January  01

Strict action against illegal trade on wild animals

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: The DFO of Banderdewa Forest Division has cautioned illegal wildlife traders to refrain from such activities and the violators would be dealt sternly. Taking serious note on such illegal trade, the DFO informed that hunting, selling or possession of meat, fur, skin, horns etc. of wild animals and birds are strictly prohibited under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and the violators would be punished with imprisonment up to a period of seven years or imposed penalty or by both.

Forest Department officials would conduct search operations in various routes under the division to check inflow of such items.

 

Donyi-Polo day celebrated

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: The Donyi-Polo Day was celebrated by Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang with traditional gaiety at Ruksin today. More than 400 believers took part in the celebration.

Attending the celebration, Ruksin Range Forest Officer Y Potom dwelt on the Donyi-Poloism and asked all the believers irrespective of ages to preserve the tradition and culture of the tribe. He has requested them to attend the weekly prayer and make it to be the instrument to protect and preserve  language, culture and religion.  

 

A short movie on wildlife and forest fire released

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: A short-movie titled "The Invisible Pain" was released on Donyi-Polo Day today in the central Donyi-Polo Namlo Daporijo by the Namlo Priest T. Natam.

The film is directed by Tako Siga and dedicated to mother Bochak Siga.

Sponsored by Rocky Motu, ZPM, Sigin-I Daporijo, the film is based on wild life hunting and forest fire with narration in Tagin and English subtitle.

The film is meant for open viewing as the maker wants to spread the message of the effects of wildlife hunting and forest fire.

 

Bodybuilders of Rayhan Gym Naharlagun shine

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Raj Thakuri from Rayhan Gym Naharlagun won the title in 75kg weight category in the State Level Body Building Championship- 2014 held at Siddhartha Hall here on December 28.

Paney Kameng and Devo Manglong won silver medals in 65kg and 75 kg category respectively.

Ajay Tamang won a bronze in 65 category. Other medal winners from the Rayhan Gym were, Nabam Abu (Silver) and Pankaj Borah (Bronze) in 75 category.

BB Das won the title in Master Category 45 age category.

 

Reward announced for informer

SEPPA Dec 31: The District Magistrate of East Kameng has announced rewards for any information leading to arrest of the alleged attacker(s) on a business man at Seppa on December 23 night.

The DM in an order had directed the alleged offenders to appear before court on or before December 26 failing which he will be punishable as per the provision of Arunachal Pradesh unlawful Activities (prevention) Act, 2014. DIPRO

 

Road Safety week

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Along with the rest of the country, the 26th road safety week will be observed throughout Arunachal Pradesh from January 2 to 7 next.  This year's theme for the  road safety week is "Safety is not just a slogan, it's a way of life."

 

Education Joint secretary S C Debnath retires

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Education Joint secretary S C Debnath has retired from his service. While giving a warm farewell in a glittering function held at the secretariat branch of education department today, the officers, colleagues and staff of education department wished him a happy second inning after his retired life.

Under Secretary, Education Likha Tejji, Joint Director (EE) Monya Nyori, DDSE, E Lego, DDSE, Mallo Yam, Deputy SPD (SSA), Likha Sampu and staffs of Secretariat Education Branch  were present on the occasion.

Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officer Association (APCSOA) too wished him a happy retired life. Parliamentary Secretary Education Bamang Felix also wished best to the retiring officer for his second inning in life.

He is the first Batch of APCS  to be inducted into Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Entry Grade.

Hailing from Alipurduar district in West Bengal, he was born on 1st January 1957 and graduated in  B.Sc (Bio Chemistry from) Cotton College and Arya Vidyapeeth College under Gauhati University before his entry to service.

S C Debnath started his career as Anini Circle Officer on 16th December, 1981. Later promoted as EAC and posted to Liromoba, Bomdila and promoted to SDO, Deomali in 2003 then posted at Likabali. He was posted as ADC Pasighat during 2010 to 2013, finally posted as Deputy Secretary, Education and Joint Secretary in the education department.

