The Arunachal Times - Archives

NE needs separate policy for dev: AICC

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, May 21: Although quite late, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) today realised and advocated for a separate policy for North East.

The Northeastern states, especially Arunachal Pradesh, need separate policy by Centre considering its topography and ethnicity in order to bring real development, AICC Secretary Ranji Thomas said while attending the celebrations as part of 125th years of INC at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here today.

Advising the policy makers of the state to raise the issue with Centre, Ranji said he will convey this message to the party high command as he was being sent here to learn the grievances of the state.

Not only Arunachal Pradesh but also entire North East is lagging far behind in development front, he said while highlighting INC’s vision of inclusive growth and evaluation of Indian economic policy.

"Students here have to pursue higher education in National capital or other city’s which is very unfortunate," he said and lamented non existence of institutions for higher education in the state.

While recalling Gandhi family’s contributions in transforming economy and changing the face of the country, Ranji said that INC is the only party, which is committed for bringing development in every nook and corner.

In his thought-provoking speech, Prof. D Gopal, IGNOU, New Delhi said that democracy holds key role to economic development of a nation. Although India has made significant progress in socio-economic front since independence, there are still miles to go to fulfill the aspirations of the common people. He blamed narrow political games like casteism by some political parties and their nexus with businessmen as the main obstacle in development. When such political parties are funded by businessmen to fight elections, they undermine the very essence of democracy, he said. Castiesm continuing to play an important role in Indian politics, he said and called for cleaning it up to become a powerful nation in the world.

Coalition governments also block development process because electorates cannot play any role in such government, he added. While touching upon the role of media and NGOs in a democratic country like India, he urged media persons to restraint from publishing influential articles.

Economic reforms had never been an agenda of Congress manifesto till Rajiv became Prime minister, he said. The seeds of economic reforms sown by the late prime minister in late 80s are now bearing fruits, he said. He advocated for shouldering young blood in party activities to see more development in future.

Highlighting the role of AICC in strengthening the country since its formation in 1885, Prof. Suresh Mishra, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Delhi said that because of secular ideology, Congress is still a people’s party even after 125 years.

He said that the pace of development in a democratic country is usually slow because of its nature and Constitutional obligations. However, people should be convinced that the role of democracy is for their welfare, he said. Where there is poverty there is protests, he said while citing examples of Maoist activities in states like Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar etc.

Home Minister Tako Dabi stressed on dignity of labour. He said that 95 per cent of people in Arunachal Pradesh live in rural areas and we must work for their welfare and be practical in our every effort. He also highlighted Centre’s development packages so far offered to the state.

Gandhi Darshan and Samiti Director Dr. Savita Singh while describing India as young and vibrant democracy, lauded people of this sub-continent for maintaining 5000-year-old culture and traditions.

Later, Dr. Savita announced establishment of National Centre for Gandhian Studies, Integrated Education and Social Development in the state.

Earlier, in his speech, PWD Minister Nabam Tuki said that INC’s economic policy has always been to bring opportunities and capabilities together. The aim is to generate varied ways for people to earn their livelihood and increase income, he added.

The INC has played a vital role in the development and shaping Arunachal Pradesh, he said. The dependence on forests has reduced considerably. There is plenty of scope in tourism sector to generate employment and accelerate development in the state which is being tapped, he said. With Centre’s "Look East" policy the border trade with ASEAN countries will provide maximum benefit to the people, he added.

Later Tuki announced Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana merit scholarships for CBSE toppers from each district. The scholarships will carry Rs.50,000 and will be awarded from this year onwards.

Earlier, all the dignitaries present on the occasion paid floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi.

NES welcomes decision while NYO terms it dictatorial

ITANAGAR, May 21: The Nyishi Elite Society welcomed the “bold and wise decision” of MLAs of Nyishi community regarding mushrooming of various organizations using the name of Nyishi community. Formation of diverse organization by using the term Nyishi is great concern of the community and a corrective measure needs to be taken at this hour by all members of the community, it said. It furthered hoped that the open social discussion being organized by the MLAs of the community on June 10 will mark the beginning of new journey for the greater interest of the community and state.

The Nyishi Elite Society said that it will support new initiative being taken up by the MLAs for betterment of Nyishi Community. On the other hand Nyishi Youth Organization has reacted strongly to the decision of the elected representatives. In a statement, it said dictatorial attitude of political parties or individuals for their self interest will not be tolerated. It said that in a democratic set up, people have the rights to form organizations.

