March 27

Centre assures AAPSU to improve law and order in Tirap, Changlang and Longding

NEW DELHI, Mar 26: Union Ministry of Home Affairs joint secretary (North East) Sambhu Singh today assured All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) to improve the law and order situation in insurgency-infested Tirap, Changlang and Longding district. This assurance came when AAPSU president Kamta Lapung  called on the Joint secretary at New Delhi today.

Through a memorandum, Lapung drew the attention of the central Govt towards the sufferings of the indigenous people because of the ongoing factional clash between two factions of NSCN for area dominance though the ceasefire agreement between the GoI and the NSCN has not been extended to Arunachal Pradesh.

Highlighting the genesis of the Naga problem that had spilt over to Arunachal Pradesh with the insurgents resorting to heinous crimes including extortion, torture of local denizens, kidnapping and murder,  Lapung wondered why New Delhi remains a silent spectator to the atrocities committed against Arunachalees by both factions.

Reminding the moral responsibility of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre that the state has been a safe fort of the ruling Congress, Lapung urged  the Centre to stop lip-service and take tangible steps to instil confidence in the minds of the Arunachalees. Singh committed to begin streamlining the law and order situation by deploying additional forces from April onward, AAPSU said. The AAPSU also appealed the people of three districts to launch a non-cooperation movement against the NSCN factions. Singh reportedly asked the AAPSU to conduct seminar in collaboration with GoI on steps needed to tackle problems confronting the three districts to elicit the opinion of the masses.

Expressing deep concern at the GoI’s proposal to grant citizenship to Chakma-Hajong refugees for which a high power committee was constituted headed by Singh on 10th August 2010, Lapung told the join secretary that despite numerous crimes including murder, rape, extortion and reserved forest encroachment cases registered against the refugees in various police stations of the state, Arunachal Pradesh Government had shown its magnanimity.

Referring to the rape incident wherein a group of Chakma youths had reportedly raised the modesty of a local school girl on 11th February for which the Chakma refugees had tendered written apology and AAPSU’s boycott of the 2nd HPC meeting on 12th March 2013 opposing citizenship to the refugees, Lapung said “under such circumstances, how the indigenous people would allow the refugees to settle permanently in their native land as the GoI has been insisting?” Will it not open the floodgate for rest Indians to place the same demand ? it questioned.

In response, AAPSU said that Singh directed the Chakma-Hajong refugees to maintain status quo and not to encroach upon an inch of land beyond their designated camps and end violence against the locals to pave the way for further talks.

Lapung further said that the state government has to play a proactive role on all issues instead of adopting ‘wait and watch policy’.

Kamta Lapung also called on CMD, Food Corporation of India  Dr. Amar Singh at his office in New Delhi.

During the discussion, Lapung  urged the CMD for floating of NIT for  carriage contractors at  Itanagar, operationalization of three new FCI at Bomdila, Pasighat and Tezu, regularization of Arunachal Pradesh govt employee in FCI immediately.

AAPSU informed that Dr Amar Singh assured to look into the grievances seriously.   The FCI CMD also emphasized for proper supply of food grains in the grass root level and also gave a  assurance for the recruitment of category three  and  four employees from indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

Sena seeks NABARD’s support to accelerate agri growth

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: Agri-Horti, Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development Minister Setong Sena today sought the support of the NABARD to accelerate the growth of agriculture sector.

At a threadbare discussion with NABARD general manager Dr P Radhakrishnan, Sena said that he with the commitment of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki was working with a mission mode for the growth of agri sector to add to national productivity while creating job opportunity for giving enough livelihood opportunities to needy rural populace.

Pointing out that the NABARD with a three-decade success story was engaged in boosting agri sector involving the rural masses as per GoI policy but had switched over from grant-based to soft loan-based programme.

When he hinted at the poor loan recovery rate that had discouraged the banks to grant loans in the state, Sena attributed the loanees' mentality of considering the loans as government sops while lack of market linkage was causing losses to the farmers.

However, when Sena suggested that vegetable, piggery, poultry and fisheries should be taken up as achievable short term schemes; cash crops like tea, rubber, large cardamom, orange etc. under medium term and red sandal wood as long term scheme to benefit the locals, Dr Radhakrishnan assured all possible support while suggesting to assess the compatibility of taking up multiple cropping.  

He informed that the state focus paper projecting NABRAD’s next five-year credit plan was released by Chief Secretary H K Paliwal recently advocating handholding support by the bankers for taping the vast untapped potentials of the state. Thus, the NABARD would explore the possibility of extending support under Tribal Development Fund as sought by Sena.

Besides numerous central projects including Food Security Mission and CM’s Livelihood Mission School (CMLMS) launched as a pilot project at Nampong were tangible steps in that direction, Sena spelt out as to how he was dovetailing various central schemes to achieve the goal.

Committed NGO – National Youth Project - was supplementing the GoAP efforts, while another CMLMS was planned in Sagalee soon, he informed. As NYP president H P Biswas highlighted the success of NABARD supported farmers’ clubs, Sena pointed out that there should be a club in each 70 villages of his Nampong assembly constituency as a pilot project for others to emulate.

