March 13

News Impact

• Public hearing for Dibang multi-purpose project held
• AR donates 11 solar street lights to Sipni village in Tirap
• 1750 MW Demwe project affected families stage dharna
• Dealers’ awareness workshop on VAT registration held
• Pasighat power division employees decide to stage peaceful ‘dharna’
• Effect of A/T news:
• ANSU condemns physical assault on DSE
• Awareness camp on domestic violence held
• YES!+ course of the Art of Living at JNC
• APPDSU calls capital bandh

Public hearing for Dibang multi-purpose project held

‘Fulfill all demands before project implementation’

ROING, Mar 12: The much awaited public hearing for the 3000 MW Dibang Multi-Purpose Project was successfully conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, under the chairmanship of Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar at Multipurpose Cultural Centre here yesterday.

Representative from project affected area, PRI leaders, NGOs, Gaon Burahs, leaders of various organizations, student leaders, senior citizens and public actively participated in the hearing and submitted memoranda to the Chairman, Member Secretary APSPCB and GM, DMP NHPC Roing.

Thirty-four speakers representing various organizations, unions and project affected people while highlighting their grievances have raised many queries and doubts regarding the seismic design for safety of the Mega Dam.

Claiming flaws in EIA and EMP of the project, people said it has failed to address various issues related to demographic, socio-cultural and political impact on the local population due to influx of huge work force in the area. They have also expressed doubts on implementation of benefits to the project affected people, sites selection for resettlement of project affected people, lack of safety measures for downstream people in case of breakage of dam due to earthquake or external aggression. They have also expressed serious concern on the impact of project on flora and fauna, especially on endangered Mishmi Takin and Hollock Gibbons whose habitations are confined to the project area, permanent loss of ancestral land and evergreen virgin forest for Mithun grazing, etc which are irreplaceable.

The people have demanded for fulfillment of all the demands, proposal before the start of project, 100% job reservation for the local people both in semi-skilled and skilled category and C & D Groups, to raise the fund under Socio-Cultural Development Programme (CSDP), to keep options open for the project affected people to decide the site for resettlement, 25% more fund  to those who settle outside their district, to provide financial assistance to the meritorious students belonging to the poor family background of the district for technical studies, upgradation of District Hospital, Roing to a Referral Hospital and also to provide modern amenities to the District Hospital, Anini.

The downstream people have demanded for construction of embankments and flood protection measures in both sides of the banks of the Dibang River for protection of the downstream people and also to construct raised platform of 1 acre area in every village located in both sides of Dibang river where people can take shelter in case of flash floods due to breakage of dam.

The people have also strongly demanded for formation of a Trust (independent body) under the district administration consisting local panchayat leaders as its members to monitor the works implemented under CSR & CSDP, formation of a Grievances Redressal Cell to look into that the grievances of the people are being addressed properly by the project implementing authority. They have also demanded to keep insurance for the local by the DMP, NHPC Ltd to provide life coverage in case of accidental death and also to assess the cumulative effect of all the dams that is proposed in Dibang Basin to the Dibang Land.

Chliko Meto, Zilla Chairperson while submitting a memorandum on behalf of the panchayat members of the district has requested the NHPC authorities to address the grievances of the people first before the work starts. In order to prevent any kind of demographic or socio-political impact on local people due to huge influx of work force that may outnumber the local populace, he requested that the labourers meant for dam construction must compulsorily obtain ILP, their stay should be restricted to 3 years and they must not be allowed to enroll in their names in voters’ list. He further said that the grievances of the local people, if any come up must be addressed by the NHPC even after the starts of the project.

VK Rattan, General Manager, DMP NHPC Ltd Roing has highlighted the salient features of DMP, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Plan, Lay out plan, etc  and Benefits of the to projects like flood control benefits, Revenue benefits, Employment Benefits, Business Opportunities and other benefits of Dibang Multipurpose Project to the state as well as local people through power point presentation.  He also highlighted various activities taken up for the benefit of the local people under CSR programme.

Dr Sahid Ali Khan has highlighted Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plans through power point presentation.