State takes Anti Terrorism pledge

APYC organizes blood donation camp

ITANAGAR, May 21: Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) today organized a blood donation camp to mark the 19th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at General Hospital, Naharlagun.

Altogether 35 youth led by APYC president cum MLA Likha Saaya donated blood for the needy and poor patients.

Appreciating the participation of large number of blood donors, Saaya said, the blood donation camp is being organized to upkeep one of the visions of the former PM Rajiv Gandhi. He hoped the youth of the state will always be ready to donate blood in time of need in future too. APYC vice president Tadar Niglar also spoke and expressed happiness at the turn out.

Meanwhile anti terrorism pledge was taken at several places commemorating Rajiv Gandhi’s death anniversary.

Raj Bhavan officials also observed the Anti Terrorism Day at the Governor’s secretariat here today. Governor Secretariat Deputy Secretary, GC Roy administrated the Anti Terrorist Day pledge to the officials.

The importance of the Anti-Terrorism Day, which is observed to wean away the youth from the terrorism and violence cult, were highlighted. Suffering of the common people and its detrimental effect to the national interest was emphasized.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Leki Phuntso administered the Anti- Terrorism pledge to the officers and officials of the IPR and Printing. The Director while paying homage to the Late Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi whose 19th death anniversary falls today said that late Gandhi had laid down his life for the cause of the nation and told that we all should remember the sacrifices made by the departed leader.

The Day was also observed in the premises of D.C office, Bomdila by district administration and other departmental officers and officials of the district. Addressing the gathering Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi stressed upon the urgency of unadulterated patriotism, unity and awareness among the people to fight against the menace of terrorism.

While paying homage to Late Gandhi, the D.C said that the void created by the great leader could never be filled again. He appealed all the people of the district not merely to pledge to fight against terrorism in papers but to develop a genuine concern and fight in a rightful constitutional way rather than resorting to violence. A large number of people flocked to sign a written pledge to fight against terrorism.

At Yupia, Anti-Terrorism day was observed at DC office. EAC (Judicial) Tage Rumi administered the Anti- Terrorism Pledge to a huge gathering present on the occasion, reports DIPRO Yupia.

NCP reiterates its demand, threatens to move NEC on bridge collapse

ITANAGAR, May 21: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Arunachal Pradesh expressed dissatisfaction over the clarification on collapse of under-construction bridge over Dobu River in Nari Sub-division and reiterated its demand that an expert committee be formed to investigate the bridge collapse.

Earlier, Pasighat PWD EE had clarified the collapse of the bridge was not due to low quality materials or inefficient technology as reported but it was due to untimely heavy discharge of the river due to continuous heavy rainfall in the catchment area during that period.

However, NCP state unit vice president Karto Kaye in a release today said, the party will never agree with the heavy rain concept. There was no heavy downpour which made the river spate and collapse of the bridge, the NCP said and alleged that it was due to total failure and negligence of the technical wings and the machineries of state PWD.

Expert team with representatives of the NEC should also investigate delay in construction of the project and laboratory test of the materials used be done to ascertain the quality, it said.

NCP demanded that officers responsible for causing heavy loss to the tune of several crores be booked and payment to any contractor and suppliers be withheld. The party along with the local people will move the NEC, if the Govt fails to take action in this regard, the release threatened.

APDA, NRHM sponsored Neonatal Training Care gets underway

NAHARLAGUN, May 21: Two-day Training on Neonatal Care being organised by Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council under the aegis of National Rural Health Mission, Arunachal Pradesh got underway today.

Paramedical staffs from various districts, General Hospital, R K Mission Hospital and private hospitals of Arunachal Pradesh comprising of Matrons/ Assistant Matrons/ Sister Tutors/ Staff Nurses are attending the prog.

Effective newborn care is a crucial challenge that is faced by every health care unit especially maternal and child health. The purpose of the training is to equip the staff with appropriate knowledge and skill to improve the quality of service delivery in neonatal care and to bringing down infant mortality, Dr. Moji Jini, Registrar-cum-Secretary Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council.

The immediate causes of neonatal deaths includes infection, birth asphyxia complications related to premature birth, and congenital anomalies which result in more than 50% of all neonatal death, Dr Jini added.

