feb14 14

2014

February 14

Poi greetings

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki wished people of Arunachal Pradesh in general and the Singpho brethren in particular on the auspicious occasion of Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi Festival.

In his festival message, the Governor said that the Poi Festival is rich in cultural expression and offers a window to ancient Singpho folk culture. The rituals during the celebration have always helped in building warm social relations and communication, which leads to harmony and oneness amongst the people.

The Governor hoped the ethno-cultural festival will continue to facilitate in carrying forward the treasured age-old cultural heritage of the community.

He expressed the hope that the folk dance festival will promote socio-cultural growth of the every community of the State and help in the preservation of their rich traditions.

May this festival of rituals and dances further strengthen the bond of relationship in the society, Governor wished.

In his message, Tuki said "Festivals indeed strengthen the emotional integration and foster the feelings of brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst our citizens" Tuki said while wishing the festival a grand success.

Meeting on land encroachment adopts resolution

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: In pursuance of Govt notification No LR-101/87(Vol-II)/1342, Dt. February six, the first meeting of the Govt constituted Committee was held under the chairmanship of MLA cum Parliamentary secretary, LM Padi Richo today. After threadbare discussion on the matter related to land encroachment in Capital Complex, the Committee unanimously adopted a resolution stating that all the on-going un-authorized construction and eviction process of private building (residential/commercial) including earth cutting etc in Capital Complex area to be stopped immediately till the committee submit its final report to the Govt, according to an official release.

'Implement Food security scheme'

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A group of councillors headed by Gora Lotak as its chairman has demanded implementation of the National Food Security scheme in the state within 10 days.

In a memorandum addressed to the Food and Civil Supply Minister it said that the state Govt had decided to launch the scheme officially on August 20, 2013 and subsequently declared the time schedule for implementation of it. But till date, no such time schedules have been followed and the said scheme has been implemented in the state, the memorandum said and threatened to launch democratic movement if the authorities fail to pay heed to the demand.

2nd phase workshop on TFC grant held

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The two days second phase training/ workshop on TFC Grant in the department of Eco and Statistics was held February 11 and 12 in the Directorate Office.

Inaugurating the training programme, Sonam Chombay, Secretary Eco & Statistics, Planning urged the dept. officers to leave no stone unturned to achieve the milestones like Development of Business Register, Preparation of Local Body Account and survey on 10 Major crops in the state within targeted period of March, 2015. He also emphasised on the importance and role of statistics in the entire planning process for all departments.

B Megu Dy. Director said, 'the right statistics is the pillar of right Planning' and 'right planning is the pillar of right development'.

Block level training on WIFS held at Mariyang

YINGKIONG, Feb 13: One day Weekly Iron Folic Supplementation (WIFS) training for Nodal Teacher, AWW worker, AWW supervisor, BEO, ANM, HA was held at CHC Mariyang on February 12 last

On the occasion, Dr. Appir Apang DRCHO through power point presentation highlighted on WIFS programme. She urged participants to take full cooperation on WIFS and also appealed them to work hard for the benefit of the society.

Altogether, 60 participant attended the programme.

In an another programme, 6th and 7th refresher ASHA Modular Training was also conducted at CHC Mariyang from February 9-13 last.

The ASHAs from Mariyang circle and Jeying attended the training programme. The training imparted by District ASHA Trainer Nami Pango, Ome Nobeng and DCM Gebi Mitkong.

On the concluding day DRCHO Dr. Appir Apang also attended the program-me. DIPRO

Drive against tobacco products

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, Feb 13: All Tagin Students Union (ATSU) has seized huge quantities of hazardous tobacco products such as gutkha, pan masala etc from various shops in Daporijo and Dumporijo.

The ATSU team raided at least 36 shops and seized huge quantities of gutka, pan masala and other tobacco products which they selling openly disobeying the prohibition order issued by the district administration from time to time.

Meanwhile, the ATSU team met the Deputy Commissioner and demanded to take necessary action against those shopkeepers under appropriate section of the law.

ATSU has decided to continue the drive to make the towns free from such hazardous substances.

ABKLSU distributes relief to fire victims

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: All Bameng. Khenewa & Lada Students Union (ABKLSU) has distributed relief materials to the fire victims of Londa village under Bameng circle of East Kameng today. Two houses were gutted in a devastating fire at Londa village on January 27, the union informed. The HGB, GBs and well-wishers of Londa village were present during the relief distribution.

Meanwhile, the ABKLSU strongly appealed to the concern district and state authorities to provide relief fund and rehabilitation package to the fire victims at the earliest.

Ban imposed

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: Itanagar Municipal Council Empowered Standing Committee in its extra-ordinary meeting held recently has unanimously resolved to impose complete ban on forceful sale of calendars, housie tickets, donation by various organizations, self-help groups, individuals within Capital Complex.

The resolution was adopted after complaints of such forced selling and collection were received from business communities, public leaders and officers and officials of the Capital Complex dwellers, the Committee informed in its intimation letter to the Capital Complex deputy commissioner.

'Provide relief to fire victims'

ITANGAR, Feb 13: All East Kameng Students' Union has appealed to the district administration to provide immediate relief to the fire victims at Lower Dikalmukh village under Dissing Passo circle of East Kameng district. A house of one Putup Nabam was reportedly gutted down to ashes in a devastating fire at the said village on February 11. While visiting the fire accident site and interrogating with the victims, the Union further appealed to likeminded organizations to extend possible help to fire victims.

