February  13

Security tightened at D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

Conservation and livelihood issues

Maksam Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary officials has tightened its vigilance and monitoring efforts to manifolds.

In its recently enhanced rigorous round the clock operation, the field staff led by Dy. Ranger Naning Perme intercepted some groups of timber smugglers. In the whole operation, they have seized four big country boats, a pushcart (Thela) of motor bike wheel, an axe, a felling saw, ropes, utensil among others.

These boats were meant to ferry men and materials, whereas pushcart were to transport timber logs from nearby forest to river in place of using elephant which give greater chance of getting caught.

But the forest team is yet to make any arrests so far, as smugglers fled into the thick jungle on seeing the forest staff approaching and firing on air.

In yet another interception of illegal fishing in the sanctuary premises, the same team have seized three number of big fishing nets from fishermen. These fishing nets (gillnetting) are a huge threat to the existence of Dolphins as they are mostly caught for oil, ointment and bait. The scientific name of these dolphins is Platanista gangetica and is commonly known as "Susu" in Ganges, "Hihu" in Brahmaputra and "Petukari" in Siang basin.

The river dolphins are included in the schedule 1 of Indian Wildlife Act of 1972. According to this Act, if anyone is found killing them or possessing any parts can be imprisoned for 1-6 years and fined not less than Rs.6000.

The dolphins of Siang basin which remain concentrated more at the confluences of various streams of Siang within the sanctuary premises is additional assets of D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary. Its number has come down drastically, either being killed or retreated to Brahmaputra due to unrestricted various human activities like fishing (gillnetting), poaching, poisoning, blasting and electrocution by generators & inverter. In an earlier incident, the sanctuary staff had caught some people poisoning a stream for fish. They were fined Rs.5000 and let off with a last warning.

All this apart, the sanctuary officials are tightening up their belt to revive the lost glory of this sanctuary. This reflects from their recent security beef ups and proposals to state and central governments for its infrastructural development and alternative sustenance schemes for the fringe people to reduce their age old dependency on sanctuary and its river for their needs.

This daily had created a short of wave which carried one of the reports on the sanctuary drawing Raj Bhawan & Chief Minister’s office's attention for its revival last year.

It would go a long way in saving the sanctuary if the PCCF and state government's gives adequate attention to DFO Tashi Mize's proposals with priority.

It is worth mentioning here, that Borguli ASM Yung Tayeng, who immediately made available of a fighter boat to the department for swift vigilance, says “State government and the concern government must take immediate action to revive this sanctuary and develop it into an eco-tourism hotspot”.

“Along with regularization of contingency workers who has been serving from last 7-15 years, new job post be also created to adjust the educated youth of fringe areas, particularly  land donor like Borguli”, he further suggests.

The survival of the species, be it dolphins, tigers & trees of the sanctuary, all rest finally in the hands of fringe people. They are mostly poor and illiterate. Any steps directed to save the species should take into consideration of the economic status of the people and give them an alternative livelihood. Otherwise, it would be difficult to completely detach themselves from indulging in activities not in conformity with the laid down forest rules. (The contributor is a conservationist from Mebo, East Siang.)

 

Sorry state of Yingkiong Govt HS school

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: State education department deserves accolades for implementation of Right to Education at the earliest. But the grievances of SSA teachers, contractual employees under SSA and the pathetic condition of school infrastructures in various parts of the district narrate a different story. The latest is the deplorable condition of the Yingkiong Govt Higher Secondary School infrastructures.

 The Science laboratories (See Picture) and the boy’s hostel of the Govt HS school  are lying in pathetic condition.  The Adi Students Union said the dilapidated school buildings are in no way helpful to the students coming from various parts of Upper Siang district to continue their classes. How can one expect the students  perform under such trying circumstances caused by poor infrastructures? It questioned. The Union has appealed to the local MLA Yingkiong and the state education department to take necessary actions for the renovation of school infrastructures.

