March 31

Election observer visits Pangin-Boleng

PASIGHAT, Mar 30: East Siang district Election observer for Assembly Election HK Behera today visited Pangin-Boleng Assembly Constituency. He took stock of the pre-poll arrangements made by the election department and held discussion with the ADC cum ARO on poll managements. The observer also observed the last phase of training programme conducted for the polling personnel and appreciated the master trainer and trainees for their sincerity and enthusiasm.

During his day-long tour Behera also made physical inspection at various Polling Stations like Rengo, Dosing, Boleng etc. to ensure their suitability for use as polling station. He instructed the concern officers to ensure electricity, water and latrine availability in all polling stations. He advised the officers to strictly comply ECI guidelines and ensure that posters, banners and flags are not put up on unauthorized structures on public places besides intensifying check on use of liquor, money and muscle power by political parties in the election and also asked the ARO to monitor use of loudspeaker and holding of procession.

Meanwhile, at Pasighat Town Club the forth phase of training program for polling personnel was concluded. DIPRO

 

DEO, SP visit Lipu Bagra village

AALO, Mar 30:  West District Election Officer MK Sahoo, who visited Lipu Bagra along with Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar, appealed to the public and youth of the village to not indulge in any kind of disruptive activities during election.

The GBs are the representatives of the government and they should play constructive role in maintaining peace in their respective village, the DEO said while interacting with the GBs and youths  at village ‘Dere’ today. The youth force is the backbone of the society and they should refrain from unwanted practices that may harm election process and lead the society in the right direction, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Superintendent of Police made it clear that police has no intension to clash with the public but cannot compromise with law and order problem. The force has been given clear instructions to handle any law and order situation with zero tolerance. He said that he will entertain any kind of accurate information in details on law and order problem through direct contact or SMA at his mobile number given to the people.

The GB of the village also assured to cooperate with the administration.

Sector Magistrate, Gemar Padu was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the DEO and SP attended the Training Session of Sector Officers and BLOs at Aalo Town Club and DC’s Conference Hall yesterday and asked all the sector magistrates to acquaint themselves on handling of EVM provided to them for use in crisis situation and instructed all the BLOs to be present at their respective polling stations and distribute photo voters slip to electors and complete it by April three.

The SP requested all Sectors Magistrate to give situation report of every polling stations in every two hours on the day of polling.

Illicit liquor seized

Meanwhile, Static Surveilence team deployed here has seized 17 cases of IMFL and beer at Sipu Brige Point. DIPRO

 

Cash seizure crosses Rs. 2 cr. mark

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: With flying squads and static surveillance teams seizing Rs. 49,19,530 more cash today, the total cash seizure by election commission appointed teams in the state so far have totalled Rs. 2,10,63730.

The flying squads and static surveillance teams have also seized of one SBBL gun, one motorcycle, large quantity of Indian Made Foreign Liquor, beer, posters and banners of various political parties from various parts of the state today, informed state nodal officer on behalf of the CEO.

 

Steel bridge over river Papu collapses

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: The Steel Bridge over river Papu which connects Seba village under Pijiriang circle of East Kameng district has collapsed due to movement of vehicle carrying heavy machinery for M/s Sussi Company, an executing agency of the Trans- Arunachal Highway.

While informing this, Er Techi Jobae, executive engineer, RWD, Seppa appealed to the public to bear with the inconvenience. He further added that the company did not seek any prior permission for movement of heavy vehicle over the bridge.  

News Impact

Assembly Secretariat accused of delay in releasing fund for construction of new building

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat has been accused of becoming stumbling block in the construction of new legislative building in Itanagar.

Er. Bishnu Prasad, General Manager of the joint venture M/s Reniya Enterprises and M/s Lotus Construction Company--the constructing agency of the assembly building--in a press release claimed that progress of work of the new legislative assembly building has been badly affected due to non-release of LOC by the assembly secretariat.

