February 09
News Impact
Cash reward stands
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006
GSU to go with 72 hrs bandh
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: Galo Students’ Union (GSU) has decided to go ahead with its proposed
72-
The union’s demands included, immediate dropping of Parliamentary Secretary Home, immediate transfer of Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Town Magistrate of West Siang District, inquiry into the involvement and role of Local Organizing Committee Chairman and Organising Secretary in the incident, speedy investigation and submission of charge sheet at the earliest.
Essential services like Ambulance, milk van, magistrate on duty, para-
Provide fund for restoration of DIET building
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: All Arunachal Pradesh Diploma Holders in Elementary Education Association appealed to the concerned authority to immediately provide relief fund for refurbishment of properties of DIET building, Daporijo which were gutted down in a fire incident recently.
ASF for amicable solution
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: Arunachal Students Federation (ASF), in a representation to the Deputy Commissioner cum Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of East Siang District has appealed him to reconsider the case against the president of Eastern Adi Students Union (EASU).
The EASU president might have involved in a little argument with another party after the car rubbing incident on February four at Pasighat, but without any ill intention, the ASF said in a release and defended that the president of EASU, being a student leader can not be of criminal minded.
“No magistrate should take advantage of his power and position against the student leader,” the release said and also appealed both Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Association (APCSOA) East Siang unit and Jamoh families to maintain the feelings of brotherhood by resolving the issue amicably.
ASF appealed to the CJM to constitute an inquiry committee to unearth the truth behind the incident instead of sending the EASU president into judicial custody.
Women health camp held
YINGKIONG, Feb 08: Twenty-
A mother and child health awareness camp was also conducted on the sideline of the camp. DIPRO
Five dwelling houses gutted
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: Five dwelling houses along with properties worth lakhs of rupees were gutted down in a fire accident at Riko village, Upper Subansiri District yesterday mid night.
The cause of fire accident is not known.
Meanwhile, the members of Kara Welfare Society donated blankets, utensils, rice and other house hold material to the Riko fire accident victims. It further appealed to the district administration, local MLA and concerned authority to immediately provide relief materials to fire victims and said that the well wishers should also extend their possible help in cash and kind.
SJSRY schemes for Deomali and Khonsa approved
KHONSA, Feb 08: The governing body meeting of District Urban Development Agency (DUD) held under the chairmanship of Tirap Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sachin Shinde approved several schemes under SJSRY for Deomali and Khonsa towns.
The schemes targeting urban poor and unemployment problems included, Urban Community
Development Network, Urban Self Employment Programme (USEP), Skill Training for Employment
Promotion amongst the Urban Poor (STEP-
The DC cum DUDA Chairman DUDA gave emphasis on poultry farming for revenue generation
under USEP and STEP-
The meeting was attended by Deomali SDO G Singpho, DVO Khonsa Oken Tayeng, DPO Khonsa, PR Kanwar and Branch Managers of Khonsa SBI and Apex Bank among others.
Farmers-
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Pasighat conducted
a day-
All together 21 farmwomen from different villages participated in the interaction with the resource persons from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pasighat. Besides the resource persons the Project Director, ATMA and his subordinate officers actively interacted with farmwomen. They suggested few corrective measures besides clearing doubts of the farmers on different agrilcultural activities.
::::::::::::::::::::::::
208 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.
Labour Commissioner arrested in Govt land encroachment case
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: The Naharlagun police today arrested incumbent labour commissioner of state Ojing Darung following the order issued by Guwahati High Court Itanagar permanent bench to start proceeding against sitting labour commissioner for occupying government land at Naharlagun.
Darung has been arrested under section 3 of prevention to damage of public property
(PDPP) act. He has been accused of violating laid down norms by illegally dismantling
his official type -
According to the capital SP Surender Kumar an FIR was lodged against him for illegal occupation of government land by director of housing at Naharlagun police station on 21st February 2011. Following a lengthy trial, Additional District magistrate cum chief estate officer Talo Potom ordered the officer in charge of Naharlagun police station to book him under section 3 of PDPP Act. However Darung filed a writ petition (No. 09(AP) 2012) at Guwahati High Court Itanagar permanent bench challenging the order and accordingly on 9th August 2012 the matter was heard in the court. Judge quashed his petition and instead directed additional district magistrate cum chief estate officer to initiate action against petitioner Darung under section 3 PDPP act and asked him to submit status report.