Responding to the queries and clarifying various doubts, Rattan appealed the people, “to have faith on NHPC” saying, “ We are here for development and not for business”. He assured the people that everything will be implemented as per the policies framed by the Govt. as NHPC is a Govt. enterprise. He informed that, “Utmost precaution has been taken since its designing so that the dam will be constructed for the worst combination of forces and as per the best international practices and latest techniques.” He also informed that project colonies for its employees and labours will be established far from the Roing township and also assured that they will not move out and interfere with the activities of local people. He further informed that the outside labours under DMP will not be allowed to particiapte in voting process in the twin district. He further informed that some meritorious students from poor family background of the district have already been provided scholarships from DMP, NHPC Roing after consultation with the Education Department and the District Administration and said, “This will continue till the life of the project”. He assured that “all the benefits which are meant for the project affected people and local people of both the districts will be provided fully once the project gets sanctioned from the Govt. which may take another 1 or 2 years.”

He also assured that other health and education sectors development related activities will also be taken up by the NHPC.

Y K Chobe, Engineering of Designing highlighted how the Seismic Study was carried out by groups of experts from IIT Rourkee and CWPRS and then forwarded to the NCSTP for recommendation and approval by the CWC in the initial sage of survey.

Earlier, N Tam, Member-Secretary, APSPCB, Itanagar in his introductory speech has informed the people that the APSPCB is not a recommending authority but the minutes of the meeting will be recorded and forwarded to the Govt. for consideration. He also informed that the Public Hearing is only a platform to hear views, objections and suggestions from the public regarding the projects and a process for initiating environmental clearance.

Shiv Kumar, Chairman cum Deputy Commissioner, who made tireless efforts to make the Public Hearing successful, in his concluding remarks informed the people that the every work in related to the DMP NHPC LTD is being implemented under the supervision of a Committee headed by SDO Hunli. He further said that if there is any problem, it will be sorted out. Saying that the claims and queries of the people as genuine, he asked the NHPC to give first preference to locals of the district in semi-skilled and skilled jobs and also asked them to impart vocational training to unemployed youths right from now onwards. He also urged NHPC to provide every possible help in health and education sectors for the benefit of local people.

Abu Tayeng, MD State Transport, Gingko Linggi, SE Power, Getom Borang, SE WRD, A. Lego, SE PWD and S Dash, IG (East), Arunachal Pradesh, who were in the district for assisting smooth conduct of public hearing successfully besides CK Mein, SP Roing, Govt. Officers, Officials from APSPCB and NHPC Roing were present in the hearing. DIPRO

 

 

AR donates 11 solar street lights to Sipni village in Tirap

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: As a part of Civic Action Programme, 1 Assam Rifles under  the aegis of Headquarter   25 Sector Assam Rifles donated 11 Solar Street Lights to Sipni village of Deomali Sub Division, Tirap district yesterday. It has been a dream of the villagers for street lighting during night hours to improve the security of the village and living standard of the local populace. Families in the village will be benefited in terms of light derived from clean energy and that will dispel the darkness in the village and light up their lives.

The villagers have expressed their gratitude  to AR for the Solar Street Lights. Such assistance will go a long way in bringing the hill people as well as “Friends of the Hill people” closer to achieve sustained peace and prosperity in Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

1750 MW Demwe project affected families stage dharna

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A dharna cum hunger strike was staged from 8 am to 4 pm  in the office premise of Athena Demwe Power Ltd. at Mompani yesterday.

The project affected families of the 1750 MW Demwe Lower Hydro Electric Project sat on an 8 hours dharna to draw the attention of the project authorities in seeking prompt payment of compensation against their land acquisitioned for the said project in Anjaw district.

The aggrieved land owners had earlier submitted several representations to the project authorities expressing their resentment over the delay in payment of the land compensation and pleaded for its prompt release.  A delegation of the Lohit Valley Dam Affected Citizen’s Forum (LVDACF) had met the Chief Minister to acquaint him with their grievance for redressal, but without any positive result.

The dharna passed off peacefully in the presence of a magistrate accompanied by police officers and personnel on duty.

