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July 27

NE can't be developed from Delhi, Modi

New Delhi, Jul 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country's northeast cannot be developed from Delhi and that he was deputing central government officials to the region. "Is it possible to develop the North East while sitting in Delhi? No! Officials will visit and see how it is to be done," Modi said on his radio programme 'Maan Ki Baat'. He said the central teams would camp in various districts and villages in the northeast and interact with people to know their problems.

 

APCSOA for implementation of Bagra report

NAHARLAGUN, Jul 26: The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers Association (APCSOA) in its general meeting today at Naharlagun has called for implementation of Bagra Committee Report immediately. The officers said that they would submit a one point memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary very soon to press for their demands.

 

PMC sensitizes people on Dengue

PASIGHAT, Jul 26: As a part of their fight against Dengue, Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) carried out a three days massive cleanliness drive within the township.

Initiated by the PMC Municipal Executive Officer Deepak Shinde, all the councilors conducted social services in their respective wards with a mission to reduce sources of vector breeding sites.

While making the public aware of the need to maintain cleanliness, PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk, Dy. Chief Councilor Kaling Darang and MEO Deepak Shinde exhorted all the town dwellers to keep their surrounding neat and clean and use municipal dustbins.

Chief Councilor Tamuk while assuring the people that there was no need to panic as Dengue was not contagious. He further said steps are being taken by PMC with the help of health department to stop breeding of mosquitoes in stagnant water by spraying insecticides and fogging. To sustain the environment conservation, PMC planted many saplings in the township area.

Meanwhile, 5th IRBN Commandant Dilip Yosung along with officers and jawans also conducted a special drive to clean the IRBn complex and planted more than 200 saplings with the help of forest department to mark Van Mahotsav. DIPRO

 

Kargil Vijay Diwas observed

AALO, Jul 26: The 16th Kargil Vijay Diwas was celebrated in a befitting manner at Military Station here today.

The Station Commander and all ranks and file of the Army paid their obeisance to the martyrs of Kargil battle, who made supreme sacrifices to safeguard the Indian Territory and reiterated their commitment to work for nation building.

The Station Commander exhorted the Army men to be prepared to meet any situation at any time.  DIPRO

 

Kargil Vijay Diwas

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The Bharatya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the Bharatya Janata Party today celebrated Kargil Vijaya Diwas in Itanagar. The main function was organised at Ganga Market which was participated by the BJP State President Tai Tagak along with MLA Tage Taki, Tesam Pongte and National Council Member Tame Phassang along with party cadres and workers.

 

ATA unit calls for enquiry into death

Karda Natam

DAPORIJO, Jul 26: Upper Subansiri unit of Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA) and Leyu Welfare Society (LWS) have expressed deep shock and grief over the untimely demise of Raja Timba on July 24 due to electrocution while on his way from Itanagar to Daporijo.

Taja was working as Junior Teacher at Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Dumporijo.

ATA district unit has appealed to the state government to provide an appropriate job to the next of the kin on compassionate ground.

Meanwhile, the Mara Youth Welfare Association has alleged the Power department of negligence in causing death of Late Timba.  

Had there been strict and regular vigilance and sincerity on the part of the department, Raja could not have died from electrocution, it said in a release seeking termination or suspension of the concern officers.

While also seeking constitution of judicial enquiry on the matter, the association has requested compensation to be provided to the family of the deceased.

 

Siang region experiences searing heat

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Jul 26: Scorching summer heat has made life tough for Pasighat dwellers forcing them to remain indoors.

The temperature rising to 37°C during the day hours has badly affected normal life, commercial activities and usual office works at Pasighat and Ruksin areas.

The tormenting temperature has also badly affected daily wage earners, shopkeepers and farmers during their busy season of Sali paddy cultivation.

According to Meteorology report, lack of rainfall activity has mainly led to the present condition in the region, which recorded 2 to 3 degree Celsius above the normal for last couple of days. Predicting that the heat condition is likely to persist in the region for some days, the report said that presence of a low pressure system over Bay of Bengal over South Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Coast is leading rise in temperature in the NE region.

