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March 07

Binni Yanga conferred PhD

ITANAGAR, Mar 06:  Leading Indian women’s University, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan has conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) to its alumna and Padam Shree Awardee Binni Yanga in a special convocation ceremony organized there yesterday.

During her stay in Banasthali from March3 to 5 Yanga visited all the places where she had spent her days as a student. In her own words, ‘It was like revisiting the old memories,’ said a University release. She credited the education acquired at Banasthali to be the major factor responsible for making her what she is today. She enjoyed all the activities of the University and also tried hands at rifle shooting. She said that she was indebted to Banasthali Vidyapith for making her believe and practice ‘Simple living and high thinking’.

She could barely control her emotions when she visited the hostel where she had spent her initial years in the Vidyapith. She also interacted with the students and school where she shared her experiences with them. The students were highly influenced and motivated with the great cause of social awakening she has been doing for the past 34 years.

Yanga’s visit to Banasthali Vidyapith brought back all the old and golden memories of her life as a student in the Vidyapith.

 

NES reiterates adoption of Roman script

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) during its executive committee meeting yesterday reiterated its earlier resolutions to adopt Roman script in toto as the Nyishi script with exceptions to ‘W’ used as consonant as starting alphabet of a word and as vowel in mid-word and ‘V’ as vowel to take care of Nyishi pronunciation constituting seven vowels instead of five in Roman script.

A notification to this effect would be issued immediately to all concern including Nyishi text book review committee for implementation of the same. Meanwhile, NES President Bengia Tolum has dedicated his gold medal awarded to him on Statehood Day celebration to the “strong”, “selfless”, “vibrant” and cohesive team of NES to which he is heading and exuded hope that the team would keep up the same spirit in the days to come.

 

Officer feared kidnapped

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: D Nyodu, chief executive officer, ARRDA (Arunachal Rural Research Development Agency) under RWD department has been feared kidnapped from in front of his official quarter at C-sector here around 8 pm this evening. Unconfirmed report informed that he was lifted out by some unknown persons when he was returning to his official quarters in his vehicle.

A missing report has been filed at the Police Station by his family. Whereabouts of Nyodu could not be traced out till filing of this report.

 

Oil tankers blockade lifted

YUPIA, Mar 06: The reported oil tankers blockade has been lifted from this evening after a meeting with Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union, general secretary Romen Das on behalf of the union in the office chamber of DC Yupia. DIPRO

 

PPA alleges financial mismanagement by Govt.

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has said that the attachment of bank account of Food and Civil Supply Department by the Judge, West Session Division is a clear indication of failure and financial mismanagement by the Congress Government.

“The Congress Government has miserably failed to handle such an important department,” PPA general secretary Ashan Riddi said in a release, and demanded that the concern minister should resign owning responsibility.

PPA further demanded that the government should explain to the people as to why the bank account of the department has been allowed to attach. The party demanded immediate settlement of the matter.

 

Body recovered

YUPIA, Mar 06: The drowned NERIST student’s body  was recovered from Dikrong river bank  today and his dead body was taken to hometown  in  Nagaland the same day in the evening hours by the parents. DIPRO

 

CEO’s  directives to DEOs

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) CB Kumar today issued strict direction to all deputy commissioners, asking them to direct government officers to report to their places of posting ‘no later than March 6.’ No joining time is allowed to any of the officers who have been relieved or are being relieved, in view of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, the CEO said. ‘All the officers are deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission of India, and failure to comply will attract disciplinary action including immediate suspension,’ he said.

 

BJP alleges laxity in budget presentation

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: The State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged colossal laxity in the presentation of budget for Itanagar Municipal Council by the ruling Congress government.

The party in a release claimed that the budget session was notified on March 3 in local news dailies without giving official notification to the municipal councilors. “The actual budget session was held on March 5 on telephonic to the members thereby falsely and fraudulently recorded the date of holding of budget session of the IMC,” the release alleged.

“This is amount to cheating and an act with a criminal intent to present the artificial budget for IMC which would jeopardize the entire system of presenting any budget,” the party said adding that it will set a bad precedent in the state’s urban local body.

 

SUMA unit conducts social service

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: Students Union Movement of Arunachal (SUMA) Papum Pare District unit conducted a social service by cleaning the compound of Community Health Centre, Doimukh today. The SUMA unit also donated few cleaning materials to the hospital.

The program was conducted to create awareness among people on health and hygiene.

 

Society seeks suspension of F&CS dept’s officers

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: The Tarh Welfare Society has asked for suspension of director, joint director and finance and accounts officer and other officers of food and civil supply department alleging their involvement in misappropriation of land transportation subsidy works bill amounting to Rs 26, 03, 19,406.

In its letter submitted to the chief secretary, GoAP, while referring to the FIR filed by one Tarh Kuyu regarding siphoning off of land transportation subsidy works bill, it expressed apprehension that the director along with others will manipulate and temper with evidential records and witnesses if they are allowed to continue in the office.

 

Hoardings at public places removed

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: In view of Election Commission of India’s instruction regarding display of advertisements and hoardings at the cost of public exchequer and in view of announcement of Parliamentary Election, 2014 and subsequent directives from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, all advertisements and hoardings at public places within the Capital Complex have been removed today.

