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2013
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January 01

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News Impact

ICAR team conducts farmers’ field visit

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: As a part of the monitoring and evaluation of the TSP programme of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar, a team comprising A Kirankumar Singh, SMS (Agronomy) and Dr. Anupchandra, Scientist (Entomology) visited Sonam Basar’s field near the camp of 23rd Bn. ITBP, Basar.

The team monitored the potato field and evaluated the conditions of the crop which was found satisfactory and no symptoms of damage by any insects and diseases were found in the field. However, the team advised the farmer to give life saving irrigation as the field is found moisture deficient and no sign of rainfall is there according to the forecast by the Agromet Advisory Services, ICAR Basar.

 

Ziro Govt HSS win champion trophy in CATC

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Ziro, for the third time, bagged the overall champion Trophy in the Combine Annual Training Camp (CATC) held at Hanshara, North Lakhimpur, Assam from December 21 to 30.

Drill, Firing competitions and various cultural events were organized during the 10 days camp.

Col. Sunil A. Patil, Commanding Officer, 1st AP Bn NCC, Naharlagun and J. Patil distributed prizes to the winner cadets on the valedictory function.

Best Cadets in SD category was awarded to Under Officer Panjang Abo of Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar while the Best Cadets in SW category was awarded to Under Officer Donik Yasum of the same college. Best Cadets in JD category was awarded to Sergent Tana Kamin of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Doimukh and Best Cadets in JW category was awarded to Sergent Anamika Dey of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Itanagar.

Delhi gang-rape: Peaceful protests continue

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Public anger continues against Delhi gang rape with thousands of protestors across the nation are paying homage to the 23-year-old brave Delhi gang-rape victim, who was cremated at New Delhi on Sunday morning.

The victim, who was gang-raped on Dec 16 in a moving bus was quietly cremated Sunday morning after her body was flown in from Singapore, where she succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.

According to agency report thousands of protestors continued their peaceful protests throughout the night till morning braving extreme weather conditions at the Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. They are demanding justice for brave woman.

At Banderdewa, the gate way of Arunachal Pradesh capital, hundreds of people including businessmen under the banner of All Banderdewa Circle Anti-Corruption Youth Forum (ABCACYF) organized Candle-light vigil to pay homage to the brave woman on Sunday evening.  The Forum also demanded stringent punishment to the rapists.

Ziro–II Anticorruption Youth Forum (ZAYF) also took out a candle light march from Ganga to Congress Bhawan, Itanagar today in solidarity with the  victims of Delhi gang rape and  her families. The Forum demanded exemplary punishment to the rapists.

The Forum also demanded  stringent punishment like life imprisonment  or capital punishment to  the rapists and murderers of Class XII Yazali student Ralo Rini. The authorities must enact and enforce strict legislation to ensure safety and security of the women in the state and the country as a whole, it said.

Arunachal celebrates Indigenous Faith Day

Shoulder responsibility, preserve rich culture: Tuki

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: “If we lose our identity, we won’t exist,” said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki addressing believers of indigenous faiths here at Nyokum Lapang on occasion of Indigenous Faiths Day celebrations.

Calling upon the elders, particularly parents to take the responsibility to enthuse pride in youngsters of their rich culture, the Chief Minister cautioned that shirking away from the onerous responsibility may one day result in complete lose of the rich culture of indigenous tribes of the state.

He expressed concern that traditional and moral values were diminishing day by day in the youths of today and therefore said that elders of the indigenous communities have to teach their youngsters of these.

Taking the example of the gang-rape in New Delhi that is still rocking the nation, Tuki said such crimes are a result of strayed youths who have lost all moral values.

“Let a clear message against all sort of crime against women go from this platform,” he beckoned.

Tuki reiterated his commitment that any type of crime against women in Arunachal Pradesh will not be tolerated.

“It is upon us – the parents – to ensure that crimes against women never happen. We have to teach our children from the very early age to respect women and treat them as equal. If any such dastardly thing happens, it is only us to be blamed,” he pointed.

Lauding the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) for its endeavor to preserve and propagate indigenous faiths, the Chief Minister assured all possible assistance from the Government. He cited several projects sanctioned during his numerous visits to the districts and rural areas to assist indigenous communities to flourish and prosper.

