February 25
News Impact
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: Celebration of Nyokum — the festival of the Nyishis — formally began with ceremonial flag hoisting by Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) Bengia Tolum at Nyokum Lapang Itanagar at 8.30 am and Nyikum Nyia Ground Nyirubjolli at 10 am today morning.
Addressing the people on the occasion, Tolum exhorted one and all to join and celebrate the festival wholeheartedly irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. One of the main objectives of Nyokum celebration is to spread the message of universal brotherhood, he said and appealed to the community members to carry forward it. He also made a clarion call to maintain the sanctity of the festival.
Earlier, the Yullo Nyub (main priest) and Gallang Nyub (second priest) were ceremoniously received at their respective celebration centre.
The priests’ invocation of deities for productivity and fertility, to ward off famine, draught, disease, calamities, etc. for peace, progress and prosperity will continue till the ritual sacrifice slated for February 26.
Nyokum is celebrated by the Nyishi community inhabiting in Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Papum Pare, East Kameng districts, parts of West Kameng district and neigbouring Assam, particularly, Sonitpur and Lakhimpur districts.
The sports and cultural competitions as part of the festival have already started on February 17.
Nyishi community residing in Lohit and Anjaw are also celebrating Nyokum Yullo jointly at Tezu from today with a three days programme.
All Nyishi students studying in Tomi Polytechnic College, Basar celebrated pre Nyokum at Basar with religious fervor and traditional gaiety.
Pranap Yangfo, Vigilance Chairman, All Arunachal Pradesh Transport Motor Workers Union, Kenmar Basar, Zilla Parishad Member of Basar and Henka Basar attended the celebration. Song Achi, President of All Nyishi Collegian of Tomi Polytechnic College read out the Nyokum mythology.
T Migo Basar, Chairman, Tomy Polytechnic advised the students to maintain peaceful
coexistence. He encouraged them to take part in co-
Describing the importance of preserving ones own culture and tradition, Tojo Bam, Agriculture Development Officer, Basar opined that religion should not be mixed with festival.
The Basar ZPM asked the students to give priority to their study.
Yangfo advised the students to maintain strict discipline and inculcate good knowledge and work culture in them.
The main attraction of the day-
The brother-
At Khonsa, a volleyball tournament was organized by the Nyishi Nyokum Yullo Celebration Committee of Tirap and Longding from February 18 to 23 as part of the Nyokum celebration.
The final match was played between SP Reserve team and Galo Team in which the latter defeated the former.
The final match was witnessed by Lohang Loham, ZPC, Tirap and Likha Tekhi and Tatom Pao,the chairman and general secretary of the celebration committee.
Brown sugar makes way into Roing town
Correspondent
ROING, Feb 24: Brown sugar which was unfamiliar till recently is now making way into the town. This was revealed during an anti drug campaign by Enjalu Menda Women’s Empowerment Forum (EMWEF) held in rural pockets of Cheta, Mayu and Ashali village.
The women group visited the houses of opium peddlers appealing them to stop drug trade, and warning them for strict legal actions if such request goes unheeded. During such campaign, several opium traders revealed of brown sugar trade surfacing in the town. As per the information collected, several of the peddlers are college students and dropouts from IGGC College, Tezu.
“What is causing concern is that majority of the addicts that we met during our campaign are youths,” said Rakhi Linggi, Secretary, EMWEF. The effect of drug trading in a family was all visible in one house at Cheta village. Wife lay in her bed; weak and fragile due to addiction, unable to sit straight. Her husband was away from home with some school kids as visitors. Her only complaint were – “There is scarcity of supply in opium nowadays. And customers aren’t paying off their debts.”
Most of these peddlers are women as they easily escape being imprisoned, or in rousing
suspicion. "Aware of such limitations, we have demanded with district administration
for creation of separate prison cell for women. In past many women offenders were
made to let go free,” said Dr Manaya Mena, Chairperson, EMWEF. Women from different
walks of life have voluntarily joined the anti-
One woman confesses having witnessed her own small brother fall prey to drug addiction: “I would watch helplessly at my brother talking to himself for several hours.” The campaign that started around noon on the day lasted till evening, giving enough time for several drug peddlers to abscond from their house. In one empty house, a policemen in uniform appeared as visitor arousing suspicion among women group. One drug peddler had earlier admitted, “It’s the police personnel who bring in newer type of addictive substances.”
