January 01
BJP forms government in Arunachal Pradesh with 33 PPA MLAs joining it
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: In a fast paced development, a BJP government was today installed in Arunachal Pradesh after 33, out of 43 Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA) MLAs led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, joined the saffron brigade in this politically fragile state.
Khandu paraded the MLAs before Assembly Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok who accepted their joining.
The high-
The PPA, an alliance partner of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) government in the state, yesterday selected Takam Pario as the new chief minister of the state.
However, the political equation changed when majority of the PPA MLAs who initially extended support to Pario, later shifted their allegiance to Khandu.
The PPA today also suspended four other party MLAs including Honchun Ngandam, Bamang Felix, Punji Mara and Pani Taram.
"Lotus has finally bloomed in Arunachal. The people of the state will see a new dawn of development in the new year under the new government," Khandu told reporters in the Assembly premises.
Elaborating on the decision to merge with the BJP, the chief minister said that circumstances compelled the MLAs to take the decision in the interest of the people and the state.
"After several years of Congress misrule we observed that there was no visible development in the state. We joined the PPA with the intention to take the state to progress and prosperity, but there too, we find similar condition where the party president treated the MLAs undemocratically.
"So with focus on development, our MLAs decided to join the BJP for overall progress of the state," the chief minister said.
Terming the decision of the PPA president to suspend the MLAs as "undemocratic," Khandu said that before such a move the party leadership should have issued show cause notice to the MLAs.
"There was no significant development in the state since last year due to political turmoil, but now with NDA government at the Centre, the state will witness a sea change in the coming years," Khandu said adding, "the decision to join the BJP is a blessing in disguise for the people and the state."
"Until and unless there is stability in the government, no development could take place. There will be no more dissident politics and we shall now only focus on development," Khandu asserted.
When asked about the court case filed by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Padi Richo against the joining of Congress MLAs with PPA which is pending with the Gauhati High court and which would be taken up on January 7 next, Khandu said that the joining was done in accordance to the Constitution.
Khandu said that he had written a letter to the state governor for dropping of Takam Pario, Tanga Byaling and Rajesh Tacho from the council of ministers.
On allegation by PPA president that BJP hijacked its candidate Dasanglu Pul in November
19 bye-
Responding to a query whether PPA would continue to remain as an alliance partner
of the BJP-
When asked whether the party would welcome the remaining ten PPA MLAs if they desired to join, Khandu said that he had no authority to take any decision.
Khandu broke away from the Congress along with 42 lawmakers in September this year.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Secretariat published in Bulletin Part-
APST bus damaged by miscreants in Assam
[ Mingkeng Osik ]
PASIGHAT, Dec 31: An Arunachal Pradesh State Transport (APST) bus (No. ARX-
Reportedly, the miscreants charged and abused the driver and conductor of the APST bus for allegedly picking up couple of passengers enroute to Itanagar from Pasighat, before causing damage to windows of the bus by pelting stones.
"A commercial passenger vehicle (Traveler) (no.AS-
According to the miscreants, no commercial vehicle or State Government bus from Arunachal Pradesh should lift passengers within Assam.
Fortunately, none of the passengers in the APST bus were injured in the incident,
"It is our moral obligation to help passengers from any area. We help those needy and who seek our assistance," said All Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Welfare Association (AAPSTWA) Pasighat unit Gen. Secy. Adul Siram.
A case in this regard has been registered in Sisiborgaon, under Dhemaji district. AAPSTWA has also demanded compensation for the damages.
Governor visits Ziro
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh V. Shanmuganathan on Saturday visited the Regional High Altitude Fish Seed Farm, Tarin at Ziro and interacted with officials and fish farmers of the area.
The Governor, who is on a three-
As the plateau is well-
The Governor bought some fishes for his entourage as an encouragement to the farmers.
Earlier, the Governor met the officials of the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project at Yazali 43.
