jun15 29

2015

June 29

Over 600 killed in terror attacks in NE

New Delhi, Jun 28: Over 600 people, including security forces personnel, have been killed in militant attacks and insurgencies in the north-eastern states of the country in last four years, an RTI query has revealed.

According to an RTI reply by the Union Home Ministry, 614 people lost their lives, including 105 security personnel, in 3,493 militant attacks and extremist groups' violence.

Also, as many as 721 militant and insurgents were killed by security forces between 2011 and May 31, 2015, the details elicited under the Right to Information (RTI) Act divulged.

Another query under the RTI Act had the ministry stating that Rs 812 crore was disbursed among the north-eastern states in the last three years to strengthen the police network. Between the 2012-13 and 2014-15 fiscal years, Assam received Rs 374 crore under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme while Nagaland got Rs 169 crore. Among other states, Manipur and Tripura received Rs 83 crore and Rs 81 crore, respectively. Meghalaya in the meantime received a central funding of Rs 29 crore while Arunachal Pradesh got Rs 73 crore during this period. PTI

Quake rocks NE, Bhutan

Guwahati, Jun 28: An earthquake of moderate intensity of 5.6 on the Richter Scale rocked North Eastern states, West Bengal besides Bhutan today leaving three injured and a lion sculpture of an ancient temple damaged.

India Meteorological Department officials said the quake shook Assam, including its capital Guwahati, Meghalaya, West Bengal and neighbouring Bhutan at 6.35 AM.

The epicentre of the tremor was in Kokrajhar at a depth of 10 km on latitude 26.5 degree north and longitude 90.1 degree east, they said.

"We have got information that three persons sustained minor injuries when an old wall collapsed near the Kokrajhar Railway station," Assam State Disaster Management Authority Chief Executive Officer Pramod Kumar Tiwari said.

All the injured were vegetable vendors and being treated now, he said.

"A lion sculpture at an ancient temple in Chirang district fell off its stand during the shock. District officials have visited the place and further information are awaited," Tiwari said. PTI

Byaling rubbishes ANYA claims

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Home and Power Minister Tanga Byaling today strongly reacted to the All Nyishi Youth Association’s (ANYA) press statement under the title, “ANYA irked by poor road condition, power scenario” which was published in local dailies. He termed the news as baseless without an iota of truth.

In a press statement Byaling rubbished the report in which it was mentioned the ANYA members met Power Minister and staged a dharna in front of his residence after he refused to respond to the issue pertaining to power problem.

The minister clarified that he didn’t meet ANYA members but said that few youths gathered in front of his residence gate without prior intimation. The minister went on to say that security personnel had informed the youths that the minister had already left his residence but the group staged the dharna.

He also termed the protest carried out by the ANYA members as undemocratic and uncalled for claiming that neither ANYA members had sought appointment nor he had denied them their demands. The home minister also expressed surprise at media houses for publishing the statement without going through facts.

Day against drug abuse

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: International Day against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking was observed on June 26 at Govt. Secondary School, Nirjuli.

The programme was organized by State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) in collaboration with Govt. Secondary School Nirjuli, informed Ashok Sonam Nodal Officer, SCERT, Itanagar.

Headmistress, M. Kamki expressed contentment over the launching of such programme by NCERT through SCERT. She said that such program would definitely boost awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and it’s trafficking among the adolescents and children.

While attending as Resource Person, G.C. Baral, Coordinator, State Educational Cell, SCERT spoke on the effects of drugs among the youths in contemporary world. Sponsored under SCERT, Quiz competition was also organized in the same day.

Subject teachers sought

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The All Maro Baririjo Area Students’ Union has appealed the department of Education to post adequate subject teachers at the newly upgraded higher secondary school, Maro, besides, secondary school, Baririjo and middle school, Dula.

The Union has further appealed the teaching staff of the said area to remain punctual and perform their duties with sincerity in the larger interest of the student community.

Compensation demanded

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Claiming that the compensation amount under the Trans Arunachal Highway for Siki Bridge to Basar has not been released despite submission of bill to the West Siang DC in 2010, the Village Action Committee Youth Association has today appealed him to release the same at the earliest.

Seeking to tap into state’s rowing potential

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: A group of young entrepreneurs are exploring new territories and hoping to tap into the state's tourism and sports potential by promoting competitive rowing.

