jun17 20

2017

June 20

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Hundreds march in Changlang for judicial inquiry into the killing of Thingtu Ngemu

Staff Reporter

CHANGLANG, Jun 19: Hundreds of people from all walks of life turned out for a peaceful rally condemning the murder of Thingtu Ngemu by the 21 Assam Rifles personnel at Namtok (Kongsa) on Monday.

During the rally which began at PK Point and culminated at DC office, members of the All Changlang District Students Union, Pangsa Students' Union, Muklom Students' Union, Tutsa Students' Union, Changlang Youth Association, Longchang Elite Society, Muklom Elite Society, Pangwa Welfare Society, Tutsa Welfare Society and Tangnu Welfare Society shouted slogans demanding judicial inquiry into the killing of Thingtu Ngemu, and sought strict and exemplary punishment against the guilty AR personnel.

Later, they also submitted copy of a letter addressed to Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Member of Parliament Ninong Ering and Changlang Deputy Commissioner, condemning violation of human rights in the name of AFSPA and sought early judicial enquiry into the killing of the innocent villager.

Parties unanimous against citizenship rights to Chakmas and Hajongs

AAPSU demands resignation of Ering, Mithi

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: All political parties of Arunachal Pradesh unanimously resolved to exhaust all legal means to defend and protect the interests of the indigenous tribes within the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the matter decided by the Supreme Court in respect of grant of citizenship to Chakma and Hajongs and move the Ministry of Home Affairs to revive the Joint High Powered Committee.

This was decided during the all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the Chakma and Hajong citizenship issue on Monday.

It was also decided that the minutes of the decisions of the all-party meet would be put forth before the state High Powered Committee on Chakma- Hajong Refugee Issue, headed by the Chief Minister.

The house also supported the steps initiated by the state government and pinned hope for a positive and lasting solution to the vexed issue.

Representatives from BJP, INC, PPA, Trinamool Congress, NCP, Aam Admi Party and All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (APPSU) participated and shared their views on the topic in the marathon meeting.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju also attended the all-party meeting.

Later in the day, the AAPSU in a press conference demanded that MP East Arunachal, Ninong Ering and Rajya Sabha MP, Mukut Mithi resign from their posts on moral grounds for not attending the all-party meeting called by the Chief Minister.

Saying that MP Ering was an elected representative from the affected areas and Mithi was the Chairman of the Core Committee for Chakma-Hajong Issue in 2003, AAPSU General Secretary Tobom Dai, who attended the all-party meeting along with other executive members, said that the AAPSU condemned the insincere approach of these two legislators on the serious matter.

The AAPSU General Secretary also informed that the AAPSU was pleased to know that all the political parties supported the core demand of the Union of not granting citizenship rights to illegal Chakmas and Hajongs currently settled in Arunachal Pradesh. "We received a very good and unanimous response from the government", he added.

Further, AAPSU President Hawa Bagang said that they were not against the 57 families of Chakmas that were settled in their government designated areas in 1964, but of all the other illegal Chakma and Hajong immigrants who had arrived after that.

"All illegal refugees that have settled in the state should be removed", he said, before adding that the Union would continue to fight against the legal battles and also hold talks with the Chakmas and Hajongs settled in various places in the state.

Ita Fort Complex alleged of encroachment

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: The Capital Administration has served show cause notice to the Department of Research, alleging that the historic Ita Fort Complex located near Itanagar Police Station is causing obstruction in construction of 4-lane highway.

EAC cum Estate Officer Itanagar - Capital Complex in his show cause notice to the Director Research wrote, "I hereby call upon you to show cause before the undersigned as to why such an order of eviction should not be passed."

Earlier in 2011, the ADM cum Chief Estate Officer had issued a similar show cause notice to the department. The then Director Research had clarified that the mentioned area of archaeological museum falls within Western Gate of Ita Fort and is a protected site.

The issuing of fresh notice is strange considering the fact that Ita Fort is a heritage site and is protected under the Arunachal Pradesh Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Preservation Act, 1990.

Also, the district administration's allegation of encroachment is baffling as Ita Fort Complex was built as early as the 14th or 15th century.

This fort is associated with king Ramachandra of Mayapur. It is one of the few archaeological monuments that have been declared protected by the Government of India, and is a major tourist attraction of the state.

Its demolition in order to pave way for construction of 4-lane highway is expected to cause much harm to the effort of conserving archaeological sites of Arunachal.

RHEP MoU Demand Committee intensifies agitation

Staff Reporter

YAZALI, Jun 19: Intensifying its democratic movement against the NEEPCO authorities for failing to meet its demands, the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) MoU Demand Committee on Monday closed down the NEEPCO establishment located at Yazali for 24 hours and also staged mass protest at NEEPCO Power Station located at Hoj as second phase of their phase-wise agitation.

