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Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu no more
Citizens find crash site
Taba Ajum
Tawang/ ITANAGAR, May 4: After five days of intensive search, mostly by teams of
local citizens, the body of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has been located at a place
ten kilometers south west of Luguthang, under Mago circle in Tawang district. His
body was located early today morning by local search teams from the area who were
able to identify the body of the Chief Minister. Panchayat leader Thupten, who identified
the body, passed on the information to UDC Rinchin Norbu of the local circle office.
In spite of heavy snowfall and the difficult terrain, the search team comprising
of eight villagers managed to locate and report the crash site, which is just about
forty kilometers from the Chinese border and which even the Sukhoi-
The Chief Minister and his entourage comprising of pilots Captain JS Babbar, Captain TS Mamik, security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lhamu, sister of Tawang MLA Tsewang Dhondup went missing on the morning of Saturday 30 April last, on a Pawan Hans Flight enroute from Tawang to Itanagar.
The body of Chief Minister is reported to be a little away from the debris of the chopper and intact while that of Yeshi Lhamu has marks of injury. The others are charred beyond recognition.
Recovery of the bodies is expected to take until tomorrow owing to the difficult terrain.
Voluntary search groups of citizens have already left for the site this morning to
recover the bodies, taking the Sela Pass route, which is a four hour trek on an average
non-
An ITBP team led by DIG RKD Singh is expected to follow early morning tomorrow for the site. An ITBP control room set up at Sela Pass is monitoring the search and rescue efforts.
Meanwhile in Tawang, the streets remain deserted as people are unable to come to terms with the loss of their beloved leader. Angry and upset at the slow process of search and rescue efforts, not many were willing to express their views to the media.
Former MP Kiren Rijiju who is camping at Sela Pass said that ISRO and Sukhio-
After receiving information from the local search teams today, the services of the IAF was pressed in to make aerial survey of the area.
Confirming the news, DoNER Minister B K Handique told reporters in Itanagar that a formal declaration will be made once Khandu’s family identifies the body.
"There is no confusion that the body is of the Chief Minister. But there is a formal procedure for kin or close aide to identify the body and we are merely awaiting it," he said.
Handique informed that the bodies will be airlifted one-
The DoNER Minister said that attempts are on to bring Khandu’s body to Itanagar so that people can pay their homage, though the cremation as per Buddhist rituals will be done at Tawang.
“We propose to keep the body for at least a day in Itanagar for the people to see their Chief Minister one last time," Handique said. (with inputs from ATNS)
Stunned Arunachal mourns it’s ‘people’s CM
ITANAGAR, May 4: A stunned state today mourned the death of its Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, who passed away along with four others in an air crash on Saturday in Tawang district.
As news of his demise spread across the state, gloom descended on cross sections of people. Cutting across boundaries, condolences continue to pour in.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen (Retd) JJ Singh has expressed shock and grief at the demise of Dorjee Khandu.
This is the saddest moment in the history of Arunachal Pradesh in which we lost our most beloved leader, Dorjee Khandu, along with four others. It's an unbearable loss for every Arunachalee, said the Governor.
Recalling the contributions of late Chief Minister, Gen Singh said, a distinguished social activist, Late Khandu, was a great leader of the State who made immense contribution towards the State in various capacities during his long and distinguished career.
As Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu took personal interest in the developmental programmes,
especially socio-
The tragic death of most beloved and popular Chief Minister is irreparable lose for the state, said Speaker W. Lowongdong.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Speaker Tapong Taloh said that the sudden and untimely demise of Dorjee Khandu caused huge loss for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and it has created a huge vacuum in the state’s political scenario too.
The Arunachal Pradesh women's welfare society (APWWS) said that death of the most popular and dynamic chief minister of the state, Khandu is a great loss to the people of Arunachal, especially to the womenfolk of state. It was under his leadership that the long felt demand of gender budgeting has been introduced for the first time in the state budget, it said.
We believe that, whoever, takes over the reign of leadership of state may continue to do the developmental work initiated by Dorjee Khandu complete his vision.
