jul17 24

2017

July 24

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BRO proposes two tunnels in Sela Pass

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has sought to construct two tunnels across the 4170-metre Sela Pass, which will cut down road distance to Tawang by about 10 kms.

Indian Express reports that the two tunnels would also obviate high altitude, steep gradient and numerous hair-pin bends, in the process help cut down travel time between Tezpur - the Army's 4 Corps headquarters - and Tawang by about an hour apart from ensuring that the 171-km Bomdila-Tawang stretch of National Highway 13 remains an all-weather road.

On Thursday, R S Rao, Commander of 42 BRTF of Project Vartak initiated the formal land acquisition process by handing over a copy of the approved alignment plan to the West Kameng deputy commissioner Sonal Swaroop, so that the tunnel construction process could be taken up on a priority.

The project includes construction of two tunnels of 475 metres and 1790 metres length, that will be part of a new 12.37-km alignment, which in turn will cut down the Tezpur-Tawang road distance by a vital 10 km in the high altitudes.

The BRO's alignment-cum-tunnel plan also includes double-laning of the existing single-lane road under National Highway specifications for about 25 km between Baishakhi and Nurarang.

Media reaches out to Laptap landslide survivors with financial support

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The state media fraternity on Sunday handed over the amount collected in its two days donation drive for affected families of the Laptap landslide.

Set up at the twin capital city of Itanagar and Naharlagun on July 17 and 18, the donation drive was jointly organised by the Arunachal Press Club, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists and Arunachal Electronic Media Association.

Tana Maha has received the amount of Rs 3, 60,000 on behalf of the five families, all related, who lost 14 members due to a devastating landslide on July 11.

Sharing their current status, another family member, Tana Tagi Tara informed that numerous organisations and individuals came forward to help the affected family, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union MoS Home, Kiren Rijiju and former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who is also a local MLA from the area.

"Learning from the tragic incident, we have decided to build new houses at a safer location", Tagi informed. He further expressed gratitude to the people of Arunachal Pradesh for standing by them and also thanked the media team for going beyond mere reporting and reaching out to the victims.

The affected families later took the media team to the mass burial ground where all 14 victims were buried.

Meanwhile, the media fraternity appreciated the generosity shown by people of the twin capital city for the cause of Laptap.

In a statement, the media fraternity said that it was overwhelmed with the response from people of all walks of life, and exuded hope that a similar spirit of humanity and oneness would be seen by the people in days to come.

The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) President Amar Sangno and Arunachal Press Club (APC) Advisor Dodum Yangfo led the media team, which included journalists Taya Bagang, Nellie Manpoong, Tanom Jerang, Talar Yuto, Tagu Ningee and Dogin Randa.

Alternative road in Palin underway

PALIN, Jul 23: An old alternative route near Shakti camp, Palin is being restored following heavy landslide at sinking zone along the BRTF road.

A mass social service was conducted by Kra Daadi District Administration, involving all government employees on Friday to restore the old alternative route.

The landslide-hit portion of road near Shakti camp will be closed once the alternative route is fully restored.

Restoration of the old alternative route was necessitated keeping in mind the potential danger posed to the commuters by landslide in that particular stretch of the road. The District Administration advised commuters to avoid crossing the sinking zone, especially during night time for their own safety.

The bumpy and precarious BRTF road at Rachi Nallah was also smoothened and a cleanliness drive was organized within Palin Township. (DIPRO)

Differing priorities of political parties

Monday Musing

[ M. Doley ]

Is bandh an ultimate solution to any problem and to what extent it is effective? There will always be different opinions on the matter.

For many, bandh is a good option of protest while for many, it is a futile exercise.

Those organising these strikes, bandhs and chakka jam justify it by saying that it is for a common cause. But democratic movement of such kinds, which harass public and deprive them of their routine movements and basic needs, cannot be justified unless it is really for a cause.

Mahatma Gandhi resorted to agitation for common cause. In bygone days, those who organized mass movements against the British rule had the public backing.

