January  14

News Impact

CM calls for effective traffic regulation

Amar Sangno

ITANAGAR, Jan 13:  Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today called for an effective traffic regulation to check the unabated road accidents in state capital. He was addressing the gathering on traffic and road safety awareness campaign cum training programme for drivers organized by the traffic unit of Arunachal Pradesh Police here this afternoon.

The chief minister directed the district administration and traffic police to intensify the checking against reckless and drunken driving to ensure safety of every citizen, particularly in capital complex and state as a whole. Suggesting the authority to introduce new traffic management policy to minimize road accidents, he said, “We must stop increasing number of accidents by creating traffic awareness among the youths.”

Expressing concern over the high mortality rate of youths due to road mishaps at capital, the CM called upon youths to follow the traffic rules and regulations for their safety and avoid accident. “Arunachal Pradesh is the only state on the earth, where bikers do not wear helmet,” he lamented.

Impressed by the power-point representation made by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Robin Hibu,  the CM assured to provide sufficient manpower for traffic management. He said that his government is planning to instal CCTV cameras in crime vernarable areas of the state Capital. Tuki further informed that his Government is also planning to construct fly-over in capital under SPA fund to reduce traffic congestion.

Later, the Chief Minister gave away commendation certificates and trophies of life saver to 13 civilians, 9 police personnel and two media persons in recognition of their contribution towards traffic regulation and life saving during accidents.

On being asked about misuse of vehicles with red-beacon by kith and kins of VIPs and VVIPs, Parliamentary Secretary for Home, Geology and Mining Gadam Ete said that proper guidelines for using vehicles with red-beacon would be formulated soon.

Hibu through power point presentation informed that Itanagar and West Kameng are the most accident prone areas as per survey report. He further revealed that 18-35 years age group was the most vulnerable age group.  He appealed to the Chief Minister for introducing traffic rules and regulations in school syllabus.  

All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) president Takam Tatung opined that law and order problem may arise after introduction of lifting illegally parked vehicles by traffic police  in capital since there has been no adequate parking places.  Later, Arunachal Public Motor Transport Federation submitted a 10 points memorandum to the Chief Minister in which the federation demanded for checking bandh culture in capital. It also urged the chief minister to ban the requisition of state’s commercial vehicles in Assam by initiating the matter with its Assam counterpart. Further, the federation appealed for creation of separate traffic department.

Earlier, Tuki flagged off six traffic cranes from RK Mission Vivekananda Hall in presence of Parliamentary Secretaries Gadam Ete and Lokam Tassar and local MLA Techi Kaso and DIGP (Traffic) Robin Hibu and AAPSU president Takam Tatung. The cranes would be used for lifting illegally parked vehicles.

 

Neychi-Dow at Bomdila

Bomdila, Jan 13: Neychi-Dow Festival of Aka community of West Kameng District was celebrated at Bomdila amidst great fanfare.

Parliamentary Secretary DHPD R T Khunjuju addressing the gathering called for preservations of one’s own culture for identity.

He said: “There are many unwanted elements with criminal intention threatening the very peace of two districts, Tawang and West Kameng which should be checked by the people of the district”.  He said that apart from administration and the police, citizens too should take the responsibility of peace and development of the society.

ZPM Nafra, Leki Dongru said that every community should preserve one’s own culture as loss of culture is loss of identity.

MLA Kumsi Sidisow while addressing the gathering said Neychi-Dow festival could be celebrated at Bomdila for the first time with warm cooperation of the people of Bomdila. He further said that he is determined to work for all-round development of his constituency as well as whole West Kameng.

 

Put the NGOs on track: Welly

Lota Singhi

MEBUA, Jan  13: Health  and Family Welfare Minister Atum Welly has called upon the NGOs to utilize the power and  function of the organizations in proper direction for  benefit of whole society.  

He was addressing the gathering at the 3rd general conference of All Singhi Welfare Association (ASWA) at Mebua, East Kameng district today. Discouraging bandh culture by various organizations, particularly in Nyishi community, the minister said “Association or Union is a platform to encourage the society.”

He also appreciated ASWA for their dedicated service towards socio-economic, educational and political development in community and society as a whole. Putting stress on maintenance of own culture and tradition which is an important ingredient of the tribal society, Welly further urged community people to adopt agriculture/horticulture for socio-economic development.

Seppa East MLA Tapuk Taku, sought cooperation from the people for speedy development of his constituency. While responding to ASWA memorandum, he assured to   look into the points like land demarcation between Singhi community and Seppa town. DCC president Lelung Lingfa advised the people to work hard.  

