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2017

March 05

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The Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal on, Rijiju to meet him

NEW DELHI, Mar 4: The week-long visit of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh next month will take place as scheduled, notwithstanding objections by China.

The Dalai Lama will be in the north eastern state from April 4 to 13 and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, among others, will meet him there.

During his visit to Tawang bordering China, the spiritual leader will be hosted by the Buddhist Tawang monastery where he will be meeting his followers.

"The Dalai Lama will be a guest of the Arunachal Pradesh government and as a devotee, I will meet him in Tawang," Rijiju, who represents the Arunachal-West Lok Sabha constituency under which Tawang falls, told PTI here yesterday.

Peeved over the proposed visit, China warned India against allowing him to visit Arunachal Pradesh, saying it would cause "serious damage" to the bilateral ties and peace in the "disputed" border region.

"China is gravely concerned over information that India has granted permission to the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet and routinely objects to any visit by top leaders, officials and diplomats to the area.

Rijiju, however, said the Dalai Lama is going to visit the state as a religious leader and there is no reason to stop him as his followers are demanding he should come.

Asked about China's objections, Rijiju said the central government is run by a nationalist party which considers the country's interests first.

"We are neither going to be dominated by anyone nor shall we dominate any of our neighbours. But we give prime importance to India's interests," he said, without making any reference to China.

Ignoring China's protests, the government had earlier allowed former US ambassador to India Richard Verma and Tibetan spiritual leader Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje's visit to Arunachal Pradesh last year. (PTI)

'India, China should be sensitive to each other's concerns'

BEIJING, Mar 4: China and India should be "more sensitive" to each other's concerns to address contentious issues and they should not allow differences to stop their "pretty close" relations from moving forward, a top Chinese official said today.

Being big developing countries facing multiple challenges China and India "need to be more sensitive to each other's concerns so that we can better address them," Fu Ying, spokesperson of the China's parliament, the National People's Congress, said responding to questions on India-China ties.

"For some issues that cannot be worked for the moment, we cannot allow them to stop us from moving forward. We must proceed with whatever we can and advance good cooperation," she said at a crowded press conference here ahead of NPC's annual session starting on Monday.

China's relations with India and the US were the only foreign policy related questions dealt by Fu in the nationally televised press conference which is otherwise dominated by the defence budget and pressing domestic issues like recurring pollution.

China yesterday expressed concern over India granting permission to the Dalai Lama to visit the Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as part of South Tibet.

Fu said that despite the differences, the relations are progressing well.

"China-India relations have been advancing pretty rapidly," she said. (PTI)

Gao reacts to purported letter to Shah

BJP lodges complaint to police

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: State BJP President Tapir Gao on Saturday evening came out strongly against the purported letter doing rounds in social media and asserted that it was the handiwork of some politically-motivated people to cause friction among party leaders.

Speaking to this daily, Gao, who is currently at Imphal for an election campaign, said that the purported letter was a hoax and that the matter has been reported to BJP national President Amit Shah.

Asserting that 'such mischievous and childish act won't bear any fruit', Gao assured the public and his party members that the BJP is united and will continue to remain strong.

'We have lodged complaint with Itanagar Police Station for necessary actions and requested for filing an FIR under relevant Act,' said state BJP General Secretary Jarpum Gamlin in a press statement, who asserted that Gao is currently out of town since March 2, 2017 and he has nothing to do with such stupid act.

Terming the 'failed' act as cheap attempt to bring disrepute to Pema Khandu led BJP Government, which is ushering much needed stability after prolonged political instability, Gamlin said, 'In short span of time, Tapir Gao and Pema Khandu-Chowna Mein have forged a strong team bonding. They all share same vision for growth-development of Arunachal Pradesh and its people.'

'Imitation and forgery also requires high degree of class act,' said the BJP leader, while adding that whenever any communication in writing is made to our national leaders, state President Gao never uses the general letter pad as seen in the circulated letter. Also, letters to our national leaders, are never stamped with official seal as is seen in the purported letter, he added.

'These little instances are a total giveaway that the letter in question is false, forged and fabricated and desperate attempt by the losers,' said Gamlin.

In the so-called letter in circulation, BJP president Amit Shah has been allegedly requested to ask Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein to step down from their respective posts for the allegations leveled against them in the 60-page note 'Mere Vichar', left behind by former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.

