June  23

CASH REWARD STANDS

 

The cash reward of  Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

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Governor calls on his Karnataka counterpart

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nirbhay Singh called on his Karnataka counterpart Dr. Hans Raj Bhardwaj at Raj Bhawan, Bangalore yesterday and shared ideas for developmental initiatives taken up by their respective states.

The Governor, who is on a three-day official tour to Karnataka discussed issues concerning the two States.

It may be mentioned here that a large number of students from Arunachal Pradesh are pursuing higher and technical education in Karnataka. PRO to Raj Bhawan

 

Vaccination against FMD at Nari

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Jun 22: Vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in livestock was conducted by Veterinary Hospital, Nari led by Veterinary Officer Dr Jumdak Bam at different villages under Nari circle from June 13 to 15 last.

Over 300 cattle/bullock were vaccinated against FMD during the three day programme which covered Namey, Lumpo, Aditako and Nari villages under Nari circle.

Dr. Bam further informed that the department today conducted

An awareness meeting on “livestock insurance scheme for milch cow was also organized at Nari ADC conference hall today, informed Dr. Bam.

The day-long training cum meeting was attended by Senior Veterinary Officer of Pasighat N Taloh and New India Insurance Company Administrative officer J Dasgupta besides other officials and local leaders.

Elaborating the importance of livestock insurance and its consequent economic gain, Dr Taloh suggested the rural farmers to act in time for the protection of their livestock. Dasgupta explained the various aspects of the insurance scheme.

Earlier, inaugurating the awareness meet, Nari Circle Officer K Darrang, who is holding the charge of ADC, Nari lauded the villagers for participating in the awareness programme.

 

Tree plantation at NERIST campus

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: About 1000 saplings of different tree species were planted in the NERIST campus in a plantation programme organized by the Department of Forestry, NERIST in collaboration with Social Forestry division, Itanagar in the NERIST today.

The Director, Registrar, Professors, faculty members, research scholars, students, including officials and staff of NERIST participated in the programme.

B Gamling, Range officer and his team from Social Forestry Division, Department of Environment and Forest, supplied the seedlings.

Prof. B. Singh, Department of Forestry, who co-ordinated the programme, has emphasized the value of social forestry in beautification of institutional campus as well as for maintaining the eco system.

Prof. PR Alapati, Director in-charge and Dr. RP Bhattacharjee, Registrar of NERIST appreciated the efforts and supports of Social Forestry division and Coordinators from NERIST for organizing the plantation programme.

 

Students taken to Sikkim on educational tour

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: A group 13 students of class eighth standard from various schools of Seppa were taken to Sikkim on educational tour from June 17 to 21.

The students were taken to various prominent tourist places, including the famous Nathula pass bordering China, various Govt. aided schools and Livelihood Mission School at Rangka where they had interactions with the students and teachers on people, their culture and places etc.

The tour was lively and educative, the students said. The students told that they were impressed to see the cleanliness of the Gangtok city where not even a single piece of papers and plastics were found during their 3 days stay. They were also impressed to see the hard-working women, who work hand in hand with their male counterpart in building the economy of the State.

The hospitality, all smiling but hard-working people are the lessons to be learnt, opined the students.

One of the student quipped upon seeing the infrastructural facilities of the school that “I wish I am settled here so that I too can study in such a school.

The tour was sponsored by the Education Department of the district under SSA programme.  

The students were all praise for Kata Rangmo, DDSE and Sankoli Taffo, ADEO without whom, the tour would not have been possible.

RK Singh Philwal and Nanu Khan escorted the team.

The selections of the students were made on the basis of their performance in their last examination.

 

Papum Pare DDSE inspects schools

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: Papum Pare DDSE made a surprise visit to the schools of Doimukh, Naharlagun and Itanagar circle and expressed disappointment over the appalling performance of the schools.

During his visit, he encountered that many teachers were absent, classes were not functioning smoothly and Mid Day Meal was also not being served on the pretext of admission and other activities.

Saying that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated at the cost of student’s academic career, he issued a show cause notice to all the absentee teachers and all the head of the institutions in the district to run the classes as per RTE norms and serve Mid Day Meal properly as laid down in the guideline.

