May -
- Arunachal awaits its Chief Minister
- Who made that telephone call about the safety of the Chief Minister?
- BJP questions state government
- Governor should apologise to the citizens: ACR
- AAPSU concerned at inability of authorities
- Rally against selling of tobacco products
- Changlang needs fire stations
- HC dismiss review petition on LPC
- Scientific Cultivation of Okra and Maize
- GT Memorial football
Arunachal awaits its Chief Minister
ITANAGAR, May 1: Citizens continue to wait for the second day as there is no news yet about the whereabouts of the chopper that went missing on Saturday morning with Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others on board.
Inclement weather hampered the massive ground and aerial search involving Sukhoi war planes, several choppers and satellite imagery.
Two Sukhois and a MI-
Satellite images sought by the Centre from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also did not give any clue as the area where the helicopter supposedly went missing was under cloud cover, ISRO said though a further detailed report was expected past midnight.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna spoke to Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Thinley seeking assistance in the search.
Krishna discussed with Thinley the issue of logistical support to those involved
in search operations along the Indo-
The four-
The chopper was to land at Itanagar at about 11:30 am. The Guwahati air traffic control had reportedly received the last radio communication from it when it was flying near Sela pass 20 minutes after takeoff.
Union Minister V Narayanswamy, who reached Itanagar with colleague Mukul Wasnik today,
said, "We are leaving no stone unturned to locate the Chief Minister and his helicopter."
"On side of the Central government, the ministries of Home, Defence and External
Affairs and the Prime Minister himself are giving directions from time-
Narayanswamy said a high-
Power Minister Jarbom Gamlin said all deputy commissioners and Superintendents of Police have been asked to search locally.
"The search operations will be intensified further tomorrow," he added.
The ground level searching and rescue operations continued in the districts of West Kameng, East Kameng, Tawang and neighboring area by local police / administration, CPMF and Army from 30th April last.
In Tawang, 25 Army teams along with 300s SSB, ITBP personnel, local police personnel and over thousands of villagers have fanned out in the area to search for missing copter. In Bomdila also several Police, ITBP personnel and Public teams in Dirang, Kalaktang and Sela Pass areas have been dispatched for search operation. Cooperation of neighboring districts of Bhutan has also been obtained through district administration and public to public contacts.
As per Army authority, large number of Army columns has moved out from Tenga, Bomdila and Tezpur for search and rescue operation.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Delhi consisting 38 personnel with search and rescue equipments has also proceeded to Bomdila by road 1000 hrs today for assisting local police for further search and rescue operations. (With input from UNI and DIPR)
Who made that telephone call about the safety of the Chief Minister?
ITANAGAR, May 1: Adding to the panic and chaos after the chopper carrying the Chief Minister with four others went missing on Saturday; interviews were given by the top brass of the state to the various news agencies “confirming” the safety of the Chief Minister.
Leading the pack was the Governor Gen (Retd) JJ Singh who confirmed that the missing chopper had landed safely in Bhutan to news channels.
The Governor in a telephonic interview to NDTV had said “Yes I am definite that he
is safe. His helicopter encountered bad weather, his pilot did a wise thing by making
emergency landing. It is somewhere between the Indo-
However a communication by the Inspector General of Police, Arunachal Pradesh to state Home secretary regarding the disappearance of the helicopter points at severe lack of coordination and several other discrepancies including wastage of time and dependence on hearsay. Though the letter seeks help in search and rescue operation from the centre; however the content speaks for itself and points at massive laxity by those at the helms of affairs.
Sources on condition of anonymity say that search and rescue operations were halted at 15.30 after reports that chopper carrying the Chief Minister landed safely in Bhutan.
The letter was subsequently sent to Union Secretary Home, External Affairs, Defence and 4 Corps, HQ. According to the communication, of which this daily has a copy, Four Corps launched search and rescue operation immediately after it was made known that the chopper lost contact with the air base.
While the search operation was on, information was received that Principal Secretary to Chief Minister has received a call saying that the Helicopter has landed safely in Bhutan.
