March -
Tense situation in Roing, two injured in gunshot
Correspondent
ROING, Mar 17: As economic blockade called in the Roing-
At 5.15 pm today, distant gun shots were heard. People were seen fleeing and running indoors. Two people are reported to have sustained injuries in the clashes.
It all started when a community level meeting of Idu Mishmis was underway in the Cheta Rehko calling for an end to economic blockade. Chaos and confusion gripped when message spread that a group of Adi people had entered the town to attack.
Earlier in the morning today, shopkeepers started to down their shutters as hundreds of local people started to gather in the town market.
Seemingly, in a retaliatory gesture another group from nearby Padam Adi villages locked the gas station and seized the entry point of the road that enters the town.
The standoff continued the whole day till in the evening when the two groups faced each other. However, despite the simmering tension, no major clashes were reported.
Large number of people had gathered in the Cheta Rehko, after the call given by All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) for a solution on the blockade. It had earlier stated that if blockade continued it shall be forced to come out into the streets.
The union’s statement came even as district administration had declared it shall not let economic blockade continue at any circumstance.
However, despite such assertion, the truck drivers and bus owners are scared to move into Arunachal with goods.
The Lower Dibang Valley unit of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) yesterday in a meeting with the district administration had assured to persuade the protestors to abandon the economic blockade by today.
But with today’s clashes reported, the situation has turned unpredictable as of now.
Meanwhile heavy troop mobilization has been carried out in the district. In the 18
km stretch of Roing-
The economic blockade was called in the name of Dibang Adi Students Union (DASU)
on Mar 13 last over detaining of three hunters from Padam Adi community. They were
caught by Chidu-
Five 3-
Even as tension continues to simmer in the district, concerned citizens are appealing to people for peace and normalcy to return. Messages are being forwarded through mobile phone spreading message of unity and brotherhood.
When contacted Roing DC informed that the situation is tense but under control. !44 CrPC is imposed in whole district, the DC added.
Meanwhile, the Dibang Adi Students’ Union (DASU) in a release has condemned the firing incident in Roing market today. The union claimed that two persons sustained bullet injuries in firing incident. One of them has been referred to Dibrugarh for further treatment and stated to be in a critical condition. Three bikes have also been burnt down, it claimed.
The union further said that the incident took place when a delegation of DASU were on way to submit their representation to Deputy commissioner office on her invitation to end the stalemate.
Meanwhile, All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has expressed deep anguish over report of communal clashes taking place at Roing. AAPSU President Takam Tatung has urged student communities, politicians and ordinary citizens of Roing to maintain calm in this moment of crisis and avoid any confrontation. “Tribal population is less in number in Arunachal and if we keep fighting against each other how can we save Arunachal from the influence of mainland Indians. Also at this hour when state is going through crisis due to recent unpleasant incident, Arunachalee tribal need to stand up together,” said Takam Tatung. He further urged both side to maintain restrain and do not hurt communal sentiments.
Tatung also questioned how state government has not been able to control law and order. “For the last few days communal tension was brewing in Roing. Authorities could have done much better to solve the problems before it went out of control. Someway it shows district administration in poor light,” said Takam Tatung.
Govt fix rate of RTI fee: APIC
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) has no power to fix the fee and cost payable under the provision of RTI Act while seeking information from public authorities, said the Commission in a release today.
Reacting to the news items published in this daily relating to RTI fee, the release
clarified that the rate enhanced from Rs 2 to Rs 10 per page of information was officially
notified by the state Govt vide AR-
Under Section 27 of RTI Act, the Govt has the power to make rules to carry out the provision of the Act by notifying in the official gazette regarding fixation of rate of fee and cost payable for the purpose, it further clarified.
The increased rate has been questioned by the RTI activists from other parts of the country.
ANSU calls on authorities to contain epidemic
ITANAGAR Mar 17: Reacting to the report of large number of Mithun death due to epidemic in Papum Poma area, All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) has urged veterinary department to make urgent intervention in this regard. In a press release ANSU general secretary Arjun Panye has expressed worry over this development.