All offices of Ranganadi Hydro Electric Plant, Yazali remained closed. However, the Power Station was exempted.

The Committee has been demanding for drafting of a 'fresh' Memorandum of Understanding, proper review of relief and rehabilitation work, filling up of existing vacancies in RHEP from eligible candidates from project affected area, job regularization of recently W/C upgraded APST employees, one percent free power for local area development, establishment of NEEPCO ED office at Itanagar, strict implementation of CSR-CD schemes on need basis, etc.

On Friday, a meeting between the Lower Subansiri District Administration and members of RHEP MoU Demand Committee was held at Yazali, which despite a marathon discussion on the issue ended without any positive outcome resulting in Monday's agitation.

A large number of project affected people participated in Monday's protest at both the places, pressing their 12 point demands to the NEEPCO and state government.

Speaking to reporters in the sideline of the protest at Yazali, RHEP MoU Demand Committee Chairman, Taba Techi lamented that NEEPCO has been exploiting the people of the area for the last 15 years.

"Despite our repeated representations submitted to the authorities, the NEEPCO as well as the state government has always turned a deaf ear towards the legitimate demands of RHEP affected people for the last 15 years," he said,

while adding that they were not against the project, but NEEPCO authorities should acknowledge the sacrifices made by the people of area who lost their community land, which was the only source of their livelihood.

The committee also questioned the state government's inaction towards the issue and cautioned that it will launch its third phase of agitation in the form of 36 hours road blockade in the district on July 5 next if the demands are not heard.

Also addressing reporters at NEEPCO Power Station in Hoj, RHEP MoU Demand Committee's Tao Tana, who was leading the agitation at Hoj, also echoed his chairman and said that they would die fighting for their legitimate rights. "We won't give up. We will fight till death for our rights," he stated.

The agitated members also strongly demanded immediate arrest of CMD NEEPCO for giving false information to the public and the Government of Arunachal regarding RHEP issues.

"The CMD is misleading the government and public by giving false information about the project," the committee stated.

Earlier, on May 22 last, the Committee had staged a peaceful protest against the NEEPCO authorities outside the NEEPCO establishment at Yazali as first phase of its democratic movement. However, the Committee temporarily suspended its agitation after the state government assured to look into the long pending issues concerning 405-MW RHEP.

Heavy downpour triggers landslides across state

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Heavy downpour has created havoc in the state, with reports of road blockade and landslides pouring in from various parts.

At Dumporijo town, the rains flooded several colonies and market areas on Thursday. Flood water entered into Yomdo, Nehru, Shanti and Fishery colonies, badly affecting the dwellers.

Reportedly, many immovable properties were damaged in the flood and flood water has caused damage to many buildings and several protection walls near Reme stream and a portion of boys' hostel of GHSS.

A team of local administration, which visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation and ascertain the properties lost or damaged, said blocked drainage system might have caused the flood.

During survey, the team found several vulnerable constructions in the bank of Reme stream and cautioned the owners to immediately take precautionary measure to avoid any disastrous situation.

Meanwhile, the DIPRO adds that the road communication in East Kameng district has been disrupted at many places due to landslides triggered by incessant rain over the last four to five days.

Road connectivity to Bameng ADC Headquarters and Pipu CO Headquarters were disrupted due to landslides at many places.

Disruption of road connectivity in Paliji-Khupi region of West Kameng district has badly affected vehicular movement from East Kameng to West Kameng districts and Assam.

However, the Bana-Seppa-Rilloh-Kodaso segment of the Trans-Arunachal Highway within East Kameng district is thorough.

In an executive order, the Bhalukpong EAC has prohibited movement of any vehicle from Bhalukpong towards Bomdila and Nag Mandir as the stretch of road beyond Tippi has been found to be unsafe for travelling.

Hundreds of vehicles on both sides remained stranded for hours causing untold misery to the passengers. The Panchayat leaders from Bhalukpong and Jamiri area, supervised by local MLA Kumsi Sidisow and Bhalukpong EAC Tamo Riba arranged food and water for those stranded. The vehicles were later allowed to pass.

Landslides were reported at various location on the Bhalukpong-Bomdila road on Sunday, while the blockage at Kamla-I was under restoration by the personnel from 127 GREF and Panchayat leaders from Bhalukpong and Jamiri area.

It was also informed that landslides continued on Monday as well in various places in different parts of the district.

Reports came in from Doimukh town, where it is said that chocked drainage system in the market line submerged the Doimukh Police Station.

