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January 21

Four die in accident

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: In a tragic road accident at least four persons died on the spot while several others seriously injured when the Tata Sumo in which they were travelling skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge near Nichipu on Bhalukpong-Tawang road, yesterday afternoon.

The passenger Tata Sumo was travelling from Itanagar with fully seated and was on its way to Seppa, the headquarters of East Kameng district, police said. The deceased were identified as Kochi Tana (GB), Nikam Tana (GB), Tubin Tana and D Hiffo. The accident occurred at around 1.30 PM when the driver of the vehicle failed to negotiate a sharp curve at Sydel, 5 kms ahead of Nichiphu due to poor visibility, the sources said. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals and a few seriously injured were evacuated to Tezpur in neighbouring Assam.

Meanwhile, BJP leader LK Yangfo has mourned the demise of the passengers and appealed authority concern to compensate the death as well as injured victims.

 

Digitization of official documents starts

BOMDILA, Jan 20: The District administration under the initiative of Deputy Commissioner AK Singh and Record officer CO SW Mosobi has started the branch wise digitization process of all the official documents in the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Bomdila. DIPRO

 

441 ILP violators detected in West Kameng

BOMDILA, Jan 20: The West Kameng district Police have detected 441 Inner Line Permit (ILP) violators under the seven police stations in the district during ILP checking drive held recently.

Bhalukpong recorded the highest with 253 followed by Balemu with 150 persons. All the 441 ILP violators have been deported out of the district. DIPRO

 

Eviction carried to widen roads

ZIRO, Jan 20: Town Magistrate Mokar Riba along with staff carried out eviction drive at Gurudwara colony, Hapoli today.

Earlier, the magistrate had repeatedly served notices to the encroachers to remove all illegal structures like compound walls, fencing, garages etc along the minimum width/ ROW of roads of Ziro, for improvement of parking place and construction of CC pavements.

The town magistrate further informed that the eviction drive would continue in all the sector roads, he directed all the encroachers to voluntarily remove the structures before the eviction drive.

 

Pakke-Paga Festival concludes

SEIJOSA, Jan 20: The maiden three-day Pakke-Paga Festival concluded here in East Kameng district today with great fanfare.

Addressing the valedictory function as the chief guest, Parliamentary Secretary, Hydropower, Phurpa Tsering advocated celebrating the festival every year in order to attract visitors and tourists to Seijosa to spot hornbills. He also informed that the hydropower projects will soon be developed in the Seijosa area. Tsering encouraged the organizers to create more publicity for Pakke-Paga Festival.

 Local MLA and the chief patron of the event Kameng Dolo, said Seijosa is blessed with hornbills and other beautiful animals that need to be protected. While the local fauna had all but disappeared a few years ago, concerted efforts by locals and concerned NGOs have resulted in saving the birds and animals, Dolo said, adding that the Pakke-Paga Festival would pave the way to protecting the hornbills and increasing the state’s tourism potential.

 

DF&CSO holds meeting with FCI committee member

PASIGHAT, Jan 20: The District Food and Civil Supply Officer (DF&CSO) Vijay Pertin today held a developmental meeting with the Consultative Committee Member of Food Corporation of India (FCI) Ojing Yompang and officers of the department.

While presenting his office record before the member, Pertin informed that inadequate supply of S.K. Oil and Rice has created problems to meet up the genuine demands of the people of East Siang and Siang districts.

He further said that villagers of these two districts are dependent on SKO for kerosene lamps and stoves. Many educational institutions like JN College, College of Horticulture, Agriculture, Polytechnic College, State University, secondary and higher secondary schools also need huge quantity of SKO for their respective hostellers every month. Many working groups under various development projects being carried out in the district are also regular consumers of SKO he added.

Pertin informed that earlier allotment of SKO- 140 KL has been drastically curtailed down to 72 KL making lives miserable here. Monthly allocation of food grains especially rice required to be enhanced for good management and the matter has already been officially brought to the notice of the Director, F&CSO.

Consultative Committee Member of FCI Ojing Yompang, assured to pursue the matter with union ministry as well as state government including both the MPs Kiren Rijiju and Ninong Ering to take up the matter on priority basis. with of Consumer Affairs and PDS authorities at the highest level at center. DIPRO

 

‘No violation of DPR’

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: The Shally to Rubdi PMGSY road is being constructed as per DPR and guidelines of RWD Ziro division and the public of Rubdi village had never lodged complaint against the executing agencies, said Development Committee of Rubdi Village (DCRV).

While reacting to the allegation of Rubdi Youth Welfare Committee that the road construction work is being carried out through a different route skipping the originally aligned route, the DCRV in a letter to RWD secretary said that allegation is baseless and devoid of fact.  

Claiming that the road construction will benefit many villages, it urged the authorities for early execution of the PMGSY road.  