The games and sports competitions including Late Sishu Singhi Football trophy and Late Modi Singhi Volleyball trophy were organized on the occasion. Both Welly and Taku gave away the trophy to the winners of various games and sports competition including dance and cultural activities.

Govt officers, public leaders, Gaon Burahs and panchayat leaders were also present on the occasion.

 

Two decades later and lakhs spent, Niglok IGC remains a distant dream

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, Jan 13: Ministers, MLAs and government officials had offered ritualistic promises for early development of the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) at Niglok, 7 Km from Ruksin HQ, but the centre is yet to see any development. Inaugurated in 1988, the centre is a prime example of waste of money and lack of vision.

Presently, most of the buildings constructed inside the industrial complex are lying abandoned in dilapidated condition for the last several years.

Moreover, two third of land allotted to the Industrial centre is lying unused and covered by weeds.

It is worth mentioning that industry department had submitted an estimate of Rs 20 cr to the Government of India  (GOI) in December 1988. Accordingly, the GOI had approved an estimated amount of Rs. 1.5 cr with which the department acquired land measuring 582.15 acres. The contractor concerned, M/s- Tama Fabrication Works (Naharlagun) started building construction work with a promise to complete it by  2006. But it miserably failed to complete the work even after extension of scheduled time for several times. Many minister and department top officials had visited the IGC and asked the contractors for early completion of works. But all these efforts did not yield any results. Most of the buildings constructed inside the office complex are lying abandoned for the last several years and have become dilapidated.

Recently, in December last year, the state’s present Industry Minister Tapang Taloh had visited the IGC and assured initiative for strategic development of the industry centre. But it remains to be seen how he is going to contribute for the development of the IGC.

The Assistant Director of Industry cum Project Manager of the industrial centre Jumbom Riba informed that a small scale Bamboo chips factory has recently been installed a the IGC, which is being run by a local Woman Self Help Group.

The project manager also informed that Vinayak Tea Company has come forward to set up a tea factory in Niglok IGC. The Kolkata based company has made agreement with a section of local small tea growers for supplying tea plant in subsidised rate. The company has also agreed with the state government and acquired 1 hectare land inside the industrial complex. Only time will tell how fruitful these ventures will be, if at all it takes off.

 

Rural Mart inaugurated at Kharsang Bazaar

Pisi Zauing

KHARSANG Jan 13: The much awaited rural mart/ market outlet of 12-member Nuhang Self Help Group of New Yanman Village was inaugurated at Kharsang Bazaar on January 10 by Kharsang Circle Officer Apollo James Lungphi in the presence of Miao BDO TBapu and SHG members. The outlet is the outcome of AMYAA’s proposal with NABARD regional office, Itanagar in February, 2011 which was sanctioned in December. The motto behind establishing the market outlet for the SHG was specifically to encourage the group for production and sale of their local made produces like handloom, handicrafts, pickles, mushroom etc. The outlet will provide SHG members the needed platform to merchandise their produces and is expected to empower them for exposure through participation in various exhibitions; expo and trade fares from time to time.

CO Apollo J Lungphi congratulated the members of the SHG for getting the rural mart and called upon them to take their local produces commercially. He was of the view that other SHGs would follow their footsteps and contribute in sustainable economy of the area. He assured cooperation pertaining to SHG promotion in Kharsang administrative circle.

 

Special campaign on small savings

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: The National Savings Institution (NSI) of Guwahati Regional Centre in collaboration with the Directorate of Small Savings, Arunachal Pradesh launched special campaign on small savings on January 9.

In this connection, state level co-ordination committee meeting to redress public complaints and grievances was held under the chairmanship of Regional Director P. B. Sen at Naharlagun. In the meeting number of issues relating to smooth functioning for the promotion of Small Savings Schemes were discussed and necessary suggestions were put forwarded by the Director of Small Savings Md. A. Basit and the agents’ representatives. The chairman of the committee took note of their suggestions and assured the members of the committee that necessary steps will be taken to redress the problems faced by the agents in their agency business.

Representatives from department of Post and State Bank of India also took part in the deliberations.

A training camp was also conducted for SAS and Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana (MPKBY) agents to brush up their knowledge about marketing and salesmanship to popularize the small savings products in the changed economic scenario and they have been informed about the latest changes made in the various small savings products by the Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India.