The road in several sectors and colonies in Itanagar Township have also been badly affected due to heavy downpour. Landslide hit DDK road, Pachali road, Lobi, Senki view, Chimpu-Jully road and even Papu Nallah-Yupia road. The drainage water was seen overflowing at various locations on the highway, while damages of road and four small shops were reported between Itanagar-Naharlagun.

New Post Office Passport Seva Kendras at Changlang and Tirap

CHANGLANG, Jun 19: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts (DOP) are utilizing the Head Post Offices (HPO)/ post offices in the country as Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for delivery of passport related services to the citizens of the country to extend the services on a larger scale and to ensure wider area coverage.

The MEA and DOP have now decided to open another 149 POPSK to take the total number of POPSK to 235 in the country, including 13 POPSKs in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya. The places identified in these three states include Changlang, Tirap, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Mangaldoi, North Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, Baghmara and Tura.

Of the 86 announced POPSKs, 52 POPSKs have become functional, including one at Silchar, Assam under the first phase of the programme.

Further, the MEA has also opened 14 Passport Seva Laghu Kendras after May 2014 in the country, including all North Eastern states.

Early delivery of justice sought into Bomjen Gapak murder case

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Expressing concern over the inordinate delay in the trial of late Bomjen Gapak case, the Akom Welfare Society (AWS) has appealed to the state government and the law enforcing agency and judiciary in particular to expedite award of punishment to the culprit involved in the murder of late Bomjen Gapak on 27 May, 2013.

The AWS in its release recently, stated that the said case is still pending before the district and sessions judge,

Yupia for over four years since submission of its charge-sheet by the concerned investigating officer of the case. 'Due to delay in the trial, the culprit involved in the heinous crime is still roaming free', it claimed, adding that delay in delivering timely justice could only boost the morale of the wrongdoers and encourage lawlessness in the society.

Strongly demanding for stringent punishment for the culprit involved in the murder of Bomjen Gapak, the Society urged the law enforcing agency and judiciary to expedite the process for early disposal of the case.

Need of ‘breakthrough’ in attracting investment in Arunachal: Taga

[ Gyati Kacho ]

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: "The state needs a major breakthrough in attracting outside investment to expedite the path of industrialization of this hilly state", said Industries, Textiles & Handicrafts and Power Minister Tamiyo Taga at the Annual Conference-cum-Interactive Session with officials of the District Industries Centres (DICs).

Stating that industrialization would generate more jobs to the unemployed, Taga said there is urgent need and feasibility of medium, small and micro industries based on agriculture, horticulture, forest and minerals the raw materials, of which are abundant in the state, and pleaded to create an investor friendly state to attract more outside investments in these sectors.

While advising the District officials to be innovative and proficient in discharge of their official duties, the Minister informed that a certain portion of the annual budget of the department would be earmarked to train, attend seminars, workshops and exposure trips of the officials to keep them updated.

With a view to gauge the overall performance of the DICs, Taga felt the need to categorize the DICs based on the volume of their industrial activities similar to assembly constituencies. He further informed that although proposal for the 'Mega Food Park' at Bhalukphong was good but there was no land available for the purpose and that government was also planning to acquire land for the 'Industrial Corridor Road' from Bhutan to Ruksin to expedite industrialization in this hilly state.

Further, the minister also pointed out that the department's lone subsidiary Corporation APIDFC Ltd. needed to be revived to perform its mandated objectives to regain its lost glory by deputing young and energetic personnel from the Industries Department.

Responding to demands of the Industries Department Employee's Welfare Association (IDEWA), Parliamentary Secretary (Industries) Karya Bagang said the demands especially of the district officials were genuine. She felt there was urgent need to create more posts in the districts that had been back logging since 1990s besides the problems of accommodation, vehicle, manpower shortage and streamlining of transfers and postings of all categories of officials. Earlier, IDEWA had submitted a memorandum to the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary urging them to create more ministerial posts in the districts and not to allow the newly created Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department to requisition manpower along with posts from the parent Industries Department.

Saying that industry was supposed to be 'Backbone of an Economy', Commissioner Industries Tahang Taggu, pleaded the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary to urge the Chief Minister to declare Industries Department as a 'major department' as in other parts of the country. He also requested them to urge the government to give one time relaxation in creation of the backlog 84 posts that were pending for the past two decades.

Urging the district officials to work in tandem with their respective Deputy Commissioners, Taggu further advised them to create an investor-friendly atmosphere and to maintain co-ordination and cordial relations with their respective local entrepreneurs. He also urged them to maintain sense of fraternity among themselves and to maintain official secrets act, good friendly relations with subordinates and to update their technical know-how periodically.