On information that IFCSAP was facing difficulties in functioning due to lack of resources, the Chief Minister assured to enhance the Corpus Fund of Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore during next financial year.

Meanwhile, on a personal suggestion from the Chief Minister IFCSAP President and noted writer Y D Thongchi announced that from next year the Indigenous Faiths Day would be celebrated across the state on December 1 commemorating the birth anniversary of Late Talom Rukbo, pioneer of the Indigenous Faith movement.

The celebration was also attended by R K Mission Hospital Secretary Swami Vishweshananda Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretaries Nabam Rebia (Planning) and Gadam Ete (Home), Chairman State Pollution Control Board Tani Loffa and several luminaries of the Indigenous Faiths movement.

Amongst the various cultural programmes, a mega dance by 250 girls representing at least 11 major tribes of the state was the main attraction of the day.

Pasighat, the epicenter of the indigenous faith movement of the state also celebrated ‘Indigenous Faith Day’ (Donyi-Polo Day) today with joy and traditional gaiety. The believers including old and young in large numbers thronged the Gangging sites since morning and observed rituals, community prayers, participated in traditional songs and dances, cultural tableaus and community feasts. They paid floral tributes on the occasion to the portrait of Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo, the pioneer of the indigenous faith movement of the state.

Among the eminent personalities, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Ninong Ering, State’s Education Minister Bosiram Siram, East Siang Deputy Commissioner RK Mishra, Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang President Tabi Jerang, General Secretary Tajom Tasung and local leader Kaling Moyong greeted people on the auspicious occasion and urged them not to forget their cultural roots.

While appreciating the indigenous societies for dedicating their time and energy, they called for preservation of the rich culture and traditions stating that the people across the globe were looking forward to explore Donyi-Poloism, of which truthfulness is the basic essence. They prayed for peace and prosperity and appealed to uphold the spirit of secularism in their messages.

In tandem with rest of Arunachal, the indigenous faith day was celebrated in a befitting manner with a mammoth participation by the indigenous believers residing in every nook and corner of the Bordumsa Sub-Division. To mark the auspicious occasion a bike/car rally misted with indigenous flags was carried out from Wagon Ponthai village to entire Bordumsa town and culminated at General Ground, Bordumsa. About 500 Bikers/ Cars participated in the rally shouting slogans etc.

Later, a mass public meeting was held in Bordumsa General Ground where pledge were administered to the participants to uplift, protect, promote and preserve faith, heritage, culture and tradition of the indigenous believers.

Donyi-Polo Day was observed in befitting manner by the Police Jawans at Chimpu 1st AAPBn.

The Donyi-Polo day was also celebrated at Donyi-Polo Gangging, Itanagar with pomp and gaiety today.  The celebration begins with the unfurling of Gangging flag by its president Er Anong Perme in presence of large number of believers of Donyi-Poloism including ABK president Kangir Jamoh and senior Govt officers and officials.

The main attraction of the celebration was the various sports events for the school children organized  by the Aji Nilung Tungko (ANT), a forum dedicated for the promotion of spiritualism, education and extra-curricular activities among the children.

In musical chair competition, Kumari Minam Gamoh and Gugul Perme won the  1st and 2nd prize respectively in junior girls category. In senior girls category of Musical chair competition Kumari Airemi Ketan and Kumari Rupa Rai won the 1st and 2nd prize respectively.

Other sports events and prize winners are :  Mitan Goi, 1st prize and Badong Lego, 2nd prize in Sweet Race boys category, Batem Lego, 1st prize  and Badong Lego,  2nd prize in frog jump boys category. The prizes were distributed by Kangir Jamoh and Anong Perme.

 

Army fights deadly forest fire at Bomdila

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: The deadly forest fire near civilian helipad, New Bomdila was brought under control and prevented from further spreading by local army units.

Army columns were pressed into service to fight the deadly forest fire on request of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi.

The forest fire had started spreading wildly and had reached the outskirts of New Bomdila, posing a serious threat to the life and property of the villagers.