APWWS urged the Govt to immediately cancel the MOU with PHHL, which has off late become the flying coffin for Arunachal.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) termed the death as sudden and untimely demise which is an irreparable loss to the people of Arunachal Pradesh in particular and India as a whole. He was a leader of extra ordinary vision, merit, said the party in a condolence message.
All India Trinamool Congress(AITC)’ Unit of Arunachal Pradesh said under Dorjee Khanud’s able and dynamic leadership, the state saw unprecedented development activity.
The unfortunate and sudden demise has created social and political vacuum in the state.
The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) too mourned on sudden and sad demise of Chief Minister. The Society will ever cherish his memory as true beholder of human value, a great friend of downtrodden and as a man who uphold his promise by rightful action, it said. His patronage for promotion of art and literary activities in the State will always be remembered by the society, it said.
The Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association (APDA) said that his dynamic leadership and employees friendly approach will ever be cherished.
The people of Arunachal Pradesh will find it difficult to fill the void created by the sudden departure of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, said Nagaland MLA I Imkong in a condolence message. I have lost a good and reliable friend and it would be difficult to overcome the shock, Imkong said in his message to family members of Khandu.
Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU), Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank Employees’ Association, Sherdukpen Employee Welfare Association and the students, teaching fraternity and staff of the Vidyamandir and Pubyang Academy, Itanagar also expressed deep shock at the tragic chopper crash and untimely demise of Dorjee Khandu and others on board. All the organizations and individual prayed for eternal peace of departed souls and bestow enough strength to family members of Khandu to bear the irreparable loss. The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh will cherish the faith reposed by Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu upon the society and strive to fulfill his dreams in days to come, said the IFCSAP in a condolence message. The Society will remember him as a beholder of indigenous faith and culture and guiding force on preservation and promotion of rich cultural heritage of people of the state, the message read.
“We have lost our beloved leader with the death of CM Dorjee Khandu who dedicated his life for the economic development of state and its people,” said Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development and Financial Corporation Ltd in a condolence message.
Don Bosco alumni and catholic community of Arunachal Pradesh in condolence message said “Dorjee Khandu has special affection for Don Bosco, he was a unique CM who initiated many development projects in the state.”
The state has lost a sincere and dedicated leader with the demise of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu. Many developmental programmes were taken up in the state under his dynamic leadership, stated All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation in a condolence message.
The North East Students Organisation (NESO) said “People of Arunachal Pradesh will
always remember him for the initiatives he had taken for the trans-
The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers’ Association (APCSOA) expressed deep
shock over the untimely demise of Dorjee Khandu, and 4 others. He was straight forward
and unpretentious, a trait very rare among the politician-
Vivekananda Kendra, Arunachal Pradesh while mourning the death of Chief Minister
said that he was known for his commitment, hard-
The Capital Complex Petroleum Depot Association (CCPDA) said Khandu has been one of the ablest Chief Ministers ever to rule the state. With his dynamism and leadership qualities he was able to take the state in the right direction of development despite several hitches, it said. The best tribute the citizen of this state can pay to the great leader is to fulfill his dream and not let development be hampered by petty politics, it said.
Sanskar Bharati Arunachal Pradesh joined manyu other organizations that mourned the demise of Khandu.
Farewell, Arunachal’s Laughing Buddha
ITANAGAR, May 4: Born on 3rd March 1955, the boy from Gyangkhar Village in Tawang district, who rose to become Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu will perhaps be remembered as one of the few voices that stood up against China’s claim over the state. At a time when even the central government chose to take a non committal stand on the matter, it was Khandu’s straight forward approach that made the Prime Minister and the Dalai Lama visit Arunachal in a clear statement of defiance.
Marked by a tenure where infrastructure development was high on priority, his four-
Yet what cannot be denied is the very visible development that has taken place in the state during his tenure. A large hearted businessman, more than a politician, Khandu always sought to find the most acceptable solutions to all issues.
