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March 10

 

DEROs fail to conduct special campaign, alleges BJP

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: The State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a release today alleged that Special Campaign to provide one more opportunity to the newly eligible voters to include their names in the electoral rolls for the ensuing elections has failed in Arunachal Pradesh due to irresponsibility of District Electoral Registration Officers (DEROs).

State BJP Spokesperson Techi Necha alleged that DEROs of various districts did not inform the concern Booth Level Officers of various polling stations regarding the Special Campaign announced by Chief Election Commission of India for which the Special Campaign has totally failed in the state.

The party claimed that the notification for the special campaign in the state was given by the CEO of Arunachal Pradesh on the scheduled day of the campaign (i.e. March 9).

Necha said that he had visited 9 polling stations under Itanagar Assembly Constituency and claimed to have found no BLOs in any of the polling stations. Similar situations were also reported from various districts, he claimed.

Meanwhile, the party has decided to lodge a complaint with Election Commission of India on violation of the Commission’s directives on the Special Campaign.

 

Ex- MLA questions move to dissolve the state assembly

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: Former MLA Ngurang Pinch has ridiculed the continuation of the state government after dissolution of the legislative assembly and demanded immediate imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

Pinch, in a letter to Governor, said that democracy has been murdered in Arunachal Pradesh by the Congress Government by dissolving the State Assembly before its term is over. He termed uncalled for the statement of the Chief Secretary that the council of ministers led by the Chief Minister will continue their office even after dissolution of the assembly.

 

Issues related to tourism development in India discussed in Berlin

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: A business breakfast meeting chaired by Vijay Gokhale, India’s Ambassador to Germany and Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India was held in the sideline of the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) at Berlin recently.

The meeting attended by Passang Dorjee Sona, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Roma Singh, Regional Director, Frankfurt and Taru Talo, Director Tourism and members from German Travel Trade, tour operators, travel writers, hoteliers and Governmental representatives from different countries discussed on various issues regarding development of tourism in India, including safe and honourable tourism, visa on arrival etc.

Gokhale has appreciated the participation of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the ITB for promotion of tourism in their states.

 

Entrepreneurship dev. prog. held

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: Seventeen agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry & veterinary, fisheries, forestry, agriculture engineering and sericulture graduates have been trained personality development, business management and entrepreneurship development to enable them to set up their  own Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres so that they can become self-employed as Agripreneurs and also provide private extension services in their respective field to the farmers of the state.

The 60 days training conducted by SAMETI under the sponsorship of National Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (MANAGE), Hyderabad concluded at State Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), GTC, Pasighat on March 6.

The trainees are now eligible to apply for bank loans to set up their Agribusinesses under Agriclinics and AgriBusiness Centre (ACABC) Schemes from various commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks, SCBs, SCARDBs and scheduled UCBs for which NABARD will provide 44% subsidy, according to a release.

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News Impact

No ceiling on carrying legitimate cash by public: EC

New Delhi, Mar 09: There will be no ceiling on carrying legitimate cash by the public in view of the security and anti-blackmoney measures initiated by the EC for Lok Sabha polls, but surveillance squads will have the power to intercept any suspicious transportation of cash.

The EC, which has deployed a team of flying squads and expenditure observers immediately after the poll schedule was announced on March 5, has set no ceiling of cash that can be carried by the public but with a condition that surveillance squads will have the power to intercept and check any suspicious transportation of cash.

The Commission which has issued a slew of measures for the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and Union Territories with regard to curbing blackmoney and illegal money power during polls has not stipulated any ceiling for carrying or transporting cash this time to minimise genuine public grievances.

The EC, which has activated an exclusive Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) cell within its establishment few years ago with the sole purpose of combating blackmoney instances in the electoral process, has brought on board the investigations arm of the Income Tax department and other revenue intelligence agencies to provide it with vital inputs to check the menace.

"There is no limit on carrying cash during the polls period this time.

However, any cash beyond Rs 50,000 could be subjected to scrutiny by EC nominated flying squads and the individual or entity carrying the amount should furnish documents in this regard.

"Also, any cash beyond Rs 10 lakh will be reported to the I-T department by these squads for action at their end," a senior official involved in combat blackmoney measures of the EC told

The EC decided to ease its norms and directives on cash transportation as it received a number of representations from public groups and trader bodies over the alleged harassment while they were carrying big cash sums for the conduct of business deals or social functions like wedding among others.

