mar14 23

2014

March 23

Panel lawyers training held

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority today conducted a one day panel lawyers training programme for its panel advocates under the National Plan of Action of Nalsa-2013-2014 at Naharlagun. A large number of practising advocates of the High Court, district and session court, Yupia and students of Arunachal Law Academy attended it.

During the day long programme, the resource persons delivered lecturers and talks on protection of women from domestic violence Act, essence and method of good drafting skills, aptitude on court appearances, protection of women from harassment at work place, role of legal services authority and overview of Nalsa and its schemes etc. The resource persons included Budi Habung, district & session judge, Yupia cum member secretary, State Legal Services Authority, Namrata Chada, head of CLAP, an Orissa based NGO, Hirendra Kashyap, chief judicial magistrate, Yupia and Dani Belo, under secretary, law and OSD state legal services authority, according to an official release.

Roof of school building blown away by storm

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The roof and wooden structure of Govt. Middle school, P-Sector here were either blown away or damaged by powerful thunderstorm on March 20.

The SMC and the headmaster of the school urged the authority concerned to repair the school building before April nine as this school building is generally used as polling station during general election everytime.

General Observer held meeting with polling personnel, magistrates

ROING, Mar 22:“Be extra cautious and timely execute all assignment” said Upendra Nath Malik, General Observer for both Parliamentary and Assembly election 2014 in respect of Dambuk and Roing Assembly Constituencies.

In a meeting with DEO, SP, AROs, AEROs, Magistrates, Nodal Officers and Expenditure Monitoring Teams in DC’s chamber this evening, he asked all the Govt. officers “to abide by the MCC and to remain and appears impartial in their views and activities”. He asked the all line departments not to give any kind of work orders when the MCC is enforce in the district. He further asked them to refrain from any kind of political activities. Calling for their cooperation in peaceful and smooth conduct of the election in the district he said, “it is a national responsibility” and urged them to do their duty with sincerity and dedication.

In the meeting, all the AROs, Magistrates, nodal officers and in charge of Expenditure Monitoring Teams has briefed about the election related activities taken by them so far to the General Observer.

General Observer is presently stationed at circuit house, Roing and the office chamber of the Assistant Commissioner, Roing has been designated as the Office of the General Observer.

Flying squads, SS teams urged to behave

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Education and Cultural Development society (ECDS) while welcoming the deployment of flying squads and static surveillance (SS) teams to check possible violation of model code of conduct ahead of the April 9 elections in the state, has appealed to behave and respect elders and women during checking.

The ECDS said this in a release while alleging misbehaviour with aged persons and women by some personnel of the flying squads and static surveillance teams during checking.

ECDS also urged the authority concerned to lift the restriction imposed for withdrawal of limited amount of cash from banks as the restriction has created problems to the common people, especially patients and students.

BJP leaders review campaign strategy

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The senior leaders of State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today reviewed the overall campaign strategies for the April nine simultaneous elections ahead of the party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the state capital on March 31.

Union seeks justice

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Alleging that one Tanyor Naji died after being hit by an unidentified vehicle between Itanagar and Naharlagun on March 20 last, the Karga Ao Students’ Union has appealed to the police authorities to trace out the person responsible.

Claiming that late Naji who was on his motorbike when the vehicle hit him had succumbed to his injuries on his way to Niba Hospital, Papu Nalah, the union further sought exemplary punishment to the person responsible.

News Impact

Police fire after electoral office vandalized

Itanagar, Mar 22:Police fired seven rounds in air after the district electoral office at Koloriang, the headquarters of remote Kurung Kumey district, was vandalized by a mob.

Violence erupted on the last day of nomination filing for the April nine assembly elections in the state, when supporters of a candidate vandalized the office over a petty issue, election office sources said here.

DGP Satyendra Garg could not elaborate on the incident as he could not establish contact with the district SP due to poor telecom connectivity.

No one was injured, the sources said.

Chief Electoral Officer Chandra Bhusan Kumar said a company of security forces was dispatched to Koloriang from nearby Ziro in Lower Subansiri district to restore oder.

The DEO was asked to submit a report immediately which would be submitted to the Election Commission.

