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Four injured at Pongging as CRPF open fire at protestors

Villagers oppose 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project

PASIGHAT, May 26: In a bizarre turn of events, the CRPF resorted to lathi charge and blank firing injuring at least four people in Pongging as villagers protested against construction of 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project by J P Associates.

According to reports reaching here, 57 year old woman Onit Padun and Ote Gakar 59 were severely injured and admitted to District General Hospital Pasighat.

The CRPF further threw tear gas at the protestors in an effort to disperse them.

Pongging village is set to be displaced by Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project. Many of the aggrieved villagers demanded resignation of MLA J K Panggeng and CM Dorjee Khandu.

In a questionable statement, East Siang district administration on May 23 had warned the people that strong action would be taken against anti dam protestors if they take law into their hands.

The 2700 MW project has been in news for quite some time for all the wrong reasons. Even as the people of the area protested, the power developers and state government did nothing to address the concern.

It was only after the intervention of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, the proposed public hearing was called off by Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board as the scope was raised clandestinely from 2205 to 2700 MW.

Arunachal Citizens Rights strongly condemns today’s lathicharge on common people including women.

What has happened today is unheard of in our State ever since the first hydro electric project, Ranganadi-I, was commissioned. It is unfortunate for the people of a nascent State when the State itself deals with democratic protests in a violent manner. Such unfortunate and illegitimate action is also not good for the future of our State and its governance, said its president Bamang Tago in a press release.

While there have been protests against large hydro power projects developed by NHPC and NEEPCO earlier, it seems that the advent of private power developers like JP Associates, who are not accountable to both the government and our people has vitiated the socio political scenario in our State, it added.

Arunachal Citizens Rights demanded immediate intervention of the Chief Minister and Governor in to the incident of today’s lathicharge.

ACR further demanded that government Institute a High Level Judicial Enquiry to investigate reason behind incident and to find out officials responsible for this unfortunate incident.

It further called for suspension or transfer of the DC and top level district police officials till the Enquiry is complete and investigate the role of JP Associates and its possible complicity behind flaring up of such incidents in otherwise peaceful East Siang district.

Yesterday at Pongging, representatives from about nine villages from the Siang belt had attended the General Consultation meeting on Dam conducted by Project Effected People. ‘Our fight is against Jaypee. Why is Arunachal Government interfering in the matter’, asked General Secretary Lower Siang Effected People’s Association Orin Megu.

'We are fighting for our own land, for the existence of our future generation' said Oyar Gao of Komsing village.

Calling for the total ban on the construction of the dam, Gaon Bura from Pongging village, Oni Paron, urged the villagers to take wise decision against its construction. Another from the Pongging informed that they had sent some people to meet with the high level to talk.

However they sold us and our land. They are with them now, he added.

Oram Tayeng, another villager alleged that the FRL is misleading as every other day the water level is being told differently.

Oni Panyang, from Pongging alleged that Jaypee is trying its every possible way of buying the villagers by offering them money.

Former AAPSU leader Ojing Tasing, talked about United Nation’s Declaration on Right of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and the indigenous people’s right to protect their land, river and forest.

Kaling Jerang from Pangin alleged that the government without knowing anything has signed the MoAs for the various H E projects.

He further suggested the villagers to be strong and asked for cooperation in making the movement a success.

Taking the example of Bangladeshi refugees, Tatam Darang of Komsing village said that it was because of Dam construction in Bangladesh that many of them have been leading their life as refugees in India.

He further urged the villagers to be bold and not to surrender before the government.

Aging from 80 year old Tatem to Tatem Jamoh from Yeksi village, Taki Tamuk from Rottung, Lung Tayeng from Silli, Talli Tayeng from Pongging, Oyar Gao from Komsing and AdiSU Vice President Tanong Tamuk had a say on the project. They don’t want the project.

AdiSU warns govt of revolt

Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) today warned government of a possible revolt by young generations of the community, if their protest against Lower Siang Hydroelectric Project is not looked into.