The training was conducted by PB Sen, Regional Director, N K Bhattacharjya, Asstt. Director and P K Saikia, Field Publicity Officer of the Directorate of Small Savings of Arunachal Pradesh.

On January 11, a Financial Literacy Programme was organized by the Directorate of Small Savings, Arunachal Pradesh at Kimin, Papum Pare .

Speaking on the occasion, NSI Regional Director Sen  said that the objective of this programme was to directly educate poor villagers on various financial products of NSI and to develop their skills and confidence as investors so that they may be able to make informed choice to improve their financial position.

Asst. Director, NSI, NK Bhattacharjee explained about various small savings schemes of the Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India. Field publicity officer of the directorate PK Saikia also addressed the gathering.

 

Girl missing from Arunachal rescued from Ludhiana

Itanagar, Jan 13: A minor girl kidnapped from the state capital in mid-December has been rescued from Ludhiana in Punjab and the kidnapper arrested.

Investigating officer sub-inspector Ngilyang Lali told PTI from Ludhinana over telephone that the 16-year-old Nepali girl from Mimi village in Chowkham area of Lohit district, working as a maid servant in the house of a local doctor here for the last six years, disappeared all of a sudden on December 19 last.

Though a man, working with a nearby drug distributor was suspected but their whereabouts remained unknown.

The man from Datkala village of Sonitpur district of Assam and father of two kids was identified as Karan Bahadur Pradhan, 29, but he was known here and at his native place as Deepak Kumar, Lali said.

It was almost a three-hour search in the office computer to locate his inner line permit in the name of Karan that matched with Deepak's photograph.

With four of his mobile numbers found switched off, the police were left with the only option of detecting the duo’s movement and location through technical surveillance, he said.

Ludhinana police helped in rescuing the girl from a rented house in industrial Makar Colony of Giaspura of Ludhiana on Wednesday. PTI

 

New Era School imparting quality education

NAMPHAI, Jan 13: The 18 Assam Rifles provided hostel compound fencing wall to New Era Mission School situated in Namphainong village under Miao circle. The school established in 1998 presently has classes up to VII standard with 10 highly qualified teachers under the head mistresship of Kehtoholi. Presently, the school has 96 hostelers totaling the strength of the students to 145. Hewa Baptist Churches Association which has 17 churches under its jurisdiction runs New Era Mission School. The teacher’s fluency in English speaks volumes about the quality education they are imparting.

The boundary fencing wall was provided by 18 AR under its military civic action program that was inaugurated in a simple ceremony on January 10 by Commanding Officer Col R.S Chauhan. The school community accorded him warm reception and honored him with a Naga Dao and Spear as a sign of respect. Major DW Singh of Miao was also honored with a Dao.

Speaking before the school family Col. Chauhan assured of every possible to take the school to greater heights. Fencing wall is just the beginning, Assam Rifles will always stand by you, he said while calling upon the students to be fit physically and mentally to emerge as worthy citizens. AR has been undertaking various welfare schemes throughout Tirap and Changlang districts under its civic action programmes. The positive gestures shown by AR till date have largely been appreciated by people of the strife torn twin district. In the form of welfare works we will continue to develop confidence building measures, Col Chauhan said.

Manthai, Executive Secretary of HBCA presented the invocation address while Atoshe, the development in-charge welcomed the invitees. The beautiful teachers presented a melodious Sema song on love and war. A dance and song presented by kids was highly appreciated and reciprocated. Roni on behalf of the school thanked AR for extending the needed support of extending the school's infrastructure. Boholi prayed for all with her benediction.

 

Orgs question media house for accepting Jaypee sponsorship

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: The Indian Express newspaper which had run a series of news items supporting the cause of Jaypee Group in Arunachal has gone a step ahead. This time it ran an advertisement announcing the IE Excellence in Journalism awards. And yes the main sponsors of the awards include Jaypee group making it very obvious the connections!

In October 2010, the newspaper had helped the Jaypee groups’ interests by running a series of news items and editorial.

Such a move by Indian Express have not gone well with many organizations and individuals questioning that whether a media house should accept such sponsorship from a group that has directly benefited from the campaign that was run by the media house.

Calling it intellectual dishonesty, they stated “Should not the lobbyist media groups like Indian Express keep away from getting sponsorships from the organisations that their lobbying helps? This is particularly true if media group wants to retain any credibility to the effect that it is still speaking in public interest, which we assume they should be.

