March -
Trader shot dead, business community give ultimatum to Govt
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: In a shocking incident early this morning, owner of Logun Hardware
shop, Rajendra Chaudhury, situated in G-
The criminals broke open the iron shutter of the shop with a crowbar and shot twice
from close range with a pistol when the 48 year-
Kamal Kishore, a salesman of the shop also received serious head injury when one of the masked men attacked him with an iron rod. He was rushed to the hospital and received four stitches and is now stable.
The criminals alarmed from the commotion created soon after the firing escaped the scene and couldn’t loot any cash or valuables.
Police have collected fingerprints from the crime spot and sniffer dogs were also put into service.
The body of the deceased has been sent to General Hospital, Naharlagun for autopsy.
Later it was reported that his body has been sent to his native village in Rajasthan
after post-
Choudhury had been living here since 1990.
According to police sources, the modus operandi of the criminals is akin to the recent crimes occurred in Doimukh, Nirjuli, Buishi Yada and Akashdeep. Crime done here could be the handiwork of same criminal, sources suspected.
The police patrol had whizzed past the spot 10 minutes before the crime was committed, the police source added.
The traders of the Capital Complex under the aegis of Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA), Bazar Welfare Committees (BWCs) of Nirjuli, Doimukh and Banderdewa, in an emergency meeting today univocally condemned the cowardly and inhuman act.
The meeting unanimously criticized the failure of the security apparatus and victimization
of the traders all the time, particularly the failure of the government in protecting
the life and properties of the business community, who have been immensely contributing
towards the socio-
Few traders have already left the state and if no action is initiated, the fear psychosis caused by the murder would have a disastrous impact on the state, they said, adding Home Minister Tako Dabi was briefed by ACCI on the issue on March 11 last.
The traders in the Capital Complex downed their shutters spontaneously as a mark
of protest as there has been no action what so ever by the police despite a series
of dacoities and robberies -
Expressing strong resentment at the lackadaisical attitude of the state government,
the traders unanimously resolved to serve an ultimatum to the government to bring
the culprits to book by March 18 failing which the traders would begin their first-
The traders also urged the BSNL and power department for flawless service as their
faulty service also facilitates crime. Pointing out that the habitual criminals are
known and get bail easily from the courts, the traders’ bodies pleaded for the human
face of the judiciary so that the anti-
Besides the MLA, ACCI president Techi Lala, general secretary Tarh Nachung, IMWA president Bamang Taji, Naharlagun BWC vice president Kipa Tuglo, general secretary Shillong Taju, Banderdewa BWC president Kipa Loram, general secretary Kipa Pifik, among a host of traders were present at the meeting.
Expressing deep shock and condolences to the bereaved family members, the traders observed a minute’s silence and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Meanwhile, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union has condemned the murder. In a message, AAPSU President Takam Tatung said that this murder has once again exposed the deteriorating law and order scenario of the state, especially the capital complex. He urged the state government to take corrective measures in providing security to the lives while citing that fear psychosis has gripped the capital complex with back to back crimes occurring here.
NCP calls for boundary solution, takes a dig at Cong on corruption and lack of planning
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: Nationalist Congress Party(NCP), Arunachal Unit has urged upon
NCP party leadership to initiate a process to persuade both the Governments of Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam to bring about an early and amicable settlement of the Arunachal
Pradesh-
State NCP unit president Ngurang Pinch made this appeal while speaking at the party’s national conclave at Karla. The miscreants who are often helped by a part of the Assam Administration are taking advantage of the absence of a proper border between the two states and encroaching upon the land and households of the border area of Arunachalees making their life miserable, he said.
Pinch sought intervention of Party President Sharad Pawar for construction of a boundary between the two states.
He further sought for a tangible and concrete position on Indo-
Taking a dig at the Congress run state government, Pinch further said that despite
being the store house of enormous potential for development Arunachal Pradesh is
suffering because of lack of proper, fool proof planning and corruption and lack
of strong political will. Lack of understanding the ground-
What Arunachal Pradesh need now is the relief from the swing between will and lethargy, between inertia and action and above all a definite relief from corruption and money culture. He further said that if support and resources are made available, the party would form the next government.
Meanwhile in a three point memorandum to the NCP chief, the state unit called for early completion of Green Field airport at Itanagar, special financial package for small and marginal farmers and provision for special package for rural sanitation and drinking water supply programme at interior villages of Arunachal Pradesh.