Deputy General Manager (Elect) In-
The Governor, who reached Ziro via Potin by road, expressed his concern on the condition of the road from Itanagar to Ziro. He emphasised that for development and economic growth the roads have to be of high quality and well maintained. PRO to Raj Bhawan
CoSAAP takes exception to PPA’s statement
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Taking exception to the recent press statement of People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) wherein it mentioned the implementation of 7th CPC as reason for suspension of seven PPA legislators including Chief Minister, Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) has sought a public apology from PPA.
In a press release on Saturday, the CoSAAP stated that Central Pay Commission is a rule which has to be implemented by any political party which runs state government, as GoAP has accepted the Adaptation of Laws Act, 1989 in which it has clearly mentioned to follow Central Pay pattern.
'It is ridiculous on the part of PPA to oppose the implementation of Central Pay Commission for the welfare of state government employees. Is the PPA against the welfare and wellbeing of employees?', asked CoSAAP and termed the party's statement as unacceptable.
PPA temporarily suspends four more legislators
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: A day after BJP leader Tamiyo Taga and Government Spokesperson
Bamang Felix dismissed the suspension order issued by the Chief of Peoples' Party
of Arunachal (PPA) Kahfa Bengia, the PPA team came out to assert that it has temporarily
suspended four more legislators from the party for 'alleged anti-
The suspended members include Felix, who is also the parliamentary secretary of education, Education Minister Honchun Ngandam, Parliamentary Secretary, Horticulture, Punji Mara and Parliamentary Secretary, Home, Pani Taram.
Bengia claimed that these four members were holding meetings with the seven suspended legislators, when they were already directed not to. They are trying to make mockery of state own regional party by making it as 'transit camp'; however we will give all effort to retain the PPA government in the state, added PPA Chief.
‘Most of the elected representatives are in politics just to earn and fill their
pocket but not to serve people or for development of the state’ slammed Bengia while
informing that being the Chief Minister Khandu never works for party and failed
to safeguard the ideology of PPA ‘to save our Jal-
On initiating action against the suspended legislators, PPA Chairman Kamen Ringu informed that they have formed an inquiry committee, headed by him and assisted by legislators Kameng Dolo and Tanga Byaling, to look into the matter.
Ringu also said that Khandu should realise that there has been some mistakes in his leadership, and he has been dictated and misguided by some MLAs.
"More people will be suspended or expelled if such behavior continues", he added.
Moreover he indicates that suspension is temporary and could be revoked if they assured
not to repeat such anti-
When asked about their future association with NEDA, Chairman informed that right now NEDA Convener, Hemanta Biswa Sharma is out of country and would discussed with him on whole episode as soon as he come back.
Arunachali girls to represent India in World Cosplay Summit 2017
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Arunachali girls Juno Pinggam as Kurumi and Chiichi as Kotori from ‘Anime Date’ a live from Arunachal Pradesh have been selected to represent India in the upcoming World Cosplay Summit 2017, to be held at Nagoya, Japan from August 2017.
The preliminary competition in India was organized by Project Z.E.R.O. under the sponsorship of Air India, Anime Pop Mall India and Brother India at Aizawl yesterday. SKYRE San and Mori San from Japan were the judges for the competition wherein more than 20 states participated.
World Cosplay summit is organized in Japan Nagoya every year since 2003 and more than 30 countries take part in this summit. World Cosplay Summit is an annual international Cosplay event that promotes friendly international exchange through Japanese pop culture.
In 2012 the WCS was incorporated as a company and until that year was organized by the events division of TV Aichi. It is supported by city organizations, businesses and the WCS student volunteer organization Omotenashi. The parade and championship are held in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan with several related events being held in the Kanto, Kansai and Tokai areas.
A Cosplay stage performance competition called the 'Cosplay Championship' was first held at Aichi Expo in 2005 and selection of national representatives for the event comes from preliminary and regional rounds held at partnering anime/manga events the respective countries of the participants.