Indian Express has been on a campaign mode advocating big dams in general. It has been specifically campaigning against the movements like the Narmada Bachao Andolan. In March April 2006 the paper specifically ran a campaign against NBA and also against the then Union Minister Prof Saifuddin Soz. In Oct 2010 the paper ran a campaign for large hydro projects in the North East India when the then Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh held an open public hearing on these projects in Guwahati.

The group is planning to develop the 2700 MW Lower Siang and 500 MW Hirong Hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Jaypee group has pathetic records in terms of social, environmental and human rights issues in the projects it is involved in. More recently, in January 2012, India’s market regulator Sebi fined Jaypee Group Rs 6 million for illegal practice of insider trading. All these facts are very much relevant for any business group to sponsor awards for excellence in journalism, particularly when the awards are also for “ethics in reporting”, stated a press release issued by those opposing the move of the newspaper.  

• CM calls for effective traffic regulation
• Neychi-Dow at Bomdila
• Put the NGOs on track: Welly
• Two decades later and lakhs spent, Niglok IGC remains a distant dream
• Rural Mart inaugurated at Kharsang Bazaar
• Special campaign on small savings
• Girl missing from Arunachal rescued from Ludhiana
• New Era School imparting quality education
• Orgs question media house for accepting Jaypee sponsorship

PYKKA

Lower Subansiri take on West Kameng in football final

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: Lower Subansiri will take on West Kameng in Boys football final while Papum Pare would lock horn with Lower Dibang Valley in the final of Girls football in the on going rural sports competition under PYKKA at SLSA playground, Chimpu here tomorrow.

In women’s volleyball, Papum Pare defeated East Kameng to win gold while the third place went to Lower Subansiri. Papum Pare also won the Boys volleyball title defeating Lower Subansiri. The bronze medal went to Lower Dibang Valley.

In women’s Kho Kho, Upper Siang defeated East Kameng in the final while West Siang finished third. In men’s Kho Kho, East Kameng defeated Papum Pare. The bronze medal was won by Upper Siang.

In men’s badminton, Sonam of Papum Pare beat compatriot Tao Raju to win the singles title while Bolam Wangpam of Tirap won the bronze.

In women’s badminton, Nabam Yapu of Papum Pare won the singles title defeating Nabam Tasu of Lower Subansiri. The third place went to Manali Mihu of Dibang Valley.

The pair of Chemnai Wangnow and Bolam Wangpan of Tirap defeated Zinu Milu and Handi Molo of Dibang Valley to win the doubles title. Third place was won by Doka Jomoh and Binod Pao of East Kameng.

Dani Yakang pairing with Kago Yassa of Lower Subansiri beat the duo of Salumai Pul and Angaishi Pul of Anjaw to win the gold. Manali Mihu and Dumpu Mega won the bronze in this category.

Arunachal Weightlifting Association general secretary Daniel Teli and Arunachal Karate-Do Association president Likha Tara distributed medals to the players.

 

Poor performance by Arunachal sub-jr badminton team

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: The Arunachal sub-junior badminton team returned empty handed from the All India Sub-Junior Major Ranking Badminton Tournament, 2012 held at Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh from January two to seven last.

While Laa Yajum lost 15-21 16-21 to first rank Sikha Gautam in girls single U-15 year category in second round Laa Tukum was defeated 18-21 17-21 by his opponent from Chattishgarh in second round in boys singles under 15 years category. Yajum and her partner could not qualify for main draw in U-15 girls doubles.

Tukum pairing with Sayam Bothra made first round exit in U-15 boys double category. They lost 21-19 20-22 19-21 to their opponents from Karnataka.

Lanka Sih also made early exit in Boys single U-13 years category.

Pinky Karki (u-15) and Sonam Tamang (u-13) could not qualify for the main draw.

 

APLS team for Sahitya Sabha

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: About 20 writers, singers and artists representing Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) will be participating in the five-day 7th Sahitya Sabha session at Ledo in Assam beginning February 1. A goodwill delegation from Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS) led by its secretary general Dr. Parmananda Rajvanshi accompanied by two of its office bearers Jadov Sharma and Khogen Gogoi in a meeting today extended the invitation to APCS and literary lovers of the state for the annual event, APLS general secretary Tokong Pertin informed in a release.

Writers from all over India, Nepal and China will be participating in the event, Rajvanshi disclosed.

