, Dec 13:  Anti-Corruption and Crime Control Committee Organisation Arunachal Pradesh has made a fervent appeal not to communalise the current political scenario in the state. In a press release, it stated that Arunachal is a very peaceful state and self-interest groups cannot take the state on ransom.  The organisation appealed to the people to let the normal proceeding of Legislative Assembly take place. It further called upon the community and clan based organisations to refrain from communalising the political movement.

 

MLA calls for unity and discipline

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Dec 13: Pasighat-West MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary (Industries), Tatung Jamoh has called for unity and cooperation for successful implementation of developmental programmes in Pasighat-West Constituency.

Attending a programme organised by Ruksin Circle Christian Forum at Ruksin HSS playground here this evening, Jamoh exhorted the local people to maintain peace and social harmony among all sections of the community.

 

Union conducts outreach tour

ITANAGAR, Dec 13:  The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union conducted district outreach tour programe covering Anjaw, Changlang, Tezu, Khonsa, Namsai Roing and Daporijo among others. During the outreach programe, the union interacted with the workers and registered their grievances.

While interacting with the workers at districts, the union urged the workers to get themselves registered in Arunachal Pradesh Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Board to avail benefits.

 

Anjaw DC and team visit KVK farm

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: Anjaw Deputy Commissioner N Ete accompanied by Hayullang ADC B Towshlk, CO Dr. T Ete and team of senior executive officials of different line departments visited the KVK Metangliang farm recently and inspected the ongoing farm activities.

The team inspected the vermicompost unit, poly-house and nursery units and the farm blocks raising winter crops within the farm.

The farm was established in April this year covering an area of about 20 hectare of land.

The Deputy Commissioner after the visit suggested the scientists of the KVK to develop low-cost eco-friendly processing units at the farm for processing their own produces to earn better profit. He said that though Anjaw district is known for cultivation of Large Cardamom there is still no good drying and processing units

Appreciating the consistent efforts made by KVK staff for developing the farm up to this level within few months, Ete sought their help to motivate the young and unemployed youth to establish their own venture and start earning.

Dr. Manish Kanwat, Senior Scientist cum head of KVK Anjaw, subject matter specialists and the farm manager were present.

 

SAI SAG emerge champion in 20th Sub-Jr., Cadet & Jr Karate Championship

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The Sports Authority of India, Special Area Game Centre, Naharlagun became overall champion in the 20th State Sub-Junior, Cadet and Junior Karate Do Championship which concluded at Yupia yesterday. Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy and Upper Subansiri finished second and third respectively.

Champion SAI bagged 19 medals (G-10, Sil-6, Br-3) while runners up SLSA bagged 15 medals (G-8, Sil-2, Br-5) and Upper Subansiri won 26 medals (G-7, Sil-9, Br-8).

The medals won by other districts: East Kameng- 24 (G-6, Sil-5. Br-13), Anjaw- 13 (G-4, Sil-2, Br-7), Kra Daadi- 9 (G-2 Sil-3, Br-4), Papum Pare- 11 (G-1, Sil-3, Br-7), Upper Siang- 1 (G), West Siang- 5 (Sil-3, Br-2), Lower Subansiri – 5 (Sil-2, Br-3), Tirap- 2 (Sil-1, Br-1), Lohit- 2 (Sil-1, Br-1), West Kameng-2 (Sil-1, Br-1), Capital Complex- 3 (Br), Kurung Kumey- 3 (Br), Dibang Valley- 2 (Br), Changlang- 2 (Br), Lower Dibang Valley-1 (Br).

 

Historic climate deal sealed

Le Bourget, Dec 13: A landmark climate change deal was clinched on Saturday with the approval of India, China and the US, after days of tough negotiations here with the legally-binding pact seeking to limit global warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and committing USD 100 billion a year from 2020 to help developing nations.

The target of well below 2 degrees Celsius and even more ambitious 1.5 degrees Celsius was originally expected not to be to the liking of developing countries like India and China who are major emitters on account of industrialisation but Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar was effusive in his welcome of the 31-page document.

