May -
- Search operation zeroed down to Nagajiji area in Dirang Circle
- AITF questions Centre and state govt
- ACR questions the failure of Centre to trace chopper
- Megalaya and Nagaland expresses concerns
- Governor has to clarify to the people of the state: FSD
- Medical camp at Vijoynagar
- DoTC money looted
- Rally on preservation of historical site
- Karatekas, judokas bring laurel to Arunachal
- Soceity concerned at opium menace
Search operation zeroed down to Nagajiji area in Dirang Circle
Three days on, citizens wait
for Dorjee Khandu
ITANAGAR, May 2: Based on the images taken by the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) satellite and Indian Air Force's Sukhoi 30, the search operations to locate
the missing Chopper with Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others on board will
now be confined to a 85-
ISRO had carried out satellite imagery while two Sukhois of the Indian Air Force
had done aerial mapping of the route from Tawang to Itanagar yesterday. It zeroed
down on three possible locations along the Indo-
On Saturday morning, Pawan Hans Helicopter Eurocopter B3 with Chief Minister on board besides Security Officer Yeshi Chodak; the pilots JS Babbar and TS Malik; Yeshi Lhamu, younger sister of the MLA Tawang took off from Tawang on its way to Itanagar. The chopper lost contact with Air base twenty minutes after takeoff.
Three days on, citizens continue to await its Chief Minister and four others after their chopper went missing. Even with passage of time, there is hope yet among the people who continue to pray that all five come back safe.
Meanwhile, the local population particularly the students and the villagers had joined in large numbers to assist the security forces in search and rescue operation. Many villages in Tawang and West Kameng has formed search groups in an effort to locate the missing chopper.
On the other hand, the troupes have further been reinforced for search and rescue operation by sending this afternoon two platoons of commandos of Indian reserve battalion (IRBN) and deputing senior officers of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Superintendents of Police to supervise and closely monitor the operation at ground.
IAF called off the aerial search after a couple of sorties by two Mi17s from Tawang due to inclement weather this morning.
Six helicopters have been kept ready for tomorow's search from Tawang, Tezpur and Guwahati, IAF sources said.
In continuation of the efforts being made till last evening, all out efforts are still on in the ongoing search and rescue operation to locate the missing chopper carrying Chief Minister Arunachal Pradesh and others, said government spokesperson Jarbom Gamlin.
The search is also in progress in other areas as well, depending on the inputs and information available from various sources, and local population as and when being received from time to time, he said.
Bhutan government has also launched search operations in their areas best on our inputs and inputs from Air force, he said.
PWD Minister Nabam Tuki said a team has started a foot march from Tawang to Banglajan. '' By evening they are expected to reach Shangri La where they will halt and proceed for the spot which is another 7 km tomorrow,'' he said.
Another team, led by a DIG, left for Nagajiji from Itanagar and are likely to reach the area by tonight, he said.
Army spokesperson Col N N Joshi said forces strength has been increased, with 35 columns being pressed into action. Of these, 26 columns are of the Indian Army and nine of the ITBP and SSB combined, he added. (with input from DIPR and UNI)
AITF questions Centre and state govt
ITANAGAR, May 2: Arunachal Indigenous Tribe Forum (AITF) in its emergency meeting held today at Itanagar, expressed deep concern over the way Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh seem to be handling the search and rescue operation of the missing chopper of Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu, whose whereabouts are still not known, even after the passage of more than 55 hours.
The confusing statements given to various media by state authorities were very unfortunate and irresponsible, to say the least. They not only confused the general public of the state but, most importantly, delayed the search operation by half a day on the 30th April. It also exposes total lack of coordination within the government’s crisis management system, said the Forum.
For this, all the concerned offices owe explanations to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
From the low-
When due to inclement weather the Lok Sabha Speaker abandoned her Tawang visit, it is questionable as to why the Chief Minister was allowed to fly in bad weather, it said.
AITF also seeks to know why the state Chief Minister was allowed to travel with only one security guard last Saturday, in complete violation of standard protocol.
Though the growing anger and sense of desolation amongst the different sections of people of the state is due to the mishandling of the whole operation, the AITF appealed to the general public, specially the youth of the state, to maintain peace and tranquility at this crucial juncture. The people of Arunachal deserve to be kept informed by the State Government, which may like to update with intermittent official press statements on the status of the ongoing search and rescue operations, through the radio, television, and print media, at regular intervals, the Forum added.