While also expressing concern, Papum Pare DC asked the DDSE to initiate necessary action against the absentee teachers and not to entertain any kind of excuse in the name of admission and curricular activities.

The DDSE further directed all the functionaries of education department to inspect schools in their jurisdiction and submit report to the office for further necessary action. He also appealed to all the newly elected PRI leaders and councillors to support and cooperate in providing a disciplined academic environment to the schools.

 

APCSOA condemns manhandling of its member

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers’ Association (APCSOA) has strongly condemned the manhandling of Jalash Pertin, ADC/RO, Chayantajo at Seppa after recounting of Yakali Polling station was over.

Expressing serious concern over repeated occurrence of such incidents in the state, the central unit of APCSOA urged the State Government to set up an enquiry committee immediately to enquire into the incident that happened at Seppa yesterday and series of attacks on APCS officers during the last Panchayat elections and over the years.

Those culprits allegedly involved in all such activities must be brought to book and punish them as per law, demanded APCSOA.

Alleging that all the prayers and representations of the association fell into deaf ears, APCSOA demanded the State Government to provide necessary security and adequate infrastructure in all administrative headquarters. APCSOA further demanded that all the CO/EAC/SDO/ADC holding the charge of respective headquarters should be provided with small arms like, pistol, revolver along with license by the Government for self protection failing which the association threatened to launch democratic movement in the entire state.

 

 

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342 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

News Impact

• Tuki assures action, asks to withdraw bandh call
• AAPSU condemns Ziro incident, demands arrest of culprits
• NES Seppa peace mission successful
• Mebo-Dhola road needs immediate renovation
• Villagers resolve to protect eco-system of Poma area
• Is bandh as tool of protest outdated?
• TEF felicitates meritorious students
• Poll result for Sawa ZPM seat declared

Tuki assures action, asks to withdraw bandh call

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has seriously viewed the capital bandh announced by certain organizations on June 26 next. He reiterated that bandh calls create law and order problems, cause public inconveniences and are detrimental to developmental activities.

As the district administration has already declared the bandh ‘illegal’, the Chief Minister directed the law enforcing agencies to ensure public safety on the proposed bandh day and deal with the situation strictly as per law and anyone found enforcing the bandh forcibly should be dealt sternly.

The Chief Minister, however, asserted that the Government cannot ignore the issues raised by protesting organizations. Taking cognizance of the issue of alleged irregular appointments in the State Council for Information Technology and e-Governance, as raised by the agitating organizations, the Chief Minister today asked the Chief Secretary to enquire into the details involving all categories of posts from Gr. ‘A’ to ‘D’ in the Council. He also sought the report within a week’s time for taking appropriate action.

“Now that we have taken note of the concerns, I appeal the agitating organizations to call off their bandh,” he said.

“Bandh is the extreme step of protest and must be avoided altogether for general interest of majority of citizens and development of the state. We are still years behind in terms of development and now we cannot afford to lose even a single day if we have to catch up with others,” Tuki said in a statement today.

While asserting that repeated agitations and protests by various organizations in the state affect all-round development of the state, the Chief Minister, however, pointed that in a healthy democratic set-up there should always be space for public protests in peaceful manner. Taking a cue from other states, he has directed the Chief Secretary to identify a suitable place – one at Itanagar and another at Naharlagun – and notify them for use of public protests.

“It would give the citizens a space to register their anguish and protests while not disturbing law and order as well as not cause inconvenience to the general public,” he observed and sought cooperation from all.

 

 

AAPSU condemns Ziro incident, demands arrest of culprits

ITANAGAR, Jun 22:  A  team of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) headed by Happy Toko, vice president (Protocol) cum Chairman Communal Harmony yesterday visited the place at Ziro wherein a murder incident took place recently, met the aggrieved family and  Lower Subansiri  district authority to take stock of ground realities.

While condemning the gruesome incident, the AAPSU appealed to all section of the society to cooperate for peaceful co-existence in the district and state as a whole.

AAPSU also urged the district administration to arrest all the culprits involved  the  murder case and punish them as per law of the land.