Army selects 15 Arunachalee boys for enrollment in ASI
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: Giving a major boost to the state’s sports, Army has finally selected 15 boys from Arunachal Pradesh for enrollment in Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune.
Army had short-
The selected boys are—Timlik Raji, Sorum Hitlar Tagru, Sambo Lapung, Gungte Yangfo, Paul Changmai, Tingchat Wangchu, Dada Riba, Kozum Taba, Jimjang Deru, Yomin Rui, Karling Natung, Likha Tak, Taluk Bage, Rotom Jaipu, Lalu Taku.
Meanwhile, AWA appealed to the state Govt. to follow the method of Army and sponsor/conduct more such talent hunts in order to tap the latent sports talents of Arunachal Pradesh.
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: The normal water supply to Itanagar township will partially be
disrupted due to break down of one DG set installed at water treatment plant, Senki
View, Itanagar and depletion of water discharge at source, according to an official
release. The esteemed water consumers are requested to co-
Economic independence imperative for complete emancipation: Mepung Tadar
KHONSA, Mar 15: Vice Chairperson of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission of Women Mepung Tadar said that economic independence of women was imperative for complete emancipation of women adding that women were more sensitive to public grievances as they have better grasp of the problems people face.
Tadar was speaking at the International Women Day celebration at Khonsa on March
14 jointly organized by Arunachal Pradesh State Commission of Women and Tirap based
NGO-
Dwelling at length on various clauses of the Women’s Commission Act, Tadar told the gathering that today women are protected by legally framed Act and that the women should be aware of all the Acts, adding that Women’s Commission can summon anybody on receipt of complaint. She further said that even if police ignores such complaints, the Commission can take up the matter under the Act.
Addressing a huge gathering of women at DBYC, Khonsa, Advocate Jawang Sumpa and ASP AK Oja spoke on protection of women under Domestic Violence Act and elimination of discrimination against women respectively.
Hundreds of women from Khonsa and its peripheral areas, officers and public attended the function. (DIPRO)
Depts to meet British Deputy High Commissioner
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: Departments of Industries, Trade & Commerce, Geology & Mining, Textile & Handicrafts, Fisheries, Tourism, Managing Director (APIDFC) and the representatives of Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries will hold a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata Sanjay Wadvani, to showcase and highlight investment potential of the State. The programme shall be presided over by Parliamentary Secretary Industries Nabam Rebia. The meeting would be held on 16th of this month at the Conference Hall of Directorate of Industries.
IGNOU celebrates 21st convocation
Siram lauds IGNOU’s performance
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) celebrated its 21st Convocation in a grant manner today. It is indeed a unique occasion since it is the silver jubilee year of IGNOU.
The Educational Minister Bosiram Siram was the Chief Guest of the occasion. He lauded the activities of IGNOU all over the world in general and Itanagar Regional Centre in particular by saying he records in his heart the contributions of IGNOU in this state.
While appreciating the IGNOU’s functioning in strengthening the scope of higher education,
he mentioned the expansion of university education and shift in the mode of delivery
of education over the years has brought a sea change in the educational scenario
in the state. ODL system has no geographic barriers and it has already reached the
unreached in the state. The education minister in his address, mentioned about the
up-
While congratulating the recipients of the degree, diplomas and certificates he asked the students to remember the basic needs of socialism, secularism, communal harmony and give their best to show that they are not less than the students of formal education system.
The IGNOU Director Dr. S.J. Neethirajan welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries and
students presented the annual report. In his report he mentioned that 149 students
have qualified for receiving degrees and 33 students have received their degrees
in person. While expressing his happiness over their successful completion of the
degrees he advised them to use it for the betterment of the society. The programme
ended with the vote of thanks delivered by the senior Co-
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: In a unique departure from convention, the local market recorded one of the highest earning on the day of election to the Leporiang Market Welfare Association! The election saw three candidates contesting for the post of president for a market which boast of some ten shops. More than 170 people turned up to vote which included students, Nongovernmental organizations and Panchayat leaders and representatives of political parties.
Unlike other election which usually are held in tense situations, March 6 was more like a festival as large number of people turned out.
The Gaon Burah and Pacnahayat leaders of the area had approached the administration led by Circle Officer Datum Gadi to conduct the elections.
The code of conduct was in place and the administration even conducted a voter’s awareness program. The only violation of model code of conduct, however was putting up of posters of contesting candidates! The counting was done in open and there was no sign of post poll violence either.
