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Committee picks Hollongi over Karsingsa as site for Green Field Airport

[ Taba Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: A committee constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, to carry out the comparative analysis of proposed sites for Green Field Airport at Hollongi and Karsingsa has submitted its report to the ministry and zeroed-in on Hollongi, while dismissing Karsingsa, citing various technical, environmental and financial issues.  

Members of the committee include Member (Ops) Airport Authority of India I N Murthy, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway V K Rajawat, Aerodrome Inspector Y V Subrahmanyam, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), representatives from DoNER and Government of Arunachal.

The committee members visited both the sites on December 8 last and carried out aerial as well as field surveys. In their report, they have cited various technical, environmental and financial reasons which made Hollongi a better site than Karsingsa.

"There will be perennial maintenance and safety issues at Karsingsa. The runaway orientation at Lilabari Airport (Lakhimpur) is in conflict with the proposed orientation at Banderdewa. It will make both Lilabari and Banderdewa airports dependent on each other for operation. However, at Hollongi it will not be in conflict with Lilabari as it is located 30 NM South West of Lilabari," the report points out.

Further, it read, "Due to high terrain in approach, Banderdewa is suitable for operations only under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and is possible only from eastern side of proposed airport, making it an unidirectional runway for both arrivals and departures, limiting to only day VFR operations when visibility is 5 kms or more. At Hollongi, the instrument approach procedure is feasible from both ends. Hollongi is preferable as it will be suitable for all-weather day and night operations and will serve a long term air connectivity solution for Itanagar and surrounding areas."

The committee added that Banderdewa presents more engineering challenges than Hollongi. "The runaway at Banderdewa will be on a table top of approximately 80 M high from the surrounding ground level. Safety of runway during earthquake is a matter of concern on account of table top runway with earth filling and consolidation. There are two streams crossing the runway strip. Bridges across the stream will have to be constructed. Accordingly, the construction cost at Banderdewa will be about two times the construction cost at Hollongi. Construction time required at Banderdewa will also be significantly more, while there is no such engineering challenge at Hollongi as the land is almost plain."

They further opined that any future expansion plan will be difficult and costly due to presence of hills and ravines at Banderdewa, whereas future expansion, if required will be easier to execute at Hollongi. The committee also noted that environmental issues are more critical for Banderdewa than Hollongi. However, they added that land acquisition cost is very high and land issues are critical for Hollongi.  "There are legal and social issues related to land acquisition at Hollongi which have to be settled by the Government of Arunachal. There are no such issues for Banderdewa as it a forest land," they added.

The committee also took note of the fact that Hollongi has already received clearance from the Union Home, Defence and Finance ministries respectively. This is the second time that an expert team has recommended Hollongi over Karsingsa.

 In 2013, a Gauhati High Court constituted committee to study technical feasibility for construction of Green Field Airport after visiting both the sites had proposed Hollongi as the permanent site. The committee was headed by Justice (Retd) A C Upadhyay and had members from the MHA, Civil Aviation Ministry, DGCA and Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

With the experts clearing deck for construction of airport at Hollongi, now it is up to the state government to resolve the remaining issue.

"The state government will have to start negotiation and dialogue process with people of Hollongi. Both the sides will have to get down to the nitty-gritty at the earliest. This delay is not good for the state in the long run. The Government of Arunachal, particularly the ruling party will have to keep politics aside for the greater interest of the state," shared an official.

There have been talks in the political circle that the BJP Government is reluctant to fund the airport project as many Congress leaders are expected to benefit from land compensation at Hollongi.

 

 

 

 

Govt accused of ignoring safety and security of TCL people

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: The Arunachal Naga Students' Federation (ANSF) has accused the state government of ignoring the safety and security of the people of the three insurgency-affected districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL).

In a release, the ANSF informed that a gun battle between NSCN (K) and the Indian Army (4th Sikh Regiment based in Longding) took place at Ozakho village in Longding district on February 2, wherein a cadre of the outfit was reportedly killed and another was captured alive.

According to the ANSF, life at Chubam Block in Wancho area has become miserable due to intensified warfare between the 'groups'.

"We are deeply hurt and upset by the stoic silence maintained by the state government during such situation", the ANSF said.

"The Arunachal Government is busy talking about big things of development, but has miserably failed to protect the life and properties of the people," the ANSF said, and accused the state government of giving least attention to these three districts.

The students' federation also said that the lives of common people in Tirap and Changlang area have become less precious than animals as the people in the helm of affairs do not bother even though many people are killed and kidnapped, the ANSF said in its release, before flaying the ruling state government for failing to maintain peace and tranquility in the region.

The ANSF appealed to the union home ministry and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju to intervene in the matter and take appropriate measures to stop gunfight and bring back peace and normalcy in the area.

In 2012, a gun battle between NSCN-IM and NSCN-K led to burning down of 18 houses in the same Ozakho village, the ANSF informed.

 

 

 

Governors and Arunachal Pradesh

Monday Musing

[ Ranjit Sinha ]

The Raj Bhawan is still waiting for a regular Governor after the exit of controversial J P Rajkhowa.

There is no denying that the BJP had fulfilled its so called "Congress Mukt" mission and painted the hot seat in Arunachal Pradesh with saffron colour after a yearlong political melodrama, but reluctance to appoint a regular Governor by the Centre has left many wondering why?

People of the state have witnessed that the decision of the Centre to install a Governor of another state, with additional charge in the strategically sensitive state had already been proved insensitive and ineffective during the short tenure of Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, in absence of then Governor Rajkhowa, who was on leave.