 

Changlang girls bring laurel to the district

CHANGLANG, Jan 20: Changlang District was adjudged as the overall champion district in the recently held five days State Level celebration of International Girls Day under the head of Girls Education organized by the SSA Rajya Mission, Itanagar from January 8-12 at Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar.

From Changlang district, KGBV’s and Elementary Residential School took part in the celebration where various events of track and field, literacy, cultural, Exhibition Stall competitions, etc were organized.

Among the exhibition stalls the district won best vocational stall, Reemchu Sangkey and Jaong Sammon won best orienteer and best comedian respectively apart from winning many prizes in other competitions.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Chanchal Yadav and DDSE Hartum Loyi termed it as a great achievement for the district and appreciated the outstanding performances of the students and teachers of KGBVs of the District in particular and the NGOs R.K. Mossang Memorial Society, Jairampur & A P Orphan Care Society, Kharsang in general. DIPRO

 

Ering visits Jairampur

CHANGLANG, Jan 20: M P Ninong Ering visited Jairampur yesterday and interacted with the senior public leaders and heads of departments and exhorted them to discharge their responsibilities with utmost sincerity and diligence.

Today, he inspected the centrally sponsored schemes including the ongoing PMGSY road connecting 17 mile to Khamdu village. He insisted the authorities of executing agency to follow the PMGSY guidelines in toto and suggested them for constant inspection in person to ensure quality work.  He made it clear that no compromises on its quality will be tolerated. After inspection of the ongoing PMGSY road and other centrally sponsored projects, he left for Kanubari  sub-division of Tirap District. DIPRO

 

Carry out work as per DPR

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: Kapu-Kabak Development Council in a letter to Chief Engineer, Public Work Department (Central Zone) said that as per DPR and original survey the ongoing project C/o Tamen Tali road from 49 km to 60 km under NLCPR Kurung Kumey District should connect through Kabak to Guchi village via Langa village but the present formation cutting is progress in other direction i.e Kabak to Chambang via Mengi-Nyoko which is not as per DPR prepared by concerned department.

The Council further informed that in its second round of meeting at Mengi Kabak recently, the house unanimously decided to extend support and cooperation if original DPR is maintained. However, it threatened to launch democratic movement against the department if the work is not carried out as per the original DPR.

 

Kaling Tayeng is new CEO

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: The Election Commission of India vide its notification No 154/ARUN/2014-EPS dated 16th January has appointed Kaling Tayeng, a 1998 AGMUT cadre as the Chief Electoral Officer  of Arunachal Pradesh. He replaced the outgoing CEO Chandra Bhushan Kumar, according to an official release.

 

Katyal joins as ES ADC

PASIGHAT, Jan 20: Ruchika Katyal, an IAS officer of 2013 batch joined as Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Siang District today.

Meanwhile, Katyal assured to maintain transparent and clean administration and hope that she would be able to achieve her vision with co-operation and support from public and government official under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Srivastava.

It is significant to note that the East Siang district administration will be lead by three lady officers for the first time namely Nidhi Srivastava (IAS), Ruchika Katyal (IAS) and Vijayanta Arya (IPS). DIPRO

 

Training programme on breeding of coldwater fish species

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: A national level training programme on “Culture and Breeding of Important Coldwater Fish Species” is organized by ICAR- Directorate of Cold water Fisheries Research, Bhimtal in collaboration with Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University at the University from January 20 to 24. The training programme sponsored by National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad aims to impart technical knowhow regarding propagation and rearing of important coldwater fish species like Rainbow trout, Mahaseer, Snow trout, Semiplotus and other minor carp including its seed production technology.

Addressing the inaugural session, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof T. Mibang emphasized to establish a network between research institute, state fisheries department and university to develop the Lab to Land programme. He also called upon the participants to take maximum benefit from the experts of DCFR Bhimtal and to utilize vast  untapped resources for the benefits of the upland hill population of Arunachal Pradesh.

J Taba, Director Dept of Fisheries Arunachal Pradesh while addressing the participants emphasized on the need of dissimilation of the technologies from the research institute to the end users.

Dr D Sarma, Principal scientist, Dr S K Gupta & Tandel Riteshkumar Scientist DCFR who organized the training programme expressed the happiness of getting overwhelming responses of different stakeholder of the region. They also emphasized that the training programme will certainly benefit the farmers, officials and will be able to implement the knowledge to the field level.

 

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Correction

The name of the writer of the article “A festival with a purpose” was wrongly printed as Amit Saring in place of Ajay Saring in our 20th January edition. The inadvertent mistake is regretted.

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News Impact

BRO to recruit 1000 engineers from Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: Border Road Organization (BRO) would soon recruit engineers from Arunachal Pradesh for projects undertaken in the state. Around 1000 engineers would be recruited through campus selection process where specific preference would be given to local Arunachal youths or unemployed engineers who have already completed their degree.

