May -
Arunachal prays for wellbeing of CM as chopper goes missing
ITANAGAR Apr 30: The chopper with the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu on board is missing since Saturday morning. According to reports, the Chief Minister with four others took off from Tawang at 9:56 am and was to land at Itanagar at 11:30 am by a Pawan Hans helicopter Eurocopter B3 craft. The crew is reported to have made last communication with the base while it was overflying Sela Pass, 20 minutes after taking off from Tawang. After that all communications were lost.
The four other on board includes security officer Yeshi Chodak, crew members Captain J S Babbar and Captain K S Malick, and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang MLA Tsewang Dhondup.
As news of the missing chopper spread, hopes were raised when the Governor Gen (retd) J J Singh and Defence spokesperson told news channels that the chopper had indeed landed safely in Bhutanese territory.
However by evening, the Bhutanese officials are reported to have informed the Indian government that no chopper landed in its territory.
Two IAF helicopters were sent for the rescue and search operations which searched the route from Tawang to Itanagar. However, because of inclement weather they had to come back after two hours of search.
As the news spread like wild fire, this office was inundated with calls enquiring about the safety of the Chief Minister and others. While Arunachal continues to pray for the safe return and well being of all on board, till filling of this news item, there were conflicting reports regarding the safety of the Chief Minister and those others onboard.
Meanwhile, a high level emergency meeting was held at CM’s cell which was attended by ministers, MP Takam Sanjay and senior officers, including Chief Secretary Tabam Bam and IGP SBK Singh.
After the meeting government spokesman and Power Minister Jarbom Gamlin informed that the state government has been in constant touch with the central government as well as the government of Bhutan.
As the safe landing of the CM’s chopper in Bhutan was yet to be officially confirmed, the Army, SSB, ITB personnel will be launching a massive search operation at the break of the dawn tomorrow while the IAF choppers would conduct recce till the final outcome, he informed.
“We only hope and pray that the CM and the team are safe”.
The meeting set up a crisis management cell with principal secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering, civil aviation commissioner Hage Khoda, home secretary A K Srivastav, IGP SBK Singh, DIGP (West) Robin Hibu, DIG(Intelligence) Anil Shukla, City DC Pawan Kumar Sain and SP Apang Tamut. The committee will be monitoring the situation under the overall guidance and supervision of Chief Secretary Tabom Bam.
Gamlin, on behalf of the state government, urged the people not to panic and pray for the safety and safe return of the chief minister as well as others.
He also urged the people of Tawang, West and East Kameng districts to inform the local administration or the police immediately about the any information about the missing chopper and those on board.
The state government has suspended all programmes including the May Day celebrations.
Government on Saturday night alerted the Department of Space and ISRO for help in locating the whereabouts of the missing helicopter carrying Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others.
Union Home Secretary GK Pillai said that Indian satellites have made two passes over the probable area from where the Pawan Hans helicopter went missing 20 minutes after takeoff from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh but has not picked up any signals.
He said Pawan Hans helicopter carries a location transponder that can communicate at 406 MHz frequency in the event of any emergency or it could also be manually operated.
Pillai said depending upon the weather tomorrow morning IAF helicopters from Dibrugarh and Jorhat will carry out aerial recee.
He said there was some confusion about reports that the helicopter had been located but actually it still remains untraced till Saturday night.
Manipur emerge overall champion, Arunachal finish 2nd
North East Games
Staff Reporter
BOMDILA, Apr 30: Manipur emerged overall champion in the 25th North East Games which concluded at Lopon Stadium Dirang today. Hosts Arunachal Pradesh finished runners up with a total medal haul of 115.
Manipur notched up a whopping 135 medals, including 56 Gold, 37 Silver and 42 Bronze while the hosts bagged36 Gold, 37 Silver and 42 Bronze. Manipur bagged highest medals in Wushu (20 G, 10 Sil., 8 Br.) also became champion in Archery (both boys and Girls), Jodo (both boys and girls, Weightlifting (both boys and girls), Taekwondo and Wushu in both the disciplines of Sansu and Taulu.
Arunachal bagged highest medals in Karate (16 Gold, 4 Silver and 1 bronze). The hosts won five Gold in Wushu, four in Archery, Three each in Taekwondo, Judo and Boxing and two in Weightlifting.
The hosts team became champion in Archery (boys), Karate (both Boys and Girls) and runners up in Judo (Girls), Weightlifting (Girls), Taekwondo (both Boys and Girls).