Speaking on the occasion, Debnath said he had to foot march 15 days to reach to circle headquarter for rendering service. During his service life he never faced any problem and successfully completed his innings.

 

Association opposes prepaid electric billing system

ITANAGAR, Dec 31:  The All Arunachal Pradesh Consumers Association (AAPCA) today strongly opposed the newly introduced pre-paid electric billing system saying that poor and humble background people will not able to afford new system of acquiring electricity.  Condemning the prepaid system AAPCA alleged the state government digging grave for common people in the name of revenue generation. It further demanded immediate cancellation of the  new system.

 

News Impact

Let there be a transparent & accountable administration: Guv

Tuki dedicates the year 2015 to the people of Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: "Let there be a transparent and accountable administration, which works for the betterment and welfare of common people guided by 'Citizen First' principle," said Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma while extending his warm greetings and good wishes to every citizen of the State for a happy and prosperous 2015. He expressed hope that the New Year will usher-in peace, harmony and tranquility in Arunachal Pradesh. He also wished that the festivity of the New Year will heralds a new era of initiatives, development and progress in the State.

At the commencement of the New Year, the Governor appealed to the people to take a resolution to put in concerted effort to secure our future and future of the children through our collective endeavour as a 'Team Arunachal'. "Let us provide our children opportunity to excel to their fullest potential, realize our dreams and give shape to our aspirations. Let key to development and progress be the 'good governance' with greater impetus in education and health sectors in particular. Let us keep our house, office, school, colony, town, city, district and State clean and be an active participants in Swachch Bharat Abhiyan." The Governor urged upon the people to share the optimism and rise above differences. Let us make our society bestowed with communal harmony, just and free from drugs menace. Let us start the year with a clear vision, new strength and renewed commitments towards taking Arunachal Pradesh to new heights of development and prosperity to fulfill the dream of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor emphasized in his message.

In his New Year message to the people of the state, the Governor said that the year gone-by was yet another important year in the developmental phase of the State. Many important projects reached the final stage of implementation and some were successfully completed. Most important was the linking of railway line to the national network, which enhanced the connectivity of this Frontier State. Announcement of 'Frontier Road' and three more railway projects will be shot in the arm as Trans Arunachal Highway, District Connectivity and 4-Lane Highway are already in the implementation schedule. Approval of construction of Greenfield airport at Hollongi and ongoing construction of the ALGs adds more to connectivity.

The Governor further said that agriculture and its allied sectors got a boost when Arun Kiwi, a high quality wine produced from Kiwi fruits of the State is formally launched. Concerted efforts of the State Government were recognized with Arunachal Pradesh bagging the India's Best Project-2014 award and Krishi Kaman Award. The year also saw enthusiastic participation of the people in the democratic process and giving a clear mandate in the State. The Namsai District officially became the 18th District of the State.

The Governor said that the year 2014 was marked by achievement in the sporting activities. Arunachal Pradesh bagged the runners up trophy in the 28th national level North East championship.

The Governor expressed sadness that the year also saw loss of lives and materials due to natural calamities, fire accidents, and law and order challenges. He added that inspite of interstate boundary issues, ethnic differences and kidnapping and murder, the committed spirit, courage and determination shown by the State Government and people of the State facilitated in bringing the normalcy.

Extending warm greetings and wishes to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said "I dedicate the year 2015 to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, with each of our development effort being singularly targeted at ensuring common good particularly for those who can't secure future of their own."

"We have taken all possible steps to ensure law and order and peace in the State and we shall continue to do so. Safety of women and girls has been taken care off apart from introducing Police Control Room Vehicles for effective policing."

The Chief Minister said that there will be a visible change in approach towards our efforts in promoting Arunachal as a tourist destination. "We have categorized  areas on religious tourism, adventure, cultural, health, research and nature tourism to attract tourists of varied tastes," he said.

