February 03
SAG Torch arrives in Capital
[ M Doley ]
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: The Torch Rally carrying the message of South Asian Games (SAG) to be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5 to 16 reached the State Capital here from Kohima, Nagaland on Tuesday afternoon.
A team of officers of Sports Department, including Director (Sports) Tadar Appa,
Deputy Director Mala Linggi, Assistant Director Karbia Dodum, Assistant Professor
of RGU Tadang Minu, In-
Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa will flag off the torch rally here at Helipad, Raj Bhawan on Wednesday at 8 am which will pass through the main thoroughfare of the township before it arrives at IG Park at 9.30 am.
The Torch rally, which started at Guwahati on February 20 travelled to the seven NE States, including Sikkim, before it arrived in Arunachal Pradesh today. It will go to Kokrajhar, Assam tomorrow in the last leg of the rally before it culminates at Guwahati on February 4, informed Prof. Biswajit Basumatary, Head of the Torch Rally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Games in the evening of February five at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, the Games’ main venue.
A total of 24 sports disciplines have been included in the 12th edition of the Games out of which eight disciplines will be conducted in Shillong.
Besides host India, around 4500-
Dadwal resigns as advisor to Raj Bhavan
New Delhi, Feb 02: Y S Dadwal, who was recently appointed as advisor to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, today resigned from the post citing personal reasons.
Dadwal, former Commissioner of Delhi Police, who was appointed on January 26 as advisor to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh after President’s rule was imposed in the state, put in his papers, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
There are conflicting reports from Raj Bhavan and MHA.
Raj Bhavan in an official communiqué said that Y.S. Dadwal, who joined his duties on Jan 28 has gone on leave for ten days on health ground. Insiders say that Dadwal had differences with Governor J P Rajkhowa pertaining to recommendation of some files to Centre.
Dadwal, apparently refused to entertain any files on Tuesday.
Banshidhar Sharma, a 1980 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre who had retired as Director General of paramilitary SSB on January 31, has been appointed in place of Dadwal. With inputs from PTI
Kameng Police to use Alcolmeter
BOMDILA, Feb 02: The West Kameng police would be using the Lion Alcolmeter 500 for the first time in the district to put a check on the drunken driving. Though the state police was equipped with this gadget, reportedly, it was never used. Therefore, technically the district would be the first in the state to use it.
The two sets of the Lion Alcolmeter 500 was procured under the Untied Fund by the district administration and handed over to SP Bomdila today.
Visibly elated Superintendent of Police, Dr. A Koan said that with the availability of the device, the district headquarters Bomdila would be free of the drunken driving cases and would be setting an example for other districts of the state to emulate. The Alcolmeter would be put in use in other administrative circles of the district too, he added.
SP Koan further highlighting on the last year’s annual MV checking in the district revealed that of the total 446 MV checking conducted from January to December 2015, a total of 2562 vehicles were checked at various points and a total of Rs. 8, 22,150 was realized from the defaulters and assured that the district police would take all necessary steps to make the atmosphere more conducive in the district. Deputy Commissioner AK Singh viewed that cases of drunken driving in the district especially in the district headquarter is low but necessary steps like regular nakas, patrolling, flying squads and use of devices like Alcolmeter should be put in use in the district for providing a just and secure environment to the common man. DIPRO
Conflicting number games and tribal identity
[ Tongam Rina ]
While a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court is debating on political crisis in the state, on the evening of Republic Day, the President of India decided that Arunachal Pradesh indeed needed to be brought under Centre’s rule.
Not surprisingly, fed up with political uncertainty, many people of the state, in the urban areas have welcomed the decision.
As we wait what next the Court will say and what more drama will be played out, confusion has further deepened, in terms of formation of the next government.
The number simply do not match if the Congress has to form the government under Chief Minister in waiting Kalikho Pul.
Will Pul be able to manage enough number to form the next government since of the 47 Congress MLAs, including the two who were disqualified, he commands just 21? The ousted Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, as of now has 26 Congress MLAs with him. There are very few fence sitters.
The next few weeks will be decisive in terms of political as well as number games. If the Congress has to form the government, the state will witness massive switching of loyalty, either way, and horse trading; the hugely popular game in Arunachal politics.
Nabam Tuki has lost out on the number even though he might cry foul. The house simply
does not have faith in him, as shown during the legislative sessions at Community
Hall and a Hotel held during Dec 16-
Looking at the current bonhomie between rebel Congress and the BJP, bitter foes elsewhere but best friends in Arunachal, it does appear that BJP will be a major player. Will we see a defection to the BJP to form the next government by Pul and co, if he manages 10 more Congress MLAs to have the required 2/3 majority? Not an unlikely scenario given our history of being nervous if not in company of those who rule at the centre.