“The incident is highly condemnable and the culprits need appropriate punishment so that such crime never takes place in future again. The justice should be given to victims related to the incidents and criminals should not be spared at any cost,” added AAPSU.

The Union conveyed its deep sense of condolence to the aggrieved family and prayed for  eternal peace of the departed soul of Late Kapu Tajam.

Meanwhile, AAPSU expressed displeasure over the growing number of crimes in the state including capital city. The Union appealed the state government to deploy adequate security personnel in the sensitive areas of the state particularly capital city.  Round the clock police patrolling in sensitive areas and strict monitoring of every entry gate of the state is very much necessary,  AAPSU observed.

 

 

NES Seppa peace mission successful

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) has achieved a breakthrough when it amicably resolved a Panchayat election related turmoil arising out of counting of votes to the Sawa anchal samiti ZPM seat on Thursday  at  H.S. School auditorium involving the NCP candidate Sama Yangfo and his party, the INC candidate  Khya Choya and his party and the district administration.

The NES team led by its president BengiaTolum and with the involvement of local legislators,  EKSWCO executives  and ANSU president Sikka Gapak  held hectic parleys with the district administration and the NCP candidate and his party on June 21 and 22.  Honouring the matured guidance of the apex body of the Nyishi community, the Yangfo party agreed to honourably accept the democratic mandate, accepted defeat and  decided to maintain status quo hereafter. The Yangfo party, however, regrets the emotional outburst at the counting venue by few youths, the release said.

It was further resolved that all complaints  and FIR lodged by both the rival parties - INC and NCP in the Police  Station, Seppa, or any other completent authorities relating to the said election process of  2013 shall automatically stand withdrawn with this august resolution. The issue stands closed once and for all. The NES expressed its appreciation for the positive gesture and humble approach of Yangfo party in the Seppa Peace Mission-2013 and all stake holders jointly signed the mission document at 9.00 am on 22nd day of June’2013 at Seppa, East Kameng district, according to NES release.

 

 

Mebo-Dhola road needs immediate renovation

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Jun 22: A major portion of Mebo-Dhola road considered as lifeline for people of more than seven villages of the area needs immediate repair or reconstruction.

Though the Public Work Department (PWD) is claiming improvement of the road communication along the road the fact remains that a longer portion of the road between Motum Tinali, near Sibiya River and Gadum is still in deplorable condition.

The condition of the road has gone from bad to worse during the last two years for want of maintenance, locals say. Though the breached portions of the road are plugged numerous potholes on the road are yet to be filled.

Expressing grave concern over pathetic condition of Mebo-Dhola road, the local people, including the members of Mebo Block Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have severely criticized the PWD department for not repairing the road. It is alleged that the re-carpeting work in completed portion was of low quality.

“The local MLA is not taking any step to repair the Mebo-Dhola road during the last three years of his tenure. The department was granted adequate fund from North East Council (NEC) for improvement and up-gradation of the Mebo-Dhola PWD road in 2007, but no proper repairing has been done by the department during the last three year”, alleged Lenjing Pertin, a senior BJP leader of Mebo.

On the other hand, the PWD officials blamed lack of fund in the department for delay in starting the repairing works. Officials said that proposal has been submitted for pothole repairing in the AOP for the year 2012-13, which is not yet released. The department, in advance has repaired about a stretch of eight km of the road from Mebo to Motum in the eve of last Panchayat election.

The PWD road linking Mebo in East Siang and parts of Lower Dibang Valley district is lying un-repaired for the last couple of years. The road is considered as lifeline for the people of Motum, Kiyit, Borguly, Serum, Kongkul, Namsing and greater Mer-Gadum area.

Food, medicines, agricultural products and other essential items are transported to these areas through this road. The devastating flood last year has worsened the road condition adding to the woes of the people.

 

 

Villagers resolve to protect eco-system of Poma area

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: The resident of Poma village has expressed deep anger against visitors especially from the Capital Complex for dirtying Poma River in the name of picnic and swimming. With scorching summer making life miserable for citizens of capital majority are heading to Poma River to beat the heat. In the process they are creating serious ecological problem by littering plastics, food products, beer bottle etc. The condition is so worse that the villagers are finding it hard to go around river because of broken beer bottles. Many have received deep injuries.