According to the source as soon news of Labour Commissioner being arrested spread numerous people including ministers and MLAs exerted immense pressure on capital administration to release him on bail. These are the same ministers and MLAs who often talk of acting tough on land encroachers but when administration really goes tough, they become stumbling block. Meanwhile, AdiSU staged a dharna at East Siang DC’s office complex today in protest against the arrest of Ojing Darung, Commissioner, Labour Government of Arunachal Pradesh by Naharlagun Police.
While condemning the Darung’s arrest, AdiSU in a representation to East Siang Deputy Commissioner urged him to convey the message to his Capital Complex counter for intervening him to release the Labour Commissioner immediately.
“Darung was allegedly targeted by a certain labour union. If he is found guilty of the charged allegation, there is law. But, all of their allegations against the Labour Commissioner are baseless,” AdiSU claimed in a release and termed the action taken against Darung a tactic to harass him mentally.
“ Further, we have been compelled to take a decision that there will be no labour union in Siang districts which is affiliated to Labour Union headed by a certain person,” the release said and called upon all the members of the certain Union to tender resignation within 15 days.
Many students and social activists, including from Bogong Banggo Students' Union, AdiSU Itanagar unit, ABK and its women, voluntarily joined the protest demanding immediate release of Darung, the release informed.
‘Scientific & technical terminologies should not be confined only to recognized languages’
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: The three-
In his keynote address, Dr. Umakant Khubalker, Assistant Director, Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CCST) MHRD stressed on bringing scientific and technical development and its terminologies closer to common people. He said that the usage of scientific and technical terminologies should not be confined only to the constitutionally recognized languages. He said that one of the most important factors for China’s overall development is, it has been publishing and translating scientific and technical development and related vocabularies not only in Chinese and English but also in Hindi and many other Asian and European languages.
Prof. Tamo Mibang, Vice Chancellor Rajiv Gandhi University emphasized on the importance
of language and interchangeability of terminologies in everyday usage and stated
that 'languages lived so long as the speakers are alive. Prof. Mibang rued non-
Acknowledging the importance of CSTT, the VC appreciated the MHRD and the Hindi Dept. DNGC for organizing such relevant seminar in the state. He exhorted the CSTT to continue with its visionary work. He also acknowledged the importance of Hindi in the North East region and Arunachal Pradesh in particular, which has been acting as the 'link' language among the various ethnic groups.
The first technical session was chaired by Prof. R. Surendran and the speakers were Ravi Shankar Ravi, Editor Dainik Purvodaya, Guwahati and Dr. V.K Sinha, former Director, CSTT.
The second technical session was chaired by Dr. VK Sinha and the speakers were Dr. Ajay Kr. Mishra, Associate Professor, WR Govt. College Deomali and Dr. BP Philip, Associate Professor, Folk Literature, State Council of Educational Research and Training, Kohima.
In his keynote address, Dr. Umakant Khubalker, Assistant Director, CSTT (HRD stressed about bringing scientific and technical developements and its terminologies closer home to common people. He also said that the usage of scientific and technical terminologies should not be confined to the constitutionally recognized languages alone. He also said that one of the most important factors for China's overall development is that, it has been publishing and translating scientific and technical development and related vocabulary not only in Chinese and English but also in Hindi and many other Asian and European languages.
Dr. CT Bunia, Director National Institute of Technology (NIT), Yupia also attended the seminar.
Dr. Joram Aniya Tana, the programme convenor, gave welcome address.
Earlier, the seminar started with lightning of the lamp followed by Sarswati Vandana by the students of DN Govt. College Itanagar.
Tuki campaigns for party in Nagaland
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: With Naga-
Arriving a day earlier of Mrs Gandhi’s campaign rally at Dimapur, Tuki addressed a party meeting of Nagaland CLP leaders, PCC members, heads of all frontal and organizational wings at the Dimapur District Congress Committee office.
He also formally released the Congress Manifesto for the state’s assembly polls.
Addressing party leaders and workers, Tuki said Congress is the only option for the state to bring in accelerated development along with peace.
“The North East has always enjoyed a special place and status bestowed by the Congress since the very beginning and specially has a soft corner in the hearts and minds of the Gandhi family,” he pointed and called upon the party cadres to gear up and work together to bring INC to power.
