The Arunachal Times - Archives

Tawang gears up for Queens Baton Relay

TAWANG, June 2: The Queens Baton Relay will arrive in Tawang on July 22. The 16 member Queens Baton Relay team will be land at Changprong Helipad at 8.30 AM on July 22. From there, the Torch will reach Urgelling Gonpa, the birth Place of 6th Dalai Lama, War Memorial and Nehru Gonpa accompanied by Convoy. The actual relay will start from Nehru Gonpa to Tawang Monastery through Old Market. After brief program at Tawang monastery the relay will go to Shyo middle school, new market and Govt Higher Secondary school and finally to Changprong Helipad.

The Queen's Baton Relay, similar to the Olympic Torch Relay, is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth games and carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities.

The baton will be flown to Tawang on July 22 from Shillong in an army helicopter. A two-hour relay will be held on the same day before the baton is flown to Naharlagun. The baton will be kept at Raj Bhavan for a night before being flown to its next stop at Dimapur in Nagaland. It will travel to all 70 countries of the Commonwealth before arriving in India on June 25 at the Wagah border from Pakistan. The baton will then travel to all the state capitals and Union Territories for 100 days before arriving at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the opening ceremony of the Games in New Delhi on October 3. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, which is scheduled to be held in Delhi from Oct 3-14, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message to officially open the Games. However this year, the queen has declined to attend the games in Delhi because of her prior engagement. The next on line to the British throne Prince Charles will attend the event.

In a meeting held in connection with the Relay, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu called a meeting of District Head of Department, Public leaders and monks of Tawang monastery to review the arrangements.

He also said that for the past few months, exercises have been conducted for smooth conduct of the event. Two dry runs have already been completed so far, he added.

Further, he emphasized on participation of NCC, Scouts and Guides, school children and monks of Tawang monastery and villagers. He also said that wide publicity should be done through local media so that the public and villagers could be informed about the event.

Besides other arrangements, the names of torch bearer were also decided in the meeting.

Bandh cripples Capital Region

Itanagar, Jun 2: Normal life was affected following a 24-hour bandh call starting from 5 AM on June 2 given by All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) in protest against non-fulfillment of its demands by the state government including non formulation of AOP for last year.

So successful was the bandh that apart from magistrate and police vehicle, the roads were deserted. Youngsters were seen playing football and cricket on the roads!

Surprisingly, despite massive security arrangement by the City Police most of the government offices witnessed almost nil attendances.

When contacted, the City SP Hibu Tamang informed one person arrested for violation of prohibitory order. A case has been registered.

He further said that around 200 passengers who were stranded at Banderdewa this morning, were ferried to their respective destinations by police. Students of Rajiv Gandhi University were also escorted by the Police to the campus.

Malaria Endemic L/Dibang Valley makes effort to control spread of disease

Ajay Saring

ROING, June 2: As Lower Dibang Valley District comes under Malaria Endemic Region, the month of June is observed as anti-malaria month along with rest of the country every year in order to control and create awareness about the killer disease.

The campaign started with a mass social service which was organized by the District Hospital with the help of district administration in the Roing township in which all the departments and bazaar committee actively participated by cleaning their respective office/institution and bazaar areas.

During the campaign, mass blood slide collection and spot treatment of malaria will be carried out throughout the district, informed Dr M C Gogoi, District Surveillance Officer.

Dr A. Yirang, District Medical Officer added that DDT spray will be sprayed in malaria endemic villages in order to arrest the growth of anopheles mosquito, vector responsible for the spread of the disease besides insecticide impregnation of community owned bed net during the campaign.

As per the data recorded in the district hospital, there was decreasing cases of malaria in the last five year period from the year 2005 – 09. The year 2006 recorded highest number of malaria positive cases with 4967 followed by 4776 malaria positive cases in the subsequent year which was reduced to 2749 and 3143 positive cases in the year 2008 and 2009 respectively. In the year 2005, 9 persons died out of this disease which reduced in the subsequent years with 8 persons in 2006, 7 persons in 2007 and 3 persons in the last year 2009. Mercifully there is no causality this year so far.