Earlier, Director Industries Taru Tallo described the various facets of the department through a power-point presentation touching upon pertinent ongoing activities undertaken by the department, including manpower position of the department and its shortfalls, details of the DICs and their roles, budget demands for 2017-18, rolling out a new Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy-2017 for the state with components of Start Up India, Make in India, Skill India and Digital India, creation of new Industrial Estates in the foothill districts, promotion of MSMEs in NER and Sikkim, newly launched Chief Minister's Deendayal Swalamban Yojna (DUSY), proposals under SADA for 2017-18 and other major issues of the department. The director also pleaded for early creation of the backlog 84 posts for the seven newly created districts.

All the district officials were present on the occasion.

One dies due to landslide

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: A young girl died, while three others were injured in a landslide triggered by heavy downpour on Monday at Chimpu.

Biki Anju, a Class-X student of Secondary School Chimpu died on spot, while three others received injuries when the kutchha house they were sleeping in, was hit by a severe landslide triggered by heavy downpour at around 4 AM this morning behind VKV Chimpu.

Parliamentary Secretary (PWD, UD) and local MLA Techi Kaso, along with IMC Councilor Biri Tukdo and Techi Mema visited the landslide affected areas near VKV Chimpu, Sekey Colony behind Akashdeep Market, where more than five dwelling houses have been completely damaged.

Kaso consoled the family members and provided immediate relief. He also appealed to the local residents residing near rivers and landslide prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures.

Water supply in Naharlagun and Nirjuli disrupted

Naharlagun, Jun 19: Torrential rain caused heavy damage to main water supply pipeline at Borum village on Monday causing disruption in water supply to Naharlagun and Nirjuli township areas.

Normal water supply is expected to resume by evening of June 20, according to a departmental release.

Temporary closure of dialysis unit of RKMH

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: The dialysis unit of Rama Krishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar will remain closed until further notice due to some unavoidable circumstances, according to a hospital release.

5 IMC chairpersons resign

NAHARLAGUN, Jun 19: Following the alleged failure of the Chief Councilor of Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) to provide adequate answers for the alleged financial mismanagement, audit reports and development work at the 22nd Business Meeting on June 14 last, five IMC chairpersons submitted their resignations on June 16.

Dissatisfied with the leadership of Chief Councilor Kipa Kaku, Ward Chairpersons Bojum Jumi Teli, Tarh Mohan, Pakyum Tagung, Yumlam Minu and Tatung Tania submitted their resignations as ward chairpersons.

In their resignation letter, they stated that there is a lack of transparency, accountability and development, and that they have lost confidence under the leadership of the Chief Councilor.

On June 14 last, the 22nd business meeting was held by the IMC, where a majority of the councilors and members of the Empower Standing Committee reportedly demanded the resignation of the Chief Councilor, who failed to answer the questions and queries on the financial mismanagement, audit reports and developments works, among other issues.

Legal awareness campaigns at Bogdo and Pobdi villages

AALO, Jun 19: A large number of gaon burahs and villagers from Hissam, Dego, Panya, Kabu, Pobdi, Wak, Bene and Paya attended a District Legal Service Authority conducted two-day long legal awareness campaign held at Bogdo and Pobdi villages (Gune-Bane) on June 17 and 18 last respectively.

Speaking as resource person, Aalo CJM-cum-CJ (Sr Div), Hirendra Kashyap dwelt on access to justice for all under the Legal Service Authority Act, 1987, while advocate Gekar Angu explained about the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme 2011 and procedure to avail free legal service.

Advocates Kebom Tasso, Karken Angu, Dongam Ngomdir, Toter Bam and Jobom Lollen also spoke about AFR-1945, Domestic Violence and POCSO Act and Para Legal Volunteers. (DIPRO)

Transport federation appeals for road repairs

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF), led by its president Dobing Sonam called on PWD Chief Engineer (Eastern Zone) Toli Basar at his office here on Monday and submitted a representation to the latter appealing him to repair the damaged stretches of Seppa-Rilloh bypass road at the earliest.

Stating that the said road acts as a lifeline for the commuters of Seppa and Sagalee, the Federation in its letter apprised the Chief Engineer that the condition of road is so dismal that there are high chances of accidents.

"If immediate steps are not taken for its maintenance and the damaged areas not fixed, then there is every likely hood that someone will lose his or her life", the federation stated in its letter.

Acknowledging the situation, Chief Engineer Basar informed the AAPPTF that, 'though an estimate for the said road has already been submitted to the government, the absence of an independent Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) regional officer (RO) is causing difficulty for the PWD and Highway departments to implement many works in the state'.

Basar also informed that the MoRTH's Guwahati Regional Officer, Pawan Kumar is presently looking after Arunachal Pradesh at the moment and things would be streamlined once the state gets its own independent RO.

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during his visit to Arunachal on February last had assured to post an independent RO in the state within a month. However, the same has not been done so far even after the passing of six months.