AITF also requested everyone to help in the search and rescue operations in all possible ways by not spreading rumors that harm the effort.
Centre to trace chopper
ITANAGAR, May 2: Arunachal Citizens Rights said that it is at a loss to understand the continuing failure of the Government of India to trace whereabouts of the Chief Minister of Arunachal and the chopper he was travelling in. Three days of high level search helped by fighter jets, ISRO satellites, and columns of army on the ground is yet to yield any result, it said.
Does this indicate a lack of understanding of the topography of Arunachal despite the fact that this is a sensitive frontier state bordering China, asked its chairman Bamang Tago in a press release. The army mostly stationed to fight the Chinese, also seems to have no clue on the topography or the capacity to locate even a helicopter in 3 days, it said.
Perhaps, this tragic incident involving our Chief Minister will open up more eyes on the reality existing along our border and the Government of India will have to pull up its socks immediately to defend its own people, it said.
Megalaya and Nagaland expresses concerns
Shillong, May 2: The Nationalist Congress Party, Meghalaya State Unit today expressed its deep concern over the reports of the missing helicopter carrying Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and others.
Khandu is a widely loved and respected leader in not just Arunachal Pradesh but the entire North eastern region,'' NCP Spokesman James K Sangma said.
Sangma said the party also extended its prayers and solidarity towards the people of Arunachal and especially the Chief Minister's family.
"We hope and pray for the safety of the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh," Sangma said.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed his deep concern and anguish over the missing helicopter with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and others onboard on Saturday.
In an official communique, Rio conveyed his and the people of Nagaland’s concern to the people of Arunachal. Rio said, the people of Nagaland were praying to the almighty for the safe return of Khandu and his entourage at the soonest possible time. UNI
Governor has to clarify to the
people of the state: FSD
ITANAGAR, May 2: Forum for Siang Dialogue (FSD) questioned why the whereabouts of Chief Minister along with his entourage is still not known even after passage of three days.
But amidst all the hopes and speculations the wrong and misleading statements made to the national News channels by the Governor of the state on the very first day, who is also the first citizen of the state is now a matter of great concern and everyone wants a clarification as to what source and under what findings he made the statements said Vijay Taram, Spokesperson of FSD.
He should clarify to the public of the state, the real facts which prompted him to speak to the national news channel confirming the safe landing of the Chopper carrying the Chief Minister and his entourage.
FSD also questioned the concerned authorities, as to why the Pawan Hans service has not been officially suspended by now, alike the Meghalaya Government, which promptly suspended the Pawan Hans operations on the very first day, when the chopper went missing.
As per the records it is quite evident that Pawan Hans has been a Killer Company operating Choppers which are now termed as Killer Choppers, it said.
FSD prayed to almighty Donyi-
ITANAGAR, May 2: Life Care Mission, with support from various government agencies, individuals and associations organized Medical Camps at five different places in Vijoynagar Circle under Changlang.
Around five hundred patients were treated during the medical camps covering a distance of 157 kms.
Three medical professionals Dr. Samar Vanaik from Delhi, Dr. Husain Poonawala from Bangalore and with Nurse Assistant Chemkha Wangpan treated the patients.
Jt. Director, Malaria Dr K. Nishing provided specially medicated mosquito nets which
were distributed to the villagers in malaria-
ITANAGAR May 2: More than Seven lacs rupees was looted belonging to the Department of Tirap and Changlang today from a car parked near State Bank of India. The incident allegedly happened when the Cashier of the Department and a peon after withdrawing the money from the bank kept it in a private vehicle, went off to have lunch. Miscreant(s)looted the money breaking open the windowpane of the car.
The money was meant for payment for supply works.
An FIR has been lodged with the Itanagar Police station.
Rally on preservation of historical site
ITANAGAR, May 2: Expressing grave concern over the rampant destruction of flora and fauna in historical places like Dezzeling area in West Kameng district, All Hrusso (Aka) Students Union (ARSU) has decided to organize a mass awareness rally on preservation of traditional heritage, historical site and natural resources from Bhalukpong to Tippi on May 10 next.
Due to rampant encroachment and deforestation in Dezzeling area rare orchid species are facing extinction, the union said adding that elephant population in Dezzeling, which is known as Elephant corridor, is also declining as a result of destruction of forests.