In recent times, Anna Hazare's hunger strike resulted in passing of the Jan Lokpal Bill or Anti-Corruption Bill.

The modes of famous Narmada Bachao Andolan were hunger strike, public rallies, garnering support from noted and prominent personalities. The Andolon not only created a high level of awareness among public about the potential danger posed by mega dam but also forced court to rule in its favour. These are few examples of good results of agitation.

Though bandh is regarded as powerful means of civil disobedience because of its huge impacts on citizens, it gives few good results and it is not worth the problems and hardships.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh is not free from the bandh menace. This state will probably be the third Northeastern state after Manipur and Assam, where bandh is frequently called.

A couple of days ago, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee enforced a 12-hour capital bandh demanding immediate discharge of a top bureaucrat from the state in protest against his alleged role in postponement of a by-election. In addition, the party was critical about his overstay in the state as he has already been transferred by the MHA.

The bandh came at a time, when almost whole of the state was devastated by rains and landslides. Here, petty political matter again prevailed over common issue.

Was the issue, which could have been resolved through proper communication, worth declaring a bandh?

The issue seemed to have become a matter of prestige for the both ruling and opposition party. This could be gauged from their war of words that appeared in local dailies spitting venom at each other.

There are so many issues and problems concerning the state, which fails to draw attention of any of the political parties.

The issues of deplorable roads condition, poor educational scenario, unemployment, increasing law and order problem, drugs menace, shortage of teachers have never been raised vigorously by any of the state's political parties, except occasional press statement.

While the proposed Greenfield Airport is becoming a mythology, construction of Itanagar-Banderdewa National Highway remains a non-starter since decades. In a land-locked state like Arunachal Pradesh, where chopper service has proved to be unfeasible due to its difficult terrain, a fixed wing aircraft service is an urgent need of the hour to do away with the communication bottleneck. But politics has come in between, stalling the whole process of solving the communication problem.

Hence, it is high time for the state government, all the political parties, various organizations and association to figure out their priority list of issues that has to be addressed at the earliest.

Minor girl engaged as domestic help rescued

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: A minor girl from Itakhola under Sonitpur district, Assam, who went missing two months ago, was rescued from a residence in Chandranagar area by the Assam Police with the help of the Arunachal Pradesh Police.

The girl was brought here by someone and engaged as domestic help at a residence in Chandranagar, said City SP Dr A Koan.

After completing necessary formalities, the girl was handed over to Investigation Officer of Jamuguri Police Station, Rajen Bahadur Chetry and the father of the girl, who have taken her back to Assam, the SP added.

Explore possibilities of courses in tea plantation: DCM

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein advised Arunachal University of Studies to explore possibilities of courses in tea plantation for students of Agricultural Sciences, who would be sent for study in Maejo University at Chiang Mai.

He said this during his visit to famous 101 Tea Plantations at Doi Maesalong, Thailand, from where high quality Oolong tea is produced.

Three types of high quality Oolong tea are produced in this tea plantation, both for domestic and overseas supply. Local vendors demonstrated the stages of preparation of the different types of Oolong tea and explained their medicinal values too.

Mein also visited the famous White Temple at Chiang Rai, known as Wat Rong Khun. He interacted with the architects of the magnificent temple and invited them to come to Arunachal Pradesh in India and design similar types of temples, which can be built for tourist attractions in the state as well.

DA crack down on liquor sellers

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Capital Complex Administration on Sunday sealed two shops in C-Sector at Itanagar, which included one M/s Happy Restaurant, which was reportedly selling liquor without permission and one M/S Siang wine shop for remaining open beyond the prescribed time.

In addition, a large hoard of liquor was also seized from a government quarter at H-Sector near Hollongi market by a team headed by Executive Magistrate, Kiran Ningo, along with police and officers from the Tax and Excise Department.