A senior Income Tax department official, nominated by the EC for deploying these measures, said members of the public carrying any amount in cash beyond Rs 50,000 should always keep some relevant documents with them which substantiates the source and purpose of the money and they will let off post-verification if intercepted by surveillance squads.

However, in case, any small amount is suspected to be used in any poll-related inducement, it will be seized and proceedings will be initiated under law, the official said.

The EC has also asked political parties that they should conduct their transactions through authorised banking channels and even pay their candidates through the party account, thereby minimising the instances of cash being taken through road or by air.

The I-T department has, meanwhile, activated its Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at all major airports in order to check cash movement through airports.

Past instances have indicated that businessmen, locals and other sections of travellers had to genuinely carry cash during the polls for a variety of purposes and once the cash is seized, it resulted in trouble for the individual. PTI

 

Flying squads start working

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: Three flying squads and as many static surveillance teams have been put in place round-the-clock in Capital Complex as per the direction of Election Commission to monitor possible violation of ‘Model Code of Conduct’ ahead of the next month’s Lok Sabha elections.

Each team comprises one Executive Magistrate, videographer and 3-4 police personnel, informed City SP Seju P. Kuruvilla.

Meanwhile, one truck carrying 1200 cartons of bear have been seized by the Flying Squads deployed at Banderdewa area. The truck (No.AS16C-0379) was carrying bear bottles towards Naharlagun without valid documents, the SP informed.               

The Flying Squads deployed at Itanagar has removed Red Beacon fitted on the vehicles of six political functionaries.

Vehicle checking was also carried out at Itanagar, Naharlagun and Nirjuli areas and a total of 124 vehicles have been challaned for violation of various sections of MV Act and Rs.12, 600 realized, the SP added.

 

Bike lifters nabbed

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: Two bike lifters were arrested and two stolen motorcycles recovered from them by Seppa Police yesterday.

East Kameng Superintendent of Police (SP) Apang Tamut formed a team of police after Bomdila police alerted him of the incident of bike theft and about the possible escape route of the lifters which led to arrest of the lifter duo.

The lifter duo has been handed over to Bomdila Police after completing all formalities, the SP informed.

A case has been registered against them at Bomdila Police Station.

The SP informed that a gang of bike lifters are still active in the area and they are under police surveillance.

“We have also alerted police across the state and Assam of two other stolen motorcycles,” Tamut added.

 

Mock earthquake demo in Capital today

ITANAGAR, Mar 09: A mega mock earthquake demonstration will be organized tomorrow by creating a ‘real’ earthquake disaster scenario at various locations within the Capital Complex. The exercise is being carried out by the Capital Administration and the Department of Disaster Management in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The mock demo will be conducted at Chandranagar market area, Akashdeep, Ganga, Bank Tinali, Naharlagun market area, NERIST in Nirjuli.  At Ziro, it will be conducted at Hapoli market, Old Ziro bazaar, District Hospital, Blue Pine Hotel and Padi Lailang Memorial School.

Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki appealed to all to cooperate with administration for grand success of the mock demo which aims to generate public awareness about earthquake.

He urged people not to panic when siren will be blown at 11.30 am tomorrow. He requested all to be a part of it and learn ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ before, during and after earthquake.

During the mock exercise, the response team will be led by Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi who will be assisted by Director General of Police Kapa Kholie, Principal Secretary, Disaster Management YW Ringu, Director, Disaster Management, Capital Complex DC, SP, CMO Capital, Lower Subansiri DC. One team from 1st Bn NDRF, Guwahati will also take part along with Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force, Police (Law and Order and Traffic), Fire and Emergency Services, Hospitals, private and govt, NGOs, BSNL, Electricity, water, PRO and others.                            

Addressing a disaster management awareness meeting at Banquet hall here today, the Chief Secretary stressed the need of a proper disaster management plan in the state for disaster mitigation, prevention and preparedness.

The officiating DGP Satyendra Garg while briefing on the role of police during disasters informed that one permanent team of State Disaster Response Force is also set up in the state.

Brig (Dr) BK Khanna, from NDMA highlighting the role of NDMA said that the aim of the exercise is to basically build capacity of all the north eastern states in disaster risk management since the region falls in the high seismic zone-V. DIPRO

 

Election observers review poll preparedness

TEZU, Mar 09: Following direction of Election Commission of India (ECI), Dr. Dhiraj Kakadia, Director, MoRD and Awareness Observer for ECI visited Tezu to review poll preparedness in the Lohit district for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The team had a brief meeting with the Returning Officer cum District Election Officer and nodal officers at DC’s conference hall here today.