Tam Saji was declared the president while Nabam Radhe was the General Secretary. The Circle Officer had words of praise for all those involved during the entire electioneering process. What was unique was the involvement of the everyone including women for the successful conduct of the elections.
People from rest of the state could take a lesson or two from people of Leporiang to ensure grassroots democracy.
Consumer protection through Legal Metrology
Supriyo Chakraborty
The motif of any court in our country is projected as a pair of scales, which has been regarded as the symbol of justice. For arriving at the accuracy in weighment and measurement also, a pair of beam scales is used in every day to day transaction. Significance of a balance for achieving accuracy in every sphere of human endeavour indicates the importance Legal Metrology Department in regulating weights & measures, weighing and measuring instruments in commercial, industrial, public health & safety.
Inaccurate weights and measures not only cause a substantial loss to the government exchequer but also to that of common consumers. As for example, a weighbridge averaging 30 tonne capacity, making 20 measurements a day with a tolerance of 2% error, may result in a loss of rupees two to five lakhs, depending on the goods being weighed.
There are about 40,000 numbers of weighbridges in the country and quantum of loss as may be caused could easily be estimated. Similarly, dispensing pump delivering petrol 50 times daily with an average error of 20 ml in 10 litre may also cause considerable loss. As such the estimate of loss throughout country could also be understood.
Let us assume 50% of our population, say 50 crore, make a daily spending for purchase
of their needs. Of them, 50% i.e. 25 crore people use to leave an amount of 50 paisa
on an average to the shopping establishment for non-
Keeping in mind the interest of common consumers, the Standards of Weights & Measures
Acts, were enacted in the Parliament for :-
a) extension of legal control to cover commercial transactions, industrial measurements and measurements involved in ensuring public health & safety;
b) creation of effective machinery in the states;
c)regulation of manufacture, repair and sale of weights and measures;
d)regulation of packaged commodities sold or distributed in trade and commerce;
e)regulation of users of weights & measures , including sale by heaps; and
f)punishment for offences against the proposed legislation.
Accordingly, Legal Metrology department and its enforcement machinery were created in the states. With the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, the LM department is given with responsibility for acting as the nodal agency for consumer protection activities. Earlier Legal Metrology department is now known as the Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs. This is done for drawing easy attention of the common public on consumer protection.
The coverage of legal metrology changes with time and need of the society. With the economic growth and development in the field of science and technology, a variety of sophisticated measuring instruments are being introduced in the areas of transactions and production. Thus, there is need to regulate them so that these instruments retains their accuracy. Similar is the necessity to regulate the packages, both standard & deceptive packages containing numerous items meant for direct consumption of consumers.
The laws on legal metrology in the country is under revision very shortly to extend the coverage of regulation of new instruments and package commodities, measurement techniques for ensuring protection to common consumers interest. But, ultimately it is the consumer to reap the benefits of the law through proper vigilance and alertness. (Contributor is a Technical Assistant, Legal metrology)
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: The Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) in its general body meeting at Akashdeep Complex here yesterday unanimously adopted resolutions banning shelling of alcohol at the restaurants and use of polythene bag by the shop keepers.
Other resolutions include introduction of new numbering system of shops and registration of shop owners, building owners and uniform green colour painting on shutters of all shops.
It said that the closing of shop shall be 9 pm for general and for beer bar it will be 9.30 pm, weekly rest day for market on Tuesday and every second Saturday shall be social service day.
The meeting was also addressed, among others, by MLA Techi Kaso, Capital DC Padmini Singla and Capital SP Hibu Tamang, according to an IMWA release.
East Kameng gets new garbage disposal truck
SEPPA, Mar 15: Adding another feather to the Dream ‘Team East Kameng’, a garbage disposal truck was flagged off today by MLA, Tapuk Taku in presence of Deputy Commissioner, Pige Ligu, DPO, Vijay Sonam and host of officials at the premises of DC office, Seppa. The noble initiative was materialized with the personnel contribution of all the MLAs of the district. The garbage Truck would be operated under the aegis of District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Seppa.
It was first of its kind and expected to go a long way in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the township. The DC who is also the chairman of DUDA thanked all the five MLAs for their kind gesture and generosity. He also urged the town dwellers to extend their kind cooperation in keeping the district clean and free from all kind of unwanted materials which causes common diseases. DIPRO
Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Union Formed
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: The Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Union (APCU) was formed in a meeting held at Bishop’s House Itanagar on March 13. Rt. Rev. Dr. John Thomas, the Bishop of Itanagar Diocese endorsed the decision of the All India Catholic Union (AICU) to appoint Tok Buttum as the president and Taw Tebin as Secretary. APCU will conduct its general body meeting within a year and it is affiliated to the AICU.