Women conference

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A two-member delegation including Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union (APSCU) vice president Ribi Rime and Mobi Nyorak, BOD, Kago Hill Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, Aalo, West Bengal district under the sponsorship of APSCU will attend the "women conference on women empowerment through cooperatives" to be held at NCUI, New Delhi on February 14.

DDSE Khonsa conducts emergency co-ordination meeting with BEOs

KHONSA, Feb 13: An emergency co-ordination meeting of BEOs of Tirap - Longding blocks was held at DDSE's office, khonsa under the chairmanship of DDSE Pubi Lombi.

During the meeting, BEOs from different blocks highlighted various difficulties being faced in their respective block.

While speaking on the occasion Lombi expressed his gratitude to all the presents BEOs of Tirap - Longding districts for attending the emergency co-ordination meeting. He also urged all the BEOs to be pro-active while discharging their duties in their respective blocks. He further request and appeal to all the elected representatives of Tirap - Longding districts to co-operate with the education department for posting of sufficient teachers where excessive shortage of teachers has been learnt. He also assured to initiate the shortage of teachers and school furniture etc to the government on top priority.

Massive awareness campaign on fire accident starts at West Siang

AALO, Feb 13: The Department of Disaster Management is organizing series of awareness campaigns on fire accident in west Siang district in collaboration with Aalo Fire Station.

The programme starts today at Gumin Nagar Market and Pakam-1 Area. Initially the programme will cover all markets, Sectors, Colonies and villages of Aalo East and West.

The West Siang DDMO Dorjee Nima has appealed all Panchayat leaders of Aalo East and West Constituencies, market and sector secretaries, GBs and Youths to mobilize people at their respective places and take part in the awareness campaign.

Awareness rally on health and sanitation organized

YACHULI, Feb 13: An Awareness Rally on health and sanitation under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan was organized at general ground here today by the District Water & Sanitation Mission Ziro-II CD Block.

Highlighting the aim and objectives of the rally, Bharat Sonam, AE PHED Ziro has identified role of students in the movement for maintaining hygiene and sanitation of the locality with special reference to health.

Joram Elyu, ACP Yachuli and Principal, St. John Bosco School Yachuli also spoke at the rally.

Earlier, the rally was flagged off by Neelam Teji, CO cum BDO Yachuli. More than 200 students from Don Bosco School, Yachuli carrying placards participated in the rally which was taken out through Yachuli bazar line and culminated in the general ground.

'Arrest the culprits'

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) in a memorandum has strongly urged the West Kameng Deputy Commissioner to nab the culprits involved in the killing of a truck driver near Bomdila on February 11 at around 7.30 pm.

The driver of truck was shot dead by unknown person at 7 km away from Bomdila to Tawang road, while the handyman was seriously injured and is undergoing treatment at Tezpur Hospital, the AAPPTF said in a release.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Motor Transport Workers Union (AAPMTWU) in a memorandum submitted to the chief secretary has urged for immediate arrest of the culprit involved in the killing of a truck driver near Bomdila on February 11 evening. The union also sought ex-gratia for the family of the deceased truck driver.

Election related meeting held at Aalo

AALO, Feb 13: As a part of advance preparedness for the coming Parliamentary Election, a meeting with Nodal officers of the district was held under the chairmanship of West Siang District Election Officer M.K. Sahoo at Conference hall here yesterday.

Briefing the officers, Sahoo said that Parliamentary Election is always a massive exercise as the district covers 33 Assembly constituencies and Nodal Officers have been appointed to shoulder bulk of the responsibilities. Advance preparation in a coordinated manner is always essential to discharge the duties in an effective manner and all Nodal Officers should take note of all circulars and notices served by the Election Commission from time to time and up date themselves, he said.

All Nodal Officers also gave their fruitful suggestions. DIPRO

Competition results on road safety week declared

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The police department had conducted essay/drawing and painting competition at Vivekananda Central School, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar on the occasion of the road safety week 2014 recently.

Amrin Rasul Khan (Class IX) of King Cup School won the 1st prize in essay writing competition, while Varsha Tamang (Class X) of Gyan Ganga Vidya Peeth and Yowa Begi (Class XI) of Govt Hr Secondary School, Itanagar secured the second and 3rd position respectively. Similarly six students from various schools of Capital became winners of drawing and painting competitions.

Modi Tea Stall installed at Diomukh

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Papum Pare district unit organized Modi's 'Chai Pe Charcha' by installing Modi Tea Stall at Diomukh administrative centre as part of nationwide campaign on good governance.

Modi Tea Stall was visited by people from all sections of the society especially the womenfolk and enjoyed the taste of tea.

The program was attended by party's state general secretary Dominic Tadar, former MLA Nrurang Pinchi and hosts of the party cadres and workers of the district.

While addressing the program Dominic and Pinchi called upon the party workers and conscious public to choose and elect only right and deserving candidates in the ensuing election.

Results of day 5 of CM's Trophy tournament

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: Lower Subansiri and Kurung Kumey won their respective match in Men's volleyball in the first state level Chief Minister's Trophy on Football and Volleyball (Men and Women), 2013-14 at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy Complex, Chimpu near here today.

Lower Subansiri defeated Upper Subansiri 25-11, 25-14 and Kurung Kumey beat West Siang 25-15, 21-25, 25-18.

Both the winning teams entered into the quarterfinal along with East Kameng and Capital Complex.