Students write to governor for intervention to stop illegal extraction of mineral resources

ITANAGAR, June 2: All Mishmi Students Union Lohit has called on the government to impose strict ban on illegal extraction of Boulders, Sand & Sand-Gravels along with other minerals from Lohit District and urged the state government to take necessary action within fifteen days.

The Union further alleging the involvement of MLA Chongkham constituency Chow Tewa Mein, ZPM Wakro Patam Rangmang and ASM Chairperson Balizan Krisikro in extraction of minerals, in a representation to the government said that extraction of minerals especially from Kanjang - Nallah, Gundri¬Nallah, Chireng-Nallah, Kamblang-river, Khamphai-river and Lohit River and Lai should be halted with immediate effect considering its eminent environmental effects. The students said that entire nallah & rivers comes under Kamblang & Khamphai Forest reserve area and Extraction of minerals is violation of existing rules under Forest (Conservation Act,1980) and Arunachal Pradesh minor minerals conservation rule, 2002.

The Union further said that if extraction of mining is allowed, the already flood prone areas of Pukhuri Mawai, Medo, Marwa, Kamblang, Chongkham, Alubak Guna-nagar, Dabrumliang would be further aggravated. The Union informed that Pukhuri youth Club Wakro had filled complaint petition before the Deputy Commissioner, Lohit District Tezu on March 22 but no action was not taken.

The day I had to take security cover in my own state

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: The 23rd of May is the day when suddenly I felt like an alien in my own state. On that day I along with some media friends and AAPSU team went to visit M-pen village located near Miao town in Changlang district. Beforehand I knew that law and order situation was not conducive after clashes had broke out between local Singpho tribe and Chakma refugees over land encroachment by latter.

The night before visit, administration advised us to take police security and we obliged them. On 23rd May when our entourage was readying itself to visit M-pen, security personnel comprising state police and CRPF arrived at Miao circuit house along with circle officer. I was shocked to see so many security officials and almost got nervous. I think even our state chief minister does not need so much of police force for his own security.

We started our journey to M-pen village which is around 5 kilometer from Miao town seven in the morning. As were approaching M-pen, there was dead silence all over and an air of hostility welcomed us. Most of the Chakma residents living there were very hostile towards visitors. When we tried to start conversation, they ran away and some whom we spoke were very rude. We wanted to talk to them and know why they were hostile towards us. But Chakmas were in no mood to talk.

At places like M-Pen and Diyun presence of police made us feel protected, just opposite in Ponnging police were hell bent on teaching a lesson to the protesters.

There was palpable tension all over and I felt that could be the reason why Chakmas were not willing to talk to media people. Also I drew conclusion that administration provided heavy security to visiting AAPSU and media team for fear of law and order breakdown. Later continuing our tour to areas inhabited by Chakma refugees we visited places like Kathan and Diyun. Here also we were provided heavy security by administration and that completely baffled me.

M-Pen had law and order problem, so it was quite obvious that we needed police escort. But Kathan and Diyun had no such issue, then why did we need police escort to visit these two places? As we were concluding our visit to Diyun, I was very angry and sad with these new developments. I have been told that in the past numerous cases of Chakmas attacking police and government officials have been reported, so administration did not wanted to take chance. If ordinary citizen need foolproof security to visit places within own state, nothing can be worse than that. Our state government needs to address this issue on urgent basis or else places like Diyun, Kathan and M-Pen will become un-governable in coming days.

Chakmas were welcomed by people of this state with open arm when they first arrived in 1964. I was wondering why they have become so hostile towards locals over the year. At Kathan I got little hint for my question, when finally some elder Chakma resident spoke to us. “This hostility between local and us is happening because of few people. Some new Chakma arriving from outside are creating this trouble. They also doesn’t listen to us and in fact threaten with dire consequences if we interfere in their activities,” told the elderly Chakma man.

By the time our entourage reach Itanagar town after 7 days grueling tour of Chakma habituated area of Lohit and Changlang district, news of police firing on anti-dam protesters at Ponnging village welcomed us. At places like M-Pen and Diyun presence of police made us feel protected, just opposite in Ponnging police were hell bent on teaching a lesson to the protesters. Within striking distance of each, two different faces of security personnel were unmasked!