Governor Roy, who was holding additional charge of Arunachal Pradesh had left the Raj Bhawan for Tripura after installation of Pema Khandu led Congress Government in mid July last year, when the state was devastated by unprecedented flood. Not surprisingly, the Pema Ministry was expanded and took oath of office more than a fortnight after installation of new Congress Government due to delayed arrival of Governor from Tripura. In the interim, it was only Pema and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein who were running the show in absence of a full-fledged ministry. It is another story why Chief Minister Pema also took enough time in formation of his ministry.

That was not enough. The undignified departure and resignation of Governor V Shanmuganathan, who was holding dual charge of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh also has raised questions about the dignity of the Raj Bhawan in Arunachal. Shanmuganathan, a veteran RSS Pracharak from Tamil Nadu, was accused of compromising the dignity of the Shillong Raj Bhawan and converting it into a 'Ýoung Ladies' Club'. However, the allegation was denied by Shanmuganathan.

And now, it is Nagaland Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, who has been sworn-in as Governor in-charge of Arunachal Pradesh. Acharya will also remain in charge of both the northeastern states.

No doubt, Acharya, former All India National Secretary of the BJP and in-charge of North Eastern states, is in a hurry to prove himself by visiting every place possible and meeting every person possible in Itanagar.

He has interacted with the representatives of many organizations, government agencies and institutions within six days after he took additional charge of the Arunachal Pradesh.

However, there remains a question. Will Acharya be able to discharge his constitutional duty in fullest capacity as Governor of both Nagaland and Arunachal? The answer is certainly no. The issues that the Northeastern states are confronting are not in similar temperament. Each state of the North East has certain issues of its own which need constant attention by authorities, including the Raj Bhawan.  It is undesirable that the people of both the Northeastern states have to wait for their constitutional head in hours of need for redressal of their grievances. One should remember, two major cities of Nagaland were at boiling point few days back over certain local issues. It is believed that the Governor had to cancel the proposed Press meet at Itanagar Raj Bhawan at the eleventh hour on February 2 as his presence in Nagaland was the demand of the hour.

"Governor with additional charge in a sensitive border state of Arunachal Pradesh is not all admirable. Centre must appoint a non-controversial and competent Governor as the Raj Bhawan plays a crucial role as a conduit between the Centre and state. Above all, governor should not have any political inclination to any party," said Rajiv Gandhi University professor and renowned political observer Dr Nani Bath, while his comment was sought over the appointment of the Governor.

The apex students' body AAPSU had already accused the Centre, saying that the BJP-led central government is making Arunachal Pradesh a testing laboratory for governors. Referring to the resignation of former Governor V Shanmuganathan after allegation of sexual harassment, it further said the Central Government has not only abused the Raj Bhawan but also made a mockery of their constitutional head by sending incompetent governors one after another ever since it came to power.

Former AAPSU president and Green Arunachal Foundation (GAF) Takam Tatung also observed that Arunachal Pradesh, which shares international borders with neighbouring countries and is disturbed by insurgency problem of neighbouring states, must have a constitutional head of quite a high personality.

"The Central Government has accorded top priority to the development of the north eastern region, especially for overall development of the strategically important and sensitive border state of Arunachal Pradesh," is an oft-repeated sentence by the Union Ministers during their visit to Arunachal Pradesh or other northeastern states.  Now the people of the state would be wondering whether immediate appointment of a regular, competent, apolitical and non-controversial Governor is in the priority list of the Central Government or not.  

 

 

 

 

HM advises labourers to rise above tribe, religion, caste & creed

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: Minister of Home, RWD, Labour and Employment cum Chairman Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB &OCWWB) Kumar Waii attended the mega awareness camp of registered workers of APB &OCWWB at Abotani Hall, Hapoli on Sunday.

Speaking to a hall packed with workers cutting across all sections of the society, Home Minister Waii said, "Labourers are the workforce behind huge infrastructures like buildings, bridges, roads etc. Without your hard work and efforts, all technical knowhow will remain just in letter and not in true spirit. I reckon you to take pride in your work and work sincerely. The labour welfare board will take care of your grievances and welfare."

"Your class will have to put in extra efforts to educate your children and challenge the myth that only privileged children alone succeed in life. The labour board will provide financial assistance of up to one lakh rupees to your meritorious children," he further informed.

Revealing that he began his career working as labourer in PWD and later as halwai, he said that there is no substitute to hard work and one should take pride in their labour.

"I have, by understanding the financial constraints faced by our labourers, increased financial assistance amount for pregnant ladies from Rs 2000 to Rs 15,000, marriage assistance from Rs 2000 to Rs 20,000, death insurance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1, 00,000, and  Rs 1000 per month to handicapped and 60 year old workers, and educational assistance up to Rs 1 lakh for MBBS and engineering students," he further informed, to the joy of the labourers.

He also advised the gathering to overcome petty issues of religion, tribe, caste and creed and be compassionate to fellow beings and establish a peaceful existence, which would propel development.

MLA of 17th Ziro-Hapoli, Tage Taki, while speaking on the occasion said that development is when it percolates down to the downtrodden and the poorer section of the society. Offering to pay the registration fees of poor labourers, so that they could also avail the benefits provided by the board, he advised them to work hard and sincerely and compel higher authorities to listen to their grievances.

Labour Welfare Board OSD Saikai Yanda dealt in length about the labour welfare board and the benefits of being a registered worker. ADC Nending Chatung also spoke on the occasion.

Colour televisions, solar lamps, blankets, jackets and gumboots were also distributed by the minister to 42 organised workers and 142 unorganized workers.