Dwelling at length, Dr Emi Rumi, Project Director, AIDS Control Society, and Directorate of health Services said that Nurses, not physicians, are critical players in providing new-born care. The training programme has been initiated and imparted to paramedic as they are the ones who can make a difference in this field. They themselves must become master trainers in their respective district hospitals to train the paramedical staff about the neonatal care for decline of the high neonatal mortality rate. He also said that nurses are expected to pursue their professional growth as long as they continue to work and to be competent in their areas of expertise as well as to acquaint themselves with the latest practices and technology.

Dr Hibu Tagyung ,Paediatrician, General Hospital Naharalgun made a power point presentation on Basic Newborn Care and Resuscitation Program, a new programme launched by the Govt of India with an aim to reduce mortality rate. He said that high neonatal death can be reduced by Resuscitation of asphyxiated newborns, prevention of infections and hypothermia, early initiation and exclusive breast feeding, and immediate surgical interventions wherever required. The rapidly changing healthcare field, what nurses learn in their initial training can quickly become obsolete. New equipment and technology, procedural changes, new medical practices and regulations, and the latest healthcare legislation — these are some of the areas in which nurses are always required to have up-to-date training, he added.

Demonstration and a pre–test on neonatal resuscitation for the paramedical staff was also conducted by the experts present at the occasion. (DIPR)

Let there be a common voice

Dear Editor,

This article of mine can be taken as the view of a common youth towards the issues raised by Mr. Taba Ajum through his “Pan Arunachal identity is the need of the hour” for which there were response from Kajal Chatterjee and Aakash Shah.

At the very outset, with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, I would like to thank Mr. Taba Ajum for raising this issue as a great matter of concern. And as a boy of 18 years and as an student, born and bought up entirely in Pasighat, East Siang Dist, I have a voice in my heart that says, ‘I Love Arunachal’. And surely every citizen, mainly the tribal people would be having this voice in their heart but we need to bring out this voice together, holding each other’s hand in every condition and with a sense of never-ending brotherhood.

After reading all those articles on your esteemed daily, the main thing that comes into the mind of an Arunachalee would be, “Yes, we love Arunachal and we really want to conserve our indigenous culture and vibrant traditions”, but how? As there are many tribes in our state and everybody wants to preserve his/her own cultures and sometimes in doing that, they may suppress their identity as Arunachalees. Most of the citizens of Arunachal and also the youth of our state can sense this problem and are aware of its dangerous consequences.

The youth could be the best weapon to destroy this problem. But it would be possible only if they could find a proper conduit to solve this matter. Many of us are writing articles and expressing our views about this issue. But it’s not enough, the need of the hour is some real solution to this problem. And the best source of advice and solutions could possibly be from the intellectuals, public leaders, and elder generation of our state, whose hearts are obsessed with the love for Arunachal. As it is a big matter of concern, it will be a privilege for each and every one of us to know their coherent thoughts and views, and thereby doing our best to revive our lovely state from this condition and truly let the voice come, “We Love Arunachal”.

Yours,

Deepak Limbu,

(on email)

Maoists are bleeding the country from within

Dear Editor,

Apropos the editorial "Time for Government action"( 20 May), thanks to the Maoists, a series of barbaric assaults is continuously plaguing Chattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Not only the Government personnel, but scores of innocent people are also being murdered in cold blood. By terminating scores of lives, the Maoists are also "giving birth" to countless widows and orphans.

Yes, the indigenous people of Central and Eastern Indian jungles are poor, but poverty is not the monopoly of them only. Rather, it remains an "asset" for people of all regions of India. The tribal population of the forests can harbour lots of grievances and they have every right to express it, but that needs to be done within the ambit of law. Maoists --- the self-declared guardians of the tribals --- just do not hold any right to take law in their own hands and wage a bloody battle against the State. If such a show of arms are provided moral support( as being done by a set of "intellectuals") and are justified on the pretext of "poverty" and "discrimination", then the whole society will be literally dead in very near future.

The Home Minister is urging the Maoists to initiate a dialogue with the State, but after laying down arms. But the Maoists are not heeding to his call. Thus, it gets proved that the Maoists are not at all interested in restoring peace in the jungles. By killing the very people (as witnessed during the recent bombing of bus in Dantewada) whose cause the Maoists profess to champion, by demolishing Government schools and dispensaries and disrupting welfare schemes and by refusing to sit on the negotiation table, the Maoists have again proved that their mission is to exploit the mineral and forest resources of the region by creating a parallel administration.