RKM doctors get back to work, security enhanced

ITANAGAR, June 2: The RK Mission doctors got back to work this morning after they shut the OPD, Emergency, OT/pay clinic for 24 hours in protests against assault on one of the doctors. The doctor was assaulted by one Bake Tayu while he was attending to patients at emergency ward on May 31 evening. The assaulter, who incidentally had just walked out on bail from custody on murder charges, was immediately arrested by the Police.

The RKM Hospital has threatened to shut the hospital if the regular assaults and abuse on doctors and staff are not stopped. On an average, 600-700 patients visit the OPD section of the Hospital every day.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has assured to provide police protection to the hospital. Two constables were deployed yesterday and more are expected to join.

Doctors of General Hospital, Naharlagun have condemned the attack on the doctor of RKM as well as health care personnel across the state. The doctors have called on the concerned authority to take action against the culprits. In solidarity, they have decided to wear black badges.

DC bats for fish farming to improve economic status

Five day Fish Farmers Training and Demonstration Prog

Yingkiong, June 2: A five day Fish Farmers Training and Demonstration Programme on Intensive Aquaculture in Ponds and Tanks was inaugurated by Pawan Kr. Sain, DC, Upper Siang at Yingkiong on June 1.

The training sponsored by National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad and is being organized by the department of Fisheries, Upper Siang and attended by progressive farmers from various parts of the district.

Addressing the trainees, Sain exhorted the trainees to utilize the training to attain knowledge and implement the knowledge to raise their socio economic status. Other people should be made aware that it can be made an alternative source of income, he said while assuring that all possible help will be rendered for the development fishery in the district. They should be able fulfill the vision the Govt. and the department and make it a source of food, income, sports and hobby, he added.

Earlier, DFDO K. Chisi informed that the training is to create awareness about the importance of fish farming and help the farmers to become successful.

The training will highlight the farming process from the beginning to the marketing. Funding process of the NFDB will also be highlighted. He hoped that training will benefit the trainees and they will make use of the knowledge to bring change in their lives.

Annual conference

ITANAGAR, June 2: Former Chief Minister Gegong Apang and ZPM Tonggeng Panyang are expected to attend the Xth Annual conference of All Ruksin Students and Youth Union on June 3 at Ruksin as chief guest and guest of honour.

The valedictory function would be attended by AAPSU General Secretary Tojum Poyom and Spokesperson Tobom Dai on June 6.

Association demands

ITANAGAR, June 2: All Pipu Gyawe Purang Youth Welfare Association, East Siang has called for release of pending bills against culvert works being carried out at Papu road. It said the contractors and workers are facing problems because of non release of funds.

ALSSU demands adequate security personnel

Itanagar, June 2: All Lower Subansiri Students’ Union (ALSSU) has appealed to the state government to tighten security arrangements in Lower Subansiri district following arrest of a dreaded NDFB militant from Ziro recently.

Claiming presence of insufficient police personnel in all the police stations in Lower Subansiri district, ALSSU demanded the state govt. to post sufficient personnel to those police stations. It also urged the district administration to take all necessary steps to make the district crime free.

ALSSU lauded district police for arresting NDFB militant Khargeswar Basumatary recently and also appreciated the role being played by AAPSU for early solution of vexed Chakma Hajong issue.

There should be consent of the people of Anjaw before the projects are undertaken

Dear Editor,

There have been articles in all the leading newspapers regarding the proposed or upcoming HE projects in on or other parts of our state. While some section of people demand compensation for land and property, while some oppose the coming up of dams. It is really a matter of great concern for all of us who have been residing in the one or other pockets of valleys along the river system since time immemorial.

In a few days from now, it would be a turn of the people of Anjaw District for hue and cry as DPRs of at least seven HE projects undertaken by Mountain Fall India pvt. Ltd, Athena Groups at different locations like Yasong, Kalal –I & II, Hutong –I & II, Paya, Parsuramkund are underway.

The people of the area are kept in darkness about the ongoing survey/ investigation work and are still in slumber and unaware of the ongoing DPR works and impact of the proposed dams. They will come to know about it when things have been half-done. We could not understand the hidden motive of our elected representatives and the so-called govt. of people.

