The Arunachal Times - Archives

Singphos demand Govt to initiate legal action against Chakma refugees

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: After the M-pen fiasco, the Singpho community led by Singpho Development Society and Singpho National Council called on the state government to initiate legal action against Chakma refugees and deputation of Police personnel at the area.

The call came after refugees and Singphos clashed that left dozens Chakma refugees and Singpho injured following a court order that refugees vacate encroached private land belonging to the Singpho community.

Today a team consisting of Singpho Development Society and Singpho National Council, All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union met the Home Minister and PWD Minister to apprise them of the situation.

The Ministers are reported to have assured the delegation of immediate action against those who has violated the Court order and seriousness over the issue.

On April 9, violence broke out after some 60 Chakma families were evicted from M-Pen following a court order to vacate the area on March 31 as some Singphos who have Land Possession Certificate wanted it back.

M-Pen, which is around four Kilometers from main Miao Township originally belongs to Singpho community. However in the early sixties, Chakmas were given settlement in an area measuring up to 8 miles on one side of the road. With time, the refugees, which numbers around 200 hundred families encroached on the other side of the road as well and settled in the area.

9th Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football Tournament

Papum Pare beat East Siang, enter semi-final

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Papum Pare beat East Siang 3-0 and became the first team to seal place in semifinals of the 9th Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun today.

Papum Pare, which has not yet conceded a single goal in their three outings, sounded the score board 24 minutes into the match through Michi Gambo. Gambo netted the ball when the goalkeeper failed to collect it properly. The second goal was result of a thundering shot unleashed by skipper Techi Takar in 34th minutes. The team was leading 2-0 till the lemon break.

The second half saw Papum Pare unleashing flurry of attacks on opponent’s citadel. But the team had to wait till 77th minute for their 3rd goal.

For East Siang what seemed to be lacking was coordination amongst the players. Thanks to poor finishing all their futile attempts to find the equalizer bore no fruits.

Kurung Kumey will play against East Kameng in tomorrow’s second quarterfinal at 3 pm.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) referee instructor Anjan Bonik will witness the final match on May six. He will be arriving state capital on May four on invitation of the organizing committee.

Northeast Consultation on Dams decries development’ aggression

PASIGHAT, Apr 30: Concerned leaders from all over the Northeast have gathered here in Pasighat, East Siang District, to discuss the ‘development’ aggression of the Government of India in the Northeast. The gathering strongly opposed any move to destroy land and natural resources of the indigenous communities for the profit of a few Corporate Houses.

Ninety eight participants from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya are participating at the consultation.

The gathering condemned the callousness of the Corporate and Government in evolving policies which would ultimately destroy the livelihood and the natural resources of the peoples in the NE and also the fact that they have totally ignored or are knowingly avoiding the life threatening issue of the seismicity of the North-eastern region.

The gathering witnessed outpourings from people coming from all Hydro Project Affected areas in the NE. There are three stories, among many which were shared, on queer dynamics of Dam issues in the NE.

There was a sharing on how Domur Dam in Tripura which has been silted and choked is a glaring example of technological and scientific failure at the planning level and yet the Government has done nothing to decommission it. The meeting also discussed about how Tipaimukh Dam is going to submerge a civilisation of Zeliangrong People if the project is implemented.

There was also a discussion on how Assam Government’s repeated order to stop the construction works of Lower Subansiri which has gone unheeded, indicating the control of the Corporate over the Assam Government.

The Consultation is till May 2.

MDVSU demands essential service

Correspondent

ROING, Apr 30: The Middle Dibang Valley Student Union (MDVSU) has expressed serious concern over the acute shortage of essential commodities, medicines and electricity at Anini and middle Dibang Valley.

The district administration has failed to bring respite to the flood affected people after several days of flood fury, said the union in a release. Relief materials are yet to reach the affected people, it added. The union demanded sufficient stock of the life-saving medicines to prevent outbreak of water-borne disease after the recent heavy downpour.