Home to five major river basins and several tributary rivers, the state has immense potential for water sports. Five young men- Tali Gongo, Ani Takuk, Tukfi Riang, Namgyal Poyom and Rajan Riang- are trying to do exactly that.

Speaking about the goal of their newly-formed Arunachal Pradesh Sculling and Rowing Association (APSRA), Gongo says that rowing has tremendous potential for growth in the state.

"Traditionally in the central parts of the state, rowing was an important part of cultural activity" Gongo says referring to the traditional bamboo rafts. He also says that this traditional knowledge can give the activity plenty of boost.

The association's secretary general Riang says that they hope to be able to promote it as a popular sport and not just as a leisure activity. Gongo says that rowing, like archery, can bring name to the state.

"We hope to find the next Sorang Yumi of rowing just as she has achieved fame in archery", says Gongo.

APSRA members today also said that they hope to be able to promote tourism by conducting at least two rowing events in the state by the year end. A statement from the association informed that it would seek to "identify feasibility of sculling and rowing and hold events annually in all major rivers of the state".

They informed that they hope to organise two competitions in the eastern and western parts of the state by the time the winter season begins. Gongo said that while they hope to get the support of the state tourism department, they will be organising the inaugural events themselves.

Locations to hold the planned events have already been identified but the association will be surveying more places soon. They will also be bringing in professionals and trainers to impart skill to the local population as well.

Hutho Club win Dree volleyball tourney

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Hutho Club won the volleyball tournament organized by Capital Complex Dree Festival, 2015 defeating Hero’s Club by 3-1 sets in the final played at Dree ground near here today.

Kago Ruja of Hutho Club was adjudged as the best player of the tournament.

Five teams took part in the tournament.

______________________________________

---- Editorial ----

The state and central funding

We live in a state where every day one hear of financial mismanagement and delayed release of salaries of the government employees and payments to contractors.The worse sufferers seems to be the teachers and other employees under central government programmes as state government struggles to pay the state matching share which is pegged at just ten percent of the total 100 percent.

While the employees have been crying hoarse for monthly release of salaries for years now, the state cabinet noted that because of delay in the release of central and thereafter state share, these flagship schemes suffer and desired output is not achieved.

But looks like the woes will soon be gone as the State cabinet in its sitting on June 16 has decided to release the state matching share against centrally sponsored social schemes in education, health and social welfare sectors on time in two Installments (August and December).

Though the centre is reluctant to be lavish and had plans to discontinue the special category status for the financially sick states, the Chief Ministers' Sub-Group of NITI Aayog has recommended in its draft report 90:10 per cent Centre-state fund sharing for 11 special category states including Arunachal under Core Sector Schemes. Though a final decision is yet to be taken by the centre, but is it likely that the funding pattern will continue for the special category states.

The state is witness to how these central government schemes have suffered a horrible blow in the state due to ineffective implementation, but with centre willing to ignore the discrepancies, it is duty bound on the state government to ensure that some facilities reach the people of the state.

___________________

---- Readers Forum ----

Use of name plates is violation of govt order

Dear Editor,

Through you I would like to inform the new group of IAS/APCS Officers that while disposing of a PIL, the Supreme Court prohibited the use of name plates in all vehicles by all citizens of this country including President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India on security ground way back in 1999.

Accordingly, the Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh banned the use of name plates and it had been adhered to for a decade or so. Now, with the posting of new set of officers who are unaware of the said order, it is seen not only the Deputy Commissioners but also the Superintendent of Police who are suppose to enforce the order are violating themselves. The fact that the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary themselves are not using nameplates is a testimony to the existence of the ban order.

When Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police have unique flags issued to them by the government of India to be used in their vehicle in their respective District, I see no reason why they after the nameplate. What prompts me to write is because the other day I saw the vehicle of a central government officer posted in Itanagar using “Govt of India” as a nameplate in the front written in red ink.

Similarly, ADCs, SDPOs and EACS have started copying their seniors. We see Assam Officers violating the order but I am of the opinion that we must not follow otherwise Anchal Samity Members too will start using nameplates.

Yours,

A Retired Servant

Exempt us

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed column, I would like to thank the concerned department for taking initiatives and reconstructing the damaged road beside petroleum pump at Papu Nalah. But at the same time I would request the concerned authority to allow the passing of light vehicle owners of dwellers of 2km Papu Nalah as it is very inconvenient for us to ride all through Jollang village to reach home.