Thus the actual ill-interest of the Maoists should not only be exposed, the Centre and the concerned State Governments should also launch an attack with utmost force with commandos and helicopters as witnessed during the fight against the terrorists in Mumbai. The Maoists are far more dangerous than the Kasabs. At least the Kasabs attacked an alien nation, but the Maoists are bleeding the country from within which is much more fatal than the conspiracies hatched across international borders.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata, (on email)

Milestone for Arunachal

Dear Editor,

It is worth mentioning that the Arunachal Pradesh Patients Welfare Committee, Velore, (APPWCV), led by Dr Moji Jini and Lodam Dulon managed to purchase a plot of land measuring about 4600 sq ft for a guest house to cater the needs of the ever increasing patients from Arunachal Pradesh, who are coming to Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital for multi-specialty treatment.

Indeed this is a milestone not only for APPWCV, but for entire Arunachal Pradesh. I personally have never been to Velore for medical treatment but is acquainted with the problems faced by the patients and their escorts while taking treatment there. So this is truly a proud moment for me as an Arunachalee. In coming time, this very noble effort will at least give some peace of mind to the patients and their escorts that they won’t have to worry for their accommodation and ease the extra-financial incurred while staying in hotels.

Further, I would like to appeal to the Arunachal Pradesh Government to initiate the construction of the guest house with immediate effect and don’t just make it an ephemeral and don’t mislay the noble efforts of the APPWCV.

Further, I hope that the state Govt will provide some jobs opportunity to the people of Arunachal and run the proposed guest house by own not by some private firms.

Yours,

Mepe Ete, A sector, Itanagar

One stabbed to death

ITANAGAR, May 21: In what appears to be a revenge killing, one Tage Singhi was knifed to death early this morning at Senki Park area in Itanagar. Within hours of the murder, Police arrested one Jaram Dada, 45 and recovered the weapon used as well. Both belong to Seppa in East Kameng district.

According to OC Itanagar Police Station, Make Bui, Singhi 19, was sent to jail for eleven months on charges of killing Dada’s son in 2008. He had come to Itanagar after being released on bail couple of months back. Dada followed him here and allegedly carried out the attack this morning.

Police have registered a case of murder.

Shenki Valley Welfare Society while appreciating the Police for its prompt action has called for night patrolling in the area as the place has witnessed many anti social activities. It said that area is no longer safe for citizens particularly women and children.

Bar association to streamline legal system

ITANAGAR, May 21: The newly elected president of Gauhati High Court Itanagar Permanent Bench Bar Association (GHCIPBBA) Kardak Ete and its other executive members has pledged to work for stream lining of the legal system and to actively participate in reconciling the indigenous and customary laws with the central laws adopted by the state government, complete separation of the judiciary with the executive. It has further decided to impart legal education through workshops and other campaigns at the earliest, coordinate with the bench and the government for infrastructural development and overall development of the Gauhati high court, Itanagar permanent bench.

The Association further decided to develop the infrastructure of the Bar.

Meanwhile, the general election of the Gauhati High Court Itanagar Permanent Bench Bar Association (GHCIPBBA) has elected Ete unopposed as President and Dicky Panging as General Secretary.

Conservation ---- mantra to sustainable energy

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, May 21: With objectives to create awareness among the citizens on the emerging energy scenario and climate security related policies involving energy efficiency and use of new and renewable sources of energy for sustainable developments, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA) conducted a one-day workshop on Energy Conservation for Sustainable Development at Banquet Hall here today.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest Home Minister Tako Dabi appreciated the ICC and APEDA for organising the workshop and advised the participants to convey the energy conservation massage to the people of the state.

Dabi said that the people have to be conscious about the energy conservation and use it judiciously. In Arunachal Pradesh energy resources is abundant but we have to regulate better strategies to conserve it.

Regional Director, North East Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mahesh Deori said that India has made rapid strides towards economic self-reliance over last few years. Impressive progress has been made in the field of Industry, Agriculture, communication, transport and other sectors necessitating growing consumption of energy for development and economic activities. If India is to achieve the target growth in GDP, it would need to commensurate input of energy, mainly commercial energy in the form of coal, oil, gas and electricity. However, India’s fossil fuel reserves are limited and create a great concern for all.