“For last many days this epidemic has been spreading like wildfire but veterinary department has not been able to contain it. Villagers are helpless watching their precious animal die in front of them. It is questionable why veterinary department is not able to stop this epidemic from spreading,” questioned Arjun Panye.
He further said, “Veterinary department seem to be battling shortage of manpower and medicines for last many years. Even no proper infrastructure has been set up by the department. This is quite shocking considering that in tribal state like ours veterinary department has important role to play.” He went on to add, “Whenever villagers complain department tells that they are running short of medicines and manpower. Veterinary department has become the most ineffective one and has failed to live upto the expectation of ordinary citizen.”
ANSU urged department to procure medicines immediately to battle this dangerous epidemic. “Every year Mithun epidemic hits many parts of Arunachal and its high time department work out long term plan to tackle this menace. It will go long way in helping villagers from losing their most coveted animal. For now government should take some steps to help people of Jote and Poma,” said ANSU GS Arjun Panye.
He also expressed concern over ever declining Mithun population in Arunachal and urged state government to start proper policy to save Mithun from getting extinct.
Union oppose engagement of bogus labour
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union, Miao Changlang District conducted its executive meeting at Miao recently.
During the meeting the house strongly opposed the engagement of bogus labour in the works department in Changlang district.
It claimed that the presence of bogus labour has created fund constrain in all the departments.
The house resolved to cross-
Orgs appeals for review of dams in NE region
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: In the wake of massive earthquake at Japan triggered by Tsunami, North East People’s Alliance, Arunachal Citizen’s Rights, Forum for Indigenous Perspectives & Action said that earthquake comes as nature’s rude reminder to the people in the North East as we sit on the highest earth quake zone 5.
It expressed concern at the building large dams in the region especially Arunachal.
The alarming number of large dams being planned in the region, particularly in Arunachal,
is a concern. Not only that these dams are going to be built in an highly earthquake
prone zone but also that these dams themselves can triggered seismicity which is
also referred to as reservoir-
The most serious case may be the 7.9-
It called upon the Chief Ministers of North East in particular the Chief Minister of Arunachal to immediately halt all dams, including those already under operation, so as to review their safety.
If an accident of this magnitude could happen in Japan, it can happen just as easily in North East. All that's needed is the right chain of fatal circumstances, it added.
Qualifying norms for participation in NE games
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs has given the minimum qualification marks for various sports disciplines for the players of the state to participate in the ensuing 23rd North East Games beginning at Dirang from April 18 to 23 next.
The minimum qualifying timing for 100M race for both Men and Women are 12 sec. and
14 sec respectively while it will be 35 min. and 44.30 min for 10,000M race for both
Men and Women respectively. Other qualification marks set for various events are:
(Men/Women) 200M -
The selection trial would be held at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy play ground on March 18 and 19.
Integration through folk media
By Special Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: Folk media is still considered a powerful tool to communicate with
the masses, and the ongoing performances by the artistes from song and drama division
of the union I&B ministry’s Guwahati-
To promote national integration and communal harmony through skits, songs and street plays, the artistes are organizing programmes in the Capital Complex since Monday last.
Led by programme coordinator Pranab Bezbarua and troupe secretary Nripen Chandra
Talukdar, the 22-
It conducted a special programme to bring awareness among the masses on Consumer Rights on Tuesday, and one on national immunization day today.
Organizations questions DC’s actions
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: Situation in Aalo, which witnessed violent confrontation yesterday afternoon among the students and administration, is limping back to normalcy. However Business establishment were closed today.
The DC Amzad Tak in a statement said that situation is normal and under strict watch.
Police resort to air firing yesterday to disperse the crowd agitated at the arrest of the student leader Tojum Poyom.
The confrontation broke out after arrest and subsequent release of AAPSU General Secretary, who the administration states was creating disturbances in the offices by seeking information under RTI and contractual benefits from different departments and creating an uncongenial atmosphere in the township.