 

Jamoh visits flood-hit areas, promises action

PASIGHAT, Jul 26: Parliamentary Secretary for Industries, Tatung Jamoh visited flood-hit areas of Sille-Oyan and Ruksin and assured all help to the flood affected people from the government side.

Interacting with the people, Jamoh said that matter of relief and financial assistance for the flood affected people has already been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister. He promised that all effort will be made to ensure that relief is reached to the doorstep of the affected people and areas.

Jamoh accompanied by Ruksin ADC T Pada, DCC President Takom Mize and ZPM Toggeng Panyang visited flood ravaged Ngorlung and Rayang villages. On the following day, he interacted with the flood victims in Sille Oyan, Mangnang, Mikong and Mirem villages.

In all places, Jamoh assured for immediate restoration of road communication.

During his tour, Jamoh advised the people to take adequate preventive measure to avoid Dengue and Malaria. DIPRO

 

Enquiry sought on wall demolition

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Claiming that the boundary wall of Jawahar Novodaya Vidyalaya Seppa was demolished by unknown miscreants, the International Human Rights’ Association (IHRA) East Kameng unit has sought enquiry into it.

In its complaint to the DC requesting constitution of an enquiry committee, it demanded stringent punishment for the person/s involved in the misdeed.

 

Van Mahotsav at Bhalukpong

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Along with the rest of the state, Bhalukpong also celebrated 66th Van Mahotsav by organising plantation programme and generating public awareness on the importance of tree and protection of forest and wildlife for survival of human being.

Attending the celebration, Parliamentary Secretary (PHE&WS) Kumsi Sidisow advised each and every one to contribute to protection and conservation of forest and wildlife. He highlighted the importance of planting trees and protection of catchment areas of the district.

DFO, Khellong Forest Division, VK Jawal emphasised the role and participation of NGOs and community for better conservation and protection of forest areas. Encouraged by the participation of students in large number, he advised them to plant trees in their schools and localities.

J Padu, RFO Bhalukpong highlighted the importance and significance of Van Mahotsav celebration.

The Van Mahotsav was celebrated in collaboration with West Kameng, Nature & Native Wild Life Protection Society, a local NGO of Bhalukpong and Khellong Forest Division.

 

Free medical camps by AVP

ITANAGAR, Jul 27: Around 236 patients from 17 villages of East Kameng district were treated in free medical camps conducted by Arunachal Vikash Parishad (AVP) recently.

The camps were conducted by Dr. Ramniwas Mishra with help of AVP’s district unit workers, GBs and Panchayat leaders at Pachi, Mebua and Margengla villages.

(Sub headline) AVP’s circle level sports competitions

Meanwhile, AVP’s Namsai district and Piyong circle unit conducted circle level sports competition at Adi Nigroo village on July 24.

96 athletes-both boys and girls took part in the competition.

Similar competition was also conducted at Koronu in Lower Dibang Valley district. A total of 57 athletes participated in the competition.

AVP is celebrating this year as Sports Year. It has decided to hold sports competitions in more than 100 circles covering 10,000 youths. The circle level competition will be district and state level competitions to be held during September-November. The National level competition has been scheduled at Ranchi from December 25 to 31.

Events like running race, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Archery, Shot-Put, Long Jump, Volleyball will be held for sub junior, junior and senior level players.

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News Impact

Hoax report force thousands to abandon their homes in Seppa

[ Amar Sangno ]

SEPPA, Jul 26:  Seppa town reportedly plunged into a massive chaos and disorder at midnight following an unauthenticated report of Kameng River flowing above the danger level at Marjingla and Pakke, 40 kilometers upstream of Seppa.  Sources from Seppa informed The Arunachal Times that thousands of residents have abandoned  their homes and shifted to safer locations out of panic and fear since a hoax report broke out that Kameng River was flowing above danger level upstream.