The simultaneous operations to prevent defacement of public property of the State was carried out simultaneously in Banderdewa, Nirjuli, Naharlagun and Itanagar under the supervision of concerned Executive Magistrates/ Administrative Officers in a swift and sweeping manner. At the same time Flying Squad constituted by the District Election Officer, Yupia has also been activated in the Capital Complex.  DIPRO

 

YMAC conducts candle making training

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Young Mission Adventure Club (YMAC) conducted vocational training on Candle making at Likabali and Liromoba in West Siang district recently.

Sponsored by NABARD Regional Office, Itanagar, the training was aimed at generating self employment and economic empowerment of the self help groups (SHGs), especially in the rural areas.

During the programme, representatives of various self help groups were taught on the steps to make different types of candle and their marketing.

YMAC had conducted similar programme at Aalo and Yomcha last year.

 

GASU for setting up of sub-CBSE office at Itanagar

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: The Guwahati Arunachal Students’ Union (GASU) has appealed for setting up of a sub-CBSE office at Itanagar.

In a memorandum submitted to the chief minister, it said, every year many students face problems from CBSE office, Guwahati, which is very far from the reach of students. Often pass certificate do not reach on time, as a result many of the aspirants cannot proceed for further studies. And in case of corrections in mark sheet or certificate, students have to travel to Guwahati to get it which at times gets difficult for poor students.

It’s other demands include setting up of blood bank at Guwahati preferably at GNRC or Downtown Hospital, early construction of Arunachal Guest House, Guwahati, appointing a driver for the ambulance donated by MP Takam Sanjay, release of stipend for Arunachalee students studying in Guwahati, concession of at least 50 percent for students and patients at Arunachal Guest House, Guwahati and provision of a room for setting up of GASU office at Arunachal Guest House, Guwahati.

 

‘Confine stray animals within  seven days’

ITANAGAR, March 06: Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Mige Kamki in an executive order under Section 144. Cr.PC today directed all the owners of stray animals to confine or dispose of the animals roaming in Itanagar Capital Complex within 7 days, failing which the stray animals shall be destroyed  by shooting or otherwise as deemed fit and proper. This order comes into force  with immediate effect and  the  City SP has been enjoined to execute the  order after the  stipulated period.

This order has been  based on the report that  the stray animals are roaming freely  in the market, residential areas and Office premises of Itanagar Capital Complex causing nuisance, traffic and health hazard for the people at large.

 

Vasundhara – NE Woman Entrepreneur Award instituted  

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: The Sreemanta Sankar Mission (SSM) of Guwahati, a 27 years old registered voluntary organization of Assam has been working for the underprivileged masses since inception. From last several years, it has been working for empowerment of women too and executing unique programs to highlight the needs and aspirations of women in this region. This year, with the aim of recognizing the efforts of women entrepreneurs in Northeast India and honouring them so as to inspire and encourage others,  the  SSM of Guwahati proposed to confer an award titled “Vasundhara–NE Woman Entrepreneur of the year (2012-13)”. An iconic and leading entrepreneur from each of the 8 NE states will

be felicitated in the proposed program besides conferring the award on one top women entrepreneur from the whole region.

The award giving ceremony will be held on March 11 at the ITA – Pragjyoti Centre for Performing Arts, Machkhowa, Guwahati.

A 10 member panel of eminent jurists had already been constituted to select the iconic women entrepreneurs from the region, who have displayed rare examples of business acumen and enterprise.

 

 

Correction

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: In the news item published in this daily on March 6 with the headline 'Galo based organizations threaten indefinite bandh call’, in the first paragraph where it mentions the name of various organizations threatening to resort to indefinite bandh call in 28 Likabali and 36 Nari-Koyu Assembly Constituency, the name of All Galo Youth Organization was erroneously mentioned as All Galo Students’ Union. The inadvertent error is regretted.

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News Impact

Arunachal Pradesh Assembly dissolved

Itanagar, Mar 6: Arunachal Pradesh Assembly was tonight dissolved by Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma on the recommendation of the state cabinet which demanded holding of state elections along with Lok Sabha polls next month.

The cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki recommended the dissolution of the Assembly demanding simultaneous state elections along with the Lok Sabha polls.

"The Cabinet favours simultaneous Assembly polls along with Lok Sabha poll on April 9 to minimise election expenditure, which comes roughly around Rs 70 crore," Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi told PTI.

The Lok Sabha election in Arunachal Pradesh would be held on April 9 and a notification in this regard would be issued on March 15.

The Governor would send the recommendation to the Election Commission for its consideration, Raj Bhawan sources said, adding that the announcement of simultaneous state polls has to be made before March 15.

The 60-member Assembly has 55 Congress members, 3 of BJP, one of People's Party of Arunachal and an independent. PTI

 

 

Govt making all out efforts to bring back normalcy in boundary area: CM

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: Arunachal Pradesh government is making all out effort to build up confidence among the people of the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam residing in border areas and bring back normalcy in the affected areas, stated Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in the Assembly today.