Tuki urged INC leaders and members to win the hearts of the people to bring them closer to the party and repose confidence on it.
“We have selected most eligible and deserving candidates for the coming elections.
We must ensure their victory so that Congress forms the next government in Nagaland,”
he added. On Wednesday Tuki campaigned at Mokokchung and assessed the ground realities.
He held an intensive meeting with party leaders besides having heart-
He also oversaw the arrangements made for the visit and campaign rally of Mrs Gandhi before heading for Dimapur.
Mrs Gandhi addressed a party rally at Mokokchung on Thursday morning and at Dimapur in the afternoon. Senior Congress leader Ambika Soni accompanied Mrs Gandhi.
DLMC reviews project implementation
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: The 8th District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) Meeting for reviewing of all the ongoing and completed projects implemented under SPA, NLCPR, NEC, RIDF, PM's Package etc. was convened in the conference Hall of DRDA at Yupia today.
Chairing the meeting, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu explained the aim and objectives of the meeting and asked all executing departments to give project wise PowerPoint presentation on physical and financial achievements with photographs.
Secretary (Finance) Swati Sharma explained the objectives and functions of SLMC and
informed that she being the SLMC in-
She also informed that the Govt. has constituted Sub-
All the administrative officers concerned have been instructed to conduct Monitoring Committee Meeting quarterly in their respective jurisdiction as per Govt. notification.
The DLMC Chairman has directed all executing agencies who did not submit UCs and other relevant documents during meeting to submit it within 3 days.
Both the Secretary (Finance) and Deputy Commissioner expressed their strong displeasure over absence few departments in the all important meeting in spite of timely information.
Earlier, the departments concerned gave details of each project executed by them scheme wise through PowerPoint.
Besides all Heads of executing department, HODs, administrative officers and PRI members attended the meeting.
Age-
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Feb 08: The feelings of brotherhood between Adi and Mishings was renewed at the bank of Siang river on Wednesday, when the functionaries of prominent Adi organizations sat in a coordination meeting with various Mishing organizations of Assam at Siku Sirum river in East Siang.
AdiSU sources informed that their functionaries along with the representatives of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) sat in a coordination meeting with the Mishing organizations of Assam and exchanged their feeling of ancestral unity and brotherhood.
The participants, in the meeting agreed to maintain their age-
Explaining the objective of the meeting, AdiSU, East Siang unit president Kaling Doruk recalled the similarities between the two groups in terms of dialect, culture and traditional customs. He said though political force is differentiated the two groups, but their sentiments and feelings are not yet separated.
Supporting the view of the Adis, the leaders of Mishings organization such as Takam
Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Mising Mimak Kebang (MMK), Mising Agom Kebang (MAK) and
others have assured their cohesion with Adis for any efforts to elevate their socio-
The speakers in the meeting highlighted the fact that Assam-
It is pertaining to mention that the ABK has been moving Arunachal government to
grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Mishings living in the state. So, the recent
meeting of Adi-
ANSU condemns attack of DNGCSU GS
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: Condemning the attack on DNGC Students Union General Secretary by some miscreants recently, All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has vehemently demanded the Itanagar police to bring the culprits involved in the incident to book immediately and award them severe punishment. Attacking someone in educational institution deserves condemnation from all quarters, ANSU said in a release adding that educational institution like College is meant for study to build one’s career but not for fighting among the students.
It appealed to the authority of DNGC to take stringent action against those students who indulge in such criminal activities in future.
Meanwhile, ANSU appealed to the students of the college to develop a sense of competitiveness among them to excel in their examinations and help create an atmosphere that is conducive for teaching and learning.
“Nothing good will come out of such activity rather than creating more misunderstandings among them,” ANSU said and appealed to the students to refrain from such activities and learn how to live with their fellow students.
ALSU questions formation of new district without planning
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: The Arunachal Law Students (ALSU) has backed the decision of All Papum Pare District Students Union (APPDSU) to oppose creation of new capital district. ALSU also questioned the move of state government for formation of districts after districts without proper planning. At present state already has 18 districts and government has failed to provide proper infrastructure to all the existing districts, union said.
“The state government has also violated all the norms in formation of new districts. Government has given new districts without proper planning and it might have serious implication on state exchequer. The formation of new districts will need heavy investment of money and we wonder whether state government has fund for such adventure,” ALSU stated.