Assam became champion in Badminton (both boys and Girs) and Tabble Tennis (both boys and girls) while Tripura won highest medals in Athletics (16 G, 6 Sil, 5 Br.) to become champion. Mizoram won highest medals in Taekwondo and Boxing (boys) and was adjudged best in March past.
In football, Mizoram beat Tripura by a solitary goal to become champion.
A total of 1175 participants from all the eight Northeastern states, including Sikkim
participated in the 6-
The closing ceremony was attended by RD and PR Minister Takar Marde as chief guest while Birigadier J Gamlin was the guest of honour.
Final Medal Tally
Gold Silver Bronze Total
Manipur 56 37 42 135
Arunachal Pradesh
36 37 42 115
Assam 22 30 37 89
Mizoram 21 21 26 68
Tripura 17 07 15 39
Sikkim 07 08 17 22
Nagaland 05 13 22 40
Meghalaya 05 09 22 36
HPC calls for extension of time
ITNAGAR, Apr 30: The first meeting of Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) on granting
of Permanent Residential Certificates (PRCs) to Non-
After a long discussion with the Student unions, DC of Tezu, Papumpare, Changlang and Commissioner Home, the meeting headed by MP Takam Sanjay decided that the committee would sought extension of time to one year for formulation of a decision, inclusion of Secretary law in committee, visit all the problematic areas like Lohit, Changlang,East Siang, Papumpare, West Kameng,Dibang Valey among others.
The State Government after an all Party Legislators meeting had constituted JHPC
to examine the issue of PRCs to Non-
The committee was constituted on December 3, 2010 last under the Chairmanship of M P, Takam Sanjoy and it has been asked to submit the report within 6 months.
The JHPC is empowered to co-
Sanjoy urged the govt to extend the time period to another one year since the issue
relates to political, ethnic and socio-
Another very important issue the MP highlighted was to resolve and streamline through a policy decision to evolve Policy Guidelines to the emerging demographic changes that are going to take place when all Hydro Power developers including CPSUs and Private Companies starts positioning their workers, labourers and technicians in various project areas.(DIPR)
Veterinary aid centres at Poma
& Jote sought
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Upper Balijan ZPM Nabam Sukia has appealed to the state veterinary
department to establish veterinary aid centres at Poma and Jote villages besides
up-
Pointing out various livestock diseases that has been prevalent in the area, the ZPM further said that veterinary department should also establish a veterinary dispensary at Sangdupota so that livestock treatment could be provided at the time of need. She also appealed to the general people of the area to coordinate with the veterinary department and the doctors to gain maximum knowledge about primary livestock disease preventive measures.
Cooperation and coordination between the people and veterinary officers is must in order to bring the animal disease to zero level, the ZPM said. Techi Ana, ASM, Poma and Nabam Radhe, ASM, Jote also spoke on the occasion. They appreciated the veterinary department and members of Arunachal Pradesh Veterinary Association for conducting such awareness camp.
Addressing the gathering veterinary and animal husbandry director Hage Tabin assured to consider the grievances of the farmers on priority basis. Efforts will be made for inclusion of the demands of the people in annual operation plan of the department, he said.
Many senior doctors and officers including Dr. Tachi Taku, Dy. Director and Dr. Karbom Basar, D.I.O. spoke in length on the importance of the World Veterinary Day, animal health care and called upon the farmers to cooperate with the department.
Around 200 animals including Mithuns and pigs have been vaccinated by the doctors and emergency medicines distributed to the farmers on the second day of the awareness camp.
Meanwhile, the veterinary department has decided to provide piglets to 20 needy farmers who were selected by the local panchayat leaders.
Large number of people from villages under Jote-
A journey of a determined soul
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 30: The people across the country witnessed many labour movements, agitations and strikes in the name of trade union in the last half century or so. However, such unionism is new in the state.
But within a short span of time, the workers union of the state has achieved tremendous success with welfare measures for the workers section under the leadership of the present Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board Chairman cum Indian National Trade Union Congress working President and All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union President Jalley Sonam.
Though, one of their main demands “Labour Court” could not be materialize till today, many of their demands like hike in labour wages, inclusion of four Sundays as paid holidays, three months maternity leave for casual workers etc have been materialized.
Sonam, son of late Khage Sonam of East Kameng started his career as a casual worker in Public Works Department and then general secretary of All Arunachal Pradesh PWD Workers’ Union in 1993, All Arunachal Pradesh RWD, Electrical Workers President, Minimum wages advisory board member, labour welfare board member and also took active part in CoSAAP. At present he is also holding the post of president of All Arunachal Pradesh Anganwadi Helpers Union.
