January 03
ASSET gets support
WAKRO, Jan 2: Aduk Paron, DFO, Namsai Forest Division while appreciating the services of Anu Shiksha Seva Trust (ASSET) today contributed building materials as new year gift to the Apnes.
The DFO called upon all members of ASSET, all organizations engaged in service and also individuals to render help and service to people at every opportunity.
While appreciating Paron for his committed efforts to protect forest resources, Anugrah said that the building materials provided will be used for construction of a well furnished classroom.
Later in the day, the Wakro Govt Sec School organized a farewell function for headmaster Kamala Prasad Rai, who was due to retire on the December 31, 2011.
Speaking on the occasion, the retiring headmaster advised all present to work with commitment and maintain good educational atmosphere.
K P Rai served in Chayangtajo, Dambuk, Desali, Anini, Along, Dirang, Khonsa and Tezu during his 39 years of service tenure.
AAPANWA put forward charter of demands
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: All Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Nibu Welfare Association (AAPANWA)
appealed to the state government to demarcate the Nyibu Nyijik Model village (NNMV)
, Jammi Jate area, Itanagar. It also called for construction of link road from Donyi
Polo Vidya Bhawan to NNMV Jammi Jate I and II, AAPANWA cultural center and head office
cum community hall and leveling of NNMV general ground. The list of demands also
included construction of RCC boundary wall, extension of LT line in NNMV, up-
The association further appealed for creation and approval of post of Chairman in Department of Art and Culture or in department of social welfare, fixation of honorarium and BPL scheme for the priests.
Union seeks govt attention
ITANAGAR: All Sagalee Students’ Union (ASSU) while seeking government’s attention informed that people of Sagalee are facing acute shortage of Kerosene and PDS items.
The students union informed that the prescribed limit of kerosine for Sagalee-
Further union stated that people of Sagalee are facing PDS shortage since the month of November 2011. Being a hilly area, the people of Sagalee area are fully dependent on PDS items, but, due to non availability of PDS items they are facing tremendous difficulties and the poor rural people are forced to purchase rice from open market at very high prices. Though Govt. prescribed quantity to get rice under PDS is 35 kg per month, all the ration card holders are presently getting only 15 kg per month. This violation of norms should be checked by the state government, the union demanded.
It called on concern authorities to stop making false promises and provide PDS items and kerosene to genuine ration card holders.
Spine surgeries at RKMH
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Since last one month, Dr. Lenin Ligu has been operating cases of spine in RKM Hospital Itanagar.
Dr. Ligu, who joined RKM, Itanagar last month, said that he was surprised to see so many patients with spinal problems in the state. He has already operated two patients for back pain, another two for fracture in backbone and a patient with fracture of bones in the neck. All these patients were earlier referred to outside the state.
But now, the doctor said, these treatments can be availed at 1/5th of the cost outside.
The hospital is using latest methods and instruments after getting them from Delhi or Guwahati on hire basis.
Kaso inaugurates new colony
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Local MLA Techi Kaso inaugurated Subansiri Colony, formerly known as Tagin Colony, situated near IG Park on December 31. Addressing the local residents, Kaso urged them to remain peaceful and help in making Itanagar a better place to live in. He assured to provide some fund for construction of approach road in the coming year as and when fund is made available.
Shelter festival
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The 7th annual Shelter Festival was celebrated at Rakap Baptist Church on December 31. Members of 5 different churches took part in the festival. Dr Taba Khana was special guest while Licha Hally, range pastor of Poma, Pastoral range was the speaker.
Org welcomes
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Youth Organization has welcomed the initiative of All India Forum of Tribal MPs and the Forum of Tribal Officers for demanding job reservation in Delhi Government. The organization hoped that such reservation will benefit tribal youths studying outside the state.
Condolence
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Tamin Elite Society has mourned the untimely demise of Giampak Gumja
Tamin, priest of Donyi-
Late Giampak is survived by his wife and three children.
Meanwhile, Kargu Gamgi Naharlagun/ Nirjuli observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Geter Ingo, General Secretary (Women wing) Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh, who died on December 28 at Kamba. She was working as a Senior Teacher at Government Higher secondary School, Kamba.
