July 28

• Apr. 15 AT office attack case: 1 more nabbed, mastermind absconding
• Army rescues bear cub
• Ensure implementation of ban order on tinted car glasses
• Flood damages paddy fields in Sille-Oyan circle

Apr. 15 AT office attack case:

1 more nabbed, mastermind absconding

ITANAGAR, Jul 27: A prime accused, who allegedly masterminded the attack on The Arunachal Times office on April 15, namely Yumlam Achung alias Achung Yumlam, has been absconding and evading police arrest. The alleged involvement of Achung in the attack was revealed by another accused Charu Tanium, Capital SP Hibu Tamang informed in a release today.

Tanium admitted his involvement in the attack during a sustained interrogation by police besides disclosing the involvement of Achung in the attack case, the release said.

Tanium, 28 of Korayar village under Sangram police station was arrested by a team of Capital police from Guwahati and he was brought here early morning today.

Tanium was given 14-day police remand on being produced before a magistrate.

Achung, 35, of village Yumlam under Sangram police station, who is presently residing in Senki Park here, is wanted by Itanagar Police in connection with Itanagar P.S. case No.86/12 U/S 454/427/34 IPC for vandalizing Arunachal Times office.

“Anybody sheltering him would also be booked under appropriate section of law for harboring a wanted criminal. Moreover, anybody giving information on his whereabouts would be given a cash reward of Rs. Two Lakh and the identity of the informer will be kept secret,” the release added.

 

 

Army rescues bear cub

ITANAGAR, Jul 27: The Indian Army personnel of Tenga Garrison in Arunachal Pradesh rescued a bear cub from the clutches of poachers. The cub was handed over to Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) run by IFAW-WTI for the state Forest Department, for rehabilitation.

A number of Asiatic black bear cubs are rescued every year from various parts of northeast India. The adult bears are believed poached for body parts that find use in local as well as international markets, and the cubs, if found, are taken in for illegal pet trade.

In the past six years, IFAW-WTI has hand-raised and successfully rehabilitated 29 orphaned cubs rescued from at least four Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The latest cub was rescued from near Margingla village by the Army convoy led by Major Arun Tiwari, during late evening of July 15. While on route towards Seppa of East Kameng district, a local boy informed the army personnel about the ‘presence of poachers with a wild animal’ about a kilometre inside the forests near the village.

Reacting immediately, Major Tiwari and his team  rushed to the forests. However, the poachers escaped into the forest, leaving the cub behind.

“We took the cub to our base camp and provided it first aid,” said Major Tiwari. “I’m a wildlife lover and want to contribute to conservation in saving wildlife and ecosystems of Arunachal Pradesh where hunting and killing of wildlife is very much prevalent.”

The female cub of  a few-month old, is presently being nursed at CBRC under the guidance of IFAW-WTI veterinarian Dr Jahan Ahmed.

“The cub is healthy and active. As with the other cubs hand-raised at the Centre, it will spend a few months here. After weaning, the cub will be moved to a ‘selected’ release site, where it will be allowed to acclimatize itself through walks into the forest and will eventually be released,” said Dr. Jahan Ahmed, an IFAW-WTI veterinarian based in CBRC. Currently four hand-raised bear cubs are being walked in Ripu Reserve Forest in Bodoland along the Indo-Bhutan border, and four more are being similarly acclimatized in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal.

“The Indian Army has been setting good precedents in a number of ways, and saving the country’s natural heritage is one of these. We have been helped by the Army earlier in our clouded leopard rehabilitation in Manas and plantation in Karbi Anglong among others for which we are extremely thankful. This instance of proactive participation by Major Arun’s team has raised the bar as to what the defence services can do for the country,” said Dr NVK Ashraf, Chief Veterinarian, WTI.

Praising Major Arun and his team, Dr Ian Robinson, IFAW Director for Animal Rescue said, “This is extremely commendable. Conservation is difficult and requires a united approach from all sectors, and to have the force like the Indian army on our side is just very encouraging.”

India is home to the sloth bear, brown bear, Asiatic black bear and sun bear - four of the eight existing species of bears worldwide. Persecution for bile and other body parts is a major threat, in addition to habitat loss and conflicts.