While condemning the reported CRPF attack on protesting project affected villagers at Pongging, AdiSU criticized the government for dancing to the tune of the company undertaking the project and undermining the common interest of the people. AdiSU also urged the govt to think twice before going ahead with its decision as any wrong decision on their part might cost dearly on socio-economic front of the project affected people.

"Pongging protest was just a beginning. There are more than 30 such villages which are likely to be affected by the proposed dam," AdiSU said while indicating more vigorous protests in the coming days against the proposed dam.

APSIC question inquiry reports

ITANAGAR, May 26: Arunachal Pradesh State Information Commission while dealing with the inquiry of a missing file No VIg-30/97 has questioned the working of the officers and Vigilance department. The missing file is related to vigilance enquiry of one Lipe Ete.

The inquiry seemed to have been conducted just for the sake of formalities in a hurried manner to cover up someone’s misdeeds and thereby buried many things, said that order passed by Toko Anil, State Information Commissioner.

He further said that inquiry should have been conducted by officers not below the rank of Secretary or DIG as Secretary and Commissioner ranked officers appear to be involved in the missing of the file in question.

It said that Commission cannot draw a logical conclusion from reports as it is inclusive and if needed a fresh investigation would be warranted. The Commission has fixed case on June 4 and has directed four officials to appear in person along with written affidavits on the conduct of the inquiry. The failure to comply with the order shall result on issuance of arrest warrants.

Chief Commissioner calls for legal trading activities

ITANAGAR, May 26: Chief Commissioner Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, North East Region, Shillong DD Ingty, arrived at Tawang yesterday on a two day visit to the District.

Ingty, took stock of the position of Third Country goods entry into the district in a meeting held here at Circuit House with Border Guarding Forces and District Administration. He discussed on the possibility of opening border trade with Bhutan and China at various feasible locations in the district and said that efforts from every corner are required for opening the border trades. Good road condition is imperative for successful border trade, he added. He further said that, his visit to Tawang is to encourage people to practice legal trade activities and make them aware of presence of customs department. He desired on establishing permanent office in Tawang and accordingly, requested district administration to acquire land.

Tawang Deputy Commissioner, Gamli Padu said that the Tawang district is very suitable for opening border trade with both Bhutan and China. The tradition border trades were practiced with these two countries through Bletting in Bhutan side and Bumla and Khenjamani in China side. However, the borders are completely sealed with the manning of Border Guarding forces and Army. If these trade routes are reopened than it will boost the local economy, he added. He also said that all possible help shall be extended to the customs officers to establish permanent office in the district.

Ingty, also interacted with the local traders and asked them to abide by the custom laws. The local traders expressed their ignorance about the law and asked for organization of awareness program. He said that he is ready to send an expert to the district to give some basic knowledge of customs rule and regulations to the local traders and asked district administration to organize such awareness program in a suitable time.

DoTC emphasizes on judicious utilisation of fund

ITANAGAR, May 26: The 8th general council meeting of the department of the Tirap and Changlang (DoTC) affairs in order to finalise the draft AOP 2010-11 of the department was held here on May 24 last.

The meeting presided over by the DoTC chairman and MLA Yumsem Matey was attended by Assembly Speaker, horticulture minister, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, DoTC commissioner, director and other officers of the department. After threadbare discussion, advisory council members unanimously decided to utilise the allocated fund judiciously for the creation of infrastructure for the two colleges of Changlang and Tirap districts and to take up other viable and feasible schemes for all round development of the two districts.

Bomdila on clean and green path

ITANAGAR, May 26: The District Administration of West Kameng District got an encouraging boost in its endeavour to maintain the serenity of beautiful Hill Station Bomdila when the people from all walk of life pledging to extend their services in maintaining the cleanliness and greenery of the small hill town.

A coordination meeting between District Administration, HODs and public was convened by Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi at Multi-Sports Complex.

In the meeting Entire Township was divided into small sectors and duties were delegated to its leaders and deputy leaders for maintaining the cleanliness and greenery.

Tashi assured to address the important points raised by the members regarding clean water supply, making safety tanks mandatory for all the buildings, awareness on cleanliness and civic sense, construction of public toilets within the township, earmarking of common waste disposal point.