Ledo is a small but famous town in Tinsukia district bordering Changlang district of Arunachal.  The historic Stillwell or Ledo road was built during the Second World War and the Ledo airfield there was used by the USA Air Force in India during the Burma campaign in 1944-45 but abandoned on being destroyed by an earthquake in August 1950. The airfield was located at the railhead for the Ledo road was also used as one of the main supply points for “the Hump” transport route to Allied forces in China.

 

Highway project affected people demand compensation

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: The people affected by highway widening work from Khupa to Hawai under project Trans-Arunachal Highway in Anjaw district have demanded adequate compensation against their land and properties.  In a joint press statement, the panchayat leaders and gaon burahs of Supliang and Hayuliang have refuted the reported resolution in gram sabha meeting allegedly convened by Hayuliang EAC that villagers have agreed to donate their land free of cost for the project. In fact, no such Gram Sabha meeting of Hayuliang and Supliang was held, they said.

 

Factional fights leave one injured, ACF appeals for calm

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: All Tirap District Students’ Union (ATDSU) appealed to the state government to compensate the victims of the recent turf war between the two factions of NSCN.

ATDSU in a release, claimed that a person namely Chakhaw Wangsu was injured in factional fight between NSCN-K and NSCN-IM which took place at Chasa village of Tirap, just 25 km from district Hq. Khonsa recently. Many livestock were killed and houses damaged in the firing inciednt. According to the union, a granary, a residence, church and the newly constructed girls hostel, school building were damaged in the gun fighting.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has expressed shock over damages caused to a Church at Chasa village because of the exchange of fire between the two rival factions.

The incident occurred on  January 8 at around 4 am, ACF said. It urged both rival groups to maintain calm and solve their differences amicably. It further appealed  not to put public life in danger because of their infighting.

 

DASU unhappy at soaring prices

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: Dibang Adi Students Union (DASU) has expressed displeasure over soaring prices of vegetable items in Roing market.

In a letter written to deputy commissioner of Lower Dibang Valley, DASU stated that prices of items like Potato and Onion are much higher in Roing market as compared to other markets.  They urged the DC to take steps to control prices of vegetables.

 

SDP on tailoring

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: A 42 days skill development programme (SDP) on tailoring began at Bameng, East Kameng district yesterday.  The programme conducted by Manghi Welfare Society Sangram in collaboration with NABARD  aims at promoting self employment at rural areas.

Tapik Kaki, CO cum BDO Bameng speaking on the occasion emphasized on formation of self help groups at village level to generate self employment opportunities.

While lauding the Society, he said that NGO’s could play a vital role in implementation of various programmes and policies and reach out to all the unreached areas.

Dr. Subhas Debnath MO  in-charge, and Ngurang Tado, president of Manghi Welfare Society, Sangram also spoke on the occasion.

 

Field day on mustard

ITANAGAR, Jan 13:  Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Momong Lohit conducted a ‘Field Day on Mustard’ on January 6 at village Juna-I of Lathao circle. A total of 38 mustard growing farmers and farm women of self help group (SHG) attended the programme.

Debasish Borah, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy), KVK discussed in details about the apiculture practices in mustard field, post harvest management and oil extract procedure of mustard.

In the interaction session, the scientists replied the quarries of the farmers about different crops and animal husbandry.

 

Org demands resignation

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: All Arunachal Pradesh Anti Corruption Organization (AAPACO) urged Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Chairman Dr. Ligu Tacho and others involved in AE recruitment process to step down from their respective posts on moral ground.

It alleged that the pick and chose process in the said examination could jeopardize the development of the state.  The organization further said that recent burning of APPSC office was the outcome of the weakness of the Chairman.

 

Call for solution to APPSC/ UAEA stand off

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: Coming down heavily on the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) for present messy situation over the recruitment in AE (civil) post, the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) headed by Yumlam Achung  sought Chief Minister’s intervention for amicable solution to UAEA/APPSC stand off. It further demanded constitution of high power enquiry committee headed by a retired HC judge to unearth the truth behind the whole episode.

While demanding cancellation of interview and re-conduct of the same, ANYA said, recent bandh call observed in Capital was outburst of grievances of Unemployed Arunachalee Engineers Association (UAEA) against the Commission for its misdeeds.  Talented and  deserving candidates were deprived and selection was done on pick and chose basis, it alleged.

 

Capacity building for poverty reduction

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: DRDA Papum Pare District in collaboration with Administrative Training Centre, Naharlagun conducted a two days training cum workshop on capacity building for persons involved in poverty reduction at Balijan on January 11 and 12.

Altogether, 40 participants attended the programme.