Deputy Commissioner, Prince Dhawan has appealed to the citizens and all license holders and shopkeepers not to sale liquor illegally or beyond the prescribed timing. (DIPRO)

SHG donates to DPM School for Hearing & Visually Impaired

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The Self-Help Group (SHG) members of Yangfel Parteh Deneh, Itanagar on Sunday visited the Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing & Visually Impaired at Chimpu and donated various edible items to the school for the use of the differently-able students.

President of YPD, Yado Riamuk lauded the school authority, particularly its founder Chairman Gegong Apang, who established the institution for a noble cause of providing differently-able children with educational and various other facilities. She assured all possible support to the school in the future for the cause of the differently-able children.

The School Management thanked the members of SHG for extending the morale boosting support to the institution.

Students of the school also performed different cultural programmes.

SMC appeals for new school building, boundary wall

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The Deputy Director of School Education, Capital Complex assured the school management committee (SMC) of Government Middle School, Senki Park in Itanagar to inform the higher authorities about various problems of the school for necessary action.

The DDSE said that he will make best efforts from his side to provide the basic needs and facilities to the school.

The DDSE assured this when School Management Chairman, Tadar Loma explained the problems faced by the school due to absence of school boundary wall, poor school infrastructure on the sideline of a mass social service conducted to clean the school premises on Sunday.

The SMC Chairman appealed for early erection of school boundary wall, construction of new school buildings and separate kitchen for smooth serving of daily mid-day meals to the students.

Org comes in defence of P D Sona

MECHUKHA, Jul 23: Members of the Boh Ramo Bokar (Adi) Elite Society and elected PRI leaders on Sunday vehemently condemned its President Jony Pinggam for allegedly misusing the name of the Society to tarnish someone's hard-earned image for his vested interests and demanded a public apology.

The Society members in a statement claimed that Pinggam is a self-styled president of Boh Ramo Bokar (Adi) Elite Society, who was allegedly misleading the public by giving out press releases in the local dailies against Mechukha MLA Pasang Dorjee Sona on the alleged Rs 4 crore issue, without the knowledge of the Society members.

Stating that the Society has nothing to do with the allegation levelled against Sona by the Mere Vichar Andolan Committee (MVAC), the members however stated that the allegation levelled against Sona by Pinggam in the capacity of the Society's president is baseless, illogical, politically motivated and initiated by him for some vested interests.

The Boh Ramo Bokar (ADI) Elite Society had recently served a 10-day ultimatum to Sona, who is also the Government Spokesperson, to clear his stand on the allegation of Rs 4 crore, claiming that the issue had bought bad name to the entire Mechuka Sub-Division.

Sona had refuted the allegation stating that there was not an iota of truth in the allegation and he was ready for investigation.

The Society also asked Pinggam to stop giving out concocted and politically motivated press statements in the local dailies.

Alumni hold badminton & literary competitions

ZIRO, Jul 23: The 3rd Bamin Tani Memorial Badminton Tournament and Inter-School Literary Competition-2017 commenced on Sunday with inter-school literary competition at Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro.

Organized by the school's alumni batch of 2007-08, at least 81 students from 22 schools around Ziro participated in extempore speech and essay writing competitions.

The badminton tournament will be held from July 28 to 30 next.

Day-3 results of ASWFL-2017

NAHARLAGUN, Jul 23: Deed FC won against Next FC with 3-1 goals on the third day of the Arunachal State Women's League-2017 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Naharlagun.

Tadar Marmi was the lone scorer for Next FC, while Mamman Yasap, Binde Maying and Toko Sith scored one goal each for Deed FC.

In the second match, Arunachal Sporting FC defeated Matrix FC by 3-0.

Tarh Sumpi, Kai Rumi and Tumpi Koyu were the scorers for ASFC.

The last match was played between FC Doimukh and EYAEF FC, where the former won with 2-0 goals. Ori Leryam and Gyamar Henia scored one goal each.