In women's volleyball, Lower Subansiri beat East Kameng 25-14, 25-12, Kurung Kumey beat Papum Pare 25-19, 25-23, West Siang beat East Siang 25-14, 25-12 and Capital Complex beat Upper Subansiri 25-6, 25-11.

After today's matches, Lower Subansiri, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey and Papum Pare districts entered in the quarterfinals in women's volleyball.

News Impact

Media houses shut down indefinitely

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) have decided to go for an indefinite shut down of all Itanagar-based media houses fearing law and order problem arising out of the proposed dharna by Students' Union Movement of Arunachal (SUMA) to be staged outside The Arunachal Times office on February 14 next.

In a joint representation to the chief minister's office, it sought immediate suspension of DC Capital Complex Mige Kamki for issuing permission to SUMA to hold the rally against The Arunachal Times without verifying facts with the office or Arunachal Press Club (APC) or Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ).

The Capital Complex DC's mindless action of granting permission to Students Union Movement of Arunachal to hold dharna against The Arunachal Times could undoubtedly result in confrontation between media persons and SUMA members, which has been coercing and threatening media persons to tow their line. This is unbecoming of an administrator for which we demand him to be suspended immediately and transferred out with immediate effect in public interest. The irrational and foolish demand of SUMA had been permitted by DC Mige Kamki and it gives out the message that the state government is a party to curtailing the freedom of press and media in the state, the letter read.

It also sought refraining of SUMA president Biri Tabing and SUMA members from intimidating media houses and press persons in future and banning entry of any person into press houses and outlawing any person who enters press and media houses after 5 pm.

"SUMA is known throughout the state because of the wide publication given by the state media. Regrettably, of late this organization has started dictating terms amounting to muzzling the freedom of press and media", the letter further read.

The duo organisations also opined that if any untoward incidents occur wherein media houses and/or media persons are put to danger, the blame would be placed squarely on the shoulders the administration including the capital DC, SP and the state government.

Along with the representation submitted to the chief minister, the CCTV footage showing the intimidation by SUMA members on February 6 evening at The Arunachal Times office, the show-cause notice served to SUMA on February 7 regarding their boisterous behaviour on various occasions amounting to curtailing of freedom of press including the incident on February 6 last and the letter submitted to DC Capital Complex proposing dharna outside the AT office on February 14 next was also attached.

While it has always been our sincere effort to work for the greater interest of the people of the state to disseminate information, such impeding conditions make working extremely difficult. We issue our sincere apologies to readers and supporters for the inconvenience that this decision is bound to cause and at the same time hope to continue receiving your support during these testing times for the sake of freedom of press.

Channelize youth power, says Wanglin Lowangdong

ZIRO, Feb 13: "Youth is today's power. All that needs is to channelize this power" said Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong while inaugurating the first ever Inter Tribe Youth Festival 2014 organized by the All Lower Subansiri Students Union at Subansiri Stadium Hapoli today.

Stand up, be bold, be strong and shoulder your responsibilities and know that you are the creator of your own destiny, he encouraged the various delegates and participants. "Your will, your way, your honest intentions, your courage, and your creativity will definitely bring fruitful results, he said while congratulating the Union team for this noble idea of inter tribe youth festival. He expressed hope that such initiatives will help revive the feeling of oneness amongst us and help unify Arunachal. He also envisioned participations from all the 22 districts in times to come. He advised the students to keep away from drugs and alcohol. Voicing against the prevailing bandh culture in the state he advocated the students to exercise utmost restrain and use democratic tools to redress their grievances.

On the occasion he felicitated the UPSC qualifiers from the district. Lauding the enormous talents in the district he advised the youths to consider and count them as their iconic heroes and inspirations. There's no holiday from learning, hard work is the only key to success. Never blame luck for your failures, he added. Seeking the occasion to pay homage to Lt. Nido Taniya, he reiterated the one nation theory and emphasized on pursuing it further. He also informed the delegates about the Youth Parliament that's organized by the Arunachal state assembly to facilitate exchange of expressions amongst youths, lawyers and educationists. He invited student's leaders to take part in such discussions as they are the architect of good governance. He later inaugurated the food stall.

On the occasion Dani Sulu, Dr. Joram Beda, Robin Hibu, Dr Radhe Tallo, Likha Teji, Tadu Mamu, Bullo Mamung, Padi Tatung, Nyilang Tam, Koj Rinya, Bamin Tari and John Mai were felicitated. Legendary figures hailing from the three assembly constituencies of Lower Subansiri district who have made voluminous and substantial contribution in varying fields with the myth of their versatile genius Lt. Kuru Hassang, Lt. Tanya Sala and Lt. Ratan Tama were also felicitated posthumously. All the literary events of the festival will be named after the first pilot of the State Lt. Kuru Hassang, Football Tournament will be named after Lt. Tanya Sala and the Volleyball Tournament will be named after Lt. Ratan Tama.

The three day long festival will see delegates from colleges across Lower Subansiri District competition in various literary, cultural and sports events.

The inaugural function was also attended Marnya Ete, Deputy Commissioner, P.N Khirmey, SP and HoDs of the district. DIPRO

Regional training on 71st round National Sample Survey

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The three days Regional Training on 71st Round National Sample Survey was organized in the directorate conference Hall of Eco & Statistics here.

In his address Koj Tajang Director Eco & Statistics requested all the district officers and participants to take full advantage of the training programme.