Why the few representatives of the people are depriving us of land and property? On construction of the dams all the settlements including land immovable property etc would be submerged. For this the people are assured of re-settlement, compensation of land and property and civic amenities like medical centre, schools etc with the help of power developers. The main purpose of such huge dams has a single purpose of generating electricity.

We want to ask and know from the govt. and the power developers if everything like settlement and ancestral land are submerged and gone, then where the people will utilize the electricity?

It is well known to all of us that all the habitation areas in the state are limited. So there are limited places for shifting and resettlement.

The people’s representatives should not compromise the whole population of the state at the cost of some monetary benefits. Before the proposed dams are started, the people of Anjaw should be made aware of the projects, proper survey of land and property of all supposedly submersion areas should be made and there should be transparency in its execution.

The DPR is underway and going to be submitted to the concerned authorities in a few months. It is really surprise to see that neither the govt. officials not the agency from the power developer come to the respective places for taking people’s consultation of that particular area. It is only the third party or sub-contractors who are preparing DPRs that comes to carry put their work. So they have little say in the matter. Let the DPR works be completed, but before the construction of dams starts, opinion of the people should be sought after due consultation. Proper agreement and arrangement for rehabilitation, compensation for land and property should also carried out prior to execution and construction of the dams. Otherwise, the people of Anjaw are adamantly going to oppose the construction of dams tooth and nail before the light of the hydro electricity projects itself see its own lights.

Yours,

Kiangchikyang Minin

Dasumlum Kri

Yatong, Anjaw

Govt. should understand peoples’ suffering and pain

Dear Editor,

Jay Pee Company and our Govt. should understand the customary rights of the indigenous people. People has the right to protest as they will lose their hard earned, their land, forest, and livelyhood which cost thousand of years to acquire if 27,000 MW Lower Siang Hydro Project come-up. Pangging village in Upper Siang District is one of the places which is very rich in Flora and Fauna. The main occupation of the people is agriculture and nothing else. The unique Ponpik Adi (Bat Cave) where lakhs of different varieties of Bats lives would be in the water. The aftermath of the Mega Dam will cause biological as well as social disturbance in the area thus lead to the extinction of great varieties of Flora and Fauna, and exceptional hazard to the people dwelling nearby it.

The recent lathi charge incident at Pongging villages and deployment of paramilitary forces to defend the power developer and enforcing 144 Cr.Pc. in the area went against the interest of the indigenous people. The blind act meted out by unconscious CRPF Jawan against women and children was a cowardice and unlawful act by the administration. There should not be any development by virtue of Force; rather it should be based on compromised opinion between state Govt. and the affected people.

Govt. should understand peoples' suffering and pain.

The Panggi Welfare Society (PWS) appeals the Govt. to fulfill the demand of the affected people first, before going ahead. Our local representatives should voice their opinion on the on-going turmoil instead of staying mum and try to bring an amicable solution with Govt. and the company.

Yours,

Ojing Aje, Jt. Secretary

Panggi Welfare Society, Ngorlung, (on email)

Arunachal Bhawan, Delhi should be for all

Dear Editor,

Arunachal Bhawan in Delhi is a home far away from for people of the state. However I was surprised at its management. We were welcomed warmly and provided with nice rooms. But it was short-lived as the food served was stale. I thought it was a mistake and was expecting a better service the next day. However next day too food was stale had a nauseating effect.

Despite many complaints, nothing was done. It has also been observed that only the rich and affluent few who had their room booked in standard apartment/suite had unlimited access to great dose of love and affection.

Is Arunachal Bhawan only for the high, rich and affluent people? Do we middle class- people have no right and authority to get adequate care, respect and proper service at Arunachal Bhawan?

Authorities and all concerned should be aware and ensure that everyone is extended the same treatment.