Beside majority of visitors has been found creating nuisance in the village area and there are every chances of conflict with the villagers. The worsening situation has forced villagers to take drastic action. The Anchal Samiti Member (ASM) of Poma village Techi Ana today informed that villagers have banned hunting and family picnic around Poma River and also banned swimming, fishing in the river with immediate effect. “We have tolerated enough. We welcome every visitor with open hand but things have gone out of control. Hence from now we will not allow any kind of activity in Poma River. The decision was taken with a view to save our river from ecological imbalance. Any person violating our order will be strictly dealt with which include imposition of fine, punctured of car tyres and lodging of FIR against them.”  Meanwhile Ana added that deputy commissioner Papum Pare has also been informed about the decision of villagers.

 

 

Is bandh as tool of protest outdated?

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: Arunachal Pradesh, the Capital Complex in particular, has witnessed highest number of bandh calls in recent years.  Numerous organizations use bandh as a tool to fight for their causes. In fact in recent months there is debate going on among young generation Arunachalees whether bandh as a tool for protest is outdated? In the era of dharnas and protest rallies many believe that bandh has lost its sheen.

Keeping this in mind, a one-day symposium with topic “bandh: emerging culture of protest” will be held on 25th of June at hotel SC Continental to discuss in length about bandh culture.

The symposium to be opened by vice-chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University Prof Tamo Mibang will be moderated by noted journalist Padmashree Mamang Dai. The symposium is being organized by Arunachal Citizens Right (ACR), a well known NGO of state and will be coordinated by Arunachal Press Club.

The speaker of the day include Dr. Nani Bath (Associate Prof. RGU), Pritam Taffo (President Bar Council Gauhati High Court Itanagar permanent bench), Sunil Mow (Advocate, Human Rights Law Network), Biru Nasi (General Secretary, AAPSU), Sanjay Goel ( Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex), Dr. Amiya Sharma (Executive Director, Rashtriya Grameen Vikash Nidhi, and Renowned Economist),   Samudra G Kashyap ( Senior  Journalist and Special Correspondent, Indian Express, Guwahati), Souparna Lahiri (Renowned Social and Environment Activist, Delhi) and Nandini Thockchom (Popular Women and Child Rights Activist of North East  based in Manipur).

Under a democratic system of governance like in India, various forms of protests are displayed by the people and citizens to demonstrate their discontentment and concerns. The citizens adopt both legal and political methods of expressing their grievances and concerns, when the ‘output’ functions of the political system (read: government) fail to deliver to their satisfaction.

Calling bandh has been one key expression for such demonstrative protests, used for prolonged period of time in Indian subcontinent. This form of expression, which often assumes political connotation, has been vigorously adopted in Arunachal Pradesh and NE region as well. Over the last few years, Arunachal Pradesh has been witnessing frequent bandhs called by the various groups and organizations in the name of students’ welfare, societal interests, and for narrow interests of some communities and ethnic groups.

There has been intense debate on the legality and constitutionality of such means of protest. Proponents of bandhs may advocate that they have been compelled to adopt such means only as last resort, when they are left with no other options. For them, bandhs are called only when ‘petitions, prayers, and mild protests’ failed to evoke favourable response from the government of the day.

However, several sections of the society have been extremely critical of those groups or organizations adopting bandh as means of ‘democratic protest’. They argue that such bandhs paralyse the public, private transportation during a given period of time and disturb livelihood - activities, functioning of academic institutions, financial institutions, markets, etc; sometimes it is associated with violent activities leading to loss of lives and properties. Taking into account the socio-economic and other impacts of bandhs, judiciary has intervened at an appropriate moment. The Supreme Court of India has declared the practice of bandh as illegal as it infringes the rights of other citizens.

