The Arunachal Times - Archives

Sr journalist attacked, Press fraternity demand stern action

ITANAGAR, July 23: A group of youths led by former minister and veteran politician Lijum Ronya's son Thursday evening attacked a local daily, The Dawnlit Post and assaulted its Associate Editor and senior journalist V Ravindran, that left him seriously injured with a deep cut mark on his forehead requiring several stitches.

Three hooligans, including Binya Ronya, 27, Pogmir Ronya, 25 and Jumge Ronya, 28, son of the leader, were apprehended by the police.

The miscreants burged in to the news desk of the daily on T T Marg here and apprently enraged at the publication of a letter to the editor critical of Ronya in Thursday's edition attacked the senior scribe.

The entire press fraternity of the state represented by the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Itanagar Press Club (IPC) who rushed to the office of the daily, condemned the physical assault on Ravindran and demanded exemplary punishment to the culprits under the National Security Act.

Both APUWJ and IPC have demanded immediate arrest of all the hooligans involved in the attack besides exemplary punishment to Ronya's son for instigating the attack. The organizations also demanded the law enforcing agency not to release the two arrested youths (including the former minister's son) on bail without implicating them under laws as applicable.

Taking serious exception to the incident, the Press fraternity has resolved to take the issue to the highest authorities of the state.

The Press is being taken as a punching bag. Anybody with any grudge against anybody, whom they can’t challenge physically, punch the Press and release their anger at the drop of a hat, it observed.

Such unruly behaviour by youths of the state has to stop and the civil society has to come out in unequivocal terms against such unbecoming attitude of the younger generation for the Press to function without any fear and favour.

The Press fraternity apprehended that such incidents would increase with the assembly elections approaching. The state government advocating press freedom has to take preventive steps to help the press to function and send a louder message to the society to behave or face action.

Meanwhile, APUWJ and IPC have appreciated the City SP Hibu Tamang and Itanagar PS OC inspector M Bui for their prompt action in arresting the youths besides registering a case (127/09 U/S 448/324/34 IPC) also for the presence of the CM's representative at the spot immediately.

Soochna Bhawan under active consideration of Govt: CM

‘Arunachal Review’ is now monthly journal

ITANAGAR, July 23: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today informed that the DoNER Ministry had already accepted the proposal in principle for establishment of Soochna Bhawan (information centre) in the state and he has been constantly pursuing the matter for necessary fund.

Admitting that Arunachal Pradesh is the only state without a Soochna Bhawan, the Chief Minister urged the IPR department to prepare a DPR for early submission to the Centre for prompt action.

Stressing the important of the media centre, the Chief Minister also sought the cooperation of the state media.

While releasing the first edition of the Arunachal Review, which has been converted to monthly journal, Khandu said that though the state is passing through fund crunch he would provide necessary fund to the IPR department for renovation and improvement of departmental infrastructure.

The chief minister, however, urged the IPR officers to maintain quality while publishing such important magazine. The CM suggested some measure to make the magazine more attractive among the students and youths of the state besides general public. We should also accept criticism in the journal to know the merits and demerits, the chief minister said.

IPR and Printing Minister Lombo Tayeng expressed his hope that the monthly journal would give immense knowledge and ideas on the policy, programmes and achievement of the state government.

He also urged the editorial board to scrutinize each and every article contained in the review before publication to avert errors and ensure readers’ satisfaction and calls upon Director, IPR and Printing to disseminate the government policies, programmes and achievements to the people, specially living in the remote area of the state.

Regarding the Soochna Bhawan he said, the Govt has re-prioritized the need of Soochna Bhawan in the state. Tayeng said that he had already discussed the matter with DoNER ministry and the ministry gave its nod in this regard.