The land owners resolved to intensify their next phase of democratic means of agitation, if their demand is not fulfilled within a reasonable time, according to LVDACF release.

 

 

Dealers’ awareness workshop on VAT registration held

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The Tirap district administration in collaboration with the department of Tax and Excise is conducting a 2-day dealers’ awareness workshop on VAT registration beginning from today.  The workshop was inaugurated by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Dr Sachin Shinde amidst a huge gathering.

In his inaugural address Sachin said that the important workshop had been conducted to generate awareness among the members of business community and asked the participants to co-operate with the department of Tax and Excise by regularly paying the VAT whenever they transact any business in the district. He said that no government can run without tax being paid in various forms adding that it had been made mandatory for VAT registration without which no contract work would be entertained.  He urged the business community to be regular and honest in paying VAT at the entry gates and get proper receipts. The DC further said that everybody must help the government to collect revenue to run the state smoothly. Earlier, the Tax and Excise Superintendent S. Wangpan in his welcome address threw light on the importance of the workshop and urged the members to participate actively which would be beneficial for them in the long run. Tirap ZPC  Lorang Loham , Khonsa ZPM Wanglo Gosak  and others spoke on the occasion.

 

 

Pasighat power division employees decide to stage peaceful ‘dharna’

PASIGHAT, Mar 12: Employees of Pasighat Power Division including AEs, JEs and field staffs will stage a peaceful dharna in front of DC’s office premise on Wednesday (March 13) urging the administration to provide adequate security to its engineers and staff who performs field duty, informed the departmental sources in a written statement today.

The statement also stated that the March-10 attack on employees, Pasighat power house and damage of equipment and installations etc is uncalled  for while the department is trying its best to ensure adequate power supply they receives from  Power grid.  DIPRO

 

 

Effect of A/T news:

PHED supplies tank water at Pasighat

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 12: The residents of century-old Pasighat town have got some respite from severe drinking water crisis as Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) started to supply water to the affected areas through tankers.

This daily carried a report regarding water crisis in Pasighat and its adjoining areas making life of the local residents miserable. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) officials of Pasighat division have awaken from deep slumber after publication of the news and reportedly putting attention on water supply matter to ease the situation.

It is learned that the water tankers have been pressed into service for supplying water by the PHED following stern instruction from Pasighat MLA cum Education Minister Bosiram Siram.

The PHED officials also appealed the consumers for judicious use of supplied water.

 

 

ANSU condemns physical assault on DSE

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has vehemently condemned the physical assault on Tapang Taloh, Director of School Education by two people at his office on March 8.

“It is unfortunate to learn that some people are trying to give the March 8 incident a communal colour. We appeal people of Arunachal Pradesh not to take it on communal basis rather treat it as an individual case. Law is there to give justice to the aggrieved as per nature of crime,” said ANSU general Secretary Arjun Panye.

ANSU urged people of Arunachal Pradesh not to drag the name of the community for the misconduct of few individuals since the issue was between the Director and two youths but not between any community of the state.

“We appeal law enforcing authority to deal the physical assault case with proper investigation and let the law take its own course,” he said.

Further, he said that educated youth should take help of RTI tool or legal aids to deal with corrupt officers.

Meanwhile, ANSU appealed to the State Government to ensure uninterrupted power supply during night hours so that students appearing CBSE and AISSE (class X and XII) examinations do not face any problem due to irregular power supply.

 

 

Awareness camp on domestic violence held

YACHULI, Mar 12: Lower Subansiri district, ICDS Cell, Ziro has organized an awareness camp with special reference to Domestic Violence Act, 2005 for the protection of women here at Yachuli on March 7 last.

Tabin Siga, ADC Yachuli has inaugurated the day long camp as chief guest. In his inaugural speech, ADC while appreciating the department for conducting the awareness camp at Yachuli, urged enforcement agencies and people not to misuse the provisions of the Act. The Dy. Director, ICDS Jaya Jawal Singh has briefed on importance of the Act.  The camp was participated from panchayat members, angawadi workers, women organizations, college students of both girls and boys and women representatives from the Yachuli area. Among others Yachuli CDPO, Advocates from Ziro and Secretary APWWS Yachuli branch attended the camp.

