jul14 20

2014

July 20

Training prog for urban poor women under SJSRY

AALO, July 19: A month-long skill development training on Knitting for urban poor women under Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yonjna (SJSRY) got underway today here at Textile and Handicraft Training Hall, DIC complex. Altogether 63 beneficiaries are attending the employment generation programme sponsored by the Urban Development and Housing and conducted by Textile and Handicrafts department. The beneficiaries were selected through the Liromoba Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd.

Speaking on the occasion, Teresa Padu, Assistant Director, Textile & Handicraft Aalo advised the trainees to make best use of the opportunity provided to them by the Govt. Employment opportunity today are hard to come by and it is important get the much needed expert training that will come handy for them in future to go after self employed and income generating schemes. She exhorted the beneficiaries to complete the month long training with zeal and full commitment.

Nyatum Bagra, UPO Aalo dwelt at length on objective behind conducting the training and stressed on the need to improve skill and knowledge on knitting as our traditional weave continues to get the market demand. The team of officers also visited weaving, knitting, carpentry, cane and bamboo sections and emporium to take stock of the activities at the centre. DIPRO

NSUI state unit felicitate toppers

ITANAGAR, July 19: A felicitation programme for the state toppers of CBSE class –X and Class-XII examinations (Science, Arts and Commerce) was organized by the state NSUI unit under the banner of Indira Gandhi Chatra Prativa Puraskar 2013-14 at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here today.

In his inaugural speech, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Padi Richo called upon the students to excel in their further studies with the same spirit.

Further asking the NSUI state unit for conducting such programme district wise, he said that such programme encourage students to achieve further.

Parliamentary secretary education, IPR & Printing Bamang Felix in his address said that such initiation will not only encourage students but parents too.

“Every parent is a role model of its child”, he said. While saying that the education is the top priority of the present government, he said, “earlier it was like primitive period with no basic facilities in education, but now it is the modern era with every basic facility available. Students should take full advantage of it.”

Chairman, APEDA Dikto Yekar and APYC president Nyamar Karbak also spoke on the occasion.

Tagak, Tadar call on Najma Heptulla

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: The Arunachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party State President Tai Tagak and the State General Secretary Dominic Tadar called on Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Dr. Najma Heptulla at her Parliament House Office, New Delhi yesterday.

They held discussions with the union minister on health, education and other issues related to welfare and development of the minorities, particularly in North East. They also apprised the Union Minister about various problems faced by the minorities in the North East and Arunachal in particular and urged the minister to look into the issues.

While responding positively to the urge, the Union Minister said that several new schemes and programmes are being introduced by the Govt. of India soon for the development of the minorities.

The Minister expressed her willingness to extend all possible help in regards to education, health and other areas of cooperation to the minorities of the state.

Demonstration on SRI by West Siang KVK continues

BASAR, July 19: As a part of different demonstration programmes on SRI in different parts of the state, A. Kirankumar Singh, in-charge Programme Coordinator along with Tinkonjit Taye, Senior Research Fellow, NICRA KVK conducted demonstrations on SRI at Dali village, one of the technology demonstration site of NICRA (KVK).

The demonstrations were conducted in Dali village in the fields of Tamar Riba, Karjum Dirchi and Dobom Bame on July 18 and in the field of Tedam Riba and Monya Riba on July 19. Their fields were transplanted with RCM-5, RCM-7, RCM-10 and RCM-11 varieties of paddy.

Tamar Riba and Karjum Dirchi were impressed with the performance of the system which was conducted with RCM-11 and CAU-R1 varieties last year and encouraged the other farmers to adopt the system in their fields in the village. In the field of Tedam Riba two varieties each i.e. RCM-5+Khamti, RCM-7+Khamti, RCM-10+Khamti and RCM-11+Khamti were transplanted in the same plots to easily showcase the differences of their performances in the field.

Students felicitated

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: To encourage the students for their academic excellence, the Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM) felicitated the outstanding students belonging to Mishmi community, who have excelled in this year’s Class X and Class XII examinations conducted by CBSE.

The students felicitated are, Kr. Rockim Tayang, (Class XII Sc), Atosha Bellai, (Class XII Hum), Jasmin Diu, (Class XII Com.), Binengso Tayang, (Class X), Jimsilu Chiba, (Class X), Luckyso Rangmang, (Class X), Vilash Kri, (Class X), Sangi Tayang, (Class X), Jihemlu Khellai, (Class X).