This was revealed by Director General of Border Roads Organization Lt. General Rakesh Mohan Mittal who had called on Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at his Niti Vihar official Bungalow this evening.

The DGBR informed the CM that all the road projects taken up by BRO in the state have taken momentum and the works are expeditiously executed. He however cited few challenges faced by the organization on construction of these roads.

The General Officer took up issues on security of BRO officers in the far flung road site areas, shortage of construction materials and land acquisition matters with the Chief Minister.

After a patient hearing, CM assured to extend all possible support to BRO to ensure that the development of road network is not hampered. He however suggested the BRO to review their rates for river bed materials which are comparatively lesser than that are being paid by other construction parties including State PWD.

The CM revealed the visiting General of a policy decision taken up by the state government for providing quarry licenses to unemployed engineers of the state to make them self employed. He suggested the BRO to get the materials from local entrepreneurs in a negotiated rate.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary, PCCF, Commissioner to CM, development commissioner, Commissioner Land Management and Planning Secretary from the state’s side.

 

Expedite road project: Governor

ITANAGAR: The Director General of Border Roads Organisation Lt. General Rakesh Mohan Mittal also called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma at Raj Bhawan, here today. They discussed on issues related to construction of roads under BRO in the State.

The Governor emphasized on expediting the road projects under the BRO and timely and proper implementation in the state. He advised the BRO Director General to ensure that quality and integrity are maintained at all cost to uphold the prestige of the organisation.

The Governor asked Lt. General Mittal to encourage his officers and personnel to maintain good rapport with State and district administrations for smooth implementation of projects. He stressed on greater coordination between the Projects, i.e. Vartak, Brahmank, Udayak and Arunank Project and use of suitable machineries.

The Governor said that most of the road projects under BRO have huge national stake. The development of the area and security depend lots on their projects. He also suggested expediting the work pace during the working seasons.

Shurbir Singh, Secretary to Governor, Major General Uma Shankar Dadu, OSD, BRO and Brig. H.K. Pokhariyal, Chief Engineer, Project Arunank were also present in the meeting. (PRO to Governor)

 

 

Arunachal boy selected for National Bravery Award

NEW DELHI, Jan 20: Arunachal boy Rumoh Meto has been selected as one of the Awardees at National Bravery Award (Bapu Gaidhani Award), 2014 which will be presented by Prime Minister in New Delhi during Republic Day celebration. Meto will also participate in the Republic Day Parade.

It is worth mentioning here that Rumoh freed his 24 years-old cousin who was caught in a 33-KV high voltage transmission. In his first attempt, he was flung off by the livewire. But in his second attempt, he freed his cousin. His cousin, Milu Mega, suffered burn injuries but Rumoh was relatively unhurt.

The award will inspire me throughout my life to excel and I will work for my nation and fellow brothers. Meto, who is now studying in a army school, Nashik said, he loves to play football and practice boxing. He hopes to join the armed forces.

 

 

Voices of discontentment against pre-paid metre system intensifies

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: People in huge numbers from all the corners of Capital Complex today joined hands and took out a peace rally which started from Chandan Nagar and ended at I. G. Park to protest against the pre-paid electric metre system. Displaying anti pre–paid electric metering system messages with placards, banners and slogans the people voiced their concerns.

The rally was organized by All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) and supported by various sectors and colony women welfare association.

While opposing the metering system ANYA also submitted six point charter demands of memorandum with ultimatum to the office of the Power Minister (electrical). The memo stated that process of pre – paid and AMR metering system installation should be stop immediately and cancellation of electricity policy of ‘Pay as you wish’ for the greater interest of the general public of capital. ANYA also added that there should be immediate implementation of treasury challan system of billing as mode of payment of electricity bill as well as independent inquiry commission be constituted to inquire the huge revenue leakage, pilferages of electricity, illegal taping, non– payment of bill, revenue collection system and expenditure system. Further they demanded for the creation of Arunachal Pradesh Power Protection Force (APPPF) and reduction of existing tariff rate of low tension (LT) and high tension (HT).

Later on ANYA explained that “Our state is one of the most backward states of the country where 70% of local populace still live in below poverty line and the twin capital city is crowded with middle class people, students and unemployed youths. And the current phase of economic development is also very poor which shows that Arunachal Pradesh is not developed enough to be implemented by such policy at the same stage of existence.

Biri Kame, one of the public who was part of the protest said, “If metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai and state like Bihar have rejected the implementation of the same then, why was the Arunachal govt implementing such system”.

 

 

Baby elephant rescued

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: On being informed that a herd of wild elephant is roaming near Malek village, about 8 KM from Roing town, the Divisional Forest Officer, Dibang Forest division Roing, Aduk Paron, along with  team of forest officials and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Division, Roing rushed to the spot. The team found that a wild baby elephant is roaming inside Deopani Reserve Forests in between Roing and Malek. With the help of the IRBN personnel posted at the Malek village, the team managed to catch the elephant calf.