“On 23rd May, 2013, the Government of India had released Rs 862.61 lac to Government of Arunachal as central assistance from central pool of resources for the 2013-14 fiscal year for construction of the State Assembly Secretariat. However, the LOC has been held up by the Assembly Secretariat since May 2013 without any reasons in total violation of norms, he said.

As per the Government of India GFR Rule 237, he said, after release of fund from Govt. of India to nodal agency, the fund should be released for onward remittance to the implementing agency within a fortnight. If there is any delay, whatever interest is received during that period, should be given to the implementing agency along with the principal amount. The Assembly Secretariat seems least bothered about law of this country and are breaking it without any fear,” stated Prasad. This is not the first time the Assembly Secretariat has created such trouble, he further stated  and cited many past examples of how they has been uncooperative.

“We have written many times to the Assembly Secretariat to release fund in the interest of this state. Despite several communiqué there has been no response. If the Assembly Secretariat continues to show this kind of attitude this project will never be completed in stipulated time. I am sure even god won’t be able to predict when this project will be completed if the department concerned does not extend support,” continued the GM. He went on to add, “We are committed to finish the project in stipulated time. We are trying our best to construct one of the best designed assembly buildings of the country in Itanagar, which will make every Arunachalee proud. But such kind of delaying tactics by the Assembly Secretariat in releasing fund is only adding to cost escalation. If this project gets delayed, it will lead to massive cost escalation, which in turn, will have adverse impact on financial condition of the state.”

The Government of Arunachal has been giving priority to timely completion of major developmental projects. Along with Trans-Arunachal Highway and new Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly Building project is considered to be of immense importance. The project which is already running behind schedule needs further push if it has to be completed in time. Started in August 2009, the Assembly building was initially scheduled  to be completed by 2011. However, the project was then rescheduled to be completed in June 2013.

 

 

Pre-poll violence continues in Lumla

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: A mob of around 60-70 people claimed to be supporters of Congress candidate Jambey Tashi, led by former ZPM Sang Norbu and one Gom Tsering,  have allegedly prevented the supporters of Ven. Theg Tse Rinpoche (independent candidate) from entering some villages under Lumla constituency for campaigning yesterday.

According to sources, the Rinpoche’s team was escorted by police but the mob ‘forcefully took the law in their hands’ and didn't allow them to enter the villages, namely Loudung, Chelengdung, Dongmer-eng, Bleteng and Buri village in Dutungkhar. The mob even pelted stones on Rinpoche’s supporters and threatened them of dire consequences if they further proceed, the sources claimed.

Many got injured and the whole incident was mutely witnessed by the magistrate and police, the sources alleged.

The situation remained tense until 2:30 pm.

In the meantime, Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) cum ADC Lumla arrived on the spot and decided that five people will move ahead for campaign under the supervision of the ARO himself.

This violence happened immediately after a meeting with Tawang District Election Observer, Returning Officer, Superintendent of Police, Lumla ARO and CO  by both the contesting candidates along with their respective election agent where it was clearly stated by the election observer that there will be no tolerance for any blockage and non allowance of free and fair election campaign in any public places, the sources added.

 

 

5 killed, 3 injured as car plunges into deep gorge

Correspondent

ROING, Mar 30: Five people were killed and three injured when the car they were travelling in fell into  a deep gorge along Roing-Hunli road yesterday.

The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve. The accident took place at 61 km point from Roing   at around 7.30 pm yesterday.

Two injured-- a male and female-- managed to climb up and reach the road, said an eyewitness, who was driving towards Roing in his car. They were rescued and admitted in GREF hospital in Hunli the same night.

Another injured was rescued the next day. Rest victims who were screaming for help during the accident night was found dead next morning while being evacuated by police and GREF personnel.

Three bodies have been recovered and two still remains to be evacuated. Bad weather and tough terrain is reported to be hampering the evacuation works. The people who survived the accident have been identified as Bawimso Kri, Akimso Kri and Mayalu Appa. The individual identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.

All the victims - deceased and injured are reported to be from Paya near Tezu in Lohit district and were from same clan. They were on a visit to Hunli to meet a relative.