The election observer for Kurung Kumey district R N Lal who was to go by road during the day would fly by helicopter to Koloriang tomorrow accompanied by Garg and Home Commissioner to assess the situation, the sources added. PTI

Seizure of cash, liquors, arms & ammo continues

Case registered against contestants for defacement of public properties

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Cash seized by Flying Squad and Static Surveillance teams of Election Commission of India in the state has gone upto Rs. 76,55,000 with more seizures of Rs. 5,44,200 today at various locations of the state. The teams have also seized IMFL (750 ml)- 1 bottle, local dao 9 nos, beer (650 ml) - 62 bottles, Cane beer-13 nos, SBBL Gun - 2 nos, Tata mobile- 1 no, Scooty -1 no.

Other materials seized so far includes-. IMFL (750ml) 8359 bottles, IMFL(375ml)- 2255 bottles, IMFL(180ml)- 2739 bottles, IMFL(175ml)- 67 bottles, brandy (180 ml)- 336 bottles,beer (650 ml) -20263 bottles, beer (500ml)- 58 bottles, Cane beer – 40nos, blanket -1651 Nos, CGI sheets- 5409 nos., local dao- 245 nos., mobile handset- 89 nos., opium-40 gms, Tea leaves - 104 Kgs, Ganja 4 Kgs., revolver- 2 nos, revolver cartridges - 34 nos., 12 bore DBBL gun 2 nos, 12 Bore cartridges -50 nos.,12bore SBBL gun 4 nos, Tata mobile -1 no., Scooty 1 no., according to a release issued by Chief Electoral Officer.

Meanwhile, City Police has registered two separate cases at Itanagar Police Station against Indian National Congress Lok Sabha candidate Takam Sanjoy and Gurukul’s Institute for defacement of public property by pasting posters, informed City SP Seju P. Kuruvilla, in a release.

Earlier, on March 19, City Police had registered eight cases at Itanagar PS and one at Naharlagun PS against various candidates of a students union for defacement of public property by pasting posters for elections, the SP added.

The West Siang SP in coordination with district administration also held a series of meeting with the GBs, elders, public leaders and general public at Kamba, Kaying, Tato and Mechuka from March 19 to 21to ensure peaceful conduct of Parliamentary and Assembly elections.

Liquor seized

Meanwhile, the Flying Squad at Roing led by Sanjay Taram, Magistrate has raided a shop near ITI Roing and seized IMFL 180 ML-26 bottles this evening.

In West Kameng district, continuing its regular checking, the Magistrate and the Police personnel today seized four Motorcycles and a Tata Sumo for violation of MV Acts and an amount of Rs. 2500 was impounded as penalty.

Wine shops sealed

Continuing its unannounced raids, the Excise Officer with Magistrate and police personnel today sealed two retail wine shops at Tezu for non installation of monitor in their CCTVs. One Wholesale Vendor was also sealed for non compliance of executive order of the District Magistrate.

Physical inspection of all wine shops in and around Chongkham circle was also conducted by the Chongkham Magistrate and police personnel today. During the inspection it was found that none of the wine shops had installed CCTVs in their shops and premises. The wine shops were sealed accordingly for violation of executive order issued by the District Magistrate.

Meanwhile, the SSTs and Flying Squads have intensified their patrolling and checking for the violation of MCC in Upper Subansiri district. The team at Daporijo has seized an amount of Rupees 2 lakhs 31 thousand and two hundred only, 46 daos, 2 Air guns, 2 knives and 334 bottles of Beer since 18th March. Source/ DIPROs

Pul, Waii, Marde among others file nominations

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Sitting ministers Kalikho Pul and Kumar Waii were among the large number of candidates from various political parties who have filed nominations from different Assembly constituencies in the state today.

Among other prominent candidates to file nominations are Takar Marde (INC) from Dumporijo, Padi Richo (INC) from Ziro, J K Panggeng (INC) from Mariyang-Geku, Jarkar Gamlin (INC) from Aalo-East, and former AAPSU leader Takam Tatung (IND) from Itanagar. Other candidates who filed nominations from prestigious Itanagar constituency included Tame Phassang (BJP), Tarh Tada (NPF) and Toko Sheetal(PPA).

In West Kameng district, the lone NCP candidate Sergi Thungon filed his nomination today for 7-Bomdila Assembly constituency thus making the total to ten for the four Assembly segments.

With the last date over for filing of nominations today, the district has in total four INC, four BJP, one PPA and one NCP candidates in the fray.

In East Siang district INC and BJP candidates from all the five assembly constituencies have filed their nomination while one each from PPA and Independent candidates are also in the fray

For the Parliamentary election, Taba Taku (Lok Bharati), Gumjum Haider (TMC), Habung Payang (AAP) and Gicho Kabak (NCP) filed their nominations for Arunachal West constituency. On the otherhand, Wangman Lonwangcha (PPA) filed his nomination from Arunachal East seat.