Further they added, “In the last financial year state government presented deficit budget and authority also declared austerity measures for government employees. Government is also not able to give monthly salary to the SSA teachers. In such situation it is questionable how state government is announcing formation of new districts.” ALSU called for proper study and planning before going for the formation of new districts.
Orgs condemn attack on DNGCSU GS, demand arrest of culprits
Abstain from bandh call: Admin.
ITANAGAR, Feb 08: The Capital Complex district administration has directed the Dera Natung Govt College Students Union not to call any capital bandh saying that bandh calls cause undue hardship and miseries to common people and seriously affect the livelihood of wage earners and business community.
The DNGCSU had threatened to call 12 hours capital bandh in case of failure of the police to arrest the culprits who attacked on its general secretary recently.
The Administration has also ordered the police officials to take all security measures to ensure the safety of life and property of citizens of this district.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clans Youth Organization condemned the assault on DNGC General Secretary Gora Rikam and appealed to the district administration to immediately arrest the culprit involved in the incident.
The organization, however, appealed to the DNGC Students’ Union not to call the 12
hrs capital bandh in order to facilitate the students of class-
Meanwhile, Students’ Welfare Committee of Government Higher Secondary School, Itanagar also appealed to the DNGC students’ Union not to give any capital bandh in order to facilitate the students to complete the board examination.
Lower Siang issue; people react
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Feb 08: There have been mixed reactions among eminent citizens of East Siang
district to the issue of inclusion of five Adi villages of Nari-
Mixed reactions are there after the Adi Students Union (AdiSU) conducted a ‘consultative meeting’ at Depi village to discuss on “Boundary demarcation” of Lower Siang on Thursday.
The Adi people of Ruksin and Nari-
The president of Legong Bango Students Union Johny Modi stated that his union heartily welcomes the decision made by the ABK and AdiSU and expressed his solidarity to cooperate any steps for redressing the sufferers’ grievances.
Expressing his view, BJP national general secretary Tapir Gao said the villagers,
who are unwilling to go to a new district should no be included therein. Gao, who
is a native of Ruksin in West-
Public leaders of Ruksin, Takin Taying and Tasung Saroh opined that the people of Adi villages in Nari and Kora circles were earlier in Legong Banggo area. They didn’t oppose their inclusion in Ramle Banggo as they were dwelling in East Siang district. But, now they (Adi people of Nari Koyu area) cannot go to other district as their ancestors are still living in East Siang.
On the other hand, Ramle Banggo Welfare Society (RBWS) has refuted the allegations raised by the Adi people and urged the AdiSU and other sections to solve the problem through peaceful dialogue. The general secretary of RBWS Kayi Dabii stated that the affected villagers should come forward for peaceful negotiation with other ethnic groups rather than making the issue more sensitive.
Dabii said the government is going to create the new district from economic, geographical and administrative points of view and thus matter of caste, creed and religion is not accounted for it. He requested the AdiSU and Ramle Banggo Adi Peoples' Forum activists not to mislead the people by spreading a “wrong message” in order to create communal feeling among their minds.
Workshop on drinking water management
KHONSA, Feb 08: A block level awareness camp cum workshop on management of drinking water supply and sanitation, role of PRIs and training on Field Test Kit (FTK) organized by Public Health Engineering and Water Supply (PHE & WS) Division, Khonsa was held Wakka yesterday.
Doi Tarak, Consultant, PHE & WS Division, Khonsa highlighted the role of PRIs, villager water and sanitation committee (VWSC) in the management of drinking water supply and sanitation. He elaborately explained on planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and management of water supply to ensure their sustainability. He also highlighted on how to collect water sample and what parameter to be tested using Field Test Kit (FTK).
Highlighting the water quality, he disclosed SODIS (Solar Disinfection) technology wherein disinfection of water can be done using only sun light and transparent plastic bottles of about 6 cm diameters. Filled bottles are exposed to the sun for about 6 hours where Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight pass through the bottle and kills microbes. He also added that SODIS is a free and effective method to disinfect water, usually applied at the household level and is recommended by the World Health Organization as a viable method for household water treatment and safe storage.