It is worth mentioning here that  on November 26-30 this year, the union Ministry of Environment and Forests, along with the Wildlife Institute of India and WTI is hosting the 21st International Conference on Bear Research and Management. The conference is supported by IFAW and the World Society for the Protection of the Animals (WSPA), according to a Wildlife Trust of India release

 

 

Ensure implementation of ban order on tinted car glasses

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Jul 27: The Supreme Court (SC) has directed States and Union Territories to strictly enforce ban on use of the tinted screen or black films on side glass of four wheelers beyond the permissible limit few months back. Despite such directions from SC, thousands of private vehicles across the state are still plying on the roads with tinted glasses.

The concerned authority should take up the Court directives seriously and issue necessary order for removal of tinted screen (black films) from the window glasses of four wheelers within a given period of time.

While enforcing the Court directives, the concerned authority need to maintain equality for all citizens.

Though the court order exempted certain persons from the purview of the ban order, the enforcing authority must see to it that citizens are not discriminated on the ground of their official position or their social status.

Apart from the issue of tinted car glass, many other state Governments in the country make the use of high-security number plate mandatory for all registered vehicles. But in Arunachal, such mandatory use of high-security number plates seems to be a distant dream as the authority in its notification has clearly mentioned that vehicle registered prior to the date of notification shall be required to affix HSRP within two years till further notification.

This indicates that it would take two years to complete the process of affixing HSRP in the state.

Further, the cost of affixing HSRP is too high in comparison to other states of the country. It is time for the concerned authority to ensure that such important decisions are implemented immediately without any hindrance and no other type of vehicle registration number and plates should be allowed. Such move of the government would check illegal possession of vehicle and check tax evasion.

It is observed that some of the vehicles are plying in the Capital with invisible or absurd number plates making it difficult to recognize the vehicle registration numbers. The law  enforcing authority should strictly check and issue directives to replace such number plates  immediately.

However, it is appreciable that traffic cell with law enforcing authority has been strictly monitoring the traffic regulations by conducting frequent checking drive in the state capital. While conducting such checking drive the authorities are also imposing certain penalty allegedly without issuing any money receipt. Sometimes authorities seize the vehicles, book the drivers under  various provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, and release them after appropriate action.

No doubt, there are numbers of commercial vehicles, most of them hired by the NGOs, Government departments and corporate sectors, which are plying in the state without plying permit. The authorities should strictly regulate compulsory plying permit for all the commercial vehicles and ensure that the all the road users/vehicle owners/drivers maintain up-to-date documents and pay the taxes to the authorities without any lapses.

The concerned authority and the state government should ensure that fund collected in the form of fine (penalties) from violators of traffic rules are deposited in state exchequer.

 

 

Flood damages paddy fields in Sille-Oyan circle

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, Jul 27: The flash flood triggered by the Oyan, Sille and Pagla Korong (rivers) caused extensive damage to paddy and maize cultivation fields at Sille-Oyan circle besides eroding large area of bamboo and banana cultivation.

Surging water of Oyan river due to incessant rain at upper reaches damaged about 50 hectares standing Ahu (paddy) crop at Taru and Ten-mile of Oyan on its both banks. The flood water also caused water stagnation at several portions of the area.

The locals say that flood is causing damage to Ahu cultivation at both banks of the river for the last three consecutive years. It becomes more devastating this time. The river, which enlarged to three times its former size during the last five years, is also causing serious erosion at both sides.

“We have been doing Ahu cultivation at this low lying plain areas for the last three decades, but we have never witnessed such damage. Flood in Oyan river suddenly gripped the entire paddy fields and washed away our golden grain within no time,” said Niroma Bori, a 50-year-old lady of Oyan village, who was seen busy in collecting damaged paddy grains at her field.

The river has also taken its course towards right side and eroded a large areas at several portions at its downstream.

Same situation was also noticed at Mangnang, Baromile and Rani paddy fields where flood water inundated a large area of Sali field and damaged irrigation channels. Overflowing water also damaged the National Highway-52 at several points between Sille and Rani Villages, adding woes of the commuters.