While congratulating the meritorious students, Tezu-Sunpura MLA Dr. Mohesh Chai emphasized the importance of education and exhorted the students to work hard to become worthy members of the society.

“When all your friends and well-wishers desert you, your education will help you in overcoming the obstacles on your path”, Dr. Chai opined.

The first time legislature further announced a cash award of Rs. one lakh as incentive to those UPSC aspirants from Mishmi community, who cracks the UPSC main examination.

Lohit Deputy Commissioner Dr. BM Mishra lauded CALSOM for organizing the felicitation programme, which would encourage the other students to study harder and excel academically. He commended the students for their outstanding academic excellence, despite hailing from remote areas bereft of facilities. The DC also gave emphasis on proper guidance to the students at right time which could propel them to greater heights. He further expressed his willingness to impart orientation course to UPSC aspirants of Indira Gandhi Govt. College, Tezu.

Both Dr. Chai and Dr. Mishra cautioned the students against ill effects of drugs and alcohol and advised the youths to refrain from using them.

CALSOM Chairman Bajai Pul expressed happiness that the academic performance of the students from the Mishmi community was gradually improving in every passing year.

The programme was attended by former minister K. Krong, CE, PHED L. Kri, toppers, parents, Mishmi officers, panchayat leaders and students.

ATASU calls for retention of transferred JTs

ITANAGAR, July 19: The All Tali Area Students’ Union (ATASU) has called for retention of junior teachers (JTs) transferred from Govt Secondary School, Tali.

In its two point memorandum submitted to the DDSE cum DPO (SSA) Kurung Kumey, it said, some teachers have been transferred from the school since past two three years with no relievers to fill the post. Similarly, this year also some JTs have been transferred to some other primary and ME Schools in Tali.

It doesn’t make any sense that these JTs are posted to primary or middle schools whereas the sole secondary school of the area is being deprived of such qualified teachers, it rued.

Its other demand includes immediate cancellation of teacher rotation system being implemented in Tali and Pip Sorang circles.

Correction

Depi-Detak area falls under Nari-Koyu Assembly constituency. But, in a news item under heading “Depi-Detak area faces……” published in this daily on July 19 edition it was wrongly mentioned that the area falls under Pasighat (West) Assembly constituency.

News Impact

AAPSU declares 60-hr state-wide bandh, keeps door open for talks with Govt.

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) today announced its decision to go ahead with its third phase of agitation in the form of 60-hour state-wide bandh from 12th August 5 am to 14th August 5pm. This decision of the Apex students’ body came after consultation with its federal units in a general meeting held here on Friday and the bandh schedule was fixed considering the admission session of the students in various colleges and the university across the state and country.

However, the apex students’ union made it clear that they are ready to roll back from its harsh decision if the government calls them on negotiation table to resolve the issue. Thus the union left the door open for talk with the Govt on its charter of demands.

Addressing the media persons at Press Club today, AAPSU President Kamta Lapung informed that the union would not compromise with the demands and Govt should redresses their grievances. Lapung further said that proposal for talks should come from Chief Minister himself.

Questioning the home minister’s way of functioning and dealing with the students organizations, AAPSU president said, the home minister should not be so arrogant and rigid, rather he should be flexible to deal with the public.

The union further alleged the government of misusing the paramilitary forces, which are supposed to tackle insurgency and other law and security problems in the state, against the innocent students. It also condemned the Upper Siang district deputy commissioner for allegedly slapping its activists during the recently held bandh. An FIR against the misconduct of DC was lodged, however the police has not entertained the complaint yet, it said.

AAPSU General Secretary Biru Nasi, who was present in the press meet informed that the Apex student body would seek public opinion before going ahead with its proposed 3rd phase bandh call. AAPSU GS disclosed that if the public disapprove the idea of going ahead with 60 hrs state-wide bandh, the union would respect the public’s view and instantly call off it.

“If people say no to bandh call and reject our demands, we will accept their verdicts as the Union stands for the wellbeing of the people,” AAPSU GS said.

Nasi further said that three teams of AAPSU headed by its president, general secretary and convenor would be traveling across the state starting from July 25, to conduct public meetings at each district headquarter in order to seek their opinion.

“We agree that it is government’s prerogative to appoint chairmen and vice chairmen, but at the same time it costs public money and we have every right to question the way the Govt is dealing with the matter,” said Nasi.

The union questioned why the government is going with appointments in unnecessary posts putting extra financial burden on the state exchequers, while, on the other hand, it fails to release students’ stipends and provide better infrastructures in the schools.