Ever since he took the reign of trade union leader, his top most priority was to unite all departmental workers union of that time and to bring them under one umbrella. When the value of solidarity has been realized by the workers of the state, his mission was accomplished with formation of the Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) in year 2003 with its office in Naharlagun.
With the unification of different unions under APTUF, the federation took out its first peace rally at Itanagar in 2004, demanding hike in labour wages, bonus and other benefits for the casual laborers of the state.
Later, in 2005 Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) was rechristened to All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union (AAPWU) with Jalley Sonam and Changma Tajo as its first president and general secretary respectively.
Under their leadership state workers’ union has reached its zenith. The state witnessed
violent protests by the members of AAPWU in 2005, demanding labourers rights like
hike in wages, bonus, and inclusion of four Sundays etc. Thousands of workers across
the state took active part in the rally, which compelled the Police to resort to
lathi-
In 2007, he was appointed as Secretary General INTUC Arunachal Pradesh unit and recently appointed as working president INTUC, AP unit.
Further, the constant movement of AAPWU and INTUC bore another fruit to address the workers grievances in form of Arunachal Pradesh Building & others construction Workers Welfare Board with Padi Richo as its first chairman.
As a Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Sonam along with APB&OCWWB Secretary cum Labour Commissioner Ojing Darung and Deputy Labour Commissioner Dr. SP Bhardwaj has also conducted extensive labour awareness campaigns in almost all district of the state where they highlighted the benefits provided under Building and Other Construction (Regulation of Employment & Condition of Service) Act, 1996 and the Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996.
Under their leadership, they granted advanced medical and maternity assistance, workers children scholarship, death and funeral assistance etc to deserving labourers and also handed over ambulance at some circle and other benefits for the welfare of workers community under Chief Minister Welfare Scheme and others. Despite all these achievements, many workers grievances are still need to be addressed by the government and the workers union.
Tom Simai
In Changlang district there are disparate methods of fresh water fishing. The numerous mode adopted by the locals are traditional method (poisoning by tree bark and herbs), traps, different type of fishing net, generator, electricity, poison (bleaching powder, DDT, thydin & other pesticides used in tea & orange gardens) and custom made explosive. From all this method, fishing by custom made explosive is the most volatile with devastating impacts on aquatic lives. And unfortunately, it is the most popular form of fishing in the region because of the maximum kills and huge profit it earns in couple of hours.
We don’t have to be a rocket scientist to prepare the fishing bomb.
It’s so easy that the primary school children and rural folks aged 12 to 18 of this area has become an expert in it. All they need to do is procure two packets of fire cracker worth Rs 400 which is the prime ingredient and in the evening they are richer by some thousand rupees.
Here is the math’s, with the investment of Rs 410 (including the rope and match box prices), minimum earning is Rs 3000 (Rs 100 x 30 Kg) and on a good day it goes up to Rs 10,000. Because of such mindboggling profit in short span, fishing by explosive has gained instant popularity among all ages.
To prepare the bomb, what we need is a tiny hollow bamboo measuring some 4 inches, a match box, any kind of rope, a stone weighing more or less 250 gm and a packet of crackers. The fuse to ignite the lower part of the gun powder is made of tiny hollow bamboo that is stuffed with phosphorus or phosphorus sesquisulfide extracted from the match ‘head’. Then the gun powder also known as black powder (mixture of sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate) is unwrapped from the fire crackers. After extraction it’s firmly enveloped inside a poly bag to make it water proof and tied with a rope. The fuse is inserted on the upper part by piercing a small hole on it. Finally the bomb is tied with a stone so that it reaches the river surface for maximum impact.
The fuse is manually ignited and then the explosive is hurled at the desired spot standing on the river bank.
A single custom made explosive has the capacity to kill more than 100 Kg of fishes at a time as well as obliterating other aquatic lives. If mistimed, it can kill a person from its impact. There are several cases in Jairampur alone where people have lost their hands and eyes due to mishandling and mistiming.
It’s not that the authorities are not concerned about its rising popularity, an executive order that bans fishing by explosive and poison still persist but they are unable to monitor it due to lack of man power. Moreover, under Indian Fisheries Act 1897 Section 4 & 5 the destruction of fish by poison and explosive is a criminal offence. But who cares.