Court decision perhaps do not carry much meaning for the state now, other than deciding on the role of the Governor J P Rajkhowa but the political game of Pul, Tuki and BJP has just intensified.
Will the people of this state have confidence on the 60 legislators, MPs Kiren Rijiju, Mukut Mithi and Ninong Ering who could not save the state from president’s rule; a disgrace on the elected representatives?
But then we are hardly a society that votes on the basis of the merit of an individual. In almost all the cases, people have voted for candidates in exchange of money and favour. So, it is payback time from the legislators. Once voted to power, they will do exactly what they want. Why should they care when most of us gave away our rights to say anything in exchange of favours?
We stopped being a society that valued tribal ethics, freedom which was the very basis of tribal identity. While we may fight among ourselves, have the choicest mean word to describe a fellow tribal, we have no self respect to stand up and say that we can manage our affairs, no matter how ugly and divisive.
Our ancestors, who raided each other in search of supremacy but learnt to live together as neighbours, because they believed in fairness, must be turning in their graves because today we can’t decide for ourselves. Our age old system of coming together, when in crisis, has no meaning today. Perhaps this is new democracy, decided by others, who have no interest in the well being of the people or even clued how a tribal society functions. As someone said, the reality is that new age tribal gets carried away by emotion, not identity or reality.
Massive traffic jams due to security checks
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Capital Complex today witnessed massive traffic jam due to combination of security checking as well as road repairing work. Naharlagun area was the worst affected. It took almost 2 hour to reach Naharlagun from Itanagar. Situation was same for the motorists coming from Nirjuli side. The situation deeply frustrated the capital dwellers.
“It seems district administration has not properly planned the whole exercise. Security checking at multiple places does not serve any purpose. It only causes harassment to the citizens”, said a harassed motorist.
He further said that road repairing work should be carried out in the early morning before the office hour.
He added, “Security checking should be done only at the entrance to capital towns
like Bage Tinali, Papu Hill tri-
Though there are press briefings by Raj Bhavan stating otherwise, security forces continue to misbehave with innocent citizens. Festival goers, in particularly those celebrating Boori Boot Yullo complained of excesses by the security forces.
East Kameng unhappy with Singh departure
Officers that shows the way
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: The news of the transfer of East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh has saddened the people of the district. Since news of his transfer broke, the district is reported to be unhappy.
DC Singh, who is hugely popular among people of district, has been posted to Capital Complex. Ever since he took over administration of East Kameng in May 2014, Singh has managed to transform the scenario of district.
Known to be strict administrator, DC Singh inspired not only government employees but also the people of Seppa town.
“He was the best DC our district ever had. He made people follow rules not by screaming or bullying but by winning hearts. In fact district witnessed tremendous development under him. During his tenure, he took strict action against the erring govt. officials. However he also supported hard working honest officials. We will miss him a lot,” said Safar Pao, chairman East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Society (ESKWCO).
Further he added, “We hope new DC will continue the good work done by DC Singh and take district to the new level.”
As Seppa mourns, the capital dwellers are excited to welcome the new DC.“We have massive expectation from him. Especially capital road needs improvement. Also there is serious need to beautify the capital. At present capital complex looks like an urban mess. Hope DC Singh will cast same magic in capital complex like he did in Seppa,” shared a capital dweller.
In the last six months, even as state witnessed massive political crisis, it is the officers like DC Singh who has kept state going. Led by Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, one of the finest IAS officers to be ever posted in Arunachal, the bureaucrats have run the show in the last six months and will continue to do so under President Rule.
Another officer who has won the heart of people is Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Komkar Dulom.
A son of soil, DC Dulom has been working hard to take the development to the village level. Considered to be one of the most backward districts of state, Upper Subansiri has taken a big leap under him. Especially his push to end the controversy surrounding compensation issue under Trans Arunachal Highway is praiseworthy. DC Dulom has been working hard to convince people of Upper Subansiri to accept compensation package and let TAH work start.
The failure of political class has made officers like Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, Deputy Commissioners Sandeep Kumar Singh and Komkar Dulom heroes among the masses.
Songs and Memories – Tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at Bolung
[ Une Pertin ]
Almost a century ago in a small Adi village in erstwhile Sadiya sub-
Much to the parents’ relief, the young girls brought him back safe and secure the next afternoon. But the rattled mother wouldn’t let them go without an explanation and questioned them as to how they could simply whisk off a breastfed baby without any prior information. Apparently as it turned out, the hungry child was fed by many Adi mothers and had passed the night oblivious to the commotion his absence had created.
Perhaps this story could have been one of the countless other incidents that every rural setting has. But the cajoled child and the main character here was no ordinary child.