Energy being a vital element of the infrastructure sector, its availability has to be ensured on a sustainable basis.

On the other hand, the demand for energy is growing manifold and energy sources are becoming scare and costlier.

Among the various strategies to be evolved for meeting energy demand, efficient use of energy and its conservation emerges as the least cost option in any given strategies.

The increase energy conservation, improve energy efficiency and enhanced energy production from renewable sources can lead India in general and rural area in particular to become self sustainable communities, he added.

Guest of Honour, Chairman APEDA Likha Saaya also appealed the people to exchange or share energy conservation ideas and information not only among professionals but also to the society particularly the student community.

APEDA Director Marki Loya highlighted the activities of APEDA in Arunachal Pradesh in relation to energy conservation and renewable energy through power point presentation.

Director, NPC, Kolkota Dr Shivaji Biswas briefed on PPT on energy saving potential in Arunachal Pradesh. Executive Director, Subansiri Lower Project Ltd BR Saraf, Secretary Department of Power Tumke Bagra, Principal Scientific Officer and Head, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy govet of India, Guwahati Dr DR Das, Additional Director PCRA Kolkota Prabir Chattoraj, Chief Research Scientist, Oil India Ltd, Duliajan HC Das also spoke on the occasion.

IFCSAP appeals to govt to stop forceful conversion

ITANAGAR, May 21: Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) has appealed the state Govt to stop forceful conversion and protect the life of the indigenous faith believers, particularly Bhuddhist Tikhaks of Changlang district.

Expressing serious concern over the alleged forceful conversion of Buddhist in Changlang district to Christianity by the activists reportedly having nexus with NSCN-IM and reported 7-days ultimatum for conversion, the IFSCAP in a letter to the chief secretary appealed him to issue necessary instruction to administration concerned to take preventive measures immediately.

It may be mentioned here that Purbanchal Bhikkhu Sangha and Buddhist Tikhak Community have alleged that Buddhist Tikhaks of Changlang is being forcefully converted to Christianity by activists reportedly having nexus with NSCN (I-M).

Taking serious note of the ‘repeated atrocities on the indigenous faith believers’ in the state in its meeting today, the IFCSAP said, the both state and Central Govt should give special attention to protect the indigenous people of the state.

Promising future for fisheries in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, May 21: Arunachal Pradesh could play a big role in cold water fisheries mainly trout culture. This was said by Rudra Gangadharan, secretary and Tarun Sridhar, joint secretary of the department of Animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, Govt of India in a review meeting of 10th and 11th Plan on implementation of various CSS schemes in the North Eastern region held at Guwahati on May 18.

Both the officers also asked the fisheries department to submit schemes of trout culture for both public and private sector under centrally sponsored schemes, informed state fisheries director Tage Moda in a release today.

The commissioner, fisheries, Tajom Taloh, Moda along with assistant director of fisheries took part in the review meeting. Besides Commissioner, fisheries, Govt of Assam, P K Borthakur, all the secretaries and directors of fisheries of North East states also participated in the review meeting, the release added.

APSCW approach GSDS on advocacy campaign for girl child

ITANAGAR, May 21: A team of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) headed by its chairperson Komoli Mosang met the visiting director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) Savita Singh and requested her to facilitate for carrying forward the advocacy campaign for the girl child in Arunachal Pradesh. The campaign was started in 2008 by the Commission in collaboration with the GSDS.

During the consultation meeting today the APSCW team also had a detail discussion with Prof D Gopal of the Indira Gandhi Open University, Prof Suresh Mishra of Indian Institute of Public Administration, AICC secretary Ranji Thomas, GSDS North East coordinator Sushil Kumar Jha on gender budgeting and women empowerment through reservation in various stages of parliamentary democracy.

E-banking for NEC

ITANAGAR, May 21: The North Eastern Council will be disbursing fund to its Grantees through the Core Banking System/RTGS/Electronic transfer through its accredited bank. The decision comes in the wake of the complaint of slow movement of funds to the state governments through the traditional system of disbursement through cheques.

The matter was earlier reviewed by B.K Handique, Minister of Mines & DoNER and Chairman, North Eastern Council, after taking over office in June last year and the Chairman directed the NEC to ensure speedy flow of funds through electronic transfer.

