January  - 10

Before investing your hard earned money

Dear Editor,

I happened to be in the state during the months of April and May, 2010 for my education assignment and was working for an Insurance company. During my stay I was appalled by the way financial products were distributed in the state. But I would save it for another day.

More pressing issue is the way people were duped by their own relatives and friends. Rose valley is a Kolkata based firm with interest in many industries including Insurance, Real Estate, Hospitality etc. This firm was accepting Fixed deposits from public assuring high Interest rate of approximately 20%. I asked my friends who were working as an agent about the rationality of this egregious return when bank was offering 8-9% return and warned them of impending danger.

Two days back while browsing through a National Daily a sub heading caught my attention: Rose Valley firm under Sebi lens. SEBI barred Rose Valley from raising Public money citing dubious dealings.

The point I want to make is that unless you understand the business don't even dare to touch the financial products. Take help of people in authority of subject before investing your hard earned money. Fraudsters know that people in North-East are unaware of financial intricacies and hence easy to be duped. I hope my friends heeded my warning.

Yours,

Geken Ette

Pune (on email)

 

 

Is CM Tarun Gogoi at all concerned?

Dear Editor,

The ongoing Garo-Rabha conflict is a very sad phase in modern day Assam. It pains me to see native communities fight in this way and outsiders enjoying fruits of growing economy, employment and settlement in north-east. It is equally sad that the Garos donot see the real instigators. That Bangladeshis, Nepalis and Marwaris settled in Garo hills are supporting the Garo leaders in this mayhem is very very sad. Do we realize the graveness of the situation?

It is equally baffling to note that CM Tarun Gogoi has not yet visited the riot-affected areas in Goalpara. But whenever there is any killing of Hindi speaking people in Karbi Anglong, the same Gogoi rushes to the conflict zone. This shows that the Assamese vote-bank is far less compared to migrant vote banks like the Hindis, Bengalis and Nepalis in Assam. At present the CM of Assam is busy hiding his assets in the US.

That is the main concern of our present 'swargadeo'.

The natives should realise that they are behaving like the Abel and Cain in the Bible. Abel and Cain were first cousins, the blood brothers but they killed each other, and destroy their entire race.

The people of Assam and all the states formed from the womb of Assam should realise and ponder upon such killing of their brothers.

Yours

Vox populi,

(on email)

 

 

For the cause of sports

Dear Editor,

It’s a matter of immense pleasure that two upcoming weightlifters have put Arunachal Pradesh on the world map of sports by clinching international medals recently. Even the lifters from Arunachal Pradesh, who are being trained in Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune could win medals for the country in highest level of competitions, like Olympics, if they are taken care of by the Government. Because, a little bit of initiative can make a great difference.

However, credit must be given to Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Retd. General JJ Singh, who initiated the Scheme "Catch them young", while he was the Chief of Army.

Yours,

Capt. SS Rao

Officer in charge and coach

Army Sports Institute,

Pune(on email)

 

 

No objection to inclusion

Dear Editor,

We have come to know through your daily of 8th January, wherein the govt. has issued a corrigendum pertaining to constitution of HPC of dated 24th Dec, 2010, to examine on the ground the feasibilities and recommend to govt. for final settlement of the boundary and Headquarter of the newly created District, bifurcating the existing West Siang District only. As per the earlier order, the Nari- Koyu Assembly Constituency was kept out of the agenda of the HPC. But according to the modified order of the govt., the Nari- Koyu Assembly constituency, bifurcating the East Siang Dist, has also been included. In this regard, as it has been our clear stand, the DDAC and the people of Basar Assembly constituency have no objection for inclusion or exclusion of any area partly or wholly in the newly created District.

However, we firmly Believe, the recommendation of the HPC or final selection of a place as the headquarter of the newly created district would be purely on the merit of feasibility and viability for which it would be good for all concerned to remain prepared to accept it.

Yours,

Gojum Basar

Chairman, DDAC,

(on email)

 

 

 

Tribes that’s generous and credulous towards the outsiders

Dear Editor,

The Article ‘Changing face of Arunachal by Taba Ajum has truly described the ominous condition of the tribal society.