The union also appealed the administration and the GREF for early restoration of Ambolin Bailey Bridge, the lone lifeline of Anini over the river Dree. Flood water washed away the bridge on April 15.

Bandh at campus, RGUSU reiterates demand

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union (RGUSU) informed that the 12 hours bandh call today crippled the normal life in Rono Hills. Students gathered at University Security Checkgate and Administrative Block demanding immediate resignation Vice Chancellor of RGU Prof. KC Belliappa within 2 days time.

The Union urged upon Chairman of High Power Committee to end the agony of the students by removing Prof. Belliappa within two days time.

Union has decided to appeal AAPSU to take over the charge of agitation if present state and central government fail to remove the tainted VC within stipulated time, a release further informed.

The RGUSU President Tayuk Sonam, General Secretary, Lingdum Taha and Vice-President, David Gao apprised the matter to the Papum Pare DC who visited the campus today. The Union informed that it has clearly apprised to DC Papum Pare that they are not against the institution and state, but democratically fighting against Prof. Belliappa “who is an icon of moral misconducts, nepotism and corruption, who has broken the University Acts, Statutes and Ordinances into pieces”.

It is upto to the state and its people to judge whether such person of low integrity and irresponsible nature should be allowed to remain as VC of this prestigious institute of higher learning, the release further added.

“Apex bank is making quick recovery”

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: The Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd is making quick recovery, according to a release from NABARD. It has complied with provisions of Sec.11(1) of B R Act, 1949 (as applicable to Cooperative Societies) and most of the legal parameters baring one as prescribed under B R Act, 1949 (AACS). The net financial margin of the bank has shown positive trend and it has increased to 2.1%. The Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) has improved to 21.9% which is fairly high as required under BASLE norms. NABARD will be writing separately to the Deputy Commissioners to park Government funds at Apex Bank and the Bank has been advised to market its products aggressively to its customers.

With the amendment of Cooperative Societies Act, the bank will receive a financial package under Vaidyanathan Committee Recommendations which will augment the bank’s financial resources. Besides, the bank will introduce the Comprehensive Banking Solution (CBS) for which it is negotiating with Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), an apex training institute of NABARD at Lucknow. This will facilitate in Asset – Liability Management and smooth transfer of funds and remittances.

Upper Subansiri gears up to deal with disasters

Daporijo, Apr 30: Stress was given on the need to provide training to personnel involved in District Disaster Management Committees (DDMC) so that all could be prepared about their roles and duties during disasters during a District Disaster Management Review meeting held here today.

Under the DDMC, 12 teams were formed to look into specific duties like information, search and rescue, shelter management, emergency health services, vigilance, water and sanitation, transportation, roads and bridges, food supply, fuel collection, electrical and damage assessment. A comprehensive DDMP will be prepared after all relevant data is collected so that it could be followed in order to mitigate and minimize loss and hardship if a disaster occurs in the district. Deputy Commissioner i/c ADC G. Ete while chairing the meeting said that review meetings were necessary in order to remain alert in case of any kind of eventuality in the district.

The DDRO, Lobsang informed that with the onset of the monsoon season, it was imperative to review the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) and do away with any lacks and lacunas so that rescue and relief work could be provided immediately and smoothly in case of any disaster. Adding that all district heads of departments were members of the DDMC, he requested all to provide necessary information about resources and infrastructure available in the departments so that it could be incorporated in the plan and put to use successfully. (DIPRO)

Estimate Committee lauds activities in Lohit

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: The Committee on Estimates of Fifth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh headed by its Chairman Dr. Tangor Tapak observed that development activities are better visible in Lohit than other districts. They were in Lohit on a two days official visit.

At Tezu, the team inspected various schools and District Hospital Tezu and lauded the activities undertaken in the district under SSA, NRHMS and other schemes sponsored by Centre and the state.