Tashi agreed to constitute a monitoring team comprising of Town Magistrate and Police to check sector wise implementation of the cleanliness drive. He further advocated for formulation of committees for monitoring of water sources and identifying a permanent location for cremation of the dead bodies.

Answering to a question raised by a member regarding dilapidated road condition between Tipi and Elephant flat in West Kameng district which has already claimed a life and caused massive public inconvenience the Deputy commissioner appraised the house that the matter has been put forward to Chief Engineer, project Vartak and Commander 14 BRTF for carrying out the widening work of roads on pocket wise basis rather than disturbing the road on a large stretch. (DIPRO)

Capital Complex DC disappointed

ITANAGAR, May 26: While expressing disappointment over non-conduction of ‘sanitary cum awareness drive’ by some govt departments on the last Saturday of every month as has been fixed by her office earlier, Capital Complex deputy commissioner Padmini Singla appealed to all those departments to hold the same in order to make capital ‘clean and green.’

AIPU opposes inclusion of ‘outsiders’ in census list

ITANAGAR, May 26: Arunachal Indigenous People’s Union (AIPU) has suggested for non-inclusion of ‘outsiders’ (non-tribals) in population census list to get the actual number of population of the State and also to avoid duplicity.

The union claimed that "If a citizen is permitted to get census enlistment in every state or Union territory of India, then the accurate numbers of people living in that particular state or Union territory cannot be found out, and this would defeat the very purpose of conducting census."

Further, when entry of outsiders is strictly restricted under "Inner Line Act 1873," their inclusion in the State census are out of question, the union said, adding that it would also create duplicity and demographic imbalance.

AACWA supports vision to make capital a planned city

ITANAGAR, May 26: All Arunachal Contractors’ Weflare Assocaition (AACWA) has decided to cooperate with the Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso in his vision to make the Capital Complex a well-planned city.

Many development schemes like construction of Medical college, indoor stadium, inter-state bus terminus, link road and bridges, proper flood control measures with drainage system, sanitation and water supply are yet to be taken up, the Association said while adding that it will protest corrupt practices like submission of fake bills, misuse of public money while implementating the schemes.

The Association also advocated for environment policy, especially for Capital Complex and called for strict monitoring of the implmentation of the centrally sponsored schemes to root out corrupt practices.

Meeting held to review education sector

Koloriang, May 26: A meeting to review the functioning of schools in Kurung Kumey District was held at Koloriang on Tuesday. The meeting, which was presided over by DC Kurung Kumey, was attended by DDSE, ADEOs, BRCCs and CRCCs.

The purpose of the meeting was to stream line, bring changes and improve the functioning of the schools in Kurung Kumey District. In the daylong meeting, various issues of school infrastructures, absentee teachers, activation of Village Education Committee, activation of EGS centres, implementation of MDM, appointment of SSA teachers, regulation of private hostels, conduct of annual examination, functioning of KGBV schools and information on Right to Education were discussed.

All the ADEOs and BRCCs/CRCCs have been directed to effectively monitor the system at the implementing level.

Taking serious note of the willful absence of teachers from the school, DC, Kurung Kumey has ordered invocation of “no work no pay” . The automatic deposit of monthly pay in the Bank account of absentee teachers without considering the attendance have been done away with.

Students union demands teachers

ITANAGAR, May 26: All Sajolang (Miji) Students Union (ASSU) appealed to the education department to post the required subject teachers at Nafra Higher Secondary school.

The union, which convened a public meeting on May 23 last, also discussed various other problems like shortage of electricity, non-posting of doctors, non-functioning of telecommunication system (BSNL), drinking water and absenteeism of officers and officials posted at Nafra, and demanded the authorities concerned to solve these problems at the earliest.

Nafra PHC is presently run by a Homeopathic doctor while BSNL’s telecommunication systems remained defunct for obvious reason, the union claimed while demanding for a van (Tata mobile) for smooth running of power supply.

The meeting, meanwhile, felt the need for launching an awareness camp on girl child on their educational, marital and other issues related to the society.