Recollecting the past initiatives of the Govt, Tuki said "in the last few years, we have brought about a remarkable positive change in the development trajectory of our State. A number of people centric welfare programmes have been initiated keeping in minds the immediate requirements of our masses. We have prioritized the social sectors like Health, Education and skill development and employment generation in our approach."

At the same time, it has been a consistent effort of the state government to provide its citizens transparent, responsive and responsible governance. We became one of the few states in the country to enact Lokayukta, which is aimed to empower people. I take this pride to inform you that our state was adjudged one of the best performing states in terms of devolution of power to PRIs and Urban Local Bodies and stood at 5th rank in all India ranking amongst the state.

"We received India's Best Project -2014 award for implementation of Skill Development and Employment Generation programme, besides clinching the Krishi Karman Award for the second consecutive term for increase in food grain production.

 "Let us take a pledge today to stand united against all forces inimical to peace and tranquility of the State and contribute our bit for sustainable development of Arunachal Pradesh."

 

 

Man dies in suspected hit-and-run case

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: In an unfortunate incident a middle aged man died under mysterious circumstances this morning after he was hit by a car in a suspected hit-and-run case at Nirjuli last night, claimed an FIR lodged at Naharlagun Police Station.

The deceased identified as Tajen Bunyi was believed to have been walking along the road when an unknown speeding car allegedly hit him causing grievous head injuries.

It was learnt from the relatives that Bunyi was found in an unconscious state at Nirjuli by some passerby who then brought him to Arunachal Pradesh State Hospital. He succumbed to his injuries this morning while on the way to Guwahati after he was referred there for treatment.  

When contacted Officer In-charge PS Naharlagun confirmed that an FIR has been received from the relatives of deceased and accordingly a case was registered (case no. 230/14/ under section 279/304(A) IPC.)

Late Tajen Bunyi had earlier served as ZPM of Monigong-Pidi Anchal Block. He also served as General Secretary West Siang district Congress Committee (DCC).

Meanwhile, terming the incident leading to his untimely demise as 'highly mysterious,' the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) demanded the police authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the case.  ABK members headed by President Kangir Jamoh also conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul.

 

 

Beautified Southern Itafort gate declared open

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Itanagar got a new facelift in terms of tourism as the renovated and beautified Southern Itafort historical remains was formally declared open for tourists and visitors by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today in an impressive function.

The NEC funded project took over two years to complete the beautification and renovation work which was done by engaging experts from archeological background and floriculturists. Works on renovations were done minutely without damaging the ancient monument and its archeological importance.

Visibly impressed Tuki congratulated the officers of Research department and appreciated their good work. He however cautioned the department to fix timings for visitors which may be widely publicized through all possible means. He asked the department to regularly maintain the site from the revenue generated from the visitors. He also opined for appointing a regular guide who could brief the visitors about the importance of the historical monument.

CM directed capital DC and SP to intensify night patrolling to safeguard the site from unscrupulous activities. He also assured to renovate and beautify the remaining three Itafort archeological sites in the capital in the days to come.

Itafort, believed to be built in 14-15 century by local king Ramachandra of Mayapur is a defence fortification constructed with bricks and stone masonry covering an area of 1 sq. Km. State capital Itanagar is named after this brick fort. The southern Itafort gate is also one of the highest view point from where the entire Itanagar and Naharlagun town is visible. The renovated archeological site is a place of respite for young and old, where one can have a peace of mind and rejuvenate their energies.

The CM was accompanied by host of lawmakers, bureaucrats and politicians during his visit.