Two farmers clubs of Anjaw had sold large cardamom worth Rs 1.76 crore in 2011 @ Rs 650 per kg at their doorstep with NYP providing the market linkages while many growers had sold at through away rate as low as Rs 380 per kg at Tinsukia, NYP vice president Pradeep Kumar said to support Dr Radhakrishnan that middlemen were looting the farmers.

Sena called for mass awareness about CMLMS as NABARD manager K Vaiphei informed that many NGOs were approaching them to know more about the novel school.

Sena’s OSD Nalong Mize was also present in the discussion.

 

 

SSA teachers to get 5 months pending salary in one go

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: Education Minister Bosiram Siram today meet Rajarshi Bhattacharya, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (SE&L), Government of India at New Delhi. Siram urged the secretary to release central matching share of SSA at the earliest so that salary can be paid to teachers as soon as possible. State government had already released its matching share this month.

It is to be mentioned that SSA teachers are yet to receive their salary since last 5 month. Minister further informed that he had briefed in detail to secretary about various grievances of SSA teachers like lack of accommodation and how teachers are working in far flung areas reaching by foot march. He invited secretary to visit state in order to get first hand information regarding problems faced by the teaching community in particularly by the SSA teachers. Secretary Rajarshi Bhattacharya instructed his official to release central matching share of SSA within next 3 days and also expressed satisfaction over performance of SSA in Arunachal. Secretary further appreciated Nabam Tuki led state government for releasing state matching share timely. Minister Siram added that five months salary of SSA teachers will be paid in one go.

 

 

Delay in completion of Aohali mega  drinking water project resented

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 26: Inordinate delay in completion of drinking water mega project at Aohali in Mebo constituency has evoked massive public reaction as the Pasighat division of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has miserably failed to supply drinking water to the concerned villages under the constituency.

The project under Union Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER)) was funded under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR). The DoNER ministry, through file No. DNER/NLP/AP/141/2009 dated March 22, 2010 accorded necessary administrative and financial approval for “Providing potable drinking water supply to Mebo Sub-division HQ and adjoining villages in East Siang district.

The much hyped drinking water mega projects at Aohali, at 21 km far east from Mebo town started in 2010 and its scheduled time of completion was March 2012. But, it could not be materialized within the time scheduled and yet to see the light of the day. The villages like Siluk, Kiyit, Ngopok, Borguli, Sigar and others are still waiting for water to be supplied from the mega project.

Lack of water supply in the villages is compelling the consumers to fetch water from unhygienic water sources, which has resulted in spread of various water-born diseases. It is reported that along the 200 mm DI pipe laid, water is flowing in 80 mm level in the pipe, which is too inadequate to meet the water demand in Mebo township. The mega project is yet to supply water to the nearby villages.

Alleging financial irregularity in implementing the project, the local villagers of Mebo have alleged that the implementing agency has already spent an amount of Rs 22 crore released against the project, the water supply system in Mebo town area and adjoining area has not been improved”.   “The mega project is delayed without any reasonable ground. Our MLA Ralom Borang, who made the mega project a poll-plank during the last election, is not putting any attention on time-bound competition of the development projects in the area” lamented Lenzing Pertin, a public leader of Mebo.

Pertin, who is state council member of BJP, submitted petition to Pasighat PHED under the provisions of RTI Act, 2005 and had some substantial information on cost and expenditures against the construction works in Aohali mega project. He alleged that huge amount of money out of the released fund has been misappropriated by the department engineers in a fraudulent manner with help of fake vouchers/ bills.

Being annoyed with the undue delay of Aohali mega project, the local people have demanded the authority to publish a “white paper” on utilization of fund against the drinking water project.

 

 

Awareness camp on tea and rubber cultivation

ITANAGAGAR, Mar 26: An awareness camp on Tea cultivation and management was conducted at Community Hall, Jairampur, Changlang District on 20th March. The awareness camp was organized by R. K. Mossang Memorial Society under the sponsorship of the Department of Trade and Commerce, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh. More than 100 prospective farmers from the Jairampur administrative sub-division have attended the programme.  

Nidhi Srivastava, ADC Jairampur in her inaugural speech she exhorted all the participants to avail and utilize the scheme in a meaningful way,  if allotted,  to enhance their economic livelihood because Changlang district has all the favourable and suitable factors for cultivation of Tea.

S. Modi, Deputy Director, Trade and Commerce informed that the State Govt. under the leadership of  Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, has launched a Mission Mode Project called “Chief Minister’s Plantation crop Mission”. Under the Mission, assistance @ Rs  1.00 lakh for Tea cultivation per family for 1 hectare and Rs 80,000/- for rubber cultivation per family for 1 hectare only is provided. The assistance includes cost of planting materials, fencing materials, fertilizers, costs etc. Apart from this, another Pilot Project called “Sharing a cup of Tea Mission” is also launched in East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Changlang Districts. Under this scheme, only Tea Sapling will be provided to the tea growers. Application forms for availing these schemes can be obtained from the respective DAO office.