AAPSU further informed that they are filing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on appointment of parliamentary secretaries.

On the current college admission crisis, it strongly condemned the government particularly directorate, higher and technical education for fixing 50 percent cut off mark as eligible criteria for admission in Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar saying that it is the responsibility of the Govt to accommodate every student.

“The authority failed to provide basic infrastructures and teaching staffs in various colleges in district headquarter, so it is obvious students would throng in the capital in search of better education,” it stated. The Govt can not deprive the students from taking admission on the ground of catchment and non-catchment area, the union added.

ASF organizes protest rally, gives state govt. 7 days to arrest attackers of student leaders

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: Arunachal Students’ Federation (ASF) today organized a mass protest rally to press the state government for immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the brutal attack on three students’ leaders, including its vice president (Pro) Tagori Mize and two others namely Ibom Riram and Unti Umbrey by some miscreants here recently.

The rally was taken out from NERIST gate, Nirjuli and culminated at the premises of Home Minister’s Bungalow, Niti Vihar here.

Later, they submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister giving him seven days ultimatum to arrest the culprits involved in the attack.

While informing this, ASF president Kipa Kanam claimed that the Home Minister had assured them to arrest the culprits within a day or two.

The rally was participated by members from All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, All Nyishi Students’ Union and district and community based students’ unions, including Dibang Valley District Students Union (DVDSU), Lower Dibang Valley District Students Union (LDVSU), Anjaw Students Union (ASU), All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU), All Tai Kamti Singpo Students Union (ATKSSU), All Mishmi Students Union (AMSU), All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Forum (AAPYF), All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Union (AAPUU) etc.

Jamoh assures cooperation for growth of industry sector

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: Parliamentary Secretary (Industries) Tatung Jamoh has said that he would extend all possible cooperation to the officers and officials of his department for growth of the industry sector in the state and creation of more job opportunities.

Addressing the two days meeting of the officers of the Industries departments here, Jamoh stressed on making Industrial Growth Centre at Niglok-Ngorlung functional. He suggested the officers for keeping necessary provisions in department’s Annual Operating Plan 2014-15 for up-gradation of the existing approach road from Jonai to Industrial Growth Centre via linka and sought committed and dedicated services from the official of both the departments.

The meeting reviewed all ongoing developmental activities under the departments of Industries and Skill Development & Employment Generation and the bottlenecks faced by them besides giving training on newly inducted norms and guidelines under National Mission on Food Processing/NEIIP-2007 to the officers.

The meeting decided to make physical inspection of the Development Institute, Jote, Papum Pare and Integrated Infrastructure Development Centre, Bam, West Siang. Dr. SS Ghankrokta, Secretary (Industries) narrated the objective of the meeting. He advised the participating officers to prepare their Action Plan of their Districts and work together to achieve the objective and targets fixed for MSME, Food Processing Industries and other Skill Development activities under NEC/World bank/Centrally Sponsored scheme.

Earlier, Director of Industries, Director of SD&EG and Secretary, Industries interacted with all the participating officers in length and asked them to give proper feed back about their achievements and problems with its solutions enabling them to raise the same at appropriate forum. They asked the officers to be pro-active in works, share the success story with each other and promote entrepreneurs among unemployed youths.

The Secretary (Industries) advised to all Industries Officers to motivate the people and create awareness about the available Central Incentives Scheme for Industrial Development among the general people/entrepreneur so that deserving candidate can avail of all the Govt. facilities in a transparent manner and recommend the name of the prospective and successful entrepreneurs under PMEGP,MSME, Skill Development and Food Processing Industries of their Districts with supporting documents for State award.

Director of Skill Development & Employment Generation Subu Tabin highlighted pertaining about skill development and employment generation in the state through PowerPoint presentation. His presentation includes Road Map for Skill Development and Employment Generation in the State of Arunachal Pradesh and performance and achievement of Jobmela organized during last the financial year.

He also shared the vision of the newly created Directorate which started function from February 24, 2014 and also highlighted the upcoming infrastructural projects like establishment of new Industrial Training Institute (ITI), need of Institute of Trainer’s Training, Skill Development Centres etc.

He requested the Parliamentary Secretary to extend his support and guidance for making the department fully functional and guide to a new height of development to achieve the target of Chief Minister’s Skill Development mission and creation of one lakh Job for unemployed youth in 12th plan .

He also sought intervention of the Parliamentary Secretary for giving job preference to the ITI passed trainees in Government as well as in Public Sectors Undertaking.