Vaccination camp on FMD

ITANAGAR, May 26: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Kameng has organized Vaccination Camp on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) of Bovine animals at Fenche Village of East Kameng district.

Dr. Lige Basar, Programme Assistant (AH & vety) has conducted the vaccination camp. The camp was organized mainly to aware the farmers about the necessity of vaccinating animals against different diseases. At the outset of the programme, the villagers were reluctant to vaccinate their animals but with the progress of the programme they cooperated with the team of scientists of KVK and in the process around 50 animals were vaccinated against foot and mouth disease. The team has assured the villagers to educate them in all respect as and when required and sought the cooperation of all for development of farming community in the district.

Dukhang Naas of Mandala Phudung:Nature’s Miracle

Sang Khandu

“Dukhang Nass” in the local dialect means pilgrimage place. This wonder of nature is located at Mandala Phudung village under Dirang Circle in West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh.

I with my family members and relatives visited the Holy place on May 13. I believe that all creations of nature are amazing. In fact without nature’s acceptance nothing could exist. Under nature’s arm all survives, if we don’t disturb nature, everything is harmonious and lively.

At Dukhang Naas, there are many beautiful creation of nature which we had the good fortune to witness. The place is considered sacred and the villagers and the visitors do not touch or pluck any holy formation from inside the cave or from the area around as it is believed that doing so brings curse to the doer.

Dukhang Naas

Dukhang Naas is at about 3 Km walking distance from Mandala Phudung village road. In total there are about four caves. All caves are considered sacred, visit and holy glance of which is believed to be very auspicious in life.

Thus, every year many local pilgrimage visits to get ease from all kind of sufferings. Inside the cave there are many fabulous forms of structures in different characters and colours. According to guiding Lama, all forms are different forms of God in the nature. Each one is very attractive and uncommon. Photrang is the name given to one of the caves which means palace of God.

Lama who acts as a caretaker of the place has instructed all the visitors to take special care of children to ensure that they do not pluck any of the formation from the caves by mistake.

Dripshu

One of the caves is named “Dripshu” which means a holy pilgrimage place where one can clean ones sins. One has to enter inside a hole like cave and should exit from the other end. And as one takes this journey crawling inside the Dripshu, the soul is cleansed.

Dripchu

Dripchu is a holy shrine water fall. Before visiting the Dukhang Naas area, there is a long waterfall called Dripchu. Before visiting the holy caves for holy glance of different forms of God in the nature inside the cave, one should purify him/herself by washing hands and face or by taking bath in this holy shrine water and then only proceed towards the Holy caves chanting the mantra “Om Aa Hum Benza Guru Pema Sidi Hung” with true devotional heart.

Sangelling Naas

Besides, there is a long cave in a rock which is called Sangelling Naas. This Naas lies at the bottom of the village. Inside this cave there are different types of forms which are believed to be different formations of God.

As per the legend of the village, a super human stole this cave from the holy place Dukhang Naas to shift it to Lhasa. But as he reached near the village, a cock started crowing, so fearing that dawn is breaking and he might be spotted by the villagers he dropped the cave in its present place. Water found within this holy place is salty in taste.

Doru

Doru are solid tube like substance made of lime and salt. After Holy visit everyone collects Doru. Visit of these holy places is considered incomplete, if one doesn’t collect Doru.

Doru is used as an amulet (Rhungma ). This Doru is found in a stream nearby Sangelling Naas.

Thupten Donga Weiser Monastery

Before HH Penor Rinpoche departed this world, on the request of the villagers of Mandala Phudung , HH decided to construct “Thupten Donga Weiser Monastery” , which is under construction at Manada La.

On 7th day of January of Lunar Calendar of Metal Tiger year 2137 i.e on 21st February, 2010 of Christian calendar, in the process of New Year “Lo-sar” Celebration, the followers of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche poured ghee in 100 brass cups to make offerings in the form of illumination. But out of these 100 butter lamps, 46 formed like flower, as told by Rev Sange Chhombey (Care Taker) who was present on 13th May,2010 during my visit to the under construction monastery. Out of 46, they have kept 21 for exhibition. The butter of these lamps shall be used during the consecration ceremony on completion of” Thupten Donga Weiser Monastery”.