 

 

YES!+ course of the Art of Living at JNC

Pasighat, Mar 12:  Over 70 students of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat took part in the YES!+ (Youth Empowerment Skills Plus) workshop conducted by the Art of Living. The six days programme, which was held at the college auditorium from February 27th, equipped the young minds with techniques and confidence to face the challenges of life. A team of experienced faculty of the art of Living comprising Laishram Dixon and Amit Rakshit conducted the workshop.

“It empowered me with an inner authority which I have never felt in my life. You could actually feel the power that comes from taking responsibilities in life,” said Sunny Tayeng, a 3rd year BSc. student of the college who helped organized the event.

“I came to gain focus and concentration for my studies, but I cannot have ever imagined that I’ll be developed in so many ways during the YES!+,” Soni Ngadong, also a 3rd year BSc. student of  the college, said.

The principal of the college, Tayek Talom, who gave his unconditional support in making the programme a success, also expressed his deep appreciation and said such workshops should  be conducted in the future for both the teachers and the taught.

YES!+ is a mix of wisdom from the ancient and the contemporary. It is a smooth blend of yoga, pranayama, breathing techniques and meditation, fused with contemporary intellectual exchanges, music and games.

 

 

APPDSU calls capital bandh

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) along with its federal units, in an emergency meeting at Doimukh today, unanimously decided to call 12-hour Capital Complex Bandh on March 15 from 5 am to 5 pm in protest against the state Cabinet decision to create new district by bifurcating Papum Pare district without taking the consent of the indigenous people of the district, recent constitution of Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) chaired by Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy to issue PRCs to Non-APSTs in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.  APPDSU has also been opposing the decision passed on May 2, 2012 to regularize the Govt. land which was passed in violation of The Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 2003.

“These decisions of the state government have not only hurt the sentiment of the people of Papum Pare district but also entire state,” APPDSU said in a release.

“The Union had earlier served ultimatum on two different occasions to the state govt. for fulfillment of its demand but it did not ever bother to respond to the demands” the release said.

Milk Van, Media, Ambulance, Para-Military forces, administration on duty are exempted from purview of the bandh call.

The meeting was attended by Central Executive Members of APPDSU and members of the federal units of All Mengio Students’ Union (AMSU), All Sagalee Students’ Union (ASSU), Doimukh Students’ Union (DSU), Capital Students’ Union (CSU) All Kimin Students’ Union (AKSU) & All Papum Poma Students’ Union (APPSU) and representatives of Govt. College Doimukh.

Cash reward stands

 

The cash reward of  Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

 

::::::::::::::::::::::

 

 

Rebia lays foundation stone of tourist view point

ITANAGAR, Mar 12:   Parliamentary Secretary Nabam Rebia laid foundation stone of a tourist view point at Sango Putung under Pape Panchayat of Sagalee sub-division in presence of officials and Panchayat leaders on Saturday.  During the occasion Rebia appreciated the beauty of the area and assured to take up matter with concerned authority for establishment of Eco Tourism research Centre. He also urged the people to protect the forest and environment.

 

Union mourns member’s death

ITANAGAR, Mar 12:  The All Papum Poma Students Union (APPSU) and Papum Pare District Collegian Co-ordination Committee, Dera Natung  Govt. College  Itanagar had deeply mourned the  untimely death of its member Techi Kako who died on 9th March at Poma. Late Kako was serving as finance secretary of the APPSU. The union observed five minute silence as mark of respect to departed soul. In its condolence message APPSU said late Kako was dedicated and committed student leader and it would hard to fill the void created by his death.

Meanwhile, college community of Dera Natung Government College Itanagar has also deeply mourned the untimely death of late Kako. The college community prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

 

Organization seeks doctor

ITANAGAR, Mar 12:  Claiming that primary health centre of Parsi-Parlo is running without medical officer, Parsi-Parlo Area Youth Organization today sought for doctor to be posted at the area.  Organization further said that the area is facing epidemic like situation, but there is no medical staff at the PHC to handle the situation. In its letter to the director health and family welfare it urged the department to immediately post a doctor in the area with adequate medicines.