CHF faculty calls for regulation of Paris Pholyphylla harvesting

ANINI, Jun 19: A faculty of College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat called for regulating harvesting of Paris Pholyphylla in Dibang Valley district.

Dibang Valley is a storehouse for medicinal plants and has huge potential for vegetable and floriculture, especially orchids, said Professor T S Mehra of CHF during the inaugural function of skill development training under BADP at Anini on Monday.

He also requested the district administration to regulate the harvesting of Paris Pholyphylla.

Further, District Horticulture Officer, Dr Kirto Loyi briefed the farmers on the kind of training they would be undergoing during the 10 days programme.

Organized by the Department of Horticulture, Dibang Valley, in collaboration with the district administration and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the training aims to develop the skill and knowledge of the farmers on horticultural activities, particularly kiwi, apple, large cardamom and orange cultivation.

CM appeals for support for Kovind as President

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has welcomed the decision of the BJP to select Bihar Governor and Dalit leader Ram Nath Kovind as the party's candidate for the presidential election and appealed to all political parties to support the decision and unanimously elect Kovind as the next President.

BJP chief Amit Shah announced the name of the 71-year-old Kovind as the party's candidate for Presidential election at a press conference in Delhi.

Hailing the decision, Pema said Kovind with his humble background and vast experience would make one of the best Presidents and uphold the sanctity of the highest post of the country.

Born in a poor family on 1 October, 1945 in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur Dehat district, to parents who were small farmers, Kovind studied to become a lawyer. He even cleared the prestigious IAS exams but preferred to practice in the Supreme Court.

He went on to work as Private Secretary to Morarji Desai, the then Prime Minister of India, besides representing India in the United Nations in New York.

Kovind has served as a member of several Parliamentary Committees, including Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Parliamentary Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, among others. He also served as a Member of the Board of Management of Dr. BR Ambedkar University, Lucknow and Member of Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata.

"I wholeheartedly support the NDA's choice for the President's post in Kovind. Hailing from a backward class Kovindji has successfully overcome all odds and reached the pinnacles of success. He is one inspiration to millions of people. We look forward to his assuming the office of Rashtrapati Bhavan and lead the country forward with his vast treasure of experience and knowledge," he added.

State BJP President Tapir Gao has also welcomed the decision that Bihar Governor and senior BJP leader Ram Nath Kovind would be the Presidential candidate of the BJP-led ruling NDA at the Centre.

Hailing the decision, Gao reposed faith in choice of Presidential candidate and asserted that the rank and file of the BJP will strive hard to see its candidate through the election.

DC advocates for revival of de-addiction centre at Midpu

YUPIA, Jun 19: Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Tayi Kaye instructed the health officials to start the drug de-addiction centre at Mental Hospital, Midpu.

The Deputy Commissioner on Monday inspected the existing facilities, including boundary wall and recreational facilities at the Mental Hospital, and directed to make the de-addiction centre functional with the existing manpower and infrastructure.

"Internal arrangements must be made to immediately functionalize the centre in the greater interest of the public," the DC said.

Representing Nodal Officer Drug De-addiction Centre, Dr Marto Ete submitted a DPR for repair and renovation work of the hospital for the de-addiction centre, training of doctors and staff, and security guard, cook, sanitary assistant etc.

Dr Hanya Payi explained the difference in treating a mentally ill person and drug addicts and the need for separate establishments.

Representing the Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr Tajin Taki highlighted the future scope for expansion of the Mental Health and Drug de-addiction Centre in the state.

DMO Dr T Kampu also emphasized on the need to start the drug de-addiction centre in the district immediately and sought everyone's help and co-operation to make the centre functionalize.

Executing agency UPO cum housing Tao Tadap and AUPO cum Housing Techi Tahin also expressed their readiness to cooperate as per DPR submitted by Nodal Officer, Drug De-addiction Centre.

Senior Psychiatrist Dr N A Namchoom Ete, SMO Dr OG Bui, Clinical Psychologist Nabam Yeni and other medcial staff were also present. (DIPRO)

Music & dance, best medium to convey patriotism, nationalism and integration: Dr Chai

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Minister of Art and Culture, Dr Mohesh Chai said that music, dance and drama is the best medium of art though which everybody can communicate and convey a sense of patriotism, nationalism and integration among the people of the society.

He was addressing the 14th foundation day celebration-cum-annual general meeting being observed by the Sanskar Bharati Arunachal Pradesh at Him International School, Jullang Village on Sunday.

Dr Chai further asked the Sanskar Bharati Arunachal Pradesh to work for preservation and promotion of Arunachalee dialects, costumes and culture.

On the occasion, Dr Nabam Tata and Engineer Katung Wahge were also felicitated.