Meanwhile, to narrow down the scarcity of coaches, Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Football Association, Kipa Ajay informed that the Association is going to conduct a five days AIFF D-License Coaching Certificate Course at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun from August 5 to 10 next.

An AIFF D-License holder will be able to coach in grassroots football, college and school teams, district and inter-city championships. Participants should have playing experience and knowledge of the game at any level.

KVK builds capacity of fish farmers

Roing, Jul 23: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lower Dibang Valley organized a programme to build capacity of the progressive fish farmers on scientific fish farming in its office premises at Balek village.

Senior scientist and Head of the KVK, DrT J Ramesha encouraged the farmers to adopt modern scientific fish farming techniques to enhance production.

Fisheries Extension Officer, Olik Jamong briefed about programmes and schemes available for scientific fish farming and urged the farmers to take up hatcheries and fish seed production along with fish farming.

The Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) conducted the technical session and arranged exposure visit to Bolung village for the farmers.

The farmers were also encouraged on integrated livestock-fish farming for higher income generation.

In total, 24 fish farmers from Porbuk, Jia, Muli, Rukmo, Iduli and Bolung billages attended the programme.

Students' training in awareness and response held

NAHARLAGUN, Jul 22: A total of 81 students of classes VIII, IX and X students of Saint Thomas Residential School, Damside, Naharlagun were provided two days Students' Training in Awareness and Response (STAR).

Resource persons Father Cyriac SDB, Santhosh and Khelika from Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Itanagar imparted training to the students.

STAR, an initiative of DBYC and All Arunachal Private Schools' Association, aims at motivating young minds to achieve greater excellence in studies and life and to cope with the challenges of life.

Through this training, DBYC and AAPSA endeavour to lay a foundation for teenaged students of private schools and improve the quality of learning in private schools.

Independence Cup Football Tournament begins in Tawang

TAWANG, Jul 23: The district level Independence Cup Football Tournament began at Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Stadium, Tawang on Sunday.

Attending the inaugural day, Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Jambey Tsering and EAC Lobsang Tsetan spoke on the importance of games and sports in life.

The tournament is sponsored by MLA Tsering Tashi and organised by District Sports Authority, with support from the Indian Army.

In total, 20 teams are taking part in the tournament. (DIPRO)

---- Editorial ----

The elections ahead

Pema Khandu Government has completed one year in power, without much hitch, if we forget the half-hearted attempt to dislodge the government in December. It's a feat in itself in Arunachal that a government has lasted a year, in a state where political instability has become a way of life in the last one decade, more so in the last five years. But the honeymoon is almost over with Panchayat elections due in 2018, to be followed by Legislative Assembly Elections in 2019.

Today, the BJP is faced with the problem of plenty with almost everyone worth their names joining the party, right from a village functionary to MLAs.

Accommodating everyone is going to be a big issue and it remains to be seen which filter the party is going to use. But for the party, they just have to worry about the win-ability of candidates as loyalty is a word not found in the dictionary of Arunachal politics. Right from MPs, MLAS and other functionaries, no one has been in the BJP for long without switching loyalties multiple times to get anyone worked up about loyalty. We are a state where seasonal flavor, no matter how rotten, is not only relished but abused and used.

But preparations have to start in right earnest, if the party has to avoid the last minute rush to figure out the right candidate who can fetch them a seat in the Panchayat as well as Legislative Assembly Elections.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Chaos due to water scarcity

Dear Editor,

It has now become an everyday affair that in our towns, people have to live in complete chaos due to water scarcity. The concern authority seems to be careless and rather indifferent about the difficulty faced by the citizens.

Monsoon has left behind a trial of devastation and has filled the lives of capital dwellers with many untold miseries. The Mother Nature has unleashed its wrath and fury in and around entire capital region.

The one is that of the collapse of water pipe line near the Borum village. It’s been one week or so, the denizens are left to fend for one self by whatever possible means to meet the end of daily water demand. Most of the denizens do not have their own Bore well or underground water source except for the few high class people. Most of us depend on departmental water supply. The department have tried their best to supply water on a weekly basis but it is a fruitless effort.