Amidst cheers and applause from delegates from 195 countries, the draft of the "historic" deal was presented by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and French President Francois Hollande appealed to the gathering to approve the accord.

The key elements are:

1.  To keep global temperatures "well below" 2.0C (3.6F) and "endeavour to limit" them even more, to 1.5C

2.  To limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to the same levels that trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally, beginning at some point between 2050 and 2100

3.  To review each country's contribution to cutting emissions every five years so they scale up to the challenge

4. For rich countries to help poorer nations by providing "climate finance" to adapt to climate change and switch to renewable energy.

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News Impact

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Dissidents formally project troubled Pul as CM contender

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The dissident Congress group has finally come out in the open with their intention as they declared Kalilkho Pul as its Chief Ministerial contender.  This was revealed by former parliamentary secretary Markio Tado in a press conference on Sunday.

Confident that current govt will be ousted to make way for Pul to take over as the Chief Minister, he promised that financial problems will be solved in a year with the formation of the new government.  

On the other hand, Pul who has been leading the dissidents for months have landed himself in trouble with law with two audio clips making the rounds.

 A non bail-able case against Kalikho Pul, MLA from Anjaw district has been registered in Itanagar Police Station following an FIR Lodged by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Legal Cell on Dec 11.

Officer in Charge of Itanagar Police Station, T Bage has confirmed that case has been registered against Pul.

APCC has alleged former minister Pul of acquiring funds to ‘entice’ INC MLAs to join BJP to pave the way for him to become Chief Minister. APCC had alleged that Pul sought financial help from Assam based business tycoon Romeo Neog to buy MLAs to revolt against the present CM.

Meanwhile, a communally loaded statement purportedly made by Pul, has gone viral on social media as well as instant messaging sites.

Pul supporters, however questions the authenticity of the four minute audio clip while his opponents credit him with the statement.

This comes after Nyishi Elite Society drew flake from many quarters for alleging that the Governor is against the community for moving the dates of the Legislative Assembly Session from Jan to December to facilitate impeachment of the Speaker.

 

 

MLAs appeal not to communalise political issue

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: With the current political issue threatening to become a communal one, two of the MLAs from the dissident Congress group have appealed that the issue may not be taken communally.

Speaking to media persons at Press Club this afternoon, former minister Kumar Waii justifying its move against the impeachment of the speaker said, “If we are not happy or satisfied with the leadership, we have to act as per the provisions of the constitution.”

He expressed displeasure that instead of guiding the community, Nyishi Elite Society (NES) is trying to give the issue a communal colour.

“We should have big heart, otherwise a time will come when people from other communities will have no respect for our community,” he urged.

“If the move is being seen communally, why did not the people from the community react when I was dropped from the ministry, he questioned.

He appealed ANSU to focus on issues related to students.

He also questioned AAPSU’s stand where they had threatened to stall the assembly session if a bill on refugee issue is not introduced during the session.

“During assembly sessions, we make policies for state’s development. It should not be disrupted. It should be supported instead. If you do not let the assembly function, how will the state function,” he said.

Speaking on the same line, former parliamentary secretary Markio Tado also said that the move by NES against governor was wrong.

“The governor being head of the constitution, his order should be honoured,” he said.

“The provision is there in the constitution. If displeasure is there among the legislators with the speaker, they can impeach him. Floor motion has to be there. It is not that it is being done out of the system. This is not a new process”, he reasoned.

He urged that the issue is not taken communally.

“Cultural co-existence has to be there otherwise it will harm the whole state. Later, people from other communities should not be questioning us,” he said.

Also questioning the move of AAPSU, he said that the problem of Chakma-Hajong issue arose because of the weak state government functionaries.

“If the CM and the Advocate General had attended the hearing, this would not have happened. We need good leader,” Tado said.

 

 

Mini Olympics kicks off today

[ M Doley ]

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The first ever Mini Olympic Games in Arunachal Pradesh is all set to kick off at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy playground, Chimpu near here on Monday.