Salesman killed, body found from Hollongi dumping site
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: The brutal killing of one Dipankar Bhowal has shocked the denizen
of state capital. The half burnt body of late Dipankar was today found at garbage
dumping site along Hollongi-
The body was identified by family member of late Dipankar. When contacted SP Capital Surender Kumar informed that one person namely Tai Robin has been arrested in this regard and police is looking out for another accused who is absconding at the moment. Further he added that incident has nothing to do with statehood day celebration and it’s a separate case.
Meanwhile Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) has strongly condemned the incident. In a release IMWA President Bamang Taji appealed to the district administration not to grant bail to such murderers and added that culprit should be given death penalty for heinous crime. Further IMWA called on Itanagar police to immediately arrest the rest of culprits involved in such brutal murder.
Arunachal joins second round of nation-
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the country in its nationwide campaign against the deadly polio virus by launching the second round of National Immunization Day (NID) across the State today.
The Second round witnessed massive deployment of men, materials and equipment from the Department of Health & Family Welfare which was ably supplemented by the Department of Social Welfare, NGOs, Panchayat leaders and students, particularly Bharat Scouts and Guides.
In keeping with the paramountcy of the programme, the NID in the Capital Complex
was conducted under the close supervision and monitoring of officers from the Directorate
of Health Services and doctors from Arunachal State Hospital. Health officials and
doctors in the District Hospitals similarly monitored the campaign in the districts
and sub-
According to preliminary reports, details of which are awaited from the districts, 80% of the target children below 5 years were administered oral polio vaccine (OPV) drops during this round of the programme.
The National Immunization Day (NID) is being followed by a two-
The State Immunization Officer Dr. T Taloh was all praise for the parents and guardians for their overwhelming response to the national call in the Second round and has appealed to them to comprehensively participate in such noble campaign in the future too.
While appreciating the contribution of vaccinators, supervisors and monitors in making the campaign a resounding success, he sought their unstinted cooperation in this national endeavour to perpetually do away with this crippling disease from the country.
Army conducts integration tour for Tawang girls
TAWANG, Feb 24: In a first of its kind for the scenic town of Tawang, the Gajraj Corps is organizing a 12 days National Integration Tour (NIT) for selected 15 girls from Govt Higher Secondary School, Tawang from February 24 as part of the Indian Army’s Operation Samaritan initiative.
This NIT will be visiting places of cultural and educational importance in Guwahati,
Kolkata, Bhub-
The excitement and glee was palpable during the colourful “Flag off” ceremony held at the Tawang War Memorial on Saturday. The glow shown on the young jubilant faces of the girls could easily dazzle off the winter snow. In attendance were the Gaon Buras of villages of Tawang and teachers of various schools of the town. However, one could not help but be moved by the beaming faces of the parents of these daughters of Tawang, some eyes moist with subdued yet tears of joy.
Most of these girls who have never travelled beyond the town or state limits had their imagination running rife already.
Sang Nima, when asked about how she feels about a dip in Puri beach, quickly quipped “I hope it won’t be too cold”. Sonam Lhamu swiftly queued up for her shot at fame and an interview. All that she had to say, when informed that she would be meeting the Governor of Jharkhand and the Army Commander, Eastern Command, was “ I hope they’ll give us lots of Chocolates!”. There were excited cries for seeing a giraffe, riding a Rhonoceros in the zoo and may be getting a glimpse of Dhoni in Ranchi et al. DIPRO
Cash reward stands
The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs 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
DRDA staff threatens to launch mass movement
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association Arunachal Pradesh State Unit in a joint meeting with its District Units held at Naharlagun yesterday unanimously resolved that the Union shall launch a mass democratic movement if the state Govt fails to absorb the DRDA borne staff into the government before March 10 next.
After threadbare discussion on various problems being faced by the DRDA staff, the meeting further resolved that the state Govt should enhance the DRDA allocation and grants as per state Govt pay policy so that the employees receive their pay in time as per DRDA guideline. The DRDA employees also decided to approach All India DRDA staff Welfare Association, CoSAAP and other organization concerned to take up the matter with Union Ministry of rural development.
All the representatives from the different DRDAs of the state present in the meeting expressed their resentment over the indifferent and lackadaisical attitude of the state government in solving DRDAs absorption and salary problems.
TWS rejoices achievement of clan member
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: The Tebw Welfare Society (TWS) has expressed joy over news of one of its clan member Taba Taz, Inspector, Arunachal Pradesh Police posted at Yupia being conferred silver medal on the occasion of statehood day celebration. Inspector Taz is the second member from the Taba community to receive such high order, the first being Er. Taba Tedir, who was awarded gold medal during his tenure as executive engineer PWD capital Division years back.