The baby elephant has been brought to Roing Mini Zoo where it was handed over to the Range Forest Officer, Mehao Wildlife Range. On further enquiry it was revealed that the baby elephant was seen alone since last night in that area. The  elephant aged about 8 to 12 months has been named as Dibang Kumar. Meanwhile, the DFO engaged the personnel of Dibang Forest Division, Roing for patrolling and also to locate the mother of the baby elephant.

 

 

News & Views and Frontier Films Award 2015

ITANAGAR, Jan 20:  In his own distinctive style veteran journalist Taro Chatung today started the News & Views and Frontier Films Award. The award has been constituted in recognition to the contributions of various journalists and film makers of the state towards development of their respective fields. The award ceremony was held today at Banquet Hall in a befitting manner.

The award ceremony was held today to also commemorate the declaration of Arunachal Pradesh as union territory by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 20 January 1972 at Ziro, informed  Taro Chatung, who has instituted theNews & Views and Frontier Films Award 2015.  During the event, Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to Arunachal Front editor Pradeep Kumar Behera for being the senior most journalist and pioneer of print journalism in Arunachal Pradesh. For film making, the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dorjee Khandu Thungon who has spent 27 years in the field of film making and has produced several feature and documentary films.

A short film making competition was also held under the Frontier Films Award 2015 in which Kombong Darang, a student of mass communication, Rajiv Gandhi University bagged the Best Short Film Award and walked away with a trophy, certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 10000. The competition was based on the theme ‘Itanagar Traffic’.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who attended the event, while appreciating the award initiative said that it will send a good message to the media personnel and will encourage them to continue their contributions. He added that the award will also motivate the budding journalists and film makers of the state to pursue their work with renewed vigour.

Tuki while stating that the press fraternity of the state have a big and positive role to play towards the development of the state said that that their work should also reach to far flung districts so that it can educate and inform the readers about various developmental activities. He added that the media can promote the developmental potential of every district in various ways.

In regard to the film making, Tuki said that the tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh will highly benefit and develop, if main stream filmmakers can be wooed to undertake their projects here. Tuki opined that suitable incentive and policy can also be adopted in this regard.

He further informed that the state government is constantly pursing with the central government to establish a regional film institute here and that the central government has accepted it in principle for the same.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, said that it is befitting to recognize the contribution and sacrifices of media personnel as they constantly face challenges in their field of duty, especially at times when there is “dilution of this missionary profession due to interference of business activities”. Negi added that media should work towards educating the society for positive social transformation.

Several media persons and film artists were also felicitated during the event, including posthumous recognition to former DDK director Late Tadak Gara, Late Dilip Sharma and Late Diganta Teron of cable network Arunachal Today, Late Pyagang Raju of News & Views, Late Gopal Gosh of CCRD, Late Ajay Jha of ATV, co-producers of ‘Rashmi Rekha’ (1974) Late Rani Thansen Wangchadong and Late Kapney Wangsu, ‘Mera Dharam Meri Maa’ (1976) artists Late Dr Tao Gumsi, former minister Late Techi Takar for encouraging local film makers, ‘Donyi’ (1986) artists Late Millo Pullo, Late Koj Tadi, Late Jangrowa K. Lowang and Late Leegang Tachang, ‘Meri Zindagi’ (1988) artist Late Talar Kharsang Ngoba, ‘Frontier Students (1996) artists Late Samrat Paul, Late Sapo Sigia, Late Bamang Yade, Late Tao Beroi, and former president of Helping Hand Club who acted in ‘Frontier Students’.

 

 

ANSU gives two month’s time to improve pathetic school scenario

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the state Govt to take immediate steps for improvement of educational scenario in five Nyishi inhabited districts.

After visiting the schools in Nyishi inhabited areas, the ANSU drew the special attention of the Govt, particularly the education department to redress teachers shortage problem and lack of infrastructure in the schools.

In a memorandum to Education Minister ANSU said  “lack of basic facilities in schools is the major issue which causes  hindrance in imparting better and quality education in schools.” This shows the utter negligence and failure of the competent authority and the state Govt in particular to run and maintain the schools which are considered as temple of learning, the union added.

Expressing serious concern over the slow growth of literacy rate in most of the Nyishi inhabited areas, the ANSU feels that there is an ardent necessity to give special attention to  the schools. The union  gave two months time to the government to take tangible steps for  improvement of education by giving heed to their charter of demands. The demands of the ANSU include immediate posting of full fledge principals, VPs, headmasters and adequate subject teachers in Nyishi dominated districts, posting of relievers before the transfer of teachers,  development of school infrastructure including renovation or reconstruction of decades old school buildings, time to time inspection to the schools, introduction of biometric attendance system in order to curb absenteeism, timely release of SSA/RMSA teachers’ salary, proper implementation of RTE and various centrally sponsored students welfare schemes, proper demarcation of school boundaries, blanket ban on transfer of teachers to non-teaching job and entitlement of DDO power to the Principal of all the Govt. Higher Secondary Schools in respect of all the Nyishi inhabited Areas.