The team also visited ICDS and Anganwadi centers at Loiliang and Danglat.

The activities at Sunpura circle of Tezu and Anjaw district could not be assessed by the team due to road communication bottleneck. DIPRO

Legal action against those without registration and licenses

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Legal action would be initiated against erring employers and contractors who are found executing work/project without obtaining registration certificates and licenses respectively from the Labour Commissioner.

This decision was taken at a coordination meeting of District Labour & Employment Officer and other officers under the Labour and Employment Department at Itanagar recently.

Addressing the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary (L&E) Padi Richo urged the Labour Officers to ensure that no principal employer should undertake works without obtaining registration certificate, and in case any such employer is found executing the work without having a valid registration certificate, prompt legal action should be taken by the Labour Officers by filing prosecution case in the appropriate court. He further called upon the Labour Officers to ensure that employers should not violate provisions of the Cess Act and smooth collection of Cess in time. He further emphasized the need for early modernization of Employment Exchanges so as to access nationwide vacancies to job seekers in Arunachal Pradesh.

Secretary, Labour & Employment D.S.Pandit, made it clear to the Labour Officers that legal action should invariably be taken by them against the defaulting employers and contractors irrespective of their status and organization.

Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, Jelley Sonam also emphasized on stream-lining of working of the Board.

Labour Commissioner Ojing Darung, exhorted District Labour Officer to put their best efforts for effective enforcement of labour laws for projection and benefits of working class particularly to workers of unorganized sector.

During the meeting, District Labour Officers highlighted their difficulties and problems arising out of lack of human resources and fund at their disposal as a result of which, their efforts are not yielding desirable results in enforcement of labour law.

The officers also highlighted that the employers particularly the Executive Engineers of various works departments have made their task more difficult because these Executive Engineers/Employers do not pay much attention to comply with the provisions of labour laws regarding registration of their establishment and licensing of contractors working under them.

Bagang calls for timely completion of on-going schemes

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Chayang Tajo MLA Karya Bagang has called upon the heads of various departments in East Kameng district to make every effort to complete the on-going development works in the district in time.

Addressing a coordination meeting with the HoDs at Seppa recently, Bagang, while expressing satisfaction over the work progress under various departments, assured all possible support to Govt officers.

Earlier, departmental heads and administrative officers, who took part in the meeting, briefed about the progress of the on-going schemes under Chanayang Tajo constituency. They have also proposed action plan for development of the segment.

Centre keen to promote food processing sector in state

Union Minister to attend ‘investors meet’ today

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: The union ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI) is keen to promote the food processing sector in Arunachal Pradesh in particular and NE in general, informed ministry’s Joint Secretary A M Meena today. Meena was addressing the press persons on the eve of investors meet scheduled to be held at Banquet Hall tomorrow.

Union Minister for Food processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahai and Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and other dignitaries will also grace the occasion.

The Joint Secretary said that the employment opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs can be generated in the state suitable Agro-climatic condition with adequate land. Nalbari in Assam has been identified for the Mega Food Park for NE , which will benefit all NE states as the Primary Processing centres. The “Investors Meet” being jointly organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) with the support of the MOFPI and Government of Arunachal Pradesh will aim to create awareness about the various programmes/schemes of the ministry to the entrepreneurs, farmers and potential investors and other participants. The meet will try to draw the intention and generate interest of the investors on the immense agri-potential of the state.

200 potential investors of Arunachal and North East region have been invited by the ICC to attend the meet. 20 potential investors from outside the region are expected to attend.

The meet would also highlight the innovative agri -technologies and services developed in the NE Region, while also acting as platform for farm sector players to explore the opportunities for contract farming, sourcing, processing, value addition, distribution and marketing and identify profitable agricultural, horticulture and agri-processing projects in the region with special focus on Arunachal Pradesh.