New executive body

ITANAGAR, May 21: Silsango Agro Forestry Trust (SAFT) has reconstituted its executive body for the period of 6 years in a meeting at Nirjuli on May 15.

Taw Tado, Taw Horing Tara and Taw Hari Tara have been selected/re-selected as president, vice president and general secretary of the 13-member executive body of the Trust. After threadbare discussion, the meeting also modified some rules and regulations and formed a financial institution under the Trust. The members also conducted a social service in and around the branch office of the Trust at Nirjuli.

An act of faith

N. Namchoom

The Subansiri (singik) river and its tributaries are a lifeline for the people of the Upper Subansiri district. Locals and enthusiasts alike throng the rivers which provide good fishing experience. Fishing is done by the locals by making traditional traps called lerum (made by piling stones) at the beginning of the winter and then the fishes are caught during the fishing season. One such lerum was made by Mr. Tagiam Hina, son of late Tapu Hina of Daporijo and his family in the Sinyum Koro river near the Techi-Param village,21 kilometers away from Daporijo. On a clear winter’s day of January 10th, Hina and a few of his family members decided to go and catch the fishes they had trapped during the course of the winter.

With great expectations of getting a good catch on such a fine day, they began to remove the stones that had been piled together to make the trap. During the course of removing the stones, Hina noticed a stone with a unique shape and strange blot on it and put it aside for further examination. After enjoying the day and getting a good catch, he finally remembered the stone. On taking a closer examination, he noticed that the stone had triangular shape and the blot distinctly resembled the image of a bird. He considered it unique and a quirk of nature, took photographs of it, but decided to leave it as it was.

On reaching home he showed the photograph to his relatives and family members and consulted with them on his course of action. While some people advised him to preserve the stone, others like his elderly mother discouraged him to bring it home as she believed that, the spirit that the stone belonged to might bring harm and disturbance to the family. “But I felt anxious and couldn’t forget about the stone”, Hina says. So In spite of warnings from his mother, he went ahead and brought the stone home after 4 days of its discovery on 14th January 2010. He adds “only after I brought the stone and kept it in a corner of my compound did I feel a sense of peace come over me”.

Although he had shown the picture of the stone to many, no clear cut idea emerged as to what it was. He felt that may be it was divine intervention that he was the one to find the stone and in the place that he had found it. So he arranged a small gathering of learned elders, a local priest (Nyibu) and a hindu priest to assist him with his quest. It was the hindu priest Shri Nantu Chakraborty of Dhemaji, Assam who brought forward the theory that it was the image of a bird named Jatayu, a demi-god in the epic, the Ramayana.

The story goes that Jatayu, a demi-god in the form of a vulture, tried to rescue Sita by fighting valiantly with Ravana when he was on his way to Lanka after kidnapping Sita. Jatayu was grievously injured in the fight when Ravana cut off his wings. He fell on top of a rock but managed to stay alive and inform Rama about the whereabouts of Sita. Lord Rama was thankful for the information and knew that the end was near for the valiant bird and so helped him attain Moksha by giving him water from the seven sacred rivers called Teerthas.

After hearing the story, Hina felt that it was auspicious that the stone with the clear image of the bird was found in a river. He consulted with a Nyibu to divine what was to be done. On the advice of the Nyibu, he constructed a shrine in a corner of the courtyard of his residence at Airport Colony, Daporijo, enthroned the stone there and offers daily prayers. Believers and the curious alike have visited the shrine to offers prayers and verify the story.

“I initially poured water on it daily and now have kept it in a glass case filled with water as the image is clearer in water and I didn’t want to deprive the stone of a part of its natural environment- water”, says Hina.

Hiranand Jha, a hindu priest and pandit affirmed that it was the very image of God that appeared on the stone and said that it was only the pious and fortunate who got such an opportunity to serve God. He added that it was Hina’s good deeds in past life that was being rewarded.

According to Dr. B. Paul, i/c District Research Officer who minutely examined the stone, there is a clear marking of a bird in a sitting posture and it appears to be a natural or geological phenomenon and not marked by any human agency.

It is an Act of Faith on Tagiam Hina’s part to give the stone such a loving home. But can it also be seen as an Act of God to reaffirm his faith in mankind in this age of non believers? Each of us has to question ourselves about what we believe in, and fight like the valiant Jatayu against the forces of evil in this corrupt age.