 

 

A conversation with Tine Mena

Tine Mena conquered Mount Everest on 9th May 2011 and she made history by becoming the first Arunachalee woman to do so.

Born on September 17th 1986, she is the eldest of the two daughters of her parents. From a porter to an Everester, her journey has been tremendous. She started her journey from the Adventure Camp, MMT where she was the Best Student. She was the best student again at the Basic Course, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Her next venture was a pre-Everest expedition selection to Mt.Shivaling at Uttarakashi. After getting a Silver in the Advance course, she proceeded on a summit to various Mount peaks, and then finally she conquered the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest!

The Arunachal Times correspondent Karyir Riba met up with the gutsy lady in Roing recently.

Karyir Riba(KA) – Miss Mena, you have brought laurels to Arunachal Pradesh. People would be eager to know about you, like, who you are, where you are from, your childhood, upbringing and so on. Will you please throw some light on it?

Tine Mena (TM) – I was born in a remote village of Echali, which is located 178 kms from Roing. My childhood was spent in the laps of mountains and nature. I used to work as a porter for the Indian Army when I was just 17 years old.

KR – Conquering Mt Everest is a distant dream for most of us. What inspired you to take up this challenge?

TM –I used to work as a porter-cum-guide for people who came for trekking our mountains. On one such expedition, I met Dr. K.R. Metei, who later became my mentor. He recognised my potential, and it was because of motivation and inspiration from him that encouraged me to conquer the highest peak of the world, the Mt. Everest.

KR People are not very clear whether mountaineering can be chosen as a career or is it just a hobby. What are the scopes of mountaineering as a career?

TM - There definitely is a vast opportunity if mountaineering is taken up as a career option. Tourism can be promoted in our state by promoting adventure sports like Rock climbing, Trekking, Paragliding, Rafting, etc.

KR For being a mountaineer and more precisely an Everester what are the qualities one has to possess both physically and mentally?

TM –One has to be fit both mentally and physically to be an Everester. That can come only from regular hard work and dedication. An aspiring Everester has to be prepared for any kind of situation because there in the mountains one cannot predict anything.

 

KR What do you do to keep yourself fit for the job? I mean both diet and physical exercise?

TM –As I already belong to a mountainous region, my daily routine consists of trekking and rigorous hard work. I follow a normal diet process like everyone else in the region, like boiled rice, boiled vegetables and lots of fluid.

KR Your daily routine for fitness?

TM – I constantly keep myself busy with physical activities like finding new trekking routes, jungle cutting and training local youngsters as well as from all over the state.

KR Now coming to expedition part, what are the processes that you have to go through in order to proceed for summit?

TM – To proceed for summit one has to go through a tailored training process of Adventure course, Basic course, Advance course and lastly, Selection process.

KR Is there any screening test or anyone willing can just proceed?

TM – Anyone willing can proceed given he/she possesses a strong will power, mental and physical fitness. However, one has to go through the earlier mentioned training process.

KR It is known that conquering Everest is a very expensive job. What is the total expenditure required for the whole expedition?

TM – It indeed is an extremely expensive process. The total expenditure during my expedition in 2011 was near about Rs. 20 lakhs.

KR It is quite a big sum. Did you get any help from any source?

TM –Rs. 20 lakhs, for where I come from, is a huge sum. I am truly grateful to the many sources that extended financial help and made my dream come true. In fact, I am planning to write an acknowledgement wherein I shall mention all the help I received, to show my gratitude to each and every contributor.

KR I understand that it must have been a dream-come-true for you. But tell me what exactly you felt when you made it.

TM – There cannot be any way, neither in words nor in action, for me to describe that moment. All I can say is that when you are at the top of the world, there is a great sense of self realization that hard work and dedication does really pay. All the hardships that you faced are all forgotten. And even after you have conquered it, the thing about mountains is that you always want to return to it!

KR Is there any plan to revisit the top of the world in near future?

TM – Yes, definitely! I am more than willing to revisit the top of the world anytime. However, given the expenses and my financial condition, it gets difficult without sponsors. I am planning to revisit soon though.

KR Is there any plan or are you working on any mission right now?

TM –If given an opportunity I believe that I can achieve and set a record in Mountain Climbing History.

KR You have brought name and fame to the state as a whole. Is the state government paying adequate attention to you and your work? And are you happy with it?

TM – Well, I got all the support from the state government for my expedition and also got recognition for my achievement, but due to some unknown reason, I still haven't received the government job that I was promised.