“I contacted Principal Secretary to CM who mentioned to me that he did recognize the caller on the other side like (that of) Chief Minister but he could not confirm the identity”, reads the letter.
IG SSB too confirmed that his office has received information that the Helicopter has landed in Bhutan.
IG, Law and Order Assam is also reported to have received an information from Bhutan Army that the Helicopter has landed in Bhutan, according to the communication.
All these information were passed to JS (NE), Chief Secretary and ADC to Governor.
It was Commissioner, Special Bureau S.K. Kaira who informed the IGP Arunachal that his sources had no confirmation that the chopper landed in Bhutan.
Now question remains, who made that call and why the top authorities went on air without verifying the facts regarding the well being of the Chief Minister and others on board.
BJP questions state government
Itanagar, May 1: Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh today in its emergency sitting has questioned the conflicting statements that led to loss of precious several hours yesterday in rescue and search operations.
It said that Helicopter carrying state CM lost contacts at about 10.30 AM but it was only in the evening that the state government held a high level emergency meeting.
It questioned the inordinate delay of the state government in its rescue operations and questioned the preparedness of the state agencies to deal with such crisis.
Meanwhile, BJP questioned the Governor for his media statement confirming the safety of the Chief Minister.
The BJP questioned the position of the state government on the gross lapses surrounding the rescue operation and further demanded immediate reconsideration of Pawan Hans Helicopter services Limited (PHHL).
The sitting earlier questioned why a single engine helicopter was put in the service of VVIPs.
the citizens: ACR
Itanagar, May 1: The Arunachal Citizens Rights has demanded that Governor of Arunachal Gen (Retd) J J Singh apologise to the people of the state for making “false statement” regarding the safety of the Chief Minister.
ACR Chairman Bamang Tago accused the Governor of being responsible for slow progress in rescue and search operations.
He further questioned why the First Citizen of the state made such unconfirmed statements. Terming it a crime, he said that Governor owes it to the people of the state.
The Governor on Saturday had said that the chopper carrying the Chief Minister had landed at Bhutan and Chief Minister was safe.
CoSAAP urges to step up rescue efforts
Central executive council of Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh in an emergency meeting here today expressed serious concern about the missing Pawan Hans helicopter carrying chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four others on board.
While praying for the safe and well being of chief minister and the four others on board appealed the government to intensify search operation and find out the whereabouts of CM and others at earliest.
It also extended its solidarity with the family members of Chief Minister and other members on board.
AAPSU concerned at inability of authorities
ITANAGAR, May 1: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has expressed deep concern over inability of authorities to trace the missing Pawan Hans helicopter carrying chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four other which went missing on Saturday near Sela Pass.
With situation looking bleak and confusing, AAPSU appealed to the authorities not to give press statement without proper information.
In a release this evening AAPSU took dig at state Governor, Home Minister and Chief Secretary for misleading people on this whole incident.
“Much required time for rescue was lost after Governor, Home Minister and Chief Secretary gave press statement to national media telling that missing chopper has been traced at Bhutan. The complacency led to loss of valuable time. How can these responsible people mislead the entire nation? They need to answer to the people of Arunachal about their gross mistakes,” stated AAPSU President Takam Tatung.
While welcoming the centre’s response to the present crisis, AAPSU wished more could have been done. “A border state which shares international boundary with mighty China is without CM for last 2 days. But response from Delhi is slow and we wishes they could have done much better,” said Takam Tatung.
He further questioned why union home and defense minister is not visiting state. “It’s shocking that both home minister P Chidambaram and Defense minister AK Anthony are not visiting state to monitor the situation. Chopper carrying Chief Minister of border state has gone missing near international boundary. But New Delhi is not sharing our concern and they seem more worried about election at Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala,” stated AAPSU President. Tatung also said this whole situation once again smacks of step motherly treatment meted out to the people of North East state.
AAPSU also wanted to know why representatives of Pawan Helicopter is silent on this whole issue and urged them to immediately come clean on whether chopper carrying CM Dorjee Khandu was properly maintained.