 

Enquiry into alleged violation of guidelines in project implementation demanded

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The former Pakke-Kessang MLA Techi Hemu has demanded enquiry in to the alleged violation of Central Govt guidelines in implementation of projects sanctioned by the Govt under SPA 2010-11 in Pakke-Kessang administration circle.

In a letter to the chief secretary, the former MLA said that the Seppa PWD division, which is implementing agency of five sanctioned SPA projects had floated tender in hasty manner and in ten different packages in total violation of the guidelines of the Central Govt.

The projects were : Construction of Seppa –Sagalee road to Pakke-Kessang EAC HQ  with the  estimated cost of Rs 30.20 crore, Improvement of Township road at Seijosa and Pakke-Kessang from APP check gate to SDO office, Seijosa and PWD IB to Govt Hr Secondary School for Rs 1 crore, Infrastructure development of ADC HQ Seijosa for Rs 1 crore, Construction of Helipad at different administrative centres in East Kameng district for Rs 1 crore  64  lakh and 18 thousand  and  Construction of Helipad at Seijosa I/C  VIP lounge, internal road, security fencing and gates etc for Rs 1 crore, 49 lakh and 25 thousand.

Alleging that tenders were issued in illegal and arbitrary manner, Hemu further claimed that an amount of over Rs  2 crore, ( 32.55 per cent)  from the  total cost of the original projects was missing while implementing the projects in ten different packages.

The former MLA has demanded necessary action against the erring officials and floating of fresh tender as per administrative approval and finance concurrence of the schemes.

 

APSCW attends workshop on prohibition of sexual harassment of women at work place

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The North East Network, Guwahati organised a two days workshop on the prohibition of sexual harassment of women at work place at Guwahati on February  2-3.  The main aim of the workshop was to familiarize participants with legal provision available to address /redress sexual harassment at work place. It enables the participants to understand and analyse the issue for a gender prospective.

The Chairpersons and  the Members of the State Commissions of the North eastern and large number of resource persons including Dr Monisha Behal and Nandhini Rao, legal experts and  representatives from leading NGOs of the North East  took part in it.

The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women  (APSCW)  was  represented by the Chairperson Gumri Ringu and Vice Chairperson Radhilu Chai Techi in the workshop.

Ringu and Chai Techi also attended a workshop on "Achieving Convergence for Empowerment of Women Regional Conference for the North Eastern States” at Shillong on February  7-8.

The meeting was organised by Social Welfare Department of Meghalaya in collaboration with Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India and National Mission for Empowerment of Women (Ministry of Women Child Development, Govt. of India).

The meeting was aimed at strengthening the process that promote holistic development of women, gender equality, gender justice through inter-sectorial convergence of programmes imparting women forging synergy amongst various stake holders and creating and enabling environment conducive to social change. The meeting was attended by J.A.Lyngdoh, Minister, Social Welfare, Govt. of Meghalaya, Nilanjan Sanyal, Additional Secretary and Managing Director, National Mission for Empowerment of Women, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India.

Rashmi Singh, Executive Director, National Mission for Women, all the Chairpersons/Members of the State Commissions for Women of the North Eastern States and also prominent NGOs of the North Eastern States were present.

 

Rock Fest reach Changlang, Alien Gods enthralls

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Red Rockfest, a Rock concert under Multi Media Campaign organised by Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society to create awareness on HIV/AIDS received huge response from young audience of Changlang where Alien Gods enthralled the audience with its blasting performance.

Changlang having 13 cases of HIV is one of the most vulnerable districts of Arunachal Pradesh as per HIV/AIDS is concerned. Taking this into account, MMC team reached Changlang district with popular Alien Gods to create awareness among the youths of the district.

Living up to its reputation of being popular among the youth, concert by Alien Gods drew hundreds of young crowd to the venue in Changlang on February 11.