KR - When you travel for your expeditions, do you face any kind of problems as a woman?

TM - Sadly, yes. To cut extra expenses I have to travel without a guardian, and so, have to face all types of people on my own. There have been so many instances where I have had to face rude remarks, or instances where I have been touched inappropriately by perverts. At first it was really difficult, but with due course of time, I have learnt not to let any of these bother me. I have learnt to be strong. I would like to say this to all girls that do not be scared or feel weak because of your gender. Give them a fight and make them aware of your strength!

KR Is there any difference or do you feel any difference in your private life, before and after?

TM – Life has changed a lot after my conquest. Earlier I lacked in self confidence but now I have gained a lot of it. I feel good when my work is recognised and respected. Giving motivational speeches, especially related to my own experiences, in front of young students at schools also is a pleasure.

KR Are you planning to settle down to family life in near future, I mean marriage and all?

TM –I am a very social person and every human being needs a family life or someone to support you emotionally, and I am no exception.  So I would say yes, I am open to marriage and start a family, but after the accomplishment of my plan to revisit the top of the world.

KR Your message to the mass and especially to the youth?

TM – Always believe in yourself and what you have chosen to do. Your hardwork may not always be rewarded with success but that doesn't mean you should give up. One should always have his goal set. Last but not the least, always love and respect your family because they are your greatest assets.

(Last year Mena's home was completely destroyed by a fire accident. All her personal belongings, certificates, passport, and her most beloved mountaineering equipments that she had used for her Mt. Everest summit, were burnt to ashes in that fire.

"I had to start everything from scratch, from rebuilding my house to getting new mountaineering equipments. It was like a new beginning for me", she said.

When told about how my parents are a big fan of her's, she said that's what keeps her motivated. "When I find out that people from far away who do not know me personally have so much love and admiration for me, that’s what keeps me going and gives me the strength to set goals and go ahead", Mena said.

Tine Mena says that she has no qualms with the government not being able to offer her promised job yet. She said, "I have always been a hard worker and I believe I can do any kind of physical labour to earn my living and take care of my family".

But the question here is, would it be justified to let a shining star who has brought glory and prestige to, not only for Arunachal Pradesh but to the entire nation, to work as a daily wage earner just to make her and her family's ends meet? We can only hope that there is something good in store for this star of the nation.)

 

 

CM lauds medal winners in national school games

ITANAGAR, Jan 20: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has congratulated the medal winners and participants of the recently held 60th National School Games and 10th National Youth Weightlifting Championship respectively at Indore and Yamuna Nagar (Haryana).

While budding Karatekas from the state did exceptionally well in the National School Games, weightlifters of the state again proved their mettle in the National Youth Weightlifting Championship.

“I on behalf of the Government and the people of the state congratulate our sportspersons who have proved beyond doubt that youths from the state have everything in them to compete at the highest level and win medals. We Arunachalees are no less than anybody!” Tuki, an ardent sports and games lover, said in a statement here this evening.

The Chief Minister conveyed special thanks to the Karatekas - Minam Tekseng (Gold, under 17 girls, below 56 kg), Nikam Sonoliyang (Gold, under 19 boys, below 65 kg), Johny Mangkhiya, (Silver, under 19 girls, above 60 kg), Kambung Wangsa (Silver, under 19 girls, below 44 kg), Neta Menjo (Bronze, under 19 boys, below 45 kg), Yarda Tadap, (Bronze, under 17 boys, below 45 kg), Gyamar Mach (Bronze, under 19 girls, below 52 kg) for keeping the Arunachal flag flying high amongst all from across the country.

Hailing weightlifter Jimjang Deru as a prodigy, who created a new national record by lifting a total of 238 Kgs in the Under 56 Kg category at the National Youth Weightlifting Championship, the Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh is proud of its worthy son. Deru lifted 103 Kgs in Snatch and 135 Kgs in Clean & Jerk to clinch the Gold for the event. He broke his own record set last year at the 9th Youth National Weightlifting Championship held at Guwahati. Deru is the national champion in the Under 56 category and has maintained the title for the past 3 years. He is also holding the title of the Asian Youth Champion, which he had won recently at the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Doha, Qatar.

Tuki also congratulated lifter Lalu Taku for winning 3 Gold medals in 69 kg weight category, Gungte Yangfo for winning two Golds and one Silver, Yukar Tachack for clinching a Silver in 62 Kg weight category, Dampi Umpai for winning a Bronze in the Under 56 Kg weight category and Tang Devi for bagging three silver medals in 44 Kg Girls.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Team Managers, Coaches and Officials of the teams.