The meeting was also attended by the Joint, Deputy and Assistant Directors, Extension Officers posted in the districts and other officers and officials of the Directorate of Industries.

APSLS organizes legal awareness programme

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: In order to make the students aware about their legal rights and duties the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services (APSLS) authority in collaboration with Don Bosco School authorities conducted a legal literacy programme for the students of class VIII to class XII under State Plan of Action for the year 2014-15 at Don Bosco School, Jully today.

The students were informed about various legal aids and schemes, Juvenile Justice Act, AP Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011 etc. by District and Session Judge cum Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority Budi Habung, OSD, APSLS Dani Belo, advocates Sunil Mow and Deepa Yoka and Principal of the school Father Philip.

Highlighting the various functions, duties and and the role of the state legal services authority, Habung advised the students to avail the various free legal services.

Brouchers on legal aid were distributed among the students. Films on national integration and domestic violence were also screened for the students on the occasion.

Around 500 students and teaching staff of the school attended the programme.

ESDP for local youths gets underway

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: Altogether thirty local unemployed youths of Tezu area are undergoing a month-long entrepreneurship and skill development programme (ESDP) on fashion design being organized by National Youth Project (NYP) at Tezu from yesterday. After training all the candidates will be provided wage employment and self employment opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh and out side the state.

The ESDD being sponsored by Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) Guwahati under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, was jointly inaugurated by Anupam Das, Director in-charge, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing Handicapped, Kolkata under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and H P Biswas, President, National Youth Project.

In his inaugural address Anupam Das highlighted on various employment generation schemes for the unemployed and suggested to avail all the facilities after completion of the programme. He also cited many schemes of his department for the unemployed youths including the disabled one.

Highlighting the aims and objectives of the programme, Biswas informed that after completion of the programme NYP will provide platform to earn handsomely at their native places. Master trainer and Coordinator Richa Maulik also spoke on the occasion and interacted with the trainees.

NIP Memorial football tournament begins at Roing

Correspondent

ROING, July 19: The fifth Naba Ita Pulu Memorial Football Tournament was declared open here today by Shiv Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Roing in a glittering ceremony organized by the District Football Federation (DFF) designed to encourage youths into sports and to keep them away from drugs and drinking.

"I formally declare open the late Naba Ita Pulu Memorial Football Tournament," said the Deputy Commissioner in presence of Guest of Honour Matheim Linggi, Information Commissioner, State Information Commission and various other dignitaries present in the dais.

The declaration was followed by huge applause from the crowd braving the rain in the open field. In his tribute to late Naba Ita Pulu, the Deputy Commissioner said he was a true visionary leader who had equal respect for all religion and communities.

"Late Naba Ita Pulu always believed in unity and integrity of all communities in the district, and believed that true development couldn't come without it," he said. "With this belief, he had dedicated his life working for the unity of all communities."

Thanking the organizer, the Deputy Commissioner said that he felt privilege in being part of the tournament that is being held in memory of a great leader.

Earlier in his speech, Linggi acknowledged the contribution of late Naba Ita Pulu to the community as well his service to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking on the importance of sports, he said every state and nation today is investing heavily in sports. The state of Arunachal Pradesh too has attached great importance to sports and has 5% reservation in jobs under the state government.

Linggi encouraged the youths to take keen interest in sports and games, as he said it contributed in making of a healthy society. He also appealed the political leaders of the district to accord priority to development of sports infrastructure, particularly improving the general ground in Roing.

The opening ceremony had the children from Intaya Public School (IPS) displayed a brilliant 8-minute dance with message on drugs and alcohol. The welcome speech was presented by Monti Linggi, President, DFF. Anjite Menjo, Secretary, DFF spoke on the aims and objectives of DFF.

Twenty teams from the district are participating in the tournament organized by the DFF and supported by District Olympic Association (DOA), District Sports Office (DSO) and the district administration.

Following the opening ceremony, the first match of the tournament commenced between Mashelo XI and Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Roing that ended in a draw with 2 goals.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sipi Elapra, District Zilla Chairperson, Wangnot Tikhak, ADC, Raja Lingi, Anchal Chairperson, Kaling Pertin, ZPM, Chiliko Meto, ex-Zilla Chairperson, Enju Lingi, President, IMCLS, Savitri Khampti, Deputy Director, ICDS, Raju Mipi, District Sports Officer (DSO), Ambra Mena, President, DOA, and Abu Saring, DAEO.