The programme was attended by SP Tage Habung, Lower Subansiri BJP President Tilling Dolley, PHE EE Kago Habung, officials from the labour union, and organized and unorganized labourers. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Vehicle collision kills school principal

DIRAK, Feb 5: Principal of Government Higher Secondary School Old Mohong, Marshal Megu was killed when his vehicle collided with a tractor on February 5 at around 12.30 PM at Dirak Chariali, Kakopathar.

The accident occurred when Megu was on his way from Doomdooma to Mahadevpur, along with SSA Junior Teacher of Government Primary School, Sitpani Miri, Abhram Tayeng, when his Maruti 800 collided with a tractor.

While Megu reportedly died on the spot, Tayeng received grievous injuries and is currently admitted in the ICU at Sankardev Hospital in Dibrugarh and is in critical condition.

 

 

 

 

Railways aims for new heights with train to Tawang at 10,000 feet

GUWAHATI, Feb 5: Aiming to take railway services in the region to new heights, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has planned to bring trains to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang.

Tawang is located at a height of 10,000 feet on the border with China. Survey work for the project will start next year. NFR general manager (construction), H K Jaggi, said three strategic lines connecting Bhalukpung to Tawang, Murkongselek (Assam) to Pasighat in Arunachal and Silapathar (Assam) to Bane in Arunachal were in the pipeline. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 70,000 crore. Jaggi said the Bhalukpung-Tawang line would be the most challenging as it would pass through terrain with altitudes ranging from 500 feet to 9,000 feet. "It may not follow the same route as the existing road. For example, the highest point on the way to Tawang is Sela (13,700 feet). The survey will find out ways of building tracks by avoiding high-altitude zones," he said.

Naharlagun, 10km from Itanagar, was the first in Arunachal to get rail connectivity in 2014. Junior rail minister Rajen Gohain said the Budget had sanctioned a survey to check feasibility of connectivity for river island Majuli. He said a 100km line would connect Majuli's Kamalabari and Garmur with Dhakukhana via Jorhat to Gogamukh. (Agencies)

 

 

 

 

ATA resolves to launch vigorous democratic movement

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: The Arunachal Teachers' Association (ATA) and its federal bodies have decided to launch rigorous democratic movement unless their grievances are redressed by the state government within the first week of this month.

ATA and its federal bodies will wait till the end of first week of February, by which time if the government does not fulfill their demands, vigorous agitation would be launched.

The decision was taken by ATA and its federal bodies in a meeting on February 4 last.

The meeting called for putting an end to Project Director, SSA Rajya Mission by assigning authority to the Director of Elementary Education.

"The objective of SSA-RTE project is completely based on Elementary Education and two separate directorates under Elementary Education is creating confusion and policy lapses in the Department of Elementary Education,"

 the meeting observed and appealed to the state government to strictly adhere to the government order (vide No: SECY/46/2003 dated the 28th October 2010), issued by then Commissioner (Education) T Bagra, wherein it is mentioned that the "The Director Elementary shall look after the entire Elementary Education in the state including SSA-RTE programmes. The DEE shall ipso-facto act as the Project Director (SSA)".

The meeting also called upon the state government to review and amend the Arunachal Pradesh Education Act, 2017 and setting up of State Education Commission in the greater interest of the state as well as improving the quality of education.

Stating that shortage of teachers in many upgraded schools was due to unsystematic upgrade of schools, the members called for putting a halt to random upgrades of schools until and unless the required number of posts are created and sanctioned prior to the school upgrades.

To manage the shortage of teachers, the members emphasized on subject wise promotion from AT to JT, especially in mathematics, science and language to do away with the shortage of subject teachers in the schools and to remove stagnancy in time-bound promotion of AT (PRT).

Also expressing displeasure over delay in conduct of DPC meeting of all categories of teachers and officers of the Education Department causing stagnation, the federal members called for time-bound promotion and conduct of DPC twice a year.

They demanded that the concerned department and the government maintain seniority in promotion of any category of teacher up to the post of director.

Other demands included immediate regularization of in-serving Joint Director and Director of Elementary and Secondary Education by conducting DPC at the earliest, separation of principal and DDSE post from present analogous nature, strict maintenance of ratio on promotion from TGT/PGT to HM/VP as per laid down Recruitment Rules, and immediate and enduring solution to the genuine demands of both SSA and RMSA teachers.

Further, the meeting suggested creation of revolving fund by the state government for regular payment of SSA/RAMSA teachers, introduction of different categories of awards for teachers on the basis of their performance, dedication and activities in addition to the 'Best Teacher State Award' to encourage the in-service as well as upcoming teachers.

Addressing the teachers, ATA President Tarh Yaku called upon the teachers to re-dedicate themselves to their noble profession and said that ATA will always work for the interest of the entire teaching community of the state.

Earlier, ATA Secretary General Tania Hakom presented the annual report on various achievements of present ATA team.

 

 

 

Governor, CM convey Boori Boot Yullo greetings

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: Governor P B Acharya and Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday extended warm greetings to the people of the state, particularly the Nyishi community on the auspicious occasion of Boori Boot Yullo festival.

The festival has entered into glorious 50 years of centralized celebration this year and is being celebrated with great pomp and show with traditional fervor at Raga.

Both the governor and chief minister hoped that the festivity will usher in peace, prosperity and happiness.

In his message, the governor said, "The observance of festival brings together the community members and also helps in carrying forward the age-old cultural heritage. He urged upon the younger generation to take active part in the celebration. The youth of the day should be proud of their customs and traditions and also be proud of the cultural heritage."

"At the same time, the elders must guide them for continuation of the vibrant legacy from our Ancestors," the governor emphasized.

He hoped that the celebration of the Boori Boot Yullo would continue to reinforce the age-old good traditions of the Nyishi community.