Replying to a question put up by PPA MLA Laeta Umbrey on the Tarasso incident and economic blockade during the question hour, the Chief Minister informed the house that state government has taken up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to set up an independent inquiry in the incident. Besides, the matter has been taken up with the government of Assam to maintain status quo in the boundary area till finalization of the matter by the Supreme Court. To control the situation, state government has also deployed two companies of APP/BN/IRBN and two companies of ITBP forces in the area, Tuki added.

He also appraised the house that the union Home Ministry has been approached to deploy Para-military forces in the disputed areas besides security along the national highway. The local Boundary Commission is also taking action in the matter, he added. Earlier, Umbrey in his query asked details of the Tarasso incident and wanted to know about steps taken by governments to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents in future.

To a supplementary raised Umbrey on the ex gratia payment given by the state government to the next kin of the deceased and to the injured in the incident despite having financial crisis which aroused public resentment in the state, Tuki informed the house that the state government has condemned the incident and the ex gratia payment was provided as a good will gesture and on humanity ground. The Chief Minister further said that the economic blockade was withdrawn because of the state government’s intervention and initiative to talk with the agitating associations in Assam and he appreciated state media and youth organizations for playing a pivotal role in convincing the people on the other side to calm down the situation. He however assured to convene all political parties meeting if such situation arises in the future as demanded by Laeta Umbrey.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki informed the house that Rs 40.51 crore under SDRF and Rs 100.44 crore under NDRF have been received under the department of Disaster Management against flood and other disasters in the state during the last year.

Tuki was responding to a question raised by Laeta Umbrey during question hour today on relief fund received from Centre. He told that the relief funds received from the centre have been distributed to all administrative centres including district headquarters. The details of funds utilized district wise against each of such disaster is readily not available as funds have been released to various departments including the district administrations from time to time.

Reacting to a supplementary of Umbrey seeking details of funds utilized district wise against each of such disaster from the respective deputy commissioners, the Chief Minister informed that all concerned have been directed to submit details of fund utilized and the reports would be circulated immediately after receipt from the districts.Dissatisfied with the government statement, Umbrey urged the Speaker to constitute a committee to enquire into the relief fund distribution.

To a query of MLA Tamiyo Taga on numbers of hydro power projects signed since 2011-2012 and the total power generating potentials of the projects thereof, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that 26 nos of new MoU/MoAs has been executed since 1st April 2011 to till date and total power generating potential of the 26 projects is 5932.9 MW.

He further informed that some of the hydro power projects are going slow because of lots of hindrances including delay in getting environment clearance etc, adding that the central government has been approached for construction of double lane roads in districts as demanded by the private power providers for setting up of hydro power projects in the state.

The Central Water Commission has recommended the proposals of the state government seeking fund from the Centre in lieu of ADB Fund against the ADB identified projects for water management in the state, informed state Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on the floor of the house today.

Responding to a question on whether the government has taken any step recently to get fund from the centre in lieu of ADB fund against the ADB identified projects raised by MLA Laeta Umbrey, Tuki told the members that on the plea of the state government, Government of India has assured to adjust fund for management of all flood prone areas in the state after ADB refused funding for the same.

 

 

Governor exhorts NE woman groups to promote peace

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma has called upon the woman groups of the country, particularly the women of North East and Himalayan region to play a lead role in promoting peace and security in the region and the country.

He said the collective voice of women must be heard as important members of the society in peace-building and other social issues confronting the region through the Gandhian philosophy and values.

The Governor was addressing as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the three-day dialogue on “Matri Shakti - The Voice of Women Power for peace-building” organized by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti and Katurba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Assam Branch at Sarania Ashram, Guwahati, today.

He said that the challenges that the region and the country  face also include issues of underdevelopment, unemployment, corruption, drug abuse, creeping sense of alienation, ethnic violence, insurgency and terrorism. Some states of North East also have a history of conflict for more than five decades, which has also held development to ransom and retarded its momentum, he said. In any conflict situation, while the men folk who are fathers, brothers, sons and husbands are affected, worldwide 96% of the detainee population and 90% missing are men. Women and children are the most vulnerable groups and thus the impact of conflict has been immense on communities and families, he said. Many women become the main bread earner and provider in the family and are the first to experience the suffuse sufferings, he added.

“Understanding the feminine burden of violence and unrest, the United Nation Security Council has passed a Resolution addressing women’s role in conflict and peace processes as well as the impact of war on women” he said.

He said that women’s groups in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam have played a vital role as peace activists  in the sphere of civic space to resolve conflicts in their society and also in fighting drug addiction, alcoholism, HIV infection and lauded the role of groups like Naga Mother’s Association, Meira Paibis and others in their efforts.

He  also applauded the efforts of women organizations like Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), Amik Matai Society, Society of Economic Welfare Association in their fight against prevailing social evils and  issues like upliftment of women, opium and drug addiction.

He also made a special mention of the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Girls’ School, Khonsa Tirap adding that it is working silently, but most diligently in educating the tribal girls of Arunachal Pradesh.

In the context of Arunachal Pradesh, he said that while the state is relatively an island of peace, the issues of social inequality, and infirmities in certain tribal customs and associated ills of underdevelopment also confront the state. “In particular, the cases of drug abuse, and other forms of frustration and discontentment among the youth is prevalent in many areas’’.