Yours,

Daniel

A better traffic management

Dear Editor,

I have been travelling from Itanagar to Naharlagun for the last three days with one way traffic via July village. With these arrangements by Itanagar traffic police, it is seen that the traffic jam which we experienced every working day from Itanagar to Naharlagun and vice versa has reduced drastically and there is smooth flow of traffic without slight of interruption.

I think the last week’s bad weather despite causing death and destruction has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the commuters.

I support this one way traffic arrangement by Itanagar traffic Police and feel this should continue even if the damage Culvert on NH 52A near HIMGIRI Petrol Pumps at Papunallha is rebuilt and restored.

Similar arrangement should also be made for arterial roads at Itanagar and Naharlagun as well. This kind of arrangement will go a long way in improving city’s traffic movement. Kudos to Itanagar traffic Police and Security personnel for good traffic management.’

Yours,

Tabu Paktung

Itanagar

Day against Drug Abuse

Dear Editor,

June 26 is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Drug addiction is a social evil prevalent in society from time immemorial. Often it is the youth with low self-esteem; an identity crisis and who have a vacillating mind are the most vulnerable lot. Which means their prime and most productive period of their life is wasted. When they feel themselves as failure and get frustrated or are unable to find solutions to their seemingly insurmountable problems or sometimes their efforts are not recognised or rewarded, they resort to drugs which give them solace and lead them to a temporary euphoric state which helps them to escape the current problems & challenges which seem overwhelming. The temporary stress relief makes it a vicious cycle and they become dependent. The company they keep and peer pressure further accentuates the problem. Though there are several organisations like the Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous who have done commendable work and can help drug abusers, the change has to come from within. Also apart from detoxification programmes, the solution lies in cutting the source of supply by effective policing against drug trafficking.

Yours,

T.S.Karthik

Chennai

_____________________________

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

News Impact

BJP attacks Congress Govt for

deplorable road condition

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Opposition Bharaitiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state came down heavily on the ruling Congress Government in the State for failing to improve the condition of roads in Capital Complex.

The successive Congress Governments in the state has miserably failed to address the road communication problem since the establishment of the capital here in 1973, BJP stated in a release.

In spite of spending huge amounts in the name of road repairing and construction no visible improvement in the condition of road has been noticed mainly due to inferior work quality. Rather, the main and sector roads have gone from bad to worse, the party said.

Citing example of the block point at sinking zone near Karsingsa, BJP said that washing away of the highway every year at that point is becoming a golden egg hatching hens for many.

Huge amount of fund were spent in the name of Karsingsa block point yet there has been no permanent solution to the problem, the party said and alleged misappropriation of fund meant for the work.

The party also criticized the role of the state PWD Minister and the state government’s alleged dilly-dallying tactics in early restoration of the NH-52A.

The BJP demanded the early restoration of the NH52 without any ‘lame’ excuse and also initiate investigation into the alleged misuse of public fund meant for the construction of bypass road from Papu to Doni Pollo and the reason for abandoning the road work at halfway. BJP will not be a mute spectator to all these happenings, the party said.

Rebia urges Assam to halt Radaso construction

Itanagar, Jun 28: Arunachal Pradesh legislative Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia today urged neighbouring Assam government to stop construction of a beat house at Radaso border village under Taraso circle of Papum Pare district.

Urging Assam to maintain status quo of the agreements signed between the two neighbours along disputed areas, Rebia said "The Supreme Court has also been hearing the report of single-man local boundary commission on Assam-Arunachal inter-state boundary disput."

Rebia, who represents Doimukh Assembly constituency under which Taraso falls, expressed hope the situation will continue to be normal in the areas since the initiative between the two states. PTI

Water supply affected in Itanagar, Daporijo

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Landslide and heavy rains snapped water supply in Itanagar and various other parts of the state, including Daporijo.

Drinking water supply to Itanagar and its adjoining area has been disrupted following damage caused to the 450 mm dia main supply line connecting Poma water treatment plant last night. The damage occurred three km away from Poma village, informed the EE, PHED, Itnagar division.

The restoration work will be started tomorrow and it could take 3 to 4 days, the EE said and appealed to the people to bear with the inconvenience.

The department has made arrangement for providing drinking water to the people through water tanker.

Water supply is also affected in Daporijo following a major damages caused to 200m dia main supply line between Nima and Hankar villages yesterday night.

Swollen stream caused by heavy downpour washed away three DI pipes beyond retrieval causing complete disruption in water supply, informed PHE Department, Daporijo.