Fire fighting parties from the local Army unit immediately swung into action. The intense heat and smoke generated by the forest fire made it extremely difficult and dangerous to venture anywhere close. However, with complete disregard to personal safety, the army soldiers battled the roaring flames and decided to create a fire lane along a Nala. This presence of mind and timely action brought the fire under control.

The quick and timely action of the troop made a deep impression on the hearts and minds of local populace and has been highly praised by the local administration, stated an army release.

 

Year 2012: a blot in the history of Arunachal media

Amar Sangno

Every passing year has its own trail of history, both good and bad. It’s a universal truth.  When the good side of the history is cherished forever and the bad side is forgotten. I drew this conclusion even before start writing this article amidst euphoric atmosphere on the eve of New Year.

The year 2012, forget about Mayan failed Doomsday prediction, is a year to be remembered for bitter experience particularly for media fraternity. Keeping in view the esteemed readers’ enthusiasm for embracing a new year 2013, let me first start with good side of our history unfolded over this year. Since in my article I basically focus on media, the  recap would be also largely on media.

Amidst anger and frustration among the media persons after brazen assassination attempt on senior journalist of this daily, a new media cub, The Arunachal Pioneer” was born on August 22 which was welcomed by media fraternity. Now the number of local daily increases to seven with the launching of the new daily. It’s not toothless cub, rather has fang of ability to strike with truth as justified by its tag line “freedom of expression redefined”.  

The Laadli Media Award 2011-12 for Gender Sensitivity Eastern Region to Tongam Rina, associate editor of  this daily, by ‘Population  First’, a Kolkata based NGO in November last in recognition of her voices of political and development analysis, largely through her popular column Ring Side View and featuring of Eastern Sentinel CEO Jarpum Gamlin among 37 Indians of Tomorrow by country’s leading magazine India Today in its December edition have brought at least a smile for Arunachal media fraternity. The 30th years or tri-decadal celebration of Arunachal Press Club(APC) and its subsequent media out-reach programme and Photo exhibition jointly organized by APC and APUWJ in collaboration with Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation in mid November inscribed a indelible mark in history of Arunachal media which would be cherished fondly for years to come.

The state has reason to smile when we glanced over achievement of sportspersons. We can conclude here that Arunachal gradually finds her place in Indian sports map, particularly in Karate and Weightlifting.  Tam Tapak and Nobin P Jomoh with their consistent performance held the state high. Tam Tapak bagged gold in 25th All India Karate Federation Championship in Delhi and later was selected to represent India in World Karate Federation Championship in Paris, France but he could not participate due

to passport delay.

Nobin P Jomoh is a national Sotokan Karate Champion and he bagged gold medals in International Karate Championship held in Delhi recently. In Weightlifting Sambo Lapung and Jimjang Deru have mesmerized the whole state after breaking the national records at 8th Youth National Weightlifting Championship held at Nehru Stadium New Delhi in early December. Deru broke 7 years record of Suken Dey set in 2005 in 50 Kg category and Sambo broke the national record in 69 kg weight category by lifting 117 Kg clean and jerk 146 kg in total 258 kg.

The North East Youth Festival 2012 and Krishi Expo and Kishan Mela will remain in the heart of Arunachalee people as fond memory. In the heritage front, we are proud after Ziro and Talley Valley shortlisted for inclusion of UNESCO World heritage site.

However even after series of good events, some bad incidents overshadowed the whole show. We, the media persons, will always find it difficult to forget some bitter incidents, particularly after April 15 incident when the office of this daily was ransacked. There is a nagging fear among media fraternity after associate editor Tongam Rina was shot at on July 15.

When the press persons are yet to overcome the shock, machine men of this daily and Associate Editor Ranjit Sinha were also beaten up in September and November last. The tremor was not only felt by this daily rather Echo of Arunachal went through the similar phase and its associate editor Tapan Kumar Das was beaten up.

In fact, the year 2012 left media fraternity in a quandary with no joy in heart. When the people are embracing a new year, it would be 169 days that the culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor are at large.

Media in Arunachal is more or less become forbidden apple for media students, particularly for the current working journalists in state, most of them found themselves in a situation where they could neither swallow it nor spit it out.  