Presentation of songs by Yapi Kodak Dutta, Ananta Chakroborty and group dance by People Foundation Society, students of Hornbill School Itanagar, Gumin Pangeng from Karpuk Karduk Music Academy, Pasighat, besides a drama title 'Barbad Hogaya', directed by Mirnia Game were the highlights of the programme.

Police on the lookout for 60-year old suspected murderer

YAZALI, Jun 19: The Arunachal Pradesh Police, Yazali unit are on the lookout for one Bengia Tangam (around 60) in connection with the alleged murder of 22 year old Sariu Bhai of Heleba village under Sarli circle, Koloriang.

The alleged murder incident took place near Potin Baptist Church between June 17 and 18 when the victim and accused, along with the victim's family were heading towards Itanagar from Koloriang to attend a court case.

Reportedly, Tangam, who was going as a witness to that case, is mentally disturbed and had a paranoia attack during the trip, and insisted on getting down from the vehicle near Potin. When the vehicle stopped, he ran out along with his SBBL 12 bore gun and a dao (machete). Bhai also got out from the vehicle to search for Tangam while he asked his parents to carry on with the trip.

The villagers heard two gun shots being fired, one after Tangam ran off towards Potin jungle, and one at around 2.45 am on June 18. Bhai's bullet ridden body was found later that morning.

Yazali PS OC, A N Singh informed that as per Tangam's family, he tends to get paranoid about someone following him, due to which he had surrendered himself to the Palin police some years back.

However, Tangam, who is a gaon burah was normal all these years but somehow got paranoid again during the trip to Itanagar, added Singh.

He informed that as per sources, Tangam was last seen near GREF camp temple near Potin, but is yet to be apprehended.

A case has been registered against him at Yazali Police Station under IPC section 302 and section 27 of the Arms Act.

ASUS demands revocation of order hiking bus fare

SHILLONG, Jun 19: The Arunachal Students' Union, Shillong (ASUS) demanded that the state government revoke the order hiking the fare of state transport services buses plying between Itanagar and Shillong.

In a release, the ASUS informed that the state Transport Department has hiked the bus fare from Rs 450 to Rs 610, which is equivalent to fare charged by private bus operators.

Stating that the 10 percent hike in bus fare will badly affected the poor students pursuing education in Meghalaya, the ASUS gave the state government 30 days to revoke the government notification (No. TPT (B)/70/09/2016) to reduce the fare from Rs 610 to Rs 450.

The ASUS further demanded 50 percent concession in bus fare for the students studying in Shillong and economically backward people from the state visiting Shillong for medical purposes. The Union also demanded that the state government start one more bus on the route for the people's convenience.

Forest dept puts efforts to combat timber smuggling

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

PASIGHAT, Jun 19: At a time when the environmentalists and nature lovers have adopted a proactive role against deforestation and degradation of ecosystems in the state, the Pasighat Territorial Forest Division too has of late been carrying out regular drives against illegal timber operation and collection of forest wealth in Mebo area.

The foresters of the division under the leadership of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Tabang Jamoh and Mebo Forest Range Officer (FRO) Obang Tayeng, including forester staffs were able to seize huge quantity of illegal timber from Mebo-Siluk area with power chain saw used for cutting standing trees.

The foresters also seized three trucks used for transportation of the raw timbers, which they later released on the owners' 'indemnity bond' as per forest regulation acts. As such, offense report has been drawn against one Khagendar Doley of Silapathar (Assam) and his accomplices on charges of illegal collection of forest wealth.

The forest officials have reported that some timber smugglers hailed from Assam in association of local youths in Namsing, Mer, Gadum and Dambuk areas where doing illegal timber business since long. They cut standing trees at cultivated sites besides conducting unauthorized collection and transportation of drift wood from the riverbeds. The forest officials have sought help of the local villagers to control cutting trees and illegal collection of forest wealth in the area.

The smugglers supply the wood and timbers collected from Mebo and Dambuk areas to Dibrugarh of Upper Assam through Siang and Brahmaputra rivers.

Meanwhile, Mebo FRO Tayeng has written to Forest Department officials at Dambuk in Lower Dibang Valley (across Taro Tamak River) and requested them to carry out action against illegal timber operation through river routes. He also requested the foresters of Assam to intensify their vigil at water bodies and control the illegal business.

On the other hand, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mebo, by issuing executive order imposed ban of timber operation, collection and transportation of drift wood at Siang and Taro-Tamak rivers fall under Mebo Sub-division.

The order also prohibited plying of motor boat along the river routes of Siang Sibiya and Taro Tamak rivers and its adjoin tributaries without valid license and prior permission of the administration. The ADC further urged the concerning Gaon Burahs to take step against cutting tress and collection of forest wealth in Mebo area.