 

 

Kamin conducts unannounced visit to schools, CHC

DIYUN, Jan 20: Diyun MLA Nikh Kamin accompanied by EAC Datum Gadi paid an announced visit to Government Higher Secondary School, Innao on Monday and assessed the conditions of the school buildings and other infrastructures besides interacting with the school authorities and faculty members. He advised the school authorities to create a sense of discipline among the students and check bunking of classes by the students. He also asked the principal to ensure regular presence of teachers in the station.

The MLA was however shocked to find that the class rooms were almost empty despite of high rate of enrollment in the only Hr. Secondary School of Diyun Circle. The school building is also not in a good shape and there is shortage of subject teachers, library, sanitation and drinking water facility.

The local legislator also visited the Community Health Centre (CHC) Diyun and inspected the existing medical facilities. The healthcare facilities are woefully inadequate given the population of more than 35,000. The Diyun CHC cannot cater to the medical needs of highly populated Diyun Circle, it does not even have adequate staff to handle emergency cases or medical equipment to perform major operations.  There is inadequate staff and medicines, lack of medical equipment and doctors.

Later, Kamin surveyed the flood affected areas along with the team of officers including Maga Tasso, AE WRD, Datum Gadi, EAC Diyun and the village leaders. The team observed that the situation at Diyun circle is very critical. It is feared that if proper embankment is not constructed at the critical points immediately, it may spell doom. It may play havoc not only in Diyun circle but also in Namsai Town which lies at the vicinity of Diyun Circle.

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2012

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---- Editorial ----

 

Embarrassment to the state govt.

In a major embarrassment to Arunachal government, the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals based in Dibrugarh, an empanelled hospital of the state has temporarily suspended medical services to card holders of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme (APCMUHIS) since January 13 last over non-clearance of payment. As per the report, the concern hospital has stated that despite repeated requests and conversation regarding outstanding payments till January 5 this month, only a lump sum payment of Rs. 15,00,000 approximately against total outstanding of Rs. 60,00,000 approximately has been cleared till date.

The news has come as shock to many Arunachalees, especially to the poorer section, who were pinning hope on CM Health Insurance Scheme for further treatments. There is growing fear that this scheme may get flop like any other government schemes which bitterly fails after initial high voltage launch. The government of Arunachal constantly brags Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme as one of the landmark achievement of the present government. But sadly the report coming from a Dibrugarh based hospital present different facts. Health department should immediately look into the matter and resolve the issue at the earliest. The poor people have high from this scheme and for their benefit it should be continued.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Courage that emerges from pain and despair

Dear Editor,

It is a cold evening in the Adi belt and the wind whispers of the chill which will follow the evening. She puts on her knock off windbreaker, checks the battery on her torch, the dinner for her family and fades into the tattered road silently but with purpose. The broken streetlights sing of the broken promises of the local administration, she walks undeterred to the meeting place where mothers like her are waiting. They greet each other with silent nods. They have news of an opium peddler. The rented Tata Sumo drops them a few blocks from the target. They wait in the silence of the night, braving the cold wind that the heartless Siang hurls at them, remembering why they are doing this, for their children they say unto themselves, for their grandchildren. Their pseudo-buyer knocks at the dealer’s door, haggles for a bit and is handed the opium. The next thing the opium dealer sees is the charging of the Devis at his door, Kali, Durga, Saraswati and all the blessed goddesses. The poor mortal, petrified is taken into custody by the brave Arunachal Pradesh Police. There is however no note of elation from the Women responsible because their fight is not over yet. They will wake up tomorrow and go about their lives. Some will go back to teaching kids, some will go back to treating patients, some will go back to their law books, some will go back to work on their vegetable gardens and caring for their families but when the cold chilly wind from the Siang challenges them in the evening, they will don their monkey-caps and torches and go to save the people from drugs and alcohol. They are Anti-Drug Committee of ABK Women’s Wing.

Despair and pain wise men say can cause a whole civilization to crumble. I believed that in the past. I believed that a person should be as happy as possible but the Anti-Drug Committee has taught me otherwise. Most of the women involved in this committee are mothers who have lost their children to alcohol and drugs. Many have lost their children to alcohol related accidents while some have lost theirs to the cesspool of drugs. Whatever the reasons be these wonderful women are united by grief, frustration and despair. It seems like God’s twisted sense of purpose that these women should lose someone of great value in order to teach us to value our lives and the lives of others. Now I know that from despair and grief there can emerge a great a knowledge of life and its value.