She was one of the active members who worked for preservation and promotion of indigenous faith movement, said Dagmo Jini, president, Kargu Gamgi Naharlagun/ Nirjuli.
Teacher’s trophy
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: With an objective to strengthen the student-
Foundation day
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: District Congress Committee, East Siang District observed the 126th foundation day of INC, the 150th birth anniversaries of Motilal Nehru and Madan Mohan Malavi at Pasighat on December 28 last.
Directive to mithun buyers
ITANAGAR: In view of the reported illegal trading of Mithun in capital complex, All Papum Pare District Gaon Bura Welfare Association (APPDGBWA) has made it compulsory for those, who bring Mithuns and other animals from different parts of the state to Papum Pare, to obtain purchasing documents duly signed by the Gaon Bura of the village from where they had purchased the animals as per customary law. Failing to produce the same document would invite severe action beside seizure of the animal, said an APPDGBWA release.
It is pertinent to mention here that a head constable serving in Itanagar was caught
red-
Union writes to DA
ITANAGAR: Mazdoor Union Ziro, in a letter, has urged the Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner
to provide land for funeral ground. The union claimed that the poor citizens, especially
labour class of Ziro-
News Impact
Tuki invites KMSS for talks as he decries economic blockade
Kimin, Jan 2: The Chief Minister Nabam Tuki appealed to the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) under the leadership of Akhil Gogoi who are agitating against the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project to take up the issue with the concerned authorities instead of opting for an economic blockade on Arunachal.
He invited the agitators to come to the table and discuss their issues with the government
– both the concerned state governments and the Center -
People and Government of Arunachal do not have any say on the NHPC Project. Akhil Gogoi and his supporters have to understand the delicate balance,” Tuki observed.
The Chief Minister who was addressing a massive gathering at Kimin in Papum Pare
expressed regret that blockade by KMMS and others was indirectly affecting the day-
“We are with the people of Assam, who feel that they would be inversely affected by the Project in Gerukamukh. But the project is 30 years old and a central government initiative, he said.
Meanwhile, the long felt demands of the people of Kimin area living in the downstream of the 405 MW NEEPCO Ranganadi HEP were realized today with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and MP Takam Sanjoy assuring to sort out the grievances within January.
Addressing the gathering at Kimin, MP Takam Sanjoy said that he would take up the various downstream grievances of Kimin area with the NEEPCO officials and convene a meeting at Itanagar within January.
The Chief Minister, who was on his first visit to Kimin, reassured the people that his government will be people friendly and people centric. He promised governance that would be transparent, viable and active specially focusing on eradicating unemployment and poverty across the state.
He said that the recently approved Public-
Talking about administrative reforms, which have also been approved by the Cabinet in its first sitting, the Chief Minister said that his governance is awaiting an overhaul. The Chief Minister, while responding to memorandums submitted by local people of Kimin, assured consideration for construction of a RCC bridge for connecting Upper Jumi village in the area. On the request for a PHC, he sought a detailed proposal of the project from the department concerned and assured to take up the road from Kimin to Doimukh in the 12th Financial Year. This, he viewed, would do away the trouble for local travellers to venture into Assam while shortening the distance of travel. He also assured a sum of Rs 2 crore for construction of a new circuit house at Kimin besides calling for a proposal to upgrade the EAC headquarters to ADC.
Earlier in the day, Tuki inaugurated the Water Treatment Plant, the 33/11 KV power
sub-
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and local MLA Nabam Rebia urged the district administration to curb rampant wild life hunting in the area and suggested that strict action should be taken against violators.
Among others, MLAs Takam Tagar, Markio Tado, Phurpa Tsering, Kumsi Sidisow and Tapuk Taku was accompanied the Chief Minister.
Indigenous Faith Day celebrated with a difference
Welly calls for religious tolerance
Aalo/Seppa, Jan 2: Thousands, representing various communities of the state in traditional attires thronged the street of Aalo in a precession led by musical band on the occasion of Indigenous Faith Day on Dec 31 last. The big procession with message of ‘loss of culture is loss of identity’ culminated at Donyi Polo Dere amidst prayers and hymns.