Feeder lines from Liruk and Sikarijo have also been affected badly and the restoration works are in progress but it could take a couple of days, the department said, and appealed to the people to bear with the inconvenience caused to them.

DTH TV dealers alleged of charging high amount for replacing old STBs

Karda Natam

DAPORIJO, Jun 28: In spite of free exchange offer, few DTH TV dealers in Daporijo are allegedly charging high amounts from subscribers for replacement of their old Set Top Box (STB) with new mpeg4 STBs.

Some businessmen in the township dealing with DTH TV are allegedly charging Rs.1000 from each subscriber for such replacement.

When contacted, one of the officials of the satellite TV service provider for Arunachal Pradesh told that the newly introduced MPEG 4 receiver is being distributed free of cost to the subscribers. However, certain amount is chargeable for replacing their old standard STBs with High Definition STB, he said.

It is reported that many poor subscribers were not in a position to replace their old STB due to the high replacement charge while many are sending their old STBs to Itanagar and Naharlagun to get their old STBs replaced with new MPEG4 one.

When contacted, a distributor in Naharlagun said that though there is a free exchange offer and that they are replacing these old STBs with new one either free of cost or with minimal activation/re-charge charge of Rs. 50-Rs100.

According to him, many DTH subscribers from various other districts are also rushing to their shop to get their old STB replaced.

Natung appeals RK Mission to establish school in Papu Valley

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Taking education sector as top priority, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism cum MLA 11th Seppa West Assembly Constituency Mama Natung today called on Reverend Swami Suhitanand, General Secretary of Rama Krishna Math and Mission at RK Mission hospital guest house seeking for establishment of R K Mission School at Ningcho or Kampu Seba village in Papu Valley under East Kameng district. Swami Suhitanand along with Assistant General Secretary Swami Suvirananda is on three days Arunachal tour to take stock of current status of RK Mission schools and hospital. The Parliamentary Secretary highlighted the needs of mission school in area while adding that so far no RK Mission School has ever been established at western part of Arunachal Pradesh. Natung added that establishment of RK Mission school at Papu Valley would not only be beneficial for the people western Arunachal but also for the entire state.

Local MLA assured that all the school infrastructures will be taken care of by himself and informed the general secretary that people of the valley are ready to donate the land at free of cost.

Swami Suhitanand has assured Natung that the demands will be placed at the upcoming governing body meeting so that matter is considered.

We are on track, says PWD Pasighat

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: At the receiving end of public anger as it struggles to complete the Pasighat Cement Concrete Road (CCR), the PWD, Pasighat division has said that though late, they are on the right track.

While stating that CCR is maintenance free with life expectancy of about 30-40 years, the Executive Engineer (EE) of Pasighat PWD division has appealed to the public of Pasighat to bear with the department the inconvenience caused to them during the construction period.

With regards to CC Road work in Pasighat, the required quality in the construction has been ensured as per the specification although there is a slow work progress. The progress of the work was further slowed down due to breakdown of plants and incessant rainfall in the past few weeks as it is not advisable to carry out concreting on rainy weathers.

While acknowledging the sufferings of the business community and the general public of Pasighat, the executing department assured to start work on war footing as soon as the weather improves.

CCR construction is a new technology in India and in Arunachal Pradesh it is at initial stage, the department further added. It is not feasible to engage highly mechanized construction for fast progress as the cost of tools and plants alone can exceed the entire project cost. And that is why the semi mechanized labour oriented technology has been adopted in the state which resulted in slower rate of work progress, the EE said in a release.

CCR consists mainly of two layers, namely Dry Lean Concrete (DLC) and Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC). DLC layer is laid first on a prepared ground and cured for minimum period of seven days. Then the PQC layer is laid on top of the cured DLC layer. DLC layer is cured for 7-14 days and it takes about 30 days to attain strength to be opened for traffic movement, the EE informed.

Bomjir gets power after 20 years of darkness

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Bomjir, a small village under Dambuk Sub-Division of Lower Dibang Valley district finally got power supply after 20 years long darkness amidst thunderous applauses from the villagers and PRI members.

The power supply is a huge relief and consolation to the people of Bomjir village who have been suffering as the ravaging flood water disrupted the surface communication. Parliamentary Secretary WRD cum Local MLA Gum Tayeng has formally switched on the power lines in a small but impressive function held on Saturday which was attended by PRI members, staffs of the power department.