Dr. Kakadia called upon the nodal officers to strictly follow the election guidelines prescribed by ECI for conduct of free and fair election.

While conveying the message of Chief Election Commission of India to create awareness among the people for maximum participation in the election, he suggested for conducting micro and macro level awareness programmes at schools and colleges.

Dr. BM Mishra, who accompanied Dr. Kakadia on behalf of Chief Electoral Officer of Arunachal Pradesh took stock of all the election related progress like appointment of nodal officers, sector officers, flying squads, EPIC, arms deposition etc. in the district.

Returning Officer of Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency Rajeev Takuk, SP T Amo briefed the observer about the measures taken by the administration to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

The team also visited five polling stations at Tezu, Danglat, Mekailiang and Chongkham. DIPRO

 

Subansiri project’s total cost goes up

Guwahati, Mar 9: The total cost of NHPC’s Subansiri project has gone up by about Rs 1,200 crore due to forced suspension of work since December 2011, following agitation by a section of stakeholders on grounds of safety related aspects and downstream impact.

NHPC has already spent about Rs 6,600 crore but due to stoppage of construction of the project, the cost of the project has gone up by about Rs 1,200 crore, according to a status report prepared by the public sector undertaking.

There is a recurring expenditure of Rs 50 crore every month due to work stoppage and any more delay will further escalate the cost of the project.

Huge losses are occurring on account of idling of men and machineries.

Assam will get around 533 MW of power which is more than 25 per cent of the total power which in terms of energy is equivalent to about 2,000 million units (MU) annually, valued at about Rs 600 crore.

The construction of the dam has been opposed by certain stakeholders on grounds that its design was not fully safe from seismological and geological aspects, downstream effects, effect on environment and related capacity for sustenance of multiple projects in the Brahmaputra basin.

The NHPC report pointed out that based on the study of Expert Group and various other committees, issues have been resolved to satisfy the recommendations for each issue. PTI

 

Poll preparedness on war footing at West Kameng

BOMDILA, Mar 09: The District Election Office is making all out efforts to ensure that the ethical voting is implemented in letter and spirit in all the 154 polling stations in the district for which a total of 1512 polling personnel have been engaged for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Various co-ordination meetings and trainings have so far been conducted in the district headquarters here. A meeting of all the EROs, AEROs, SDPOs and Officer-in-Charges of all the police stations of the district was held on recently chaired by the District Election Officer.

The District Election Office conducted the training for Master Trainers and all the Nodal Officers on February 28 which was followed by the training of the Sector Magistrates on March 1.

The DEO AK Singh on March 6 called a meeting of all the Nodal Officers charged with the responsibility of ensuring a hassle free, free and fair election and impressed upon the need to ensure ethical voting in the district during the Lok Sabha polls.

Another meeting was convened by him with the representatives of all the political parties yesterday wherein the DEO urged for adhering to the Model Code of Conduct and positive participation for upholding the democratic electoral process.

Various orders such as deposition of arms with license, unearthing of illicit arms and ammunitions, illicit liquor factory, illicit transportation of liquor, declaration of dry day including prohibitory orders against defacement, carrying of arms and ammunitions, lethal weapons etc were issued by the Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate for ensuring smooth conduct of the polls. DIPRO

 

International Women’s Day celebrated with difference

AALO, Mar 09: DRDA Project Director Dege Ete exhorted the West Siang unit of Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) to come forward with a renewed spirit to eradicate all social evils plaguing the society.

Addressing the International Women’s Day celebration here yesterday, Ete said that we are now in a transition period and it is important for us to work collectively for the welfare of the society. He also explained the role of women in the progress of society, reports DIPRO.

West Siang DFO Nyali Ete spoke on male chauvinism in patriarchal society, property rights of women, inclusion of mother in counting genealogy and ill effects of polygamy in our society.  Assuring all cooperation and assistance from his side for the cause of women in future, he encouraged them to keep up the good works they are doing.

Dr. Monya Kato (Jini), DIO, stressed on education of girl child and advised the womenfolk to guide the family at their level.

In her key note address, Dr. Nyade Padu Bagra explained in details through PowerPoint presentation on general and women related diseases.

APWWS West Siang unit president Marbom Bagra, Secretary Hoksum Ori, Chief Advisor Gedam Lollen, Advisor Jumken Doji Ete, first Secretary Y Yomcha, Senor Women activist R Tato and Lee Ete dwelt at length on the aims and objectives of the celebration and activities carried out by the society in the district.