Hundreds of residents of Bebo colony are reportedly taking shelter at Government Higher Secondary School Seppa(Pacha) and residents of Type-1 and Type-II have reportedly shifted to General Ground.

“We really don’t know what exactly has happened, people are running around out of panic” said Doni Rimo over the telephone.

“I was woken up by my relatives telling me that Kameng River is flowing down above danger level. Now we cannot sleep” said Rangno Weshi Sangno, a resident at New-Seppa.

Unconfirmed reports from Marjingla and Pakke claiming that Kameng river was surging down above danger level, led to the panic situation. However, no one was able to point out from where the report of Kameng River flooding came from. But it was enough to trigger fear as people, mostly near the bank of the river fled from their residents.

 Sources also added that district administration has played down the report terming it unfounded circulated by rumour-monger. The District administration made an announcement appealing every citizen to remain calm and not to panic.  DA assured that there is nothing to be worried about and report of flooding in Kameng river is totally baseless and untrue.

 

Tea attracts many farmers in Arunachal

465 tea units were established in 2013-14

Itanagar, Jul 26: Arunachal Pradesh is all set for a revolution in the tea industry with more and more farmers opting for the cash crop.

Officials at the Trade & Commerce department disclosed that assistance in the form of planting material 13,000 tea saplings and barbed wire for 1 hectare per beneficiary is being provided by the state government.

465 tea units were established in 2013-14 while in 2012-13, 285 units were established with financial assistance of Rs 3 crore.

Farmers, who have set up tea units under the project, termed the scheme as boon for small and marginal farmers, and demand more assistance in terms of land and maintenance cost to push the plantation drive.

Bimal Lego, who set up a tea unit under the scheme at Oyan in East Siang district, said, "We will need help for 2-5 hectares instead of just 1 hectare and also maintenance cost up to three years."

Another tea cultivator from New Deka village in East Siang district, Marto Riba said, "The scheme has opened a new vista of employment for farmers like us and we appreciate the state government's efforts to help farmers. Maintenance cost up to 3-4 years will be needed," he said.

Immanuel Lego of Oyan in East Siang district was also of the similar view and suggested the state government to provide maintenance cost up to three years of plantation. On assistance, commerce department officials said that Rs 1 lakh per beneficiary per hectare in the form of planting materials, fencing materials and equipment and fertilisers has been provided to farmers.

"Until and unless we provide quality and assured planting materials to our farmers by involving Tea Research Association (TRA)/ Tea Board of India (TBI), there is every possibility of duping farmers by unscrupulous traders.

"As a tea sapling is planted, its life span is calculated up to 80-100 years and in the process the duped farmers will incur heavy losses both economically and also fertility of their soil," Trade and Commerce Director Tokong Pertin said.

In 2012-13 an amount of Rs 3 crore was allocated under tea cultivation covering 285 beneficiaries.

Among 285 units that were established during 2012-13 included West Kameng (20), East Kameng (20), Papum Pare (21), Lower Subansiri (20), Kurung Kumey (20), Upper Subansiri (20), West Siang 20), Upper Siang (20), East Siang (20), Lower Dibang Valley (21), Lohit (21), Changlang (21), Tirap (21) and Longding (20) respectively.

The allocation during 2013-14 was increased to 5 crore covering 465 beneficiaries.

A total of 465 tea units were established in 2013-14 including East Siang (20), West Siang (20), Lohit (40), Tirap (25), Papum Pare (20), East Kameng (25), Lower Dibang Valley (25), Changlang (35), Longding (25), West Kameng (35), Lower Subansiri (40), Upper Siang (40), Kurung Kumey (40), Upper Subansiri (40) and Namsai (35) respectively.

The state government during 2014-15 also kept a fund provision of Rs. 5 crore covering another 465 beneficiaries under the project.