Selection of beneficiary will be done by a Selection Committee headed by concerned DC as Chairman, DHO as Member and DAO as Member Secretary. Target allotted for the district is 27 units for Rubber and for Tea 21 units during the current financial year.

A. D. Panggom, DAO Changlang informed that they have advertized the schemes in all circles of the district and so far they have received more than 4000 applications for both rubber and tea against 48 units (27+21) allotted to the district.

Rajesh Roy, Resource Person in the technical session gave detail presentation on the systematic and scientific cultivation of tea.

Arup Kumar Choudhury, Secretary, R.K. Mossang Memorial Society in his welcome address gave detail accounts of the activities being undertaken by the Society for socio-economic development of the area.

Komoli Mossang, Chairperson of the Society also spoke on the occasion.  

Another awareness camp on Rubber cultivation & management was also conducted at Anchal Samity Hall, Roing on 23rd March. More than 100 prospective growers have attended the programme. Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar requested all the participants to learn as much as possible from the Resource Person regarding various techniques for cultivation of Rubber as Lower Dibang Valley has vast stretch of suitable land for cultivation of Tea and Rubber. Tea and Rubber could change the economic life of the people of the district.

S. Modi, DDT&C gave detail accounts of the ‘Chief Minister’s plantation crop Mission on Tea and Rubber and ‘Sharing a Cup of Tea Mission’.

T. Basar, DAO informed that so far they have received more than 400 applications against their advertisement.

P.C. Goswami, Deputy Rubber Production Commissioner, Rubber Board of India, Guwahati attended as Resource Person. He gave a Power Point Presentation on Scientific and systematic cultivation of rubber.

Komoli Mossang, Chairperson of R K. Mossang Memorial Society and former Minister of Arunachal Pradesh advised that earlier getting Govt. job for educated people and also for Govt. contracts was easier. Now time has changed and it is very difficult to get Govt. job not to talk of contract and other supply works for our educated youth. The only option is self employment through commercial cultivation of Tea and Rubber and other agri-horti commercial cultivation.

Arup Kumar Choudhury, Secretary, R.K. Mossang Memorial Society and Dature Miuli, local rubber planter have also spoken in the programme.

 

 

World Consumer Rights day celebrated

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The Department of Legal Metrology  and Consumer Affairs, Papum Pare district celebrated the World Consumer Rights Day 2013 at Siddharth Hall, Itanagar  today.

Techi Lala, President, ACCI and Biri Kame, General Secretary, IMWA  were the dignitaries.

The programme which was organized by Papum Pare unit of Legal Metrology  and Consumer Affairs Deptt.   in collaboration with the Headquarter witnessed participation of huge gathering of traders from Itanagar and Naharlagun area besides representative from VCOs, NGOs, print and electronic media.

Welcoming the guest and public Taba Tabin, ILM, Itanagar briefed about the theme of the celebration and also various initiatives of the Deptt.

The theme of the celebration as selected by the Deptt. was “Traders and Consumers: Fostering and Strengthening Trust”.

In his keynote address Techi Nyokum Tara, Assistant Controller, LM & CA, Papum Pare, while elaborating various aspects of the Deptt. activities, urged the  business community to adhere to the laid down norms and regulations  and also to  be friendly towards common consumers.

On the occasion of the celebration programme, S. Chakraborty, TA,  LM & CA presented a power point presentation explaining in detail the Provisions of Consumer Protection Act and Legal Metrology Acts and Rules. He also appealed to the trading community to be vigilant on spurious and adulterated products and to restrict entry of these products in local market to ensure safety of consumers.

K.P.Tago, ACLM (HQ.) while sharing his experiences requested the trading community to be alert and responsible while dealing with consumers. He also sought cooperation from business leaders and also other allied departments to work cohesively for the welfare of the consumers of the state.

Lonku Tania, Secretary, All Arunachal Pradesh Consumers Association also spoke on the occasion and expressed gratitude to the Department and asked for conducting more of such programme in future. He assured his future  cooperation in protecting the rights of consumers.

Biri Kame also expressed deep satisfaction and gratitude to the Deptt. for organizing such programme. He asked the Deptt. to conduct such programmes frequently at market areas  involving  trading communities to increase the outreach of the Deptt. and its activities. Speaking on the occasion Techi Lala, asked the traders, NGOs and public present to accept “Consumerism” as a social responsibility. He appealed to all specially representatives of Chamber of Commerce & the Market Welfare Associations to be in touch with Deptt. and avail all possible opportunity to upgrade their information on various products and also to  abide by the laid down norms and procedures. Assuring his all-out cooperation to the Deptt. he urged to  conduct similar publicity awareness programme in collaboration with the  existing business establishments.

The programme concluded with Vote of Thanks from Likha Yach Debia, ILM, Naharlagun, according to an official release.