The Mini Olympics—conceptualized and organized by Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA)—aims to bring out sports talents hidden in young boys and girls, particularly of rural areas. A long-felt demand of AOA, the Games saw the light of the day when Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who also holds the Sports Ministry, gave the go-ahead with the idea along with allocation of Rs. 1 Crore for it.

Besides athletes from 17 districts, sportspersons from Police Sports Control Board and Second Arunachal Scout Battalion, Bomdila are participating in the four-day mega sports extravaganza.

There will be a total of 14 sports disciplines for the Games which include Football, Athletics, Weightlifting, Badminton, Boxing, Archery, Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Wushu, Table Tennis, Chess, Carrom and Arm Wrestling.

The sports competitions will be conducted in different venues within Capital Complex, including Yupia and Doimukh.

All the Track & Field events, Judo, Wushu, Archery, Table Tennis and Boxing will be conducted at SLSA Complex at Chimpu while Karate and Taekwondo would be conducted at Yupia and Doimukh respectively. Weightlifting will be held at SAI, Naharlagun, Football at RG Stadium, Naharlagun, Badminton at Raj Bhawan Badminton Stadium, Chess at Siddharth Hall here, informed Organizing Committee.  

Weightlifting will start from Tuesday. However, the audience will miss the presence of lifters from the state currently training at Army Sports Institute, Pune.

In Chess, participation of Dupit brothers-- Tabu Dupit, state champion and former champion Tachung Dupit—will add more glamour to the game of 64-square.

Moreover, events like archery, boxing, Judo and Karate with participation of national and international medal winning players will be worth watching.

The registration of players for the Games was going on until filing of this report and it is expected that the number of participants in the Games is likely to cross the 1000 mark.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki will inaugurate the Games at the main venue SLSA playground, Chimpu on Monday.

 

 

Resilient Arunachal and political crisis

Monday Musing

[ Tongam Rina ]

They say in trying times, come out the real character of an individual and a society.  As the current political situation take a turn from ugly to dirty, people of the state has been resilient, refusing to be divided on lines of tribal or communal affiliation. We seem to have learnt very good lessons from the painful transition of political power in 2011, where the state was literally divided on lines of communal affiliations. One can only hope that we continue as a team Arunachal and draw our strength from each other because it does not look like 60 elected representatives are really concerned about the well being of the state. As of now, they have tried every trick in hand to stay in power or grab power, never once going back to the people to ask what we really wish for.

The Chief Minister and his team have been pretending all along that nothing is wrong, whereas one can clearly read the writing on the wall. The dissident Congress has been away in Delhi for a long time, strategising  in the comforts of a five star hotel, how to grab power. Laughable as we always complain that people sitting in Delhi should not frame policies for us. How time changes! If at all this lot comes to power, we know what to say when they complain against centre and it’s working.

On the other hand, the BJP, with 11 MLAs appears to be making the best out of Congress in-fight. They certainly will have a big role to play to ensure power shift as they are set to defy the democratic logic of number game. Unethical, one may cry but in the dictionary of politicians, ethics never figured.

As the power politics reaches its peak, the Raj Bhavan has not been devoid of controversy either. Governor J P Rajhowa could have handled the situation better by sticking to his earlier decision of summoning the legislative assembly in January. By bringing it forward a month in advance, he has done nothing great for the state but added to the political chaos and confusion. Instead of giving time for a natural progression, which people were anticipating, he has rather provoked a section of the people to react. An experienced bureaucrat, he should have known better that this state is different and needs careful and calculated handling. Though respected as a Governor, because people of Arunachal  respects position, Rajkhowa has been under scrutiny the day he joined for the fact that he has been Chief Secretary of a state which always have had issues because of boundary problem.

It remains to be seen what happens next in terms of power struggle but the fact remains that politicians and Raj Bhavan could have handled the situation better.

Now, the onus is on the people how we handle the dirt that has been handed to us by the politicians and Raj Bhavan. So far we have been extremely graceful and one can only hope that we remain so. Let the power struggle remain confined to the Congress and dissident Congress with their BJP ally and Raj Bhavan thrown in between.