When asked what is the common perception of the followers and common believers of the area about the formation of butter flowers in the lamps, the Rev said that most believes it to be a good fortune. There is also hearsay of the possibility of HH Penor Rimpoche’s reincarnation in the area. Some believe this to be a sign of appearance of heavenly soul of HH Penor Rinpochey. Whatever the reasons maybe for this miracle, it is remarkable to see the petal formation on the illumination brass cups.

All these abovementioned places are yet to be explored by the tourist and considering the beauty and uniqueness of the place I think there is a huge potential for the place to be developed into a tourist hot spot. Best period of visit at the Holy places is from February except December, January and summer i.e June and July and August. Even during August one can visit by seeing weather condition.

(The Contributor is a APCS officer, currently posted as Circle Officer, Deputy Commisioner’s Office, West Kameng).

Buddha Jayanti

ITANAGAR, May 26: 2554th Buddha Jayanti would be observed on May 27.

The Chief Minister and the Governor have wished the people of the state on Buddha Jayanti.

Governor, Gen JJ Singh expressed his hope that the occasion will inspire all to follow the path shown by Lord Buddha.

May the auspicious occasion enthuse each one of us to strive towards the universal peace and harmony and guide us to the path of non-violence and progress, he added.

The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu called on all to pledge to follow the principles of Lord Buddha and his noble eight fold path which reminds us of our duties and responsibilities as a human being in this celestial world.

We need a platform to make people speak

Dear Editor,

I would like to appeal my fellow educated section of the society not to blame only government and leaders for various problems that our state is confronting today. We are also partly responsible for our own negligence and zero contribution towards the society, which has led to the birth of various problems.

Tribal society is known once as a community based society but today it has transformed into an individualistic society. It is only because our educated few have forgot to share their knowledge to the mass uneducated sections of the society. We need to change our attitude and thoughts for the cause of the society.

Scattered educated intelligentsia can do nothing good for the society. There is an urgent need for the unification of various organizations or a state level dedicated organizations formed with self-sacrificing intellectuals from different parts of the state to speak and act for not any political or personal gains but for the common cause of the society as a whole.

This group of self-sacrificing intellectuals do not need to go for strikes to achieve its aims but only need to create public opinions on different subjects, issues, developmental projects etc., and their voice should be able to reach the remotest part of the state.

Let this people question the deaf, dumb and blind government and their leaders. When the frog will start to croak whole round the year there will be rains in the desert too.

Yours,

Nabam Tado

M A (Hist), RGU

Shameful act

Dear Editor,

Yachuli Assembly Constituency is treated as enlightened segment in the social, educational, economical and political spheres amongst the Nyishi belts. The law abiding people as well as common public are also conscious in all sphere of life.

The recent news reports of the locking down of PWD divisional and sub-divisional office at Yazali is not only a disturbing news but also a shameful act.

The office is a public property functioning for the convenience of common people so as to facilitate the public works. But locking of office by some unscrupulous people by taking law into their own hand is criminal act. Such immoral and anti-social activities cannot be tolerated by the public of 16th Yachuli Assembly Constituency at any cost. Being a responsible citizen of the area, we are committed to fight injustice.

Therefore, the Chief Minister and PWD Minister are strongly urged to direct the local police and district administration to book the culprit involved and punish them as per law in order to prevent such anti- social activities in the days to come.

Yours,

J.T. Takam,

Ex-minister

Get ready for centennial celebration

Dear Editor,

Pasighat is attaining hundredth year of her existence in 2011. We are unduly late for a preparation of the size of according 100th birth anniversary to this grand old lady. Let us come together, one and all – historians, academicians, social scientists, learned elders, oral historians, and students and others. Centenary celebration of Pasighat is a look back at one hundred years of political, social, cultural, educational & economic past of Adis. Hurry, it is time to redeem our glorious past.

Yours,

Dr. Kaling Dai,

(on email)

Yingkiong