Dezzelling is a historical place which bears the testimony of ancient history of Hrussos, the union said and appealed to the forest department to prevent encroachment and deforestation.
laurel to Arunachal
ITANAGAR, May 2: As expected, Arunachal Pradesh karatekas reaped a rich haul of 22 medals, including 17 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze, in the just concluded 25th North East Games at Dirang.
Of the total 22 medals, Men’s team won 9 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze while Women’s team bagged 8 gold and 2 silver to become overall champions.
Mizoram finished runners up in the event with 2 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze followed by Meghalaya with 2 gold, 6 silver, 5 bronze.
The Arunachalee medal winning karate players (Men) are: Bulang David, (Sil., 30 kg), Neta Menjo (Gold, 35 kg), Vinod Digio, (Gold, 40 kg), PC Dingla (Gold, 45 Kg), Sinne Mikhu (Gold, 50 kg),Taking Bagang (Sil., 55 kg), Janam Dodum (Gold, 60 kg), Tage Saa (Gold, 65 kg), Tarh Tapak (Gold, 70 kg), Nikter Taja (Br. 75 kg), P Nobin Jamoh (Gold, +80kg).
Arunachal team comprised of Tarh Tapak, P Nobin Jamoh, Nikter Taja, Tage Saa, Nesemso Yun, Taking Bagang and Sinne Mikhu won gold in team event (Kumite).
Women gold winning players are, Nabam Nasap (Gold, 30 kg), Oyi Libang (Gold, 36 kg), Tap Menia (Gold, 40 kg), Juna Dada (Sil, 45 kg), Rei Yadi (Gold, 50 kg), Bamang Yakum (Gold, 55 kg), Chunnu Sangno (Sil., 60 kg), Yomken Noshi (Gold, 70 kg), Debia Yakap, Gold, +70kg).
Team comprised of Rei Yadi, Bamang Yakum, Chunnu Sangno, Yomken Noshi and Debia Yakap won team Kumite.
In Judo, women Judokas Kabin Doyum (30 kg), Ehalu Tega (35 kg) and Anjali Sagro (44 kg) won a gold medal each for the state. Sagro beat International silver medalist M Kabita Devi of Manipur in just 95 seconds. Other medal winning Judokas are, Jumter Tatu (Sil, 40kg,), N Bina Devi (Br., 57 kg), Yari Maying (Sil, 48 kg), Nasali Mikhu (Br., 52 kg), Kh. Hemawati (Br., 57 kg) in female category and Tilling Karu (Br.), Dindu Chukla (Br.), Toku Tachu (Br.), Taiabu (Sil), Rahul Mipe (Sil), Mirem tayeng (Br.) in Men’s 30, kg, 35 kg, 42 kg, 46 kg, 52 kg and 60 kg category respectively.
Soceity concerned at opium menace
Itanagar, May 2: The Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) have expressed concern over the opium menace and the low economic growth in Idu Mishmi society, calling for a remedial solution to the crisis.
IMCLS executive body, Idu Mishmi Government Employee Association (IMGEA), All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) and several public leaders met and held talks on the crisis on Sunday.
Growing unemployment, opium trading and failing education was among issues discussed in the meeting.
Administration is helpless
The Idu Mishmi Women Welfare Society (IMWWS) President Moloya Linggi underlined the need for collective effort in convincing the local opium traders to stop the illegal business and called for more cooperation between different organizations.
She said administration and police are helpless in curtailing drug trade because police personnel themselves are involved, though the authorities are in possession of list of drug addicts and drug peddlers.
“Opium is supplied from Lohit and Anjaw districts, but recently drugs from Myanmar are also making inroads in our society.”
Present in the meeting, Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Anjithe Menjo said the administration is totally helpless to deal with the drug peddlers.
They have schools, we have wine shops
Appreciating the initiatives taken by IMCLS on drug and unemployment, Jibi Pulu, a local tour operator said the society suffered because, earlier there were no serious talks on issues confronting the community.
Calling for sustained economic activities, he said, “When timber business offered huge economic returns, our people lacked futuristic vision. So, yesterday’s mill owners are walking barefoot today.”
Pulu called on IMCLS and AIMSU to monitor and assess the performance of politicians and corporate bodies on their social responsibilities.