Parliamentary Secretary who was on two days tour to her flood ravaged constituency inspected Anpum Bees Camp and the motorable log bridge connecting Anpum and Bizari. She later held a review meeting with local head of departments at Dambuk to assess the problems being faced by the people of the area. Responding to the public appraisals, local MLA informed that shortage of subject teachers had been taken up with the Education Minister and that the minister had assured to look into the matter.

On shortage of PDS items, Gum Tayeng has disclosed that she had discussed the matter with the government and steps has taken to ensure sufficient food grains in both Dambuk and Paglam.

She also visited Sine River to inspect flood control measures sanctioned under MLA LAD fund. She further directed all the head of departments to remain at station to assist the administration during the hour of natural calamities. She also appreciated the local administrators for removing structures from the Helipad ground which was obstructing resumption of chopper service in the Sub-Division.

Local administrators, PRI leaders and government official accompanied the Dambuk MLA during her two days home ground tour.

Meet resolves to demarcate boundary of Govt. premises at Yazali

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The coordination meeting held between various HoDs and PRI members of Yazali circle today resolved to demarcate boundaries of all Govt. establishments and get compulsory land allotment of all schools and other govt. establishments in the circle to safeguard govt. properties.

The meet further urged all the SMC Chairmen and Principal, Headmasters and teacher in-charges of all schools to conduct school curricular as per rules and take strict action against non-performing teachers as they can make or mar society.

Addressing the meeting, ZPM Taba Techi stressed the need for proper coordination among various HoDs and PRI members for proper implementation of government schemes and overall development of the area.

The ZPM while resenting the absence of Head of the Project, RHEP, NEEPCO, the lone PSU working in the area, at his office for a long period, however lauded the contribution made by NEEPCO in developing the circle. He further said that presently, there was an atmosphere of insecurity among NEEPCO officials due to few misguided youths who do not visualise the importance of NEEPCO’s contribution to the area. He assured that with proper inputs from its authority and in collaboration with local leaders and other stakeholders, these can be sorted out.

He urged all right thinking person to cooperate all govt. establishments, including RHEP for their normal functioning and non-interference in their official work for overall interest and growth of the area.

The meet took serious note of the absentee HODs and officers at their place of posting.

This not only causes inconvenience to local populace for official work but is also detrimental to growth and development of the area, the meeting opined.

Yazali Police Station OC Iniya Ete stressed on the need to curb drug menace among the juveniles through counseling. He further dwelt in length regarding rising cases of suicide in the area and advised for conducting consultation and awareness camp on the serious issue.

The Principal of Govt. Hr. Secondary School Yazali urged parents to take proper care of their children at home in tandem with education at the schools.

The Medical Officer, CHC, Yazali informed about the requirement of specialist doctors at the CHC. Currently, there is no specialist doctor in the CHC, he said.

The meeting also discussed various problems confronting the area and resolved to take up the matter with concern departments for early solutions.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at RGU

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Rajiv Gandhi University, has observed the weeklong Swachh Bharat Abhiyan programme at its Rono Hills campus from 22nd to 27th June. The national cleanliness campaign was observed and participated by the university fraternity with remarkable enthusiasm braving the extreme hot weather conditions during the week.

The cleanliness drives saw upkeep and cleaning of offices including common area premises, toilets, stairs and parking lots of various building compounds, main pathways and bye-lanes and weeding out of old office equipments twice daily separately during morning and evening sessions.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Tamo Mibang while citing cleanliness approaches of few developed western nations urged each and everyone to maintain cleanliness and develop it as a habit in one’s life. He further said that, by maintaining cleanliness in their home, surrounding and in the workplaces, we can be a part in the greater mission of keeping India clean in the greater interest of the country.

Quoting the popular adage, ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ he reiterated that the cleanliness drive should not be limited to the weeklong programme rather it should be an all-time activity to be inculcated and put into practice by all.

Dr. David Pertin, Deputy Registrar of RGU who coordinated the event along with Dr. Anil Mili, Assistant Director (PE), while thanking the participants, informed that the programme is a national programme initiated by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and endorsed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India to all the central universities and institutions with a view to improve work culture and work environment.

The programme was attended amongst others by the Registrar of the university Professor Rachob Taba, Finance Officer Professor Amitava Mitra, other statutory officers, faculty members, officers, non-teaching employees and students of the university.

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