 

EAP & EDP begin

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A week-long Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) began at Chandan nagar today.  The programme is being organized by the National Youth Project (NYP) Arunachal Pradesh and this is the last leg of programme assigned to NYP during the current financial year as a Accredited Training Institute under Department of Capacity Building of Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Mumbai under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt of India. Altogether 20 selected unemployed youths from the locality are participating the training on dry flower making.

 

Union withdraws its complaint

ITANAGAR, Mar 12:  The All Raga Students Union (ARASU) has  withdrawn the complaint which it had submitted to district administration claiming govt M.E school Taya-Simla/Rite was illegally dismantled during republic day celebration 2013. The decision to withdraw the complaint came after union assessed the report through its fact finding committee.

 

Farmers’ training programme at Kimin circle

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: AICRP on ESA, which is operative in the department of Agricultural Engineering, NERIST organized a training programme at Hawa Camp, Kimin circle on Ergonomics and Safety in Agriculture (ESA). About 25 farmers including Gaon Buras Tana Teki and Takio Tarak attended the programme. Dr. P. K. Pranav, Asst. Prof. & PI of ESA with his team explained the importance of safety and profitability in their life.  They demonstrated the safety gadgets for dao and sickle. Further, farmers were shown orange harvester and tools for paddy cultivation, namely, drum seeder, transplanter, cono-weeder and pedal thresher. Some safety gadgets and sickles were distributed to farmers.   I. Anwar, AFA, helped in conducting the programme.   

 

District level skill development prog

ITANAGAR, Mar 12:  The Socio Economic Educational Development Society (SEEDS) in collaboration with district fishery development officer Yupia has organized an awareness campaign cum skill development programe on Saturday at government middle school Bassarnalo under Sangdupota circle.  Altogether seventy progressive fish farmers attended the training programe.  

Speaking on the programe ZPM Nabam Sukia insisted for adoption of scientific method in fish farming. District fishery officer Nabam Tania has briefed about the various activities of department.

 

Self Help Groups Mela organized

YACHULI, Mar 12: Self Help Groups Mela under the scheme ‘Micro Finance Vision 2011’ was organized here at Yachuli by the District ICDS Cell Ziro in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS), Yachuli Branch on March 8 last.

As many as 15 SHGs from Yachuli ICDS project participated the Mela. They exhibited various items and there was a good sale of their products. The Mela was inaugurated by the local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya.

Ajin Arum SHG from Yachuli and Den Sichabo SHG, Joram were awarded as the first and second best stalls while Terjir SHG of Itanagar beg the third prize, according to an official release.

 

Dwelling house gutted

ITANAGAR, Mar 12:  A dwelling house of one Ngurang Kakh was reportedly gutted down in a fire accident broke out recently at Sangram in Kurung Kumey district. The house-hold properties worth lakh of rupees destroyed in fire mishap.  Meanwhile Manghi Welfare Society has appealed the state Govt to provide immediate relief to the victims.

 

DNGC too call bandh

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Students’ Union of Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar in an emergency meeting has decided to call a 12 hours Capital Bandh on March 18 in protest against failure of the govt. to fulfill the long pending ‘genuine’ demands.

The students union has been demanding for two more buses to ferry students, Separate road for Rajiv Gandhi Govt Polytechnic, security check gate with round-the-clock security guard, immediate installation of CCTV cameras in all strategic points of the college, street light in the College campus, among others.

Govt’s non- responsive attitude towards its charter of demands compelled the Union to call the bandh, the students union general secretary said in a release. The union threatened to go for vigorous movement, if the demands were not met.

 

Union demands arrest of all accused in Ramsing murder case

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, Mar 12: In a release All Taliha Payeng Area Students Union appealed the Govt. to immediately arrest the remaining culprits involved in the Vijay Ramsing murder case on  February 27 and award exemplary punishment to all the culprits involved. Every culprit should be punished equally and no one should be exempted from legal punishment as per law, the Union said and added that there should not be interference  from any quarters in this case. The Union also appealed the Govt to immediately shift these accused to central jail as soon as possible.