The injured were brought to Roing district hospital today, and have been referred to Dibrugarh hospital.

According to one injured eye witness, "The driver lost balance due to deep fog and heavy rain. When it was realized that the car had reached the edge of the road, it had already began to descend and roll."

 

 

Modi’s victory could mean a tougher Indian stance on China and Pakistan

NEW DELHI, Mar 30: India will get tougher on territorial disputes with China and in its old rivalry with Pakistan if opposition leader Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister in May after a general election, two of his aides said.

Modi, who is the front-runner to win the five-week election starting on April 7, has taken an aggressive tone against the two neighbouring nations. On the campaign trail, he has warned Beijing to shed its "mindset of expansionism" and in the past he has railed against Pakistan, an Islamic state, for attacks by Muslim militants in India.

"I swear in the name of the soil that I will protect this country," Modi said at a rally in Pasighat last month.

India has fought three wars with Pakistan and had a 1962 border skirmish with China. It came close to a fourth war with Pakistan in 2001 but since then, its foreign policy has been mostly benign.

Modi has painted the Congress party, which has been in power for more than 50 of the 67 years since India became independent, as weak on national security. However, the country is one of the top buyers worldwide of military hardware, purchasing about $12.7 billion in arms during 2007-2011, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, everything from basic military goods to an aircraft carrier. Modi's two advisers said that while his foreign policy would be muscular, it would also aim to keep a lid on regional tensions to allow a focus on reviving the economy.

"Ours will be an economy-driven foreign policy and the whole idea is to build India's economy so solidly that you can deal with other countries on our own terms," said a strategist involved in formulating the manifesto of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

As leader of the economic-powerhouse state of Gujarat for more than a decade, Modi has courted investment from China. As prime minister, the advisers say, he would seek to steer a course between defending India's security interests and growing business links with the world's second-biggest economy. Modi has never clearly spelled out his foreign policy vision, but he has praised former BJP prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee - who ordered a series of nuclear tests in 1998 - for adopting a strategy based on both 'Shakti' and 'Shanti', Sanskrit for power and peace.

"The Chinese will understand the new PM is not a wimp and they won't do anything adventurous," the BJP strategist said.

According to India, China has made hundreds of intrusions along their disputed border in recent years. China denies crossing into Indian territory. Adding to disquiet in India are China's forays into the Indian Ocean and its involvement in building a string of ports stretching from Pakistan's Gwadar to Chittagong in Bangladesh.

The BJP wants a rapid naval build-up and a firmer response to border violations. It also plans to speed up construction of roads and communication lines along the land border to narrow the gap with China's infrastructure on the Tibetan plateau.

The advisers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the BJP's manifesto is still under wraps, said Modi would move quickly to lay out India's core security interests in its neighbourhood, replacing what they dismissed as a reactive policy under the Congress party. Topping the list will be an early settlement of the border dispute with China, an assertion of India's primacy in the Indian Ocean, and a low tolerance of Muslim militancy that India believes is often backed by Pakistan.

"You will see a more nationalistic approach on issues relating to terrorism in our neighbourhood. It is a much more hard view of these things," said one of the advisers. Outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has pushed for peace with Pakistan, and had hoped to visit his birthplace in Pakistan's Punjab province in a final gesture of reconciliation before leaving office.

But his efforts were stymied by opposition at home over Islamabad's failure to act against those India holds responsible for masterminding a 2008 attack on the city of Mumbai in which 166 people were killed by 10 gunmen from Pakistan.

Rajiv Dogra, a former Indian ambassador to Pakistan, expects a more forceful policy under a BJP government, both because of domestic pressure and an uncertain regional environment as the United States pulls out troops from Afghanistan.

"So far there has been a consensus in India - irrespective of the complexion and change in government - on the broad foreign policy contours," he said. "But this time, if there is a change in government, I do expect a break from that tradition."

 

 

No Modi effect in Arunachal:Tuki

‘Cong. will again form Govt’

DARKA, (Aalo), Mar 30: Even as the stage is set for BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s rally at Itanagar on Monday, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today pooh-poohed any effect of the ‘Modi Wave’ in Arunachal Pradesh that is up for simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly on April 9 next.