 

 

Panggeng inaugurates  health mela at Mariyang

YINGKIONG,  Mar 26: The Parliamentary Secretary, Law & Justice and Education J K Panggeng inaugurated a two day  Health Mela organized at CHC, Mariyang amidst a huge gathering of officers, public leaders and numbers of patients coming from different villages of Mariyang sub-division on 25th March.  The Parliamentary Secretary was accompanied by L. Borang, DC, DMO, SDO, EE (PWD), Mariyang.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Panggeng appealed one and all to eradicate all types of disease thereby making the society free from diseases and said  that only a healthy society can make developments in all fronts. In opposite to the English proverbs 'When health is lost something is lost when character is lost every thing is lost', Panggeng, while giving priority on health, opined that “when character is lost, something is lost but when health is lost every thing is lost'. Without good health no one can do anything good.

While speaking on objective of the health mela Dr. K. Dai, DMO appealed the public to get the opportunity and advantage of such Health Mela and asked all pregnant women to get admission in Govt. Hospitals for delivery of their child and get government facility so that every one can get a healthy child.

On the first day of the Mela 475 patients were treated, 24 cases of tubectory operated, IUD- 2, Sonography -13 patients. The doctors who made hectic efforts were - Dr. Bimol Ratan (MAPAED), Dr. Keni Lego (MDDERMA), Dr. Gepeng Litin (MD O and G), Dr. Joseph Tekseng (MD ANAEST), Dr. Ahik Miyu (DTO), Dr. Etuk Jopir (MD O&G) and Dr. Obang Modi (Dental), Dr. Appri Apang, DRCHO who organized the Mela and Dr. Otem Pertin. MO, Mariyang extended vote of thanks. DIPRO

 

 

‘Holi' - A Festival of Universal Brotherhood, Religious

Harmony & Social Cohesion

Prof. (Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo

Bharat is one of the ancient countries of the world. It has great heritage of glory and elevated way of life. Even now it is very well known for being the land of deities with palaces and lifestyle of legendary beauty. Many people abroad also consider Bharat as a great pilgrimage place and hold the soil of Bharat in great respect. Bharat is well known for festivals and by tradition one festival or another is celebrated almost daily. The number of festivals celebrated here is hardly comparable to festivals celebrated by other countries. Twelve months in a year is filled with thirteen big festivals. ‘Holi', is one of the greatest festivals in India. People celebrate this festival with lot of enthusiasm and zeal. The auspicious festival of ‘Holi' had been reduced to an annual ritual hardly reflecting its true significance.  If ‘Holi' is celebrated with the correct understanding of this esoteric Truth, then it will render immense benefit to the humanity at large.  

Purity of means is as essential as honesty of purpose. Means should justify the end, not the vice-versa. In fact, purity in practice always begets peace and happiness. The festival of 'Holi' conveys this universal message in many ways to mankind. Without harmony, there can't be peace. Human harmony with the self, nature, fellow beings and with society is the basis of universal peace and happiness. The basis of harmony, in turn, is in becoming 'being' or 'soul' conscious rather than 'human' or 'body' conscious. When we identify merely with 'humus' (in Latin for 'soil') or 'human body', worldly possessions, position and relations, then our perception, visions, values, attitude and actions get circumscribed and narrowed down. Our consciousness gets bogged down by a set of social conditioning, bias, prejudice, pride, ego, lust, jealousy or hatred. This gross or mundane mentality becomes the breeding ground of all negativity, vices, disharmony and discords in self and society.

When we become 'soul' or 'being' conscious, the horizon of our perception, outlook, mindset, character and conduct expands to become universal, holistic and harmonious. We go beyond the consideration of all limitedness, caste, creed, community, sex, race and religion and we embrace everyone and everything under the sun with equal love, affection, care and concern, as we would have done the same for our self, our near and dear one. The joyous spirit of 'Holi' in true sense envisages and encompasses this universality of perception and when people put it into practice by remaining in soul consciousness, they can widely promote essential unity in diversity and universal brotherhood of mankind under the spiritual fatherhood of one incorporeal Supreme Being.

The celebration of 'Holi' which is supposed to arouse and spread soul consciousness rather than gross entanglement, if observed in proper perspective, can help the self and others to collectively connect and commune with the Supreme Cosmic Energy- the eternal source of pure and positive powers for self & world transformation, for holistic health, harmony and happiness. The festival of ‘Holi’ in spiritual sense stands for the victory of virtues over vices, light over darkness, mind over matter, subtle over the gross, love over hatred and divinity over the demonic. It is not merely a playful game in colors or colored water. It is much more than mundane indulgence in fun and frolic for a day or two. Rather, it is a common socio-cultural and spiritual platform for contemplating and creating meaningful avenues for healthy and harmonious inter-religious, inter-community, inter-caste and international interactions, understanding, cooperation and peaceful co-existence.

Devout devotee Prahlad inspires us to look within, introspect and remain in love full intellectual connection with the Supreme Soul for developing inner powers, divine strength and support so that we can burn and sublimate the Holika like evil traits and devilish proclivities in the sacred fire of Holy Communion with the Almighty. With the practice and powers of such spiritual wisdom, human values and Raj Yoga meditation on God, the forces of good and similar minded people can unite and take up collective measures face and finish Hiranya kashyap like divisive and destructive cult of violence, cruelty, religious intolerance and bigotry in the long run.