Taking part in the discussion, Inu Ete, an MBBS student from Delhi stressed on building peace and harmony in every society without discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or sex.

CDPO Nyodu and ATA district president Duda Sora also spoke on the occasion.

A marathon race was also organized to mark the occasion.

Seijosa branch of Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society also celebrated International Women’s Day with various programmes yesterday.

Marathon race, volleyball, badminton and cultural competitions were organized among the women of the area as part of the celebration,

Former secretary general of Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society Deepti Bengia Tako and East Kameng ZPM Chairperson Meyuk Cheda attended the programme.

The special programme was organized by Seijosa branch of APWWS.

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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 ----

 

Indian Navy is going through rough phase

In the last few decades, India has invested heavily in building the navy it needs for dominating the northern Indian Ocean, a crucial maritime highway for the flow of hydrocarbons from West Asia to China, Japan and the Southeast Asian countries; and for the transportation to Europe of merchandise from those manufacturing economies. With China's military a looming presence on its Himalayan border with Tibet, New Delhi has long derived strategic assurance from its potential stranglehold over China’s sea lines of communication, or SLOCs, as these maritime highways are termed.

However over the last seven months spate of accidents involving Indian Navy warships has placed question mark over this capability. On February 26, navy chief, Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, resigned after an accident in which two officers were killed and five sailors seriously injured while fighting a fire in INS Sindhuratna, one of the navy's nine Russian Kilo-class submarines. This was not the first such incident. On August 14 last year, a catastrophic explosion inside INS Sindhurakshak, another Kilo-class submarine that was berthed in Mumbai, killed all 18 sailors on board and sunk the vessel. The surface fleet too is considered to be accident-prone. In 2011, a frigate sank after colliding with a merchant vessel. Last December, a minesweeper was gutted in a major fire. Just days later, one of the navy's most modern frigates, INS Talwar, rammed and sank a fishing trawler. Adding to the series of incidents, yesterday a civilian worker was killed in an accident at the nuclear submarine under construction in Visakhapatnam. After all these incidents, if government do not wake up, then for sure Indian navy will become toothless to take on enemies in years to come.  Defence ministry need to seriously work out and try finding where things is going wrong for Indian navy.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Women should be respected in true sense

Dear Editor,

Women empowerment is the talk of the hour. But the real question is how we empower them? Or how a woman as an individual empower themselves?

We have witnessed women who have achieved greater heights in their respective fields coming out on the 'International women's day' as an example. They show what endurance, strength and capability is. They also leave trails for others to succeed in life even with the least given opportunity, negligible resources and almost absence of support by anyone.

The language spoken around the world by women is-'silent work'. They show what tolerance is, hard work, family planning, making a better society, building a nation and a better world for humanity.  Yet, they become the victim of assaults, unequal treatment at home and society, valued as an object and what not!

It is time for every individual to introspect and put an end to this injustice. Bring forth the change we need. Help every woman to fight for their rights and freedom. It is time we respect each other and set a positive course for future. All this is possible only if we realize that, this world is not complete without women .  As ancient Greeks believed world to be standing on Atlas and Himalaya Mountain. So, if a man thinks he is the Atlas Mountain then women are the Himalayas.

Yours,

J Aatum, New Delhi

 

 

My political thoughts

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to share my two political thoughts.

No.1- I have always said this and I believe it to the core. There are 3 human species that exists in the world today; a sort of race among these 3.

The 1st Species: The hope for this ever hypocritical world that we live in; this section of the human race holds the world together and makes it a better place to live. They don't do anything extraordinary; just follow their duties towards humanity and peace. These are the revolutionaries and nobody inspires them; they inspire themselves for a better tomorrow.

The 2nd Species: These are the thin line of hope that humanity, the world dreams of for a better tomorrow. They seek inspiration from the first species and learn from their works. They hold on to dream for humanity and are encouraged to do what is right. The world is still beautiful for we have hope on these 2nd species of humans.

The 3rd Species: The most important and the amazing set of species among us humans. Sadly these consist of the largest population amongst us. The sole job these species execute is 'complain'. These were born complaining and would even complain in their death bed, about everything and anything. The only things that they contribute towards humanity are their complaints and criticism, not a positive one of course.

So, I as a person have always tried, lived my life trying not to fall into the 3rd category, the 3rd species of humans. It’s a struggle I go through each day to stay afloat within the 2nd species, if not the 1st.