Hello 2017 !
Flights Of Fantasy
[ Group Captain M Panging
VM (Retd) ]
Yet another new year dawns! The Sun’s rays over Dong in Arunachal Pradesh usher in another New Year 2017.
There were many hits and misses in the preceding year. On the positive side, after many months of turmoil, the political scenario saw some semblance of stability over the last few months of the year. However a stable govt could be achieved by appointing almost all elected members as Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, Chairmen or Advisors to the Chief Minister. On last count, besides the Chief Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker, there are 10 Ministers, 26 Parliamentary Secretaries and 4 Advisers to Chief Minister!!
On the infrastructure front, the Six ALGs of Pasighat, Ziro, Aalo, Mechukha, Vijaynagar
and Tutting were inaugurated. There are chances that operations of civil flights
may commence in the current year. A few small Hydro Power Projects were commissioned
in the state. The Trans Arunachal Highway also progressed though at very slow pace.
The Hollongi-
Personal achievements include Late Havildar Hangpan Dada who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation fighting terrorists in Kashmir. Havildar Hangpan Dada was posthumously awarded the highest peacetime gallantry award of the nation, The Ashok Chakra. Then there was the sacrifice of DSP Bomto Kamdak, who was posthumously awarded the newly instituted Arunachal Ratna award. Two ladies from Arunachal Pradesh Duyu Kampu of Ziro and Chajat Lowang of Khonsa cleared the civil services examinations. The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services results were finally declared after 3 years of delays and controversies!
However there were many misses also. Most roads connecting the Capital Itanagar, district HQs and township roads are in dilapidated condition. The power situation is erratic with frequent load shedding, low voltage and lack of three phase electricity in Industrial Estates. Many Hydro Power Projects are stuck because of local opposition, environmental/bureaucratic issues. The green field airport at Itanagar is still shrouded in controversies. Though 6 ALGs have been inaugurated, work needs to be done for civil terminals and civil flights. The popular Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme has been sporadic with stoppages and interruptions frequently due to bureaucratic issues and lack of funds.
Approaching the end of the year, demonetisation happened and the common people stood in endless queues to withdraw their hard earned money. The banking sector saw many controversies with allegations of black money worth hundreds of crores being converted to white with the connivance of bankers, CAs and politicians. This was majorly caused as Arunachalese do not pay income tax!!
The New Year should be ushered in with new hope. The hope list includes stability in the political scenario so that there is good governance in all fields. The good governance should lead to development and progress in all sectors. Let’s hope for better roads, steady electric supply, more airports and civil flights, more railways, more industries, better performances by students and sports persons and more jobs. Let the New Year usher in more money through the 7th Pay Commission and of course better health and more HAPPINESS...!
To paraphrase Robert Frost “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but Arunachal has promises to keep, and miles to go before Arunachal sleeps, and miles to go before Arunachal sleeps”!
Northeast appears safe for scribes
[ Nava Thakuria ]
Northeastern part of India, which often receives media headlines for relentless troubles
and violent incidents, has completed one more year with no journo-
The country had lost 13 working journalists to assailants in this period and already earned a bad name in the international arena.
In fact, as the year 2016 passed off, India stands as one of the worst places for
mainstream journalists similar to the conflict-
The alienated region, which lost over 30 journalists to perpetrators in the last
25 years, witnessed the latest incident relating to journo-
After a lot of hue and cry, the Tripura police arrested Sushil Choudhury, the Dainik Ganadoot proprietor and editor. He was also convicted by the west Tripura district and session court for the triple murders. But soon Choudhury received the respite from the higher court and lately the Tripura government has forwarded an appeal to the Supreme Court against his acquittal in the sensational case.
Manipur and Assam, where over 30 separatist armed militant outfits are still running
their disruptive activities, witnessed the previous incidents of journo-
Assam alone lost 15 newsmen to armed militants in the last three decades, but none has been convicted till date.