 

 

I shall not rest till the problems of the people are effectively addressed: Wanglin Lowangdong

Denhang Bosai

The 30th of January-2014, the fag end of the year will be inscribed in golden letters in the annals of Tirap district, the land shrouded in myth and legend as an epoch-making day. It was the day when the people of Tirap district who have nothing much to write home about in terms of all round development, had the rare opportunity to accord a hero's welcome to their Nocte Chief and the newly inducted Cabinet Minister Wanglin Lowangdong in the Nabam Tuki government. The occasion was more a pointer to the silver-lining in the otherwise dark skies hovering over the hitherto insurgency-infested district. The people old and young, cutting across political affiliations and religious entities, thronged at Khonsa and Borduria, Lowangdong's native village in thousands to receive him. The entire roadside from Khonsa helipad to Borduria village was dominated by festoons and banners with words of warm welcome and the smiling picture of the toast of the day, Minister Wanglin Lowangdong. It was a home-coming with a difference. There were smiles, laughter, bonhomie, songs, dances and celebrations everywhere and why not? It was a day when the people of the district were celebrating the representation of the important 57-Borduria-Bogani Assembly constituency in the state cabinet after a decade and a half.

The celebrations culminated at Borduria village wherein MLAs Tirong Aboh, Wanglam Sawin, HoDs, PRI leaders headed by Tirap ZPC Chawang Lowang , chiefs, GBs and villagers from all over Tirap district attended.

Lowangdong emotionally recalled his struggling days in politics and was visibly overwhelmed by the tumultuous reception he got from his people. He said, "By virtue of my birth I am the head servant of the people and I shall not rest till the problems of the people are effectively addressed." The Minister said that it was because of the unflinching faith and support reposed in him by the people that he had got the opportunity to serve the people as a Minister. He said that by having become a Minister his responsibilities had increased manifold and sought the unwavering love and support of the people adding that nothing worthwhile could be achieved sans the active participation and cooperation of the people.

While thanking the chief minister Nabam Tuki for his generosity and for showing faith in him, Lowangdong appreciated the two Tirap MLAs Tirong Aboh and Wanglam Sawin who had recently joined the ruling Congress party from PPA that would strengthen his hands in serving the people of the district. He told the huge gathering that the four MLAs of Tirap district representing the four Assembly constituencies must work hand in hand with renewed vigour and a new vision to take the district forward and give the district a pride of place in the state. Lowangdong asked the people to maintain unity which was the cornerstone of the Nocte ancestors in the past adding that unity among the affable people enabled the Nocte and Tutsa ancestors to construct arteries of roads on self-help basis. He thundered as he spoke, "We are proud inheritors of rich legacies from our benevolent ancestors and we already have well-knit, well-defined and well-structured social systems thanks to the wisdom of our forefathers.

All the speakers including the MLAs Aboh, Sawin, ZPC Lowang, and senior leaders T. Tongluk, Manwang Lowang and others while extending their gratefulness to the chief minister Nabam Tuki recalled the tremendous contributions of Lowangdong in his earlier two terms who had brought about unprecedented development not only in his constituency but also in the whole district. The day was marked by attractive cultural programmes presented by students, women's groups from Borduria and nearby villages which enthralled the huge crowd. In the evening the sneak- preview of the Nocte film ATEI AWA DAMAAN KO- Following the Footsteps of Our Ancestors was held. The film received a huge response from the viewers and Lowangdong congratulated the Director Denhang Bosai for his venture.

Truly, the day was worth-cherishing for years to come. Seeing the huge crowd and the sort of reception he got, Lowangdong was apprehensive about his ability to fulfill the aspirations of the people as a Minister but assured that he would put his best foot forward and leave no stone unturned to serve the people with utmost dedication, resolve and innovation. As a small reporter, known as the eyes, ears and mouth of the government, I was fortunate to be a part of the wonderful ambiance generated by Wanglin Lowangdong becoming a cabinet minister in the Nabam Tuki government. [The writer is DIPRO, Tirap and can be reached at denhangbosai@yahoo.co.in]

 

 

Young sportspersons shine as eventful year ends on promising note

M Doley

ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Although they still have many miles to go to make a splash in world of sports, sportspersons of the state made some notable achievements making their presence felt in few disciplines, particularly Weightlifting, Badminton, Archery and Karate.

The year gone by witnessed few young and promising athletes performing exceptionally well and at par with international standard in various competitions giving their opponents a run for their money.