'I have seen a copy of the 60 page MERE VICHAR, the allegations against these people, I found to be very authentic to many extent' (sic), an extract of the letter read.

Stand on your own feet; Governor asks Puroik community

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: Governor P B Acharya advised the Puroik community to stand on its own feet for social and economic progress by empowering themselves through education.

'Strive forward with positive mindset, go for entrepreneurship and form cooperative societies in the fields of tribal expertise, like handloom and handicrafts and excel in life', the Governor suggested the delegation of the All Puroik Welfare Society (APWS), who called on him at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday.

Calling on them to maintain their cultural traditions, the Governor, who knew of the community since his first visit to the state in 1965, exhorted the Puroiks to think about the society and people with new mindset. He also stressed on social rehabilitation and girl education.

As an encouragement toward women empowerment on his part, the Governor assured to sponsor five Puroik girl students for nursing courses free-of-cost, except for the food through Alva's Education Foundation, Moodubidri in Udupi District, Karnataka, the home district of the Governor.

Earlier, the Governor had invited the Chairman of Alva's Education Foundation Dr Mohan Alva during the 31st Statehood Day celebration of the state.

The Managing Trustee of Alva's Education Foundation Vivek Alva participated along with vice chancellors of NITTE University, Mangalore, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai and Sikkim Manipal University, Rangpo in the celebration.

Further, the Governor assured to visit the Puroik Colony at Papu Nallah on March 5 and have a community dinner with the people.

Earlier, the APWS members, led by its General Secretary K Talong and accompanied by T Soja, K Halley and T Waru briefed the Governor on their challenges and avenues for development of the Puroik community. They also submitted a memorandum to uplift the community. (PRO to Raj Bhawan)

AdiSU opposes any deviation from Committee recommendation

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Mar 4: The Adi Students' Union (AdiSU) has clarified its stance on Lower Siang district territorial boundary creation, saying that any deviation from the Dharmendra Sharma-led High Power Committee recommendation, which was submitted to the state government on April 7, 2015 will be strongly opposed by the AdiSU and other Adi-based organizations.

The AdiSU has in a press statement alleged that, an attempt is being made by some organizations to compel the state government to notify the territorial jurisdiction of Lower Siang district contrary to the Dharmendra Sharma-led High Power Committee recommendation.

'Such an attempt will dilute the confidence and assurances made between the ABK and Lower Siang Elite Forum', stated the AdiSU.

AdiSU Secretary Education, Nang Gao has said that the Lower Siang Elite Forum had requested the ABK to accept the Dharmendra Sharma-led High Power Committee Report and issue a 'No Objection Declaration' upon which the ABK, the apex and appellate body of the Adis had issued the same subject to strict adherence with the Dharmendra Sharma-led committee recommendation.

APPSC candidates attend mock viva-voce

NAHARLAGUN, Mar 4: In all, 16 qualified candidates participated in a daylong free mock viva-voice, organized by the Apatani Career Guidance Forum (ACGF) for the APPSC mains 2017 qualified Assistant Engineer (Civil) candidates, at a city hotel in Naharlagun on Saturday last.

Professors from Rajiv Gandhi University, including S K Patnaik, Narayan Prachand and Bhasker J Chutia besides, Dr R K Prasad from NERIST and senior journalist, Tongam Rina were the resource persons.

ACGF Secretary, Dr Nani Tamang and ACGF Chairman, Pura Sambyo were also present on the occasion.

College holds national conference

ZIRO, Mar 4: A two-day long national conference on Rural Livelihood, Environment and Sustainable Development, organized by the Department of Geography, SCCZ concluded at Saint Claret College on Friday last.

During the conference, which was also attended by Lower Subansiri EAC, Mokar Riba and IGTAMSU, Ziro, Chancellor, Arvind Kumar Das, about 16 papers were presented by participants.

Renowned academicians were the resource persons for the conference including; Professor Nishamani Kar, Dean, School of Environmental Sciences, RGU; Professor S K Patnaik, HoD, Department of Geography, RGU; Dr Vijay Kr Sharma, Deputy Director, SIRD; John Gangmei, Dept of Social Work, RGU, and Dr Jagannath Patgiri (Retd) Former HoD, Department of Geography, Pragjyotish College, Guwahati.

AAPSU urges govt to give priority to education and health sectors

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: Reiterating its 18-point demand submitted through a memorandum earlier, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has strongly appealed to the state government to give priority to education and health sectors during the ensuing budget session.