Yours,

Litin Kobang Lego

Don’t impose bandh

Dear Editor,

Apropos Ms. Poonam I Kaushish's article "Superhit movie hartal, anyone?"( 2 June), the political outfits might have democratic right to call bandhs and their supporters are free to respond to it, but they hold no right to prohibit a willing individual from going to work or elsewhere. Also they hold no moral authority to disrupt traffic flow and other essential services. Not only are thousands stranded at railway stations and airports, scores of serious patients fail to reach hospitals due to lack of transport. Big-time businessmen may not feel the pinch in their pockets, but do the self-appointed guardians of the oppressed class realise how daily wage earners manage their meals on a bandh day? Instead of imposing bandh on all by wielding muscle power and brute force, the political parties should learn to appreciate that opposing the bandh is also a democratic right of those who do not support the views of the concerned outfit and thus leave them undisturbed.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata(on email)

Etalin is not ready for such huge projects

Dear Editor,

Three residents of Etalin village, at about 8:30 PM, Sunday, May 30, fully drunk and wielded with sharp edge weapons, trespassed in a gated boundary and knocked at my door in most violent manners. One of them immediately struck at window and broke the window pane. The broken glass pieces hit my wife in which she sustained a minor injury in her eyes.

On asking through window, two of them displayed complete courage and determination to kill me. We turned off the lights and braced the door as two of them were trying to break in. Threat and violence continued for 30 to 40 minutes till three of my officers reached the spot. The officers being local, requested them to stop violence but all in vain. Violence continued for another half an hour till my people could convince them to go away.

A few minutes later they came back and started hitting door and windows again. Threat and violence continued up to 10:15 PM. The mental agony, me and my wife suffered throughout night is difficult to express.

Incidents of threat, violence and coercion to my people are regular affairs at Etalin. There is no mobile and road communication since the last two months and no connectivity by chopper as most of the times weather is not favorable for landing and takeoff.

Through this news, I wish to express my feelings that state is not ready for such huge investment in hydro power in Dibang Valley.

Yours,

Harpal Singh

Vice President

Jindal Power Ltd.

At Etalin

Silence of ordinary citizen should not be taken for granted by self styled association

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to seek the justification of bandh call called upon by so called self styled Association ANYA. There are few questions that goes unanswered for which every citizen would like to know the answers from the team of ANYA.

Firstly does ANYA have social mandate from the Nyishi Society?

When and how was the general secretary and president appointed? Was there any conference? Does ANYA stands for youth or contractor welfare or students?

At one point of time I thought its for the Nyishi youths. But to our dismay it seems they are more into AOP. Is it that more number of Youths are contractors or Arunachal Contractors are behind the scene? This should be made clear by ANYA. The issue of NIT should be rather taken up by ANSU and APPSU not by ANYA as they are not meant for us students.

The silence of ordinary citizen should not be taken for granted by the self styled association. They claim the bandh call to be democratic move. It must be a democratic for them. But we are forced not to move. And this is not democracy.

My sincere request to the state government is that please stop entertaining such Associations like ANYA. Not to negotiate either. Rather put such unwanted elements behind the bar that causes trouble to common people.

Also my sincere request goes to Nyishi MLA’s, leaders, Bureaucrats and intellectuals to come up with solutions to curb the mushrooming of Association and Unions in the name of Nyishi Community.

Yours,

Kage Dodum (on Email)

Get back to work before citizens’ decides

Dear Editor,

In spite of our constant plea regarding the problem of absentee govt. staff/servants from their respective posted areas, especially in the rural areas, the administration is unable to check the negligence and the irresponsible act of its staff.

We had earlier submitted an application of complain against it to the DC Aalo and also we highlighted it in our earlier releases to draw the attention of the state govt. it has been almost a year since the submission of the application but the administration has failed to respond.

Though the govt. staffs/servants are regularly drawing their salaries but they are hardly seen executing their duties. Most of the offices have become more like a cow shed with no staffs to attend them. The common people are encountering various problems and difficulties in their absences. They are unable to access the facilities the government provides them and are compelled to come to the district headquarter for meager official works.

We do hereby appeal the district administration and the state govt. as well to notify the staffs to be there at the posted area and strict action should be taken against the defaulters. Before the public and the student’s community come to the agitating mode, which may cause law and order situation, the concerned should act fast in a responsible way.

Yours,

Binya Ronya, President (on email)

Bomli Yomgam, Chief Editor,

Kargu Kardi Students Union