As common citizens, it barely matters who comes to power or which party governs. Politicians and their appointed agents have always taken us for a ride. But this time around, it appears people of this state will not be pawn in the hands of the politicians. That’s a hope and prayer, deeply emboldened by the reaction of the citizens so far. One can only hope that it’s not a false hope.

 

 

Kena seeks financial support for FAME

ITANAGAR, Dec 13:  Minister State Transport Jomde Kena sought financial and technical support from the Centre for the pilot project to use Hybrid and Electrical vehicles in Arunachal Pradesh to maintain the clean and pure environment.  

The state transport minister said this to Union Minister for Heavy Industry Anant Geete during a meeting of the state Transport Ministers on FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and Electrical vehicles) in New-Delhi on Friday.

Kena informed that Arunachal is covered by 80 percent of the forest and the state is strived to keep the ecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh clean. He further informed that pilot project proposal will be sent to Ministry of Heavy Industry for sanction and implementation. The Union Minister assured Kena to clear off the proposal at earliest for effective implementation of the scheme, a release added.

 

 

Gyotu Ajiñ’ - the bond of friendship revived

[ Yachang Tacho ]

ZIRO, Dec 13: At a time when there is talk of disharmony and intolerance   , the long forgotten customary practice of having friendship with people from other community called ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ that existed particularly among the people of Apatani and Nyishi communities have been revived.

Taku Chatung of Hija village and Joram Lali of Joram village, Lower Subansiri district tied their friendship knot in a ceremony organized in full traditional ritual.

The establishment of their ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ is the outcome of September 20, 2015 Nyishi-Apatani Summit organized by Tanw Supuñ Dukuñ (TSD) and Nyishi Elite Society (NES), wherein revival of this customary practice was strongly recommended for further strengthening the bond/relationship, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. The ceremony was held at the residence Taku Chatung, who is also the President of Apatani Youth Association (AYA), in presence of Kago Duri and Joram Kamin as the ‘Potuñ’ (Guarantors), and their relatives and well wishers including senior members of both the communities.

Since it was the first ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ ceremony in modern days, Dr. Hage Lodor, President, Tanw Supuñ Dukuñ, Secretary, Tapi Tai and other executive members were also present on occasion.

Dr. Hage Lodor, President, TSD while congratulating both Chatung and Lali, wished that their ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ relationship will flourish through the ages.  He also encouraged people of both the communities to establish more such friendships to revive the age-old tradition towards strengthening the relationship and maintaining peace and communal harmony by reviving the ‘Manyañ’ system.

As per customary practice, invitee Gyotu Ajiñ has to offer a Mithun to the hosts.

This time Chatung hosted Lali and his team. Lali will invite Chatung to his residence in due course of time and reciprocate.

According to elderly people, Chatung and Lali became the first to celebrate ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ ceremony after a gap of four decades. In other word, the role of ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ is to act as ambassador of their respective village.

Through ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’, people of other community or distant relatives are brought into very close relationship for common benefit and better understanding at individual as well as community level.

“Both of us have entered into this ‘Gyotu Ajiñ’ bonding which will remain so for generations to come, said Taku Chatung.

 

 

Commissioner visit health facilities

PASIGHAT, Dec 13: Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Department, Bolung Siram had a whirl-wind tour of interior and remote locations of Siang and East Siang districts from Dec 7 to 12 last.

Siram inspected as many as 12 PHCs, 5 CHCs, 10Sub-Centers in Riga, Ugeng, Rebo Parging, Suple, Boleng, Yemsing in Siang district and Takilalung, Yagrung, Remi, Mirem, Bilat, Koyu, Rani, Sille, Ruksin, Nari, Old-Seren, Mebo, Borguli, Namsing, Mer, Gadum villages and Pasighat General Hospital in East Siang district.

GBs and PRI members of Yemsing, Riga, Suple, Koyu, Old-Seren and Namsing villages asked for posting of more doctors, nursing staffs and other facilities in the health centres at their respective villages. At Mer and Gadum, villagers appealed for opening a health sub-center at Gadum Tiniali with adequate staffs. At Mebo, the Commissioner inaugurated an ASHA Help Desk and Rest Room. At every village, Siram emphasized on early demarcation/notification of land donated to medical department by villagers to avoid encroachment in future.