In his message, Pema said, "Ours is a distinct state with several tribes and communities residing side by side for ages, maintaining their own unique indigenous culture and traditions. Despite varied diversity, we Arunachalees are united and take pride in our age-old cultural heritage. This cultural mosaic has to be maintained, preserved and propagated at all costs while keeping intact our unity in diversity".

Representatives from the Directorates of Secondary and Elementary Education and ATA advisory board members Otem Taying, Joint Director, DEE, Tagu Tana Tara, DAEO cum advisor ATA, presidents and secretaries of ATA district units, AASSATA and ARMSATA also spoke on the occasion.

 

 

 

House gutted in fire

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Feb 5: A house was gutted down and properties worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in a fire incident at Hilltop Colony, near the circuit house, here on Saturday.

The cause of the fire, which broke out around 4 am, is yet to be ascertained.

Fire tenders could not arrive on the spot due to absence of road in the colony. However, a police team reached the spot to verify the incident.

 

 

 

Citizen consultation meeting for Smart City Proposal

NAHARLAGUN, Feb 5:  Addressing a citizens' consultation meeting on 'Smart City Proposal of Itanagar' here on Sunday, IMC Deputy Chief Councilor Tarh Nachung sought the support of all stakeholders to join in on the mission to make Itanagar a smart city.

The 1,50,000 population now has to fill the citizen feedback questionnaire forms and suggest facilities for education, health, entertainment  required for the next 25 years, as the project once approved would be beneficial for the denizens of the entire Capital Complex.

Smart City, if implemented, could change the face of the state capital city, but only with the wholehearted involvement of all city dwellers, said Price Waterhouse Coopers Pvt Ltd senior consultant Pawan Dwivedi. He pinpointed as to how the masses could prove to the central government their involvement in developing the city as a model city.

Highlighting the questionnaires, website of the IMC and GoI, he said that this is a unique mission of the GoI, which calls for personal association of the residents and would be visible through the monitoring system.

Booking a railway ticket five years ago was available only through counters, but today it can be done with a click on your mobile phones, said   Bhubaneswar Smart City consultant Surya Rath,  Subhadra Consultants Pvt Ltd MD and GoI consultant on detailed project report, adding that, once the city is smart the entire system will be systematic and citizen-friendly.

Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries chief adviser Pradeep Kumar Behera exhorted all business communities of the capital to extend whole-hearted support to the Itanagar Municipal Council in making Itanagar a smart city.

ACCI Vice President Shillong Tajo, Itanagar Market Welfare Association GS Biri Basang and Nirjuli BWC GS Tok Tabin Kamdir also addressed the gathering of hundreds of people from Itanagar, Naharlagun, which included traders, NGO representatives and officers of the IMC.

The audience also assured full co-operation to the IMC in the preparation of Smart City Proposal and took away thousands of feedback forms to distribute them to the shopkeepers and other stakeholders.

Itanagar Municipal Council Executive Engineer cum Nodal Officer Smart City Tadar Tarang highlighted the objectives and processes of winning smart city race and informed that so far, over 40,000 feedback questionnaire forms have been distributed to the citizens.

Further, he has requested all citizens of the Capital Complex to participate as and when required for the success of the Smart City Proposal.

Spot filling up of questionnaires and mock polling on Area Based Development were also conducted as part of the sensitisation programme.

 

 

 

Parl Secy appreciates Power Dept for electrifying Nere village

SEPPA, Feb 5: Attending a public meeting at Nere village on Saturday, RD & PR Parliamentary Secretary, Mama Natung appreciated the Power Department for electrifying Nere without any additional funds.

Natung requested the department to extend electrical connectivity at least up to Seba village by the end of March this year and assured to provide necessary assistance of any kind, and further informed that he is planning to electrify all villages falling under his electoral domain very soon.

He also appreciated officials of all departments of the district for their hard work and dedication.

Addressing the gathering, Mama Natung highlighted about various developmental schemes that are underway or completed in his constituency, which include electrification of villages, drinking water supply, irrigation facility, village roads, and infrastructural projects under tourism, rural development, health, education and other important sectors.  

Announcing upcoming projects, Natung said, "As I promised, I have brought many developmental projects in my constituency, and I further promise to you that I will never break your trust and assure to work even harder to bring more such schemes for all-round development of the area".  

Stressing on the importance of education for a better tomorrow, he informed that dream of having one of the best educational institutions in this area is going to be realized very soon with the proposed establishment of Rama Krishna Mission and Kendriya Vidyalaya schools at Lumdung and Nyingcho respectively.

He exhorted people to pay attention and engage in agro-horticulture based activities, and agreed to listen to each and every request of the people if they fulfill his planning of formation of Village Level Cooperative Multipurpose Society and engage sincerely in activities primarily related to agro-horticulture sector. He also informed that he is planning to establish the cooperative society under the MLALAD.

Advocating uniform development of all, he cautioned against inaccurate and misleading rumours and advised not to pay heed to such rumour-mongers. He further stated that he accords uniform attention to every individual and treats every village and its entire people equally.

Regarding the memoranda submitted by the people of the area, Natung assured to pursue harder for early creation of CO circle at Nere. For rest of the demands, he assured to look into it and execute them accordingly.

He gave a brief on upcoming projects, which include EPC training centre at Seba, auditorium and teacher’s quarters at Nere and approach road up to Dobayar, among other projects in the constituency.

Later, he distributed a rotary tiller each to Nere, Seba, Ningcho and Kamrung villages and two to Lumdung village. Demonstrations were also held for villagers to use the rotary tiller.