Today, the situation has reached such an alarming that the needy tribals find it very difficult to get even a rent house in the capital complex and district HQs. The migrants have been emboldened to the extent of playing divide and rule policy in the state. There are many instances of fellow tribals being ill-treated or assaulted just because of instigation by some sycophantic migrants. Unless we love and respect one another, others will continue to take advantage.

We the indigenous people are very good at demeaning each other but, very generous and credulous towards the outsiders. The exorbitant wages paid to construction workers is a case in the point. Many eye brows can be raised about such practices. Such extravagance attracts more migration. Over-generosity and innocence is proving a bane for the local population. Whereas in other states, the temporary dwellers have to obey their culture; in Arunachal , it is the other way round. Also, I appreciate the up righteous comments of Kajal Chatterjee on this issue. It is really disgusting to see the local people forsaking their mother-tongue for Hindi. Though, we feel proud in doing so; others are secretly laughing at us. Well, hindi may have its proper place elsewhere but not where our own dialects can serve the purpose. Most of tribal languages are akin to each other. What we need is mutual interest in each other dialects so that we can converse with ease.

We owe much gratefulness to the British for enacting the Inner line Regulation for us. But for this protection, tribals would have been decimated much earlier. It is very unfortunate that tribals face persistent threat from within the country after independence. It is high time that the thinkers, indigenous organizations ponder on the dangers and formulate agenda for tribal rights and dignity. Events like the one recently organized by the AAPSU will go a long way in solving the problems.

Our youth should explore the field of commerce & Trade, masonry, carpentry, motor repairing and other lucrative vocations. Unless we change our attitudes and take charge of our lives/society, we shall be victims of ‘neo-exploitation & slavery’ in our native land.

Yours,

K.Riba, Naharlagun

 

 

Dine with the evil

Dear Editor,

Apropos Monish Tourangbam's article "Practicing real politik"( 9 January), India may choose to remain mum on the evil practices of the Myanmar junta to serve its cause. But it should also immediately refrain from indulging in big talk about democratic ideals and freedom at international forum. Let us be frank and bold enough to admit that not principles or morality, but sheer self-interest is our driving force and to achieve our end if there comes a need to dine with the evil, we will do it with much pleasure.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee

Kolkata, (on email)

 

 

Let’s try and see the difference

Dear Editor,

Arunachal  is one of the most backward and undeveloped state in India. The cause of underdevelopment and backwardness is corruption. Everyone is concerned with filling their pockets without any sense of responsibility. Our state is really beautiful and has a lot of potential.

We have lush green forests; there are talks of Hydro power projects, beautiful huge buildings and lots of traffic but look at the roads and condition of life in other districts. There is such a huge difference. Let’s be proud of our beautiful state and be honest. And I request everyone, especially the educated ones and the working people and the ministers. Be loyal to your work, love your state and fight corruption. I am sure we will see a lot of difference if we are loyal and do not indulge in corruption even just for a year. Let’s try and see the difference!

Yours,

Tasso Maku

Itanagar,

(on email)

 

 

 

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----Editor

• Govt official abducted in Deomali
• Orgs reiterate Siki Rima as permanent hq of Lower Siang
• ANSU unhappy with Capital road
• Tribal upliftment on top priority: ABAVP
• Aid for Mukto fire victim
• National Book Week celebration
• Nechidow – The festival of Aka (Hrusso)
• Arunachal U-19 cricket team leaves for Chattishgarh

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

All rights reserved.

Govt official abducted in Deomali

Itanagar, Jan 9: A forest department official is reportedly kidnapped yesterday at Deomali by unidentified persons.

Heavily armed miscreants picked up Chanye Akhang, from his residence yesterday evening.

A source informed that police have registered a suo moto case at Deomali police station as there was no formal complaint by Akhang’s family members.

A massive search operation has been launched in the area by the security forces.

Though involvement of underground groups in the area is not ruled out, no one has claimed responsibility for the abduction nor there are reports of any ransom call.

Akhang’s abduction comes even as security forces are still looking for Sanjay Kumar, a supervisor at a mining company who was picked up on Nov 23 last at Kharsang in Changlang district.