Earlier, Director IPR and Printing Leki Puntso highlighting the history of Arunachal Review said that NEFA information was renamed as Arunachal News from 1972, but the said magazine could not be regularly published from 1975-96 due to shifting of office from Shillong to Itanagar and to avoid irregular publication, it was converted into quarterly magazine from 1997 and has been regularly publishing till date and by considering the advancement of media and to provide up-to-date activities of the state government, it has been converted to monthly journal from July issue.

Dirang ADC office vandalized, election hearing derailed

By Staff Reporter

DIRANG, July 23: The newly created Dirang Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office was ransacked here yesterday during the ongoing election hearing process by an unruly mob of almost a dozen youths who had alleged biased ness in the process.

The hearing process which is conducted by the area magistrate to include fresh voters or modify the existing voter list had begun yesterday.

Talking to this reporter, Dirang ADC Nyabin Ette said that the unruly mob had taken law into their own hands and vandalized his office.

‘I was working under the strict guidelines of the election hearing code of conduct rule but the mob got agitated for no reason or rhyme and used unparliamentarily words against such a senior officer besides destroying vital election documents which has derailed the entire process’, he explained.

The incident had shocked the entire West Kameng district administration and the district Superintendent of Police, Palden himself had arrived here yesterday evening with additional forces to meet the situation.

‘We will see that law is upheld and peace and tranquility maintained in the area. Also, we will arrest the culprits who had vandalized the office, he said, while adding that the situation was tense but under control.

Coming out in support of administration and seeking punishments to culprits who had resorted to this undemocratic means, the All Dirang Government Employees Association gheroaded the local police station and met the SP and urged him to arrest the culprits within 48 hours to repose faith and sanctity of administration lest they would resort to pen/tools down strike.

‘Demeaning the highest office of Dirang has demoralized all the Govt. officials so we demand dignity and sense of security at our places work’, said veterinarian Darge Tsering on behalf of the employees.

Meanwhile, West Kameng Zilla Parishad Chairman Phurpa Tsering arrived at the police station with the youths who were involved in the vandalization act and against whom an FIR had been lodged yesterday.

‘I express regret on behalf of the youths who had resorted to this undemocratic act at the heat of moment but I am apprehensive that-Bangladeshis, Tibetians and Bhutanese may also be issued voter I-cards by mistake’, he explained.

Misappropriation of fund alleged

ITANAGAR, July 23: Zilla Parishad Member Maya Dolo in a letter to the state chief minister alleged mis¬appropriation of SPA funds of Rs.676 lakhs in Seijosa and Pakke-Kessang.

She requested the chief minister and the chief secretary to hand over the Multi-crore SPA scam to SIT to investigate as per the directives of Planning Commission and depute a third party monitoring team to physically verified the actual works done by video recording and photographs and made known to the public.

SPA funds of Rs.350 lakhs for infrastructure development of SDO office Seijosa during 2008-09, Rs.30 lakhs for construction of Porter Track and Mule track at Pakke-Kessang, Rs.30 lakhs for construction of town ship drainage at Seijosa- under infrastructure development of selected backward C.D. Block in Arunachal Pradesh, Rs.200 lakhs for infrastructure development at Seijosa SDO HQ during 2007-2008, Rs.56 lakhs for construction of Flood Control work at Dorlong under Water Resource Department released by the state government has been grossly misused, she further alleged and added that the total allocation under SPA has not been made known to the public by the executing agency.

The ZPM also alleged that BDO, Pakke-Kessang is hand in glove with the unscrupulous contractors in misappropriation of public money.

Oil officers hold discussion on gas pipeline

ITANAGAR July 23: Oil India Limited Officers, Group General Manager Production I Bharali, Chief Engineer Production Gas S Bordoloi and Superintendent Reservoir Engineer Saloma Yomdo called on the chief minister Dorjee Khandu in his office here today and held discussion regarding laying of 60 KM gas pipeline from Kumchai in Changlang to Doomduma in Tinsukia district of Assam via Namsai and Mahadevpur.