Deliberating on the state of education in Idu Mishmi society, AIMSU President Malo Linggi said the Idu society must accept ideological change, “In every streets of Ziro in Apatani Valley, they have schools, but in Roing we have wine shops.”
Present in the meeting were IMCLS President Kelo Pulu, Secretary Tone Mickrow, ZPM Namo Lingi and other public leaders.
News Impact
Dr at Men-
NAHARLAGUN, May 2: Dr. Ngawang Khentse one of senior most doctors from Dharamshala
Himachal Pradesh is going to visit Men-
Developmental meeting
ITANAGAR, May 2: A developmental meeting was held at Taraso under the chairmanship of ASM Chairperson Tana Bagang on April 30.
The meeting was attended by PR leaders, NGOs and public leaders.
During the meeting the house proposed 135 numbers of schemes to be included in AOP
of various departments for the financial year 2011-
Giogi Taya Memorial Football Tournament
ITANAGAR, May 2: Youth United Football Club and Arunachal Orphan Football Club won
their respective match against C Sector Youth Football Club and E-
Youth United Football Club beat C Sector Youth Football Club 6-
Induction Training
ITANAGAR, May 2: Induction training for newly recruited teachers under SSA, East Siang District started today at DIET, Pasighat.
The Programme was inaugurated by DDSE T. Talom, who said that training helps in enrichment of knowledge & skills and attainment of desirable change in attitude.
He emphasized upon the correct methodology in teaching learning processes and stressed upon the fact that every teacher must have commendable knowledge in his/her subjects. He opined that teachers training plays vital role in enhancing knowledge and skills of teachers and help them to acquaint with recent changes in the sphere of education.
In his address, Dr Buk Lego, Principal, DIET, Pasighat stressed upon the need of training to the teachers while adding that many new topics related to health and hygiene, road safety / disaster management are included in the training for benefits of trainees besides the normal classroom transaction.
DAEO J Yirang expressed that as a new entrant, trainees are to take up the social and education responsibilities and discharge them with utmost satisfaction to the students and authority. He categorically emphasized that a teacher must have ability to manage classroom properly, good command over subject, proper dress code and good personality as teacher is a role model for students.
District Coordinator, SSA K Ering, congratulated all the trainees for their appointment to the noble profession of teaching. He urged the trainees to take the training sincerely as to equip themselves with the latest pedagogies and development in the teaching learning process so that students whom they will teach will be optimally benefited .
Awareness Campaign
ITANAGAR, May 2: Uku Una Welfare Society, (UUWS), Naharlagun organized day long Awareness programme on Women Labour, Rights and Empowerment at Yupia yesterday in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India.
More than two hundred participants including panchayat Leaders, Public, Govt. officials, Business person and Women SHG members from Yupia, Nyorch, Borum attended the programme.
Resource person from the Department of Labour & Employment, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh Neelam Tan, spoke on ‘Equal Remuneration Act,1976, Micro Credit & Women SHG, Child Labour: Role of Community Etc.’.
Neelam Taje, Advocate of the Guwahati High Court, Itanagar Permanent Bench, Naharlagun also spoke on necessity of awareness on Women & basic Human Rights, Sustainable Development Strategies for Women etc.
Gyamar Jeri, Chairperson, Anchal Samity, Borum Panchayat deliberated on the importance of women Labour besides suggesting every one to avail knowledge through such a effective
M. Karga, District Planning Officer, District Papum Pare, Yupia he advised the NGO to keep up their team spirit and arrange such programme regularly.
45 days SDP concludes
ITANAGAR, May 2: A 45 days Skill Development Programme (SDP) on weaving and handloom was concluded at Sangram in Kurung Kumey district on April 27 last.
The programme was organized by Rural Development and Heritage Society, Sangram and sponsored by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) regional office, Itanagar.
Addressing the valedictory function of the SDP, the chief guest T Riba, CO cum BDO
advised the trainees to take up agri-
The guest of honour, Kipa Kama, cashier of the Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd , Sangram branch also called upon the trainees to utilize the skill gained from the training programme. Both chief guest and guest of honour also lauded NABARD GM for facilitating such programme in remote areas for benefit of rural masses.
AdiSU writes to DC on AESDSU
ITANAGAR, May 2: Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) in a letter to Deputy Commissioner East
Siang District regarding All East Siang District Students’ Union (AESDSU) controversy
said that Kangge Moyong and Daniel Jamoh have been elected as President and General
Secretary of East Siang District Students’ Union in its election held at Boleng from
November 19-
Recognizing Moyong and Jamoh as AESDSU president and general secretary, AdiSU appealed to the DC to consider the claim of Moyong and Jamoh and not to entertain any claim from any wings of the student union.