AAPSU organizes cricket tourney tocreate awareness against drugs abuse

ROING, Jul 19: To send a strong message against rampant use of drugs and alcohol in Lower Dibang Valley district in particular and the staste as a whole, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) conducted a T20 Cricket tournament at general ground, Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district.

The tournament aimed at creating awareness among the people, especially youths about ill effects of drugs and consumption of alcohol which is posing a great threat to the society, AAPSU said in a release. Effort was also made to create awareness among people about the importance of child education and need of empowering women socially and economically through this tournament besides encouraging the youths towards games and sports.

Prakash Press Cricket Club won the tournament defeating Rayang-XI in the final. The winner and runners up teams were awarded cash prize of Rs.50,000 and Rs.25,000 respectively along with trophies. The best discipline team awards went to ITI (A) and Bazar XI and awarded them with cash prizes. The award for Man of the Series was won by Panku Mega. Awards for ‘best audience’, best player and young emerging cricketer, were also given.

Altogether 40 teams from Lohit, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley and East Siang (Pasighat) participated in the tournament which started on June 29.

The tournament was organized under the chairmanship of AAPSU Co-Auditor Ovit Mepo and Lower Dibang Valley Students Union Secretary Mita Milli and other members.

Mibom Pertin, President, Adi Bane Kebang, Ambra Mena, Chairman, District Olympic Association (DOA), Abu Saring, District Adult Education Officer, Monti Linggi, Chairperson Anchal Samity of Korunu block, Kalen Pertin, ZPM of Dambuk attended the tournament, among others.

SFS College conducts orientation prog for teachers

AALO, July 18: S F S College, Aalo organized two days orientation programme for teachers of Aalo at college premises on July 15 and 16. Altogether forty participants from various schools and colleges took part in the training session.

Addressing the inaugural function, Dr Fr Emmanuel – the Councillor in-charge of Education, M S F S, North East Province, enlightened the role of teachers in 21st century and effective CBT strategies for working with students, expectations of students and students requirements and integrated teaching methodology. The training envisaged to update and empower the human resources, class room management and co-ordination, holistic view of teacher-student relation and also to help the teacher to understand their students well.

Attending the valedictory function, the West Siang Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar enlightened the audience about the social dynamic existing in our society in relation to crime and the role of police officers and people in creating a just and fair society.

The Resource Persons, Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Uppanthadathil – Councilor in-charge of Education, M S F S, North East Province, Rev. Fr. Joshy Mathew, M A English, M Sc Psychology, Manager, SFS College, Rev. Fr Vipin George, M Phil, English, Principal, S F S College, Aalo gave useful deliberations to the teachers in their endeavor towards higher learning. DIPRO

Democratic form of protests turning undemocratic ?

Denhang Bosai

Of late the bandhs called or imposed by some well known and obscure organizations have become so painfully frequent in our underdeveloped and infant state Arunachal Pradesh that I have every reason to believe that as you read this article, by sheer co-incidence some bandhs may be going on somewhere or the other in our state. Sadly these bandh calls conveniently termed as ‘democratic’ by a minuscule few may be a medium of protest but for the vast majority of people the bandh is the most dreaded and frightening 5-letter word that sends chills through their spine. Ours is a young state and every minute is valuable for us to make efforts to catch up with the other more developed states of the Northeast and the country. The uncalled for bandhs only create unwanted interruptions in the state’s journey forward and retard the healthy growth of our poor state. We must all collectively shun bandh culture today and now, for tomorrow may be too late. In Arunachal Pradesh, these bandh calls were started by the students’ unions and other organizations in early 80s. Interestingly, the bandhs had not solved a single issue concerning the common people and the students but a number of politicians and many moneyed people had emerged from the remnants of the bandhs. These bandhs only serve the vested interest of a few individuals and not the cause of the society and its people. For some people a bandh call has become a source of earning. Can anyone deny this?