Hailing the day as one of the most important day in the calendar of events, former MLA Tumpak Ete who is an ardent exponent of Donyi Polo faith, stressed on the need to preserve our culture that has traversed a long way to give us an identity.
Former minister Doi Ado, and others stressed on the need to protect and promote our rich culture.
Earlier, Pakjum Ete, president Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society highlighted the significance of the day.
At Seppa, the Day was observed with zeal and vigour at Nyokum Ground.
Attending programme, Health & Family Welfare Minister Atum Welly said that there
are many religions but god is same. He called for religious tolerance, co-
While highlighting the history and evolution of Donyi-
Deputy commissioner Tope Bam, said that there are many tribes and sub-
Secretary women wing of Nyedar Namlo, Seppa Lokmek Dada, while giving an inspirational
speech on Donyi-
Secretary, Nyeder Namlo Jibon Taku, said that Nyeder Namlo is working hard for preservation
of indigenous faith and culture. He called for whole-
Later, the Minister announced Rs. 10 lakhs for completion of the Nyder Namlo. He presented certificates to the devoted families in preserving indigenous faith and also released a cassette ‘Lalii Dargi’ (The Highlanders).
The other highlights of the day were the processions by the believers and well wishers within Seppa town, colourful cultural programmes etc. DIPROs
PHED to start disconnection drive
ROING, Jan 2: Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Roing on Friday revealed that the department has over Rs 20 lakh unpaid water bills.
To realize the outstanding water bills, the department held a meeting with panchayat and public leaders, gaon burahs and Roing Bazaar Committee recently and decided to carry out a disconnection drive from this month.
The department said that despite several notices served to the defaulters from time to time and during its revenue collection drive in July, the amount is still to be realized.
The panchayat leaders present in the meeting urged the department to initiate stringent action against the defaulters as per provisions of water supply act. It said that non payment of water charges has incurred loss to the state exchequer. The details of outstanding water charge bills of government (residential/non residential), commercial, private institutions and private domestic consumers were also read out in the meeting.
The panchayat members suggested the department to circulate defaulters’ list to all gaon burahs and PRI leaders to motivate the defaulters to clear the outstanding bill. It was also decided to represent either one of PRI leader/VWSC member/Gaon bura/Bazaar committee to be the part of the revenue drive/disconnection team of their respective segment.
Roing Zilla Parishad Member Namo Lingi, PHED Executive Engineer S Pertin, PHED Assistant Engineer O Yirang, Anchal Samity Members Yashi Menjo, Akak Lego, Kolom Pertin, Israel Megu, K Mega and public leader Bishen Mepo was present in the meeting.
ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner A Abhyankar inaugurated a Water Supply Project at Tode village, about 67 Km from Daporijo. The project was implemented by PHED under NRDW programme with an amount of Rs. 26.32 lakhs.
While inaugurating the project, the DC appreciated the quality of work and skilful innovations made in the water supply structures. He attributed the achievement to the entire PHED team headed by Er. N Konia, EE PHED, Daporijo.
He further added that he had visited many projects implemented by PHED in the district and found all of them very good in respect to work quality and aesthetic as well. Such works bear testimony to the sincerity and dedication of engineers who are committed to serving the people despite all odds even in such interior places.
The Deputy Commissioner also inspected PMGSY road being constructed under RWD connecting Tode village with BRTF Road.
The DC further said that since 2008 there had been remarkable improvement in work quality of Rural Water Supply Projects under PHED. The villagers also expressed their satisfaction over successful implementation of the project.
‘Assam Bandh’-
Prafulla Kaman
It is somewhat surprising but true that since early 80s ‘Assam Bandh’ has been a frequently heard and unpopular words in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in districts bordering Assam.
It is because; the people of Arunachal have to cross Assam to go to other places of the state due to communication bottleneck.
For instance, Bomdila, the district headquarter of West Kameng is very near from
Itanagar in aerial distance. But in practical, it is very far to reach Bomdila as
people have to travel half of the road through Assam. Likewise, to reach Tezu in
Lohit district, the people of Pasighat in East Siang have to undertake a gruesome
day-
When one has to go to distant place next day, he or she is accustomed to ask someone if there is any bandh call in Assam on that day. It is a fact that most of the bandhs in Assam are called hurriedly by the bandh callers. Nowadays, numerous local bandhs are called frequently on petty issues covering a particular district or a very limited area.