Changlang Additional Dy. Commissioner MC Roy while inaugurating the concert asked everyone to learn the four routes of HIV transmission to stay safe from it.  While urging the youth to spend their time in study and other meaningful activities, he said that the youth should refrain from indulging in drugs and other anti social activities. He also asked youths to participate voluntarily in the crusade against HIV. Tashor Pali, Dy. Director (IEC), APSACS, while briefing the MMC informed that the campaign is conducted under National AIDS Control Organisation through State AIDS Control Societies in the eight north eastern state targeting age group between 15 to 29 years.

Keeping in mind that music and sports are in the blood of the youths of the north eastern state, MMC is conducted through music concerts and sports.

He also highlighted why youths are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS than any other age group. He also urged the young audience to carry forward the message on HIV so that a chain of information on HIV/AIDS could be created.

District Medical Officer said that HIV/AIDS has emerged as major global issues today which need to be addressed at all level. He urged every individual to response to the need of the hour.

 

33rd APLS exposes the talent of budding litterateurs

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The 33rd literary sitting of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) was held at the conference hall of JN State Museum here today.

Chaired by APLS assistant general secretary Dr Pekba Ringu, the session witnessed the established and budding litterateurs reciting their self-composed literary pieces followed by an interactive session.  

Niamant Wangsa and Sangita Thapa (both students of RGU) recited their self-composed English poems – ‘Mirror’ and ‘Dreams’ respectively, while R N Koley read out the Bengali poem titled ‘Anuronan’ (meaning, the echoing effect) making the literary meet a vibrant one.

Bompi Riba, assistant professor (English) of RGU, narrated her self-composed short story, ‘Delusion’, depicting the reality of life. While Mukul Pathak recited an Assamese poem titled ‘Taj Mahalar Biruddhe’, Inumoni Das Borah shared her thoughts on her composition ‘Bihonotat Mur Junaki Anubhuti’ and Roman Borah read out an English poem, ‘Solitude’.

Among others, Dr S K Ghosh and Jahnavi Gogoi were also present.

Cement and steel traders observe bandh

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The cement and steel traders in Papum Pare and Lower Subansiri districts have observed two-day shutter down on February 9 and 10 in protest against various kind of harassment being faced by cement and steel traders in their  day-to-day business activities.

The traders closed their shops in protest  against the  forceful credit imposed by the customers, collection of donation by various organizations, manhandling of traders without valid reasons, among others, said Cement and Steel Traders Association of Arunachal Pradesh in a release today.

 

NSS camp

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The annual day and night special camp of the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Govt Hr. Secondary. School Sagalee concluded at Karoi village under Sagalee circle on February six last. The NSS volunteers, both boys and girls, cut a large portion of hill to broaden the area near a newly constructed hostel building. Vice principal Toli Doye along with teachers Nabam Raja, Tayum Tatup and headmaster incharge of Govt Middle School Karoi Kara Talin attended the valedictory function.

The camp was conducted under NSS programme officer AK Shukla.

 

Arunachal at SATTE

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Sange Tsering and Lobsang Phuntsok represented Arunachal Pradesh at the South Asian Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) which was held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on  February 10.

Representatives from more than 50 countries and more than 6000 travel agencies and tour operators took part in the event.

 

Joydam Festival of the Deoris

MAHADEVPUR, Feb 12: The two-day Joydam Festival of the Deori community organised by Joydam Festival Celebration Committee concluded at Joydam ground at Mahadevpur village No 1 here yesterday.

Over 1,000 people belonging to all sections – young and old in their best traditional attires – from all villages of Lohit and Changlang districts took part in the celebration with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour. The folk dance to the tune of melodious folk songs added colour to the event.

Speaking as the chief guest of the valedictory function, Finance, Planning and PWD Minister Chowna Mein, expressed confidence that such events would enrich the culture and traditions of Deories and create a platform for the young generation as an opportunity to adopt and to understand their age-old tradition and culture.

Such cultural events cement the bond of friendship and foster unity and strength of the community with others communities while showcasing their rich cultural mosaic, he added.

Namsai ADC T. Miso also attended the function.