At General Hospital Pasighat, Siram took stock of the physical progress of buildings of general hospital constructed under SPA/NHM 2010-14. He inspected Male & Female wards along with other facilities during the visit.

JDHS (T&R) Dr. Kabang Lego and Medical Superintendent Dr. Yater Ringu Darang highlighted various activities of the hospital. While interacting with Medical Officers and staff, the Commissioner enquired about the registration of pregnant mothers for JSY and hospital delivery and also about immunization of children. He advised all the MOs and other paramedical staff to work sincerely so that no pregnant woman and infant misses necessary services admissible to them, facilitating reduction of infant mortality rate/maternal mortality rate. He also advised all to avail benefits under Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Policy.

DMO Siang Dr. Komling Perme, East Siang DMO Mandip Perme and DRCHO Dr. Tatok Gao accompanied the Commissioner during his visit to Siang and East Siang districts. DIPRO

 

 

2nd CM’s Sub-Veteran and Veteran

Badminton Championships concludes

ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The second Chief Minister’s Sub-Veteran and Veteran State Open Badminton Championship concluded at Raj Bhawan Badminton Stadium today with final match between the pairs of Karmo Riram and KR Singh and Joram Silo and A Buragohain in Men’s Double (40 plus).

The pair of Joram Silo and A Buragohain beat the duo of Riram and Singh in two straight sets (21-18, 21-17) win the title.

In Women Doubles (35 plus) final, the pair of Likha Moni and Yane Kamsar beat Taw Yania and Boni Yapu 14-21, 21-15, 21-14 in a hard fought match.

Taw Yania won the women’s singles title defeating Likha Moni by 2-1 sets (13-21, 21-15, 21-14).

In Men Singles (50 plus) final, N Sora beat Gechi Doke in three sets (22-20, 12-21, 21-18).

Laa Ribe made a brilliant comeback after losing the first set to down Karmo Riram in 2-1 sets (15-21, 21-13, 21-16) to win the Men’s Single (45 plus) title.

Dilip Gurung thrashed Tomar Ango 21-11, 21-14 in the Men’s Single (35 plus) final while the pair of Tomar Ango and Taw Yania won the Mixed Doubles title defeating Likha Moni and A Buragohain 21-17, 21-13.

Tomar Ango and Saji Baby won the Men’s Doubles (35 plus) title beating the pair of Dilip Gurung and Mudo Ado in two straight 21-19, 21-14 sets.

Yesterday, the pair of Dobin Doke and Gechi Doke beat the pair of Ege Ete and E Sora in Men’s Double (50 plus) and Techi Killi and N L defeated Karmo Riram and Nabam Tekhi in straight sets of 21-09, 21-20 in the Men Doubles (45 plus) category respectively to win the titles.  

Arunachal State Badminton Association Secretary Bamang Tago said that though it was a low-key affair due to busy badminton schedule in the state, the tournament offered a chance to the winners of the veteran category to participate in the National Veterans Championships scheduled to be held at Chennai from February 4 next year.

He also informed the gathering about the growing popularity of badminton in the state among the youngsters and acknowledged the role of the veteran players in motivating the young and budding players towards the sport.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Benefit of improving relation

For South Asia to prosper, the relation between India and Pakistan matters a lot. If the hostility between two countries continues, the relation will get worse and it will directly affect the atmosphere of whole region. Therefore in this context the recent visit of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to Pakistan is a welcome step. The visit follows the short interaction between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart at Paris during climate summit. This was followed by NSA level talks at Bangkok.