However, the spirit among journalists is still high to serve the state and its people and to become voice of the voiceless. With the beginning of New Year and new challenges, it is as resilient as ever before. Someone should tell that media in Arunachal is no longer a dead horse, which can be flogged any passer by, rather this horse (media) is alive and it can kick back too.

Let’s bygones be bygones, hope best for future... is the New Year resolution for us.

 

CM assures ‘people-friendly’ governance

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki reiterated his commitment of a “People’s Government” this New Year and sought the cooperation of people to achieve this.

“I assure the people, who are in fact the foundation of the Government, a transparent, corruption-free and people friendly governance. To achieve this, I would need the cooperation, love and confidence of the people,” Tuki said in his message on the eve of New Year.

“Let us forget avoidable memories of the past and welcome the New Year with a new spirit. Let us commit ourselves to peace and development. Let us promise to work together for prosperity of every individual, community and region of our state. Let this New Year be continuation of the new chapter in the history of Arunachal Pradesh”.

“It’s been a little over one year since I took over the reigns of our state. In this one year, I visited almost all corners of the state and sowed the seeds of development. There were many pragmatic policy decisions taken and projects launched. The fruits of these decisions and projects may not be visible immediately but let me assure you, the base of a bright future for our state has been laid”.

 

Governor extends new year greetings

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, General (Retd) J.J. Singh has conveyed warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the joyous occasion of the New Year and wished for a happy and prosperous 2013.

In his message, the Governor said that the year 2012 was an important phase in the development era of the State. It was the year when the efforts of the State Government started showing tangible results in several fields. Final touches were given to major developmental projects under Prime Minister’s economic package. The State clocked an overall growth rate of 9.4% during the 11th Five Year Plan, which is considerably higher than the national growth rate recorded during this period. Appropriately ranked as the 4th best tourist region in the world for the year 2012 by renowned travel magazine ‘Lonely Planet’, Arunachal Pradesh registered a record rise in tourist inflow during the year. The year also saw the completion of the first successful year of the pro-people and development oriented State Government led by  Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

The Governor said that today, the people stand at the critical juncture of entering the 12th Five Year Plan Period. The dawn of the New Year ushers in new hopes and expectations. Many of these aspirations will be realized in the coming year. This year, the people of the State will have a new state-of-art secretariat building and their first railway link. Residents of Itanagar will get potable round-the-clock water with the completion of Itanagar Water Supply project. The Itanagar-Hollongi four-lane highway, 1657 km two-lane Trans Arunachal Highway and 805 km two-lane roads connecting all district headquarters will be reaching advanced levels of implementation.

While expressing proud on the achievements of the youth, the Governor said that the year 2012 was also the year of our youth. The sports-persons brought laurels for the State in many national and international events. An expedition team successfully scaled the 6488 meters high Mount Gorichen – the second highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Governor also expressed pain on the bandh-calls in the State capital and attacks on the fourth pillar of democracy but added that showing utmost maturity, the people of the State overcame the challenges and moved ahead.

Reflecting his feeling towards the ghastly Delhi incident, the Governor assured the people of the State that the Government will take all steps to ensure that the female gender in Arunachal are provided an atmosphere of safety and security. He requested all to join hands together in ensuring that the nation doesn’t have to witness such an incident ever again, while calling for the support and cooperation of all citizens.

Stating that the commencement of the New Year also reminds all to renew their pledge towards working for the well-being of all, the Governor urged upon all to strive forward with optimism and rise above differences and challenges to realize their dreams. Let us give shape to our aspirations and make Arunachal Pradesh a vibrant, prosperous and the ‘happiest’ State of India, General Singh appealed. PRO to Raj Bhawan

 

Gandhian saint Bhaiji lays foundation stone of 1st Gandhi Ashram in Arunachal

MAHADEVPUR, Dec 31: While local inhabitants Deori were getting ready to bid goodbye to 2012, a new ray of hope dawned in this village in Lohit district with Gandhian saint Dr S N Subba Rao laying foundation stone of the first Gandhi Ashram in Arunachal Pradesh today.