While congratulating the newly formed Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Union, the Bishop of Itanagar Diocese said “APCU exists to be a voice to promote the causes of the Tribal and the Poor, and not just those who are Christians. APCU will work with all Civil Society organisations and activists to uphold Human dignity and Civil Liberties.”
Tok Buttum reiterated the main aims and objectives of APCU which is to “foster Christian ideals and empower Lay members of Christ’s faithful and promote unity and solidarity among Catholics of Arunachal Pradesh.”
Taw Tebin, the Secretary pledged that “APCU will be the exponent of Catholic opinion and to make representations to authorities and public bodies in all matters affecting Catholics and safeguard by all lawful means the legitimate rights, liberties and interest of the Arunachal Catholic Community particularly those guaranteed by the Constitution of India.”
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: Finance Minister Setong Sena and MLA Techi Kaso have consented to a grace the Mopin Festival as chief guest and guest of honour respectively at Itanagar Mopin festival on April 5.
In search of better reading habits among youth
-
“Learning makes you creative, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge,
and knowledge makes you great.” That was the declaration made by a white haired old
man, in his highly spirited magical voice, and repeated by a 400-
‘Yes, we do feel that the young minds of ‘web 2.0 generation’ have already wasted their beautiful lives on internet, TV serials, computer games and in a hundred other unproductive activities. It’s a big concern for our future. If today we won’t care about their interests or habits, then definitely, we must expect the worst for our coming generations. From the neglect of reading books which give fun, pleasure, and knowledge. For Reading promotes positive thinking and Peace.’
If you had been in the IIC hall that day as a participant in the International Conference
on Children’s Libraries organized by the Association of Writers & Illustrators for
Children at New Delhi from Feb 4-
Like D Jamba, a well-
And the “First Words in Print”, a project run by the National Library of South Africa, for encouraging parents to develop reading habits among children. “We encourage parents to start reading stories to their children in their mother tongue, from the day they are born. If the parents are illiterate, then we train them to narrate stories from picture books. By the time the children go to school, they have already developed a love for stories and language”, says Ms. Nombulelo Baba, the project i/c. She says it has created new market for children’s books in local languages in South Africa, which was earlier dominated by English books. Any lesson for the Arunachali intellectuals?
Hafsha Yasin of The National Library of Singapore believes that reading provides
two distinct benefits, viz., immense pleasure and enhanced knowledge. Hence The National
Library allows membership even to a one-
Monica Chojnacka of Poland showed a striking video: a big library hall with the librarian lying down in a sofa and the shelves all empty! When a group of young readers approach him for books on Harry Potter, the librarian replies, “Except me you will find nothing here!” Monica also blames the negative effect of excessive access to electronic media as compared to books, which hampers the life of young children and its direct effect on the disappearance of emotional ties in families. Seeing a familiar link around us? For this she suggests to read everyday at least 20 minutes to the child at home. An impossible task for today’s literate Arunachali couples?
Ellis Vance, a librarian and Treasurer of IBBY, USA (which has helped to set up the
VT-
Another interesting item in the conference was the bilingual books so widely used
in south-
The 2nd day of the conference after lunch came the program that we had been waiting
for the last 6 months -
Yes, the young readers with their innovative items of skits, recitations, rhythm,
and story narrations in Mishmi, English and Hindi – brought the message clear: scenes
which spoke what the youth Library volunteers were doing for the last 3 yrs to spread
the joy of reading across the Lohit valley. Covering over 60 schools, interacting
with 250 teachers and 2500 students, spread across 200 kms. And making a call for
using Arunachali mother-
The moment we completed our show, the hearty cheers of the audience clearly told us, we had done our best. A performance which lived upto the expectation of our AWIC friends and our esteemed Arunachali patrons, who had so strongly supported us to reach Delhi.
Looking back, it was a real tussle to complete the 6-
After our program, many of the delegates congratulated us. AWIC officials were thrilled and warmly cheered our children! Some from abroad, like Dr. Murti Bunanta, a renowned Indonesian author, became our friends, presenting us their books, and taking photographs. Some even took down the lines of our song; others who got curious were asking our young readers, “Who trained you all?” We are touched when some organizations invited us to visit them. “Bhaasha” of Pune, straightaway extended their invitation to participate in their forthcoming Conference in Nov 2010, with items in Arunachali languages!