He was none other than the legendary Bhupen Hazarika – the doyen of soulful ballads and melodies and the owner of the famous baritone voice that gave his endless legions of fans songs like “Bristirno Parore, Moi Eti Jajabor, Manuhe Monuhor Babey and Buku Hom Hom Kore ”. Born to Nilakanta and Shantipriya Hazarika on 8th September 1926, Bhupen Hazarika grew up to be a noted lyricist, musician, singer, poet, and film maker. He was also the recipient of awards like Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and Asom Ratna.
But the late doyen never forgot his childhood among Adi playmates and villagers and often recounted himself as “Abor maor dudh khoa” (meaning one who drank the milk of Abor mothers). This episode is even mentioned in his autobiography “Atma Jiwani” and in chance meetings with Arunachalis, he never failed to mention that “Abor blood ran through his body” and “he was one among them”.
Since his death in November 2011, various efforts have been made to commemorate his
birthplace and after delving into numerous write-
Therefore, taking this to be the old Bolung in letter and spirit, the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) has taken the initiative to commemorate his birthplace under the technical supervision of Research Department, Arunachal Pradesh. The proposal to erect his statue within Arunachali soil in memory of the tremendous contributions he made towards developing the state’s art and culture was made by the former chief minister Nabam Tuki.
A team comprising of APLS President Y.D Thongchi, APLS general secretary cum Director
Research department Batem Pertin, former APLS general secretary cum Director Trade
and Commerce Tokong Pertin, Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) President Kangir Jamoh, ADC LDV
Ruchika Katyal, visited the village for site inspection on 31st January last. Asserting
that Bhupen Hazarika belonged not just to Assam but the entire north east, Thongchi
informed that the missing episode was one of the favourite anecdotes of the singer
and is mentioned even in the introductory part of Tarani Pathak’s “Bhupen Hazarikar
Geet Hamagrar Samu Bisleshan-
But Bhupen Hazarika’s Bolung connection doesn’t end here. A close friend of the
late legislator Gora Pertin -
Recounting an incident from April 1988 during an annual North East Council meeting which Bhupen Hazarika was heading as the chairman, Batem Pertin reminisced how he immediately asked him if he was from Bolung and a son of Gora Pertin when he introduced himself. The singer then shared how he never failed to visit Bolung when at Sadiya and often stayed at the legislator’s house and considered it “nijor ghor jeneka” (like my own house).
Recalling the “missing” episode from his childhood, the doyen had shared with Tokong Pertin during a chance meeting in 1993 Rongali Bihu celebration at Jairampur that having fed by Adi mothers, the “same blood ran through his veins”. He hugged him tightly like a long lost friend when he came to know he was a relative of Gora Pertin and did not let him out of sight for the whole duration of the programme – that coming from the chief guest and an internationally renowned singer!
Keeping these wistful memories in mind and respecting the doyen’s assertions that he was born in Bolung, the inspecting team selected the house compounds of late Pertin for erecting the memorial. His youngest son and senior medical officer Minggam Pertin who donated the land for free, hoped that it would set an example for cross boundary bonhomie like the one that existed between his father and the singer.
Senior advocate Toni Pertin informed that the decision to donate land for the memorial was made in consensus with all the family members. He also ensured that after the site verification, the family will ensure that it is done in a proper manner.
Batem Pertin informed that on basis of the reports gathered, the APLS and Research department will submit a memorandum to the finance department for early implementation. He shared that the representatives of Bhupen Hazarika Trust were unable to attend the inspection as they were out of station but were kept in loop about the initiatives.
ADC Ruchika Katiyal further assured that the district administration would give their
full support to the endeavour and highly appreciated the Pertin family for their
gesture. Adding on the line, ZPM Parbuk-
It is therefore fitting that the man who gave people of this state timeless melodies
like “Siangore Galong Lohitore Khampti, Kotojawanor mrityu hol, Tirap himanta rupahi
nai anta, Hamara Arunachal” and its first feature film “Meri Dharam Meri Maa”, get
a memorial built in the place he called his “birthplace” and shared enduring memories
with through his personal friendships. The statue of Bhupen Hazarika will be built
by noted painter and sculptor Biren Singha -
It is rightly said that music transcends boundaries and time and again it has been proved that music follows even where man cannot enter. The ongoing fracas between Assam and Arunachal over boundary problems is a testimony to the gaping holes, the lack of personal connections and shared remembrances . Perhaps with this monumental gesture towards one of Arunachal’s own “son of the soil” through music and blood, the wounds will be healed and the memorial will then cease to remain just a memorial – but a living proof of timeless friendship and bonhomie. Memories need to be recreated even for the immortals.
Donggin Festival celebrated with gaiety
Itanagar, Feb 02: Donggin Festival of Adi Community residing in Itanagar was celebrated with pomp and gaiety at Itanagar on Tuesday.