“If any effect was to be seen, the Congress Nominee, Lombo Tayeng, wouldn’t have won unopposed from Mebo, a stone’s throw away from Pasighat, where Modi held a massive rally on February 22,” Tuki jibbed while addressing an election rally at Darka, near Aalo in West Siang district.

The Chief Minister, who at the moment is donning the mantle of star-campaigner for Congress, asserted that BJP thrived on one-man show while the Congress stood for the aam aadmi. He pointed out that while the Opposition has projected Modi as the Prime Minister long before the election dates were announced, Congress believed in collective responsibility and will collectively decide who will become the Prime Minister once the results are declared.

“Ours is strong organizational-based party where each and every member has a say. We are deep-rooted in the society and even if our cadres and members only come out to vote, we will win with thumping majority,” he said.

Tuki reasserted that Congress is coming back to power in the state while observing that as eleven Congress candidates have already won unopposed, the party needed another 30-odd wins, which it is sure of winning.

“We have fielded 60 candidates in all the 60 Assembly Constituencies compared to BJP’s 40-something. It is just a matter of time that we will form the government for the umpteenth time with 50-plus legislators,” Tuki declared to the applause of hundreds of women, Gaon-Buras, villagers, panchayat leaders and Congress members of 30-Aalo-West Assembly Constituency.

The Chief Minister reiterated his long and close association with Aalo-West constituency because of Gadam Ete, the Congress legislator, who is seeking for another term this election. He hailed Ete for his transparency, simplicity and loyalty to his Party as well as his people.

“You are lucky to have Gadam as your representative. He has expressed his genuine intentions to work for development of Aalo-West and progress of his people hundreds of times. I appeal you all to vote for Congress and vote for Gadam Ete so that our party in government and Gadam as its member can work for peace, progress and prosperity not only of Aal-West but for the whole of West Siang and Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.

Tuki also sought support for Takam Sanjoy, who is the Congress nominee for the Arunachal West Parliamentary constituency seeking re-election.

“Let us not go by any individual or any name. Let us go by the Party, which can give you a stable government and has a special connection with Arunachal Pradesh. And it can only be the Congress Party,” he said while appealing all to disregard individual and family differences but to come together as a Party.

While releasing the Party Manifesto to the gathering, the Chief Minister said that unlike others Congress has documented in the manifesto what it would do if re-elected to power.

“It is in your hands…our commitment for the next five years. I promise you today, we will fulfill it to the word,” he assured.

The rally was also addressed by Gadam Ete and the local ZPM.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by APCC Vice President Tatar Kipa and APBOCWWB Chairman Nyamar Karbak.

Later in the evening, the Chief Minister along with Nabam Rebia, who is unopposed Congress nominee from Doimukh, held a meeting of party workers at Doimukh. To the gathering of about 200 active members and others, the Chief Minister and Rebia urged to gear up electioneering in constituency to garner support for Arunachal West Parliamentary constituency candidate of Congress, Takam Sanjoy.

The Chief Minister called upon all to actively participate in the electoral process and ensure victory of Congress candidates everywhere possible.

While congratulating the people for ensuring victory to Rebia unopposed, Tuki said similar response is required to ensure the victory of the Party's Lok Sabha nominee, according to an APCC release.

 

 

Training for election officials continues

ZIRO, Mar 30: The second phase of training for presiding officers, polling officers and micro observers was held in Abotani hall, Hapoli today.

Addressing the officials, DEO KM Uppu stressed on proper coordination among the sector officers and the polling personnel for smooth conduct of the polls. Trainings should be attended sincerely and the opportunity utilized to clear all doubts regarding any issue with EVMs, polling materials, forms etc, as there is no place for mistakes on the polling day.

Taking serious note of many applications forwarded for exemption from election duties he reiterated the need for dedication and sense of responsibility for the successful conduction of the simultaneous elections. Avoid any kind of party affiliation, he added.