Attending the programme as Central Observer D. Chokroborty Dy. Director General NE, Zone stressed on timely completion of the survey works by June, 2014 on sub round wise basis. The subject coverage of this year survey includes Social Consumption on Education and Health sectors beside consumption expenditure, Trading & Services etc. The subject of each year survey is selected and revised every ten years. The social consumption on education like student staying alone in hostel shall be treated in the parent's household. In health sector child births shall be collected on the basis of mother's household who bear the expenditure of the child birth. And any expenditure on child birth outside the household shall be treated as expenditure of the spending household. Besides that traditional treatment system like AYUSH shall be collected in this survey.

In education sector IT literacy shall be collected like who can operate computer and who can serve internet/e-mail shall be treated IT literate.

K. Mamai Dy. Director the training coordinator also urged the District officers to be serious in collecting accurate data to get actual status of social development in the state.

GSU condemns unauthorized visit of Assam officials

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A team of Galo Students' Union (GSU) visited Durpai village located on Arunachal-Assam boundary to take stock of prevailing 'crisis-like' situation after the visit of high-ranking officials of Assam comprising SP, ACF, DFO, Ranger of Dhemaji district along with large number of police force to the village on February 9.

The team reportedly directed the villagers not to cultivate their jhumlands(Adi Rike) which they have been doing for ages. The union strongly condemned the unauthorized visit by the Assam officials and media persons, especially those from News Live and 'Pratidin' with the sole intention of disputing and laying claim on Arunachalee land and creating fear psychosis in the minds of innocent villagers.

The GSU strongly appealed to the state Government to take strict actions against those persons who are entering Arunachal Pradesh without valid ILP and immediately establish a police battalion along the foothills area of West Siang for which the villagers are ready to donate land free of cost.

CCLAPF meets to chalk out future strategy

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A combined review meeting of the central executive committee and the sector sub-committees of the Capital Complex Land Affected Peoples' Forum (CCLAPF) was held yesterday to chalk out its future course of actions.

Addressing the meeting, the CCLAPF chairman Takam Dari Sojik informed that, consequent upon the promotion of Ramesh Negi from the post of Development Commissioner (Finance) to the post of Chief Secretary, he has been relieved from his assignment as the Chairman of the Govt. constituted high level committee to look into the vexed land occupation and allotment imbroglio of the Capital Complex. In his place, Padi Richo, Parliamentary Secretary (UD, Town Planning & Land Management) has been appointed as the new Chairman of the above mentioned committee, he informed.

Sojik further informed that a delegation of CCLAPF under his leadership had also called on the new Deputy Commissioner of the Capital Complex Mige Kamki recently to apprise him about this burning issue.

After a threadbare discussion, the meeting expressed its hope that both the above incumbents being the indigenous citizens of the state, they would be alive to the genuine expectations and aspirations of thousands of the indigenous aggrieved families.

The new Chairman of the Govt. constituted committee Richo himself being the Parliamentary Secretary of the concern departments would do justice to his post and evolve some wise solution to this contentious issue.

The meeting further resolved to continue its movement for justice with renewed vigour.

'Chetam health centre lying defunct'

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, Feb 13: The health centre at Chetam circle is lying in defunct state due to non-availability of doctor, medicines and other medical staff.

Officially there are 11 staff in the health centre, including doctors, pharmacist, peon, mali, RFW, MPW and laboratory technicians. But none of them are currently staying in their place of posting. Several memorandum/representations were submitted to the higher authority on many occasions highlighting their problem but to no avail.

Public claim most of the staff of the health centre have been drawing salary from Daporijo without performing their duty since many years. They also claim that many of them have not yet seen the village where they have been posted.

The health centre was functioning smoothly from 1982 till 1984. The staff, including doctors used to come to the health centre regularly by marching 23 km on foot. But today, they reluctant to stay in the village although road communication has improved significantly, one of the villagers said.

"We never get medical facility or doctor for consultation during the time of emergency. Our last option has been the local pooja," another villager said. "Many patients die on way for treatment. The pregnant women have been the worse sufferers," he added.

Similar problem is prevailing in many health centres of other circles of Upper Subansiri district. The Government should look into the matter seriously and take necessary action to solve the problem immediately for the welfare of the villagers.

Fire devours house of Everester Tine Mena

Correspondent

ROING, Feb 13: In an unfortunate incident, fire broke out today at the residence of Tine Mena, North East India's first woman Everester, in the Intaya settlement area of the town.

Sources said the fire started at 9.30 am and razed the house to ashes within minutes. Although no loss of life is reported in the incident, property worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in the fire.

The fire reportedly consumed Tine's passport, cameras, laptops, all her summit certificates, including the one she had earned for summiting Mt Everest. Her mountaineering equipment worth lakhs of rupees were also reduced to ashes, the source revealed.

Tine was away shooting for a documentary film in Nizamghat near Dibang river when the incident took place.

Speaking on the incident, Tine's cousin, Lokha Elapra, also the President of All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) informed that fire broke out when Tine's father was about to leave for work.

"While he was leaving, he saw smoke billowing from roof," said Elapra.

"He rushed back to the house but by then fire had engulfed the whole house." Tine's father suffered serious burn injury in his hands, after he attempted to force entry inside the house to save precious belongings.

The Everester had just last month conducted an adventure camp for girls imparting self-defense training course. All the materials procured for the camp - 100 sleeping bags and 13 tents too were destroyed in the fire incident.