Mr. Tagiam Hina and Pandit Hirananda Jha in the shrine made for the stone at Airport Colony,Daporijo, Upper Subansiri.

The stone with a clear image of the demi-god Jatayu, who fought against Ravana in the Ramayana. (The contributor is DIPRO, Upper Subansiri)

Backward area needs development: EKSWCO

ITANAGAR, May 21: While appreciating the East Kameng district administration for its effort in beautification of Seppa town, the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) has appealed the MLAs, panchayat leaders and civil societies to take steps for road construction, medical facilities and posting of teachers in backward areas like Sawa, Pipu, Ladu, Risu Krong and Pijeriang with the help of district administration.

Judo Association appeals for sports quota

ITANAGAR May 21: Arunachal Judo Association (AJA) has sought the intervention of Home Minister to direct Police department to conduct recruitment process for various vacant posts against Sports quota.

The department did not initiate any recruitment process to fill the vacant posts till date despite High Court direction, AJA said while demanding the department concerned to recruit eligible candidates against those vacant posts as per govt order.

Abducted forester’s family waits for his safe return

Pune, May 21: It is almost over a week today since Vilas Bardekar, Joint Director (Administration), of the Pune-based social forest directorate was abducted by suspected National Democratic Front of Bodoland Militants in Arunachal Pradesh on May 13. Police are still clueless about his whereabouts, said family members here today.

The telephone has been ringing continuously at the Bardekar family's residence ever since friends and well-wishers heard about senior forest officer Bardekar's abduction by suspected Bodo Militants from the Doimara area in Khellong reserve Forest.

Bardekar's wife Madhavi today told UNI that high-level talks have been mooted while steps are being taken for his release by the Union Government and the state governments of Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh.

The couple has a college going son and a school going daughter.

''We are hopeful that he will be back soon. The State and Central Government are working to bring him back safe and sound as early as possible'', said Madhavi.

Bardekar was in the forest areas of Arunachal Pradesh for a study on butterflies when he was abducted.

The Badekar family shifted to Pune a year ago. The family members are in a state of shock after senior police officials from the north- east informed them about the abduction. Badekar was on a month' s leave. He went to the north east on May 7 and planned to return on May 15. The tour was to study the post doctoral aspects on butterflies, Madhavi added. UNI

Public Notice against unauthorized constructions

BOMDILA: The D.C, West Kameng district issued a public notice against unauthorized construction of houses along the sides of Nallahs and roads in and around Bomdila township to immediately shift their houses and stop further constructions owing to the vulnerability and likelihood of soil erosion /land slide/flashflood during the rainy season which would endanger human life and cause the loss of properties.

JEE-2010

ITANAGAR: The directorate of higher and technical education is going to conduct Joint Entrance Examinaiton (JEE)-2010 for selection of candidates for admission in various diploma and degree technical/professional courses at eight examination centers in Capital Region on May 29 and 31 next. Altogether 7098 eligible candidates will appear in the examination. The result shall be made available in the website <http://www.ap-dhte.nic.in/> and also made available in directorate Notice board.

Capping ceremony

ITANAGAR: The Capping ceremony of the 24th batch of students of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital School of Nursing will be held at Vivekananda Hall, Itanagar on May 29.

DGP Vimla Mehra has consented to be the chief guest, while Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi secretary Srimat Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj will preside over the ceremony.

Social Service

NAHARLAGAN, May 21: All members of Buddhist communities residing in capital complex are going to participate in a mass social service programme on May 23 at Vivek Vihar Theraveda Buddhist Pagoda Complex and Siddhartha Vihar Buddhist Gompa respectively to organize the ensuing Buddha Purnima in a befitting manner. This was stated by C.R. Khampa, Buddha Jayanti Celebration Committee, Itanagar today.

Further a meeting to give final touch to the programme Buddha Purnima Celebration shall be held in Siddharta Vihar Buddhist Gompa.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, May 21: Takam Pipi and Tanyup Mize have been appointed as state BJYM secretary and West Siang BJYM president respectively.

Congratulations

ITANAGAR, May 21: The youths of Dem village under Lower Subansiri district have congratulated Sensei Likha Tara for being awarded highest level Karate Black Belt ranking (5th Dan) by All India Karate-Do-Federation and 4th Dan by Nihon Shotukan Karate-Do- Federation of Japan at Imphal, Manipur recently.