EC’s general observers arrive in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Most of the election general observers appointed by Election Commission of India have arrived in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh to monitor the electioneering processes for Lok Sabha and Parliamentary elections in the state.

Shahzad Shibli, who was appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as an election observer for Itanagar, Doimukh and Sagalee Assembly constituencies has already arrived, while the election General Observer for 16th Yachuli and 17 Ziro Hapoli Assembly constituencies, Muthukumaraswamy B, arrived at Ziro last night.

Meanwhile, General Observer for the Assembly elections Arvind Kumar Singh, arrived at Bomdila this afternoon and interacted with the DC cum DEO AK Singh on the election preparedness in the district.

At Tezu, the general observer for 2-Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency Mohammad Yousuf Dar has arrived today. He would be available at Tezu Circuit House for meeting electors and people of 49-Bordumsa-Diyum, 50- Miao, 51- Nampong, 52-Changlang South, 53- Changloang North, 54- Namsang, 55- Khonsa East, 56- Khonsa West, 57- Borduria-Bogapani, 58- Kanubari, 59-Longding and 60- Pongchao Wakka. DIPROs

Election preparedness in Upper Subansiri & Changlang reviewed

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The General Observer for 5 Assembly constituencies - Raga, Daporijo, Dumporijo, Taliha and Nacho under Upper Subansiri district, Pramod Kumar Das held a meeting with the DEO Tahang Taggu, SP Anto Alphonse and Election Officials of the district today regarding polling arrangement in the district, training of polling and presiding officers and sensitization of voters.

Sudhir Kumar also discussed the rules and regulations put in place to monitor the election with nodal officers and advised all to follow the rules strictly so that the election process can be free and fair.

At Changlang, Ram Niwas, a General Observer of Assembly Election-2014, deputed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for 49-Bordumsa-Diyun, 50-Miao, 51-Nampong, 52-Changlang (South) and 53-Changlang (North) Assembly constituencies arrived here today from Rajasthan.

After arriving he had a thorough discussion with Changlang District Election Officer Chanchal Yadav and Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar regarding preparedness for ensuing election in all spheres including law and order problems for highly sensitive polling stations. He will stay here till election process is over. For any election related complaint, anybody can contact him in his camp office in the Official Residence of SP Changlang from 3.30 Pm to 5 pm every day, according to an official release. DIPROs

East Siang gears up for Assembly election

PASIGHAT, Mar 22: INC and BJP candidates from all the five assembly constituencies have filed their nominations while one each from PPA and Independent candidates are also in the fray. DEO Nidhi Srivastava on Saturday said a total 60,088 voters would be eligible to exercise their franchise in the up-coming LS and Assembly elections.

Highlighting the steps being taken for free and fair election, Srivastava apprised that nomination process of all five assembly constituencies was completed today in presence of the General (Assembly) Observer, H.K. Behera. All together 12 candidates from various parties and one from INC (Substitute) candidates have filed their nomination. DIPRO

And yet another elections sans issues

Denhang Bosai

Like in the last many elections, the twin-elections for the 2-member of Parliament and 60-member Assembly in Arunachal Pradesh is sans any issues whatsoever concerning the people of the state. History is evident that in our young state elections had never been fought on issues. This is a rather sad reflection on the poor health of Democracy in the state. Elections should essentially be fought over important issues which are in the interest of the voters. Having unwillingly crawled past the wrong side of 50, I have been a witness to many elections both Assembly and Parliamentary but I must admit that I had never seen political parties racking up any issues during the elections. Interestingly, the important issues like the mega dams, unemployment, education and healthcare are more pronounced during the normal times when there are no elections. I am yet to understand why even the opposition candidates hesitate to raise these pertinent issues during the election which is the right time to make the right noises. But there is a problem here. The unique and peculiar feature or characteristic of Arunachal politics is that there are hardly any opposition parties. It has been witnessed time and again that those candidates who get elected from other political parties other than the ruling political party, eventually join the ruling party unabashedly making a mockery of the much glorified Democracy in our state. This sad and uncalled for trend has been going on since incipience of Democratic institutions in the state. The reason is not far to locate for this shameful and unfortunate practice. Every elected leader of all parties wants to remain in the good book of the ruling party and silently weave a dream of getting a Ministerial berth. I feel that an Assembly without a strong opposition cannot effectively address the problems and aspirations of the people. It also demeans and belittles the Democracy for which India is known all the world over. Paradoxically, even the moneyed leaders who have enough of everything tend to be associated with the ruling party and never attempt to form a strong opposition. The reason is simple. They too want to get richer. It is also being observed in our state that those who have accumulated some money and have a good number of mithuns and traditional beads and belong to a dominant clan eventually choose politics as a career and never think of starting an industry, open a School, a Hospital or invest in some social work. Becoming an MLA is seen as the most lucrative business with scopes to make quick and easy money. If every rich person wants to be an MLA then who will take care of the many social causes of our young state?