Taking part at the festivities, Commissioner to the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh Tahang Taggu urged the people to preserve the age old tradition and culture. He also emphasized that the education and progress should go hand in hand. While learning culture of other society, one should not forget one's own. While appreciating the role of the Adis from the border areas during barter trade days with Tibet before India got Independence, he said that they were the main suppliers of salt and other essential items for the people living in the foothill. But after Independence, the trade route got reverse resulting in deprivation of developmental activities in the region, he said. Joint Commissioner Tax & Excise, Tani Jongkey, speaking on the occasion asked the seniors of the Adi society to lead by examples in preserving the traditions and cultures so that younger generation can learn and follow them.
President of Donggin Festival Celebration Committee, Tabon Yao, in his welcome address extended warm greetings to everyone on the occasion of Donggin Todi.
General Secretary of DFCCI, Taken Pali, while reading the mythology of Donggin, highlighted how Donggin Festival has evolved from village level celebration to the present form.
Advisor of DFCCI, Tashor Pali appreciated the contribution made by various individuals to make the Donggin Festival colorful.
Earlier, Lii, a Donggin ritual was inaugurated to mark the beginning of Donggin. Mega Dance, Traditional Folk Dance, Ponung, Games and Sports were the other attractions of the festival.
The day was celebrated with pomp and traditional gaiety at Gumin Kiin, Aalo today.
Attending the festival, Anong Perme, Chief Engineer, Power said that festival is a rare occasion to showcase our rich attires, folklores and rich values and that it has become important to preserve this rich culture through documentation. The young generation should be actively involved in it to shoulder bulk of the social responsibilities in future.
Efforts have been made to create a Permanent Society for Preservation of Culture at Itanagar to provide Grants in aid to festivals of the Adi community and gradually such centres should also be set up in the district to safeguard our culture, he said.
Er. Minli Tato DF&CSO hailed the community as one of the hardest working tribes of the state and appreciated their effort to break the seclusion to bring Donggin festival at community level.
The DFCC President Takot Pangu, Secretary Tashi Jorang and Dr. Taking Paser also spoke and dwelt on mythological aspects of the festival.
The prizes for Late Tago Pangu Memorial Volleyball Championship and Donggin badminton and cultural competitions were also given away on the occasion. (DIPRO)
DC unhappy with lack of quality work
KHONSA, Feb 02: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha expressed dismay over the manner in which the Charju MHS (3200 KW) is being maintained and called for its immediate renovation.
The Deputy Commissioner, who visited the hydel station yesterday, found various technical snags, like of leakage of water through sluice valve, penstock pipe resulting in low water pressure at turbine point that ultimately leads to low power generation. The Deputy Commissioner was informed by the assistant engineer (EM) RK Pandey that presently only 1 unit is generating power out of the three due to low discharge. Out of the three units, one unit has been shut down due to problems in generator set. Power generation is further reduced due to blockage at the entry point, he said.
The engineer informed that they were unable to carry out routine maintenance work due to acute shortage of fund which is further leading to breakdown of the machines.
Engineer Pandey has been directed to prepare a plan for urgent repair of the hydel station so that it can generate power to its full capacity.
Khela-
The DC was accompanied by departmental engineers, panchayat leaders of Khela-
Towards greener and cleaner Ziro
Ziro, Feb 02: “Three(months) for treses” with this theme the entire Ziro Valley will witness a series of plantation and cleanliness activities in the next three months in line with the Clean Arunachal Campaign. The decision was taken in a meeting convened in Hapoli today.
Chairing the meeting DC Kanki Darang said that the three months -
Accordingly, few barren stretches in the Ziro-
Apatani Housing Society adopted Blue Pine School, DC Office, Govt. Higher Secondary
School, AWAZ-
Emphasing on a collective effort to clean and beautify Ziro, DC Darang insisted on social service in all the colonies, sectors, office premises and bazaar areas every week.
DC office has already initiated social service in the second half of every Friday and General Hospital cleans its surroundings every second Saturday, he informed and exhorted others to follow for a cleaner Ziro.
He directed every department to appoint a nodal officer who would be in charge of the cleanliness activities carried in the department. Every sector/colony will appoint social service secretary who will ensure mandatory participation from all the dwellers during social service.
He also directed the Hapoli and Ziro Bazaar Committee members to carry out social services on their closure days i.e. Sunday and Monday respectively and warned all shopkeepers of penalty if found without dustbins in their shop premises. The cleanest colony/sector, school etc will be rewarded, he encouraged.
Darang also suggested for adopting the typical conical sloop roofing in all building structures which would be a trademark for Ziro. DIPRO
Golden Pagoda to be first International Tipitaka Center
[ Chow Bilaseng Namchoom ]
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: The World Tripitaka Foundation (WTF) Thailand has decided to develop and create Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) of Tengapani at Namsai District as the first International Tipitaka Center in India.