State Industries joint director Subu Tabin highlighting the initiatives of the Arunachal Govt to promote the sector. He also informed that investor friendly State Industrial Policy-2008 would also be apprised to the Investors and entrepreneurs on the occasion.

The State Food Processing Policy is on the anvil, he said while adding that the Industrial Policy has given special emphasis on food processing industry with 20% capital subsidy. The facilities of Primary Processing Centres and Collection Centres need to make available in the state, so that cultivators get encouraged, he added.

The state Govt. will also apprise various scheme and grants available for promotion of Industries in the state.

Deputy Director and Head of the Agri-Business Cell of ICC, Madhuparna also spoke on the occasion.

Representatives of financial sectors of the state, and officers from various departments besides representatives from DoNER, NABARD and various Govt agencies will take part in the meet. DIPR

Sahai stress on viable schemes

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Food processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahai arrived Tawang this morning. The union minister is expected to visit Tawang Monastery, PT Tso Lake and War Memorial before leaving for Itanagar tomorrow.

Responding to the plea of the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, who air-dashed to Guwahati and escorted him to Tawang, Sahai assured to extend every possible assistance to the state government in the field of food processing industries. He asked the state government to come up with viable schemes according to the produces for early consideration from the ministry. During interaction Khandu apprised Sahai about the state’s potential to produce varied agro-horticultural products in large scale. He however lamented that due to lack of basic infrastructure like cold storage facility, marketing avenues, lack of awareness amongst the growers etc. the quantum of produce is by at large restricted. He appealed the union minister to consider for developing infrastructures to boost this sector for economic growth of the state.

While Khandu sought every possible support from the union government to harness the agro-horticultural potentials of the state, he believed that this sector would to a great extent provide self employment avenues to the people and augment income for the poor farmers.PRO to CM

Depts come together to restore Deopani Hydel

ROING, Apr 30: Responding to a call by Deputy Commissioner, Y W Ringu Ringu for early restoration of Deopani Hydel, NHPC, BRTF, PWD, RWD, WRD, Hydropower (Civil), PHED and Power departments has decided to clear the diversion channel. Machineries from NHPC, PWD and BRTF will be used to clear the boulders that blocked the diversion weir at some 4 km from intake point. Some 60 labourers will be engaged for the task.

Deputy Commissioner also asked the power department to restore the Assam Line within three days so that the people of the Roing township get immediate respite from power crisis.

Jitu Miri, AE(Power) informed that the Assam power line were disrupted due to damages of electric poles of about 1 km stretch by Lohit River at Alubari under Namsai Sub-Division last week. He informed that a Junior Engineer from Roing was sent to the damaged site for helping immediate restoration of power line which may take about a week.

Meanwhile DC has called an emergency meeting of District Level Relief & Rehabilitation Committee to work out the extent of damages caused by the torrential rainfall throughout the district. She asked all the HoDs of Work departments to submit the estimate of damages and extent of losses caused by the recent torrential rainfall in the district to expedite the relief and rehabilitation process. She also asked them to develop a communication network with their field staffs to immediately report to the district headquarter when any kind of damages are caused during monsoon season in different corners of the district. (DIPRO)

Kudos to KK DC

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: All Nyishi Youth Association, Kurung Kumey unit (ANYAKKU) has lauded the initiative being taken by Deputy Commissioner Bidol Tayeng to improve the work culture in the district.

It is worth mentioning here that Deputy Commissioner has already served notice directing the district heads of the departments of Kurung Kumey, including the work departments, who are presently officiating from Ziro or any other locations outside Kurung Kumey, to shift to their HQ in the district within 15 days.

Orphanage health program

NAHARLAGUN, Apr 30: Jhil Takking Society (JTS) has organized an orphanage health care programme at Jivan Jyoti Children’s Home at 9/6, Koilamari village in North Lakhimpur district of Assam as a part of interstate program on April 24.

It was sponsored by Emmanuel (BTM) Hospital, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh and inaugurated by JTS chairman Boria Yabang.