Kojum Taba, one of the promising weightlifters in the country, clinched two silver medals in 77kg weight category in the highly competitive 28th Asian Men, Junior Weightlifting Championship held in Bangsaeng, Thailand.

He lifted a total 285kg (Snatch-123kg+Clean & Jerk-162 Kg).

He is currently undergoing training at Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune under  guidance of Indian Army. According to ASI coach Subedar PK Lanke, Kojum is one of the biggest medal hopes for the country in the next Olympics.

Ace shuttler Laa Talar brought laurels not only to the state but also entire country as he reached the fourth round (pre-quarterfinal) in BWF Junior World Badminton Championship, 2014 held in Malaysia in April.

Participating in Men's Single event, he defeated Cheezwa Nakanda of Zambia 21-14, 21-07 in the first round, David Peng of Germany 21-19, 21-12 in the second round and tamed Gui Pu Lin of China 21-09, 21-07 in the third round before going down fighting 15-21, 21-11, 21-23 to Hong Kong's Cheuk Yiu Lee (World No. 6) in the pre-quarterfinal in 58 minutes.

Talar was also declared best player among the Indian contingent in the Wimbledon Junior International Badminton Championship held in London in September, 2013.

Archers Genung Tekseng, Sorang Yumi, Maselo  Mihu and Lide Loyi put Arunachal in world archery map by winning a Silver medal in Olympic Mixed Team event and a Bronze in Girls Team Event by Maselo Mihu and Sorang Yumi in the 2nd Asian Grand Prix Archery Championship held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in the last part of 2013.

The quartet of Genung, Yumi, Masilu and Netan Drema finished third in the just concluded National Junior Archery Championship held in Vijayawda, Andhra Pradesh.

Genung and Yumi also bagged a silver and bronze medal each in Individual Olympic Round and Qualifying Double 50 respectively in the event.

Techi Amin, a class IX student of JNV, Doimukh, created history by becoming the first Arunachalee to don the national women's team football jersey.

Amin achieved the feat when she was selected for the Under-14 National Women's Football team for Asian Confederation Cup held in Sri Lanka in March.

The Karatekas again showed their class and supremacy in the sport both at national and international level event and maintained the second rank behind Madhya Pradesh in national ranking.

The state ended the year on high note finishing overall second behind Champion Manipur in the North East Sports Competition with 31 gold, 20 silver and 24 bronze medals.

Karate contributed the major chunk of medals (12) for the host.

Arunachal won gold medals in Karate (nine), Judo (five), Boxing (five), Weightlifting (four), Badminton (three), Archery (two), Wushu (one) and Track and Field events (one).

The state has also broken a 28-year-old gold medal drought in badminton in NE Games.

Laa Talar lived up to home crowds' expectations and won the men's single title defeating W. James of Manipur in the final. The hosts also clinched two gold medals in women's single and double events and bagged the team champion in Badminton.

Lifters Soram Hitlar Tagru, Yukar Tachak, Kojum Taba and Tang Devi did not disappoint and clinched a gold medal each in their respective weight categories. Another promising lifter Sambo Lapung won a Silver medal.

The quartet of Genung Tekseng, Sorang Yumi, Masilu Mihu and Netan Drema won one gold medal in Women's Olympic Round Team Archery beating Manipur in the final.

Sorang Yumi also clinched one gold medal in Women's Qualifying Round Double 50 event. The silver medal for this event was won by Genung Tekseng.

The host settled for the silver in Boys Archery team Olympic Round after they lost to Manipur in the final.

Archer Maselu, who along with Genung, Yumi and Netan, won gold medal in Women's Olympic Round Team Archery, settled for the silver in women's individual Olympic Round event. She scored a total of 136 points.

Sorang Yumi, who won gold medal in women's Qualifying Round Double 50 event, failed to repeat her performance and settled for the bronze in women's individual Olympic Round event.

Yumi pairing with Task Kara won a silver medal in mixed team event with a total 146 points.