Last year, the first incident of journalist murder in the country took place in Uttar Pradesh, where a young scribe named Tarun Mishra was shot dead on 13 February, 2016 at Gosaiganj locality in Sultanpur district. Mishra (32) used to work for a Hindi daily (Jansandesh Times) and he was understandably targeted for highlighting the illegal soil mining activities in his district.
Three motorcycle riding miscreants shot at him near to his residential locality in Ambedkar Nagar and he succumbed to his severe injuries in the hospital.
The second casualty was reported from Jharkhand, where a television news channel reporter was killed by the local goons. Two unidentified people targeted Indradev Yadav (also known as Akhilesh Pratap Singh) at Dewaria locality of Chatra district on 12 May. Yadav (35), who used to work for Taaza News, faced the bullets in front of the village Panchayat office and died on his way to the hospital.
The third case of journalist murder came to light from Bihar within 24 hours. Unidentified gunmen shot at Rajdeo Ranjan at Siwan railway station locality on 13 May. Working for a national Hindi newspaper named Hindustan, Ranjan (45) died in the hospital. The brave journalist reportedly earned enmity with local political goons for his reporting against their misdeeds.
Both the incidents created instant wave of protests in Ranchi as well as in Patna and then it spread to other parts of the country. Various local, national and international media (rights) bodies including the members of prestigious press clubs based in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati etc demonstrated their angers against the vicious attacks on scribes and demanded distinctive punishment to each and every single perpetrator of the crimes.
Another tragic incident came to light lately from Punjab, where a brave lady scribe named Anshita Bawa died under a mysterious situation. Anshita on 22 April drove her vehicle to meet one of her friends, but she could not reach the location, rather her body was found floating in a canal at Bool locality of Sudhar areas.
Initially it was understood as an accident or a suicide case, but the post-
Under pressure from her family members, the local police registered an FIR terming it a case of murder.
The focus then shifted to relatively peaceful State of Gujarat, where a senior journalist
was stabbed to death in his office on the night of 22 August. Kishore Dave, 53,
was attacked by miscreants when he was working in Junagadh office of Gujarati newspaper
'Jai Hind' and died on the spot. There was no security camera in the one-
Soon the horror returned to Bihar as another journalist fall prey to goons on 12 November. Dharmendra Kumar Singh, who used to work for Hindi daily 'Dainik Bhaskar' was targeted when the 38 years old scribe relaxed at a tea stall outside his residence during his morning walk at Amra Talaab locality Rohtas district.
Three motor cycle-
The killings angered the media fraternity in India and abroad. Amidst protests by local journalist forums, three international media rights bodies namely the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ, New York), the Reporters Sans/Without Borders (RSF, Paris) and the International Press Institute (IPI, Vienna) strongly condemned the incidents and called for authentic investigations into the murders.
Facing the heat of condemnations, the Nitish Kumar led government in Patna recommended
for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of Rajdeo Ranjan.
After registering the case under sections 302 (murder), 120-
According to the CPJ, over 70 professional and non-
It was flowed by Iraq (6), Yemen (6), Libya (3), Somalia (3), Turkey (2), Mexico (2) etc. Besides Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, no neighboring countries of India including Tibet (China), Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka reported the killing professional journalists in 2016.
Northeast's immediate neighbor, Bangladesh reported the killing of one editor (Xulhaz Mannan, who edited a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community magazine named Roopbaan) and a netizen (Samad Nazijmuddin of Ganajagaran Mancha) to criminals.
The Muslim dominated country also imprisoned Rahman Mahmudur of Amar Desh (since April 2013), Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury of Weekly Blitz (January 2014), Salam Abdus of Ekushey TV (January 2015), Kanak Sarwar of Ekushey TV (March 2015) and Rimon Rahman of Amader Rajshahi (September 2015).