The sense of loss has always determined the fate of a human being or a society. We will always be shaped what we have lost rather than what we want, we will always want but we will forever cherish those things which we will never have again, those fleeting moments with family and friends, the first kiss or in my case the first time I ever saw a library. Certain things will never come back and in that lies our future. We can roll over, give into the pain and loss or do something about it. The Anti-Drug Committee has done something about it. December 25 2014 to January 5 2015 was declared as dry day. Now one cannot buy alcohol after 7 P.M in Pasighat and there is no alcohol available in the ‘ghumtis’ anymore. Marijuana and opium peddlers have gone into hiding. The most wonderful news is that last year there were five related deaths recorded by the general hospital of Pasighat during the ten day dry day that was imposed this year, this year the number of deaths was Zero. This is fact, it has been released by the Joint Director of General Hospital Pasighat and most of the deaths registered last year were Road Traffic Accidents or RTA, most of which alcohol or drugs are the main cause. So, many parents slept well during this ten day dry day period and many kids were saved from the calamities of accidents, forgetful of the women who made it happen. The good lord alone knows how many lives were saved in this ten day period.

The foremost question which you will and ought to ask is what were the police and the tax and excise department doing while there women were going on their nightly raids? Nothing. What was the administration doing while these women braved the winter winds to stake out the operation centre of these peddlers and goons? As usual making promises and arriving last in the scene. Where were our local politicians? No idea.

I asked these ladies once to open a bank account so that people may donate money into their cause. I was flatly refused. “This is our problem. We will solve it. The well wishers’ support is enough.” They are wonderful human beings, these women, many I know personally, most I wish to know.

The most important thing these ladies have taught me is courage, not the kind of courage to meet the District Commissioner and speak one’s mind but the kind of courage the emerges from pain and despair. This article my dear reader is about courage in case you have found it misleading because of the title. This is about how a group of women have found courage to make a difference because of the unfortunate events in their lives. They have decided to change society because their children could never grow in the kind of society they wanted and desperately hope that their grandchildren will grow up in a better environment.

Yours,

J. Matbing Jamoh

Mirku, Pasighat

 

 

 

A lesson learnt

Dear Editor,

We choose this medium to express our feeling of gratitude to the Market Welfare Committee of Aalo for their prompt action and would like to share this for the consciousness of denizens.

 On 7th of January 2015, with few of my friends, I headed to Ranaghat, Aalo, for  picnic. While on the way to picnic spot we sneaked into vegetable market to collect some eatables.  The local woman chopped 3 kgs of meat as demanded and charged Rs. 660.00(i.e. Rs. 220/kg). I was perplexed to know the rate of pork as it was supposed to be not more than Rs. 200/kg. We argued with the vendor about the prevailing market rate of the pork but it was futile, as she was reluctant to lessen the price.      We didn’t give up on the argument, not only for the sake of ourselves but for all those section of consumers who are not capable of speaking up against such practice and to teach the lesson to all those people who escalate the price for their own reason and purpose and for awareness, to sensitize and caution the business communities for such malpractices. A vendor should not trudge the price of commodities for their ulterior motive. Strive hard to make profit but not at the cost of other’s pocket rather with hard work and dedication.

 Fortunately, I got a phone number of Market Welfare Committee from nearby shop and appraised the matter to the committee.

To my utter surprise, one of the committee members reached the place within 5 minutes on his two wheeler and settled the issue, and instructed the woman to abide by the rate notified by the administration. In an unforgiving manner he admonished the local woman to sell the pork only at Rs. 200/kg or vacate the counter for other fellow to do business in decent way.

 It was very satisfying effort and we are very much grateful to the market welfare committee of Aalo for their swiftness and timely intervention. We all know selling above notified rate is not only a problem in Aalo alone. There may be numerous reasons for hiking price but do it after getting consent from regulatory body. I wish our little action would fetch a big difference to shape a better marketing system in our state. I appeal to all the market welfare committee in our state to be vigilant and accessible to redress the grievance of consumers as well as traders when needed.

Yours,

Remi Lollen

Anchal Samity Member

Bogdo-Panya Village

 

 

 

Many incomplete road projects

Dear Editor,

It’s been quite long time ago that Yembung-Yemsing to Tarak, Yembung to Yemsing road renovation, Pareng Sine road (NLCPR) Dite-Dime to Riew, Riew to Rasing, Jorsing to Komsing, Reglat to Lebung to connect Sissen village were sanctioned. How much we wish that road projects are implemented and generate at least temporary employment to the public and a long term connectivity to bring the seasonal horticultural products to the market to transform the rural economy and the Government revenue as well.

The road connectivity will not only benefit the villages where it is constructed but also other places and people. The more we delay, the prices will rise and the contractors or the executing agency might cry because of price escalation for which quality work is seldom performed. As a result the right to enjoy good infrastructure is being compromised. No more Sissen village be born to boycott election in the future because of lack of road connectivity. There are few projects against which GoI had sanctioned but the executing department is not implementing the scheme.

Kiren Rijuju stated that all the unconnected villages shall be given road connectivity so there is no point in holding back the sanctioned schemes. GoAP is requested to implement the road projects in Siang belt for public interest without delay. GoAP is also appealed to complete long pending Rottung-Kallek road.

Yours,

Taki Tamuk

Rottung village

 

 

 

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----Editor