Attending the programme, EAC T Taggu and course coordinator Tapa Mosu Apo highlighted the objective of the training programme and emphasized on active participation of PRI leaders in eliminating poverty in their respective areas.

 

Farm school on oyster mushroom

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: A Farm School on oyster mushroom cultivation technology has been started at Deomali by KVK, Tirap recently under ATMA, Tirap sponsored programmes.

Mushroom cultivation is a  non land based agri. allied activity to generate additional farm income. Moreover, the climatic condition is highly suitable for oyster mushroom cultivation. So, the Farm School has been organized to transfer scientific technology in respect of oyster mushroom cultivation and to popularize among the farmers, said a release from KVK. Raja Sawin, a local young farmer has been selected as the demonstrator farmer of the ‘Farm School’.

 

Officer dies

ITANAGAR, Jan 13:  Manasa Sen, a retired IAS officer died in Kolkata yesterday. Sen, 77, was suffering from lung cancer.

Sen worked as Joint Secretary to Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh during the time of Chief Ministership of Gegong Apang. He left behind his four children.

 

Makar sankranti and magh bihu

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd.) J.J. Singh and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have extended warm greetings to all the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu.

The Governor also wished people of Assam on the auspicious occasion and hoped that the festivity will promote love and harmony amongst the people of the two states.

While welcoming devotees and pilgrims to Parasuram Kund in Lohit district on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Governor offered prayer for safe and secure holy dip at the Kund.

In a separate message, the Chief Minister said that the joyous occasion of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu would strengthen the unity and brotherhood amongst the communities in the State.

 

Fire claims one

ITANAGAR, Jan 13: A 13-year-old girl died in a tragic fire accident at Poosa village, Yazali.

The incident occurred at around 12.30- 1 am when fire engulfed the house in which the victim Boni Yania along with her elder sister was sleeping. However, her elder sister has managed to escape from the fire.

Boni was a class VII student of VKV, Yazali. The house was reduced to ashes within a few minutes.

Police registered a case of UD 0/12/ US 174 CrPC and launched investigation.

Local administration has announced ex gratia relief for the victims while local MLA Likha Saaya contributed Rs 20,000 along with materials for rehabilitation of the affected family.

 

House gutted

ITANAGAR, Jan 13:  A devastating fire devoured a dwelling house at Nyorch villager, Naharlagun in the morning hours of January 13.

House-hold properties worth lakhs of rupees including traditional beads, valuable documents and study materials were destroyed before the ITPB personnel, fire fighters and local public doused the fire, informed Borum Panchayat Youth Welfare Association (BPYWA) in a release today.

The Association urged the concerned authority, including MLA Techi Kaso to provide immediate relief to the house owner Gyamer Aga, head gaon burah of the village and other fire victims.

 

Farmers’ awareness prog

TEZU, Jan. 13: A farmers’ awareness programme on seed treatment through E.M. (Effective – Micro-organisms) Technology was organized by District Agriculture Officer, Lohit on Januay 12 at BRC Hall, Tezu.  

H. Kri, Circle Officer, Tezu who presided over the meeting appealed to all the participants to take full advantage of the training programme.

The DAO and Agronomist Tezu briefly explained various aspects of EM Technology. Resource person from Maple Orgtech India Ltd. Kolkata imparted training to the farmers.

Inputs like Maple E.M. -1 Seed Treat and composter were also distributed to all participants.

120 farmers and ZPM, Tafragam/ Anchal Chairperson and other PR members attended the training. DIPRO

Bravery is not killing five bad men with a dao

Dear Editor,

I’m writing to myself through you, because sometimes it is easier to put thoughts down on paper than think about them randomly. I stood among the crowd, tried washing the picture away; but it lay etched in my mind. It is as if all the bad things happen to someone else. Everyone has their own little agenda. But what about them, the victims of injustice? They did not do anything wrong, yet they’ll suffer the most. Their only fault is that their answer papers were not checked properly/they rented a shop at B.B Plaza and cannot raise their voice against the Elite organizations and not so Elite ones. They are humble, meek and polite, they are too scared to protest, and so scared that nobody really cares. Being ‘humble’ is not a crime. We think we have not done anything wrong? We vandalized APPSC office, looted B.B Plaza! We might not have actually done the act, but we might as well have. As one of our witty writer mentioned when the Elite do it, it’s for a cause but when others do it, its hooliganism/ vandalism/ arson.