Speaking on the occasion, East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk reiterated that within five years or less the district is going to be one of the most developed districts of the state with the final realization of Trans-Arunachal Highway, upcoming drinking water supply and Power Grid Transmission projects.

The DC exhorted the people to use their land at the maximum judiciously and to try and grow multiple crops, including cash crops.  He also assured to provide necessary financial assistance for construction of security fencing around the newly constructed power sub-station at Nere.

Pappu Valley ZPM Yelam Cheri, ASM T Cheri, and some gaon buras and public also spoke on the occasion.   Earlier in the day, a power sub-station dedicated to Nere village was inaugurated by the Parliamentary Secretary.

 

 

 

Silver Jubilee Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa celebrated

KHONSA, Feb 5: The Noctes of Dadam-ja under Dadam administrative circle celebrated the silver jubilee of Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa from February 2 to 4 with great enthusiasm at Kamlesh Joshi Mini Stadium, Dadam.

Palin MLA Takam Pario, who attended the festival on the concluding day, urged the people of Dadam-ja to maintain their age-old culture and traditions.

Pario was all praise for MLA Tirong Aboh for his developmental activities in the sectors of road, education, health and his initiative for preservation of culture and tradition.

Earlier, Pario inaugurated the Kamlesh Joshi Mini Outdoor Stadium at Circle headquarters Dadam, in presence of MLAs Tirong Aboh, Nikh Kamin, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha and Tirap ZPC Sontung Bangsia.

Bordumsa-Dayun MLA Nikh Kamin said that Tirap is now one of the most peaceful districts in the state, where development is taking place rapidly, particularly in Dadam.

It is possible due to proactive role played by the Tirap District Administration and MLA Aboh, Kamin opined.

In his address, local MLA and president of Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee, Aboh highlighted the mythology of Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa.

"Hoju" is a combination of two words in which "Ho" means lean period of the year and "Ju" means celebration, Aboh said.

Hoju Kuhwa is generally celebrated in different villages of Dadam area in March every year and also April. The Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa was centrally celebrated under the aegis of DAYA "Dadam Area Youth Association" at headquarters, Dadam in 1992.

A mini-marathon race of five km distance, with the theme "Run for Culture and Peace" was organized for both male and female participants on February 2 as part of the celebrations.

Cash prizes of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively were awarded to the winners and runners-up respectively.

Also, in a beauty pageant, Chathun Hakhun of Dadam village won the title of Miss Hoju Beauty Contest-2017, along with the sub-title of Miss Talent.

Lithin Afi and Chaphoan Lowing were adjudged as first and second runners-up respectively.

Other two sub-title winners were Chadu Sumpa (Miss Catwalk) and Chajuh Kamhua (Best Smile).

The silver jubilee celebration of Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa was formally declared open by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha on February 2 last, in presence of MLA Aboh, HoDs, chiefs, GBs and SJCDHK Celebration Committee members.

Live performance by Indian Idol finalist Season 2, Amit Paul, traditional sports competition, release of souvenir on "25 Years Celebration of Dadam-ja Hoju Kuhwa" by MLA Pario, release of Nocte modern songs audio album, "Nangkhu  Nga Nga" by  Kamin, inauguration of food fest cum traditional handicrafts stall by Tirap DC were the main highlights of the three-day celebration. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Kibithoo: Land Bridge to India- China Economic Corridor

[ Dr Jajati K Pattnaik ]

Territorial border, which was earlier, treated as a barrier to cross –border development has become significant for cross-border cooperation in the 21st century. It has become a new mode of interaction which entails free trade architecture based on free movement of capital, technology and knowledge etc. Taking a cue from this, both India and China looked ahead to revive their old trade routes in order to sustain their bilateral   economic relations through the land routes. The opening of Nathula trade point in Sikkim became a catalyst in generating trust and confidence between India and China. Further, the success of Nathula model generated optimism among the academia, policy makers and the civil society for similar initiative in the perspective of Arunachal Pradesh as well. So, the question automatically arises here, should we apply this model in developing any cross border trade point in Arunachal Pradesh? In this context, my field visits indicated that Kibithoo could emerge as a potential trade point if India’s land border trade with China takes place in the eastern sector.

Geo-economic Significance

Kibithoo is situated in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China. It lies at an altitude of 4,070 feet above the seal level as compared to Nathula pass, which lies at an altitude of 14,400 feet above the sea level. Even in Arunachal Pradesh, low elevated mountain range of Kibithoo enjoys geo-economic advantages over high elevated mountain passes of Bumla, Taksing, Mechuka, Monigong and Gelling. If Kibithoo project is taken up, then it would provide shorter and faster access to the Indian industries to tap the South Western and South Eastern Chinese markets. Further, it would  create  adequate  space  for   the emergence of industrial clusters in Northeast  i.e. Guwahati- Tezpur- Jorhat-Dibrugarh-Tinsukia Digboi- Margherita in Assam; Dimapur, Kohima and  Mokokchung in Nagaland  and Itanagar- Ruksin- Pashighat- Roing-Tezu- Hawai in Arunachal Pradesh. As, Lt. General John Mukherjee (Rtd) of the Eastern  Command,  through an electronic mediated  response said to this writer, “Tezu – Hayuliang – Walong – Dichhu pass – Rima is the shortest route to mainland China and offers tremendous potential to both Look and Act East for the entire region, provided the Indian Government wishes to do so.” Giving a comparative perspective, he observed that “the Stilwell Road has only limited potential and that too only with Myanmar – there is also the necessity to resolve the insurgency on both the Indian and Myanmar sides of the border, failing which, movement would not be feasible. Further, the government needs to open Bomdila, Asafila/Longju, Manigong, and Gelling routes for cross border trade in due course of time. The bottle neck to opening the routes is the bad relations with China, border disputes and permission of both governments.”