 

Orgs reiterate Siki Rima as permanent hq of Lower Siang

ITANAGAR, Jan 9: The District Demand Joint Action Committee (DDJAC) Likabali and Ramle Banggo Students Union has stated with due honour to 25th July 2010 public rally, the district headquarters of Lower Siang district should be Siki Rima.

Creation of Lower Siang has been at the centre of controversy as there is a tug of war between Basar and Likabali and Nari Koyu on establishment of Headquarters. Basar maintains that Headquarters should come up at Basar while people of Nari-Koyu and Likabali want the headquarters to come up at foothill areas, which is affected by border problem with Assam.

DDJAC said that it will work for creation of the Lower Siang District from  West and East Siang District with its permanent head quarter at Siki Rima and temporary headquarters at Likabali and Nari as per the resolution of general public meeting at Likabali on 25th July 2010 attended by people of Sibe, Gensi, Kangku, Likabali, New Seren, Nari, Koyu and Kora circles.

Ramle Banggo Students Union too expressed the hope that High Powered Committee will honour the sentiment and decision taken by the people of Nari-Koyu and Likabali in a mass public rally in 25 July 2010 whereby it was resolved to make Siki-Rima the permanent headquarter with Likabali and Nari as temporary headquarter.  

Meanwhile, Union has announced temporary suspension of proposed democratic movements after issuance of notification by the government including Nari-Koyu area in the proposed Lower Siang district.

Meanwhile, the Union along with another organization had reacted sharply to the earlier government notification  in which Nari-Koyu was excluded from the proposed district and had called a bandh in protest against the decision.

The Union further reiterated its demand and called for immediate restoration of power to issue LPC, PRC, ST etc to the SDO Likabali.

 

ANSU unhappy with Capital road

ITANAGAR, Jan 9: All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) has demanded the state PWD to direct concerned contractor/ agency to redo the black topping on Naharlagun - Itanagar National Highway. It said that within a short period of time, the road has started to develop cracks at many portion.

It further said that if the agency fails to rebuild the road, the government should blacklist the concerned firm while adding that PWD should initiate complete repairing and maintenance of roads. It said that govt should honour its earlier commitment to maintain and repair Banderdewa- Itanagar road.

It further stated that firms from outside have not been able to do justice to their works while adding that government decision to award contract work to outsiders instead of local people has not brought in any tangible results.

 

Tribal upliftment on top priority: ABAVP

ITANAGAR, Jan 9: The Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP) has elaborate plans for upliftment of the tribals in the country by concentrating on various aspects of their economic, social and educational development.

Talking to media, the ABAVP state president Talo Mugli said that the 15th National conference of ABAVP held in Bhopal in December last which was attended by more than 5000 tribal delegates from across the country, recognized and appreciated the efforts made by the government for expansion of the communications technologies linking the interior areas and bringing the tribal people nearer to the rest of the society.

Mugli who led a delegation from Arunachal Pradesh at the conference said that several important resolutions were passed, adding that the parishad was appreciative of the fact that laws such as Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (recognition of forest rights) Act, Mahatma Gandhi Gramin National Rojgar Guarantee Yojana and Compulsory Education Act etc in favour of the tribals and weaker sections.

The revision of the Draft National Tribal Policy, Constitutional issues, stable adhoc reservation policies, effective implementation of FRA Act, 2006, Tribal Sub-Plan, Displacement, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, removal of 50% ceiling for filling up reserve vacancies, adequate number of ST office to states having sizeable ST population, reservation for children of central government ST employees in states of their posting, establishment of Adivasi Regiment in armed forces, proportionate representation of tribals in all senior positions and policy making bodies were among others.

Mugli made it clear that whatever facilities were extended to tribals needs to be utilized by the state government. He said that the forum would approach the government with a positive frame of mind for implementation of different schemes in the larger interest of the tribals. “This would ensure the benefits percolates down to the grassroots level,” he added.

Tomar Basar, vice president, ABAVP, NE, and state unit secretary told media that the parishad strives to educate the tribal on different aspects. He also commended the role played by various voluntary organizations and missionaries for spreading education in the backward tribal belts.