This we can attain when we make Holi Mangal Milan by forging link and fostering friendship with like minded people from all religious groups and communities and by getting united and committed as brother souls under fatherhood of Supreme Soul, to the common minimum agenda of defeating and eliminating the vicious cult of hatred, violence and vices for restoring a benign culture of peace, non-violence, benevolence and for re-establishing a single religion of humanity for the entire mankind.

Observe 'Holi' In A Holy & Healthy Way :

The story of Prahalad in Vishnu Puran projects the ultimate triumph & purity over impurity, goodness over evils and virtues over vices. The legend depicts Prahalad's devotion to Lord Vishnu and describes his father, King Hiranya Kashyap as an atheist engaged in religious prosecution. The evil father adopts many ruthless routes to dissuade his son from the path of devotion but fails. Finally, the devil king seeks the help of his sister Holika who is blessed by Lord Brahma not to be consumed by fire. She enters a bonfire taking Prahalad on her lap. For misusing the boon, Holika is burnt to ashes, while Prahalad escapes unscathed.

People today, observe and play Holi in gross form and mundane manner without realizing the deeper implications of its rich rituals. By such outward, ritualistic and routine observance of Holi, they deprive the self and society from true spiritual empowerment and enrichment which the festival is supposed to provide.

Holi Burns Impurity

Vabhishya Puran depicts the narration of Devarshi Narad who speaks highly of Holi to king Yudhistir: "Oh Emperor, on Phalguna Purnima (day of Holi), people of your kingdom should be allowed to have fun and frolic without any fear. Boys should go out and gather sticks for Holika burning in an atmosphere of loud laughter, ha-hola & hymn chanting to destroy the demon. Till date, the effigy of evil Holika is continued to be burnt, Oh King! to annihilate all enemical forces".

It stands to reason that no physical bon fire of dry sticks can ward off all evils or inauspiciousness. Rather, it is the dryness, hardness and harshness of human propensities which perpetrate pain unto the self and others need to be sublimated in the subtle fire divine knowledge and meditation on God. The practice and promotion of Holy Communion (Raja Yoga) of self with the Supreme Soul hold key not only to wipe out innate evils, vices and negative traits but also to empower and enrich the self and others with positive qualities, character and conduct. As per Brahma Puran, on the day of Holi if a person in rapt attention makes a prayerful darshan of Purushotham Srikrishna's idol kept on a swing in the temple, then the person is assured of a place in Lord Krishna's celestial kingdom, Vaikunth or Paradise.

Mention of such rituals in scriptures need to be understood not in their literal sense, but in spiritual essence. Not mere physical glance or glimpse of Lord Krishna's idol but regular divine contemplation and meditation on God's incorporeal point-light image and cultivation of Krishna's divine/deity qualities such as contentment, courage, cheerfulness, detachment, dispassion and determination in life would enable you to eliminate inner impurities and negativities and to experience deity like true peace, health, harmony and happiness.

Similarly, the chanting of Vedas' holy hymns "Raskhohagam Balgaham" for destroying the devils during demoness 'Holika' burning and the mention of 'Holi' in scripture as ‘Vish Todak’ (Vice-Demolition) and ‘Punya Praydayak’ (Merit Giving) Parv or festival, enjoin on the observers to desist from demonic thoughts, desires, diets and dispositions. This can be done when you light the inner fire of spiritual wisdom and RajaYoga Meditation (Supreme Communion) on God and when you adopt universal values, satwik diet and healthy lifestyle, so that you can smear and decorate yourself and all others with divine colours of Peace, purity, positivity, balance and bliss in life. Happy greetings on the “Holi - Festival of Colours” . (The writer is a Faculty, Brahma Kumaris & Head, Dept. of Education, R.G.U.)

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

GREETINGS

 

The March 28 edition of The Arunachal Times would not hit the stands on account of Holi. This daily wishes its esteemed readers and advertisers

a very happy Holi

 

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

 

Holi greetings

ITANAGAR, Mar 26:  Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd) J.J. Singh and Chief   Minister Nabam Tuki have extended warm greetings and good wishes to people of the state on the festive occasion of Holi.

The Governor in a message expressed his hope that the festivity promotes communal harmony and happiness in the society.

“May the festival of colours, Holi, which is celebrated all over the country with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm, further strengthen the social fabric and cohesiveness,” Governor wished.

Tuki in a message from New Delhi this evening, expressed optimism that this Holi would remind all of the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. “Let this Holi spread the universal message that good prevails over evil no matter what and in the long run truth, justice and the good will always emerge victorious,” he said.

Observing that Holi also marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season, the Chief Minister prayed that the coming times would always be bright and colorful devoid of misery, draught and distrust for the state and its people.

“I wish the citizens, happy time for all times to come. Let this Holi mark the beginning of happiness and prosperity for all!” the Chief Minister added in his festival message.