A senior team of WTF is expected soon for further survey.
The World Tripitaka Foundation (WTF), famous for its innovative work of Pali transcription into many Asian languages is now working on Tai Khamti script and language and soon. They will start their work on Tai Phake and Tai Khamyang scripts as well.
Recently, former Minister Chowna Mein visited Bangkok to attend the meeting with the World Tripitaka Foundation committee Thailand for the Tai Language transcription. He was accompanied by Ven. Vimalatissa Bhikkhu, abode of Kongmukham monastery and members of Tai Khampti Heritage & Literature Society.
The Tai Khampti linguistic team comprising of Ven. Vimalatissa Bhikkhu and Chow Kalingna Mannoi has already completed the transcription and translation of the first volume of Vinaya Sutta (Patimukha) in Tai Khampti. The team is also expected to work soon on transcription and translation of the 40 volumes of Tripitika in Tai Khampti language.
The Tripitaka or Pali canon is the collection of primary Pali language texts which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism.
Meanwhile, Mein gave his word to work with the foundation and agreed to assist the foundation in publishing the Pali Tai Transcription of the Tripitaka to all Tai languages of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Clean Arunachal Campaign
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: As a part of the Clean Arunachal Campaign, the students, staff and the faculty of NERIST carried out cleanliness drives on Monday and Tuesday at Nirjuli. Led by the Director and the Deans, the students, staff and the faculty cleaned the hostels and the residential areas of the NERIST campus, and later, along with the officials of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, and Circle Officer took part in cleaning the Nirjuli market area.
While appreciating the ‘Clean Arunachal’ initiative, the officials and the participants stressed on the importance of creating awareness about hygiene and cleanliness and opined that for the success of the campaign that has been launched, a greater participation of all the sections of the society is paramount. The NERIST fraternity will continue the cleanliness drive till the Feb13.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Civil Society joined the Campaign by conducting cleanliness drive at Ganga Itanagar, ACS Office premises near Private bus Stand led by its Chairman Patey Tayum along with shopkeepers.
ADM Talo Potum also took part at the event.
The Clean Arunachal Campaign has started in Pangin and Boleng in Siang district.
Deputy Commissioner In-
DC calls for concerted efforts
PASIGHAT, Feb 02: Giving a clarion call to health and education departments in particular,
Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla today urged officials to administer de-
She made this appeal while chairing a District Level De-
In her address, Khosla stated that the early years of a child are the most critical and significant.
If guidelines is fully implemented, children will have improved health outcomes and be able to achieve their potential to the fullest, she asserted. This initiative needs to be coupled with awareness on improved sanitation, hygiene, and availability of safe drinking water for reducing worm load, she said.
She instructed the DDSE to direct all the teacher in-
DMO Mandip Perme said, “De-
Albendazole tablets will be given to all targeted children; half tablet to 1-
Present at the meeting were PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk, DDSE Obuk Panor, MS Dr. YR Darang, DRCHO Dr. T Gao, DD (ICDS) Ponung Ering Angu and medical officers. DIPRO
GSU demands early completion of road work
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Galo Students’ Union (GSU) angered by long-
The work for construction/improvement/ widening of the said portion of the road under West Siang district was awarded to one M/s Shivam Transcom Pvt. Ltd of Assam by BRTF authorities. The works on the said stretch of the road had commenced on November one, 2013. But, very little or no progress has been made on the said road stretch, said GSU in a memorandum to the Chief Secretary.
The students’ union demanded strong action against the BRTF authorities for its alleged negligence.
“No time extension should be given to the constructing agency in case of failure to complete the works on time and the tender allotted to it should be cancelled with immediate effect,” the representation demanded.
GSU further informed that the shifting of electrical structures along the Basar-
One worker reportedly got severely injured due to this negligence of the Basar Electrical
Department on December 23, 2015, GSU claimed and strongly appealed to the office
of the Chief Secretary to initiate immediate and strong action against the Executive
Engineer (Electrical), Basar Electrical Division for non-
Providing a copy of documents obtained through RTI, GSU said that Rs.168.82 lakh was deposited to the Executive Engineer (Electrical), Basar Electrical Division, Basar under West Diang District in January, 2014 for shifting of electrical structures.
“In a rain-
The firm M/s Shivam Transcom is supposed to complete and hand over the completed road by March, 2016. But, it seems unlikely that the construction firm will make any tangible progress by that time, the representation added.
Visitors enchanted with the theme of Arunachal stall in IKBF
KOLKATA, Feb 2: The exhibition stall put up by the directorate of Research, Government
of Arunachal Pradesh at the 40th International Kolkata Book Fair(IKBF)-
It was ‘Veni Vidi Vici’ at the IKBF for Arunachal Pradesh as the visitor including academicians, scholars, media persons, tour aspirants were left spell bound by the presentation in interior decoration of the book stall with the theme “Folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh: Enchanting Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arunachal Pradesh “ and displayed publications of research department.