Another sad aspect we witness during elections in Arunachal is the lack of principle on the part of the political leaders. They will put even the chameleon to shame in terms of changing their colours. I myself have seen the same candidate contesting from not less than 7-8 different parties in different elections. There is absolutely no value for a political party in our state. Of course, the ruling party matters a lot for obvious reason. Even now, there is a morass of confusion as to who is contesting from what party. I often wonder when our political leaders will mature to respect their respective political parties. A government will be stable only when they learn to respect their parties and their principles. Of late, political instability has been Arunachal’s nemesis. The main and the primary reason for this is the total lack of principles amongst the leaders.

They seem to be ready to do anything for money and power. But this does not augur well for a healthy Democracy. The elected leaders must learn to be loyal to their loyal voters and remain in the party from which they had been elected by their voters. But sadly, it’s not to be in Arunachal Pradesh. After every election, the elected candidates change parties with disdain and act as if nothing has happened. These are the leaders who sully the name of the hallowed Democratic institutions and Democratic setups. All said and done, this sudden Assembly election along with the Parliamentary election must have caught many elected leaders including Ministers unaware. The poor new entrants into electoral politics had no or little time even to introduce themselves to their voters. However, the people had by and large welcomed the decision of the state government to have a simultaneous election. Some have even called this a masterstroke of the former CM Nabam Tuki. The government employees are the happiest because they need take the trouble twice as the election is happening in one go. Though the final scrutiny is yet to be done, this time there is a sort of record number of contestants. But disgustingly again, there are only a few women candidates. I don’t know when will the major political parties in the state start issuing tickets to aspiring women candidates? The 33% reservation for women is still a myth and is gathering dust for want of implementation.

Esteemed readers please do not expect me to add spice to my present article as I normally do at other times. Being in the government, now I am under the watchful eyes of the ECI. There are strict strictures under model code of conduct due to which we have to be extra careful in our use of words and language. My article is just a commentary on the electoral process of our state seen through my eyes over the years. But I must say that I am sad because the stereotyped political scenario and the election processes in our state has remained static which is indicative of the fact that Democracy is not vibrant and well-functional in our state. A mass awareness is the need of the hour. More young and educated people with new and innovative ideas should start joining politics like in other states.

In Arunachal Pradesh, elections had always been akin to festivals. People do not talk of any political issues but talk about who has slaughtered how many mithuns, cows, pigs etc. They also discuss about who has spent how much money. But these days elections have become little prosaic sans sound, fun and frolic thanks to the restriction on too much spending imposed by the powerful ECI. The candidates concentrate on house to house and person to person contact instead of huge rallies and meetings. About who is going to win is difficult to tell because this is a real feasting time for the gullible voters. Who is supporting whom is difficult to ascertain as the same person can be seen hurriedly emptying his glass of apong and munching something furiously in all the houses of all the candidates. Liquor is flowing like rivers. Most of the people I meet are fully boozed and talk only about drinks. The poor voters do not cook their meals at home these days as they get their choicest meals at the houses of all the candidates. Sometimes I seriously feel that the ECI should specify the number of mithuns, pigs and cows to be killed for meat. Though they come under traditional laws, they are bought and sold in terms of money which is calculable. What do these poor creatures know about elections? The time has come to minimize the killing of animals.

The most unfortunate trend in our hitherto peaceful state is that during the last few elections, some hooligans including some contesting candidates have resorted to violence and other unfair means which should be arrested at the earliest before it is too late. This abominable culture of violence is a new development in our state. In the past the elections used to be very peaceful. The candidates and the voters must realize that election is just a Democratic process and there should be no scopes for settling old scores or harbor personal vendettas against one another. They should take the election like any other game wherein some win and some lose. They should never attempt to vitiate the atmosphere during and after the elections. Personally, I am not at all interested in knowing who wins or loses but wish to see a free, fair and peaceful election. Let us learn to accept defeat with dignity and victory with humility. May the best win and may the whole electoral process is smooth and peaceful, free from the obnoxious smoke of hatred, jealousy and chaos. [The writer is DIPRO, Tirap and can be reached at denhangbosai@yahoo.co.in ]

13 nomination papers in five assembly segments in East Siang

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 22: A total 13 MLA contenders including a substitute Congress candidate have filed papers till the last date for filing nomination today.