Citing that the government needs to take bold initiatives for drastic development of education and health sectors, the AAPSU said, "It is an undeniable fact that majority of the population of the state solely depends on government schools and hospitals, especially in rural areas. However, the government institutions and health centres are in dilapidating condition." The AAPSU urged upon the government to restore dilapidated infrastructure of government schools and colleges and hospitals, which are pivotal for human development.

The Union has lamented that the Right to Education Act has not been implemented effectively and the distribution of teachers in schools has also not been done fairly and systematically in the state. The government should ensure the 1:30 pupil-teacher ratio in the schools by formulating effective policy, it added.

Earlier, the Union had demanded for regular disbursement of SSA/RMSA teachers' salary to solve economic conditions of the teachers, establishment of CBSE regional sub-branch at Itanagar, timely disbursement of stipend and scholarship for students, implementation of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and provision for high-tech equipments and medicinal facilities in government hospitals.

In a statement, AAPSU President Hawa Bagang has appealed to the government to sort out problems that confront the education and health sectors, and hoped that the government would take up issues relating to the health and education sector in the budget session on priority basis.

Further, the Union also asked the government to take firm stand on the long-pending boundary issue and refugee issue (Chakma & Hajong and other illegal immigration) in the state.

While welcoming the government's initiative for establishment of full-fledged state university at Pasighat, the AAPSU, however, lamented over the tardy progress in construction of the university infrastructure. It also threatened to take up path of agitation to put pressure on its demand for appointment of regular Governor immediately in the state.

Cub-Bulbul Utsav

Correspondent

ROING, Mar 4: The district level Cub-Bulbul Utsav was held on Saturday, wherein seven schools participated.

The event was organized especially for the Cubs and Bulbuls between 5 to 10 age group with an objective to provide them with an opportunity to interact with each other.

Various fun and entertaining activities were organized amongst the children.

The children enthusiastically took part in activities, like sessions on Cub and Bulbul law, promise, motto, sign salute, uniform, flags, knotting, drill, jungle stories, jungle dance during the programme.

Group song, group dance and storytelling competitions amongst the children, and talent show were also conducted.

Earlier, the Cub and Bulbuls took out a procession with slogans in the main thoroughfare of the township, followed by flag ceremony.

Roing ADC Chesta Yadav distributed prizes to the winners, and advised the students to maintain discipline and give priority to their studies to achieve the desired goal in life.

District Commissioner (Scout) Obang Langkam and District Commissioner (Guide) Toklak Pertin were also present in the programme.

The event was organized by the District Association Roing, headed by DTO Somit Mena under the guidance and supervision of DDSE Ego Doye, with support from unit leaders, senior Scouts and Volunteers.

Ha Anchal team wins 1st Martyrhood Volleyball Tournament-2017 of Lt Romik Tada

NIRJULI, Mar 4: The Ha Anchal Segment Volleyball team won the 1st Martyrhood Volleyball Tournament-2017 of Lt Romik Tada by defeating Nyobia Anchal Segment volleyball team.

Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resources Development Agency Chairman Yora Tagung, members of All Kra Daadi District Students' Union, including its President Gora Rikam, ANSU leaders and family members of late Romik Tada attended the closing ceremony of the tournament held at Nyokum Niya Ground, Nirjuli on Saturday. The tournament was organized by the All Tali Area Students Union.

International Women's Day

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) will celebrate the International Women's Day at Longding on March 8.

The theme of this year's celebration is "Be bold for change - Women in the changing world of work: Planet 50:50 by 2030".

The programme is being organized in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Public Health Engineering Department & Water and Sanitation (PHED& WS) and All Wancho Women Welfare Society (AWWWS), Longding unit.

Tago is SAA Chairman

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The State Government on Friday appointed Bamang Tago as the Chairman of Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) and sports fraternity of the state have welcomed the appointment of Tago in the post.

He has vast experience in sports field and appointment of an energetic and capable person like Tago as Chairman of SAA will help in further development of sports sector in the state, said AOA in a statement.

Pioneer of education in Ziro, Kuru Tangu passes away

ZIRO, Mar 4: One of the pioneers of education in Ziro, Kuru Tangu of Reru village in Lower Subansiri district passed away on March 3 at his residence after prolonged illness.

He is survived by his wife and children.