The leading villagers of Namsing, including gaon burahs said that though the foresters, including mobile team of the department are trying to nab the timber smugglers, their efforts have not yielded fruit due to involvement of local people with the illegal activities.

Namsing Head Gaon Burah, Yamut Perme also informed that the villagers recently assembled in the public meeting and passed decision to stop hunting, fishing and indiscriminate collection of forest wealth in the area. Thus, decision has been taken to impose penalty against any violation.

Illicit liquor seized

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Jun 19: The Arunachal Pradesh Police, East Siang unit, with help of members of Women Against Social Evils (WASE) conducted raids in various grocery shops and paan counters at Ngopok, Kiyit and Borguli villages under Mebo sub-division and seized 1282 bottles of illicit Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).

The raid was conducted following information about illegal selling of liquor in these areas.

The WASE team also raised objection to illegal selling of petrol and diesel in village grocery shops and seized about 10 litres of petrol and diesel from different pockets, which were kept for illegal sale.

The operation was led by Mebo Outpost In-charge Sub-Inspector, B Pait.

The women activists, led by Omem Ering and Joya Tasung later lodged a complaint at Mebo Police Outpost against four shopkeepers and demanded action for illegal storage and selling of IFML.

Army distribute stationery items to students

Jairampur, Jun 19: The Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles, under DAO Division distributed stationery items, including pens, pencils and notebooks among the students of Government High School, Pangsau.

The army took the initiative observing that the school children were facing shortage of stationery items due to bad road connectivity.

According to the army, the border villagers often face acute shortage of essential goods due to its inaccessibility to hinterland during monsoon.

The distribution was organized at the Pangsau Pass and attended by the teachers and students of the school.

Relief distributed to fire victims

AALO, Jun 19: Relief aid to the tune of Rs 1, 17,000 in cash was distributed by the Tutem Ao Welfare Society (TAWS) on Monday to a total of eight families whose houses were destroyed in a massive fire near Police Colony on the night of June 7 last.

The TAWS, led by its President, Liya Ete and Secretary General, Gedo Ori, along other members of TAWS also interacted with the fire victims. (DIPRO)

Complaint against ASM

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Claiming that the Puyu Panchayat ASM-cum-Anchal Chairperson VIII CD Block Mengio has been availing the benefits under MGNREGA by including his name in the job card holder list, the All Mengio Youth Association has in a complaint letter to the Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner recently, demanded his immediate termination from the post of ASM and Anchal Chairperson.

'The MGNREGA scheme is meant for the rural poor but the ASM has been availing its benefit on various occasions, which is a violation of the guidelines and curtailment of the legitimate rights of the rural poor', the Association claimed.

KGBV student felicitated with academic excellence award

KHONSA, Jun 19: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha felicitated Sancha Kitnya, a student of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Barap under Lazu circle with the Kamlesh Joshi Memorial Award for her academic excellence.

The award carries Rs 5000 and a letter of appreciation.

The Tirap District Administration instituted the award in memory of the former Deputy Commissioner to inspire students of KGBV, Barap for academic excellence and pursue higher education. (DIPRO)

---- Editorial ----

BJP ahead in presidential poll race

The NDA today selected Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind as its nominee for the upcoming Presidential election. BJP President Amit Shah announced his name. Mr Kovind, who hails from Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, is a senior lawyer and BJP leader. He belongs to Scheduled Caste community known as Dalit. The opposition Congress has said decision by the BJP to choose Ram Nath Kovind as NDA nominee for Presidential elections has been taken unilaterally. Party has been calling for the need to build consensus to elect new president.

CPI (M) has indicated that it is opposed to the NDA nominee as Mr Ram Nath Kovind was associated with RSS's dalit wing. NDA ally Shiv Sena is also reportedly not happy with choice of candidate. It will be interesting to see how opposition reacts to nomination of a Dalit leader. Congress and several other socialist parties have for years thrived on Dalit vote. BJP has made their life difficult by fielding a dalit candidate. Though opposition parties may be ideologically opposed to candidature of Ram Nath Kovind because of his past association with RSS, the pure symbolism of him being dalit candidate is hard to ignore. BJP has scored first goal in the race to elect new president and has put immense pressure on opposition. For now the opposition looks weakened and directionless.

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---- Readers Forum ----

A brief history of Arunachal

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem news paper, I would like to share the history of Arunachal Pradesh with reference to the 1935 act of India.

1935 ACT

The North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) (formerly the North-East Frontier Tracts) was one of the political divisions in British India and later the Republic of India until 1972, when it became the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh. Its administrative headquarters was Shillong, until 1974, when it was transferred to Itanagar.