Here we must fully compliment our reader-
In conclusion, we must say, however, that it was a disappointment to us that none
from our state was there in such an international program to discuss Reading habits
among children. Representatives from the Depts. of Education, Public Libraries, and
other NGOs from Arunachal could have used this occasion to take up the challenge
of poor reading standards in the state. We feel that VT-
A month after the conference, the memories are still fresh in our young readers.
It is touching when these spirited youths say: ‘this time we would read more books
in the vacation.’ Others have planned vacation-
But we realize there are far too many Arunachali children, who would be fond of books
-
To all such, we can only say, ‘Dear children, we don’t know about the others but some of us are ready – we shall continue the mission.’ Any volunteers to join hands?
( Etalo Megha is the Tezu Coordinator of the VT-
Governor to inaugurate golf driving range
ITANAGAR, Mar 15: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh will be inaugurating the first Golf Driving Range of the State, which has been set up at Sangay Lhaden Sport Academy, Chimpu tomorrow. An ace golfer himself, Gen Singh is also an ace shooter and a keen mountaineer took initiative in the setting up of the driving range, which aims to provide promising Arunachalee golfer the basic of the sports. Gen Singh has a firm belief that Arunachalees have the potential to excel in the sport if proper guidance and direction is provided to them.
It may be mentioned here that the Gen Singh, who won the winner’s trophy in his category,
while taking in a golf tournament organized at Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar
in Sept last, also took initiative in organizing a weeklong Golf orientation training
in the month of June last year, in which fifty-
According the PWD Assistant Engineer, Er. Francis Joseph, who is supervising the work, informed that 10 meters by 5 meters driving range has five driving platforms. The length of the range is 170 meters from the Driving point and is 110 meters wide with six meter high catching net. PRO to Governor.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Time to conserve Mithun
Dear Editor,
One of the Nature's most beautiful creatures bestowed to our state, popularly known as the "Black Diamond” is Mithun which has, hence, been adopted as our state animal. After acquiring statehood day, we proudly present it to the world as our indigenous identity representing virgin diversed culture & tradition, unexplored natural resources and the oneness among the Arunachalees. In simple words, we present it as the pride of Arunachal Pradesh.
Unfortunately, this ‘black diamond’ is on the verge of extinction due to our reckless, inhuman and merciless killings and sacrifices. Even today in this educated and civilized society, the immoral and merciless killings of the state's pride is practiced in large scale in various social occasions, victory celebration and even in public gatherings.
The rich and affluent people sacrifice Mithuns in large number in one go in their matrimonial alliances which is nothing but to show their power and position in the society.
However, there are some local organizations which are trying to check this increasing menace. But as usual, with few thousand rupees as fine, the wealthy people in the society easily escape any social and legal sanctions. This is due to the lack of support and initiation from the government.
I recall my childhood. In our village, every household/family had at least 5-
At this time, I can see that the ‘pride of our land’ is in the process of disappearance. Like the great dinosaurs, our coming generations will be telling the existence of our “black diamond” to their children. And former won't even believe themselves that their ancestors once domesticated the Mithuns.
Here, many questions arise -
Therefore, time has come for the people to come forward and take some genuine responsibilities to safeguard Mithun from the verge of extinction. Though we have very lately realized, we must start thinking about it seriously and not wait for others to start. Maybe our government is waiting for some perfect time to deliver. But we must realize that there is no perfect time for doing something good.
Yours
Mepe ete
‘A' sector, Itanagar
Hospital delivery beds need modification
Dear Editor,
The delivery beds in hospitals should be made bigger in length and breadth than the
present size of the bed. From my personal experience as woman and mother I would
like to suggest that the head-
So, I do hereby request the Department concerned to examine the design and style of the delivery beds with huge involvement of experienced women for interactions so that the delivery beds can be modified according to the comfort of the mothers and also that the inexperience young women does not get shocked which may sometimes lead to the death of the mother.
Yours,
Mrs. Opung
Jerang (ZPM)
Jomlo Mobuk Circle,
District West Siang Aalo.
District museum
Dear Editor,
The construction work of the Upper Subansiri district museum cum office building
of DRO, Daporijo started during the year 1991-
Therefore, I do hereby request the director of research as well as higher authority concerned to take necessary action for early completion of the district museum cum DRO building.
Yours,
Tanya Bulo
Member, District Vigilance and
Monitoring Committee, Upper Subansiri district