 

 

AAPBSU places grievances of border area citizens

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The All Arunachal Pradesh Border students’ Union (AAPBSU) had written to chief minister expressing their displeasure over non-fulfillment of demands placed by them year ago. Union stated that they had given enough time to state government following the assurance by CM to look into the genuine place by AAPBSU. Some of the main demands placed by union include immediate relocation of Likabali check gate from existing to actual place, issuing of land possession certificate (LPC) for free of cost to the local bonafide people who are permanently settled at boundary area, construction of permanent police check post, at Kakoi circle of  Papum Pare district, Dessing Passo circle of East Kameng district, Pumao and Kamku Russa of Kanubari circles of Tirap district and Kangku circle of West Siang district and issue of arms licenses with reasonable rate to the local people of border areas. They have four more other demands. The AAPBSU has threatened to launch their own democratic means if government fails to meet the genuine demands of long suffering citizens of border areas.

 

 

Houses gutted in fire

ITANAGAR,  Mar 26: Informing that at least six houses were gutted in a devastating fire at around 1.30 pm at Fishery colony Dumporijo yesterday,  Topo Welfare Society (TWS)  today demanded the authorities to provide immediate relief to the fire victims. It further demanded  permanent fire station at Dumporijo to prevent frequent occurrence of fire mishap. The Society, further informed that though is no report of casualties, properties worth lakhs of rupees have been damaged. The local residents along with fire brigade personnel doused the fire. However, the cause of the fire accident is yet to be ascertained.

 

 

Shower lashes Siang Valley

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 26: A gusty wind followed by intermittent drizzle lashes entire Siang belt and parts of Dhemaji in North-Assam during the last two days.

Incessant rain for the last three days has paralyzed life in Siang belt, especially Pasighat, Pangin-Boleng, Ruksin, Nari-Koyu and Mebo areas of East Siang and parts of adjoining Dhemaji of Assam.

The shower come on Monday morning after a long dry spell, gave respite to the people of the region from scorching heat due to constant sunny weather. But the downpour, which turned torrential last night made the rural roads muddy besides causing problems for ongoing construction of NH-52 between Ruksin and Pasighat.

The region last year witnessed sufficient rainfall. The Southwest Monsoon picking up adequate moisture from the Bay of Bengal, which was heading towards NE region during early July last, remained active in the region till the month of November last year.

Sources from Regional Meteorology Centre (RMC) in Guwahati said that Normal weather condition has returned to the NE region. The Easterly or Northeasterly wind has been blowing at the lower level of the atmosphere over the NE region.

 

 

ANSU urges DA not to grant bail to the rape accused

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) has hailed Lower Subansiri police for arresting the person who raped minor girl at Bomi English School at Joram village. ANSU patted the back of police team comprising Inspector Tab Techi Officer incharge PS Ziro, SI D. Singpho and SI I. Lollen for sincerely working to arrest the rapist.

However union demanded severe punishment to rapist and appealed to the district administration not to grant them bail to the accused under the influence of politician and others influential person. They asked administration to treat this crime as serious offence and opined that accused must get punishment as per nature of crime.

 

 

Foundation day observed

ITANAGAR, Mar 26:  The Arunachal Pradesh Abo-Tani Clans Youth Organization (APATCYO) today observed its foundation day with a befitting manner here. The members from various district of the organization were also participated in the foundation day. Speaking on occasion President APATCYO suggested the youths of Tani clans to promote culture and identity.

 

 

Maintain status quo, AAPSU urges Chakma refugees

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today said that it will never talk to  Chakma refugees till they maintain status-quo, confine themselves in designated areas  and  keep away from  anti-social activities.

Maintaining its firm stance on the refugee issue, AAPSU said that “Simple apology or excuse doesn’t work until and unless they prove their honesty and loyalty towards indigenous people of State.”

It is worth mentioning here that the ‘Committee for Citizenship Rights of the Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh’ had apologized to the tribal people of the State including the AAPSU leadership for the criminal offences allegedly committed by the refugees including the recent gang rape of a local girl at Chowkham in Lohit district.

Refugees should maintain status quo and should stop their illegal practices for larger interest of their community and indigenous people of the State too. Committing of crime against indigenous people by the refugees created disturbances on mutual dialogue in between AAPSU and govt or High Power Committee, the  AAPSU said in a release. “Land encroachment after felling of forests (by Chakmas) should be avoided immediately as people across the State were crossing their limits of tolerance,” stated AAPSU president Kamta Lapung, adding, “Chakma refugees always neglect term and condition negotiated by the people of state which makes us very tense”.

 

 

Shifting of EM division opposed

PASIGHAT, Mar 26: Reacting to the shifting of EM Division from Pasighat to Pangin circle, BJP state executive member Kaling Moyong today appealed to the government to re-establish the EM Division at Pasighat immediately. He said, shifting of EM division has irked the sentiment of the people of Pasighat as the motive behind the shifting of EM division is very confusing. The government should remember that the creation and establishment of the said division was tabled and demanded by people of Pasighat under the banner of Pasighat Peoples’ Welfare Association and accordingly the said division was established at Pasighat and running smoothly for the last couple of months. The people of Pasighat failed to understand as to what has prompted the government to act in such manner which has hurt the sentiment of people. The government should understand the sentiment of people before shifting of the said office just to entertained few individuals at the cost of the whole society, he added.

 

 

Awareness camp on food processing

YINGKIONG, Mar  26:  One day Awareness camp on Food Processing under National Food Processing Mission was held here at conference hall of DIC (District Industry Centre)  today.