 

GB passes away

ZIRO, Mar 12: A prominent social worker cum Gaon Bura of Mudang Tage village, Tage Ranka passed away on March 9 last after a prolonged old age ailment. He left behind his wife, 2 sons, 3 daughters and 11 grand children.

Lt. Ranka, 70, son of Lt. Tage Kano of Mudang Tage village served the society in the capacity of Gaon Burah (GB) till his last breath on March 9. As GB he has contributed a lot in social reformations concern to his village and society at large. All the time he gave fair decision in settling various nature of cases in his village as well as out side the village. Hundreds of people, relatives and GB friends of the Apatani plateau visited on last rite on March 10.

Meanwhile, Ranka Family Welfare Association (RFWA) of Mudang Tage village in their condolence message has prayed the almighty god to keep his departed soul peace in heavenly abode and said, they will always remember him.

 

IWD celebrated at Yachuli

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Along with the rest of the world, the International Women’s Day was celebrated with gaiety at Yachuli on March 8.. The function was organized by Mecha Welfare Society in collaboration with NABARD, women and child development department, Ziro and Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, Yachuli branch. The main highlight of the function was the rural Mela sponsored by NABARD. Altogether 20 Self-help groups from different  villages participated with their local agriculture and forest products.

Speaking on the occasion local MLA Likha Saaya appraised the gathering about participation of women in every field of activities from grass root level to top position like their male counterparts. He also lauded the MWS for celebrating the day in a grand manner and emphasized on girls education to eradicate all women related social evils.   

Among others, Radilu Chai Techi, vice-chairperson of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, Tabin Siga, Yachali ADC, Yapi Kullo, APSCW member and Govt officers attended the day-long programme. Almost all the speakers highlighted the role of women in every field of activities.

 

Dabii condemns assault

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Strongly condemning the March 8 assault on DSE Tapang Taloh, MLA Tako Dabii has sought the arrest of all those involved in the assault case, saying ‘hooliganism should be dealt with befitting hands.’

Government officers and officials, including police officers and constables, are also victims of such assault and humiliation and many district level officials are virtually running away from their respective offices to avoid the unbearable behaviour a few sections of the youths and people, Dabii said in a letter to the chief minister.   

‘Such go-as-you-like behaviour and their frequent demonstration to the government officials and also to commoners is intolerable and unbearable,’ he said.   Adding that ‘people are fed up of such humiliations, right from Tawang to Longding,’ the senior lawmaker requested the CM to ensure that all the culprits in the DSE assault case are brought to book ‘as we all feel the government must act.’   

 

:::::::::::::::::::::

 

240 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

Communal harmony is need of the hour

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem would like to jot down few words. Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most splendid and multilingual tribal area of the world. No other state perhaps can claim to have such a multifarious range of languages and ethnicity and adhere to peace and harmony from time immemorial. The state has undergone enormous changes and has been exposed to the realm of modernity and development. Nevertheless, people and the state have been victimized of communal tension leaving individuals and groups divided. The division of groups or communities expresses itself along Social, Economic, Political, Racial and Cultural prejudices generating fear, suspicion, insecurity and hatred for each other. Dividing and distributing ourselves with different names will not make any individual or community more amazing superior or Arunachalee or National. Names are to cement peaceful co-existence of various communities in Arunachal Pradesh. It is to be a vessel for compassion, wisdom, productivity and respect for each other.

It is obvious that at times, the peace and harmony gets disturbed due to misunderstandings and invasion of intentional anti-social elements but it is to understand no individual community or society has ever escaped its repercussion. Thus, we all must not play victim or performer to it which produces distrust and obscurantist prejudices among the inhabitants of the state.

We all have many other important things to work on for instance- Education, Health, and Employment, Social Integration etc. other than wasting our precious time and foster communal disharmony and disrupt peace. For a state to have strength, each of its communities should have strength. We should be identified with a society which is educationally sound and developed. Our state will progress when each and every community, will attain progress.

Hence, it is our voluntarily duty as a citizen to developed a sense of discipline to enhance the peace and harmony within ourselves and thereby strength the great Arunachal Pradesh.