Even though the state was reeling under financial constrains, he found ways to take risks and address people’s expectations. The implementation of the sixth pay commission recommendations and the Prime Minister’s package stand witness to this.
Khandu who was in the Indian Army Intelligence Corps for more than seven years first made his foray into electoral politics when he was selected unanimously as an ASM in 1980 and later elected uncontested as District Vice President of undivided West Kameng district Zilla Parishad in 1983.
He was then elected uncontested to the First Legislative Assembly of the State of Arunachal Pradesh in March 1990 from Mukto constituency which he continued to represent till the present.
He was inducted as minister of State for Cooperation in 1995 and since then there was no looking back.
From being a Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Dairy Development in 1996 to holding the posts of Minister of Power, Mines, Relief & Rehabilitation and finally as Chief Minister in 2007, Khandu has lived the entire spectrum of the political arena.
As he leaves behind his four sons and two daughters, it is uncanny to remember that during the assembly elections in 2009 he had announced that he would not be a contender in the next elections. Proverbial words that will continue to haunt the state for a long time.
ITANAGAR, May 4: Palin MLA Takam Tagar inaugurated the Yangte Public Health Centre (PHC) in presence of Kurung Kumey DC, DMO and other HoDs and panchayat leaders on May One last.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the MLA sought cooperation from public
for all round development of the area since people’s co-
The MLA, meanwhile, left the decision with Yangte people to decide on the permanent site for the circle headquarter, Yangte.
Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner Rajiv Takuk said that establishment of the PHC under the initiative of the MLA is small beginning towards big development. He stressed on development of other sectors, mainly education and road communication in the area.
DMO Higio Tama said that he had been making his best efforts to provide better health facilities at the newly established PHC and appealed to all to cooperate with the medical staff to avail the best services.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the land owners, the DMO assured that claims for compensation by land owners would be settled soon.
ITANAGAR, May 4: A seminar cum awareness campaign on ‘Global Ecological Balance’
was organized by Eco-
Many Govt. officials, public and panchayat leaders, businessmen and representative from various NGOs attended the seminar and spoke about the importance of preservation, conservation of wildlife, impact of global warming on ecology, human life, promotion of tourism, climate change and its impact on agriculture etc.
Attending the programme, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest LK Pait advised people to stop illegal poaching and hunting of wild animals while Divisional Forest Officers, Likabali Jumdo Geyi described the importance of preservation of wildlife. He also highlighted about Wildlife Act, 1972.
Likabali EAC, Ibom Tao spoke on the role of administration in the preservation of wildlife and Arms Act.
Two environmentalist from Canada Mr. Jackson Klessar and Bryan attended the programme
as special guests and spoke on eco-
Former advisor to CM Tahum Taipodia, social worker Modam Dini, Eco-
The society, meanwhile, thanked MLA Jomde Kena for sanctioning porter track to Magi lake, one of the tourism spot of the area.
Orphan’s FC 2-
ITANAGAR, May 4: VKV Banderdewa beat Arunachal Orphan’s FC 2-
In another match of the day played between Tali Pip Sorang and Gora Makik FC ended in a goalless draw, according to organizing committee.
Today’s match
1. Emirates Football Club vs C-
2. BT XI Junior Sport Club vs Chandranagar FC
Arunachal needs to train up own sportsperson
Anu Songtheng
ITANAGAR, May 4: The results of 6-
But while lauding their efforts, when we properly scrutinize the medal winners and
players of our state, it is amazing that many of the players who represented the
state were from other state. Especially, majority of the players under 10-
Though, all the players from and outside the state gave their best performance in Football, Wushu, Judo, Badminton, Karate, Boxing, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Athletics, Archery and Taekwondo, it has been observed that our Arunachalee players found it difficult to compete with athletes from other states in such activities, excepting few.
It is really amazing that why our young players were not selected or picked for such big events by the selection committee/authority of the state. Or, were our players not interested in games and sports activities?
If such trend of inducting players from other state is continued instead of promoting our own young players in various events, our state will face deficit in perfect sportsperson in near future as selecting players from outside directly curtails the tactics and knowledge on the subject matter of particular player and event.