 

Aid for Mukto fire victim

Tawang, Dec 9: People from all walks of life – public leaders, businessmen and students came together at Mukto village, Tawang today to disburse financial aid to the affected families of Dec 20, 2010 fire tragedy.

YUVA and Environment Protection Society with the assistance of All Tawang District Students Union and bazaar secretaries together distributed the ` 2,20,000.00 collected through donation campaigns in the entire Tawang district.

President YUVA Arunachal T. Chombay Kee, assured the families that all help would be provided to rebuild their homes. The NGOs and the public leaders donated essential items to the affected family. Public leader Tsering Tashi made a personal contribution of ` 50,000.00 each to the five families and ` 20,000.00 each to the 16 other affected families.

In the wee hours of Dec 20, 2010 , 5 houses were completely gutted while another 16 houses were damaged. At least 9 people suffered minor injuries.

 

National Book Week celebration

ITANAGAR, Jan 9: The National Book Week Celebrations got underway at Hayuliang and Khupa on Jan 7. The book promotion contests in Handwriting, painting, story-writing and Book Quiz, held for students from cl. III to X drew an enthusiastic response both at Khupa and Hayuliang. Vocabulary Games, a novel event introduced this year drew enthusiastic participation from students at both venues. Demonstrating the games, the Coordinator, VT-AWIC Youth Library Network, pointed out that this lively learning tool will be enjoyable both for the teachers and the students.

Another highly appreciated event of this year’s Celebrations was the screening of some outstanding educational mini-films compiled by the renowned science educator Arvind Gupta from Pune.

The next phase of the Book Week celebrations will cover other venues in the district.

 

Nechidow – The festival of Aka (Hrusso)

Dr. Gibji Nimachow

The major festival of the Aka (Hrusso) is known as Nechidow or more appropriately Nyetriidow which is generally celebrated in the 2nd week of January every year. During the same period a festival celebrated by Koro, a sub tribe of Akas is known as Sarok. The term ‘Nyetriidow’ is a combination of two Aka terms Nyetrii – meaning village and Dow – meaning do away / drive away / clean out. The present form of general celebration of the festival was started in 1972 by Nyibol Dususow during his tenure of Vice-President at Buragaon. Mythology. The mythology behind this post-harvest festival is of the belief that, “Nyezi” (Sky) and “No” (Earth) and the space between is the abode of all spirits and all the deities (malevolent or benevolent) dwell between these two places. According to their belief, evil spirits and deities very often move around in the village and create trouble for them in the form of diseases and calamities. For their propitiations, they felt some kinds of sacrifices of animals are necessary. So, to keep away from all kinds of suffering, (pain, disease and misfortune) the festival was started by the ancestors. They believe in the existence of evil spirits and the sufferings of the people are caused by the arrival of such spirits in the localities. Diseases like Ghanye – Psinye, Eghrii – Erii, Suposunyu, etc. are believed to be spread by the evil spirits. Therefore, Nyetriidow is conducted which involve a ritual of sacrificing a mithun to drive away such evil spirits from the village. Hence, traditionally, the term is used more as a ritual than a festival because there was no merry making, dances, songs, and competition on games & sports during the old days. The festival is celebrated to clean the village from the influence of evil spirits, prosperity, bumper crop production and general betterment of the village community. The god (Nyezino) is appeased through the communion of the priest (Mugow) to maintain good health of the villagers. Nowadays, they celebrate it by merry making, games & sports and cultural competitions. There is an influence of festivals celebrated by the neighboring tribes and other festivals of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, etc. The major additions in the festival celebration are the construction of temple, lighting of lamps, burning of incense sticks, and invitation of musical band groups in place of the traditional music systems.

Method of celebration

The festival was traditionally celebrated village wise but nowadays it is celebrated in a particular village or location and the members from other villages are invited to participate in it. The method of festival celebration has shifted from village wise to an organized community celebration in the recent years. But, still village wise celebration may take place in case of a sudden outbreak of dreadful diseases and untoward incidents in the village. During the post independence period it was celebrated in all the villages but nowadays it is becoming more organized celebration than village wise. Village wise celebration has taken the shape of optional to organized celebration. The emerging expenses or costs, decline in the number of animals, modernization, technological advancement, etc. are responsible for the present form of the festival.