Access to National Waterways II

Kibithoo would provide easy access to the river Brahmaputra, which has been declared as national waterway (II) in 1988, covering a distance of 891 km from Dhubri to Sadiya in Assam. At present, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is developing Pandu Port at Guwahati as a multimodal transport corridor to cater to the economic interests of the Northeastern region. In this context, Dhubri-Sadiya inland waterway corridor would prove to be highly beneficial in terms of cost-benefit analysis for the cargo movement as compared to the congested traffic of highways. Sadiya is only 345 km from Kibithoo and the cargo from Lower as well as Upper Assam can be trans-shipped through Dhubri-Pandu-Sadiya inland waterways. Then, from Sadiya, the goods can be transported through Tezu- Hayuliang –Walong- Kibithoo land corridor on its way to Rima, Chengdu and Kunming in China.  It is quite  pertinent to  mention here that India’s longest  road bridge - Saikhowa- Sadiya will be  a game changer in India’ s cross border trade   vis-a-vis  China , which  is   to be commissioned   soon   as  a major   transport corridor connecting the eastern   region  of  Arunachal Pradesh  with that of Upper Assam. Equally, the country’s ongoing longest rail cum road bridge –Bogibeel –would also prove to be a catalyst for cross border trade reinforcing the pace of inter-state connectivity between Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh   through the ongoing Trans -Arunachal Highways.

Countering Increasing Chinese Presence

Kibithoo initiative would counter Chinese penetration into the region, while reinforcing India’s strategic significance along the McMahon line. It is pertinent to mention here that China has already built up several infrastructure projects across the international boundary, including opening up a new highway link to Medog -”Tibet’s Nyingchi prefecture” which is nearer to India’s land border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Thus, India should  move forward  to construct   1800 km  frontier highway   from  Tawang to Vijaynagar (Changlang), covering  Upper hill areas of East Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, Lower Dibang   and  Anjaw districts for the development of its frontier territory and  build multiple trade corridors prioritizing the most viable- Kibithoo one. So, the development of Kibithoo corridor would give chance to both India and China to switch their priorities from security to trade or economic collaborations based on sustainable engagement paradigms. In this context, Nathula model may be emulated in Arunachal Pradesh to boost trade and commerce across political boundaries.

Notwithstanding its potentialities, the development of Kibithoo as trade corridor is still in a conceptual stage, although it has many backers at the civil society level. No such proactive step has yet been initiated by the political machineries, possibly due to the Chinese intransigence over the McMahon line. Hence, the need of the hour is to break the Indo- China jinx over the boundary row and grab the opportunities through cross-border collaborations. That is why; proactive and sustained dialogues are to be pursued for economic engagement between India and China going beyond the McMahon line. While calculating their pros and cons, Kibithoo should not be treated as a mere land bridge. Rather, the potentialities of Arunachal Pradesh should be harnessed in order to expand the export basket of our country vis-à-vis China. Otherwise, Arunachal Pradesh would be a dumping ground for Chinese products, which in turn would adversely affect India’s long term economic interest. What is required at this stage is joint Indo-china efforts to transform this territorial boundary zone into economic opportunities for a win-win situation of both stakeholders. (The writer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, Jomin Tayeng Government Model Degree College, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. He was formerly a Visiting Scholar at the Gulf Studies Programme, School of International studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The inputs of this article are largely drawn from the writer’s field trips to Nathula and Kibithoo).

 

 

 

NSS Saint Claret organizes annual special camp

ZIRO, Feb 5: The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Saint Claret College conducted its first annual special camp for 2017 on Saturday.

They organized cleanliness drive cum awareness campaign at Lajibogia, Old Ziro with the objective to inculcate the spirit of voluntary work and sense of cleanliness among students and create awareness about the harmful effects of littering.

NSS program officers Withoam Socia and Jeremiah Modi coordinated the event.

The cleanliness drive involved a humungous task of cleaning up garbage dumps. About 80 Claretine NSS volunteers, accompanied by program officers and faculty members collected a truck-load of garbage, which was duly dispatched for proper disposal. The area was then cleaned and demarcated.

The volunteers then undertook a foot rally in Kalung-Reru village, displaying placards and posters disseminating the message of cleanliness and protection of the environment.

The active involvement of the community through leaders like Bulla ZPM Nani Takha, members of the Kalung Development Committee, and many others was an added support.

The volunteers were also provided a place for meals and rest at the residence of Tailyang Khoda Taka.

 

 

 

DC seeks cooperation of CBOs

[ Karda Natam ]

DUMPORIJO, Feb 5: Upper Subansiri district Deputy Commissioner A K Singh called upon all community-based organizations to extend cooperation to the district administration and law-enforcing authority for a better and progressive society. Attending the Topo Foundation Day celebration of the Topo clan at Dumporijo on Saturday, the DC said, "Every society should take responsibility for the development of its district and come forward in maintaining law and order."

He said that some teenagers are getting addicted to drugs, which needs to be checked and controlled immediately before it poses a threat to the district. The DC also stressed on debate and discussion on development activities in every platform of the civil society.

Highlighting development activities and motto of the society, Topo Welfare Society president Tayir Bulo appealed to the members of every community and clan to work for the promotion of communal harmony.

Superintendent of Police, Taru Gusar informed that the law and order situation has improved in comparison to the situation that had prevailed a few years earlier in the district.  

Among others, former Home Minister Takar Marde and DPO Shamee Timba were also present on the occasion.