Dr Umesh Ch. Samal gave brief note on relationship between health, water and sanitation. He disclosed that there are four aspect of health to be called healthy; physical, mental, social and spiritual health. To achieve these aspects one need to know how water and sanitation are interrelated to health. It is only through hygienic practices one will achieve health in life. He added that 80% of the disease is caused through drinking of contaminated water and most of the diseases in Wakka circle are found to be waterborne. He encouraged the gathering to give prime importance to water quality.
Attending as resource person, Tesah Tangjang spoke on concept and component of sanitation. He stressed on safe handling of drinking water, disposal of solid and liquid waste, personal hygiene and village sanitation. He also encouraged total avoidance of defecation in open and in pigsty toilet. Moreover, he informed that many of the diseases in rural areas are caused through rearing of domestic animals in open especially pigs. He advised not to leave pigs in open and urged to construct pig sheds.
BA Wangpa, JE, PHESD Longding detailed on different types of low cost sanitary toilets
through PowerPoint presentation. He elaborately explained on how to construct, cost
involvement, longevity and sustainability of the toilets. SK Mukherjee, AE, PHESD
Longding stressed the need for involvement of PRIs in implementation of people-
Pasang Ratan, LT, PHESD Longding gave demonstrative training on how to use and measure the chemical reagents while handling the Field Test Kit(FTK) for water quality testing. All the trainees were distributed IEC matrials and FTK in GP wise.
Chairing the programe C. Chuku, Circle Officer, Wakka encourage the participants to give important and attention to such kind of training for the welfare of community. He expressed his gratefulness to PHE & WS department. The training programs were attended by all PRIs, Public and Govt Officers/ Officials of the block. DIPRO
- Labour Commissioner arrested in Govt land encroachment case
- ‘Scientific & technical terminologies should not be confined only to recognized languages’
- Tuki campaigns for party in Nagaland
- DLMC reviews project implementation
- Age-
old Adi- Mishing relationship renewed - ANSU condemns attack of DNGCSU GS
- ALSU questions formation of new district without planning
- Orgs condemn attack on DNGCSU GS, demand arrest of culprits
- Lower Siang issue; people react
- Workshop on drinking water management
- Mithun needs love, care and respect
- Safety and justice for women needs societal reforms
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Fish breeding for food security
Scientists from Norway and Nepal say they are ready to launch a plan to manipulate the breeding cycle of carp stocks and get the fish species to spawn more than once a year to improve food security in the Himalayan country.
Funded by the Norwegian government, the Fish Farming Development (FFD) project is
being implemented by the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and the Norwegian
University of Science and Technology (NTNU). It covers production of special feed
for the fry and development of stress-
After selling their stock of mature fish, many farmers leave their ponds empty until they can buy more fingerlings, explained Tek Gurung, NARC’s director of livestock and fisheries research. Supply of fingerlings during this gap period, he said, would greatly enhance productivity.
The project aims to increase national fish production by one per cent, and support
1,000 marginalised households in ten districts, through farmer-
Since introduction in the 1950s, aquaculture has grown to contribute more than half of Nepal’s fish output – over 50,000 metric tonnes in 2012. Capture fisheries and aquaculture already provide livelihoods for almost one million people in Nepal.
It can be solved through meaningful dialogue
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to say that press media is mirror of common people. Therefore, wrong information highlighted by the organizations in the press media may send wrong signal to the common masses.
The district or constituency creation is never based on caste, tribe, clan and religion.
It is based on geographical, economical and administration point of view. Therefore,
state Chief Secretary had sought the written view of both West Siang and East Siang
DCs as per state Govt’s directive. So criticizing Nari-
We traditionally know Singen Abu (river) not Simen Korong (stream) as mentioned in a news item.
If there is a problem, there is also a solution and problem can be solved through meaningful dialogue sitting across the table by both communities. So, I appeal them to come forward for meaningful dialogue to sort out the differences and also appeal RBPF/ABK not to politicize the genuine demand.
Yours’
Kayi Dabi
General Secretary
Ramle-
Mithun needs love, care and respect
Dr. Gyamnya Baki Garam
What is the status of Mithun in Arunachal Pradesh? Is it the State Animal? Rare or endanger? These are the question which comes to the mind of those people who truly care for this mystic animal. Scientifically known as Bos frontalis, Mithun is also locally known as Subu. It also has a mythological name called SENYI. It is mythologically related to our civilization because of which Mithuns are given the highest status and value among all the domestic animals in the Tani society. Earlier, the economic status of a man was judged from the numbers of Mithuns he owned. Still today in rural area, a person’s economy is judge from the numbers of Mithuns he rears.