He was evicted from the Guest House day before which led to the ugly situation. Students have reacted angrily the eviction and said that it was DC’s way of stopping the leader from filling RTI applications. The allegation and counter allegation continues even as the DC called on AAPSU not to make an issue out of it as it’s a personal issue of Poyom.
A release further informed that during a meeting convened by the DA, participants voiced their opinion that Poyom had dragged in students for his “personal issue”. The official release further states that one .22 gun and air gun were recovered from the room which was under the occupation of the student leader.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Citizen’s Rights (ACR), Nefa Indigenous Human Rights Organisation
(NIHRO), Human Rights Law Network-
Exercising the right to access information through RTI from bodies which spend public money or perform public services is a constitutional right, it said.
A citizen needs to participate in a day-
Therefore, such steps taken by an IAS officer is not only unethical but also an attempt to tarnish the image of AAPSU as well as discourage the RTI users in the state which is unfortunate, the organizations added.
It further called upon the youth of the state and people in general not to take the law in their own hands rather must engage with issues through a Rights based approach, the organizations said.
Kargu Kardi Student’s Union (KKSU) condemned the police firing yesterday outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner Aalo, West Siang District.
The firing was unnecessary since there were no violent activities before the firing, it said. The damages done by the angry protesters were done only in retaliation to the police firing.
Binya Ronya, president KKSU questioned the police firing considering the situation of the moment. It further said that there was no order from the Magistrate on duty to fire.
It further questioned the comments of the DC Amjad Tak. Calling the filing for information under the RTI Act as a disturbance to the functioning of the District office is enough to prove his irresponsibility, it said.
We expect the Chief Secretary to act in a responsible way by transferring DC, within the given time since he is the man responsible for all this unrest in the district, it said while adding that if the demand was not met, the Union will continue with their agitation.
Galo Students’ Union Dera Natung government college and Ubu Bango Students’ Union condemned eviction of All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, General Secretary Tujum Poyom from Circuit House, Aalo.
Entrepreneurship Development programme for women
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: One week entrepreneurship Development programme for women organized by District Industries Centre, Upper Siang District at Yingkiong concluded today.
Altogether, 58 women attended the training programme.
During the training, the resource persons highlighted on quality of entrepreneurship,
Industries policy of AP 2008 and NEIIPP 2007, marketing of products, scope for development
of small units livestock, Horti-
Meanwhile, speaking on the valedictory function Assistant Director of Industries Kago Bath informed that Gekyam Jijong and Gebur Komboh have been recommended to Director of Industries, Itanagar for study tour to Noida.
Later he distributed certificate of participation to the trainees and expressed hope that the trainees would established their own unit in near future.
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has vehemently condemned the
anti-
"There can not be any interim body of ANYA where there still exists a constitutionally and duly elected central executive body at the state level", ANYA said in a release.
“This is an act of some people with vested interests to defame the Nyishi community and destroy the solidarity and integrity of ANYA which deserves condemnation from all quarters,” it said. But as long as there are patriotic Nyishi boys and girls, who are willing to make the supreme sacrifice for the cause of the community, they will never succeed, it added.
News Impact
Committee oppose taping of River water
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: Nyorch Tarajuli village welfare committee in a letter to Executive Engineering, PHE, Yupia Division said that the water quantity of Ngorch river has been reduced to some extent after the supply of water to Naharlagun township from Nyorch river.
It claimed that the reducing water volume in the river is a major threat to the people
of Nyorch-
The committee further opposing another water supply project from Nyorch River to Yupia said that the ongoing Yupia project will further aggravate the situation. The authority should look into the matter immediately so that the residence of Nyorch area also get sufficient drinking water from the river in near future, it added.
Awareness camp
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: All Kurung Kumey Youth Associaiton (AKKYA), a unit of AAYA has decided to organise a mass awareness camp on preservation of the environment, global warming and climate change, tree felling and need to preserve Mithun at Koloriang from May 2 to 6. The Association will also organise tree plantation and open valley ball competition during the awareness camp.