The TWS acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the government for recognizing the
meritorious services rendered by Inspector Taz on various assignments to arrest hard-
ALSU calls bandh
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU) in its meeting held here today unanimously decided to call 12 hours Capital bandh on February 28 in protest against the ‘failure of the Govt to fulfill repeated demands of the union.’
While appreciating the state Govt for creating vacant posts for grade II and Grade III job for the judges under Arunachal Pradesh Judicial Service, the ALSU expressed its disappointment over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and reiterated its demands for immediate removal of the parliamentary secretary home and appointment of a independent home minister. It further stressed on complete separation of judiciary from executive, immediate establishment of separate high court in the state. Essential service like milk van, medical service, ambulance, media will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.
ASWAP celebrates statehood day
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: Arunachal Student Welfare Association of Pune (ASWAP) celebrated the 27th Arunachal Pradesh statehood day cum fresher meet at Pune on February 20. The event was organized by ASWAP. On this auspicious occasion Mr. Taring Radhe and Miss Yanga Paktung were selected as Mr. and Mrs. Freshers Pune under the speculation of ASWAP. Bhanu Pratab Bhargey, senior inspector crime branch, Pune graced the occasion as chief guest.
PPA gears up party activities
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: In view of the coming Panchayat election and as a part of election preparedness for 2014 parliament and assembly elections, People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has decided to gear up party activities.
In order to gear up its activities the party has decided to start with strengthening the party organisations at all levels. However, the organisation restructuring would be completed with phase wise manner.
Nikh Kamen, the Working President of the Party has constituted party organisation with Tanpho Wangnaw as Vice President, East. Dr. Ashan Riddi, Dr. Keshan Degi, Taba Taggar, JK Riba, Togo Basar as General Secretaries in the first phase.
Career counseling prog
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: A one day career counseling programme for APPSCCE Prelims, 2013 was organized by Apatani Career Guidance Forum (ACGF) at Naharlagun today.
A total of 56 aspiring candidates attended the programme. Resource persons Shania Mize, CO and APPSCCE 2012 topper, RN Kole, Assistant Director, Research and Dr. O Moyong, Associate Professor, RGU dwelt on various aspects of civil services examinations, specially APPSCCE 2013 from ‘right choice of optional papers’, ‘how to prepare for civil services examination’ to ‘right approach and strategies for APPSCCE Prelims 2013’. Brainstorming interactive session between resource person and participants was held at the end.
Earlier, ACGF Chairman Dr. Tage Tada, briefed the objectives of the programme.
Union condemns trespassing
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: Kargu Kardi Students’ Union (KKSU) has condemned illegal trespassing
and destruction of properties of former director of School Education Pratik Potom
at his private residence, C-
Three unidentified persons illegally trespassed and destroyed some properties of Potom on February 16 and again on February 22, six unidentified persons threatened O Potom, wife of P Potom and cut down planted trees within residential compound, the Union said.
Describing the incident shameful, the Union appeal to all sections of the society to respect the senior citizens like Potom who contributed lots of development activities particularly in the education sector in the state.
The Union also appealed to the Capital administration take necessary steps to prevent such illegal activities in the Capital as well as other parts of the state. It further appealed the Police Department to provide security force at the resident of P. Potom to prevent recurrence of such incident.
ARASU urges admin. to solve problems
ITANAGAR, Feb 24: All Raga Area Students’ Union in a representation to Deputy Commissioner,
Lower Subansiri District said that government primary school building, Baosimla-
It appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to look into the matter and provide necessary requirement of the school at earliest.
The union in a separate representation to Executive Engineer, PWD, Ziro Lower Subansiri District said that approach road from BRTF road to Gaa village is in dilapidated condition due to which students and teaching staff of government middle school Gaa and public are facing problem.
It urged the concerned department for maintenance of the said approach road annually.
224 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Practical knowledge is as important as theoretical
Dear Editor,
Through your esteem daily I would like to share few words regarding various initiatives taken by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for the all round development of Arunachal Pradesh. Tourism is one of the sectors which have been blessed with energetic, hardworking and farsighted leaders like Minister Pema Khandu, parliamentary secretary Passang D. Sona and the CM himself. It is the decade of tourism industry and our people must avail this opportunity and create a niche in the tourism map of the world. The MUKHYA MANTRI PRAYATAN BIKASH YOJNA (MMPBY) is one such step, which is very encouraging and can instil confidence in the minds of young entrepreneur like us to explore the road of tourism industry; miles away from the "govt. SAKORI" that echoes the air of Arunachal.