Divisions of the North-East Frontier Agency in 1963

In 1914, some tribal-majority areas were separated from the erstwhile Darrang and Lakhimpur districts of Assam Province of British India to form the North-East Frontier Tracts (NEFT). The NEFT was initially divided into two sections: the Central & Eastern Section (comprising the erstwhile Dibrugarh Frontier Tract, created in 1882, and some more areas in south) and the Western Section. Each section was placed under a political officer. In 1919, the Central and Eastern Section was renamed as Sadiya Frontier Tract, while the Western Section was renamed as Balipara Frontier Tract. In 1937, Sadiya and Balipara Frontier Tracts along with Lakhimpur Frontier Tract (also created in 1919) of Assam Province came to be collectively known as the Excluded Areas of province of Assam under the provisions of Government of India Act, 1935. By Regulation 1 of 1943 (The North Eastern Frontier Tracts (Internal Administration) Regulation 1943) Tirap Frontier Tract was created by amalgamating certain areas of Sadiya and Lakhimpur Frontier Tracts, after which a new regulation named as THE ASSAM FRONTIER (ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE) REGULATION, 1945 was made by the Governor of Assam by exercising his power as given in subsection (2) of section 92 of Government of India Act, 1935. which prove to be a landmark step in history of NEFT, NEFA, later to emerging of state of arunachal Pradesh. In 1946, Balipara Frontier Tract was divided into two administrative units: Sela Sub-Agency and Subansiri Area.

After the independence of India in 1947, NEFT became a part of Assam state. In 1948, Sadiya Frontier Tract was bifurcated into two districts: Abor Hills district and Mishmi Hills district. In 1950, the plain portions of these tracts, (Balipara Frontier Tract, Tirap Frontier Tract, Abor Hills district and Mishimi Hills district) were transferred to the Assam state government and the rest became one of the Tribal Areas in Assam state (under part-B of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the sixth schedule of the Indian constitution). In 1951, Balipara Frontier Tract, Tirap Frontier Tract, Abor Hills district, Mishmi Hills district and the Naga tribal areas were together renamed as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).

On 26 January 1954 the North-East Frontier Agency was divided into six frontier divisions: Kameng (formerly Sela Sub-Agency), Subansiri (formerly Subansiri area), Tirap (formerly Tirap Frontier Tract), Siang (formerly Abor Hills district), Lohit (formerly Mishmi Hills district) and Tuensang. On 1 December 1957, Tuensang was separated and attached to the newly formed Naga Hills district to form Naga Hills-Tuensang Area. On 1 August 1965 the administration of the agency was transferred from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Consequently, on 1 December 1965, the five frontier divisions (Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit, and Tirap) became its five districts. A deputy commissioner became the administrative head of these districts in place of a political officer. In 1967, an Agency Council was constituted for better administration. Till 1972, it was constitutionally a part of Assam state and was directly administered by the President of India through the governor of Assam as its agent. On 21 January 1972, the North-East Frontier Agency became the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh and was placed under the charge of a Chief Commissioner.

Yours,

Durga Cheda

Age factor

Dear Editor,

Recent notification from APPSC reiterating age of candidates as on 22/06/2017 in the filling up of OMR Form for APPSCCE-2017 is creating an atmosphere of confusion and uncertainties amongst the aspirants because in the column 6 of OMR Form Age as on 01/01/2017 is already printed. Many Aspirants who have submitted their application forms with their Ages as on 01/01/2017 are worried for their forms being rejected. The worst affected by this anomaly of APPSC are those aspirants who have already submitted their application forms for APPSCCE-2017 with age as on 01/01/2017.

Yours,

An Aspirant, New Delhi

Dear Editor,

The form filling process for APPSCCE 2017 Prelims seems to be confusing for many candidates and there is already fear of forms being rejected.

Commission urged the candidates to put age till 01/01/2017 and in advertisement candidates were urged to put their age up-to 22/06/2017. Although, Commission has already clarified the aforesaid confusion, clarification came very late. There are so many candidates who have filled the forms twice because of two dates.

There are so many candidates who are preparing for this coveted exam with genuine efforts. They sacrifice their time, energy and money. I request Commission not to reject the application forms because of dates and dual submission of forms.

And the commission should start online submission of forms.

Yours,

An aspirant

GST, caste and disability divide

Dear Editor,

While sacred thread is a symbol of caste division, Braille paper/ typewriter is a symbol of hope for the blind. Now, while 0 per cent GST is proposed on sacred threads, there is a 12 per cent levy on Braille paper and 18 per cent on Braille typewriter that till now were fully exempt from all taxes and duties. Moreover, while Khdau, Panchamrit, Vibhuti are in 0 per cent category, hearing aids are not exempt any longer and face a 12 per cent levy. Does GST favour a caste and disability divide?

Yours,

Sujit De,

Kolkata

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---Editor