He termed Arunachal Pradesh as a Mini India and the people as proud upholder of secularism and patriotism and in this regard a shining example for others to follow.

Further extending his support and encouragement in their strive toward peace and progress, the Governor, said that women’s participation in peace efforts is a matter of gender equality and universal human rights and crucial to achieving peace in the region. Calling for harnessing the power of the mother, Matrishakti, he said that it is the accent of women power. We need to bring Women groups together through such initiatives and lauded their commitment towards their causes.

On the occasion, he also appreciated the good works carried out by the Kasturba Gandhi memorial Trust and Gandhi Smriti and Gandhi Darshan, to bring attitudinal changes and development through practical applications of Gandhian Philosophy and values, developing capacities of children and youth, promoting volunteerism, empowering the marginalized through vocational training programmes and other livelihood initiatives as part of Gandhian constructive work.

Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Vice-Chairperson, Gandhi Smriti Darshan, eminent guests like woman activist and former chairperson of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), Jarjum Ete, Sushma  Kapoor, former Dy. Representative of UN Women in India and Bhutan, Hajira Bano, Coordinator, Peace Gong, Leh, youth, grassroots workers, academicians, researchers, volunteers also attended the occasion.

The three-day dialogue is an endeavour to strengthen the Gandhian approach to peace building by the women and women’s groups in the North east and Himalayan region, involving women’s groups and women who are involved in peace building in the region .  PRO to Governor

 

 

Motion of thanks on Governor address adopted

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: The motion of thanks to Governor’s address was adopted by state legislative assembly today. The assembly also passed three bills namely, Arunachal Pradesh Horticultural produce, marketing and processing board bill 2014, Arunachal Pradesh salaries, allowances and pension of members of the legislative assembly (Amendment) Bill 2012 and North East frontier technical university (NEFTU) Arunachal Pradesh Bill 2014. The NEFTU bill was passed after some amendments were made.

Initiating the discussion on motion of thanks to Governor’s address, Congress MLA Ralom Borang stated that Arunachal model of development is much better than Gujarat model. “Under the Chief Ministership of Nabam Tuki we have achieved 9.4% growth. We could achieve this figure despite lesser source of revenue,” stated Ralom Borang. MLA Bamang Felix said that hosting of international tourism mart at Tawang and participation of Arunachal tourism at ongoing ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show is glaring example of how Arunachal is marching ahead in tourism sector. Parliamentary secretary for planning Nabam Rebia stressed on the need for giving good connectivity to people living in foothill areas along the Assam-Arunachal boundary.

BJP MLA Tamiyo Taga expressed worry over deteriorating law and order condition especially in capital complex. “The claim of improving law and order situation is not correct. Today people in capital are scared of reporting incident of crime to the police. When victim lodges police complaint, they are tortured more for doing so. In capital complex judges, advocates and even government officers are attacked. How can they work in such atmosphere?” stated Tamiyo Taga. Another BJP MLA Tapen Siga urged government to take proper steps to ensure that illegal migration does not take place due to coming of railway in the state capital. He also expressed concern over entry of too many private universities at one go stating it may led to commercialization of education sector.

Participating in the discussion, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki stated that the whole state is witnessing the initiatives of the state government right from the grass root level. Giving a vivid account of the development activities in the state, Tuki informed that the Trans Arunachal highways within the state, Airports in various districts, besides mini secretariats in all the district headquarters in phased wise are in progress, adding that construction of cement concrete roads to minimize the occurrence of potholes are being taken up to improve the surface communication in the state.

To enhance youth talents especially in games and sports, the Chief Minister disclosed that a proposal of indoor and outdoor stadium in the state capital and districts headquarters has been purposed. Highlighting on every sectors of development in the state, Tuki stated that the intension of the government is clear and transparent. He wanted security to all citizens by imparting proper knowledge to the children, besides providing health security to all sections of the society. The Chief Minister further told that the various flagship schemes are introduced with the mission to set a better tomorrow for the generations to come and provide security to all citizen.

Tuki, while replying to the some questions put up by some of the members on the Governors speech said that only the key issues which were necessary to be addressed were taken into account covering all sectors of achievements and initiatives of the state government.

In reply to a query on railway line, Tuki informed that a committee has been set up to look into the matters pertaining to check entry formalities into the state, adding that a separate headquarter has been created in Gumto to check any entry formalities like visa on arrival for the foreigners and inner line permit on arrival for the visitors of the nation, besides other facilities will be provided within the station.

The Chief Minister, while welcoming the suggestions of the members on Assam- Arunachal Border issues, racial attack on Lt. Nido Tania, construction of alternative road and economic corridor with the neighboring states assured to take up the matter with the union government on priority.

Education Minister Bosiram Siram, while speaking on the nonpayment of salaries to the SSA teachers, assured of making the payment as soon as fund under the scheme is released from the centre.  On mushrooming of private Colleges and Universities in the state, Siram said that it would help the students who do not get admission in the government colleges and have to go out of state to pursue their further studies due to shortage of seats. It will also let other students from other states to study in our state thereby contributing to the state economy. These steps are only taken to impart educational benefits to the youths and provide more opportunities, he added.  Later, the Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong adjourned the Assembly Session sine die.