On this very day, let us take the promise to:

1.      Nurture and promote non-violence.

2.      Encourage people to people befriend interactions.

3.      Learn and understand historical and cultural uniqueness of each other's.

4.      Practice cross-cultural communications.

5.      Develop confidence-building measures in affected areas.

6.      Learn to manage low-level disputes and keeps them away from mounting into more dangerous and explosive ethnic clashes.

7.      Let us acknowledge harmony in diversity.

8.      Avoid any rumors, projection and direct & indirect instigations against the people of any communities must be avoided like poison.

In this regard AAPSU is undertaking activities in order to promote Peace and Communal Harmony among the people of different communities and preservation of peace in the state. Union believes that peace, stability and communal harmony in the state are achievable with the concerted efforts and immense support from the different communities. Lets us join hands and build a bond of bonhomie to foster and strengthen the sense of harmony in diversity amongst people and usher for the unity & Prosperity of the various communities in the state. Therefore, we pursue this noble cause on the theme of- ‘We are One; Let us make a Rainbow State and Bring all Together'.

Yours,

Happy Toko,

V/P (AAPSU),

Chairman Peace and Communal Harmony

 

 

 

Don’t jump to conclusion without knowing facts

Dear Editor,

I would like to share my views and observations regarding the recent 'DSE Assault'' case and the various reactions that came out in last couple of days.

The act of 'physical assault' has rightly been condemned by various associations as such acts cannot be endorsed by anybody in any circumstances. Apart from this following are my observations followed by some views.

Firstly, many associations and individuals have demanded 'very stringent action' and 'worse punishment'(as used by them) against the culprits. I don’t understand what these 'very stringent' or 'worse punishment' mean? If I am not wrong laws cannot be more stringent or less stringent depending upon the victim's or culprit's position or background. Everyone is equal before laws, which means that a person's background or position cannot (at least should not) influence laws. So demanding law to be more stringent would in other words mean that laws could be less stringent had the victim been an ordinary person.

Secondly, there is support and solidarity coming for both the groups in various forms. Staging in dharna for example. Are these people who are extending their support really sure that the person/s who they are supporting is/are really innocent? Why the people of Arunachal Pradesh are so quick in showing their solidarity? Supporting anyone before the case is clear, endorses the crime in one hand and such act shows poor judgment ability of the people in other hands. And the people need to understand that there are many men who take advantage of this mindset.

Thirdly, I found no association or individual demanding a proper and unbiased investigation regarding the case. People are making their own conclusions regarding who is right and who is wrong. Remember, the allegations and the counter allegations can only be proved by a proper and unbiased investigation. It is pertinent to mention here that, the office of the DSE has been alleged of being corrupt by one of the student leaders involved in the case. Bribery, being a serious case, should be investigated at the earliest.

And lastly, I would like to appeal the law implementing authority to conduct the investigation without favourism and award punishment to culprits without affecting the course of the law.

Yours

Radhe Obing, Ziro

 

 

 

Listen to the other side of the story too

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem daily I on behalf of the Yiyom Yinyo Welfare Society (YYWS) would like to make some clarification on the recent incident of Longding, on 3rd March 2013, in which an IRBn personal was alleged of drugging and raping a minor. In this incident the so called accused was brutally tortured and beaten up by a mob in two different occasions, forcing him to accept the crime.  He almost got killed by that mob and since then he is being kept under ICU in Dibrugarh till date. What we want to clarify on behalf of the so called accused that we are not against the law giving punishment to the person who raped that girl and we genuinely feels that the culprit should be certainly punished for such heinous crime; but was that mob who attacked the suspect, authorised to give judgement on it and punish someone in a such a brutal way without even knowing the actual cause. It was too early to come into any conclusion at  that particular time as things had to be judged first and the truth can be very different as they seems to appear. Why didn’t they bother to think of the other side of the story? What was the hurry? Why was he attacked there at the hospital when he was willingly there to prove his innocence through medical examination?  