Be it a bandh in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji or Dibrugarh, it affects almost all in Arunachal although these bandhs are called in Assam.
The most unpleasant “bandh culture” in NE states is adopted particularly by the student communities and other organizations in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in an effort to draw the government/ authority’s attention towards their grievances/demands. But, the agitating organizations never think of the fact that the unpleasant culture is causing huge loses to the economy of the states and man days. Some eminent critics had been raising voice against the negative impact of bandhs culture but their reformative views did not have the grant of legislation for several years. Subsequently, the apex court of the country during the last year declared bandh calls illegal. But the unhealthy practices adopted by those organizations have not been ousted.
The recent bandh called by Assam based peasant’s organization Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and others students’ union, against construction of mega hydro power projects in Arunachal rivers has been creating mixed reaction among the people. The agitating organizations have claimed that it was time bound movement of the people for their safety and security from impending disaster.
Observing the present situation, it is unlikely that the Assam Government or the Central Government would initiate a strategic solution to the problem. The Arunachalis, who have no concern with the demands raised by the Assam organizations have been suffering a lot from such bandh call in Assam since long past.
Wisdom should soon prevail upon the organizations to realize that every bandh called has a very bad affect on the lives of innocent people besides losses in terms of economy.
Tough days ahead as KKMS intensifies blockade
Guwahati, Jan 2: After two days of temporary suspension of blockade programme to pave way for talks with governments, over two dozen organisations in Assam on Monday launched an indefinite blockade of a national highway as part of their campaign to prevent the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) from constructing 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower project.
The protest is being spearheaded by Krishak Mukti Samaj Samity (KMSS) and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) which are holding protests along the National Highway No 52, the main lifeline linking Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of India via Assam and preventing trucks from carrying machineries and equipment to the NHPC project site in Arunachal Pradesh.
The KMSS temporarily lifted its ongoing protest against the National Hydroelectric
Power Corporation and Arunachal Pradesh government for two days -
Similar protests by hundreds of men and women squatting on the highway were witnessed at several places under the banner of the KMSS and other local organisations in Lakhimpur district.
"We have not received any positive signal from the state government for talks on the issue. It also proves that Dispur is not at all sincere in this regard. Therefore, we have no other option but to resort to blockade programme," said KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi.
"We shall intensify our movement if the government does not agree to shelve the NHPC project," he said.
The anti-
The anti-
The AASU has also announced that monitoring units, comprising its members and allied groups, had started functioning from Monday in Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Darrang, Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara and Morigaon districts to keep check on the movement of NHPC vehicles to the project site.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Talent search indeed
Dear Editor,
I'd like to share a few words regarding the abrupt change of exam schedule by APPSC through the columns of your esteemed daily.
So there was another bandh call by some who-
What irks me is the manner with which the commission decided the date; 9th of January of all dates. I (hopefully, I am speaking for at least more than 80 candidates) have two consecutive papers on 7th and 8th. Now imagine my plight .I have to write the toughest paper of the toughest examination of our state just after I write two consecutive papers in a Civil Service examination. Now, is that fair on me and a hundred other candidates who have two papers to write consecutively on 7th and 8th of Jan? With all due respect to APPSC, I’d like to suggest that the thinking part should be outsourced from someplace else. Talent search indeed!!
Yours,
A candidate
Keep away from bandh
Dear Editor,
I appeal the brothers & sisters of Nyishi Community not to indulge in repeated bandh calls in the Capital Complex, as it hampers the normal life of common people in general, students' in particular and also it is not good for future of Arunachal Pradesh.
On bandh days, educational institutions are unable to carry out routine activities of teaching and learning. It is observed that in none of the schools, the courses are completed especially class X and XII.
Therefore, I request all NGOs, Youth Forums not to involve in repeated bandh calls keeping in view the future of students.
Further it is heard that TOI issue for which bandh are being called, is being negotiated
by NES-
Let us look for prosperity under the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki led Government.