So, through your esteemed daily, I would like to earnestly request the authorities to take some immediate measure to end this unending water scarcity, once for all.

Yours,

Kenjom Tasar

Naharlagun

A Letter to Auditor General

Dear Editor,

You are requested to provide vehicles to the auditing team when they are on district tour. It is found that the auditing teams visiting districts are requesting the “to be audited departments” to drop and pick them up during the visit.

How can they do a fair audit when they depend on them? I also request you to have a code of conduct for the audit teams when they are on tour/duty in the district, because many times, it is found that they are given VIP treatment by the department concern, even parties are organised for them during their stay at district. So we cannot expect a fair audit from them.

And the minor department are targeted by them as they are incapable of giving any contribution for the arrangements of the audit teams. So most of the times you will not find any major observation by the audit teams against major departments that have large financial dealings.

Yours,

A Citizen

Living in darkness

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my deepest resentment and reprimand our young and energetic Chief Minister Pema Khandu and entire power department.

It is to inform you that for the last two and half weeks entire Boleng ADC headquarter and it’s peripheral villages are living under complete darkness without any sign of hope, it is kind of cut off from the rest of the world. And in this midsummer cum rainy season it is very risky to live in complete darkness and deprived from electricity.

Due to this inevitable day time sun light, the denizens of Boleng are found taking siesta whole day and refrain from going to their work or field. And likewise, even mobile BTS tower are facing tough time to run whole day as they have got to manage from generator set half day, due to which there is a frequent network failure. And due to the absence of electricity, it has become tough to carry on the daily household chores too.

It is also to inform you that there are handfuls of government employees taking advantage of this current prevailing situation and are making excuses of not attending their normal office duties saying without electricity nothing can happen and they either stay back at home or out of station. And like wise, almost all the official works are on hold due to lack of electricity. And it is hampering the all round development of our area; it is the students and those medical goers who are heavily paying for it. Students are finding a hard time to study during night. And like wise they have to overcome many hindrance to obtain a PRC and ST certificate, as many comes from far flung villages via sumo and some walking for hours with small and hard earned savings to manage their to and fro expenses and for the past two weeks, many have to returned back with utter dismay after finding that the respective officer is not present due to lack of electricity.

Seemingly, due to lack of electricity, we the denizens of Boleng are out of track in terms of latest happening around the world. If I am not wrong many dwellers of Boleng at this moment of time are also not aware about our Presidential result too.

Hence, I would like to request our young and dynamic Chief Minister and his cabinet colleague to spare some valuable time to look into what is happening in this side of the world too. Media houses are also busy in covering only Chief Minister’s visit and launching of his hyperbole schemes and vision which are never implemented on ground.

Paradoxically, it is also to inform you that our present Cabinet Power minister T Taga is also from Siang District.

In spite having all such tall leaders in the present Government, we are still deprived of our basic rights which are not at all acceptable. Why such treatment is being meted out on us? As a concern and responsible denizen of this historical place, which is unique and beautiful in its own way, I strongly feel that I have every right to know and right to raise my voice in what is happening in and around our Boleng ADC headquarter. If given a proper attention, it can become a good tourist hot spot in future. Hope my small appeal will be considered with outmost care and proper and necessary attention will be given on time.

Yours,

A Citizen

Boleng

Monsoon and water supply

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to appeal the concern departments and school authorities to construct a well each for maintaining cleanliness and to ensure availability of water.

Every year during monsoon, we have to suffer a lot due to damages to water pipelines at various places across the state due to landslides and heavy rain falls.

Sometimes, we have to suffer for months waiting for restoration of pipelines.

I would further request Chief Minister and Govt of Arunachal Pradesh to introduce special packages for uninterrupted water supply as a part of Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan, as cleanliness is impossible without water.

Yours

Taki Longte Tamin,

Daporijo

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

---Editor