They stressed on the need for pipeline to take the gases that are being wasted in flames. Around 50 thousand standard cubic metre gas is burnt per day which once tapped would yield revenue for the state government.

The chief minister while assuring all possible help gave the go ahead signal. (PRO to CM)

Tirap half marathon amidst opulent nature

KHONSA, July 23: Count down for the 1st Tirap Half Marathon to be held at Khonsa on August 12 has begun. The participants who had registered their names in large numbers and the general public and students are all excited about the first mega sporting event that carries a relevant message ‘Run for Peace’.

Unlike the half marathons held in towns and cities amidst concrete jungles of high rise building and noise and air pollution, the 1st Tirap Half Marathon will be run on a route surrounded by serene and opulent nature with greeneries everywhere.

After about 1 km from the Nehru Stadium, the starting point, the half marathoners will be greeted by the premiere girls’ school, RK Sarada Mission perched precariously on a sloping hillock with a picturesque setting.

After that the entire length of the route up to Borduria village, the last point has plenty to offer and the virgin and un-interfered natural landscape will be a real feast for the eyes of the participants.

Tea gardens and jhum land on the slopes by the roadsides and bamboo groves add colour and variety to the already luxuriantly rich roadside view. The half marathoners will be running in an absolutely air and noise pollution-free environment. The road, though does not surely qualify to be called excellent, it is not too bad.

The distant from Khonsa to Borduria village from where participants of professional and open men categories will run back to Nehru Stadium is 10 Km. The participants in all the categories will not toil and sweat in vain as attractive cash awards will be given to the winners.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd in professional and general men category will receive Rs. 10,000/-, Rs. 5,000/- and Rs. 3,000/- respectively. The 4th to 10th position winners will get consolation prize of Rs. 1,000/- each.

In the open women and boys and girls under 16 who will run up to R.K.Sarada Mission School and back to Nehru Stadium, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd will get Rs. 5,000/-, Rs. 3,000/- and Rs. 2,000/- respectively. The 4th to 10th position holders will be awarded Rs. 1,000/- each. Besides, the award winners will be given commendation certificates.

Thus the 1st Tirap Half Marathon can easily be termed as the most environment-friendly event. The message ‘Run for Peace’ is apt against the backdrop of the present insurgency problem in the district.

The much-hyped event is indeed eagerly awaited by both participants and public. All the preparations for the event are complete. A souvenir will also be released to mark the occasion. DIPRO

ZPM retained original surname after 4th generations

ITANAGAR, July 23: Bogum Bokang Kebang was held to discuss on surname differentiation as claimed by some individuals including Bogong ZPM Okom Tamuk at Adi Cultural and Literacy Society Hall, Pasighat on June 25 last.

The meeting was attended by the representatives from Bogong, Bosing, Legong, Monggu and Padam Banggos and other Kebang Abu from different areas.

After hearing the case from both Tamuk and Yosung clans, the Banggo Kebang agreed upon the claim of ZPM Okom Tamuk and others to retain their original and forefather surname Yosung, after a gap of four generations.

Meanwhile, ZPM Tamuk has changed his surname from Tamuk to Yosung in the court of JMFC, East Siang for all purposes.

Release 30 months arrear

ITANAGAR, July 23: The Capital Complex Unit of CoSAAP thanked chief minister Dorjee Khandu for his announcement to release 15 months arrear pay within August this year.

The unit however urged the state government to release 30 months arrear in cash before the Assembly elections along with genuine allowances.

It also urged Khandu to convene a joint meeting of state government with CoSAAP representatives for detail discussion on various demands of the employees and to reach an acceptable agreement in the larger interest of the government as well as its employees before July 31 next.

School upgradation, CO office demanded

ITANAGAR July 23: All Upper Ziro-II Youth Welfare Society (AUZYWS) in a meeting with 16 Yachuli Assembly Constituency local MLA Nikh Kamin demanded up-gradation of government middle school Loth to government higher secondary school.