JM Jadav, General Observer for Lok Sabha elections emphasized on the need to take trainings seriously. He also asked the presiding officers to maintain their diary precisely and entries made should be accurate.

Awareness Observer  Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia also attended the training and interacted with the polling personnel.

At Tezu, the third round of training for Executive Magistrates, Sector Magistrates, presiding officers and polling officers for 44th Tezu-Sunpura Assembly Constituency concluded at Government Higher Secondary School, Tezu, today.

General Observer for Parliamentary Election for East Arunachal Parliamentary Election, Training Observer MK Deori and DEO cum RO Dr. BM Mishra also participated in the training.

General Observer Miranees Ahmed sought cooperation from each and every staff engaged for election duties for smooth conduct of election.

Training observer Deori also asked everyone to perform duties diligently. It is everyone’s duty to contribute for smooth conduct of election, he said.

Dr. Mishra who has been personally monitoring the training processes appreciated all the Executive and Sector Magistrates who have been working round -the -clock to check any kind of disturbances in the area during elections. He also asked all the trainers to execute their work and duties on the day of voting responsibly as their contribution in democracy for error free conduct of election.

Around 400 appointed election officers have undergone training for the forthcoming general as well as state assembly elections.

Meanwhile, 81 bottles of liquor was seized by Flying Squad Team at Wakro. The seized items were deposited at Wakro Police Station. DIPROs

 

 

Upper Siang, Tawang all set for polls

YINGKIONG, Mar 30: Upper Siang the 14th district of Arunachal Pradesh has two Assembly Constituencies, namely 34-Tuting-Yingkiong and 40-Mariyang-Geku. The Tuting-Yingkiong Constituency comprises seven administrative circles viz: Jengging, Palling, Migging, Tuting, Singga, Gelling including the district headquarter Yingkiong. The Constituency has 11,339 voters who will exercise their franchise.

Former Chief Minister Gegong Apang is contesting from 34-Tuting-Yingkiong from BJP ticket and he is likely to face tough competition from sitting MLA Alo Libang this time.

The 40-Mariyang-Geku Assemby segment having 10,114 voters covering four administrative circle headquarters Geku, Katan, Mopom and Mariyang ADC HQ will witness five-cornered contest this time.

Sitting Congress MLA JK Panggeng who have completed two terms is contesting on INC ticket for the third consecutive term. Olom Panyang is making his second attempt on BJP ticket this time.

Thomas Borang (PPA), Ogen Jamoh (NCP) and Toi Modi (IND) are new entrants to the electoral battle. The geographical extent of the constituency covers the both sides of Yamne River stretching from Pongging to Pekimodi.

The entire electioneering process, machinery has been supervised, monitored by the Deputy Commissioner-cum-RO/DEO Upper Siang District Dr. Tariq Thomas.

The Flying Squad  and Static Surveillance Teams have been making all efforts to check possibel violation of election model code of conduct.

There are 26 Sector Officers, 27 Micro Observers, 80 Presiding Officer, 320 Polling Officers, 200 Security Personnel comprising 1 Company of ITBP and IRBN each deployed for the safe and peaceful conduct of the ensuing election,informed SP Tage Habung.

All the electioneering activities have been carried out in presence of PC Meena, General Observer and CK Verma, Expenditure Observer of the district.

The Tuting Town Polling Station has the highest number of 1,205 voters  and Bona Polling Station under 34-Tuting-Yingkiong Constituency has the smallest number of 12 voters in the district.

Tawang DIPRO adds: Tawang district is all geared up for the April 9 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. All the ground works for the simultaneous elections has been arranged and extra measures are being planned as per the needs by DEO Abhishek Dev and SP Nupur Prasad.

General Election Observer for the three Assembly constituencies of Tawang District, SSPattanashetty held a meeting at Lumla with the contesting candidates and the DEO Tawang Abhishek Dev, SP Tawang Nupur Prasad and ARO Lumla Mika Nyori yesterday.