The use of explosive and poison has severely affected the aquatic lives in all part of the region. The situation is so grim that if some drastic measure is not taken up then the various fish species like the ‘Golden Masheer’ which is also the state fish will disappear from the fresh water of this region in couple of years. (The writer can be reached at simaitom@gmail.com)
Giogi Taya Memorial Football Trophy
ITANAGAR, Apr 30: The first ever Giogi Taya Memorial Football Trophy began in presence of large number of spectators at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium today.
The tournament began with the opening match between B T -
In the second match played between Senki Valley and AKWAFC, the former thrashed the
latter by 4-
Hura Tako, Abraham Dolo and Khyoda Vijoy scored one each for AKWAFC.
Earlier, the chief guest and local MLA Tech Kaso called upon the sportspersons to devote themselves in sports and games to earn name and fame in national level.
ANSU president Sikka Gapak and Pani Taram, district fishery development officer participated in the opening ceremony of the trophy as guests of honour. Both the dignitaries encourage the players to become source of inspiration for upcoming youths of the state.
News Impact
Govt primary school inaugurated
ITANAGAR, Apr 30: Local MLA Techi Kaso and T T Tara have inaugurated Govt Primary School, Yari Babar, Papu Nalla as chief guest and guest of honour respectively today.
While responding the public memorandum submitted by Papum Nallah Development Committee chairman Dare Putum, both the dignitaries assured possible assistance for infrastructure development of the school.
AEKSU urges
Seppa, Apr 30: All East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU) has urged the district administration
of both the East Kameng and Papumpare districts to immediately solve the boundary
problem at Lodaso point under Pakke-
Union President Tukfi Riang informed that a peace committee was formed earlier where the citizens of both the side agreed in toto not to encroach on each other land.
While informing that decision had been violated, AEKSU led by its President appealed the govt. to immediately call a second meeting for the early and permanent solution of the boundary problem.
Meanwhile, the union further informed that the PDS item particularly the rice item
amounting to some 20-
The Union further maintained that Seppa-
RBWS questions
ITA NAGAR, Apr 30: The Ramle Bango Welfare Society (RBWS) while responding to a press
release regarding Simen River as natural and permanent boundary' of East Siang district
said that the unilateral way in which Simen river is ascertained as natural boundary
is misleading and unfortunate. Simen River cannot be natural permanent boundary between
present East and West Siang districts; in fact there are many villages of East Siang
which fall on the western bank of the river, it said. The RBWS is shocked to see
the name of the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) being involved in the report, when the issue
of creation of Lower Siang district is mired in controversy, the action-
It further said that, everyone in Siang belt is aware of the socio-
Association demands action against assaulters
ITANAGAR, Apr 30: All Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Employees Welfare Association (AAPSTEWA) said that one Toko Raju, an APSTS driver has been assaulted by IRBn personnel at Dirang in West Kameng without any reason on April 28. The incident occurred when Raju, who was deployed in NE games duty, went to take bath in hot spring water near the games venue Dirang at around 3.30 pm, the Association said. Association alleged that a group of IRBn personnel who were also deployed in NE Games duty suddenly appeared there in inebriated condition and assaulted and pelted stone causing serious injury to Raju. It demanded the authority to take action against the wrong doers and initiate departmental enquiry into the incident.
Streamline health delivery system: UNO
ITANAGAR: United Nyishi Organization (UNO) has appealed to the Chief Minister to streamline health delivery system and adopt transparent transfer and posting policy in the state.
In a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, the UNO said that commercialization of Govt health centres including Naharlagun general hospital by charging exorbitant fees have deprived the poor patients of free health facilities. Crores of rupees are allocated in health centres for procurement of medicines for free treatment, but in reality the patients are asked to purchase medicines from market, the organization said.
The UNO also urged the Govt to discourage private practice of Govt doctors and stop charging of consultation and laboratory test fees from the patients in Govt health centres.
It further said that Govt should adopt non-
Tree plantation drive
ITANAGAR, Apr 30: All Papum Pare Youth Association conducted two days awareness campaign cum tree plantation drive at Doimukh on April 29 and 30.
Parliamentary Secretary Industry Nabam Rebia and DFO Banderdewa Tasso Sera attended the programme as chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest encouraged GBs and general public to plant more trees to save mother earth and suggested them to stop illegal hunting and fishing.
He distributed umbrella each to GBs on the occasion.
Guest of honour also encouraged the youths to organized more such awareness campaign for better atmosphere and ecological balance.
PR leaders, GBs and public also took active part in the programme.
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