Duration of celebration

Earlier, there was no fixed date or month for the festival but later on it was modified to be celebrated in the beginning of New Year. Initially, duration was proposed to be 15 days celebration but due to longer period it was reduced to 5 days celebration. At present the festival is celebrated once in a year in the month of January (liigahu) w.e.f. 10th to 15th day. Traditionally the chanting of hymns by the priest starts one month before the commencement of the festival and the final celebration lasts for five days. The period of celebration as well as the number of days for chanting hymns has reduced to 15 days (chanting) and 3 days (celebration). This decline in the period of celebration could be the outcome of the more involvement of people in modern life where there is paucity of man power and time. It appears that to reduce money and time people might have reduced the number of days of celebration. Further, the method of celebration adopted by the surrounding tribes had also influenced them to reduce the number of days involved in such celebration. The Akas who are working in and around the capital complex has started a one day celebration of Nyetriidow festival in 2007 at Itanagar which may have its far reaching effect on the general celebration among the Aka community.

Role of Headman (Nyetrii – Nuggo) and the Village Elders (Kheo – Nyeo)

The village headman has an important role in the celebration. He has to bear the maximum contribution of food, domestic animals required for the puja and the gift to be made to the main priest. He gets separate share of hunted animals and the sacrificed animals. The village elders often gather at place preferably the Nyetrii – Psigha from time to time and decide how many mithuns, goats, hens, pigs, cocks, chicks and eggs will be required for the entire puja and who will bear the costs. They also decide the payment to be made to the main priest after the puja is over as per customary law. If a mithun is given by a village elder, the villagers in return ask what he needs. If he wants that his next year cultivation is to be done by the villagers, they have to agree to it and do it in common. If he has some other difficulties, it is looked after by the villagers in common either in cash or kind or by physical labour.

Animals sacrificed during the festivals

Sacrifice of a mithun or cow or something else is finalized by the priest during the puja performance.  Apart from mithun and cow the other important animals sacrificed in the festivals includes chicken, goat, and pig. The number of animals for sacrifice varies year to year and depends on the priest who offers prayers to the god. Thus, priest fixes the number, size, colour and sex of the animals to be sacrificed. In some cases cat and dog are also sacrificed to drive away some bad evils present in the village. However, the numbers of animals sacrificed in festivals are declining due to the scarcity and increasing consciousness about the importance of live stocks.

The Celebration

The village elders, after harvest, select a senior priest (mugow) to perform ‘Huphu – kiiwuw’ (Hu – Water, Phu – Mountain, Kiiwuw – to pray) on an auspicious day around one month ahead of the festival. On the day of Huphu kiiwuw, at the end of puja, all the heads of families are invited to hear from the senior priest and other priests present in the meeting to know the fortunes of villagers in the coming year. In the meeting, the priests will decide what performances are to be done to please the God so that no harm is cast to the villagers. The main puja is performed to appease various forms of God viz. ‘Thow – Geo’ (Thow – who is keeping us alive, Geo – who is feeding us), ‘Huda – Phuda’ (Huda – rivers, Phuda – mountains) and ‘Nyezi – No’ (Nyezi – sky, No – earth). The responsibilities of various activities like priest selection, social service, contribution / collection, hunting & fishing and altar preparation, etc. are distributed among the villagers before the celebration. The village members gather at the Nyetrii – psigah and select a priest to perform Jechi – kruw / Sisakunu - kruw (a ritual through which a priest is selected to perform entire celebration). This ritual is performed considering the name of all priests available in the entire area and finally the most suitable one is selected. It is determined by examining the suitable indications against a particular priest reflected in the liver of the chick. The selected priest has to chant for several days. The initial stage of chanting mantras is allowed at home but he will have to hide in the jungle before 4 to 5 days of the final day with some helpers. Foods and drinks are supplied to them in the jungle secretly. The other priests are to observe how the Gods are reacting to the offerings being prepared. The main priest is rewarded with gifts for performing the puja. Apart from this special foods are supplied to him on free of cost until the puja ends. The priest is responsible for finalizing the number of mithuns, cows, goats, hens, cocks, pigs, chicks and eggs to be sacrificed in the festival. Every household has to send one person to start cleaning the village from one end to the other. Jungles are cleared, paths of village are repaired, all drinking water sources & surroundings are cleaned including the Nyetrii – psigah area. The members, while reaching every household start mocking with the house owner which sometimes goes up to the extent of performing cultural function. While cleaning a particular house the owner have to provide food and drinks to the party. Thus, the village is cleaned before the final day of puja. The Bagha – Ghba and other members of the village collect rice, maize, arum, ginger, sweet potato, spices, beans, rice beer, maize beer and other edible items from each household and store them for use during the final day of puja. They also supply food and drinks to the main priest and his party. The food and drinks is equally distributed during the whole celebration.