 

 

Health dept not doing enough to prevent Dengue’

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Jul 26: Even though a large number of Dengue cases were detected in Pasighat, the East Siang District Health Department has not yet initiated any Dengue control measures at vulnerable foothill areas bordering Assam.

The people residing in foothill areas, including Ruksin, Rayang, Debing and Nari-Seren alleged that the Health department has neither carried out fogging operation nor conducted any awareness camp at vulnerable state border areas yet to prevent Dengue. They urged the local MLA and PRI leaders to move the health department for prompt Dengue control measures.

The boundary dwellers are apprehensive about dengue outbreak as the Assam-Arunachal boundary areas are highly prone to vector borne diseases.

Ruksin CHC is yet to be supplied with a fogging machine for carrying out fogging operation.

 

 

Mwangkar-the realization’ premieres

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The first Nyishi feature film ‘Mwangkar– the realization’, relating to extra marital affair and polygamy was today premiered at Siddharta Hall here before a jam packed audience.

The premier show was inaugurated by Minister Home and Power, Tanga Byaling in presence of Parliamentary Secretaries Tapuk Taku and Karya Bagang.

The film subtitled in English was written and directed by Sambo Flago and dwells and reflects the impact of extramarital affairs prevalent in Arunachalee society. Inaugurating the film premier, Byaling urged the people to pay attention on such films which reflects social issues through cinema and arts.

“Earlier polygamy was proudly practiced by tribal people because we believed more wives was sign of wealth, however in modern days it’s no longer applicable and it should be discouraged”, said Byaling.

While dwelling on theme of the film, Producer Chopa Cheda exhorted that the film is a louder message to the society that extra-marital affair and polygamy is a bad practice which can ruin a family. The film is an attempt to highlight the social vice which is prevailing in the society rather than to hurt any individual, added Cheda. Arunachal Film Federation President Taro Chatung lauded the entire Mwangkar team for making a wonderful film which has lot of societal message on social evils. Reportedly the film has been produced at a budget of around Rs.20 lakhs.

 

 

Dear Bohemian Man - a collection of poems released

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Dear Bohemian Man - a collection of poems by Subi Taba was released by Professor K.C Kapoor, Vice Chancellor (In-charge), Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh in the presence of Registrar, Prof. Rachob Taba.

Dear Bohemian Man is the debut collection of poems by Subi Taba that speaks of different facets of love in our lives. It is a collection of 30 poems divided into two parts, Days and Nights, each speaks of a world of stories that lives inside the mind of the poet and aims to make everyone step back from their busy lives for a moment and have a conversation with oneself, as the book says, "we humans are all words".

It starts with the lines, "Days regress into nights, nights regress into days and in between I keep regressing to you", stirring the feelings of loneliness and yearnings that every heart goes through on the highway of life.

The book ascended to the second position in the top selling category in Notion Press store. "How can one afford not to go through such poems in the times of dull, manufactured fictional upstarts?", said Prof. A. R. Parhi, who is one among the first to go through the collection.

The book is published by Notion Press, Chennai and priced at Rs.150. The book is available in all online book outlets like Amazon, Flipkart, BookAdda, Infibeam, Sapnaonline and in local bookstores here at Naharlagun.

The poet Subi Taba was born in Seppa, East Kameng and has been writing poems and essays since her school days. After doing her M.Sc in Horticulture from Nagaland University, Subi is currently pursuing PhD in Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. She was also the Miss North East 1st runners up in 2013. The author can be reached at subitaba@gmail.com or facebook.

Deputy Registrar, Nangram Toglik and faculty members of the institution including Prof. P. K. Panigrahi, Prof R.C. Parida, Prof M Hussain, Dr.Tayum Saroh were present at the book release at RGU on Saturday.

 

 

Mwngkar holds mirror to society

Ranju Dodum

Dealing with the topic of polygamy, the film goes beyond just telling the tale of a married man and his extra-marital affair. It tells a story most of us are familiar with.