Another silver-line for the host in the 28th edition of the Games was the winning of a gold medal in 1500m race by Anung Wangsa. She was the lone athlete from Arunachal to win a gold medal in track and field events. She clocked 5:18:6 minutes to win the race.

The host also scripted history by winning a bronze medal in football in the NE Sports competition. Arunachal pipped Mizoram 1-0 in the third place decider.

Arunachal also took part in the 59th National School Games in Judo, Karate, Taekwondo and Boxing and bagged one gold medal in Judo, one gold, five silver and seven bronze in Karate, one gold in Taekwondo and one bronze in Boxing.

Anjali Sagro and Ngonchung Hodung, both from SLSA, won the gold medals in Judo and Karate respectively. The gold medal in Taekwondo was won by Ranjit Biswakarma.

Yangwok Pangkhu of SLSA won a Bronze medal in 55kg weight category in the National Youth and Junior Judo Championships-2013-14 held at Dehradun, Uttarkhand in February. He was also selected for the India team for participation in the Junior International Judo Championship, 2014-15.

Goda Ana won one Gold medal in the first National Cadet Taekwondo Championship, 2014 at Kuruchetra, Hariyana.

In domestic sports, Papum Pare won the state's top football competition Tadar Tang Memorial Football Championship, 2013-14 beating Capital Complex Football Association.

Reading Football Club as per the MoU signed with Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) conducted a six-month-long coaching cum talent hunt in the state from the second week of March.

This was the first time for Reading FC to train any players in India.

RFC entered into a MoU with the APFA in 2012 to give a new thrust to football in the state.

The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs conducted the first ever Chief Minister's Trophy on Football and Volleyball for both men and women at constituency level, district level and state level.

A total of 1152 athletes, including 504 men, 504 women and 144 officials from 17 districts, including Capital Complex took part in this 12 days sports extravaganza, which was held at SLSA Complex, Chimpu, Itanagar during February.

Capital Complex won the men's football trophy beating Kurung Kumey in the final. Pura Byai of Capital Complex was declared as the best player.

In women's football, Kurung Kumey won the trophy defeating Lower Dibang Valley. Gegul Pertin of Lower Dibang Valley was declared Best Player.

In Men's Volleyball, Kurung Kumey beat Lower Subansiri in the final to win trophy. Tatung Tayum of Kurung Kumey as adjudged the Best Player.

In women's volleyball, Papum Pare won the trophy defeating Kurung Kumey in the final. Techi Yanium of Papum Pare was declared as Best Player.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had formally launched the Chief Minister's Trophy at SLSA Sports Complex on November one, 2013.

In adventure sports, Everester Tine Mena and Mountaineer Muri Linggi successfully scaled the Mt. Menthosa (6433 Mt), Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, July 11, 2014 organized by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).

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

All rights reserved.

---- Editorial ----

 

Work for the people of Arunachal

The political fight between BJP and Congress is intensifying in the state over the central fund issue. Few days ago during the Congress foundation day celebration at Rajiv Bhawan Itanagar, the party leaders had slammed opposition parties for blocking fund flow by writing to union government. Today the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal unit strongly reacted to the statement. BJP alleged that Congress Government in Arunachal is befooling the common people over fund crisis in the state by claiming that few section of BJP  leaders are blocking fund flowing.

BJP also claimed that state government is unable to submit utilization certificate which the Centre is seeking for. Party further added that Congress government in the state has been left with no choice but to give lame excuses to save their government from nose-dive. It is perfectly ok for the two political parties to fight for political space. However, they should ensure that people of state does not suffer in their fight. For the state like Arunachal which is totally dependent on central government to survive, if the fund flow is obstructed there will be serious social and financial implication.

Political parties should keep their difference aside and rise to the occasion to work together for the benefit of the people of state.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Suspension of officials and moral responsibility of members  

Dear Editor,

The mere suspension of the four officials of the APPSC for their alleged role in the infamous mains GS paper leakage case doesn’t absolve the commission members from their moral responsibility.