People should know that things are not exactly as narrated in local dailies. Though still in a critical condition the alleged suspect has revealed out some facts which were very much different from the news published in some local dailies, as some went on to publish his name and photo without even giving a second thought. I fill it is inappropriate to narrate his statement of clarification keeping in view the reputation of the victim and her family and also knowing that the matter is under investigation. But still then, we feel it necessary to reveal the fact that it is now established by the investigators that the said victim had herself ranged him and asked him to come to circuit house. In the circuit house, when he came there to see her, they were not the only one and it was broad day light hours, then how come the chances of rape in such situation?  He was there only for a short period of time that too in open space. Thereafter he left from there and what happened with her after that is not clear to him. He himself was shocked for the allegation levelled to him and he wasn’t given the chance to prove his innocence. Now bedridden in a hospital there is less chance that he will recover as side effects and other complicacies are developing with every passing day. In case of his death, now who will take responsible for that?    

We appeal the law enforcers to earth out the fact and deliver justice at the earliest. If anyone is found guilty he or she will be punished as per the provision of law but the wrong person should not let bear for others mistake. Also taking the law in hand and escalating the matter in a different way will only worsen the situation. Let the law take its own course and justice be done.                    

Yours

Karba Yomgam

Acting General Secretary

Yiyom Yinyo Welfare Society

 

 

 

 

I beg Pardon

Dear Editor,

Through your columns I want to thank Litwang Lowang of Khonsa, T.Tahin of Naharlagun, Bamang Taji President ANYA and Tai Dora for their valuable comments and opening my narrow mindedness and eyes. In fact they are true; Arunachal is a vast and multilingual/multi-tribe state. In my writing I did not mean to say that all Nyishi brethens were involved in the assault on DSE but one or two may. But anyway if my column has disheartened the people of state, I beg pardon from all the people of Arunachal for the mistake.

Yours,

Nomni Pertin

Govt. Secondary School, Kongsa, Changlang

 

 

 

Pls intervene

Dear Editor,

From the month of January retail meat sellers of Ziro- Hapoli are not selling chicken meat on the issue of price. When I inquired from shopkeeper on the issue, they said that they cannot sell chicken at the price fixed by the district administration. It seems that shopkeeper want to sell chicken at higher price than market rate. And in order to bring down the district administration to meet their demand they are torturing common public by boycotting selling of chicken.

Therefore I appeal to district administration not to remain silent on the issue. Either cancel the license of those retail meat seller who are boycotting , so that new meat seller may sell chicken or find out some concrete step, because common public are suffering in the fight between Administration and meat seller.

Yours

Tage Aappa

Gurud Wara line

Hapoli

Respect the rights of journalists

Since the start of the year, two radio stations have been closed by the authorities and at least 12 journalists have been arrested or attacked by police in various parts of Afghanistan.

"We urge the authorities to do their duty by guaranteeing journalists' safety and respecting their right to report the news," Reporters Without Borders said. "Mistrust and accusatory attitudes towards journalists and news media are endangering freedom of information. The threats against the media and impunity for those who attack journalists must end."

In one of the latest cases, Radio Galat Jagh manager Taymour Shah Sahzadeh was detained by the police for four hours in the southeastern province of Zabol on 27 February, since when the station's broadcasts have been suspended.

Radio Nassim, a local radio station based in the central province of Daykandi, was the victim of harassment and reprisals by the governor, the police chief and local representatives of the information and culture ministry on 14 February.

Ten journalists were threatened and attacked by members of the security services in Jalalabad, the capital of the eastern province of Nangarhar, on 24 February while trying to cover a suicide bombing at the provincial security headquarters. All reporters were prevented from entering the building.

Hamed Abidi, the editor of the weekly Active Youth, received a telephone threat in Kabul on 17 February in connection with an article he had published about the construction of a privately-owned car park. The unidentified person who made the threat claimed to be close to the authorities.

The photographer Farzaneh Vahedi received a similar threat the same day in the northeastern province of Badakhshan about a documentary she has made about the activities of a charity that helps women.

Reporters Without Borders is also worried by increasingly accusatory official statements concerning news media and journalists, and by government decisions restricting freedom of information.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.