Tapik Petin, SDO, Yingkiong inaugurated the programme. In his speech Pertin encouraged and advised the youths particularly the unemployed women to take up food processing industry and get advantage of the facilities provided under National Mission on Food Processing initiated by the central government thereby improving the economic condition of the rural poor and raising the standard of living.

While encouraging the trainee participants, DIPRO O. Pertin, said about interdependence and co-related activities of power sector, Food Processing machineries and Agro-horti based products. Without sufficient power supply and available raw materials, setting up of any industry/ factory seemed to be a distant dream and therefore, he advised the trainees to put maximum efforts for maximum produce of raw materials and attend maximum awareness training.

Earlier, Deputy Director of Industry Marme Kato explained detail provisions given under National Mission of Food processing in brief.

Among others Dy. Director, ICDS T. Tanjang, M. Ete, ADO attended as special invitees. Around 100 trainees coming from different circles/ sub-divisions of Upper Siang District participated the one day awareness camp enthusiastically. DIPRO

 

 

World TB Day observed

YINGKIONG, Mar 26: District Health Society (RNTCP), Upper Siang observed the World TB Day 2013 at Millang village, 65 km from here.

A procession was taken out by students/ teachers/ PRIs/ GBs and villagers, shouting slogans on TB followed by a community meeting wherein the villagers actively participated.

Bome Mitkong, ASHA of the village, was felicitated by the Nariyang SDO R Perme as the 'Best TB Worker' for her dedicated service as DOT provider.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ahik Miyu, DTO Upper Siang urged the villagers to come forward for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of TB with 'DOTS' to prevent further spread of the disease in the community.

R. Perme, advised the students to carry on the message to their respective home and make the people aware of TB and its control measures.  DIPRO

 

 

DDJAC calls for early Govt notification on creation of Lower Siang  

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: In an emergency meeting with public leaders and PRI leaders of 28 Likabali and 36 Nari-Koyu assembly constituencies held yesterday at Likabali circuit, the District Demand Joint Action Committee (DDJAC) has appealed to the Govt to issue immediate notification for creation of Lower Siang district with temporary Headquarter at Likabali and permanent headquarter at Siki-Rima in the  Gazette along with the newly created Namsai, Kra-Daadi and Siang districts.

While appreciating the Govt and all the legislators for passing the  district creation bill in recently held Assembly session, the meeting held with  DDJAC chairman Sengo Taipodia on the chair further said that  there should be official gazette notification first for creation of Lower Siang  and  any complaints whatsoever regarding four villages of Nari-Koyu namely Depi, Depi-Moli, Detak and Sido be decided by the Govt by way of public referendum. The  house further threatened to call an indefinite  strike in  the form of economic blockade and complete blockade of vehicular movement in  Likabali and Nari-Koyu areas  in case Govt fails to issue notification  for creation of Lower Siang along with other three districts.

 

 

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

 

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

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

All rights reserved.

News Impact

• Centre assures AAPSU to improve law and order in Tirap, Changlang and Longding
• Sena seeks NABARD’s support to accelerate agri growth
• SSA teachers to get 5 months pending salary in one go
• Delay in completion of Aohali mega  drinking water project resented
• Awareness camp on tea and rubber cultivation
• World Consumer Rights day celebrated
• Panggeng inaugurates  health mela at Mariyang
• ‘Holi' - A Festival of Universal Brotherhood, Religious Harmony & Social Cohesion

Please locate “Nyobo”

Dear Editor,

I being an indigenous inhabitant of 35 Pangin-Boleng in particular and 32 Rumgong Assembly Constituency extends my gratitude to chief minister Nabam Tuki, for successfully passing the District Re-organisation Bill while paving way for creation of Siang District. The 19th March 2013 will ever be remembered as a red letter day by the people of 35 Pangin-Boleng and 32 Rumgong Assembly Constituency because the long cherished dream of the people of both the constituency comes true, the most awaited Siang district born on this memorable day.

But as a matter of sorrow, the proposed headquarter of newly born Siang district called “Nyobo” has put the people of both the constituency into dilemma. The people of both the constituency are anxious to know where the proposed headquarter “Nyobo” is located? As per the geographical location of 35 Pangin-Boleng and 32 Rumgong Assembly Constituencies is concerned, there is no place called “Nyobo” within the far flung areas of both the constituency. So, I appeal to the senior citizens of both the constituency to locate the proposed headquarter “Nyobo” so that dilemma/confusion is cleared at the earliest.

Yours,

Talo Mize

Boleng

 

 

Please postpone the exam

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily we would like to present few words regarding recruitment process for APPBN/IRBn at Daporijo. Through local daily we had came to know exams for re-recruitment will be held in the month of April. We the students of Upper Subansiri District strongly oppose such decisions. Most of the poor students belonging to poor family of our district is studying at various colleges and majority of annual college examination will start from 2nd April. In such situation how can we prepare for exam and interview at the same time? Therefore we the collegian of upper Subansiri District appeal to the All Tagin Students Union (ATSU), All Upper Subansiri District Students Union (AUSDSU), All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) to kindly take a necessary action in this regard. We believe and hope that these powerful student organizations will understand our pain and help us in this regard. We also appeal to all the apex tribe bodies of Upper Subansiri district to serious examine our cause. The interview should be held only after completion of the college exam.