 

UNO reminds govt of its demand

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: United Nyishi Organization (UNO) has reminded the state government to either act before expiry of ultimatum to transfer Executive Engineer (EE), Yazali PWD division or face the first of phase-wise bandh call in Lower Subansiri and Capital Complex on February 17.

UNO, said that it had submitted a single-point demand to the state government to transfer the EE before February 16 for his alleged misappropriation of fund and dereliction of duty. But no action has been initiated against the EE as demanded by the organization, it said.

 

Illegal occupation in Govt quarters alleged

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Lobi Wild-life Range Development and Protection Committee, Lobi, in a release alleged that some public have settled down in  newly constructed quarters of Lobi Forest Colony, Itanagar after occupying them. The committee demanded the authority to immediately vacate the quarters from illegal occupants.

 

Art of Living

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The Art of Living is organising a stress management and life-skill workshop in Itanagar from February 14, . The six-day course will be held at the Art of Living Centre in H Sector.

 

ASM’s death condoled

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Sangha Welfare Society (SWS) has condoled the death of Dare Nai, ASM of Pagam anchal segment and chairman of Dare Forest Management Committee and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to late ASM.

Parsi Parlo Area Youth Organization has also mourned the death of Dare Nai, who breathed his last on February nine last after a prolonged illness.

 

ARPA demands compensation

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Arunachal Registered Pharmacist Association (ARPA) has called on the District authority to compensate Tai Niku, a pharmacist whose house was gutted down after a fire accident on February 6. The association regretted that fire tender failed to act promptly despite being within the very periphery of accident site.

The inferno had completely burnt down all the five room (RCC) building. As they said not a single items could be saved or taken out since the fire was spreading fast through electrical wirings.

ARPA meanwhile thanked all individuals who had helped her in the hour of crisis.

 

MPs extend help to Tawang Monastery

ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Expressing deep shock at Saturday fire mishap at famous Tawang Monastery, Rajya Sabha Member Mukut Mithi and Lok Sabha Member Ninong Ering have conveyed their deep sense of condolences to the bereaved family members of Khow, a 10-year-old boy of Kharteng village, who had died in the mishap.

While Mithi announced Rs 6 lakh from his MPLAD fund for rebuilding the damaged structure, Ering announced Rs 5 lakh from his MPLAD fund too for the purpose.  

Lok Sabha Member Takam Sanjoy, who represents the area, suggested thorough enquiry into the mishap.

MP also announced Rs. 5 lakh from his MPLAD fund for rebuilding the damaged structure.

News Impact

• Security tightened at D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sorry state of Yingkiong Govt HS school
• Enquiry into alleged violation of guidelines in project implementation demanded
• APSCW attends workshop on prohibition of sexual harassment of women at work place
• Rock Fest reach Changlang, Alien Gods enthralls
• 33rd APLS exposes the talent of budding litterateurs

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

All rights reserved.

The Other Side

Dear Editor,

It has been well quoted by one great person, “Loss of culture is loss of identity.”

Indeed, preserving culture by various communities and sections of the people make the world colourful, diverse and perhaps entertaining one. Also, it enables every community to showcase their pride with distinction in culture and traditions. Not to forget, it really makes the outer side of the world beautiful. Each one of us knows that culture and traditions are like distinct attire to a community. Thus, serving as an I.D card. It even helps different group of people to build up their own niche of living in this competitive world.

However, like every common person, I feel, ‘a coin has got two sides.’ All of us are optimistic of preserving culture and traditions, but many of us do not like to know the other side of it.

Let us ask ourselves-what do we want? A united world or a divided one? Most probably, many of us would say a united one.  Most of us feel the same, but when comes into implementation, only few dare to do it. So, what is it which does divide people? Among many reasons, I would blame difference in culture and traditions at zenith.

No doubt, Homo sapiens do have several but distinct cultures. We even try to expand our living circumference, may be in the form expanding our traditions and culture which includes religion, food, language etc.. While getting indulged in this race, we forget the noble word-‘HUMANITY’ and ‘UNITY’, and exert our effort at vertex in suppressing each other in the name of preservation of culture and traditions. We forget that these differences in culture and traditions are one of the main culprits which are causing division within the Homo sapiens. Also, it acts as a hurdle to a united world.