While appreciating the thematic look aesthetically presented in the exhibition stall, Talukadar applauded the dedicated efforts of Research department to focus the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. It would also be beneficial from tourism point of view to disseminate the authentic data and information towards positive outlook on the people of Arunachal Pradesh, he added.
Renowned Bengali poets Goutam Ghosh Dastidar and Kalyan Gangopadhaya, while attending the inauguration function said “It seems as if we are standing now in Arunachal Pradesh. The publications displayed here are collector’s item, specially iconic Verrier Elwin’s works.” A book entitled “Religion and Syncretism in Apatani Society” authored by Radhe Yampi, District Research Officer, Itanagar was released jointly by two eminent Bengali poets. It was maiden endeavour to release any research publication in International Kolkata Book Fair by the Research Department. Pushpol Roy of Tathaykendra magazine also attended the function.
During the telephonic interaction with the in-
Batem Pertin, Director of Research while disclosing the objective of exhibition stall in the book fair said “Arunachal Pradesh is overlooked state by regional and national media. It might be due to lack of information. They hardly publish any positive news on Arunachal. This type of participation in international level fair will certainly draw the attention of media and common masses towards the potentials of Arunachal.”
R N Koley, Asstt. Director of Research (Culture) and in-
RGU Foundation Day
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Rajiv Gandhi University, founded way back in 1984 as a State University is all set to observe its 33rd Foundation Day on 4th February at the university auditorium situated on the picturesque Rono Hills campus.
Vice-
Efforts to check absenteeism
TAWANG, Feb 02: Deputy Commissioner, Tawang Duly Kamduk while taking strict note of absenteeism in offices, informed that Flying Squad would make unannounced visits and those found guilty would be strictly dealt with.
Further, in a prohibitory order issued by the District Magistrate pursuant to the imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, carrying of licensed fire arms, knife, dao, khukri have been banned in the district with immediate effect. The order reads that violation of the order shall entail prosecution as per law and shall remain in force for two months. DIPRO
Environmental awareness campaign
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Pedong Kenbo Society (PKS) held an awareness campaign at Yigi Kaum village to create awareness among the villagers about environmental problems and take measures for environmental protection through active involvement of the rural masses.
The villagers were advised to save flora and fauna and avoid reckless hunting, fishing, shifting or jhum cultivation in their areas.
The chairman, vice chairman, secretary and chief patron also joined the awareness campaign. They told villagers about the ill effects of ecological imbalances due to hunting, fishing, deforestation, leading to global warming and climate change.
Rimo Taba, consultant, monitoring and evaluation of district Water and Sanitation Mission, Aalo as resource person spoke in length about the importance of water and forest in detail.
An artificial tiger jaw (teeth) was presented to renowned priest and PI of Aalo Mogi Ori as demonstration to save the national animal. The society distributed football, volleyball sets, calendars etc to the villagers.
Villagers from Kaum, Pomse, Pomte, Guda and Mugli Pagyor villages attended the programme.
District level CM’s Trophy at Changlang ends
CHANGLANG, Feb 02: The District Level CM's Trophy for Football and Volleyball ( Men
& Women) ended here today with the men’s final football match between Bordumsa Constituency
and Changlang (South) Constituency in which the former won by 3 -
Earlier, in women’s football, Bordumsa Constituency beat Miao by 1 -
Wangsut Kamhua and Mina Mura of Bordumsa Constituency were adjudged best football players of in Men and Women category respectively.
In Volleyball (Women), Bordumsa Constituency beat Changlang (South) Constituency
by 3 -
Tingtu Tailong of Changlang (North) and Kinnya Korang of Changlang (South) were adjudged best players in Volleyball Men and Women Category respectively.
The winners will represent the district at the State Level in their respective category.
Deputy Commandant, 149 CRPF L. Samuel Zamir attended the closing ceremony programme. DIPRO
Hospital gets special power supply
PASIGHAT, Feb 02: Power Department has provided special electricity connection to
Pasighat General Hospital for smooth functioning of X-
The special connection has been provided to the hospital after the governing body meeting of Hospital Management Society adopted resolution urging the department to provide the power.
Meanwhile, ZPM cum Pasighat People’s Welfare Committee chairman Okom Yosung visited the hospital along with EE (Power) Joram Lali recently. Yosung told that people of Pasighat and adjoining areas are availing the medical facilities since last one week.
The connection will also be done for ultrasound machine within a week. The DG set will be installed as a standby during emergency cases, he added.