Tabo attend INTUC meet
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: State unit presidents across the country attended the conference cum general meeting organised by INTUC national president Ambati Krishnamurthy in Hyderabad recently. This was informed by Nabam Regum, state vice president of the INTUC in a release today.
The release claimed that Nilly Likha Tabo, the state INTUC president along with a delegation participated in the meeting and submitted a memorandum to the national president on construction of union office in various states and empowerment of state units to nominate district working committees. He also requested Ambati to visit Arunachal Pradesh to remove confusion on role of INTUC and give proper directives to the state Govt to provide necessary assistance to state working committee, the release said.
Appointments
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: Probhat Doso and Oman Tayeng have been selected as the president and Secretary of the newly formed All Arunachal Pradesh Sericulture Rearer Association (AAPSRA) during the regular serviceman rearer training held at Sille, East Siang District recently.
Condolence
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: The officers and other staff of General Manager, State Transport Services, Naharlagun in a condolence meeting expressed their deepest sense of sorrow on the untimely demise of STS, Itanagar conductor Ngui Riba who died today.
The officers and staff prayed to almighty god for the eternal peace of the departed soul and to bestow enough strength to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss.
Training prog
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: Two Day Training Programme was conducted by the Department Of District
ICDS Cell at Yingkiong for the Anganwadi Workers and Supervisors of Yingkiong ICDS
Project on the March 15-
Subject related to formation and nurturing of SHGs, Bank Linkage, activities that may be taken up by SHGs etc., were covered by Resources Persons S.N. Chakroborthy, Branch Manager, SBI. Yingkiong, Tashi Nopi, T.A., DRDA. Yingkiong, John Modi, i/c CDPO, Yingkiong, Oni Panyang, ADO. Yingkiong and C. Tangjang, Dy. Director (ICDS), Yingkiong. Members of 2 active SHGs also participated and interacted with the trainees during the training programme. Similar Training Programmes are scheduled to be held at Tuting, Mariyang and Jengging ICDS Projects stated DD (ICDS), Yingkiong. (DIPRO)
DC orders
Daporijo, Mar 17: The District Magistrate, Upper Subansiri District, Ameya Abhayankar
has issued an Order prohibiting any kind of unauthorized fresh earth cutting and
construction of any type of building within the Tanium-
The order has come in force due to the haphazard and unauthorized earth cutting done without any sort of permission from the District Administration and at times without valid land allotment order, due to which the areas have become prone to landslides and pose a great risk and danger to human life and property during the monsoon season.
The illegal occupants in the Tanium-
‘Internal clash resolved’
ITANAGAR, Mar 17: All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union (AKKDSU) in a release said that the internal clash between the two groups of the Union has been amicably resolved in its central executive body meeting here today.
The meeting further resolved that Union president Marbom Taga will remain in his post till the next election cum conference of the union.
Meanwhile, another group led by Rido Pacho as president, in a meeting yesterday, unanimously resolved to organize the first ever Youth Festival at Kurung Kumey. An organizing committee headed by Kipa Natung as chairman has also been constituted.
It further decided to continue the demand for air-
MP assures community Dere for Mopung
Aalo: The Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy has assured ZPM-
This social and community based schemes from MPLADS is the first of its kind at Rumgong.
Peace committee formed in Tirap
ITANAGAR: All Tirap Students Union (ATSU) along with ZPM’s, Church Leaders, NGO’s, GB Association, Students Organizations, representative from villagers and General Public has formed Tirap Peoples Committee for the better future and restoration of peace in Tirap District as soon as possible.
The main objective of the meeting was restoration of Peace and Harmony in Tirap District.
Interim Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Jiten Wangsa President ATSU.
All Tirap Students Union appealed to State Government, General Public of Tirap, Human Right Organisation and other NGOs of Arunachal Pradesh, AAPSU and each and every citizen of Arunachal to pray, support and help Tirap Peoples Committee formed recently to initiate Peace.