 

 

Power scenario likely to improve after June

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: Power Minister Tanga Byaling today told assembly that state government is aware about power crisis affecting all towns including twin capital cities of Itanagar and

Naharlagun.

Byaling was replying to a question raised by MLA Laeta Umbrey on the floor of the house.

Asking about the details of villages and towns electrified without any power interruptions, Umbrey wanted to know whether government is aware of irregular power supply in the state.

Informing that during winter from September to April, the consumers of the districts which get power supply from the Central Sector Power stations are subject to regular load shedding in order to avoid Grid un-stability due to drying of the catchment area of the hydro electric projects, the minister told that the districts where Grid connections are not available also suffer from power disconnection during the same period on the same reasons as the state is dependent on the hydro based power plants. He further informed the house that in order to avoid extreme difficulties of power shortage, government purchases extra power by importing from outside the region subject to availability of surplus power as well as within the budgetary coverage of the government. Taking the opportunity, Byaling appealed the members for creating awareness on power conservation among the people in their respective constituencies. Minister further added that situation may improve only after June.

 

 

ALSU flays Govt over fake payment, demands probe

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: Expressing serious concern over the alleged fake payment of LTS bill amounting to  over Rs 24 crores to the third party, the Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU) today criticized the state government and the department of Food and Civil Supplies for being failed to monitor it properly. Terming the incident as unhealthy and unacceptable practice, ALSU stated that situation could have been avoided if the department and the state government acted diligently and carefully. The union also expressed shock at releasing of huge payment without proper verification at a time when the state government is under austerity measure.  

The incident requires detail investigation through Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unearth the truths,   ALSU  said. The union further  squarely blamed the government and the department for lapses which led to release of huge amount without verified by the state level monitoring and vigilance committee.  

The union also questioned the state government for alleged unable to disburse the salary of various chairmen and vice chairmen of the state as well the SSA teachers’ salary.  ALSU urged the government to look into the matter saying that failure to do so would prompt the union to file PIL against the government.

 

 

Illegal saw mills in East Siang pose threat to environment

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 06: Mushrooming of illegal saw mills in East Siang has become a big threat to the environment. The forest department, more or less, has failed to curb the illegal timber operation which is going on unabated at Mebo, Ruksin, Nari and other parts of the district despite ban on tree felling in NE region by the Supreme Court.

Timbers are being smuggled from those areas taking advantage of the Forest Department’s alleged inaction.  Despite reported crack down on such illegal saw mills by the forest department, numerous saw mills are still running their business illegally in the region.

The forest department two year back had insisted on strong mechanism to check the illegal operation of the saw mills, issued instruction to run the saw mills inside notified industrial area. The department’s move was yielding result as the illegal sawmills were closed down for some days.

Illegal operation of saw mills is rampant in Ruksin area bordering to Assam. Five saw mills are running with green timber logs under the very nose of the Forest Range office here. It is alleged that some unscrupulous forest officials had unholy nexus with the timber traders.

Meanwhile, eminent citizens of the district, including environmentalists, have come down heavily on the Forest Department for their alleged failure to check the illegal timber operation and saw mills.  It is reported that four saw mills are being run by timber traders with timber logs from different hilly areas. Raw timbers chopped in these mills are being sold at various places and bulk of the sawn timbers is supplied to Jonai area of Assam. Thus violation of the apex court’s order of December 12, 1996 (on felling of trees in any forest land, State-owned or privately held) is noticed in the region.

Meanwhile, Pasighat Divisional Forest Officer (T) Tabang Jamoh has said that he had directed all the range officers under the division to crack down on illegal sawing and smuggling timber.

“I have formally informed the district administration about the illegal timer operation and smuggling of forest products across interstate boundary. I have also informed it to the East Siang district administration for a strategic action to check smuggling of forest wealth in the district”, said a visibly annoyed DFO.

 

 

District level meeting reviews law and order in boundary area

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: The Sonitpur district administration, Assam and Papum Pare district administration, Arunachal Pradesh in a inter-state review meeting  held at Tezpur today reviewed the law and order situation as well as election matter along the Assam-Arunachal boundary area to ensure peaceful-coexistence of people living along the boundary area of  both the states.

Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Tai Kaye,  Sonitpur DC K L Gogoi, Mari Riba SP Papum Pare and  Getanjali Doley DSP Sonitpur were present in the meeting. Both DCs reiterated that people living border areas should maintain status quo and no activities should be taken within 200 mtrs radius within the boundary  of  both sides. Both DCs  further decided to remain vigil to avoid any untoward incident in near future. It is agreed upon  to conduct  joint police patrolling as confidence building measures.

There will be a peace committee meeting at Ram Ghat (Tarasso) and Bihali on March 7 to repose faith and trust among the people as good neighbors. In the recent past Peace Committee meeting held from Kakoi to Balijaan.

Both the DCs cum DEOs promised full cooperation during ensuing Lok Sabha election 2014 and overruled any kind of election disputes pertaining to polling booth and polling personnel under any circumstances. DIPRO

 

 

Pol parties asked to strictly follow ECI guidelines

ITANAGAR, March 6: Leaving no stone unturned in preparation of the ensuing Lok Sabha election, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Shiv Kumar held a meeting with the representatives of political parties at Roing today.