Myanmar, which has been changing from a military regime to the multiparty democracy, lost one journalist last year. The Sagaing region based scribe named Soe Moe Tun, who worked for Daily Eleven newspaper was targeted by the illegal logging mafia in northwest part of the country.
The NayPieTaw based government imprisoned five journalists namely Lu Maw Naing of
Unity (since January 2014), Aung Thura of Unity (February 2014), Sithu Soe of Unity
(February 2014), Yarzar Oo of Unity (February 2014) and Tint San of Unity (February
2014).Tibet or China was also devoid of any journo-
In 2015, India lost Jagendra Singh (Uttar Pradesh), Sandeep Kothari (Madhya Pradesh), Raghavendra Dube (Maharashtra), Hemant Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) and Mithilesh Pandey (Bihar) to assailants.
The previous year witnessed the murder of only two scribes namely MVN Shankar from Andhra Pradesh and Tarun Kumar Acharya from Odisha. However the country lost 11 journalists to the perpetrators in 2013 including three newspaper employees from Tripura. (The author is a Guwahati based media activist)
Solar lamps distributed to remote border villages
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: The AoL Rural Electrification Project has distributed Mobiya Solar lamps to the remote villages in Longding, Changlang and Anjaw districts recently.
In Longding district, DUDA Dy Director Bapenlu Kri along with Director, Rural Electrification project of AoL, Chaitanya Sangawar, distributed the Mobiya lamp to 119 families of Longkhaw village. The villagers appreciated the Longding Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Gupta for recommending the name of the village for free distribution of solar lamps for the benefit of villagers.
With the cooperation extended by BDO Komnem Tungkgang, the AoL volunteers also distributed
Mobiya lamps to 25 families in Bubang-
It was a delightful moment for the 23 families in Khulang when Gotitun Krisikro,
founder patron of Anu Shiksha Seva Trust reached their area accompanied by Basamlu
Krisikro, former chairperson, 6-
Earlier Mantaw Bellai distributed the AoL solar lamps to all the families of Glotong glat, Chirang glat and Ngilang glat. 150 Mobiya lamps were sent for the border district of Anjaw.
Deepak Sharma expressed happiness over the fact that the lamps were timely distributed well before the New year eve. He said that it was AoL's long time wish to extend assistance to the people in remote border areas with tough terrain and hostile weather conditions.
New Year greetings
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, S V Shanmuganathan has wished a happy and prosperous year 2017 to the people of the state and expressed hope that the New Year ushers in peace and prosperity in the state.
In his message, the Governor called upon the people to commit themselves in making efforts that will secure the future for all through individual and collective efforts as a team at the commencement of the New Year. He further exhorted the people to share their optimism and rise above differences and challenges to realize their dreams and give shapes to their aspirations.
Further, former Chief Minister, Nabam Tuki has also greeted the people of the state on the eve of New Year.
'Let 2017 bring peace, prosperity, communal harmony and all round development for all sections of the state,' Tuki said in his message.
He exhorted the masses to adopt new resolutions setting their goals for success in life.
Donyi Polo day celebrated across state
NAHARLAGUN, Dec 31: The Donyi Polo Day was celebrated with religious fervour across
the state on Saturday. The day also marks the culmination of a month-
In Capital Complex, the day was celebrated with enthusiasm by the believers at Golgi Boote Ganging, Itanagar and Kargu Gamgi, Naharlagun and Nirjuli. A large number of believers including Director of Health Services, Dr. Moji Jini and Dr. Tai Nyori and Gichik Taaza, founder President and Vice President of IFCSAP respectively took part in the celebration at Naharlagun. At Raga Donyi Polo Namlo, former minister Talo Mugli participated in the celebration.
The Day was also celebrated at Hollongi Nyder Namlo with participation of believers including General Secretary of Donyi Polo Society of Arunachal Pradesh Taniyang Ningee.