Pattanashetty informed the candidates to strictly abide by and adhere to the rules and guidelines of the ECI and to strictly follow the election model code of conduct for free and fair election.

“Whoever found violating the MCC will be booked and strict action would be taken as per the law”, cautioned Pattanashetty.

Further, he urged both the candidates to cooperate and have faith in the Govt. machinery for conduct of a free and fair election.

Tawang DEO appealed to all to cooperate and comply with Commission's guidelines for conducting free and fair election in the district. He also urged the political parties to cooperate with the administration for successful conduct of the ensuing simultaneous polls.

Tawang SP Nupur Prasad urged the parties to cooperate with them in maintaining law and order and assured that every possible security would be provided to conduct free and fair election.

In the evening, the first phase of randomization of EVMs and second level of randomization of polling personnel for the entire district of Tawang were done successfully in presence of the Tawang DEO Abhishek Dev, ARO RD Thungon and the representatives of political parties contesting in the elections at the DC Office chamber.

Informing about the randomization process, the DEO mentioned that the purpose of randomization of EVMs and polling personnel is done to allocate EVMs and polling personnel randomly to the assembly segments and polling stations. This ensures transparency in the allocation of EVMs and polling personnel.

“Randomizations for 574 polling personnel were formed into 56 teams in the second level of randomization today. The randomization has been done for 58 polling stations out of 71 polling stations in the district.

Also, the second phase of training of polling personnel for all officers and officials of the district began at the DC’s Conference Hall yesterday.

Master trainer DAO Tawang RK Kanujia imparted training on handling of EVMs, detailed duties of presiding and polling officers, filling up of election related forms, etc.

At Roing, the second randomization of the EVMs were done successfully at NIC today. EVMs (both Control Units and Ballot Units) were automatically allotted to the respective polling stations using software for both Lok Sabha and Assembly Election. Nine ballot units and seven control units for both Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections were kept in reserved under 42-Dambuk  assembly constituency while 19 ballot units and 18 control units were kept in reserved for both Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections under 43-Roing assembly constituency.

General Observer, Upendra Nath Mallick and RO cum DEO, Kumar and representatives of various political parties were present during randomization.

It was informed that the preparation and commissioning of the EVMs for both Assembly Constituencies and Parliamentary Constituency would start tomorrow.

Bomdila DIPRO adds: Preparations are almost complete for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in West Kameng district.

The stringent action taken by the DEO and SP and the round the clock checking, seizures and monitoring by the various wings such as the flying squad, static surveillance teams, VST, VVT etc have deterred and put a check on various activities which used to be a regular feature in all the previous elections.

The third and the final round of the training for the polling personnels was conducted by Tasso Gambo, PD DRDA today morning.

In the evening, the randomization of the EVMs was carried out for both the Assembly and Parliamentary elections by the DEO AK Singh and SDO (Eln) P Sora in presence of all the election agents and the list of the control units and the balloting units allotted against the 154 polling stations of the district were given to them.

Koloriang DIPRO adds: Election Observers for Kurung Kumey RN Lai and Sankalp Narayan Singh along with Nabam Tagum, LO, today inspected different polling booths under Sangram circle. The team on Thursday visited interior Parsiparlo circle to take stock of the poll preparedness.

 

 

Election observer, DEO brief magistrates on their duties

DAPORIJIO, Mar 30: The General Election Observer for Upper Subansiri district and the District Election Officer (DEO) in a meeting yesterday briefed the executive/sector magistrates on their roles and duties.

DEO Tahang Taggu while informing all the executive magistrates of their role in ensuring peaceful conduct of election, said that they had the responsibility to check the timely arrival of polling personnel in the polling stations, timely commencement of voting in the polling stations and safe retrieval of polling materials and personnel after the end of polling. He also emphasized on timely furnishing of updated information of their sectors on the polling day and maintenance of peace and law and order in the sectors under their control.

Taggu expressed the hope that the Executive magistrates would carry out their duties in a dedicated and sincere manner and would ensure that no problems occurred during the election period.