Huphu – nye / Miithii – nye (Puja altars) and Duonyo (Medicines)

Two persons among the villagers are assigned to collect the various plant items to be used in the rituals. A sacred thread with beads (Fokki) and two pieces of arrow each are given to them to guard from the evil spirits. Particular species of plant locally known as Ghaksi – ghajen, Tukson and Luduin is used for preparing the Fuwo (Structure for tying the mithun to be sacrificed). They collect different kinds of plant and animal materials for the preparation of puja altars separately for mithuns, cows, pigs, goats, hens, cocks, chicks, etc. These materials are locally known as Syovji, nyim, siije – efsii, baayi, sije – gye, luphu – luma, syosom, mechme, byuka, kspeo – liiba, jyonsii, tanyim, miisa, muphu (bamboo), stranghyi, shraghji, wotse (cane), jowgrow, jowgyi, siicham, fusingow, subyutro, etc. They collect the medicinal plant (roots and leaves) known as Duonyo and tie them in bundles for every household in the village. These bundles are stored with the priest where he chants mantras.

Diigiin – jeo / sao (Procession to drive away evil spirits)

Before the commencement of this procession, the ashes from all the households and sands are collected. They also prepare an instrument with a piece of sliced wood tied in a rope for making sound known as Viighdii. This procession with the two mask men from the upper end to the lower end of the village is termed as Froh froh – Anh anh. A couple of man (representing both the sexes) is dressed with tree leaves, barks and mask to symbolize evil spirits. The two mask men every time dancing by demonstrating evils in human life. About 4 to 5 days before the final day, the priest and his party hide in the jungle mostly on the upper side of the village. On the final day, leaving only the old men, women and children everybody goes to the place where the main priest is hiding one by one and secretly. It is believed that the evils of the village may come to know what is going to happen to them. All the fire of each household are asked to be put-off by water so that no fire exist in the village. The priest in his traditional dress prepares a fresh wild cane with leaves where a lived cock is tied, rigorously chants the puja and orders the gathering to attack the village to drive away all the evils. The young boys carrying the instruments for making sound, duonyo and sands attack the houses in the village. They attack house after house and the priest enters each houses from front door and comes out from the back door. He asks every person including children to spit on the lived cock and leaves one bundle duonyo for each house. The attack by sand is made to drive away all evil spirits that existed in the village and the spits on cock are collected to drive away the diseases that the people are suffering from. The party goes out of the other end of the village. At a place far away from the village, the priest performs puja by sacrificing some animals and asks the evil spirits not to come to the village again. The boys clean themselves there and seal the roads. The party then comes back to the village and seals all the roads leading   to that village from other villages. While returning the villagers make out new fire known as Min – siw. To make out new fire dried cotton like thing collected from the trees is placed below a dried strong wood tied at both end with supports. A dried thin cane is winded around the wood which is pulled from both ends by two energetic young men quickly. The dried cane and wood get heated and fire sparkles out to catch the dry cotton like material placed below. The villagers from each house come to collect new fire for their respective houses. They believe that the new fire will bring prosperity to them.  