Our correspondent adds from Ruksin: Members of Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang (DPYK) of
Pasighat, Mebo, Ruksin sub-
Earlier, believers of Donyi Polo from all walks of life gathered at their respective Gangging in the morning.
While attending the Donyi Polo Day celebration at Debing village Gangging in Ruksin circle, former Chief Minister, Gegong Apang urged all religious groups to maintain secularism and not to criticize each other's religion. Stating that theology of Donyi Poloism is believed by all tribal people belonging to Abotani group, Apang asked the DPYK members to conserve indigenous faith and religious customs besides preserving the tribal culture.
He further suggested the Gangging Committee members to work for conservation of their indigenous faith and cultures for the younger generation.
East Siang district BJP president, Tamat Jonnom, Ruksin Anchal Chairperson, Aruni Jamoh, Debing HGB, Yon Yomso, ASM, Kaling Moyong also spoke on the occasion.
The Day was also celebrated at Bilat, Sille-
Training prog on integrated farming system
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: A three days training programme and demonstration on integrated
farming system was conducted for tribal farmers by ICAR-
The programme was organized, especially for those farmers engaged mainly in agriculture and livestock farming.
During three days programme, farmers were also educated on locally available feed
resources and their nutritional quality, high yielding vegetable seeds and importance
of garden tools, maintaining nutritional status and water holding capacity of soil
using organic manure, importance and scope of organic farming through vermi-
Some agricultural tools, such as Pressure Sprayer, Secateurs, Pruning Saw, Sickles,
Khurpa, Grubber Double Hoe, Hand Hoe, Budding & Grafting Knife, Plastic shed for
seeds germination and vegetable seeds (tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, Capsicum) and
PP chemicals, gumboot and steel buckets were distributed among the tribal farmers
of Morshing village under TSP. Five big-
Thirty 30 farmers from Morshing and Sarlem basti attended it.
AVYS defuses misunderstanding
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Clarifying to the strong resentment expressed by doctors of District Hospital Daporijo and Upper Subansiri DMO published recently in local media as claimed by Arunachal Vivekananda Yuva Shakti, AVYS chairman Ramesh Jeke informed that the statement was based on the claims of patients of the hospital during interaction with AVYS team.
The statement on the basis of experience during visit that the blood bank was defunct due to lack of staff, there was no positive response when the AVYS team reached district hospital but it had no knowledge that the DMO was on leave and feedbacks of the patients have reportedly created some misunderstanding.
The AVYS team regrets over the misunderstanding created but the AVYS had issued the statement without any ill will against anybody but in the greater welfare of the patients, Jeke added in a statement.
Demonstration on scientific pig farming held
ITANAGAR, Dec 31: Demonstration on pig farming was conducted at Samuguri village
by the KVK Lohit under ICAR-
The farm unit in the village will be maintained by the farmer women.
Under this programme, they were initially provided cross-
BJP leader Okep Jamoh dies
PASIGHAT, Dec 31: Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong expressed shock and grief at the sudden demise of Okep Jamoh, who breathed his last on December 29 last at the age of 66.
He left behind wife Oman Moyong Jamoh, five sons and two daughters.
Son of Late Matsan Jamoh and Yayem Pajing Jamoh, Okek was born in 1950 at Tigra village, Pasighat. He did his schooling from Balek ME School and joined in politics in 1977.
Presently he was holding the post of Vice Chairman of 'Development Committee' of Pasighat BJP Mandal.
MLA Moyong along with all the members of Pasighat mandal, mohila morcha and sahari morcha paid homage to Lt. Okep Jamoh in the BJP party office, Pasighat on Friday.
"People would always remember Jamoh for his sincerity, dedication and positive outlook to life," Moying said, and prayed to almighty rest his departed soul in peace and also to give strength to the bereaved family and to withstand the loss. DIPRO
Cleanliness drive conducted
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Dec 31: A day-
During the drive, hundreds of volunteers and primary school students cleared the
weeds along the 3-
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