Director Shambo Flago makes use of a song to introduce the primary characters of "Mwngkar" in the opening scene depicting the happy family life of Tapi (Nabam Sonil), his wife Aniyam (Tab Mona) and daughter Medak (Pungyang Cheda). That happiness however, does not last too long after Tapi begins an extra-marital affair with Mechung (Taba Reema), following a chance meeting.

What follows next is the blossoming of romance between Tapi and Mechung and the deterioration of his marriage. There are negotiations held, fights break out and song-and-dance routines. While the ending of the film may leave some viewers hanging, what's important is what lies in the core of the film's message.

The film is about a man who hides the fact that he is married and has an extra-marital affair with a younger woman. It is a story that many in the state are all too familiar with and have been affected by in some way or the other. The actors in the film, all of whom are debutants, put in performances that are realistic and natural without going overboard.

Some of the technical and post-production flaws need to be addressed if the film is to work at all levels. Thankfully, the actors and the script salvage it to deliver a film that seems to have a little sprinkling of everything.

Tab Mona as the wife hurt by the actions of her husband as much as by a society that not only permits but endorses polygamy is exceptionally worthy of praise and deserves special mention. The scene where she confronts her husband about the affair where she goes from being angry to breaking down in tears feels real. Nabam Sonil plays Tapi 'sir' with the kind of ease that seems natural. Taba Reema as the other woman has the difficult job of convincing the audience to sympathise with her, and she manages to pull it off.  

The supporting cast is mostly made up of friends of the two female leads who aren't so convincing in their roles except for Poly Tamin who plays the role of Aniyam's sister angry with her 'makte' for cheating on her. Most of the film is in Nyishi with subtitles. The film is laced with songs that are both melancholy and soulful and thankfully does not tread the Bollywood style of music. As I said before, the strength of the movie lies in the core concept of the story.

Polygamy is an issue that makes many people uncomfortable. Community-based organisations avoid healthy discussion on the topic and society leaders are themselves often guilty of indulging in the practice. Supporters of the practice often make dubious arguments that it is a traditional practice dating back to the beginning of time. "Mwngkar" challenges the validity of the practice in the modern era and hence makes it a mandatory viewing for men of the state in my book. Despite its serious topic, the film is able to navigate well and manages to induce laughs. One delightful scene has a minor character named 'Mangto' who is reminiscent of Gabbar Singh and his cronies ala Sholay.

From amidst the entire film, there is one particular scene that caught my attention.

When Tapi and his uncle hold a yalung/kebang (meeting) with the family of the scorned wife, the men use sticks to place their arguments. It is a practice that has faded from the memory of many of the Tani tribes over the years. Like polygamy, the pointer-sticks are also an ancient practice. However, while both practices are still prevalent in Nyishi society, perhaps the community collectively needs to reconsider if polygamy should continue to earn the collective nod that it does.

 

 

Former Union Minister B K Handique passes away

JORHAT, Jul 26: Former Union Minister and a six-time Lok Sabha member from Assam, Bijoy Krishna Handique died today at a hospital here.

Handique, 82, who was admitted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for heart-related problems only yesterday and shifted to ICU, died this afternoon, a hospital spokesman said.

The veteran Congress leader, who was born in 1933, leaves behind his wife and three daughters.

Handique was the Minister for Mines and Development of North Eastern Region in the UPA-II government.

He also held the portfolios of Union Minister of State for Defence, Parliamentary Affairs, Mines, and Chemicals and Fertilizers during the tenure of the UPA-I government.

The senior politician from Assam had been elected to Lok Sabha from Jorhat for six consecutive terms since 1991. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1985 and a member of several parliamentary committees.

Handique, first elected to Assam Legislative Assembly in 1972, became an AICC member in 1973 and Congress Working Committee member in 2002.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has deeply mourned the demise of Handique.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Handique. He was known for his high integrity in public life and honest politics. He was particularly fond of Arunachal Pradesh and always a well wisher of its people”, Tuki said in his condolence message.