Despite judicial intervention, bandh remains one of the most preferred forms of protest in Arunachal Pradesh. A government source reveals that, from 2009 to 2012, there were 43 bandhs totaling around 3216 hours called by various groups and organizations. Many argue that Arunachal Pradesh, being late starter in education, economy and politics, can ill-afford to have many bandhs that might cripple economy, disturb academic atmosphere in educational institutions, and divide people on communal lines. Moreover, most of the bandhs are capital centric which affect the nerve centre of Arunachalees in turn affecting other parts of the state.

It is felt that this trend needs to be arrested before it turns into a part of culture of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Equally important is to find out the ways and means to ensure responsiveness and accountability of the government and its agencies towards genuine and democratic demands of its citizens.

We are intervening in this issue with a worried concern that such form of protest may be on upward trend. The symposium will cover the following sub-themes like  “Impact on Social, Economic, Political and Educational  Aspects, Judicial Implications, Role of Media, Role of Law Enforcement Agencies.” They will also discuss on impact of bandh call on women and children and finding ways for alternative to bandh.

 

 

TEF felicitates meritorious students

ITANAGAR, Jun 22: Tebw Employees Forum (TEF), Naharlagun has felicitated the meritorious students of Tebw community, who have excelled in the last CBSE Examination (2012-13).

Among them was Taba Tahang, who secured 7th position in All Indian Ranking in AIMEE – 2013 and first position in the state. He was felicitated with a memento, certificate and cash amount.

Ten other meritorious students of the community were also felicitated with mementos, certificates and cash awards for excelling in Class – X examinations.

They are Taba Rinya (9.8 CGPA), Taba Jumsi (9.6 CGPA), Taba Yaker (9.4 CGPA), Taba Jacob (9.2 CGPA), Taba Tajum (9.4 CGPA), Taba Yakap (9.0 CGPA), Taba Nitin (8.4 CGPA), Taba Nedo (8.4 CGPA), Taba Ane (8.4 CGPA) and Taba Tapu (9.0 CGPA).

Attending function, Tad Tana, President, Tebw Lappa Welfare Society lauded Tahang for his outstanding performance and advised other junior students to draw inspiration from him.

He also suggested Tebw Employees Forum to guide those students with poor economic background but good in academic activities.

Er. Taba Tedir, CE-cum-Director, UD, Joyshil Taba, Director, Fisheries, Dr. Taba Heli, Co-ordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tushar Taba, AIGP, Taba Taj, CI, Yupia also attended the function and delivered few words of advise to the students.

Earlier, DT Taba, President, Tebw Employees Forum, in his keynote address, highlighted the aim and objective of the programme.

 

 

Poll result for Sawa ZPM seat declared

SEPPA, Jun 22: The counting of votes against 04 Sawa Anchal Samiti was conducted at Govt. Hr. Secondary School Auditorium, Seppa on June 20. The result of the ZPM winner was announced at 1430 hrs with INC candidates Khya Choya secured 1232 votes and the NCP Candidate Sama Yangfo secured 1230 votes. After hearing the results, the NCP candidate submitted a petition for recounting. Accordingly recounting of polled Ballot Paper started at 2230 hrs in which no new rejection or acceptation was considered despite pressure and only the valid polled Ballot Papers was recounted. After the valid Ballot Papers were recounted, the same result was found.

Having discontent with the same result, the NCP ZPM candidate again put up questioning against 42-Naricamp as tempering. Due to extreme pressure from the NCP candidate for recast of VEDs against 42-Naricamp and also anticipating law and order problem, no solutions could have been arrived.

Later, a team of Nyishi Elite Society led by its president Bengia Tolum, ANSU president Sikka Gapak, EKSWCO chairman Dr Tachi Taku and local legislators, and Meyo Taku, Member AP State Women Commission arrived at Seppa on June 21 and had a hectic talks and joint sittings with the District Administration and also with the NCP Candidate SamaYangfo and his team. With the intervention of the NES, the NCP candidate SamaYangfo and his team agreed to accept the democratic mandate and maintained status quo thereafter honouring the matured guidance of the apex body of the Nyishi community.

The problem has been amicably solved  by the NES involving both the parties and the local MLAs paving way for declaration of the results. The DEO (PR) East Kameng declared Khya Choya INC candidate elected as ZPM of 04-Sawa Anchal Samiti on June 22.  DIPRO

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