Rally against selling of tobacco products
ITANAGAR, May 1: All East Siang District Students Union(AESDU) yesterday conducted a mass rally at Pasighat Township against the selling of tobacco in particularly Ghutka in collaboration with the JN college students’ Union, Bogong Students’ Union and other federal units of AESDSU.
The rally was attended by hundreds of students and even the public.
The AESDSU organized the rally in order to create awareness among the peoples about the various ill effects of consuming ‘Gutka’ which is gradually affecting the society especially the school going students.
Meanwhile AEDSU President T Nyitan has expressed gratitude to the District Administration and the Baazar committee of Pasighat for their support. Further he has requested student communities of East Siang to avoid Ghutkas.
Tom Simai
JAIRAMPUR, May 1: The swift action of the Jairampur public saved the adjoining houses from being gutted down by the spreading fire that started from a small ‘kutcha’ kitchen here, today morning.
The kitchen of Treasury Official W Bo was completely destroyed and it was the agility of Jairampur public that prevented the fire from spreading as they were successful to douse it manually.
There is no report of any causalities or injuries as there was no one when the fire spread, informed OC Das who was also there to monitor the situation as the place of incident is situated at a walking distance from the police station.
It is to be mentioned here that there is not a single fire station in the entire Changlang district. In 2007, with reference to file no.
CAPP/CR-
25/06/2009 was sent by Jairampur Additional Deputy Commissioner for the requirement of fire station at Jairampur but so far no necessary step has been taken.
Responding online to the queries, Changlang SP Tumme Ammo informed that efforts were put for establishment of fire stations at Changlang, Jairampur, Kharsang, Bordumsa and Miao.
He further added that about a month ago some officials of fire department was posted in the district. However they were later posted out of the district due to “some unavoidable circumstance”.
In the first phase, we are looking for fire station at least in three locations, Changlang, Jairampur and Miao or Bordumsa, he added.
I presume, considering the significance of the area, the government will act soon to our proposal of fire stations in Changlang dist, he said optimistically.
HC dismiss review petition on LPC
ITANAGAR, May 1: The Itanagar Permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court has dismissed the review application filed by one Maya Dolo against the earlier judgment and order passed by the court on April 7, 2010 in which the state Govt was directed to cancel the Land Possession Certificates (LPCs) granted to her at Seijosa in East Kameng district.
In its earlier verdict on April 7, 2010, the Court had directed the government to cancel LPCs granted to Dolo within 30 days taking into consideration the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Not satisfied by the judgment, Dolo applied for a review which was dismissed by the court saying ‘there is no merit in this review petition and as such, it is liable to be dismissed’.
Scientific Cultivation of Okra and Maize
ITANAGAR, May 1: On the farmers demand, a day long training programme on the title “Scientific Cultivation of Okra and Maize was organized by Kumku Farmer Club at Kumku village in consultation with KVK Upper Siang, Geku.
The training programme was sponsored by NABARD, Itanagar through ‘Capacity building’
and carried out under the Awareness-
Oyinty Megu, SMS (Horti) spoke about the package and practices of Okra cultivation as such incorporating the local way of cultivation. She discussed in length with the farmers about selection of varieties and month of planting which seems to be the main barrier in successful cultivation.
Later Tasso Tabin, SMS (PP) delivered the management part beginning with the recent
banning and problems of using pesticides, however, emphasized them to go for biological
means to reduce or control the pest problems. The bio-
Two farmers expressed their satisfaction at the training programme however, regretted that due to undulated mountain it is very difficult to follow the complete technology transferred by experts.
Zing and Pumglu win
ITANAGAR, May 1: The Zing Urban Football Club defeated the Emirates Sporting Club
(3-
Techi Takar scored the first goal for Zing Urban Football Club. Though Hake Tinku
of Emirates netted one goal to equalize the score 1-
On the other hand Michi Bai, Tadu Rebia, Karmium Dolum and Taku Tatung of Pumglu netted one goal each. Its opponent VKV Banderdewa failed to score even a single goal.
News Impact
Union urges
ITANAGAR, May 1: All East Kameng Middle Zone Students Union (AEKMZSU) has urged the East Kameng District administration to check and stop illegal encroachment of Govt land in Seppa township.