As Minister of DoNER, he was instrumental in initiating several long-term policies for the entire NE Region including Arunachal Pradesh. As a Congressman, he was known as the conscience keeper of the Party in the North East and his association at the Party level spanned all the eight North Eastern States, the message said.

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

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Make bill more robust

The government of India’s move to introduce Road Transport and Safety Bill will immensely benefit the people of India if properly implemented. During his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed that government is going to introduce the Road Transport and Safety Bill very soon which will offer cash less treatment to accident victims. A toll free number 1033, ambulance for patients and how the victim will be treated well in the first 50 hours after the accident occur will be given priority in the proposed bill.

 This bill gives lot of hope. Most of the accident victim dies due to lack of proper medical attention at the time of incident.  Most significantly the bill will give thrust on the need to how to treat the victim within initial hours of accident. The government should also encourage people to come forward to help the accident victims. People get reluctant to help victim as often victim’s family and police unnecessarily harasses those who help the accident victim. It is important to give protection to such persons. Government also needs to carry out wide range of discussion with various stakeholders to make this bill more robust.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

Revise the list

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteem daily, I want to bring it to the notice of the Department of Elementary Education that some of the AT (A) who have been posted at various districts other than Capital Complex and nearby have shown their joining date as on 24-3-2008 in the AT (A) seniority list whereas their appointment order is issued on 24-3-2008.

My question to the concerned department is-how is it possible for those teachers to reach remote areas on the same day their appointment order was issued.  

I request the concerned department to verify the appointment order of those ATs (A) posted at various district whose joining date is shown as mentioned above and redress the seniority list of AT (A) accordingly.

Yours,

Kennay Koyu

Itanagar

 

 

Wildlife conservation

Dear Editor,

Through your daily, I would like to appeal to the concerned Department of Government of Arunachal Pradesh as well as to the general public to pay heed towards the growing concern on wild life, particularly in Kurung Kumey district. The Department of Forests, along with the wildlife protection committee had organized a public awareness campaign about the importance of forest and wildlife. The campaign stressed on forming a village level wildlife protection committee and to take strict action against these illegal practices. Despite unanimously passing resolution to completely ban any kind of hunting activities in the entire district, sadly, many still continues to practice wildlife hunting to be major concern.

Wildlife conservation has become matter of acute concern. This is quite essential especially when it comes to conserving endangered species of plant and animals. Hunting has been a way of life for the tribal community but it’s time we sit down, ponder and act on preserving the wildlife. It has also come to notice that the easy availability of cartridge in district also makes it convenient for people to practice these illegal practices. Therefore, I would like to request concerned Department to take the necessary action to stop such illegal practices.

Yours,

Tamchi Taigh

President

All Kurung Kumey Gaon Bura Association

Itanagar

 

 