Addressing the villagers who with all humility waited for four hours, Dr Rao, a living legend, said that Mahatma Gandhi had launched the khadi movement against the machine-made British clothes as part of his swadeshi movement which ultimately ended the British Raj in India.

Khadi intended to weave lakhs of Indians through the thread of love and charkha against the British Raj by providing employment to thousands of rural weavers who had lost their bread and butter with industrialization taking deep root to enrich British coffer.

Wishing success of the Ashram, Bhaiji called upon the villagers to imbibe community spirit for the development of the area and contribute towards nation building. He lauded state KVIC state incharge A P Chobin and Arunachal Gandhi Ashram president Hari Pado Biswas for their untiring efforts to spread Gandhi movement in the remote state to benefit the masses and hoped that the Ashram would be a model in the state.

Chobin, in his address, said that the Ashram, first in his tenure was the product of two-year hard work jointly made by him and Biswas. The scheme would generate employment for the locals most of whom are skilled weavers. Their enthusiasm during the preliminary survey provided the real encouragement; he said and wished that the project would turn out to be real Gandhi Ashram with the same spirit of the village with a population of over 1,000 of the total 30,000 population of Lekang circle, represented by PWD, Finance & Planning Minister Chowna Mein.

Pointing out the Ashram is one of the projects of Khadi & Village Industries Commission, he assured to bring more such schemes for the state.

Biswas, the brain behind the Ashram, hoped that the villagers would stand together to ensure success of the central-sponsored scheme. Unity, employment and spreading Gandhi’s ideology would be spirit of the ashram.

Earlier, senior citizen M L Deori said such innovative development project at the right place and right time would herald a new vista of hope for the people of Mahadevpur. It is a great step towards Gandhi’s Ram Rajya, he added.

 

Governor calls on Union ministers

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) J.J. Singh met Union Defence Minister A K Antony in New Delhi today and discussed on various issues related to the State.

Road communication and early setting up of the National Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports (NIMAS) at Dirang in West Kameng district were discussed in detail.

The Governor, who is on an official tour of New Delhi, also met the Union Minister of Health and Family welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad in New Delhi on December 29. In the meeting, they had a discussion on health related issues of the Frontier State.

At the request of the Governor, the Union Minister assured to send teams from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to check problems like oral cancer, diabetes, breast cancer amongst women and other health problems in Arunachal Pradesh.

To have on-the- spot knowledge of the State related to health issues, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare is also planning to visit the State in the coming months of January and February. PRO to Governor

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

All rights reserved.

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Let us fight for justice

The body of the Delhi Gang rape victim was cremated but the protest against violence on women continues across the country. Reportedly many organizations/ establishments and Govt agencies decided not to celebrate the new year as the tragic death of 23-year old girl had left the people sad.

President Pranab Mukherjee in his New Year message said that the new year 2013  should be dedicated for improving security and welfare of women in the country and addressing the mindset which is at the root of such incidents. "We mark the advent of the New Year under a pall of gloom, as the nation mourns the tragic loss of a brave young girl who became the victim of a heinous crime," he said.

Even the Armed Forces called off their Year's Eve parties while Congress President Sonia Gandhi decided to shun celebrations as the country is set to usher in 2013 in a sombre mood.

The Army has issued advisories to all formations that they should not organise new year parties.

According to data New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among India's major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours. The Rape cases reportedly rose by nearly 17% between 2007 and 2011.

According to the NCRB statistics 2010, there has been a 4.8% increase in crime against women as compared to 2009. 22,172 cases of rape were recorded in 2010. 8.9% of the total victims of Rape were girls under 14 years of age, while 16.1% were teenaged girls (14-18 years) and 57.4% were women in the age-group 18-30 years.

In Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in recent past admitted that crime against women in the state has been on the rise.

According to Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women sixty cases of rape and 160 cases of crime against women were reported in Arunachal Pradesh last year.

As Congress president  Sonia Gandhi  has already said  that “the nation's beloved daughter will get justice and her fight will not go in vain,” we express our hope that the people will continue their fight  for justice to the all the oppressed women of the country.

Let us strengthen our resolve to fight for the safety and protection of all women of the country.

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