Social service
ITANAGAR, May 2: All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation is organizing awareness campaign and social service from May 20 in all the districts of the state.
Prayers for Khandu
ITANAGAR: The people of Arunachal Pradesh today sought divine help for safe and early recovery of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu.
Appealing to the people of all religions to organize an all-
Unions unhappy at slow progress
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Capital Students Union of Monpa expressed concern at the slow progress in the rescue efforts to trace the Chief Minister and four others after their chopper went missing on Saturday. It said that despite many hours, enough effort have not been put in place to find out the missing Chief Minister.
Members of the Union who are taking part in the rescue effort said that as opposed to media statements, not many personnel are seen at the ground search operation.
The Union threatening a bandh call in protest against the inadequate search operation on May 4 said that a positive outcome must come out by Tuesday evening.
APCC search operation committee
ITANAGAR: A five member Pradesh Congress Committee Search Operation Committee has left Itanagar for Bomdila and Tawang to supervise the search operation to locate the Pawan Hans chopper carrying the Chief Minister and four others on board, missing since Saturday.
The team is headed by Tawang, West and East Kameng incharge Byabang Nukh as chairman and Congress leaders Changkom Hondik, Tachu Hina, Naresh Glow and Tsering Gyurme as members.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
How can they protect us from outside threat?
Dear Editor,
It’s a matter of great concern for our country. The country that sends satellites to moon and various other space missions is unable to trace a chopper that went missing. It has been two days allready and no trace of the chopper is in the news yet. My brothers and sisters what does this mean. We are neglected even when the whole state is at stake. If the IAF choppers cannot trace a missing chopper how can it protect us from outside threats?
No matter what, I just want to convey that please take action at the highest level to trace our beloved CM so that our state can be at peace.
Yours,
A Citizen
Mumbai, (on email)
Prayers for him
Dear Editor,
Though politically we have different ideology but I am very disturbed at what is happening. May we receive good news soon. The Govt. should immediately trace the whereabout of the Chief Minister.
Democratic fight will be always there, but hope he will return soon as he is a dynamic and sincere leader who had at least promised political sanyas by next election which showed his good spiritual beliefs. He did commendable work in field of preservation of animal and doing what he believed by supporting young leaders even if high command likes or not.
This time is very crucial for our state. Let us wait for the morning to see him hale and hearty.
May God bless him and even if an untoward incident happens we should be psychologically prepared for it.
At this time Kandu family needs tons of our prayer support. I appeal all to pray. Later there will be always time to play politics, it is now time for prayer and support.
I personally appeal the Govt. to totally cancel the Helicopter service in Tawang henceforth, as the Sella Pass Peaks seems to be the death zone. Why take chance when there is less dangerous and beautiful place like Mechuka. The central Government should also immediately comb all the terrorist camps near Bhutan.
There should be verification from the Chinese Govt. whether they have not unintentionally shot down a chopper for violating the air space zone.
The expert rock climbers may be also have to be roped in , as the passes in Sella pass areas are also said to be no less deep than grand canyon.
Yours,
Togo Basar,
State General Secy, PPA
Time for a news channel
Dear Editor,
In greater interest of all the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh, I would like to raise a question why Arunachal Pradesh still don't have its own news channel to cover the live stories of all the happenings in own state.
Today we all are tensed about the missing chief minister and there is none to tell what is happening as we don’t have our own news channel and we the poor Arunachalee have to switch to other news channels to know what has happened to chief minister.
To our satisfaction we just get to know only the old same story of Saturday or the latest news of Osama bin Laden been killed.
Other news channels don’t even bother about us and if we had one by now we all would have been well informed about happenings of our state..
Yours,
Citizen of Arunachal Pradesh, (on email)
Are we doing enough
Dear Editor,
It is really a matter of shame that we can't even trace a missing helicopter inside our state, and that too with the help of central govt.
If the US govt. can trace Osama bin Laden in a foreign country, why can't we trace a helicopter in our own state? And why the person who spread the rumours about the safety of CM too is traceless? Are we really trying our best? Or is there any politics in here too?
Yours,
Max D, Itanagar
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