Hugye kiiguw (Appeasement of source of water)

After this the villagers gather at the Nyetrii – psigah and first of all go to the Hudow / Hugye to appease the God of drinking water source known as Hugye kiiguw. In this ritual the opposite sex exchange their dresses, the female folk dressed in male apparel and male folk playing musical instrument (Bjiwa) go to the water source with the priest. A pig is sacrificed and the blood is shed in the water to clean and purify the water.  Afterwards the villagers again came back to the Nyetrii – psigah and the red cow is sacrificed to appease the evil spirits responsible for accidents, quarrel, war, dreadful diseases, etc. This sacrifice marks the end of all evil spirits from the village and a completely clean or purified village.

Community feast and sacrifice of mithun

The final appeasement is done to the Thabrow – gebrow by sacrificing the mithun. Thabrow is the God who is keeping us alive and gebrow is the God who is feeding us. Hence, for the overall wellbeing of the villagers at present and in future (Banye – veenye) the appeasement is done by sacrificing a mithun. All the villagers gather to eat and to listen to the priest whether the Gods were pleased at the fullest or not known as Nyeehow. The priest along with two predictors tells about the fortune of the villagers in the coming year according to the colour, sex and size of birds or animal that they will kill first. From the very next day, a member from each household will join in the hunting and fishing. They will start hunting in the jungle in common with younger boys and hunting dogs. Big or small animals that they kill will have to be brought to the Nyetrii – psigah place of the village, where village elders will gather to see and compare with the words of priest about their fortune. The process goes on for several days and the flesh is either stored for community use or distributed equally to each household. The main priest also gets separate share of the hunted animals. The village is closed for entry by outsiders for 2 to 4 days as per the order of the priest. The old people with women have to guard the village from the trespassing of any outsiders. It is believed that anybody enters from other village may bring diseases or any other evils with him. The seals are only opened by the main priest after performing a ritual. Any outsiders entering the village knowingly or unknowingly have to pay some arrows or beads else they have to remain in the village till the restrictions are lifted. The outsiders who know it by seeing the seal of the road passes the village through jungle silently. (The writer is Assistant Professor of Department of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Itanagar.)

 

Arunachal U-19 cricket team leaves for Chattishgarh

ITANAGAR, Jan 9: Arunachal Pradesh Under 19 cricket team left here today for Chattishgarh to participate in the Associate and Affiliate Member Tournament 2010-2011 beginning from January 11. The team comprises 15 players and two officials.

Arunachal will play their first match against  Manipur on January 11, second match against Chattishgarh on January 12 before locking horn with Meghalaya on January 14.

The team:

Kamsa Yangfo, Akhilesh Sahani, Techi Neri, Licha Tehi, Song Tacho, Bengia Aruna, Nabam Hina, Nabam Gunya, Teli Camder Abho, Techi Dorya, Nidu Yomcha, Venkat Rao, Rajesh Kumar, Javed Rehman, Gyanendra Gautam,.

N.T. Hina and Lokam Garga are the Manager and Coach.

News Impact

ALSU calls off bandh

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Law Students’ Union (ALSU) withdrew its proposed bandh call on January 11 after the concerned authority assured proper investigation of the case.

However, ALSU will pursue the case of illegal appointments of the Tax and Excise department till the government initiates steps for termination and suspension of illegal appointees and the government official involved.

 

Nyokum Yullo

ITANAGAR: Nyokum Yullo Celebration Committee of Toru circle has been constituted with APCC President Nabam Tuki, ZPM Nabam Aka and Taba Tatang as its chief patron, Chairman and general secretary respectively.

 

Bharat Jyoti Award for Dini

ITANAGAR: India International Society has awarded “Bharat Jyoti Award” to Modam Dini of Magi village, Likabali Sub Division in recognition of his work rendered in various field.

Modam is working on up-lift of orphans and down trodden people of the area and also runs an orphan school at Likabali in which free education is provided.

 

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Jan 09: Raba Colony Welfare Committee has been formed with Gida Tar and Yura Taha as its president and general secretary respectively.

 

Silver Jubilee committee

ITANAGAR, Jan 09: Nirjuli Market Welfare Committee in a meeting regarding silver Jubilee celebration of Nirjuli Market Welfare Committee has appointed Tana Khoda Tara as its organizing chairman of the silver jubilee celebration.