Yours

Dikbu Lusi Tamin

Tumbin Dagma

Tanya Patumm Tamin

DNGC, Itanagar

 

 

Is it a crime to be born poor?

Dear Editor,

My heartfelt applause and appreciation goes to Taba Ajum, for his article ‘All is not well outside the Assembly’, published in your daily on 21st of March. Hats off to writers like him who in today’s context of the society where every single thing is under control of the fraudulent people in power, has the courage to bring out the bitter yet very true scenario of the state. It gives a sigh of relief knowing that there are people who are apparently trying to bring out a change in a society that is surplus by spiritually and morally impure people.

Inspite of fully agreeing with his view, I being one of the many thousand youths with a vision in my mind, a beautiful dream taking its form in my heart and eyes full of hope for the new ventures in life, could not help but felt shattered by getting to know once again the actual scenario of the state. How are we supposed to see new generations bloom when hardworking and straightforward citizens are not appreciated? Where is the opportunity for new and honest talents when even the Govt jobs are being manipulated by those in power?

What would happen to the poor and downtrodden section of the society, when preferential treatment is given only to the rich? Is it a crime, so heinous, to be born in a poor family? Is this the punishment and suffering we have to endure for taking birth in a poor family? Who is to be blamed??

Yours,

Miley Dai

Mirsam village,

Pasighat

 

 

 

Headquarter should be selected after scientific and objective evaluation

Dear Editor,

Ultimately, the bill has been passed for creation of new district- Lower Siang after lots of hullabaloo has been passed. But, the ordeal doesn't end here. Now, there will be a tug-of-war for the location of District Head Quarter- as it is not yet decided. It is an earnest request to our representative and public leaders that they must decide about the Head quarter after scientific and objective evaluation.

Some important points to ponder about before deciding about the Headquarter are: Strategic importance of the Place, Administrative convenience and feasibility i.e availability of transport and communication,

Distance from other places in the district(would be), Prospect of future expansion, etc..

Likabali in this regard, holds a strong promise of a successful Head-Quarter of the proposed district. The location of Likabali makes it easily accessible from any place of the proposed importance with repeated attacks from the neighboring Assam and moreover, it has great importance as a historic and tourist spot (Malinithan).

Therefore, making Likabali as a headquarter would be beneficial for the whole district. It would not only deter the repeated encroachment by Assam; but also enable expeditious action if situation demands. It would also help in harnessing the potential of tourism to the fullest- thereby augmenting the economy of the proposed district.

These are my personal views and I don't want to stir any controversy. But, one thing must be kept in mind that getting (creating) a district or Headquarter is not the panacea for all the hardship and problems (economic backwardness)- but definitely provides for the opportunities. It is up to us, how we begin and embark on our new journey and how best we utilize the opportunities!

Yours,

Nyatum Doke,

Vill-Lipu,

Likabali,

 

 

Lets us live together peacefully

Dear Editor,

Through esteemed daily would like to express my view in regards to statement given by Adi Baane Kebang on 25th March in some local daily. I want to ask some question to ABK. What type of traditional boundary they are talking about? Who made this traditional boundary and when? Does the Govt. create districts for particular tribe or community? Are the Dravidians going to claim central India like they claim upto Singen/Simen River? We respect ABK & ADISU. So please do and write constructive/progressive things. We are Arunachalee and can settle anywhere. We all are temporary settler of this earth. Let us live peacefully together.

Yours,

Gonya Riba

Nirjuli

Drought hits Indian farmers hard

Television viewers in India watched in disgust as a self-styled God-man and devotees at his ashram, or spiritual abode, revel in playing, spraying and spilling gallons of water to celebrate Holi – the festival of colours.

Days later, political activists vandalised an electricity generating company that has received government largesse in the form of a decision divert millions of gallons of drinking water to thermal power plant.

The country watched in horror when a 30-year-old Andhra farmer appeared on television, lifting his shirt to show a scar from an operation he underwent to sell his kidney – a sign of the bad times a rain-fed economy has plunged its farmers into.

Parts of India are in the throes of one of the worst droughts in living memory and there have been reports of people migrating out of their villages from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In Maharashtra, the state government has deployed nearly 2,500 tanker trucks to supply drinking water to the worst affected areas. The central government has approved Rs 12,07840 million (more than USD 22,000 million) for the state.

The state’s chief minister Prithviraj Chavan was quoted as telling news agencies that water reservoirs in the state were at their lowest ever in recorded history “With every passing day the reservoirs are drying up,” Chavan was quoted as saying.

Humanitarian have now begun to take notice – a bit late in the day, considering that the government had declared a drought early on in the year.

International charity, Save the Children says it has reached out to its field teams in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to assess the drought situation and develop an appropriate response.

But the political climate in the run-up to general elections next year has prompted some pro-active decisions. Declaring a drought, for instance, allows farmers to avail credit facilities while the government takes up relief operations.