Sources informed that a team of departmental officials today visited the flood affected paddy fields of Sille-Oyan circle and took stock of the situation. The Block Level Relief Committee will assess the lost and  submit its report to the concerning department within this week.

The Oyan-II ASM and Oyan Area Development Committee have moved the authority to provide relief to the affected families besides demanding anti-erosion measures to prevent further erosion by Oyan river.

Sources said that more than 500 hectares of cropland of 700 families of the block are affected by the current flood.

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

All rights reserved.

News Impact

Cash reward stands

ITANAGAR,  Jul 27: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele. numbers : 09436040006/9856060490.

 

Traditional house gutted in fire at Tawe village

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 27:  A traditional house of one Kage Tawe, a village gaon burah at an interior village Tawe closed to MacMohan line under Lada circle of East Kameng district was reportedly gutted down in a devastating fire  which broke out around 12 noon on Wednesday last.

Source from Lada (circle headquarter) said that fire devoured the house completely and nothing could be recovered. Source also informed this daily that fire was suspected to be broke out from a local fire place, when the villagers were outside the village for daily business. However, it also said the district administration is yet to ascertain and assess the actual damages caused during the incident. The fire victims have taken shelter temporarily in house of other villager.

Meanwhile, Tawe Welfare Society (TWS) has fervently appealed to the district administration for immediate relief to the fire victims. TWS also requested the concerned circle officer to depute a team of officials for spot assessment of fire damages. TWS president Niki Tawe said, “Ours is one of most interior and inaccessible villages of the circle, and victims are suffering hard. He further said that administration should rush  a team of officials to the village with  essentials items.

 

Union demands posting of  doctors

ITANAGAR, Jul 27:  Claiming that no doctors are available in primary health center (PHC) Raga in Lower Subansiri district, All Raga Area Students’ Union (ARASU) today demanded posting of allopathic doctors for PHC Raga. ARASU said due to absenteeism of two doctors who have posted at PHC, many patients were forced to  visit other places for their treatment.  It also claimed that most of government officials remain absent in the area.

 

Kargil Vijay Diwas  celebrated

ITANAGAR, Jul 27: Abotani Vidya Niketan of Naharlagun  has celebrated the Vijay Diwas (Kargil Victory Day) on Thursday at its school premise in a befitting manner.

Various programs were displayed by students to mark the occasion. Attending the function Kipa Rinya, a  well-wisher of the school, called upon the students to be determined like martyrs who laid down their lives for the motherland.  Among others, who attended the program were Tadar Kama, vice president of Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti, Kipa Bada and Tadar Devan.

 

Posting of  teachers demanded

ITANAGAR, Jul 27: Adi Students Union West Siang Unit, in a memorandum, has urged the Rumgong MLA to include Rumgong Hr. Sec. School in the catchment area of JN College Pasighat and post Chemistry and Physics teachers in Rumgong Hr. Sec. School immediately.

Few words regarding EKSWCO conference

Dear Editor,  

East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) is an apex social organization of East Kameng district. It was conceptualized with a specific objective  for addressing the socio-cultural and economic aspects of the district. Every individual irrespective of his or her position, social status, and economical background needs to have an equal say in the organization. But in due course of time, nuances in the trend have been seen with the  majestic interference of  those with ‘Haves’ tag.

During its 5th conference held at Seppa on July 21 and 22 last, it was seen that the dignitaries present had maximum share of words in the podium.

It is quite obvious that the dignitaries are always given a special treatment in such occasions, which, they feel that it is their due share.  But one must not forget that when it is a matter of sharing  ideas, opinion and an expert views etc, the intellectual persons with less fame can also deliver better ideas. A good example was shown in this regard with our elected leaders being given their own beat to deliver in the technical session.  I think,  other educated persons/ intellectuals  could   better explain on the topics including youth affairs, communication and infrastructure development, women empowerment and Town Planning, Law and Order etc.

EKSWCO is being regarded by the people of the district as a local  authority with mandate from every citizen of the district. But, we fail to understand whether it still stands for what it was meant for. People expected rigorous discussion of issues in the last conference but it ended after two days discourse on issues like the RTI.