Ering tours parts of eastern Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Member of Parliament Ninong Ering recently toured Roing, Tezu, Namsai and met the local panchayat leaders and members of Shapwang Yaung Manawpoi festival at Bardumsa and contributed few amounts to the festival organizing committee.
During his visit to Tezu, he assured the women groups of traditional textile and handlooms Rs 6 lakhs from his MPLAD fund for construction of office building at Tezu.
Ering also met the members of Tam Ladu Festival Committee there.
He also spoke to the members of the Oriah festivals at Itanagar.
Association objects to claims over Tobo Yobo
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Strongly objecting to the Jan 29 news item wherein Tamin Welfare Society (TWS) has made claims over Tobo Yobo (ancestral historical lake), the Lodu Youth Welfare Association (LYWA) has in a release today claimed that the lake lies within Siik River of Darak and not Sie River under Liromobo Circle as claimed by the TWS.
Though Kayi village is situated nearest to the lake but the fact does not justify its claims of owning the lake, the Association said adding that the lake, since olden times has been owned by Poyom, Potom Rakshap of Lodu clan residing at Darak Circle.
The Association further appealed to the TWS to desist from giving such statements in the media and suggested all to come together to make the best use of the nature’s gift.
NEDFi organizes skill development training
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: A total of 30 participants from various parts of the state were trained on cutting, tailoring and embroidery during a 3 months skill development programme organized by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Vivek Vihar here.
All the trainees were provided course completion certificates of and were advised to utilize their skills gained from the training for income generating activities.
The training programme, which concluded yesterday, was organized in association with
local NGO -
14 Assam Rifles organizes medical camp
CHANGLANG, Feb 02: The 14 Assam Rifles conducted a free medical camp at Chingsa Village, Changlang recently.
A total of 103 patients have benefitted from the camp. Besides providing medicines free of cost, routine blood tests were conducted during the camp.
The medical camp was conducted to curb the common preventable diseases that were prevailing in the region.
The camp has been organized as part of the Military Civic Action Project to reach out to far flung villages and provide quality medical care to the locals.
Labour union submits memo
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has in a seven-
The union’s demands include; dismissal of alleged political appointments of Registering
Officer under Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board
(APB&OCWWB), creation of sufficient casual post in every department, vacating of
all illegally occupied bachelor barrack of laborers across the state by contractors
and others, regularization of casual contingency staffs, implementation of labour
welfare scheme as per directive of the Supreme Court, establishment of labour co-
Post MOs soon
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Claiming that the CHC Boleng has been currently facing shortage of doctors and functioning with a lone MO (Dental), the Siang District Student’s Union (SDSU) has in a release today appealed to the Director Health Services to immediately post at least 7 General Duties Medical Officers comprising of a surgical specialist, medicine specialist, child specialist, gynecologist and anesthetist as per Indian Public Health Standards in the CHC
Members of the SDSU led by its vice president (admin.) Takuni Tamin had earlier met the DHS at his office in Naharlagun and apprised him about the poor state of CHC Boleng, the Union informed.
Hunting, fishing prohibited
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: In a public meeting conducted by the Jote Panchayat Youth Welfare
Association (JPYWA) under the chairmanship of Ex-
It was also decided in the meeting that picnics will be held only at the allotted Eco tourist hub and not at any private location.
Abo Tani mega fest–cum-
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: A five-
Various cultural activities, games and sports and literary competition on Abo Tani genealogy were conducted while, renowned singers of the state like Takio Soki, Kipa Roniyang also performed during the programme. Councilor Ward No. 29 Nirjuli Tarh Nachung and Naharlagun Market Welfare Committee chairman Shillong Tajo had also attended the valedictory function.
Police personnel dies
ITANAGAR, Feb 02: Kerala Kala Samskarika Vedi (KKSV), Itanagar has mourned the untimely and premature demise of one of its members, Babu.Y at the age of 46, on Feb 1 at his home town in Kerala after prolonged illness.
He was working as PSO to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and is survived by wife and two daughters. Babu.Y, a 1989 batch constable of AAP 1st Bn. was serving in the security wing of Raj Bhavan for the last 10 years.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Editorial
A good beginning
The Clean Arunachal campaign which began yesterday across the state is a very good initiative. The campaign will run till 13th February culminating into statehood day celebration on February 20. Ever since the campaign began normally dirtied streets of capital complex looks cleaner. People are voluntarily turning up in large number to clean colonies, sectors and streets of national highway which is really encouraging to see. Reports of clean drive being organized on large scale are pouring in from districts too. Especially participation of young children is a positive sign.