Illegal encroachment of Govt land including the compound of schools, DC’s bungalow and public places caused serious concern, the union said and appealed both the administration and public leaders to work jointly against such rampant encroachment. It further urged the competent authorities for construction of boundary walls of all educational institutions in order to prevent encroachment. The union also expressed resentment over the slow progress of road construction works in Seppa township and urged the higher authorities to intervene and issue directives to construction agencies for completion of road works as early as possible.
Raising other issues of public interest, the union further said the people of Seppa town have been facing LPG crisis due to improper supply of LPG by the agencies. It said that the LPG distributors should streamline the distribution system or increase the supply of gas cylinders to cater to the need of growing number of population in the township. It further urged the authorities to check unreasonable prices of the commodities charged by the sellers in the market and stop illegal selling of petrol, kerosene and disease in road side.
Last but not the least, the union urged upon the BSNL authorities to improve the mobile service in the township. It also demanded immediate completion of mobile tower for the convenience of general consumers.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Was it necessary?
Dear Editor,
I have always liked Tom Simai for his thought provoking write-
I know his intention was for good but I wonder was it at all necessary to mention
the details of bomb-
I once again appeal to you to kindly edit the contents of letters and articles which do more harm than good.
Yours,
Tung Sono
Seppa, (on email)
A word of caution
Dear editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to request the APPSC to be careful vis a vis the latest APPSCCE and for all times to come. It is heard that questions in some subjects in the last APPSCCE prelims were copied from some competitive magazines, due to which some candidates virtually got free tickets to the mains. Such practice kills the morale of candidates and fairness of the competition. And it surely may invite trouble too. Therefore, it is sincerely and earnestly requested to carefully instruct the question paper setters to refrain from such practice. Being reckless and later on blaming the paper setters will be no justice at all. Hopeful candidates and parents are also requested to pay heed in this matter.
Yours,
A Citizen
Dear Editor,
It has been really tough time when we heard the news that the chopper carrying our chief minister’s has been missing since yesterday morning.
I and my family were anxiously going through the news channels to find out his wellbeing.
As if answer to our prayers and expectation, we heard that he was safe with his co passengers after an emergency landing somewhere in Bhutan.
We breathed a sigh of relief, which however was short lived as we are yet to have any breakthrough.
Tawang crash last month still fresh in our minds, we need to have a relook at the present chopper service in our state and it needs to be taken seriously.
Therefore I urge the very responsible administrators to learn from the incidents and take full precautions before it’s too late.
Measures like full technical and security scan for all the choppers and helipad in the state, even phasing out old choppers is an urgent need, as one has rightly said “ The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before.”
Yours,
Debia Rabbi,
(on email)
Roing needs a centre too
Dear Editor,
Dibang Adi Youth Association (DAYA) would like to pray and appeal Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission to consider Roing as one of the centre for APPSC Preliminary Examination. As the candidates from Dambuk, Anini and Roing face problems like accommodation, transportation APPSC should consider Roing as one of the centres.
To reach Tezu, the candidates from Dibang Valley and L/Dibang Valley have to cross through Assam where bandh and strike is everyday affair.
This kind of bandhs gives lots of problems to the students. If Basar can be one of the centres then why not Roing?
So we request for immediate action from the concerned authority so that the candidates from these region may not face psychological tension in preparing APPSC (Prelims).
Yours,
Aniyang Ratan
Kabang Passing
DAYA
Medicine and expiry dates
Dear Editor,
One of the medicine shops located near the campus of the District Hospital Tezu sells medicine even after expiry of date.
When I came to this particular shop to buy medicines for my sister, the shopkeeper gave me a medicine with date of manufacture marked as June 2008 with an instruction that it be used before the expiry of 12th month.
When I told him this fact, he started arguing with me. I left the store and picked up medicines from another shop.
There is no end to greediness.
What they don’t realize it that they are playing with the lives of the people.
I appeal the district administration to make a unit with the help of the medical authorities to check such practices.
Yours,
A student,
(on email)
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