General Observer Pramod Kumar Das stated that being the eyes and the ears of the district election machinery and the ECI, the magistrates had a tremendous responsibility to ensure that the elections were conducted in a fair manner. Telling the magistrates to check that no voter who turned up to cast their vote at the designated time was turned back, he asked all to follow the prescribed rules to uphold the democratic principles of the country. The General Observer stressed on the building up of communication network (wireless, satellite and dak runners) even in remote areas to facilitate collection of information and to ensure a peaceful election.

The officers/magistrates on duty during the election process should be totally impartial to any party and should not disclose their political affiliations, for the elections to be truly free and fair, stated Expenditure Observer Sudhir Kumar. He also called for all the teams set up like SSTs, Flying Squads, VMTs, etc to communicate with each other on all their activities and keep the information updated and flowing.

SP Anto Alphonse briefed the gathering on the deployment plan of police personnel in all the 22 critical, 21 hyper sensitive, 95 sensitive and 24 normal polling stations in the five constituencies of Nacho, Taliha, Daporijo, Raga and Dumporijo, the wireless communication plan and the movement plan of the police personnel for the district.

ADC Kanki Darang also briefed the magistrates on their duties and functions like checking of all polling stations under their sector, vulnerability mapping, maintenance of law and order, provisions of law, restriction of vehicle movement on polling day etc.  DIPRO

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

Blatant violation of fundamental right is going on

Dear Editor,

With grievous heart I would like to know whether Model Code Conduct for Election is mere directory orders ‘or’ it is mandatory provision? Is it above Fundamental Rights of an Individual engraved under the Indian constitution? What are the proper procedure and guideline of power and function being authorized and delegated to the Administrative authorities and Police personal engaged on election duty. Is the Election Model Code of Conduct a tool to grill and harass the public?

The way authorities and police personal are carrying out haphazard manner checking and search operation of private vehicles is not good. Police personnel in full uniform with sophisticated weapon are carrying out ‘pin point’ search of private Individual vehicles, violating all the basic Rights of an Individual as if the Emergency Declaration has been invoked in the state of Arunachal Pradesh under the Article.356 (State Emergency), Article.352 (National Emergency) and Article. 360 (Financial Emergency) 'or’ is it the Arm Force Special Power Act. 1958 came into operation? Are Election Commission and State Government trying to conduct peaceful, free and fair atmosphere election ‘or’ they are trying to terrorize people by creating mental suffering and physical harassment to public at large. Here is few grievances face by the public at large-

1.      Model Code of Conduct Part 16.5.7 Illustrative list of DO’s A (iv) provides that right of every Individual for peaceful and undisturbed home life should be fully safeguarded, but this provision has been violated by the administrative officials and police personals especially by so called ‘flying squad team’ on election duty.

2.      Model Code of Conduct Part 16.5.7 illustrative list of DONT’s B (XX) simply provides that no liquors should be distributed during elections, Section 135(c) of the Representation of People Act 1951 which provides that liquors should not to be distributed on polling day ‘or’ (before 48 hrs), whereas, this provision per-se does not prohibit the carrying of liquors for self-consumption, for family party occasions and for business purpose. But official and police personal on election duty are prohibiting and immediately seizing if one carries one or two bottle liquor, which has infringed the individual right to consumption and right to business establishment, only with the mere apprehension that it might be distributed to voters .

3.      Nowhere in the Model code of conduct provides and prohibits the carrying of currency notes of Rs. 50,000/- and above. Whereas the official authorities and police personals are totally prohibiting and restricting the carrying of such money which has hampered day to day life of common man, business transaction, labour payment, investment and exchange thus, creating economic blockage for an individual and also leading to business meltdown, which is again infringement of fundamental right.

4.      Unnecessarily stopping and restraining of free flow traffic thus carrying out search operation and random checking of vehicle by the police personal in all locations have caused mental agony to public. Due to haphazard checking being carried out in various location of capital complex, long queue of vehicles can be seen leading to huge traffic jam. Because of it children’s are missing school and reaching late for exams. People are not able to reach office, bank and business place on specified schedule time.