Five nominees of ruling Congress including Tapang Taloh (35-Pangin), Tako Dabi (36-Nari-Koyu), Tatung Jamoh (37-Pasighat-West), Bosiram Siram (38-Pasighat- East), Lombo Tayeng (39-Mebo) have filed their nominations before the Returning Officers concerned. In addition, one Smt Yatem Jamoh, wife of Tatung Jamoh also filed nomination (substitute) in order to ensure Congress party candidature in Pasighat-West constituency.

Like wise, five nominees of opposition Bharatiya Jananta Party (BJP), one of People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) and an Independent candidate have filed nomination paper to contest in their respective constituency. The BPJ has fielded Kaling Moyong in prestigious Pasighat-East seat to contest against former Minster Bosiram Siram, while it has placed Kento Rina, a retired DDSE in Nari-Koyu seat to fight veteran Congress leader Tako Dabii. The saffron party also fielded advocate Muk Pertin in Mebo and former AAPSU leader Ojing Tasing in Pangin constituency to fight the ruling party candidates. Former BJP MLA Tangor Tapak, who was representing Pasighat-West (Ruksin) constituency, filed nomination to re-contest from the seat.

On the other hand, one Tamat Gamoh of Pasighat has filed paper in PPA ticket to contest in Pasighat-East seat. Gamoh was district president of BJP and sought MLA ticket from the party. An independent candidate, Tayum Siram also filed paper to contest in Pangin seat.

The unsung hero of Kaying

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The family members of Takir Gammi, Head Gaon Burha (HGB) of Kerang-1 village under Kaying circle of West Siang district has appealed to the Arunachal Pradesh Governor to suitably award him recognizing his patriotic deeds during Indo-Sino war and his immense contribution for development of education in his area during 60’s.

In a letter to the Governor, Takir’s son Dr Taking Gammi, who is currently serving as senior veterinary officer at Kaying, stated that his father had tremendously helped Indian Army during 1962 Indo-China War by organizing and arranging local youths and people to move arms, ammunition and artilleries from Aalo, now district headquarters of West Siang; and Kaying, now circle headquarters of Kaying; upto Indo-China War zone, which is evident from the old note of BR Gurung Thapa, Jamader 11 Assam Riffles, and Camp Bille. He also guided Indian Army upto the border war zone as there was no proper road communication at that time.

The pioneer of many Takir also became the first person to start a shop (Dukan) at Kaying by procuring shop items from Dibrugarh, Assam with help of James Sahab, the last British officer, via aeroplane. He required to cover a distance of 45 km on foot from Aalo to carry his items to Kaying. He had voluntarily served ‘half-boiled’ rice. vegetables and other eatables to the hungry and thirsty Indian armies and Tibetan refugees during their retreat. But, unfortunately, the notes of gratefulness given by Indian army officers were reduced to ashes along with his shop in a fire, the letter said.

“It is also evident from the ‘important’ note sheet of PS Lego (dated 31-01- 1961) that Takir was a good youth leader of Yobung Bango and Bori Bango now called Keying circle and Payum circle and played a crucial role in the overall development of the area and creation and shifting of Block Office and circle administrative office at Kaying town.

It is also evident from another old documents that Takir had visited various villages under Kaying and Payum circles (Bori Bango) to collect boys and girls for enrollment in school. He was instrumental in the development of various school in the area, the letter said.

Takir had guided the first batch Tibetan Refugees on June 29, 1959 which is evident from the note of the Indian Government Officers. He had also shouldered the responsibility of arranging porters for Indian Armies and officials and also extensively toured with Indian Government officers and officials.

He was the first person to start fish farm activities at Kaying town before and after Indo-China war. He also pioneered modern agricultural activities at Yobung Bango and Bori Bango.

Government of India and Government of Arunachal Pradesh offered him the post of Political Interpreter (Pl) after Indo-China war and he was supposed to be posted at Daporijo. But, he had to turn down the offer due to domestic problem, Takir narrated.

He had held the post of Kerang village Anchal Samity Member thrice and later he was appointed as Gam Bura (GB).

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