For all our intellectuality, richness, affluence, modernity and our latest fashion, our mind is still in the 18th century. As torch bearer of the society, the learned, the powerful should come all out and try to correct the wrong prevailing in the society or else our children are going to put the same shoes someday and see white as black. If I am not mistaken we are witnessing it already. We are known for bravery but bravery does not mean taking a dao and killing five bad men. Our attempts to overcome this imperfection – have failed to gain us acceptance in the ‘other’ crowd.

What is our entity, our identity, our being; is all shaped by choices we make. It is mind blowing to think that our lives, our entire future of who and what we are, are simply a matter of choice. Shaping our choices, are our experiences; the choice to believe in one or other, choosing to hope or despair, love or hate, correct or wrong ,believe or doubt, trust or betray.

So many outcomes, just as many choices. And so it all comes down to this, what does one choose to believe in ? Lets prove that we are not superficial civil or superficial civility. Talk really is cheap, so let’s walk our talk.

Yours

Tana Abson

Itanagar

 

 

Blinded with greed

Dear Editor,

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”, this was rightly quoted for the kind of people who suddenly appear from nowhere and poke their noses in other people’s affair for the reasons best known to them.

I was left fuming with rage after I read the pro-dam letter sent by some nobody who was least concerned with the affairs of our state. Just a day before, our brother Philo Aako had taken so much pain to write a lengthy letter on why we should not be approving mega dams which obviously required a lot of homework.

That pro-dam letter to the editor was a travesty of our brothers’ hard work and a misdemeanor to all of us Arunachalees.

Here, we have a raging battle with greedy corporate entities, who have enticed a handful of our people so blinded with greed that they are hankering over the blood money offered by those corporate entities by trampling over their conscience.

The last thing we were waiting to happen was to see a bunch of comedians drop by from middle of nowhere and meddle in our personal affair where our survival is at stake.

I would like to remind those comedians a couple of things some mega-dams have done to mankind just to see if their conscience has any lease of life left.

Early 1970, a major earthquake in Maharashtra was triggered by the Koyna dam located on the Sahyadri Hills; reason - dam induced seismicity (Dr.  Sankrityayan).

19th Sept’ 2011, the major earthquake rocked Sikkim which caused a crack in the Teesta Hydroelectric Dam project dam by NHPC in north Sikkim . The gushing water started inundating low lying areas forcing hundreds of families to flee for life soon after the tremors. 6 deaths reported and 80% of houses in Gangtok developed cracks.

1975, the world’s worst dam disaster occurred in China when Banqiao dam and smaller upstream Shimantan dam succumbed to a cyclone. Its collapse resulted in a total of 60 other downstream dams breaking resulting in deaths of some 2,45,000 people. The disaster was kept secret by the Chinese government for more than 20 years.

The list goes on, needless to mention the tragedy of our own Siang river flood due to problems with dams on the Chinese territory a couple of years back; and the vexed Chakma issue which we are still grappling to overcome, which also was partially an outcome of people displaced due to construction of Kaptai dam in the Chittagong hill tract in Bangladesh.

In this age of information it does not take much to close down to conclusion, what mega dams can do to fragile ecology and demography of our state.

I vehemently request all my educated fellow Arunachalees to seriously do some home works on  subjects like “Environmental Impact Assessment, Dam induced Seismicity, Watershed management, Plate tectonics, Seismicity and fault lines” by visiting libraries and accessing the plentiful online resources of scholarly works done by leading environmentalists  before even thinking about approving mega dams.  

You will surely wake up to a realization of spine chilling nightmare come true.

Yours,

Syndulum Ngadong, Tezu

 

 

We are with you

Dear Editor,

A month ago an anti-tobacco organization protested against the use of tobacco in the state, especially in capital complex by putting banner, poster in public area and burning all the tobacco items and also banned tobacco items in market.

But it seems the organisation has disappeared. Now a day’s tobacco products are available and there are advertisements of tobacco items as well.  Why is the organisation silent?  Does it think that if tobacco products are completely banned than the organizations will have less power?  

Let us stop use of tobacco. We are with you.

Yours,

A citizen

 

 

Where are we headed?

Dear Editor,

"UAEA denies setting fire to APPSC building". Is it true or are they faking it?

Is NES really fighting against corrupt system or are they just showing off?

There are so many issues to be solved! As an engineering student, I should, most probably, support UAEA. But I won't!