There is no other country or tribe that has mythological story related to the Mithun. But we the Tani people of Arunachal Pradesh have the rich mythological story that tells us how the Mithuns are closely related to the human being and became the part of our civilization. This is narrated by the story of Senyi Benyi, the recent legendry story of Tai Bida, etc.
According to the mythology of Tani tribe, there was a poor family in which two sisters Senyi, the elder and Benyi, the younger and two brothers called Subu and Narbu lived. Narbu was already grown up and matured but due to lack of properties like animals and ornaments to pay for bride price and rituals, he remained unmarried for many years. One day, Narbu decided to marry but still he had no animal to pay for the bride price so he went to the GOD of rich and prosperity (NYITE GUUTE) for seeking help. Nyitte Guute then decided to transform one of the two sisters into Mithun. For this, alcohol brewing competition was held among the sisters and condition was that unsuccessful brewer will be transformed into a Mithun. Nyitte Guute deliberately gave forage and grasses to the Senyi for brewing and cereal grains to the Benyi. Alcohol prepared by Benyi was ready within 3rd night but Senyi’s was not ready until 10th night so according to the decision, Sister Senyi was transform into a Mithun and the marriage of Narbu was done. This transformation led to the separation of two loving sisters and both the sister cried for whole night before the final separation. The details of this story and crying of the two sisters are beautifully described by the priest during the Chanting in NYIDA (marriage ceremony). There are many stories between man and Mithun like that of one Tai Bida, in which he found one wild Mithun in a jungle and that Mithun was properly groomed and domesticated. After few years the Mithun gave birth to so many offspring that Tai Bida became very rich. But one day due to some problems in the Tai Bida’s family, the mother of the Mithuns was sacrificed but unfortunately just after killing the Mother, all the remaining Mithun started crying and was drowned in Gyekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake).
There are many more mythological stories about the Mithun in the form of oral literature. From these stories and population distribution pattern of Mithun all over the world, it is clearly indicates that the origin of the Mithun took place in Arunachal Pradesh. Most of the people do not know that our pride, the Mithun is only found in Arunachal Pradesh and very few in other adjoining place like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur etc. According to the 18th livestock census of India, total Mithun population is 264279. Out of total population of Mithun in India, Arunachal Pradesh is home to 82.84% (218931) of the Mithun followed by 12.63% (33385) in Nagaland, 3.79% (10024) in Manipur and 0.73% (1030) in Mizoram. This data clearly tells us that the Arunachal Pradesh is the original home of the Mithun. But despite the fact that Arunachal Pradesh having the 83% of the total Mithun population, the state has got no any working scientific projects and institution for the Mithun. The Nagaland state is having only 12.63% of the total Mithun population but the state has the reputed institution of National Research Centre on Mithun which was established in June 1998 with the main objectives of conservation and genetic improvement of the Mithun germplasm, development of Mithun nutrition, management and health.
This massive animal has the average weights of 450 kg and produces around 1 to 1.5 litre of milk daily with 7 to 11% of fats. At present this rare animal is only used as meat purpose and sacrificed occasionally for religious and social ceremonies. The milk of this animal is yet to be used by farmers but can be exploited to produce various value added products. The skin of the animal is presently consumed by the people but has great potential to be used as a source of high quality leather product. The average cost of one adult Mithun is about Rs.45000 at present time. If the total cost of all this huge Mithun population of Arunachal is taken into an account than it comes around Rupees 900 Crores. These huge assets of about rupees 900 crores, belonging to our farmers are roaming in our jungle in traditional and primitive method of rearing. Application of technology and best scientific management in rearing of this rare animal will certainly augment the economy of the farmers and thereby the state economy.
Unlike other domesticated animal such as cattle, pig etc which are reared in farm condition or kept in nearby human habitation, Mithun cannot be reared in same manner; they are left to roam freely in jungle but within a particular range with boundary which is called LURA. Lura system is traditional method in which Mithuns are allowed to graze in a particular area, away from the cultivated area for about 3 years and are shifted to new place thereafter and it is repeated according to the Jhum cultivation pattern and availability of Forages. Lura is derived from the word SELLU, which means fencing and fencing making process is called SELU RAKNAM. The area within the Sellu is called as Lura. In olden days Lura system was strictly followed and rituals were performed every year after making the SELU. But today those rituals are hardly seen and Lura systems are slowly diminishing in some villages, which is truly not a good signs for the preservation and the continuity of this rare species. Lura system should be promoted in every village and should not be allowed to diminish because it helps in keeping the animal in particular area and helps in easy findings of animals in the time of necessities by the owner. Keeping the animal within the well maintained Lura prevents the animal from roaming into the paddy field of the farmers.