While reading out the election schedule, the DEO sternly urged the political parties not to adopt any corrupt practices during electioneering and to follow the ECI guidelines in toto. He asked them to obtain prior permission from the DEO before organizing any kind of rally, party meetings, etc and to submit the details of expenditure estimate to the DEO in Form 16. He said that failure to take prior permission would invite legal action and the expenditure done by the party would be accrued to the candidate’s expenditure of that party. He also informed them to take prior permission before pasting any posters or banners in Private properties.

“A special drive in the form of one day enrollment would be carried out on March 9 on every polling booth” he  said and asked those who had attained 18 years of age and missed out the enrollment during the last electoral revision to avail the opportunity and enrolled themselves in their respective BLOs.

Replying to the query of a member regarding non-receipt of EPIC till date, he informed that in case of non-receipt of EPIC by the newly enrolled voter’s till the date of election, Voter’s Slip will be issued to them before the polling day and asked them to collect the Voter’s Slip from the DEO’s Office.

B K Singh, Superintendent of Police also informed the political parties that carrying of any kinds of weapons like gun, dao, sword or any other sharp weapons is banned during party rally or public meetings. He also informed that distribution of liquor/opium is also banned during the election period. He requested them to inform any kind of eventualities in advance to the authorities through the control room to avoid/prevent any kind of law and order problem.

In Lower Subansiri district, a coordination meeting of all nodal officers was held in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner today. Taking over the charges as Deputy Commissioner Krishna Mohan Uppu exhorted all the nodal officers to put in extra efforts and appealed for cooperation for smooth conduct of Lok Sabha election. He insisted on immediate completion of District election Plan for the elections. He also took stock of the training, transport, material, movement, security and the communication plan. He interacted individually with the nodal offices for various activities and recommended daily reports for further submission to the Election Commission.  Being new to the region he appealed for inputs, coordination and cooperation from all the officers.

 

Tirap, Longding districts gear up for parliamentary elections

KHONSA: The two insurgency-hit districts Tirap and Longding gear up for the ensuing Parliamentary elections slated to be held on April 9. With the announcement of the election by the Election Commission of India for the 2-Arunachal Pradesh East Parliamentary constituency to be held on the 9th of this month, the District Election Officer of Tirap and Longding districts has geared up all the machineries for a peaceful and smooth conduct of elections as per the ECI guidelines in the district of Tirap and Longding. 3 flying squads for each Assembly Constituencies along with Sector Magistrates have been formed to check any kind of breach of Model Code of Conduct of elections in all the areas of 167 polling stations of Tirap and Longding districts. These flying squads have been activated from the 5th March and will be active till the conduct of polls on 9th April.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner and DEO, Tirap and Longding Kamlesh Kumar Joshi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a free and fair elections in the two districts which are considered sensitive. He is personally supervising all the arrangements and has asked the officers not to leave any lapses whatsoever in conducting the elections without a hitch.   DIPROs

 

 

NDRF to conduct mega mock drill on disaster management

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: A coordination meeting was held at the chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Complex, Mige Kamki in connection with the “Mega Mock exercise for Mw 8.7 Shillong earthquake scenario” to be held on 10th March in the Capital Complex.

During the exercise, a real life like earthquake scenario would be created in order to generate awareness among public of what steps to take during such disasters. Stating that earthquake doesn’t come knocking, the DC asked all the departments to participate and work in unison with each other so that everyone becomes prepared to deal with it’s after effects. Further in case if any eventuality, disaster wouldn’t be confined to a particular place or a particular person, rather all are stakeholders,  so he stressed all the departments to equally participate and be prepared for disaster.

During the meeting, five disaster prone areas were also identified where mock drill would be conducted by a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Guwahati. The identified areas are Chandranagar, Akashdeep- Ganga area, Heema Hospital – Bank Tinali area, Naharlagun Market area and Nirjuli Market area.

The DC also asked the officers to nominate one officer each from their department would observe the Mega Mock Exercise at the identified areas where the exercise would be conducted.  Nodal persons for the same were also nominated.

Informing that a team of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA ) which is the apex authority in the country to deal with disasters would also be arriving soon in the Capital Complex to train the observers, he further asked all to utilize the opportunity so that each person becomes capable to deal with any kind of disaster. During the meeting, it was also decided that a relief camp would also be set up at the Vivekananda Hall premises in RKM Hospital for which a Nodal Officer was also nominated. The Itanagar Market Welfare Association was also asked to arrange volunteers for each location who will act as casualties and evacuees. The DC also asked all the representatives of Hospitals in Capital Complex to participate with their medical teams which should also include an ambulance.

The Field Officer Disaster Management, ICC Jogam Angu also informed that District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) at the DC office will be activated very soon. Almost all the line departments under DC Capital Complex  attended the meeting. DIPRO

 

 

Lokayukta Bill to reduce corruption

ITANAGAR, Mar 06: Arunachal Citizens Right (ACR) welcomed the passing of the Lokayukta Bill by the State Legislative Assembly during its budget session yesterday.