When we have ask for coins from beggars
Dear Editor,
I would like to attract the attention of associations like Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) and Bazar Welfare Committees of Itanagar, Naharlagun and Nirjuli regarding the problem of small notes and coins in the market. As we all know that, Sales and purchases are being greatly hampered due to the shortage of different denominations of small currencies in the Market. Small coin and notes are the integral part of a retail businessman as well as for the general consumer.
If scarcity persists, time will come when all shop in Naharlagun, Itanagar would have to display boards that say Please tender exact change and cooperate.
Some are tying up with Dalals to secure surplus coins; others are buying coins from beggars at a premium. The shortage of coins and notes is causing severe problems for Business people and customers. Sometimes, the scarcity leads to unpleasant situations as customers get into an argument. People from all walks of life are facing problems and incurring losses in their daily transactions for paying prices of commodities in markets and to pay bus and auto fares etc.
So, I request these associations to talk with the higher authorities of R.B.I/S.B.I to make available adequate supplies of small coins and notes in capital complex especially for the Business People.
Yours,
Bajrang Lal Pancharia
Naharlagun (on email)
SIC chief and the pilot
Dear Editor,
We are extremely shocked and ashamed at the arrest of the SIC Chief’s wife, Pilot Smti Parminder Kaur Gulati by the Delhi Police for forgery on mark sheet to secure pilot license.
It is very unfortunate that the state premier investigation Agency, Chief M. S. Chauhan’s wife could be involved in such criminal offence.
A Pilot who is maturated enough; how could she indulge in such heinous criminal offence; setting a bad precedent.
The SIC Chief of the infamous PDS scam of the Arunachal Pradesh was exposed before
the state and its people; for his doubtful integrity and double standard while investigating
into the multi-
Chauhan couldn’t deliver fair justice to all the PDS scam accused.
The authority concern should think and act promptly to remove the tainted SIC Chief
from his present position for impartial investigation into the multi-
Yours,
Techi Necha, (on email)
If you cant improve, make way for others
Dear Editor,
I would like to highlight the disrupted service of BSNL at Tawang. It is very unfortunate that the network provided by the BSNL at Tawang is very bad.
To make a single call we have to dial more than 100 times as most of the time, network is out of reach.
One tower is already erected at Jang but it is also defunct due to the carelessness of the Authorities.
Now we have been reduced to use our Mobile phones to listen to songs and click pictures. We just waste our top ups and recharges due to bad signal.
I would like to request the higher authorities of BSNL look into the matter and provide services. If BSNL fails to provide good network then they should give up and allot their towers to the private communication developers, so that we can enjoy better network. We are ready to assist them in any regards.
Yours,
Tsering Phurpa
Tawang, (on email)
Improve the website
Dear Editor,
It is a matter of happiness for the people of Arunachal and the Diasporas home and abroad to read and be in touch with the ongoing developments in the state and country through the mirror of Arunachal Pradesh “The Arunachal Times".
But, there is lot of changes in the IT and Media sector, still the website of the newspaper remains the same for decades. I think it is high time to change the face of the website and make it livelier and there should be options to like the website in social networks like Facebook, Twitter etc. so that the newspaper can reach a larger audience and can be more in spotlight.
Yours,
Krishna Chetry
Malmo University,
Sweden, (on email)
Prohibit sale of tobacco products
Dear Editor,
India has the highest prevalence of oral cancer globally, with 75, 000 to 80,000 new cases of oral cancers being detected in a year. Gutka sold in small pouches across the country has become a very serious health hazard. Easy availability and low prices makes it popular amongst youth and women. Due to its flavoured taste, easy availability, low price and attractive marketing, it is becoming increasingly popular among children as well.
In fact, gutkha use is becoming an alternative choice in India as our culture and traditions do not give children and women the social sanction to smoke cigarettes.