As the news of the incident started to spread, call for help and support to the family were being passed on. Enju Linggi, President, Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) expressed shock and called on the community people for support to the family. Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar, IAS also assured to extend all possible help through the administration.

The Everester and her family is reportedly to be in deep shock over the incident. As the local tribal custom goes, in and out movement for 5-day is strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the fire accident site.

Construction of Rural Link road top priority: Welly

Seppa, Feb 13: The Health and Family Welfare Minister Atum Welly visited Pakro, Pijerang, Veo, Nangyo and Gumtung under 12th Pakke-Kessang Assembly Constituency of East Kameng district and attended a series of public meeting in those villages from February 9 to 11 last.

Addressing a Public meeting at Veo and Gumtung, Atum Welly said that village connectivity roads were on top priority under his constituency. While expressing displeasure over the absence of few officers/HoDs during his visit to those villages, he asked the HODs to visit the areas particularly in remotest areas of the district and take note of the problems at the ground level. He gave a clarion call to RTI seekers to use it for the right cause and unearthed the real corruption rather than tools for blackmailing and disturbances that deterred the smooth flow of development.

He added that 12th Pakke-Kessang Assembly Constituency is the epicenter of RTI seekers which is not only a deterrent to the process of development but also demoralize the officers.

Talking about Trans- Arunachal Highway, he said that it was meant for overall development of the area for which compensation and local issues should be resolved and let the road be taken up in time in lieu of filling unnecessary court cases.

While reaching Gumtung through the new road just after inauguration of PMGSY 9Km road, he congratulated the villagers for having the new road and informed that Pucca road is already under consideration and stage II shall be taken up in time. He also assured to take up PMGSY road from Gumtung to Dave Gallo via Hote which took 2 hours foot march and will extended up to Tengri.

While replying to a memorandum submitted by public regarding like community Hall, Electricity and water supply, Teachers Quarters and Hostels including Gumtung to Dave Gallo via Hote road, Veo to Pappu road & suspension Bridge at Chede over Pappu river, Welly assured to take up the matter in phase wise manner. During his visit he inaugurated approach road from Pakro village to Primary School and Health sub-centre, new Primary School building at Dowla, PHC building at Veo, KGBV School building at Nangyo and Health Sub-Centre building at Gumtung.

Welly also interacted with the teachers and students at KGVB, Nangyo runned by Si-Donyi charitable Society and advised the students to be equally good in sports. He appreciated the discipline shown by the KGBV students and urged them to maintain their spirits.

REILA: annual event of the RGGP underway

"Combination of talent and sincerity is the only way to success"

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: Recreation, Entertainment, Information and Literary Activities (REILA) 2014, an annual cultural and sports event of the Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic College was inaugurated by J K Panggeng Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Law and Judiciary at College Campus yesterday.

In his inaugural address, J K Panggeng advised the student community not to be attracted towards all that glitters around which may harm their own health and career in their life. Sharing his sadness over the recent loss of young life in Delhi in racial attack, he asked all the student to believe in peaceful co-existence among all human beings. "Be the human at heart and soul and not to involve in activities that may hamper or hinder the social fabrics of the society."

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Director Higher and Technical Education (DHTE) Dr. Joram Begi informed that as many as 15 polytechnic colleges are coming up in the entire state. Further, he reminded the student community of RGGP not to indulge in hard students' union activities which may hamper the academic atmosphere of the college and asked faculties, staffs and students to give their best effort to make their college more better for the interest of state.

Dr. Tejum Padu, Joint Director, Higher and Technical Education (DHTE) informed about the genesis of RGGP which was started during 2001 under the World Bank and was taken over by Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh in 2007. He exhorted the student not to end their studies only with the diploma certificates and go for further higher studies as there are lot of avenues for employment for them.

Er. L. Kri Chief Engineer (PHE), eastern zone, advised the student community of RGGP to be sincere in their approach and be technically sound what ever they do in their life. Further, he said that combination of talent and sincerity is the only way to success of life.

Earlier, College Principal Er. A K Tripathi on his opening address urged upon the student community to be committed in their studies along with other co-curricular activities. He also asked faculties and staffs of the of RGGP to do their duties sincerely and appreciated them for their time support for the greater interest of the RGGP. RGGP is the only institute that is ISO 9001:2008 certified in the entire North East India and is a pride moment for the RGGP in particular and state as whole, he said. Further, he also informed that RGGP is one amongst the 100 pilot community polytechnic colleges that was started last year by the Central Government and counted under top 7th mentor polytechnic within the country which is a pride moment for our state Arunachal Pradesh.

The annual event that started on February 9 will be closed on February 14.

3 Days Disaster Sensitization Programme for PRI members, GBs and Village Chiefs concludes

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: Under the aegis of Deputy Commissioner Tirap, three days Disaster Sensitization programme for the PRI members, GBs and Village Chiefs of Khonsa and Dadam Circle, Lazu Circle and Deomali and Soha circle was organized at Khonsa, Lazu and Deomali respectively by the Disaster Management Cell Tirap.

Large numbers of members turned up in the said programme. The organizer DDMO Khonsa told the participants that they are among the respected and responsible persons of the village so they have the bigger role and responsibility to safeguard the village from any mishap and also to educate the villagers about community based disaster management. DDMO also presented a power point presentation on Dos and Don'ts and preparedness and mitigation measures for landslide and fire accident.