The society also demanded for creation of circle headquarter at Param Patung.

MLA Nikh Kamin assured to upgrade the Loth government middle school to higher secondary school before the Vidhan Sabha elections.

The MLA however said that creation of circle headquarter at Param Putung was not possible before the elections.

BJP district Mohila Morcha resolves to work hard

ITANAGAR, July 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Mohila Morcha Itanagar Capital district in its meeting here today resolved to work dedicatedly in the ensuing Assembly election.

The meeting attended by grassroot level Mohila party cadres, while appreciating BJP’s steps taken to get the Women Reservation bill passed in Parliament, expected that the UPA Government will keep its promise to get the Bill passed within 100 days times.

Terming the present era as the women’s era, the Mohila cadres demanded the BJP to issue the party ticket for the Itanagar constituency to a well experienced, qualified party woman candidate to boast the morale of the women folk of the capital district in particular and Arunachal Pradesh in general.

Women atrocities, right of women’s participation and their access to decision making body, ‘deteriorating’ law & order problems, insecurity prevailing among the business community, peaceful co-existence, power & water crisis, land encroachment problem, poverty, unemployment, dilapidated condition of sector link roads and NH52A & unhygienic atmosphere in the capital complex, among others, were also discussed in the meeting, according to a release issued by Capital district president Tame Yam Natung.

VKV to open in Changlang

CHANGLANG, July 23: Another feather of achievement was added to the hat of the District Administration, Changlang as the process of opening of a new VKV in the township took motion with the visit of Vishwas Lapalkar, secretary, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas Arunachal Pradesh Trust ( VKKAPT) and Su. B. Radha, Joint Secretary, VKKAPT.

Changlang Township lacks in good schools and there was a long felt demand for a good school like VKV.

Opening of a VKV would in a major way improve the education scenario of the town, which otherwise is lacking far behind its counterparts, feels Dr. S. B. Deepak Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Changlang, who is the major driving force of the project. This project would not only benefit the people staying within the Township but also the people of the other three circles viz. Yatdam, Khimyang and Namtok who face similar problems.

The District Administration only hopes that the project comes out successful and the students of the district are exposed to quality education and all round development, the VKVs are so famous for. DIPRO

Governing body meet held

ITANAGAR, July 22: The 8th Governing Body Meeting of DRDA Koloriang was held at Conference Hall Koloriang on July 22.

Koloriang DRDA Project Director Takir Nyicyor presented Physical and Financial achievement under CSS programme of last financial year 2008-09 before the house.

Schemes under CSS Programmes received from the BDOs were approved for AOP 2009-10 and some important resolutions were adopted during the meeting conducted.

District Zilla parishad Chairperson Takam Pario presiding over the meeting urged all ZPMs, Anchal Chairperson, HODs and BDOs to cooperate with one another for successful execution of CSS Programmes of DRDA Koloriang.

He assured to render all possible help to PRI members and department officers for rapid development of Kurung-Kumey district in all aspects.

He further requested the executing agencies of CSS Programmes to build up proper work culture.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy chaired the 3rd District Level Vigilance and monitoring Committee meeting held earlier on July 21 at Conference Hall Koloriang.

Sanjoy also spoke on the importance of DLV & MC, its powers and functions. He urged DLV & NC members to keep a watch on proper implementation of CSS Programmes in the District and advised them not to misuse the duty and responsibilities in all aspects.

The MP also appealed to all participants to create congenial atmosphere amongst the public and government employees.

Koloriang DRDA Project Director Takir Nyicyor read out the Performance report and Physical & Financial achievement under all CSS Programme of last financial year of 2008-09.

Education minister Tater Kipa, Zilla Parasid Chairperson Takam Pario and Chuku Takar i/c DC also spoke on the occasion attended the meeting.