The Lokh Sabha and Assembly Election is just a stone's throw away now and I foresee already thousands of youths already making plans how to extract money from candidates. They are eagerly awaiting a best price for their vote.

Students have already formed groups to demand the best price for their support; are inclined to the candidate who offers a bigger amount. For them a candidate's work and vision has no value but the price.

Shame on you! Shame is a small word for you!

Sadness consumes me and I shudder in hopelessness towards these youths. It’s sad, utter despair for they do not realize the power that they possess within them, to make and bring a big change! So which species are you this election??

No. 2

'Passion rebuilds the world for the youth. It makes all things alive and significant.' commented Ralph Waldo Emerson.

You see the youths are the pillars of posterity and everything is possible with the youth. They can change the course of humanity, for good or bad. The day, each one of us realizes power that we possess to bring change; this world will be a better place to live.

The sad part is that hundreds, thousands of youths will hold themselves back this election. They would prefer to stay back at their respective places, outside state and within. They would wait for someone to inform and give directions, wait for monetary profits. None of these youths will come forward at their own will, their zeal to do something positive.

The saddest part would be when they'd confidently reply, 'What change can my single vote bring about. What difference would it make?' That would be really sad, don't you think? They have the power to make hell out of heaven and heaven out of hell. It’s sad, utter dismay they don't realize. Disappointment would be when these thousands who didn't care or budge start complaining and don't stop for the next 5 years. Let me tell you, you don't and won't have the right to!! But I will not wait. I realize the power that I possess and I am going to make the best use out of it. I will bring change.

CHANGE THROUGH MY ONE SINGLE VOTE!

Yours,

Duyu Tabyo.

 

 

 

Defence sector neglected

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my great concern on the recent development and news of 12.2 per cent (to 808.23 billion Yuan) increase in defence budgetary allocation by our so called ally neighbour China. Its neighbours Japan and Taiwan, have expressed disquiet over the whole matter and this directly effects our position in the world stage. Bilateral tie-up between Pakistan and China is also a growing concern for us. The joint production of J-17 Jet Fighters, Missile delivery technology, Nuclear Agreement, highway and Sea Port construction agreement between our neighbour China-Pakistan has also raised a huge alarm bell.

Despite all this, what make me really worried is that, our so called Government (UPA) till now has not been able to purchase a single up gradation equipment for its Armed Forces. Delay in LCA induction, delay in Arjun MBT-II production and commission has severely hampered our defense readiness. Recent submarine incidents, ageing MIG 21 yet to be replaced, lack of night fighting equipments for our ageing tanks shows lack of political will to upgrade our arm forces and is also a matter of grave concern.

I would like to request all the readers through your esteemed daily to please act now before it’s too late and choose a government that can really change the tide. Vote for the right party which can save us all.

Yours,

Lishi Roni

 

 

We can’t afford to commit same mistake again

Dear Editor,

Even the most complicated phenomena can be explained by a single major factor upon which whole bulk of the processes can be assigned to. Why India was partitioned? Because of the perpetuation of divide and rule policy by the British Govt.

In our own neighbourhood in Assam what is the root cause of all these ethnic conflicts, violence, secessionist movements, and the paraphernalia of strikes and bandhs for which Assam is known worldwide even more so than its Tea or Rhino? Assam witnesses more bandhs and strikes in one single month than Arunachal or Nagaland can do it in the whole year. Why is Assam such a troubled land? Rampant demographic changes brought about in Assam during the British Raj are the mother of all the problems afflicting it today. Thousands of "outsiders" from mainland India were wildly and haphazardly brought in as labourers, coolies, tea plantation workers, sepoys, and others, altering the whole population balance as it used to be, reducing the locals to a minority in many cases. The ULFA movement was also a direct result of this "Population phenomena".

Now instead of learning from our more experienced brother, we are following the exact path which threw Assam into the never ending trials of internal chaos and violence. Providing PRCs and ST certificates to individuals who already possess them in other states is the ugliest possible game state leaders can play with our innocent indigenous tribes. We all are Indians but just as Gujarat belongs to Gujaratis, Kashmir to Kashmiris, let Arunachal remain for Arunachalees. The faults of Assam or Tripura may be forgiven because they were unenviable victims of time and period over which they had little say, but the mistakes which we are going to commit can never be forgiven.

Yours,

Dite Pertin, Itanagar

 

 

 

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----Editor