Here, I would like to bring forth the matter of Arunachalee tourist taxi drivers and tour guides who have been working in this field for the past 14 to 15 years since the opening up our door for ATITHIS, in a way have been mistakenly forgotten in the MMPBY. They have the practical knowledge, the field reality, they train the newly graduates, yet they are left standing beside while others get the honey.
No one knows if any of the graduates will work as a tourist taxi driver even if they get the car (at the most they will employ a driver) but for these vanguards sure will.
Hence, I request the concerned authority to kindly give a thought for these deserving people and call on the APTOA members to make an appeal. For I believe, practical knowledge is no lesser than theoretical knowledge, so as to quote Dale Carnegie," formal education is only for job seekers", not entrepreneur.
Yours’
Kadum Jamoh
Pasighat, East Siang
Sportsperson of state should be treated well
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to highlight few things regarding condition of sports in the state. The Arunachalee students studying in various colleges of Tamil Nadu and Kerala witnessed the football match of ongoing 67th Santosh Trophy between Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh at Kollam Studium in Kollam district of Kerala.
The match was very interesting and everyone in the stadium was cheering for the Team Arunachal Pradesh as our team was playing very well in compare to the team Bihar. But unfortunately Team Arunachal Pradesh was defeated by margin of one goal. Team AP made a place in the minds and hearts of the people of Kerala by playing attractive football. Being a participant and winning the minds and hearts of people is a real winner.
We the Arunachalee students of Tamil Nadu and Kerala however are disappointed with
the sports authority of Arunahal Pradesh by seeing the kind of facilities provided
to the players of team Arunachal Pradesh who represented state in national level
football tournament. The team Arunachal Pradesh used train service to reach at Kollam
town in Kerala which is a long journey from Himalayan Mountain to nearby Arabian
Sea. The train journey must have been a tough one for the team. While other states
team represe-
We use to be proud of our state’s sportsmen but when we see their poor condition and also seeing no help for them, we get discouraged. Such situation is discouraging for the youth who want to sacrifice their life in sports for cause of state and nation. We believe that no players will be eager to play for Arunachal Pradesh in near future if the sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh management was that of Team Arunachal in 67th Santosh Trophy at Kollam in Kerala. It’s time to work out proper sports policy so that sportsperson are given proper care.
Yours,
Bengia Ruju,
Former general secretary,
Arunachal Students' Union of Tamil Nadu {ASUT}
Please provide fund
Dear Editor,
Through your esteem daily, I would like to highlight the problem faced by the people of Baririjo circle. Though the circle has been upgraded to SDO post last year still we are facing acute problem in communication. The road from Maro BRTF road to Baririjo (11.00 km) is the main lifeline of this area. This road is only single way to the area and during summer the road blockage is a common problem faced by us. Many a times we had submitted memorandum to Govt.for funding for making it all weather road, but the voice goes vain.
I, therefore, request the Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh to provide fund under NLCPR/RIDF to make it all weather road.
Yours’
M Doji, Baririjo
Plan to curb crime against women
The Indian Government has initiated a time bound action plan for combating crimes against women. A number of steps have been outlined to improve and strengthen the police and administrative system to ensure that crimes against the women are prevented through quick action, a gender sensitive response mechanism and greater accountability of the enforcement agencies.
The Ordinance promulgated by the President on February 3, 2013, deals with the amendments in the criminal law.
The Cabinet Secretary held a series of meetings recently with senior officials of the concerned ministries to formulate an action plan within an indicated time frame. Secretaries of seven key ministries have been directed to personally monitor the implementation of these measures and report every month to the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister's Office. The measures outlined deal with changes in the police system, a review of the Motor Vehicles Act, measures to make responses to crimes against women efficient and sensitive and other administrative measures.
As per the measures, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), will compile a database of persons convicted of criminal offences. The details of criminals convicted of crimes against women will be displayed on NCRB website.
The new measures will ensure that action will be taken to provide the facility of registering an FIR in any police station irrespective of the jurisdiction or area of the time. The FIR may thereafter be transferred to the concerned police station for investigation. This will pertain to serious crimes including issues against women.
The proposed measures will ensure that citizens do not face any harassment when they come forward to assist women in distress. For this, such citizens should be protected to enable them to freely report a crime and assist the victim/police without being subjected to any interrogation or being forced to become witnesses.