May God bless every one of us in days to come.
Yours,
Gollo Tango
Sagalee
Not marriage, we need proper representation
Dear Editor,
Unwanted experts have weird comments for North-
Marriages are no longer happy endings like old films. Within a few months or years, we hear the news of divorce. We don't need marriage, we need proper and more representation in the government for peace and harmony. If each tribe gets proper share in administration, then only there will be peace. Or else, marriage leads to divorce.
I know a friend in Delhi who divorced his wife because she got a promotion ahead of him since she had the quota facility. Had he got his share of quota, there would have been peace in the family.
Yours
Ngurang Ajo
Itanagar
Traffic woes
Dear Editor,
I would like to mention a serious problem facing the people of capital complex. As the numbers of vehicles are increasing day by day, little space is left for the pedestrian in the capital roads. The roads are in worst condition. The govt is trying its level best to improve the condition of capital roads but not up to expectation of its citizens. Accidents are taking place regularly. No one follows traffic rules specially the young bikers. Wearing helmet should be made compulsory. There are no proper parking places in the market areas. Everyone wants to be first. Whom to blame; the citizens or the government? So it is an appeal to the concern authorities to check the worst condition of the roads and the problem of traffic also. The PWD and DIG traffic should look into this matter.
Yours,
A citizen
The implications are grave
Dear Editor,
While the whole country is revelling in the advent of 2012, there is not much reason for our state to rejoice, with the threat of an economic blockade looming large upon us. For a population largely dependent on our neighbouring elder sister for almost everything, the implications are grave. The only consolation is that, for majority of our populace who are naive, the term economic blockade does not mean anything.
For the remaining minority, 'it’s time to ponder whether we have done something to draw the ire of Akhil Gogoi et al. The entire blame for the crisis cannot go to the crusader alone; it has to be shared by us as well. He has done something which we ought to have done. Basking in the warmth of having discovered that we are the potential powerhouse of India and having numbed our judgmental acumen with a huge upfront money weighing us down, we forgot that we have a responsibility at least towards fellow beings residing downstream and upstream, if not towards nature. While our common masses are fighting over 'group C' and 'D' posts and for allocation of meager CSR money, the more effluent are usurping better deals. The common people cannot be blamed, for Dam related knowledge lack even among the social and political hierarchy.
Such is the magnitude of ignorance in Arunachal Pradesh that, apart from a few Siang and Lohit based organisations we seldom see anyone mentioning the impacts of large dams. If Akhil Gogoi et al think that the imposition of the economic blockade is justified, then he also should forgive the common people on the ground of ignorance.
Yours,
Bengia Abo
Yazali
Set two dates!
Dear Editor,
Due to the frequent bandh calls announced by this and that community based unions, I think henceforth the state public service commission should announce atleast two dates for any exam they are going to hold in near future. One being the normal schedule date and the second one just in case some groups of people remember Pradip Thakur again. Such pragmatic efforts can only solve the student community’s problem.
Yours,
A citizen
Give the right platform
Dear Editor,
I would like to request chief minister that as the president of Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA), he should give some time to ACA, in spite of his busy schedule. ACA is depriving our local youths as 65% of the selected players for national level are non APST, and rest of the players is from other states. Our state does not lack cricketing talents. But due to lack of infrastructure, we are far behind others. But then given the right platform, we are ready to perform.
Yours,
A citizen, (on email)
___________
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Decade on Biodiversity
To prevent loss of species and ecosystems and encourage humanity to live in harmony
with nature, the United Nations has launched the Decade on Biodiversity from 2011-
The General Assembly had previously declared the period 2011-
The main goal is to mainstream biodiversity at different levels. Throughout the Decade, governments are encouraged to develop, implement and communicate the results of national strategies for implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity.
This comes at a time when the world is battling massive erosion in biodiversity.
If given the right move, this declaration could go a long way in saving some of the wildlife from the brink of extinction.
On the other hand, India one of the world's 12 mega-
The primary cause for the erosion of diversity is human greed. Loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, over exploitation of plant and animal species, the impact of exotics and invasive alien species, industrial effluents, climate change and, above all, the greed of man are causing the erosion.