DF&CSO M Miri, one of the resources person explained the basics of dos and don'ts on earthquake and she advised the trainees to discuss the disaster preparedness tips in their day to day life with family, friends and other member of the community for a disaster resilient society.

The role and responsibilities of PRI members, GBs and village Chiefs was thoroughly explained by Dr. AK Mishra, Associate Professor of WRG Collage Deomali.

Leaflets of Dos and Don'ts on different disasters were also distributed to the participants on the occasion. DIPRO

Erratic power supply hits Ruksin

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Feb 13: Erratic power supply has brought day-to-day life of Ruksin and its adjoining rural areas to a complete standstill.

There has been no respite from unscheduled power causing great dissatisfaction among the local consumers. The consumers blame the department's indifferent attitude for the present power crisis.

Irregular power supply in the area is compelling the consumers make alternative arrangement at extra cost. Frequent power cut has not only affected the general public, businessmen and students but also normal functioning of the government offices at Ruksin sub-divisional headquarters.

"'The power department of the district does not try to understand the plight of common people. The authority assured us of regular power supply after connection of an Assam-based line, but the department's effort has miserably failed to fulfill our power need as power supply through this route is very irregular", the sufferers rued.

The Ruksin and Nari area in East Siang district bordering to Assam has been energized by a Jonai (Assam) based 33 KV power line since October, 2012. The Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL), North Lakhimpur circle has released Arunachal's share- 3 MW power from central sector through Hatigarh 132 KV Sub-station at Dhemaji (Assam).

As such, the APDCL through its Jonai 33 KV Sub-station is wheeling about 3 MW power allocated against Arunachal to mitigate the power shortage in East Siang district.

There are four 11 KV (output) feathers connected with Ruksin power station, which cover villages under Ruksin and Nari circles. The power officials at Ruksin reportedly have no option when there in no power supply on the Assam based-line.

It may be recalled that the greater Ruksin area including the township and the villages under Bilat circle had undisrupted power supply through a direct line connected to Rina Hydel Project. But, the electric energy generated from the hydel project was drawn to Pasighat in the pretext of growing power demand at district headquarter. The people made a strong protest against the power department's decision for alternative power supply arrangement, but their movement yielded no fruit.

Training cum workshop on pay fixation

ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A three days training-cum workshop on "Pay Fixation" commenced in Administrative Training Institute (ATI) from yesterday which is being conducted under the 100 per cent course fee sponsorship of the Department of Personnel & Training, Govt of India under its Plan Training Assistance 2013-14.

As many as 37 officials in rank of LDCs/UDCs/ Assistants/ Accountants etc. from A P Civil Secretariat Administrations and HoDs are attending the training programme.

The director (Training) Pema Tshetan in his inaugural address emphasized the importance of the training programme for both the participants and the department as a whole as "errorless fixation of pay scale at time of every pay revision/ pay enhancement/ up-gradation of pay scale/ adoption of time bound pay scale or implementation of ACP/MACP schemes including accurate maintenance of Service Book & IPS records are need of hour". The Director pointed out that, over the period from 5th Central Pay revision to recent 6th pay revision, many changes have taken place in the pay structure of Govt employees in all departments under the Govt of AP including invoking of RP rules in 1997, enhancement/up-gradation of pay scale, adoption of time bound pay scale as well as implementation of ACP/ MACP schemes. However, the Directorate of Audit & Pension have come across number of cases of wrong fixation of pay in many departments/ District Officers resulting continuous over drawal of pay and allowances for several years and the late detection of such errors in pay fixation at the time of retirement or after retirement of Govt servant leads to the later stage a huge financial loss to the Govt as the Govt. (concern Deptt.) is unable to recover the overdrawal amount due to court's intervention and at the same time causes undue delay in finalization of pension benefits to the retired Govt. employees.

Therefore, as a preventive measure of such desire situation and inconvenience to retiring/retired Govt. employees, the Govt. have made mandatory to all heads of departments/ heads of offices to get the Service Book of every retiring Govt employees updated with necessary entries of pay fixation and service verification done and submit the same to the directorate of pension for pre-checking preferably 6 (six) months prior to the date of retirements of the incumbent concerned.

The Director thereof urged all the participants to take full advantage of this training-cum-workshop on Pay Fixation & equip themselves with the latest rules, procedures and methods of application of Pay Fixation Rules & guidelines.

Earlier, the Course Coordinator and Dy. Director (Trg) Pate Marik submitted a brief highlight of the Course content and informed the participants about the panel of guest resource persons invited to impart the Training- cum-Workshop consisting of Shri Taniyang Tatung (FAO) Audit & Pension, Shri Somnath Hore (Overseer) Directorate of Printing & Shri Ratan Ghush (Asstt. Audit Officer) Audit & Pension. Smti Priscilla Tayeng, Asstt. Director (Trg) gave the welcome address & appraised the logistic arrangements made for the successful conduct of the Training Programme.

Tamla-Du: The Festival of Tawran and Kaman Mishmis of Arunachal Pradesh

Jonomo Rondo

Introduction

The Mishmis’ have been aborigine in a high mountainous and foothill areas of Undivided Lohit Division East While in the NEFA time to venture a long reminiscence and a land of cascading waterfalls with full of serenity and enchanting natural flora and fauna chirping sweaty winds, offers amazing vistas of lustrous greenery amidst majestic Mishmi hills, woody forests, the Dong first sun rise in the country and a beautiful panoramic view in the eastern most part of Himalayan states’ of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Tamla-Du is the socio-religious festival of the Kaman (Miju) and Tawran (Digaru) Mishmi celebrated in the month of February during the spring season in a common platform for promoting and encouraging among the Mishmis’ to bring unity and gaiety, preserving their age old culture and traditions and to disseminate the message of cultural dignity, and social harmony as among the mishmi brethrens.