TAH and compensation

Dear Editor,

People of Arunachal are well acquainted with corruption in offices and businesses in Arunachal Pradesh. The recent CAG report is a substantial evidence of corrupt Arunachal. But, I wonder why no nobody is able to punish such corrupt officers; not even CAG or Vigilant officer or any NGO or opposition party has filed case against them. Well in such a scenario, overcoming corruption is left entirely in the hands of common people. Common and good people can overcome corruption if they know the laws of offices and businesses. With such an approach, the Right to Information Act, 2005 was established. Without knowing the laws of offices and businesses, information obtained through RTI can be hardly of any important use. Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to share my views concerning some corrupt practices done in the Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) project, which is affecting thousands of people and hundreds of villages. The Guwahati High Court in the case WP(C) No. 153(AP)/2012, had found gross corruption done by the Chief Secretary of AP, the Commissioner, Department of Land Management, Itanagar, the Director, Department of Land Management, the DC, the ADC,CO, Dirang, West Kameng, the Director General of Border Roads, Delhi Cantonment, the Commander, 42 Border Road Task Force (BRTF), so as to pay huge compensation to local public leaders and officers, who were not eligible for any compensation by any standard and pay very low compensation to genuinely TAH affected people of Dirang, West Kameng. The corruption was so gross in nature that the Guwahati High Court had ordered for CBI investigation into the matter. In the earlier article, I had request all the TAH affected people to cross check if GoI and GoAP had followed all the specifications laid down in “The National Highways Act-1956”. Such cross checking through RTI would force officers to refrain from corruption. But, if affected people fail to cross check, officers will freely do corruption. Handing corrupt practices to Judiciary will deter corruption in Arunachal. Through this column, I would like to question the validity of the rates of compensation as published in Arunachal Pradesh Gazette on November, 2011. The land rates given are: Jhum/plantation land—Rs11/Square-meter, Residential land—Rs74/Square-meter, Commercial land—Rs86/ Square-meter. How will the affected people not resist TAH with such low compensation for their land? The rates for standing structures like houses, wells, walls are also very low for people to accept. Compared  to compensation paid by GoI in other states, the people of AP are compensated very low. A common affected man of AP could definitely assume corruption of some kind at higher official levels. Can any person possessing land between Banderdeva to Itanagar, give away his/her land at such cheap price? It is high time for all the TAH affected people to know the provisions granted by “The National Highways Act-1956” and unite to blot out corruptions in the TAH project to obtain reasonable and fair compensation under “The right to fair compensation, & transparency in land acquisition, rehabilitation & resettlement act, 2013”. The people of AP in general should also be united to monitor the implementing agencies of TAH. According to their contract, agencies should construct their assigned portion of TAH within 4 years and after that it should maintain the same portion of TAH for 12 years. Many agencies have exceeded 4 years of construction and have still not finished their work, because of which people are suffering and accordingly they have are to be fined as per their contract. Some constructed portion of TAH roads of private agencies are so poor that within 6 months many of its roads & culverts have collapsed. For, example the Popu-nallah to Yupia road has already sunk. On the contrary executives and people should legally remind and demand the agencies to maintain TAH roads. TAH is such a blessing to the people of AP and its our collective responsibility to make it corruption free from its beginning through its life time.

Yours,

Takam Tadar,

Delhi University

 

 

Weak BSNL services

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteem daily, I would like to draw the attention of concern authorities regarding the weak service of the BSNL.

As we know that BSNL means Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd but due to its weak service, it’s been changed as BSNL- Bhai signal nahi lagega.

I can understand if Itanagar was a remote area but it is the capital of our state. I’m afraid that if in capital we are facing this many problems, people dwelling in other parts of the state may have stopped using it.

Yours,

Tana P Tagru

Itanagar

 

 

 

Ensure that another Kargil like conflict doesn’t take place

Dear Editor,

One salutes the brave soldiers who fought & laid down their lives in Kargil war. In the conflict, the Indian Army lost 490 officers, soldiers and jawans. Many families lost their brave sons & some children lost their father & many wives lost their husbands.  

Armed forces personnel are cut off from their family and children for months together as they are currently guarding our borders, patrolling our coastlines and protecting Indian airspace, to keep India safe and secure. But let us not forget that they too have their own dreams and hopes, joys and sorrows, but it is their olive green, Navy White & Air force Blue uniform, which camouflages all their emotions. Some Armed forces personnel lose their life at a very young age leaving behind their loved ones or some lose their limbs while fighting the opposing forces which leaves them emotionally and psychologically traumatised. In a fraction of a second their life changes and they have to spend the rest of their life as a cripple. Here begins the second and more arduous battle for them and their families. But they and their families know that after the tears dry up they have to find the inner strength to move on in life because they know that despite their handicap their spirit remains unvanquished because the heart that beats inside is the heart of a soldier. The Indian Government should ensure that another Kargil like conflict doesn’t take place. One remembers Saint Augustine’s quote “The purpose of all war is peace.”

Yours,

T.S.Karthik

Chennai

 

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----Editor