The selecting authority as well as the people of the state should encourage and promote our young players and inculcate the importance of games and sports activities among them.
Further, the government needs to provide better sports facilities and faculties to groom our budding sports talents, and parents should encourage their kids towards physical activities not only to propel their kids in big events but also to avoid their bad habits like consuming tobacco, drinks etc.
It is worth mentioning here that, in earlier days, schools used to have extra periods on games and sports and PT (Physical Training) in the school routine. But, now such extracurricular activities are disappeared. This might be one of the reasons that our children are losing interest in physical activities. The government should also revitalize such extracurricular activities besides academic and cultural activities in various schools of the state.
News Impact
ALSU demands enquiry
ITANAGAR, May 4: Holding the Pawan Hans authorities responsible for tragic chopper crashes many a times in Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU) demanded an independent enquiry into the tragic chopper crash on April 30 in Tawang district. Pawan Hans has never bothered about the safety and security of the passengers while introducing chopper service in Arunachal Pradesh, the union said. ALSU also equally blamed the civil aviation authorities for not taking safety measures for the air travelers. It demanded suspension of Pawan Hans chopper service immediately and introduction of new chopper service of reputed company with proper safety measures. Expressing resentment over the delay in locating the chopper crash site, the union further said that Centre has failed to show its sincerity towards Arunachal and its people.
Shops and business establishment to close
ITANAGAR, May 4: All shops and business establishment in the state will be closed on Thursday as a mark respect to the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others who died after an aircraft carrying them crashed on Saturday in Tawang district.
This was informed by Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
Free blood donation
ITANAGAR, May 04: Arunachal Jagriti volunteers have contributed three units of blood to needy patient at RK Mission Hospital yesterday.
Two units were given to a patient from Upper Subansiri district while one unit was deposited at blood bank RK Mission for needy people.
Harinam Sangkirtan
ITANAGAR, May 4: Harinam Yagnya Parichalna Committee, Naharlagun will organize
a four days non-
Harinam parties from Itanagar, Laluk, Alipurduar, Dhemaji, Silaphathar and Mathabangha will be performing during the four days religious discourse. This will be followed by religious procession in the thoroughfare of Naharlagun township on concluding day of the Yagna.
Hunting and fishing banned
ITANAGAR, May 4: Khya Kao Welfare Society, East Kameng District has banned hunting, fishing through explosive, bleaching powder and other chemicals within the jurisdiction of the society and decided to impose heavy penalty against the defaulters.
It also banned child marriage, force marriage and other evil practices within the society.
Association prohibits alcohol
ITANAGAR, May 4: Taking serious note on the alcohol and its effects on driving, All Itanagar Tata Mobile Association in a press statement today strictly prohibited drinking of alcohol by any drivers during duty or working hours within capital complex.
It further directed the drivers to limit loading of goods weight as per norms and to maintain proper parking system.
Condolence
ITANAGAR, May 4: All Lingdum-
Her co-
The association prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended its condolence message to the bereaved family members.
Appointments
ITANAGAR, May 4: Talin Sorum and Bomar Sindu have been selected as president and general secretary of All Upper Subansiri Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association in its meeting held on April 29 at Daporijo.
KK Yangfo has been appointed as general secretary of All India Quami Ekta Committee Western Zone, Arunachal Pradesh.
AKO conference
ITANAGAR, May 4: Ato Kuming Olung Society conducted its 5th general conference at
Karko village, Upper Siang district from March 28-
Joint Commissioner Tax and Excise Tani Jongkey attended the inaugural as chief guest while MLA Alo Libang was the chief guest of the closing day.
Altogether, 600 delegates from West, East and Upper Siang districts, Dibang valley and Itanagar attended the conference.
Besides, selection of Onyok Tamuk and Taho Mibang as new president and general secretary of the society, free medical camp, cultural and other events were also conducted on the occasion.