However it is the visit of Ms Swaraj which has done world of good to the relation between two hostile neighbours. It has brought down tempers on both side of border and has helped to create a congenial atmosphere. Due to this there is optimism that finally the peace talks will restart. Also direct outcome of improving relation could be seen in the form of the formal launching of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. Vice President Hamid Ansari, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and leaders from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan today attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the ambitious 10 billion US dollar Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. The project will provide the much needed gas to India to run its power plants. Once completed, this project will immensely benefit the whole of South Asia. The launch of TAPI gas pipeline project shows that if India and Pakistan continues to improve relation, the two countries stand to gain commercially.  Now it's time sporting ties is also restored. Let cricket series between India and Pakistan resume at the earliest.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

For national interest

Dear Editor,

The recent victory in the significant test series against a powerful South Africa by an under prepared Indian cricket team under the leadership of Virat Kohli once again reminds us all it is time to say a warm good bye to veteran MS Dhoni and hand over the responsibility of the Indian national cricket team in every formats to Kohli. By carrying an unnecessary load of a battle tired and exhausted old skipper with the Indian national team; a great injustice is being done to the achievements and accolades earned by Kohli and his men. It is absolutely important to provide Kohli and his men to mature and gain necessary experiences in all formats of the game in comprehensive manner; and to do that a single leader needs to be chosen. The intense pressure of a rising Kohli on his shoulder will neither allow Dhoni to be his former self or will help Kohli to gain confidence of his team mates due to the policy of a divided leadership. With Saha, India has gained an excellent wicket keeper-batsman and we need to provide this young man an opportunity to prove himself in other formats of the game. By regretfully adding a spent horse to the carriage, BCCI selectors are slowing the pace of rapid advancement of the Indian team. Enough experimentation has been done, if India can survive without a Tendulkar; she can also do so without a Dhoni. Some do not wish to leave the stage respectfully when there is time; then they need to be politely shown the exit door for the greater benefit of the nation and for the national interest.

Yours,     

Saikat Kumar Basu

Lethbridge, Canada

 

 

System of self defense

Dear Editor,

Salim Khan said that his son Salman Khan had spent over Rs.20-25 crore on the court case. Though this is just a few days earnings of the tinsel star but certainly this puts a big question mark about the veracity and practicability of 'equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India' as enshrined in the Article 14 of the constitution of India.

If one is not satisfied with the judgment of a lower court, one can move to High Court and then again has the option for going to the Supreme Court of India to get legal redress. One has opportunities to challenge the verdict of the court of law. But there is an always financial roadblock for most of the Indians as engaging a good lawyer can cost them a fortune.  The difference in the quality of the lawyers who are to fight against each other in the court room can cause tilting the balance of the objective scale the other way round by subjective factors such as debating skills of the lawyers. It is next to impossible for a poor person to hire a lawyer of repute to defend his or her case. Even legal aid cannot solve the problem as most of the established lawyers will fight shy of joining a legal aid team until the state pays their actual fees.

The only way is to start a system of self-defence and to do away with the practice of lawyers' defence on behalf of the party. The cross - examination can, aptly, be done by the Hon' ble judge. It will help objective analysis and uphold to some extent the ideals of justice, equality and fairplay in a land where most of the people find it difficult to sustain their families. The lawyers can become jobless for some time but they can be recruited to clear three crore cases as there are only sixteen thousand judges in India to do the job. This will certainly stop justice being delayed and denied.

Yours,

Sujit De, Kolkata

 

 

Haves trampling over have not`s

Dear Editor,

A reel life situation came alive when a Toyota Cruiser came out like a bat at the dead of the night and mowed down the pavement dwellers and like a typical Bollywood happy endings, the protagonist which happens to be Salman  Khan in this case was being acquitted of all the charges.

This has brought a flood of outrage in the social media with people crying that the rich can literally murder anyone a getaway easily.

But the case cannot be obliterated in the smoky tangle of legal complexities as one man died and many were injured and now what intrigues me is that if it was not Salman, then who did it? He should be made accountable for booking the culprit as he was in the fateful vehicle when the accident occurred.

However it’s not that I am stereotyping rich as being villain but the case have generated negative sentiments as it came against the denizens thirst to see rich being punished for their misadventures.   

I am stirred not because Salman has been acquitted but because the homeless people who felt the weight of the Land Cruiser have not got justice and it is a searing image of the Haves trampling over Have not`s.

Yours,

David Koyu

North Eastern Hill University, Shillong

 

 

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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