During the programme specialist doctor conducted free health check-up and offered free medicine to 30 patients/children. The children were provided necessary clothing as an economic support. Children also interacted with doctors during the programme called Maina Parijat Sora.

Richo, Nikang to lead CDFC

ZIRO, Apr 30: Padi Richo has been selected chairman of Central Dree Festival Committee (CDFC), Ziro. Mudo Nikang has been selected as the Secretary, CDFC. The selection was made in a general public meeting held at Dree ground, Old Ziro on April 27 Last.

Dree is an agricultural festival celebrated on 5th and 6th July by Apatani community every year for bumper harvest.

Prior to modernization of Dree festival in 1967, celebration was confined to village level. Today, with passage of time, along with religious formalities, more of social activities are included.

FUASU supports protest rally

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Federal Unit, Apatani Students’ Union extended support to the protest rally launched by Apatani Youth Association (AYA) on May 3.

The protest is against the brutal murder of Habung Chunya on April 6.

MoU opposed

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) of Kurung Kumey district, in a letter to Chief Secretary, have opposed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between M/s Delhi Traders Itanagar and Director of PR for construction of Intermediate Panchayat Resource Center under Kurung Kumey district without floating tender notification.

Free medical camp

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: PRI leaders, GBs, youth, NGOs, Leporiang Market Committee, All Leporiang Welfare Committee Capital Complex and Women Welfare Society Leporiang Circle are jointly organizing a free medical camp at Leporiang on May 4 and 5.

The organizers appealed public of Sagalee, Toru, Parang, Mengio and other circles to attend the medical camp and informed that Doctors from RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar comprising of Dr Tunu Gadi, Dr Obang Ngupok, Dr K Zamal, Dr T Lobsang and Dr Doli Geyi will attend the camp.

DSU supports RGUSU’s demands

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Doimukh Students’ Union (DSU) extended supports to the demands made by Rajiv Gandhi University Students’ Union regarding removal of RGU Vice chancellor.

It further said that the law and order problems within RGU campus is affecting the law and order situation in Doimukh.

Improve mobile phone service: BJP

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Anjaw district unit president appealed to the BSNL authority to install additional mobile towers at Manchal circle in order to improve tele service.

District BJP President Banim Kri claimed that due to poor tele network or no network, remote villages like Walong, Kibithong, Goilang, Mataliang, Chaklagam and Khyong in between Randham and Hayum remained disconnected from rest of the world. He also urged the BSNL GM to pay special attention towards Hayuliang and Hawai for improving mobile service.

Orientation training on Drug abuse

ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Regional Resource and Training Centre North East II, under the sponsorship of National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is organizing a one day orientation/ sensitization programme on Drug abuse prevention at Cafeteria, near Kingcup Public School, Itanagar, on May 3.

May Day

ITANAGAR: On the eve of the Labour Day, Parliamentary secretary Labour and Employment Padi Richo in a message has said that government is making all out efforts to fulfill the demands of the workers of the state.

Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Jalley Sonam also said that the state Government is making all its efforts towards the upliftment of working class and to fulfill the need of the workers.

Several programs have been scheduled to mark the day in Itanagar.

State Level Taekwondo C’ship

ITANAGAR: The 18th State Level Taekwondo Championship 2010 will be held at Aalo, the district headquarter of West Siang from May 14 to 16 organized by West Siang Taekwondo Association.

Respite for Malaria workers

ITANAGAR: The Itanagar Bench of Guwahati High Court has issued a notice to state government and Health Directorate after Malaria Eradication Employees Association knocked the doors of the court seeking its intervention for withdrawal of fresh interviews by government instead of accommodating 59 employees who are already working with the department.

The Association had been on a three day dharna demanding repealing of government advertisement as they want government to abide by its earlier decision in which it had assured that 59 workers would be given preference.

The Notice is returnable within two weeks from today.