5.      Checking and search operation is being carried out by the official and police personals in stringent manner even forcing children and women to vacate from the vehicle. Even ladies purses are not being spared. Usage of abusive and filthy language by the police personals especially by IRBN and CRPF jawan during search violates and infringement the Individual Fundamental Rights, i.e. the Right to Privacy of Individual under Article 19 & 21 of Indian Constitution.

6.      Hurting the tribal sentiments and trying to jeopardize the customary law and practice of the people, the authorities and police personal on election duty have prohibited the carrying of dao and small knife which is meant for cutting jungles and for cultivation purpose. Many elderly person have been misbehave and their dao, knife and stick used for walking have been seize by the so called ‘flying squad team’.

If election official is delegated with such power and function by election commission of India for conducting free and fair election process, they should be held accountable too. They should use the power vested upon them by following proper procedure and guidelines and should not contravene principle of natural justice of an individual.

Yours,

Techi Dayin, Itanagar

 

Please come up with your manifesto

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to request to all the candidates who are going to contest from 13th Itanagar assembly constituency in the upcoming Legislative Assembly election that please declare your election manifestoes as soon as possible so that we can have better idea about your agenda. Don’t think that money or muscle power will take away our votes. This time we really want to see true development in capital complex. There are many problems that we are confronting. Such as encroachment of govt. land, shortage of water supply, deteriorating sector roads, need for widening of roads, lack of parking zones and immediate construction of alternate route to Naharlagun and establishment of one more higher secondary school. And it would be better if the candidates go for open debate so that the public can ask questions related to developmental activities. So, this time let’s do something different.

Yours,

Bengia Sita

Chimpu

 

Violation of Model Code of Conduct

Dear Editor,

Some Congress Party workers of Taki-Lalung, Sibut and Yagrung has started executing RWD contract works since March 09 even though there is no financial concurrence for the SPA scheme.

The tender was floated on Feb 04 only on the basis of letter issued by Dept. of Planning as per the decision of cabinet. But they did not direct the concern contractor to start execution work, but surprisingly party workers of INC have been allotted sub-contract works and the work is being executed on behalf of ZPM Bosing-I with an assurance to clear the bill by July.

This is clear violation of Model Code of conduct by the Congress Party. The DEO is requested to take necessary action against the persons responsible for violation of Model Code of Conduct.

Yours,

Taber Tamuk

Advocate-cum-Social Activist

Pasighat

 

Don’t play with emotion of innocent voters

Dear Editor,

The trend of surrendering election contest and compromising with the opposition party is not good for healthy democracy as it sends wrong message to the masses. Citizens are being deprived of their inherent democratic right of voting. It is threat in the sense that if two major political party of India BJP and Congress start compromising with each other in election then what will be the consequences? This trend will inspire others to file nominations and later withdraw by compromising with the opponent. So, this trend must be stopped and discouraged in all respect. If you are not able to represent, you don’t need to file a nomination and play with the emotion of innocent voters.

Yours,

Punitt Tara

Naharlagun.

 

 

 

 

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----Editor

---- Editorial ----

 

Concentrate in development agenda

The Lokh Sabha election 2014 is witnessing lot of personal attacks among politicians. BJP Prime Minister nominee Narendra Modi who himself has been target of repeated personal attack by various parties today launched blistering attack on defence minister AK Anthony and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal by  calling them "agents of Pakistan and enemy of India" and speaking its language. Kejriwal and his fellow AAP leaders were yesterday thrown ink and egg during a rally at Varanasi. In recent past Modi has been compared with Hitler by many of his opponents.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too has subjected to personalize attack by his rivals. The politicians should refrain from making such personal attack which sets a wrong trend. Political parties instead of indulging in mudslinging should concentrate in development agenda. People of India are sick of growing unemployment, high level of corruption and escalating price rise. They want to know how political parties will address these burning concerns. It will be better if our politicians stop making cheap personal attacks and concentrate in developmental agenda. It will serve purpose of both political parties and citizens alike.