With passing of the Bill it will be mandatory on part of the state government to create a Lokayukta that will be a constitutional body to check corruption at all levels and maintain transparency and accountability in governance, ACR Chairman Taring Mama said in a release.

“The courage shown by the government and the legislators exemplifies their determination to recognize the long-fought battle by rights activists led by Anna Hazare and lakhs of common men. With the Act in place, ACR believes that the rampant corruption that is deep rooted at all levels of governance will be checked and even abolished in years to come,” the release said.

ACR also appreciated the clause that the Chairperson of the Lokayukta will be a judge of the Supreme Court or chief justice of a High Court with two members, one a judicial member from Arunachal Pradesh Schedule Tribe and one a woman. This composition will ensure impartial decisions by the Lokayukta and become the strongest tool – along with the Right to Information act – for the common man to hold the government accountable and check corruption on all fronts, the release added.

 

 

Orientation training programme on integrated watershed management programme

YINGKIONG, Mar 6: The Watershed Cell cum Data Centre (WCDC) of Upper Siang District conducted two days training programme on Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) for the first IWMP Project of the district, viz. Ningging project at DRDA Conference Hall in Yingkiong.

The programme is being conducted under the aegis of DRDA, Upper Siang  with faculty support from SIRD Arunachal Pradesh and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Geku.

The programme was attended by representatives from WCDC as the IPA, WDT members and representatives of Watershed Committees and SHG members beside representatives from KVK.

Inaugurating the programme, Deputy Commissioner cum CEO DRDA Upper Siang Dr. Tariq Thomas appreciated the DRDA team for conducting the programme before the actual implementation of the project. He also expresses his gratitude to the organizers for giving him an opportunity to meet the villagers after assuming charge of Deputy Commissioner here.

He emphasized on the need for changing the mindset especially at the grassroots level. He called upon effective utilization of the funds and resources and assured all cooperation from concerned government agencies. He also called for self realization towards ensuring long term benefits from all development programmes for which attitudinal change is also required. He asked the participants to utilize the opportunity provided by the programme to develop a resources base for future generations.

He called upon the DRDA to explore options to converge IWMP with schemes from PHE, MG-NREGA etc. The DC assured that he would proactively take interest in implementation of IWMP including visiting the project sites and personally interacting with concerned villagers.

Hengo Basar, PD DRDA informed that after his assuming office all efforts have been taken to streamline the MG-NREGA MIS and recently even the IWMP MIS for the project has been updated. He expressed the need for sincere implementation and assured all cooperation to all concerned especially for proper implementation of rural development programmes. He also called for effective functioning of the WDT and the WC so that the district is able to showcase the project as a model project under IWMP. Dunggoli Libang, former-Zilla Parishad chairperson was also present on the occasion.   DD, SIRD M.C.Debnath Prog. Coordinator KVK and Indrajit Burman SMS(Agri Extension) were the resource persons of the programme.

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2012

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

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Arunachal declared as "election expenditure sensitive states"

The election commission of India yesterday announced dates for ensuing general election. The election will be held between April 7 and May 12 in nine phases. The two parliamentary constituencies of Arunachal will vote on April 9, while notification would be issued on March 15 and last date for filing nominations has been fixed on March 22 next. Counting of votes would take place on May 16.

Arunachal Pradesh has been declared as one of the "election expenditure sensitive states" in the country by election commission. The commission, based on inputs has identified 23 assembly constituencies in six districts of the state as most election expenditure sensitive. The districts include, West Siang, East Siang, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare and East Kameng. In every election be it parliament, assembly or Panchayat massive involvement of money is witnessed. Despite best effort put in by election officials, still money flows during the time of election. The people of Arunachal should introspect and vote for right candidate instead of being lured by money. The coming Lokh Sabha election offers best chance to redeem themselves and elect true leader who will work for the people.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Hostility against NE people is harsh reality

Dear Editor,

First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude to your daily for allowing me to highlight my thoughts on the below-mentioned issue.

It is really hard for me to even conceive of a manner to begin with. This year commenced by sending shock waves all across the country; especially in the Northeastern region. And why not? Rampant hostility towards the northeastern Indians has escalated to a peak where it scares the devil out of us. I express my deepest condolence for the sad demise of our brother late Nido Tania. It was a tragedy that served the country as a mirror to look into the widespread hatred and common prejudiced disposition. Not long after that other instances of such heinous intentions burst into the scene. Two young Northeastern ladies beaten in the daylight, a minor raped by the landlord’s son, two northeastern people, a girl and her male friend, brutally beaten to black and blue, followed by an attempt to rape!! And we say India is a land of manifold colors? That India is a land of secularism?

The horrors of these incidents have shaken very foundations of our faith in the administration of this vast nation. It showed another loophole that exists amongst already perforated nature of our nation. Apart from that, a general consensus has unfolded in regards to this incident which concluded that this nation had been bitten by a bug of inhumanity and lack of morality. And, let’s not forget the obvious nature of racism prevailing in India since ages. Be it Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or a small town like Gulbarga where I am continuing my higher education. Every night when I go to sleep, there are two contradicting thoughts ringing my mind, one that tells me that I have spent a safe day and that I could have a sound sleep and the other is of a lingering anticipation for the next day and whether it would be as safe as the departed day. This fear isn’t the one that we invent in our hearts but are rather implanted in us. My experiences here would shy off before the ones that I have mentioned earlier but, is it fair to live under these circumstances of fear, oppression and racial discrimination? My freedom as a girl is so limited in the sense that even when I go to the market, I am often whistled at, winked, eve teased, called “chinki” and all other kinds of derogatory references. Why? Am I not a fellow human being? Is this the way to behave with a girl?