Health dept clarifies

ITANAGAR, July 23: The department of Health & Family Welfare expressed serious dismay over a news item telecast on NE TV alleging that expired drugs were supplied to Tirap district under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) which was reportedly detected at Kanubari CHC on July 20.

The same allegation was also made in the Reader's Column of The Arunachal Times, a local Daily by All Tirap Students' Union on July 22.

In the light of this allegation, the office of the Mission Director conducted a preliminary enquiry into the matter and has found that no such drug has been supplied by the NRHM office at Naharlagun.

The said injection TAXIM (CEFIXIME) is in fact not at all a component of the PHC kit supplied under NRHM. No such drug has ever been supplied by the Department of Health & Family Welfare under NRHM as there is no provision for any such drug under the national programme.

The news report appearing on NE TV is absolutely false and baseless borne out of either misinformation or mischief on the part of the news channel or its source of information. Such libelous news report may severely tarnish the image of NRHM in Arunachal Pradesh which has till now been a household name for revolutionizing health care delivery system in the rural areas and may affect its smooth implementation.

Mission Director further said that Government of India has appreciated the success of NRHM in the State especially its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project which is being emulated in other states of the country based on its success story in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Department seeks due clarification from the news channel on the issue and urges all concerned not to be carried away by such unfounded allegations based on either misinformation or malicious intention.

Social services

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Kurung Nyobia Youth Association (KNYA) conducted social service within the school campus of Middle School Gida and Pating I V School from July 12-15 last.

The social service was assisted by students of said schools, Panchayat Leaders, GBs and public.

During the three days social service, 4 OB type Hostels for Boys and Girls of the said schools was constructed and foot track sides cleared from Gida to Pating I V School.

Meanwhile, Village Education Committee Chairman Gida Kaha thanked KNYA for conducting the social service and also thanked former ZPM Kimin Bamang Mangha for contributing 500 pieces of CGI Sheets for construction of the said Hostels.

Appealing the state government to provide necessary schemes and funds for the basic development of the area Gida said that the state government is not providing any schemes for development of Kurung Nyobia for many years except up-gradation of primary school to middle school at Gida under SSA Scheme.

Adding that the school infrastructure and the foot track is just functional only due to collective effort of general public and the KNYA.

Mass prayer

ITANAGAR, July 23: “Organized Prayers are being conducted in every Donyipolo Prayer halls like Kargu Gamgi; Ganging; Medar Nelo; Nyider Namlo by all communities for early convalescence of Taba Hare who has been evacuated to Guahati for medical treatment.

Taba Hare held the post of IFCSAP President for more than 2 years during 2002-04 and is regarded as one who popularized the Indigenous Youth Festival in the state.

The members of Kargu Gamgi Itanagar have organized 2 hours mass prayer led by Gamgi priests Chigam Karlo and Goken Bagra.

Assembly session

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh thirteenth session of the fourth legislative assembly will held on August 11 and12 next.

Raising Day

ITANAGAR: 138 BN CRPF will observe its 9th Raising Day celebration at 138 BN CRPF camp, Sinkiview, Itanagar on July 25 next.

‘Follow guideline’

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Coordination Committee, while referring to the SSA guidelines and (BADP) Revised Guidelines (2008) appealed all the concerned authorities of the state to implement the SSA, BADP, Aids & Grants (SPA, SCA) NREGA, NRHM, Hariyali, BRGF & SNP and other State Oriented Programmes according to the guidelines of SSA and BADP for the rapid development of the state.

Assault on teacher condemned

ITANAGAR: Sri Abu Welfare Society (SAWS) condemned the serious assault on SSA teacher Tassar Tayu allegedly by a group of boys at Palin on July 17.

Tayu is in a critical condition and has been referred to Guwahati Neurology Research Centre (GNRC) for further treatment.

Tassar Tayu is a victim of a group clash that occurred between two groups of young boys, the society said.

The society further demanded that all involved in the barbaric act take the responsibility and bear the medical bills of the injured.