As I belong to Nyishi tribe; I should give a thought to NES. But I won't! Why should I waste my time, my life, fighting and grumbling about each other and about the system? I have been reading in Papers how SSA teachers plead for their salary! I feel pity for them!

Month will pass, year will go by, but our corrupted system will never change. Keep fighting, Keep Striking!!

Please ask yourself, “where are we heading"?

If there is enough proof against APPSC, why are the authorities taking time to punish the culprit?

If the whole State knows about SSA and their grief, why are authorities not paying their salaries?

I wonder why.

Yours,

Engineering student!

 

 

Plan keeping in view the requirement of this generation

Dear Editor,

This is with reference to the burning of APPSC Office building Itanagar, the highest body of the state for recruitment of top officers and officials. It has been observed, that, in our state, a new trend of burning the public properties has been started, which is totally detrimental for our future. In this regard, I felt that instead of looking for punishing the culprit; let us find out the root cause of such situation. Why the younger generation is so frustrated and always doubts the system. Where the fault lies?  Let us introspect and find out the solution for a conducive atmosphere in the state.

It is reported that around 2000 plus local engineers are unemployed in our state and every year the number is increasing. The source of employment for them in the state is only the engineering departments of the government. Though many private mega companies have come up in the state, it is not known, whom they are giving employment opportunities. As per social responsibilities of the business, it is one of the responsibilities of these private mega companies to give employment opportunities to the local people.

In this regard, it may be mentioned here that, a department called Arunachal Trans Highways have been created for taking up the project of highways in the state. Subsequently, a good number of private construction mega companies have been invited and are carrying out the projects. But, it has been observed that, in terms of employment generation, a very few Arunachalee are seen working in these companies. Hence, let these private companies be advised to absorb some number  of unemployed local engineers.

Same is the case in other sectors also. Even in School education department, many trained teacher students are reported unemployed though many candidates who have passed their class X-XII examinations somehow from open schools have been appointed as teachers.  The causes of all these wrong practices may be due to the faulty system, wrong planning and lack of foresightedness of our leaders. As education is the pillar of the society, the educator must be a properly trained and well equipped person with vast knowledge and wisdom.  

Hence it is my earnest request to the authorities to prepare a well planned design to give peace, prosperity and conducive atmosphere to the people and the state. Let us make Arunachal, a beautiful state by  giving a proper plan and shape, keeping in view the need and requirement of our coming generation.

Yours,

Minjum Ete,

IVth Semester

DIET, Pasighat

 

 

A mess

Dear Editor,

Thank God, that those so called educated engineers weren't selected in their exams. By looking at the mess that they created in 12 hours bandh, one wonders what greater mess would they have done to the State, had they been selected and worked in their capacities for 40 years.

Yours,

Apollo

 

 

The BSNL network

Dear Editor,

It is unfortunate that the phone network provided by the BSNL at Tawang is in the worse condition. For making a call we have to call more than a hundred times, even then it’s not reachable. We have complaint many times to the authority but all they do is give fake promises. We bought phones so that we can contact near and dear ones but due to worse network we remain cut off from the rest of the world.

We want to appeal to the authority staying in Itanagar to look into the matter seriously and provide better network to the people of Tawang district.

One tower has been erected at Jang but it’s defunct from the time it is been erected. We think it’s due to corruption. Now we don’t have any option other than using RTI and PIL against such officers. We anticipate that BSNL authority will open their eyes and will not play with the sentiments of the common mass.

Yours,

A citizen

 

 

_________________________________

 

 

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

Fighting disability stigma

According to World Health Organization and the World Bank report around 20 per cent  of the world's poorest people have disabilities and nearly 80 per cent of people with a disability live in low-income countries. However, their needs have been largely ignored by development planners. The report warned that the millennium development goals (MDGs) would not be met unless the needs of disabled people were fully addressed.

An estimated 10 per cent of Bangladesh's population has a disability. People with disability in Bangladesh still fight discrimination at home, society and workplace with little support from the government.

Back home, in  India too, the people with disabilities are  subject to deprivation in many dimensions of their lives. India has one of the more progressive disability policy frameworks in the developing world. However, there remain huge challenges in operationalizing the policy framework, experts feel.

Social attitudes and stigma play an important role in limiting the opportunities of disabled people for full participation in social and economic life, often even within their own families.

Increasing the status and social and economic participation of people with disabilities would have positive effects on everyone, not just disabled people.

While there is a long way to go, focusing on getting the basics right on disability policy would allow for significant progress in the foreseeable future.

 

 

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