They are equally responsible for the fiasco on the moral ground. Had there been no laxity on their part, the entire problem could have been nipped in the bud. And the aspirants’ precious time and energy wouldn’t have been wasted.

The APPSC members should take a leaf out from the book of the former Indian naval Chief Admiral D.K joshi who resigned on 26 February 2014 taking moral responsibility of the accident on INS Sindhu-ratna in Mumbai. When the country’s naval chief can own moral responsibility then why should the commission members shy away from it?

Yours,

Y. Raju

Itanagar

 

 

Fuel quality is not safe

Dear Editor,

The news item with the heading “Fuel Quality Safe, says Officers” which came out in the 28th December edition is totally untrue. The fact is that, due to the hand in glove attitude of the Officials with the Petrol Pump operators they have played with the public interests and safety.

It all started with the breakdown of my vehicle after refuelling from M/s Agam Auto Agency, Ruksin, the Retail Outlet Dealer (RO) for Assam Oil Ltd. So, to ascertain the quality of the Fuel being supplied to the consumers’ on 18/12/2014, I had collected the fuel sample from the same RO Dealer in a bottle and with a written complaint approached the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Ruksin to send a staff with me to collect the same samples officially or as a witness while I once again collect the same adulterated fuel samples. The Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Ruksin, also was in the chamber of the SDO while I approached the SDO for help.

Instead of encouraging me and in quest for public welfare, the SDO, to my utter frustration told me that they are not in the office for doing all “such petty and nonsense things”. The Ruksin ZPM had also requested him to help me in this yeoman service which I was doing for the whole society. But the SDO left the office.

Then I had no other option but went back to the Deputy Commissioner Pasighat, on 19/12/2014 with the samples of the fuel I had collected with a written complaint and the DC Pasighat was prompt enough to order the District Food and Civil Supply Officer (DFCSO) to initiate action rapidly by collecting the samples from the same RO dealer for further investigation. The DFCSO further ordered the Supply Inspector to go for the checking and collection of the samples with me. Supply Inspector while seeing the samples of the Petrol which was very dark in appearance and the Diesel which was green in colour out rightly said that the samples I collected are adulterated as the colour of the Fuels Diesel and Petrol can never be blue/dark in appearance like Special Kerosene Oil (SKO) and the mix of SK Oil in the fuel collected by me was quite evident.

In the afternoon when I along with officials from the office of the DFCSO, Pasighat reached M/s Agam Auto Agency, the RO Dealer was refusing to give us the Fuel samples from the pump by which fuel is supplied to consumers traditionally but the staffs went inside the office chamber and brought out the oil from inside. I objected to it and reiterated to give the sample from the normal pump but, the Officials also gave in with the staffs and told me that it is the same fuel. And to my utter surprise, the staffs declared that there was no Diesel in the tank at the moment for any samples and they locked the fuel pump for the diesel.

So, by the clear turn out of events at the Petrol Pump, the hand in glove mind-set and approach of the officials with the Fuel Pump staffs who have been cheating the public for many years, I came back dejected as everything was going as per plans of the Oil Mafias and syndicate against me.

So, I request the Deputy Commissioner, Pasighat to initiate a just and transparent investigation in the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice by sending the Fuel samples which I collected and handed over to the authorities to the laboratory for expert opinions and obtain call records of the SDO Ruksin, DFCSO Pasighat and Supply Inspectors in between the Staffs of M/s Agam Auto Agency, if any, on 18 and 19th December 2014 for I fully believe that the Officials had alerted the Petrol Pump staffs of the planned raid, in advance. And the culprits responsible for cheating the public for their own vested interests should be given exemplary punishments.

Until such stringent actions are initiated the public will always be at the receiving end and be a soft plaything for the cheaters in connivance with the Government officials for their own vested interests. And if a proper and just investigation is not carried out, I shall carry on with my personal checking of the fuel samples every time and shall be impelled to take legal action against the erring officials along with the people taking the public for a joyride.

Yours,

Tani Moyong

Complainant

 

 

 

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

----Editor

2014