The rituals like Namsiang and Tamla-Taka or Tamla-Du is a form of natural deities and chanting practice by Mishmis immemorial time. In the mean time the origin of “Ziim” and “Chaney”, the first human being on the earth as per the myths of the Mishmis. In the mythology tells us that a long ago the planet earth was submerged under the mighty ocean except the mountain peak “Zai” was remain above the sea water and rest of the earth surface including high peak mountains and plateaus was also inundated in the sea.

Its Meaning and Spiritual Aspects

The form of Tamla-Taka (Tamla-Du) varies in many ways, subject to the rites performed for particular activities. The purpose of the Tamla-Du festival is to invoke and propitiate the Matai-Jabmalo (the supreme god) and other deities like Shutoh-Deynyah (God of the mountain) Buru-Buruyah (goddess of water and rain) Kangam-Kabruyah (goddess of soil) and Shamar (god of wealth and rich crops) to bestow their blessings upon all people irrespective of all religious community for peace and prosperity. The main objective of the festival is to pray collectively to the almighty god and goddess and spiritual aspects inhabited in the environment and their eco-system within a certain peripheries of spiritual existence.

The nomenclature or word Tamla-Du does not exist in Mishmi socio-religious practices in the past. This is the outcome of an elderly Mishmis to give a religious festival in modern and unified platform initiated by Mishmi brethrens after 1970s onward and the first brain child was given by K.A.A Raja, former Lt. Governor and first Chief Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh. The original Tamla-Taka or Namsiang rituals were performed by Mishmis time to time without any specific date and calendar and observed by their respective villages and houses.

In fact, Tamla-Taka is performed in the newly constructed house to warm up and protect from any evil spirits, epidemic and other dreaded diseases upon human being and domestic livestock’s. The Tamla-Taka is also performed at the beginning of the main rituals like Tallo Changrang or Tanno and Apponk; the three chanting involves lots of rites and rituals which meant for goodness as well as people who survives and death.

The other side “Namsiang”, is a prototype of Tamla-Taka, the integrated form of Tamla-Taka is also performed in the boundary of the villages, sometimes at the nearby villages jointly maintained the Namsiang rituals in order to protect and safeguard their respective villages from the evil spirits, epidemic, and unforeseen diseases and accidents etc; and for the well being of the entire village and community. The actual form of Tamla-Du is an integrated way of Tamla-Taka and Namsiang is an ultra modern religious festivals celebrated in a common area involving spiritual chanting of hymns, entertainment, merry making, traditional games and sports along with developed way of public feast and huge social gathering and get together, and imbibes cultural fascinating and religious fervor.

Beginning of Tamla-Du

The first step to be contact for the priest (Kahtuwat) for Tamla-Du, followed by a collection of special wood is called “Asih-Sang” (a kind of tree that sparks when it in burn) is used. There is a tale behind this tree that the Mishmi while performing their ritual had tested many species of trees but none of them found effective on spiritually. At last they tested “Asi-Sang” in rites and rituals and the priest found that this special kind of tree was quite an effective and as such challenged the evil spirits, so it was approved by the priest. Since then the tree had been widely used in conducting or observing in Tamla-Taka and Namsiang rituals as well as in Tamla-Du festival.

Moreover, this special kind of tree, the wild banana leaves are also used without unturned and not tempered by any insects, Dha-eing (ginger) Tahmah Khut-Kahngai and seeds of various crops etc; are collected and used. After having collected all this materials, the preparation for construction of structure is called Taka-Jheng (the main alter) is started at the spot by the local elders and experts. In this process tri-cornered “Asih Sang” wood with oval shape structure in form of alter is made. The oval shape structure is filled with soil and artistically decorated and painted materials are placed where at least 3 to 4 big hen cocks are hung at the sides along with decorated sample of swords fish, daos, bow and arrows, round rope and trumpet etc; are hung which are also made out of “Asih-Sang”( the special tree). Besides the animal of deer sculpture is also made out of Asoih Sang and tightened at the nearby fence structure at the bottom for Wahtong.

The main spiritual materials required are Asih-Kamai-12 numbers, Sinfur-2 to 3 art and paint by turmeric. The spiritual chanting materials required for Tamla-Du are about 21 items in different forms and methods. After completion of the formal arrangement, the Kahtuwat (priest) is invited to occupy the chanting seat (Karai). Before the priest starts his chanting and hymns, an experience elder briefed and conveys the details of rituals ceremony and urges the priest to convey the same message to the almighty god through the means of spiritual chanting of all round well being of the entire area and community. The chanting of hymns continues for five to eight hours to please the main deities associated with the nature in the human existence.

As per the old tradition and culture of Mishmis only they maintain fowls were sacrificed during the Tamla-Du. However, present day it is observed by a huge social gathering and needs of more sacrifices are being done like pigs, mithuns and buffalos in such festival. After completion of the rites, rituals and chanting of the hymns by priest in the evening the host and elder members gathered around the priest and enquired about the good message received from the god and goddesses. The priest conveys the spiritual message which he sensed during the course of chanting and their hymns. At last, the host or the organizer started their gifts to the priest and some amount and thereafter, the ritual comes to an end and it becomes taboo starts.