Cultural programmes and sports events were also organized on the occasion, where Indian Idol finalist Jeli Kayi enthralled the audience with hit musical numbers.

Meanwhile, a volleyball competition was also held on the occasion, where Tamu Tadu team lifted the trophy.

 

 

 

Sports talent hunt

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: The officials from Boys Sports Company (BSC) of Army Ordnance Corps, Secunderabad will be arriving here for two days talent hunt programme in weightlifting on February 24 and 25.

The selection trial will be held for boys aged between 10 to 14 years (Class V pass) at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Naharlagun.

Interested parents and guardians have been invited to bring their children with them to the stadium to take part in the selection trial, along with necessary documents (birth, ST, PRC, class V pass provisional school certificates).

The selected athletes will be provided coaching, education, food, clothes and boarding facilities by the Boys Sports Company.

The Boys Sports Company AOC Centre, Secunderabad has so far selected four boys from the state, namely Bengia Tani, Markio Tapa, Tami Tame and Golom Tinku in 2015 and 2016. They are currently undergoing training/coaching at the AOC centre.

Interested parents and guardians may contact +91 98629 86397/ +91 87946 56518 (office secretary) and 8575494656/9436230797 (General Secretary of Arunachal Weightlifting Association).

 

 

 

Reh-Tamladu celebrated at Itanagar

ITANAGAR, Feb 5: The Reh-Tamladu, the festival of the Mishmis of Lohit, Anjaw, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang valley  districts  was celebrated  in a grand manner here on  Sunday.

Attending the festival, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein lauded the Mishmis of four districts for preserving their culture and  identity  in an organized way.   

The Reh-Tamladu festival is being celebrated jointly by the four districts since 2013 at Itanagar with  an aim to foster unity and peace among  the people, said chairman of the  festival organizing committee Taku Meya.

Art & Culture Minister and Advocate Sunil Mao  also spoke on the occasion and expressed gratitude to all those who extended whole-hearted cooperation for grand success of the  celebration.

During the cultural programme, cultural troupes displayed various cultural items reflecting the life style and traditional practice  of  the community.

A host of dignitaries, including  Parliamentary Secretary, Planning, Zignu Namchoom, BJP state unit President Tapir Gao, MLAs Tesang Pongte, Rajesh Tacho, Mutchu Mithi, ex-ministers Atum Welly, Tater Kipa, Nokul Chai and senior officers of various departments   also attended the celebration.

Later, the final volleyball match  was played between Anjaw and Lohit teams and  the latter emerged champion. Pisyamso Yun from Lohit team was declared best player. Former Minister Nokul Chai  gave away  the prizes to the winning team and others.

 

 

 

KVK Lower Subansiri conducts training programme

ZIRO, Feb 5: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lower Subansiri conducted a training programme for rural youth at Hong village on Saturday to sensitize the importance of farming and its alternative goal to abolish unemployment.

During the programme, Hage Munth, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) Soil Science spoke about the importance and role of naturally available water fern (azolla) of Ziro for future prospects in agriculture.

Dr S K Chaturvedi, SMS (Horticulture) delivered a lecture on kitchen gardening to encourage nutritional self sufficiency of families, while Hage Manty SMS (Agril. Extension) dwelt at length on "Zero Energy Cool Chamber".' She shared that zero energy cool chamber as low cost cool storage would provide commercial benefits to vegetable sellers.

Altogether, 30 beneficiaries participated in the programme.

 

 

 

Society mourns death of HGB

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Feb 5: The Bagang Abu Youth Welfare Society has deeply mourned the demise of Head Gaon Burah (HGB) Kogi Piya on Friday, after a brief illness.

Kogi Piya, who also served as the president of Gaon Burah Association of Giba circle, was an expert in customary laws, a good orator and solved many local petty cases.

He has left behind his wife and eight children.

The members of BAYWS prayed to the almighty for his departed soul to rest in peace and to give courage and strength to the bereaved family to withstand the tragedy.

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

All rights reserved.

---- Editorial ----

 

 

Testing days ahead for AIADMK

In an interesting move, AIADMK MLAs on Sunday elected VK Sasikala as the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The longtime companion of J Jayalalithaa who became the party chief after her death - has been elected the chief of AIADMK's legislature party, clearing the decks for her takeover as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. O Panneerselvam, the current incumbent has resigned. Her elevation ends a period of intense speculation and fulfils the vociferous demands of a section of the party who contended that it was unwise for the party and government to have different power centres in the state.

However the decision to elevate Sasikala is expected to receive hostile reception from section of AIADMK. A section of party cadres does not see her in good light. They are angry with her for the way she handled the medical issue of late Jayalalithaa. Also AIADMK workers do not approve the involvement of family member of Sasikala in the running of party and government. Jayalalithaa during her time had thrown family member of Sasikala out of party. The disgruntled AIADMK leaders have already started projecting Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Madhavan as her successor. Therefore in coming months it is expected that there will be intense battle for supremacy in the party. It will pose a big challenge to the leadership quality of Sasikala. If she emerges victories there will be no doubt that Sasikala will run AIADMK as long as she wants just like her friend and mentor Jayalalithaa did.

 

 

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

All we need is motivation and appreciation for hard work

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my feelings and experience regarding the working environment of Government offices of our beautiful state. As we all know that the most important factor for an effective work force of any organization is to motivate the workers of the organization, but as per my knowledge and experience the motivating factor or activities is almost nil in our offices.

Motivating here doesn’t mean giving financial assistance to the workers or staffs, but a word of appreciation from the higher rank officer is enough to motivate some efficient workers/ employees.

Although a junior employee works hard, the credit is taken away by the higher positioned officer so the effort given by the lower rank is unseen by the public and the authority.