We must not forget that RTI as an Act enables the common people to have access on the govt policy and the programmes. But the EKSWCO’s resolutions on it’s misuses and its impact, the right of the activists and its limitation was like extracting water from the stone. We must not take it as our own created law.

Besides, the conference was expected to be a platform to discuss various current issues of the district. But, unfortunately only few issues could find place which I could say “the gossiping agendas”.  Most important issues among them are controversial illegal encroachment of Govt land in and around the Govt establishments, which hardly got mentioned in the conference. Another important and very sensitive which did not get mentioned in the discussion was the Indian Army basing very soon in the district.  I think this is an important issue and it  should find place for discussion and be given more focused than the issues like RTI Act and its effect in the society, mushrooming of organizations in the  district, donation and gambling, and social abuses and discrimination within the distt which forms the crux of discussion in the whole length of conference.

However, this can be shorted out as the newly selected organization’s convener Chapo Yangfo informed that a session would be called by the executive members  to be participated by the intellectuals or like- minded people to discuss various other issues untouched in the conference  and a concrete resolution would be taken thereafter. Indeed, it is a good idea.

Yours,

Jabu Lapung

 

 

‘Shiva Thapa’, a role model for youths of Arunachal Pradesh

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to share a few things about Shiva Thapa, the 18-year-old pugilist from the country and former student of Arunachal Karate-do Council (AKC) 1998, who made it to London in the 56kg category for London Olympic 2012.

Shiva Thapa, son of former karate player Padam Thapa, is the youngest Indian pugilist (56 KG) and a former student of Arunachal Karate-do Council (AKC) under my guidance in 1998. As an  instructor, I used to closely observe his talent and was always optimistic that someday he will become an international player/karatekas  and bring laurels to the nation. Today 14 years have passed and my expectation has come true as he made it to London Olympic. I was very excited and happy on hearing the news regarding his nomination for the ensuing London Olympic. Congrats Shiva Thapa!  

However, it is disappointing to know that the Assam govt. has betrayed/deceived the young talented Olympian. Earlier, the Assam govt. had announced Rs. 25, 00,000 to Shiva but he was given only Rs.5, 00,000 till date. Such childish act should not be played upon such talented national player as it is a costly game under which a pair of shoes or sport equipment cost huge money amounting to lakhs. Instead of deceiving the players, the govt. should extend their supporting hands to Thapa at this point of time so that the players are morally boosted and can expose his talent to its climax.

Last but not the least, I would like to appeal everyone to stay tuned to the ensuing London Olympic and also pray for Shiva Thapa who will be competing with his might to bring laurels to the country. It is indeed very much a pleasure and proud moment for all of us that the little boy who grew up here, learned the basics at the local club whose motto and aim has been holistic-to keep youth away from harmful addictions by imparting training in martial arts as sports - is not only a national champion but an international star. Who could be a better example of discipline and focus and a role model to excel in sports than our own Shiva Thapa.

Yours,

Aling Pinggam

Ex-Instructor of

Shiva Thapa

Itanagar

Solar ATMs for rural India

With 70 per cent of India's population living in the villages and small towns, solar ATMs may well be the solution to take banking to India's rural interiors. Vortex, a Chennai-based company, could be adding new energy to India's rural economic growth with its award-winning solar-powered automatic teller machines (ATMs) called ‘Gramateller Indi’. It is a low-power consumption machines operate at one-tenth the cost of conventional ATMs. State Bank of India, the country's leading banking chain, has already ordered 300 Gramatellers; 19 other banks are using these sun-powered cash venders in villages and small towns.

India's banking industry has in recent years identified the potential of the rural market, but logistics and associated costs have hindered full-scale expansion. Rural India is expected to overtake the urban market in size by 2017.  

The Gramateller Indi, which need only about five hours of good sunshine per day, use solar panels to convert sun rays into electrical energy; the electricity is stored in a battery that runs 24 hours a day. The ATMs can survive power fluctuations and have power failures and have a built-in battery back-up for four hours.

A single Gramateller unit saves more than 90 per cent of the annual costs of maintaining a conventional ATM, half of whose annual bill of 144,000 rupees (US$2,530) goes on air-conditioning, electricity and generator running costs.