Why does a war exist between the Muslim countries and the U.S.A? Apart from many reasons, I feel, either of them might have bitter feelings somewhere deep inside them that their religion, food habits or life style etc is better then the other; and either of them feels that other one is insulting their so called religion, life style etc- traditions and culture.

Same is with Arunachal Pradesh. I believe, Inter-tribal discrimination, which is observed in Arunachal Pradesh is because of difference in language, culture etc, out of many, though our facial structure and living style, in some or the other way, is the same. It is the hour of need that we equip our selves with a common language, common living style etc to make our state a united and a peaceful one, which, in turn will increase the pace of socio-economic status in many folds.

Differences in traditions and cultures may have certain good effects, but let us not ignore that these differences play a major role in being a vital barrier to a ‘UNITED and PEACEFUL WORLD.’

Let us not stick to ones tradition or a culture rather should work together to find a common language (main), living style etc for a peaceful living, which, I too believe, is not an easy task, but not impossible. It can be achieved through determined but constructive inscription and actions.

Yours

Dr. Neelam Nega

 

 

Join hands

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to a handful of visionary intellectuals from the Mishmi community under the banner of "People's Forum for Project Affected Families" (PFPAF) for taking up the cause of the Mishmi Community as a whole. The large scale act of corruption regarding the highway widening project in Anjaw District and the indifference of the administration towards the issue; along with the grave threat of Mega Dams in the Anjaw and Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh need urgent attention. The protest rally and the awareness spread by PFPAF are heart-touching as they are taking up the cause selflessly despite the indifference of the local Mishmi Population.

The Mishmi community needs to work hand in hand with the group (PFPAF) towards a better tomorrow. I also exhort every conscientious individual of the Mishmi Community to do the same.

In addition, I would also like to appeal all the organization of the Mishmi Community to work in close co-ordination with the group and provide due support for the noble cause.

Yours truly

Ejanso Yun

 

 

The alien culture

Dear Editor

Now days there are many organisations and union in our land of rising sun. But none of them are here to think or work for the development of own motherland Arunachal. The main aim of forming an organisation or union is for the development of nation, state etc. But in this land of kushi-marji, forming an organisation and union is only for destructive measure such as bandh call, donation and violence.

If people of this land know their duty, work together and take constructive measure for the development of our land, then there will be no more land of kushi-marji. And our motherland Arunachal will be top among all the states of nation.

Yours,

Khyoda Tadam

Wadia College, Pune

 

 

Meagre amount but it  matters

Dear Editor,

So far I know the govt. of A.P has hiked the stipend of college students from the present Rs. 380 per month to Rs. 735.But to my great surprise most of the colleges are to disburse the stipends at old rate i.e., Rs. 380 per month. If we were to be given at old rate why didn't they disburse the stipend when our  Education Minister released our stipend in Dec last. When inquired at that time, we were told that talks for stipend hike is on with govt so its being delayed.

I would like to request the concerned education department to deliver us the hiked stipend. Though it may be a little amount, it matters a lot for a poor student like me.

Yours,

Habung Tamer

DNGC Itanagar

 

 

 

Teach them a lesson or two

Dear Editor,

It is saddening to know that yet again students have vandalised the lone petrol pump of Yinkiong. Such action deserves severe criticism from every quarters and their respective parents should give them a lesson or two at home by giving a tight slap reminding them that they should concentrate in studies. It is the total failure of the system that the sole pump has been damaged by a bunch of youngster. Not only has it led to disruption of normal public life but the faith of public also is withering from the system. However, we should not forget that the young minds would not have come to such a point where they had to take the law into their hand. The system should look into the matter if there has been some ineptness on the part of concerned department to check the adulterated petrol in the market. And of course, the law of the land should prevail.

Yours,

An Arunachalee

New Delhi

 

 

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

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