The specificity of this hostility is again worth noting as this happens mostly with the northeastern people. Calling us names and abusing us just because of the virtue of our physical features is not only offensive and terrorizing but also make them look like buffoons in our perception because the lack of knowledge about their own mother land and its citizens is embarrassing enough already. We can admit that lack of knowledge only accentuates the issue and hence is an area to be addressed at.

Well, as this is an issue that is more subjective rather than a structural flaw, I hope the government takes the cue that it is a matter of urgency to pass stronger anti-racist laws as well as propagate proper education about Northeast India. The incidents that happened might be mostly because of lack of humanity and morality but, there also other problems of misrepresentation or inadequate representation of our part of the country. Syllabus regarding Northeast India should be involved in educational institutions. Fulfilling all these measures would really send a strong message to the whole country.

And lastly, I would appeal our brothers and sisters residing in other parts of the country to stay safe and be careful as a quick transition in the country are very unlikely to come so soon.

Yours,

Anu Panyang

PDA college of

Engineering

Gulbarga, Karnataka

 

 

Hard work and dedication goes in vain

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I wish to state the sorrow condition of all contractual teachers serving under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in Arunachal Pradesh since 2003.It is a well known reality that SSA teachers in Arunachal has been rendering their duties beyond all appreciations but this government couldn’t stand up to its own commitment to work for the well being of SSA teachers of the state.

Non receipt of salaries for half a year has been a mockery in itself, job regularization of in-service SSA teachers in due intervals is out of menu now which signifies how irresponsible this government has been to us.

Diwali came and went but we couldn’t light our houses, Christmas flew away into cold winter nights but we were left alone in the snow & New Year celebrations approached but not a star twinkled at our home. A slight thought of medical expenses in such situation breaks our nerves and oh! Never talk of any funerals please. All our sincerity has been rewarded with disinterests and negligence.

Dear friends, through this medium I am only trying to re-open the closed mirrors of yours. Can we SSA teachers go on experiencing such hardships every year? I believe time has come for us to be united and stand against all the injustices and ill treatments done to our nobility.

I wonder again....... What is worth about ‘teaching with dedication' when we can’t have the privilege to live in happiness and prosperity? What are the moralities left behind now? The famous phrase ‘Teachers are the builders of a progressive nation’ has become the joke of the day. How come a nation progresses when teachers stay back starving?

Yours,

Nabam Bittu, Doimukh

 

 

 

Let us cooperate with the govt.

Dear Editor,

We have come to know that DDJAC of Likabali and Nari Koyu and GSU along with some other social organizations after having staged dharna on 4th March, have announced and served an ultimatum to the government pressuring them to declare Likabali as temporary headquarter and Sikirima (a non habited forest area) as permanent headquarter of the newly created Lower Siang district. They  warned government that if it doesn't respond positively, organizations will launch indefinite democratic movement against the state government.

We have no right to persuade or dissuade the people of Likabali and Nari in launching any kind of democratic movements, however, I, on behalf of the DDAC and people of Basar Assembly Constituency while sharply reacting to the fresh demand moved by the concern organizations of Likabali and Nari Koyu, would like to remind them as follows-

The highest conclave comprising Galo legislators, senior member of society, GWS, DDJAC, DDAC and GSU held meeting at Hotel Donyi-Polo Ashok, Itanagar on 12th Dec. 2012. A consensus resolution was adopted in which all present had unanimously agreed to allow govt. to create long pending Lower Siang district by legislation and that govt, be pursued to decide the temporary headquarter, either at Nari, Likabali or Basar.

Further, it was resolved that permanent headquarter will be finalized in a joint sitting of the Galo legislators, GWS, DDAC and DDJAC on an appropriate time after the legislation, under the chairmanship of Gadam Ete. The resolution was signed by legislators namely Tako Dabi, Gadam Ete, Jomde Kena, Gojen Gadi and the authorities of GWS, DDAC, DDJAC and GSU.

Accordingly, Galo Welfare Society had submitted the above resolution and moved state govt. for needful action. Hence, to our understanding the process of creation of Lower Siang district is moving forward as expected. After legislation let the govt. decide the temporary headquarter on the merit of feasibilities. The newly created Lower Siang district should starts functioning without further delay to pave the process of ushering over all developments and prosperities in our Galo area.

The permanent headquarter issue can be settled unanimously after consensus in due course of time as per the famous resolution referred above. It would be to our benefit, if we can maintain minimum restraint and learn to abide by our own words and resolutions. We should refrain from self contradicting by words and deeds. 'Enough is enough' as how long can we go on launching movements over an issue in vain. Let us cooperate with the govt. and gain something than nothing.

Yours,

Gojum Basar,

District demand action committee (DDAC),

29-Basar

 

 

 

 

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----Editor