The Non-
The Concern Authority need to take immediate measures to prohibit the sale of all Tobacco products within the vicinity of educational institute Campus.
Yours,
Pankaj Deori,
State Resource Center, Naharlagun, (on email)
A bad precedent
Dear Editor,
It is so unfortunate that district administration of West Siang used force to evacuate general secretary of AAPSU from circuit house Along.
In my opinion, Tujum Poyom is not a gangster, goons, terrorist or an antisocial element. He is the leader of AAPSU, the lone opposition in the state whom the public view with utmost respect. I do not mean to interfere in the district administration, but there are many other ways to negotiate. Regarding occupation of circuit house, he can be charged rent. Regarding filing of RTI, he can do so. It is everybody's right. When you are right, RTI applicant can't do anything. He has been targeted as he is innocent and weak. Had he been a terrorist or an antisocial element the action would have been different.
Poyom and AAPSU is the guardian of the state and District administration is the guardian of the district. Either side should respect each other. Whatever the reason may be, using force against Poyom is condemnable. Let us learn to respect each other, otherwise we should not expect the same from others. After all, we have been born on this earth ,all are human, none are superhuman. Being a doctor, engineer, IPS,IAS ,IFS officer does not mean you are above human. It is just a matter of luck and timing which make you what you are.
Yours,
T. Doke Lendo
TIRBIN, (on email)
Discrepancies in conduct
Dear Editor,
There had been major discrepancies in the process of exams conducted for Assistant
Engineer (Electrical) by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service commission (APPSC)
on two occasions. As per the APPSC advertisement No. PSC-
It seems that 2 posts have been withdrawn after the written exam. This was not informed to the candidates, which is clear violation of exam conduct rule.
In fact, this was not the first time that APPSC had violated the exam conduct rule.
There was same case in the recruitment process of AE(E) in the year 2008, when number
of vacant posts advertised were 2(two) vide APPSC advertisement No. PSC-
If such process would continue, where would graduates of Electrical / Mechanical Engineers go?
Because of few posts and chances to appear for such prestigious exam, like anybody I too studied very hard for it. I was satisfied with my written exam and had hoped to come in the top three but only to find disappointment at the end.
Had APPSC selected 9 candidates for the interview, even if not selected in the final, I would have consoled myself.
Like me, many other might have faced such frustration after putting so much time and effort.
Yours,
R.Danyi
Itanagar, (on email)
Consult us as well
Dear Editor,
A rare and endangered species goat antelope locally called Mishmi Takin/ Takang is found at the high altitude of Mishmi hill in Lohit, Anjaw and Lower/ Upper Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh.
That is why the Wildlife Trust of India intends to create Community Conserve Area (CCA) for protection of Mishmi Takin in the area comprising area of Mishmi Takin habitat which falls at junction of Lohit, Anjaw and Lower/ Upper Dibang Valley.
As it is the matter of great regret that representative of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) contacted only one family in this regard, i.e. Boo Maro clan of Loiliang village and they are trying to form an organization “Wildlife Care Society of Mishmi” (WCSM) and all the office bearers of WCSM belongs to a single family. Boo Maro clan who are not the only absolute owner of entire area proposed to be created as Community Conserve Area (CCA).
The area where Mishmi Takin inhabits is owned by Boo Mayi, Boo Wregku, Drai, Manyu, Gam, Tob, Tai, Tindya, Malo, Marap.
It is a established facts that without consent and active participation of all land owner of Lohit, Anjaw, Upper and Lower Dibang Valley, the project of CCA for protection of Mishmi Takin can’t be achieved.
The article published in your daily on 8th March under the heading “Effort to protect Mishmi Takin” has created resentment among the land owners of all four district and they are shocked by the activities of WCSM and its proposal of donation of land.
We the land owners are not against the protection of the animal. But we are against movement of single family who are not entitled to donate for CCA as rest of the land owners are not aware, not their consent and grievances has been taken into consideration.
Yours,
Somem Boo
Chief Editor, AMSU
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