There are no two opinions about the fact that the bandh culture is a scourge for any society as it creates more problems than solving them. Bandhs not only affect the daily life’s vicissitudes but they seldom yield any tangible result. Incidentally, there are many other ways of registering a protest. Unfortunately in Arunachal Pradesh, it has become a sort of fashion to call a bandh at the slightest pretext, conveniently ignoring all other available means of protest. The well known company in Japan, the Toyota Company’s workers works extra hours or overtime to protest against any in-justice. Bandhs cause inconvenience not only to the common people but also to the organizers of such bandh calls. Interestingly, after each bandh call, the organizers claim their ‘mission’ being peaceful and successful. How can they get away so lightly by terming their bandh call as peaceful when they had caused so much agony, anxiety and destroyed the peace of mind of the people who loathe such bandhs? Today, if one flips through the pages of the morning newspapers, he finds news of a bandh being called somewhere or the other in the state. This is a sure recipe for disaster in our state. However, everyone will admit that it is the capital Itanagar bandh that has the greatest impact on the life of the people because being the capital; it is the seat of planning and decision-making. People from the districts go there to get their problems addressed and most of them stay in the hotels, spending their hard-earned money. Bandhs only compound their problems and predicaments. If the organizers of bandhs realize this truth, the collective blessings of those who suffer during bandhs will catapult them to unimaginable height of success and glory. If they really love the people and the state they will not resort to bandh calls because a bandh only creates a saga of human sufferings and works against the interest of the state.

The habitual bandh organizers must realize that those states in India that do not believe in the bandh culture have forged ahead while the states plagued by this abominable malaise have been left behind, high and dry in the rat race. In the Northeast, the bandh culture is synonymous with the eldest sister Assam. There the bandh culture has become a deep-rooted problem and even God may fail to undo it or do away with it. The bandh has become a culture and an accepted system. In fact, Assam is known more for her bandhs than the Bihu, Tea, Oil or Coal. Today, things have come to such a pass that if some one says that there is an Assam Bandh, it is no longer news. On the other hand if it is otherwise, it is big news. Such bandhs not only cripple Assam’s economy, but cause untold sufferings and miseries to the people of the other Northeastern states as most of them are dependent on Assam for almost every thing and also Assam is the gateway to all the states in the Northeast.

Disgustingly, Arunachal Pradesh has very successfully imported this unwanted bandh culture from Assam and it is undoubtedly going to cripple the overall development of the state and push the people to an unfathomable pit of self destruction. It is high time the people of the state realized the negative impacts of bandh culture before Arunachal Pradesh became another state like Assam wherein even if she wanted to get rid of this bandh culture, she could not.

Those people in our state who derive sadistic pleasure by seeing the ordinary people suffer in silence during bandhs should know that the bandh culture is akin to insurgency problem. They both only bring pain and suffering for the society at large. A place hit by uncalled for frequent bandhs can never develop and prosper. So also a place faced with insurgency problem can never make any headway in any sphere. In Arunachal Pradesh, leaders of all hues claim that tourism is the future of the state and that tourism will turn to be the numero-uno money-spinner. But amidst these frequent and unwarranted bandhs if we believe that tourism will flourish in the state then we are living in a fool’s paradise. Tourism can develop only in places where there is peace and order. Tourism industry in places like Kashmir, Darjeeling etc has suffered setbacks due to bandhs. Whereas it is flourishing in Sikkim because of the prevailing peace there.

Before calling a bandh, the organizers should spare a thought about the daily wage-earner, the vegetable and fruit vendor, the pregnant woman who needs immediate medical care, the sick person, the student who is to go for admission or write examination, the foreign tourist whose RAP has expired and the ordinary man who is not even remotely connected with the reason(s) for the bandh. Even though, every body is aware that the bandh culture is the source of human sufferings, it is rather intriguing as to why some people are bent on using it as a weapon to protest. Let us together nip this dreaded bandh culture in the bud before it grows to uncontrollable proportion. The government needs to take urgent steps in evolving a mechanism to arrest this burgeoning menace including considering an option to ban bandhs by seeking legal opinions from legal experts. Let us make Arunachal Pradesh a bandh-free state. Today, fortunately our state has a strong opposition party in the State Legislative Assembly. It’s the bounden duty of the opposition members to protest against the wrong policies and programmes of the government. The student leaders should best leave the contentious issues to the opposition political parties to address and they should be involved in addressing the students, problems, create awareness on drug abuse, global warming, disaster management, conservation of forests and wildlife etc. The society will appreciate and join hands with them if they take initiatives on these very important issues concerning the people. The student leaders should not take the onerous onus of shouldering cleansing the state from all the ills afflicting it. Their primary and foremost duty is to study to become worthy citizens of our great and ancient country. Its they who will shape and mould the future destiny of our beautiful state. But for this to happen they have to be well-educated, well-informed, well-disciplined, highly enlightened and well-equipped. They should not indulge in protests, bandh calls and such other activities that will potentially mar and derail their career. (The writer is DIPRO, Tirap and can be reached at denhangbosai @yahoo.co.in)

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