Training programme
TEZU, May 4: The eight day Training Programme under Microfinance Vision 2011 for Village Workers of Lohit District for formation of Self Help Groups was organized by the Tezu District ICDS Cell Deputy Director, at the TCM M.E. School, Tezu.
Resource persons include Dr. K. Sharma, SVO, Mahadevpur and CDPOs of Tezu and Wakro, reports DIPRO.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
We seek answers
Dear Editor,
I would like to raise some question regarding chopper service and its department. Why aviation department did not stopped the Pawan Hans Service, even after tragic accident that took 17 lives recently. Why technical team concerning to aviation dept did not take safety measures. Are they carrying out maintenance or inspection on time?
Why did they allow chief minister to fly in single engine aircraft? Here we have right to know about the credibility of technical officer in charge?
What have the government done in this regard? So, many question and no answer. As a concerned citizen of Arunachal Pradesh we have right to know the other side of the story too.
Yours,
Kento Ete
New Delhi, (on email)
Our prayers are with you
Dear Editor,
All our prayers are with you, beloved Chief Minister.
It is really hard to believe that the beloved CM remained untraced for so long.
And the most tragic part is no one from the capital, forget about the center Delhi
went to meet and console the deep-
Yours,
Krishna Chetry
Malmo University,
Sweden
Pawan hans is not here to serve us
Dear Editor
This time is our honorable and beloved Chief Minister late Dorjee Khandu who was unaware of the service that was provided to him. Pawan Hans Service is not here to serve the people of Arunachal and North East States.
So Killer once again has shown its carelessness and irresponsibility.
It took them so long to trace the body of the Chief Minister. We can imagine what it would have been if it was common citizen. Take right step this time.
Yours,
A citizen, (on email)
Before we become aliens in our own land
Dear Editor
I would like to appeal the members of Adi Baane Kebang to think logically before expressing their views regarding the permanent boundary between East and West Siang districts. The genuine Arunachalee citizens residing along the Assam boundary, starting from Likabali to Nari are facing untold miseries. Inspite of being one of the oldest and densely populated constituency of the former undivided Siang district these constituencies doesn’t even have a twenty bedded hospital, leave aside schools, roads, electricity, security and other basic needs. The lands of these constituencies are being rapidly encroached by publics and govt officials from Assam.
Before we become alien in our own land I request the Arunachal govt to immediately take steps for the creation of Lower Siang district and create check post at Lumpo village. I also request our Adi brethrens to support our cause rather than creating new controversies.
Yours,
A citizen, (on email)
I too had a sigh of relief
Dear Editor,
Right from the time I came to know about the incident on Saturday, I was worried about the safety of CM. The delay in search operation due to irresponsible announcement by the Governor, who was an Army Chief was the crucial turning point in search operation. Everyone ceased to search for the copter since the Governor himself informed that CM is safe, I too had a sigh of relief.
While I mourn the death, I have a question for the Govt. of India for not taking serious action. What the Defence Minister of India is doing? He has not even commented upon this issue.
Ultimately the fate of Chief Minister is in the hands of his beloved people of state.
I am outraged to read the news that Tawang mountain division of Indian Army has only one unserviceable wireless set.
If a fighter pilot a/c crashed in same location the IAf should have retrieved the wreckage within no time.
Yours,
Thomas Manimala
UAE, (on email)
Many loopholes
Dear Editor,
The sad news of helicopter crash carrying our beloved CM along with those who were on board had crippled our hope on finding them safe.
The incident has revealed nakedly that our country is not yet fully prepared to deal this kind of disaster. We need to learn many lessons from this incident. God forbids if we have a Japan like situation. How we are going to deal and how the Government is going to save its citizens?
I have observed that Pawan Hans management authority and the State aviation department have no standard or professional managerial mechanism. Many loopholes were seen even before this unfortunate incident.
It has been more than 60 years since Independence, unfortunately till now we don't
have a national highway which connects all the regions in the State. Had there been
Arunachal trans-
Sad that we always wake up late.
Yours,
Philip Ngwazah
Itanagar, (on email)
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