It's important to inculcate sense of cleanliness among the children. If they develop this habit they will take the message to their home and to the friends. Also such kind of campaign should be organized almost every month. Why should it be limited to just for one month? When it is matter of keeping our town and village clean, the role of citizens is vital. We cannot depend only on government agencies to do dirty job of keeping the town clean. The citizens need to chip in from their side and don't dirtied the town. Government should carry out more awareness campaign in this regard. Citizens should be educated about cleanliness. Also strict action should be initiated against those who dirty the town. Unless such drastic action is taken, organizing cleanliness campaign will be of no use.
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Readers’ Forum
Digital split
Dear Editor,
Digital split is a social issue referring to the differing amount of information
between those who have access to the Internet, specially broadband access and those
who do not have access. Researchers and advocacy groups look optimistically at the
economic and social potential of the active and technology–skilled elderly; other
approaches dealing with the social appropriation of technology see obstacles and
stress the dangers of an increasing digital divide between generations. Factors like
gender, education and socio-
Yours,
Arnab Dey, Kolkata
Voice against corruption
Dear Editor,
I salute Simon Ronrang for his letter “Who will raise voice against corruption?” (AT, ‘Readers Forum’ , January 29) in which he said, ‘The need of the hour is to change systems and structures for a corruption free state and that humble beginning too should begin with you and me’. It is said that people will get the government they deserve. Corruption at the top is but a reflection of our indulgence to corrupt practices. We cannot check corruption so long as we keep on taking pride in getting a thing done quickly by adequately greasing the right palm in right time or giving honour to unscrupulous people for their riches.
This is the most important factor that makes India still stuck at the score of 38
points on a scale of 0-
After securing fourth position in HDI, Denmark has topped the CPI as the most corruption
free country of the world. Netherlands (5th) and Canada (9th) have got identical
rank in both indexes. While the Asian teacher Singapore conquers eleventh rank in
HDI and eighth in CPI, HDI topper Norway gets sixth rank in CPI. Similarly, The United
States of America (HDI 8, CPI 16), The United Kingdom (HDI 14, CPI 10) , Sweden (HDI
14, CPI 3) , Switzerland (HDI 3, CPI 7) , New Zealand (HDI 9, CPI 4) , Luxembourg
(HDI 19, CPI 10) and Germany (HDI 6, CPI 10) establish a close relationship between
these two indexes. It is also the same story down the ladder. China (HDI 90, CPI
83), India (HDI 130, CPI 76) and Pakistan (HDI 147, CPI 117) -
By giving a cruel slash to social sectors, the last year general budget has underlined the fact that Mars and moonstruck mindset cannot prioritise the welfare of people. The budget has witnessed a downsizing in health and family welfare by 16 per cent and school education by 23 per cent. Moreover, it has cut the throats of children welfare by 56 (!) per cent, women welfare by 25 per cent, social justice and empowerment by 5 per cent and rural development by 10 per cent. It is a case of dog eat dog at the lower rung of HDI and CPI indexes.
It is said charity begins at home. We cannot improve the lot of our people until we ourselves believe in the magic of cooperation and sharing that makes lives worth living. The malignant growth of a small part of our society is going to cause cancer to Mother India. The sooner we realise Tagore’s dictum, ‘Whom you push down will pull you down’, the better for all of us. This realisation helps improve our position both in human development and corruption perception Indexes that generally go together hand in hand. Now, let us see what is in store in the coming budget.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
Release salary
Dear Editor,
I as a good citizen of Arunachal Pradesh and a regular hardworking Contractual Employee,
want to inform the Department of Panchayat Raj that Computer -
Now, we appeal the department to release our salary as soon as possible because our livelihood is purely depended upon our salary.
Yours,
An Employee
Without salaries for ten months
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteem daily, I would like to disclose the bitter fact
regarding the non-
It is being said that the salaries of Technical Assistants and Computer-
It is very hard to believe that the state govt. that claimed to be financially sound could not pay the salaries of many departments including RGPSA staffs under PR department, SSA teachers under education department, and many other departments on timely. By and large, “No Work No Payment” is the famous saying of every department, but there is no saying of “No Payment No Work” in the state. But these poor and deprived employees are so much tolerant that they are discharging their assigned duties honestly and tirelessly, and they do not talk about leaving the country, gherao the CM/Guv office, burning tyres and blocking NHs.
Presently, the employees of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are protesting in the national capital, dumping dusts and other disposals to the capital roads for not paying their salaries for only 2 to 3 months, burning effigies of the Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal, and blaming Delhi and Central government’s for not paying their salaries, but our poor and little paid employees of RGPSA, SSA, NHM, etc. are not doing such activies except submitting memoranda to the authorities, even after not getting salaries for some 4 to 10 months.
In the midst of such conditions of the govt. employees in the state besides the ongoing political upheaval, the Centre has taken over all the powers of the state, we the common people, especially the poor and deprived employees of RGPSA, SSA and NHM hope for the best in the days to come.
Yours,
A sympathizer deprived employees