Unlike other domestic animal which is very easy to control and manage, the Mithun which are reared in semi wild condition are not so easy to control and they may only come near to the owner who is acquainted with them by giving salt for long time. So it is not easy to give treatment to Mithun in case of outbreak of disease. Many Mithuns are suffering and dying unreported in jungle every year, causing heavy losses to our poor farmer’s. Due to the lack of proper management system and veterinary facilities, most of the animal population remained unvaccinated against the most common diseases like FMD and Hemorrhagic scepticeamia. There are many bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases that affect the Mithun but maximum of the animal are left to suffer and die due to lack of proper veterinary facilities. Most of the remote areas of Arunachal are yet to see veterinary facilities. Vaccination and veterinary medicines are yet to reach the remote areas.
We call our self as proud owner of the Mithun but we are not doing enough for the
welfare of our Mithun. Our Mithun suffers, dies and get killed mercilessly but there
are hardly few people who really have respect for this rare animal. Many Mithuns
are killed mercilessly in ceremonies and social functions just to show off their
powers and influence in the society and this practice is especially seen with rich
and educated people. There are some people who slaughter 50-
Mithun is pride of our society and it is intricately related to our mythology and religious activities. So, we should assume this animal as holy animal of our society and give it due respect. We should minimize the suffering of our holy animal by establishing proper veterinary infrastructure, encouraging traditional Lura system of rearing with scientific modification and stop the merciless inhumane slaughtering. (The writer is a Veterinary Officer and currently posted at Banderdewa town)
Safety and justice for women needs societal reforms
Amitava Basu
The Constitution of India guarantees equal status and equal rights to men and women. Yet, in the patriarchal social structure, there are numerous incidents of atrocities on women in different parts of the country. Assaults on women have been rising over time.
The heinous crime committed by a group of 6 men on a 23-
The government has now brought in a stringent ordinance to prevent and punish offences of sexual assault on women. It is also working on other measures to provide safety and justice to women. Police in Delhi has stepped up its vigil. Hopefully, these moves and initiatives will continue to bring in more stringent provisions of law, their enforcement; and act as deterrent to committing crimes on women.
However, the broader question is whether strict laws and strong police vigil are
sufficient to deter disrespect and dishonor to women or a change in mind-
Historically, by and large, women in the country have not been treated with dignity.
Under the sati practice, wives were burnt alive on the funeral pyres of their husbands.
This was not only savagery but also cool-
Today, the old tradition of ill-
There are innumerable instances of torture on women by their in-
In other words, the mind-
First, at school level, compulsory course on value and ethics covering the role and
status of women andher right that has to be respected need to be introduced. This
would help to inculcate from young age a value system to respect women. Secondly,
at schools, history courses should emphatically teach the role of women in administration,
development, freedom movement, literature and art, science and technology to underline
the contribution of women and to demonstrate they stand on equal footing with men.
This would facilitate to remove the misconception that men are superior to women,
which leads to wrong-
Besides value-
In addition to the measures discussed so far, it is critically necessary to raise awareness about women equality and justice. In this task, civil societies have significant role. They can undertake locality or community based awareness campaign covering the families. This initiative is likely to face resistance in the beginning, but through continuous perseverance, the civil societies could prevail upon and change the perceptions of several families in respect of role, status and dignity of women.
All these would require collective efforts of the government, educational institutions
and civil societies. Reformative steps are urgently necessary for socio-
Females constitute nearly 50 percent of the country’s population. The great Indian
monk-
The recent ghastly incident of Delhi has opened our eyes and realization is emerging that woman is a mother, a sister, a daughter a wife; and should be treated respectfully and with honor. Let’s hope that stringent laws, their enforcement and change of societal attitude would make the country a place where women are safe and respected and a place of peace, harmony and prosperity. (The writer is a Development Practitioner based at New Delhi).