Next day the taboo is strictly observed to please the god and goddesses and to invoke the peace and prosperity, during the taboo day and no fire is burnt in the nearby area and neither the stranger is allowed to visit or enter in the village boundary nor any villagers is allowed to go in the outside village.

In the tribal societies’ the festivals are the heart and souls of everyone’s culture. In the Mishmi society also like the Miju and Diagru social life, the main objective of festival is to stand, revive, reforms and to preserve their age old traditional cultural heritage and to showcase the rich cultural fabric of the Mishmis.

Conclusion

In the socio-cultural and religious aspects of the tribe’s, the festival is an embodiment and it come as a source of relief, to cast off the hangovers of daily labor and anxieties of their life. It also creates the positive thinking in the minds of the common people and trust in the existence of god and goddesses and deities in the abode of human life. (The writer is Cultural Research Officer, Tezu.)

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2012

---- Readers Forum ----

Disappointed

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to express extreme disappointment against Lower Dibang valley administration for not publishing the recruitment date of computer-cum-account assistant in the local dailies. I want to ask district administration, whether there are no internet facilities available in your office or what? If yes then why don't you inform us about date of interview? Are the fees for publishing advertisement too much? If other district administrations can publish it in the local dailies then why can't our district administration do the same?

At last, being an unemployed youth of LDV, I want to tell district administration that you had disappointed us.

Yours,

Kadum Pertin

Dambuk

Let's stop acting like wild animals

Dear Editor,

It is heartening to know that entire country is expressing their solidarity over the brutal killing of our beloved brother late Nido Tania. The episode was given a national character by news channels like Times Now, Headlines today and various other channels. Being alarmed by such brutality, whole day I kept browsing news channel to catch up every details of what would be next. But, alas! Every time I switched on my TV, it would show me some unending debate of politicians and time consuming advertisements. Few years ago, in South Delhi while entire Arunachal students were expressing solidarity with press fraternity by organizing protest against the brutal attack on young lady journalist Tongam Rina of Arunachal Times I was amazed to find most of the country's leading news channels like Zee news, Times Now and others present except my favourite Aaj Tak channel. I was thinking what is wrong with this news channel? Is there any reason for not covering us? Yes, there may be one solid reason. "Few years ago some guys in Itanagar broke vehicle of Aaj Tak and even attacked its staff, which forced them to flee from the state," told me a fellow Arunachalee. Dear people of Arunachal, let's stop acting like wild animals. Today we claim that we are in modern age but sadly many are seen acting like they are still in Tarzan era. This generation is perishing anyhow but let's save our future generation. Lastly today we can be proud of having successfully united every Indians in protest against various injustices........be it Tongam Rina's case, Tarrasso incident or late Nido Tania's case. It is only because of the incredible role played by our media and press fraternity that our minds are truly awakened.

Yours,

Philip Jerang

Mowb Colony 2,

Itanagar

KGBV teachers being ignored by state government

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I on behalf of East Kameng Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Teachers Association (EKKGBVTA) would like to draw kind attention of Government of Arunachal Pradesh towards hardship faced by the teachers working under the ambitious programme of Government of Arunachal Pradesh that is Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV).

The GoAP are interested to promote girls education in Arunachal Pradesh but they are totally ignoring the welfare of staffs working under KGBVs of Arunachal Pradesh.

The salaries of staffs are very meager as compared to duties that we perform. The prices of essential commodities are getting hiked day by day but our salary remains stagnate since it was implemented from 2005-06 in Arunachal Pradesh. The GoAP has enhanced the salary of each and every department; right from the regular, casual and contractual workers as per the Sixth pay commission but they did not enhance the salary of KGBV staffs at that time.

From that very moment the KGBV staffs started to submit memorandum after memorandum to GoAP but still our genuine demands are not fulfilled till date and GoAP is remaining silent towards our demands.

At present also indefinite pen down strike was declared by AAPKGBVTA from 27th January 2014 but still GoAP is not in mood to solve our problems. GoAP is totally responsible for the present pen down strike because they failed to meet our genuine demands.

Hope, our grievances will be looked into by the authorities in the right earnest and needful action be taken at the earliest possible.

Yours,

Vijay Tamang

General Secretary,

(EKKGBVTA)

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---- Editorial ----

Impact of climate change

Millions in South Asia face a grim future marked by disastrous weather events, hunger and disease.

In a just released report, the World Bank has observed that the wages of climate change are already being paid by people around the world, hitting its poorest the hardest. The report notes that "South Asian countries and its poorest people are at the highest level of risk.

As evidenced by the recent Uttarakhand deluge, the combined effect of rising temperatures, extreme weather events and increasing sea levels is taking a serious toll on the beleaguered economy of South Asia. "The lives and livelihood of millions of people in the region is at stake," the report warns. "The bad news is that such impacts will continue to intensify".

Threats to populations across the region will arise not only from a gradual change in temperatures and sea level but also from increased climatic volatility, including fiercer floods, droughts and storms. The fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that, "Climate change caused by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and economic development will compound the pressures on natural resources and the environment."

Glaciers in the Himalayas could melt at even faster rates triggering monster storms and driving up mortality from diarrhea, which is associated with floods and droughts. The report predicts that water resources within the next two to three decades are likely to decrease by as much as 30% in South Asia by mid-21st century even as rising sea levels lead to inundation, storm surges, erosion and other coastal hazards..