A visionary leader in the field of education, Tangu founded Nime Ashram School at Ziro in the late 90s and dedicated his life for the betterment of the students' community in particular and the society as a whole.

He was instrumental in Ziro earning the reputation of educational hub of the state.

"His death is a great loss for the society and the void left behind by his death, especially in the field of education, will be difficult to fill," the Private School Association of Ziro (PSAZ) said in a condolence message.

The PSAZ conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Training on citrus plantation concludes

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Mar 4: A three-day long training on good agricultural practice for controlling fruit drops in Khasi Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulate blanco), organized by the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture & Forestry, CAU, Pasighat concluded on Saturday.

Altogether, 30 citrus fruit growers/ farmers from Takilalung village and GTC, Pasighat attended the training programme.

The scientists from the college imparted training on different techniques and methods of physiological disorders and management. Different diseases and its management in citrus, soil management, mechanism of plant growth regulators (PGR) for controlling fruit drop, improved horticulture tools and implement for foliar spray, nematodes infestation in citrus and its control measures, parasitic infections and its measures, and post harvest management of the fruits were also taught to the farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr A K Pandey, Dean of CHF Pasighat stressed on the need for scientific cultivation in citrus fruits to increase the yield and productivity in the region for economic enhancement of farmers and the state at large.

Maintain unity amidst diversity: Bhagaiah

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 4: Joint General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS), V Bhagaiah has appealed to the people of Arunachal to maintain unity and work for social transformation.

Bhagaiah, who was addressing an 'Intellectual Meet' at Pasighat College of Horticulture and Forestry on Saturday, urged the citizens to develop the culture of unity and oneness among different groups for nation building. He laid stress on preservation of indigenous faith and culture, customs and local languages to keep their unique identity intact.

Stating that religion and politics are not mediums of social transformation, Bhagaiah further opined that only unity among diversity could put the country on the tract of development.

East Arunachal MP Ninong Ering, East Siang DC Tamiyo Tatak, DFO (T) Tabang Jamoh, ZPC Kaling Dai, WASE General Secretary Joya Tasung-Moyong and leaders of Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang also attended the programme.

SAI to hold selection trials

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The Sports Authority of India, Special Area Game Centre, Naharlagun, will conduct selection trials for both boys and girls (12- 16 years) in four sports disciplines for admission to the centre.

The selection trials will be held for few seats in boxing, karate, taekwondo and weightlifting on March 25, 26 and 27.

Gold and silver medal winners in state championships and any medal winners in national level competition recognized by the concerned sports federation or state association are eligible to appear in the selection trials.

Swachh Shakti Saptah

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The "Swachh Shakti Saptah" was launched at Simong Gram Panchayat of Upper Siang district on March 3.

Swachh Shakti Saptah, launched nationwide by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation is a week-long programme of activities to highlight the role of women in Swachh Bharat Mission and recognize their leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Engineer of PHE & WS, Yingkiong Sub-division, L K Srivastava explained about the week-long programme and exhorted the womenfolk to make cleanliness a part of daily life in order to make Upper Siang district open-defecation free by October 2, 2019.

Departmental engineers, women activists, and ASHA workers were present and addressed the gathering.

Blood donation camp

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The All Bengali Welfare Federation organized a voluntary blood donation camp in collaboration with Rama Krishna Hospital, Itanagar, recently.

Around 55 students turned up for the camp, out of which 37 could donate their blood.

The main objective of the camp was to motivate voluntary blood donors, create awareness among people about the importance of blood donation as well as to meet the blood requirement of the Capital Complex.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The Palin Employee's Welfare Association (PEWA) has deeply mourned the sudden demise of Junior Engineer (Power/Electrical) Tarak Hari on March 4 at his residence at Bage Tinali, Nyirubjolli.

He left behind his wife and children.

In a condolence meeting, PEWA President Heri Maring said that Hari was a sincere, dedicated and hardworking official. He was also one of the very active members of the association and his premature death has caused an irreparable loss to the association in particular and the Nyishi community as a whole, Maring added.

The members of the association observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to late Hari and prayed to the almighty to rest his departed soul in peace. They also conveyed deep sense of condolence to the bereaved family.

Corrigendum

The name of Professor Tomo Riba was wrongly published as Professor Tamo Mibang in a news on World Wildlife Day celebration , which was published on March 4 edition of this daily. The inadvertent mistake is deeply regretted.