In some organizations/offices of our state, it is also seen that the skill and knowledge of the employees are not even used in a constructive way; they are not given any opportunity for which they are capable of. If these employees are used in a constructive way, it will be fruitful for the organization, and the particular employee will be have the utmost job satisfaction and will be motivated automatically to perform better.

Self motivation doesn’t last for long period. There comes a time when frustration takes over a person and it may be the point when errors occur.

So, I feel that the employees should be motivated by their higher authority & colleagues, and it is also one of the responsibilities of every higher rank official to motivate the subordinates and recognize the ability of the employees.

Yours,

An employee

 

 

 

 

PPA has lost its glory

Dear Editor,

The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), which was formed by great visionary leaders of the State, has today lost all its glory, ethics and morality. The party today has been ruined to the extent of being a mere tool in the hands of some undulated heads to ventilate their political frustrations and ill designs. It is now being illegitimately misused by few who are at the helms of affair in the party.

By virtue of being a regional party, PPA even had the opportunity to form Government in the State quite recently but due to lack of wisdom among its senior office bearers the party could never contain such opportunities for more than few months. The act of suspending some of the most prominent members of Party in the recent past by Kahfa Bengia, President and Kaling Jerang Secretary General led to its desertion by 33 out of 43 MLAs and thus pushing it once again, to a stark minority in the House. This despotic decision taken by the duo has damaged image of the party far beyond possible repair. The plight of the other members in Party hierarchy is such that they come to know about the decision of the party only through media, while the party constitution lays down that all such important decision should be taken after due deliberations amongst all its members at appropriate level.

It is a fact that PPA is a member of the North East Democratic Alliance. (NEDA). Considering the alliance, PPA should be supporting BJP and other alliance partner. However, PPA has miserably failed to upkeep the alliance only because all the decisions in the party is taken by the duo without consulting or taking into confidence any other office bearer of the party at any level.

The state of affairs in the party these days is such that its self-assumed party high command comprising of Kahfa Bengia and Kaling Jerang goes to media with unfounded and unethical allegations against the Government and other Political Parties time and again just to score personal differences. This is creating huge confusion among the people which is unwarranted in the larger interest of the State

Once again, these vested interests in the party has gone to the media launching personal attack on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his father former CM late Dorjee Khandu. This is a sheer act of ventilating personal vendetta by illegitimately dragging the Party name. I condemn it in strongest words.

As an insider, I know that these leaders in the party, while in power had all the praises for the leadership of Pema Khandu and hailed Late Dorjee Khandu as the best CM of Arunachal Pradesh. They would deliver long speeches on the unparalleled visions of Dorjee Khandu that brought in distinct change in the State and list out an un-ending number of achievement made by Dorjee Khandu.

President of PPA Kahfa Bengia even went to the extent of taking pride in having personal association with Late Khandu. Today, they come out claiming to have a set of dossier on large scale embezzlement by Dorjee Khandu and even seek attention of the Governor. They are the same people who earlier exonerated Dorjee Khandu and Pema Khandu from PDS referring to the judgements of High Court. I am compelled to bring out these facts of the Party in the public domain through media as voices from lower strata of the party, of late, have been unabatedly silenced by President and Secretary General. PPA is now run by this duo at their whims and fancies. Sensing the fate of the party at the hands of the despotic and unmindful duo, I am left with no option but to quit the People’s Party of Arunachal.

Yours,

Gautam Ringu

President

PPA Youth Council

 

 

 

Lack of opportunities

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your daily newspaper, I would like to highlight about the plight of graduate unemployed engineers who are running from pillar to post searching for job opportunities.

The little windows of opportunities that are available are gobbled up by the sons and daughters of people who are in power. In particular, I would like to single out that there are people who already in job but are appointed on deputation basis to other departments and thus depriving unemployed youths.

The Department of Education have appointed a lot of engineers in the Engineering Wing and appointed one diploma holder as Executive Engineer by flouting all norms.

I would like to question the authority in question why are you playing with the lives and sentiments of young boys and girls who are equally deserving of the post if it is advertised and put up for proper recruitment procedure.

I want the Unemployed Engineers Association of Arunachal Pradesh and also all the graduate engineers to fight against this menace and clean up the system.

On the hindsight, I would like to add that the Engineering Wing of the Department of Education was supposed to be winded up. I really don't understand what has happened to the good initiatives launched by the Department.

There are many works department in the district and state level who have enough manpower with technical ability to take up the projects related to engineering. They should be assigned and made as implementing agencies by the Government instead of having so many Engineering Wings for Sport Department, Education Department etc.

Yours ,

Abang Techi, Itanagar

 

 

 

 

Dining area in hospitals

Dear Editor,

The purpose of health care institution is to provide better service with better health care facilities to the patients. Therefore, a hospital building is constructed in a planned manner. Different buildings for different purposes such as Operation Theater, Blood bank, ICU, Laboratory and patients wards etc are constructed in order to deliver the health service efficiently and effectively.

However, despite all such well planned and organized system, the health institute or hospital lacks one of the most important basic facility that is a separate ward or dining hall so that a patient take his or her meal in a clean environment rather than taking food in the patients’ ward which is completely unsuitable and uncongenial. Many patients with various ailments like communicable and non communicable disease are being admitted in same ward and the germs which cause diseases are likely to spread via spits, vomits and used up medicines placed in the dustbin kept near every patient in the ward.

Therefore, the Govt may keep provision of dining hall in every hospital and health care centre for the patients and consider the same in the ensuing budget session of the Assembly.

Yours,

Jeta Riba,  Itanagar

 

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor