May 07
News Impact
Environment awareness campaign
ITANAGAR, May 6: Ziro based Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), Hong organized environment awareness campaign at Hapoli recently under state CAMPA for protection and preservation of forest and wild life.
The programme was sponsored by Hapoli Forest Division, Ziro.
Speaking on the occasion, ADC T Murtem calld upon the participants to protect and preserve wild animals, birds and trees for better environment and ecological balance.
He further advised the participants to keep the surrounding of their respective village and town clean and informed that using of certain plastic product would be banned within Lower Subansiri District soon. DFO Hibu Tadi appealed to the gathering to plants more trees.
Resource person and District Tourism Officer, Tater Mize appreciated the BMC, Hong for their tireless efforts for conservation and preservation of flora and fauna. He also urged the gathering to preserve and protect flora and fauna of the district.
Deputy Director UD, Ziro PK Thongun highlighted the importance of waste management.
BMC Member Kago Kampu particularly appealed to the women and children to properly dispose off the waste materials and also urged the women community to participate in the movement against killing and hunting of wild life.
‘Wrong information’
ITANAGAR, May 6: All Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Welfare Association (AAPTWA) president and general secretary in a joint press release today claimed that the press statement published in this daily on April 6 regarding apology was issued without any knowledge of all executive members of the Association. They further claimed the statement carried wrong information and there was no apology as mentioned in the news item.
Computer education centre
ITANAGAR, May 6: A sub-
The sub-
NCP gears up for party election
ITANAGAR, May 6: The organizational election of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Arunachal Pradesh unit at various levels would be held shortly, according to a party release.
The party high command has taken the election very seriously in view of the coming PRI and municipality elections in the state, NPC state unit president Ngurang Pinch said in a meeting in the party headquarter today. He further informed that the election date would be fixed immediately after the appointment of Returning Officer.
The central party high command has appointed Tad Tana as chairman of the state election authority and James Techi Tara and Kara Gambo as members.
Reconsider proposed bandh call: RGUSU
ITANAGAR, May 6: The Rajiv Gandhi University Students’ Union (RGUSU) requested the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) to reconsider the date of its proposed statewide bandh call as the proposed date coincided with the University’s end semester examination which is commencing from May 7 to June 4.
Hoping a positive response from the apex students’ body of the state, RGUSU said that reconsideration of its proposed bandh call will benefit the students in timely declaration of results which will also facilitate the students to seek admission in other universities.
RGUSU condemned the recent attack on AAPSU general secretary Tujom Poyom. Appreciating the decision taken by the AAPSU against the culprits, it appealed to the state government to do all possible measures to tackle the deteriorating law and order situation.
Society resolves to protect Biological Park
ITANAGAR, May 6: Biological Park and Gyekar Sinyi Protection and Development Society (BPGSPDS) in its recently conducted meeting resolved to prevent illegal encroachment in and around Biological Park and Gyekar Sinyi. The house also decided to preserve and protect its flora and fauna.
Among others, villagers from Ganga, Chemi, Bath, Lor and Chimpu villages participated in the meeting.
Rongali Bihu celebrated with the message of cultural unity
NAHARLAGUN, May 6: The denizens of Itanagar and Naharlagun are agog with jubilation with the celebration of Rongali Bihu, the spring festival of the Assamese community in a big way for the first time.
Thousands of people, irrespective of caste creed and religion thronged the Art and Culture ground here to witness the extravaganza being celebrated since yesterday with much fanfare.
The atmosphere around the celebration site was the cynosure of all eyes as beats of dhol (drum), and melodious tune from the ‘pepa’ and ‘gogona’ rent the air in unison with the dance performed by various Assamese damsels.
Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development Punji Mara, who was the chief guest
of the celebration while appreciating the Assamese community for celebrating the
festival in a mega way, called for strengthening the age-
Terming Bihu as a catalyst for uniting all caste, creed and religion, Mara recalled the contribution of the Assamese community to Arunachal Pradesh since NEFA days.
“We have a strong bond with Assamese people since time immemorial and they (Assamese)
contributed a lot for expansion of education in the state. Still we maintain cordial
relation with our neighbouring state through marital relation,” he said referring
to Jalley Sonam, president of the celebration committee who is incidentally the son-
Stating that Bihu is synonymous to Mopin, Solung, Nyokum, Si-
INTUC general secretary Chungma Tajo, who was the guest of honour of the festival,
asserted that the age-
Husori competition, bihu dance competition in various sections, performance of Jeng Bihu by women folk were some of the highlights of the cultural evening, while noted Assamese actor Arun Hazarika famous actresses Chetana Das and Minu Bonia and celebrity Munmi Phukon were the added attractions of the cultural extravaganza.
Reputed Singer Tarun Tanmoy from Guwahati enthralled the audience with his melodious numbers in the cultural nite.
Buddha Purnima celebrated with religious fervour
ITANAGAR, May 6: Buddha Purnima, the greatest festival of Buddhists was celebrated with great religious fervour and gaiety here today.
Thousands of devotees took out a religious procession from Thuptan Gya-
Prayers for world peace and harmony, religious discourse by the head monks and offering
of ration items for the patients of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital and illumination
and lighting of lamps at Theravada Vihara and Thuptan Gya-
This day of Buddha Jayanti commemorates three important events of Buddha's life: His birth in 623 BC, his enlightenment (attainment of supreme wisdom), in 588 BC and his attainment of Nirvana (the complete extinction of his self) at the age of 80.
Special prayer was organised to pay homage to the great visionary son of the state former Chief Minister Late Dorjee Khandu who along with his four colleagues died in a tragic helicopter crash at Tawang last year.
Both Theravada Buddhist Society and Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society recalled the contribution of Late Khandu towards the society and state and paid rich tribute to the visionary leader.
No nation can develop without channelizing youth power: Dabii
ITANAGAR, May 6: Reiterating the adage that ‘today’s child is tomorrow’s father’ to shoulder the responsibility of a family, senior Congress leader and adviser to CM, Tako Dabii today exhorted the youths of North East states to realize fast that the future is waiting to embrace them.
In his inaugural address to the five-
Appreciating the National Youth Project (NYP) for organizing the much needed camp in collaboration with Gandhi Samiti and Gandhi Darshan to give a right direction to the youth of the region, Dabii said, “A living legend is with you. Learn what you could as it is a rare opportunity and you may not get a second chance to take lessons from a personality with sea of knowledge and vast experience of serving the teeming millions of the nation,” Dabii said with conviction.
Dabii, attending such events repeatedly since 2007, conveyed his gratitude to octogenarian Gandhian and NYP founder president Dr Subba Rao, popularly known as Bhaiji for coming all the way from Lakshadweep to Tripura and here for the camp dragging on his fractured leg.
Describing the youth as the biggest assets of the country, agriculture director
(Marketing) AK Purakayastha called upon the youths to engage themselves in self-
“No nation can develop without the wholehearted support of the youth whose potentials should be tapped and utilized in the greater welfare of the nation,” Purakayastha added.
Expressing deep concern over the involvement of the youth in crimes, particularly in the Capital Complex, DC Onit Panyang advised them to realize the essence of peace and change the attitude to give right direction to their future, which in turn is the future of the nation.
The camp right from 5 am would cover physical exercises, community services, flag
salutation, technical session related to skill development, language class, exchange
of languages by the participants, befriending through grouping, moral lessons, talent
search, games & sports, cultural exchange and all-
Takio Yash Memorial Volleyball tourney
Cher-
ITANAGAR, May 6: Cher I Panchayat and Lichi ll emerged winners in Men’s and Women’s category respectively in the first ever Takio Yash Memorial Volleyball tournament held at Upper Cher village, Kimin organized by Anne Yash SHG.
Both the winning teams were awarded cash prize of Rs.10, 000 each while the runners up teams were given Rs. 5000 each.
Taba Nanya and Nabam Togum were adjudged the best players of the tournament in women and men’s category respectively.
Altogether 16 teams participated in the tournament in both Men’s and Women’s category.
Parliamentary secretary Nabam Rebia along with Panchayat leaders and HoDs of Kimin
circle enjoyed the final matches to encourage the local players as well as to promote
rural sports on May 2. Lichi-
Training prog on loan recovery & micro-
ITANAGAR, May 6: A 6 days training programme on loan recovery and non-
The programme was conducted under the guidance Dr. J.B. Dutta, an eminent banker and cooperator of the country from North East and faculty and resource persons from NABARD and other organizations from Assam.
T Thongdok MD, Apex Bank informed that the programmes were specially designed for effective recovery management of bank loans and sensitization of bank loan schemes among the general public. He advised the participants to mobilize Farmers Clubs and Self Help Groups for economic development through sustainable livelihood activities. The participants expressed their satisfaction with the programmes and rated it as first of its kind. They requested to organize more such programmes regularly in the districts, which MD agreed.
MDMI Director Dr. J.B. Dutta organized two more training programmes on May 3 at Lekhi village in collaboration with NEFA Thrift & Credit Society, Nirjuli and at Kheel village on May 5 with the help of AP Cooperative Union and circle officer, Turu which were attended by more than 100 participants from various SHGs, NGOs and farmers clubs.
Dr. Dutta was highly impressed with the performance of the bank and appreciated the initiatives taken by the MD Apex Bank. He expressed his confidence that the bank would regain the past glory under his leadership. He suggested to complete the computerization of the bank at the earliest for providing effective banking services to the rural people of Arunachal Pradesh. He promised to continue his support to bring in professionalism in the Cooperative Credit Institutions.
Casta-
ITANAGAR, May 6: The Cement & Steel Traders Association -
While informing this, the association said that an ultimatum was given to the brick
traders in Borgaon for getting their VAT registration done in Arunachal Pradesh to
prevent losses in revenue collection. However, in the process of creating awareness
among the private contractors about the benefits of tax collection in the state,
some brick companies in Borgaon misled the local people resulting in attack and assault
on the associations volunteers, CASTA-
Arunachal Pradesh has lost over Rs.150 crore plus revenue in the last three decades of brick trading in Arunachal Pradesh due to non collections of tax, illegal donations at check gates by various organizations, the association claimed and demanded the state Govt. to verify the matter as soon as possible to prevent any further revenue losses.
It claimed that 80% of brick factories in Borgaon produce inferior quality of bricks
and that is why CASTA -
The CASTA-
The association also informed that it had turned down the request of Bricks Traders
Union of Borgaon to hike the price of bricks in this off-
CASTA-
Meanwhile, CASTA-
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Global land and poorer countries
A latest report by Friends of the Earth, an international watchdog says that anywhere from 80 to 227 million hectares of rural, often agrarian land, typically in poorer countries have been taken over by private and corporate interests in recent years. Programmes and policies pushed by the World Bank, the organisation suggests, have been both directly and indirectly responsible for this trend, with examples reportedly coming from more than 60 countries.
Some of these are countries which struggle to feed their own populations but which have enough fertile land to attract foreign investors, the report states. Such figures are on the rise, driven by increased human demand for vegetable oils and the evolving global market for biofuels.
These developments have been further exacerbated by certain international efforts
to combat global climate change, such as the U.N.-
Decades of World Bank policies have created the basis for what is happening today,
observers feel. Most of the critics opined against Bank-
RAI may seek transparency from land deals, but even if done transparently, the transfer
of large tracts of land to investors is still going to deprive smallholder farmers
and local communities from crucial, life-
Confusing democracy
Dear Editor,
India, the largest Democracy in the world, is still confused with its selection for
new Presidential candidate. The situation is such typical that all the political
parties are trapped in political dilemma for the past some days. As the tenure of
the President is going to be expire very soon, political parties are not in a position
to decide whom to support or nominate the candidate for the prestigious Presidential
post due to not having full majority inside the parliament. But my question to our
leaders is that “When and can India create an Obama-
Barack Husain Obama, the first African American (earlier called “black”) President of USA, has created the history by marking the beginning of new era. American citizens, irrespective of caste, creed and colour, can now proudly say that there is no scope for racism in their country.
Perhaps India, one of the largest democracies in the world, can learn at least one
thing from the Obama phenomenon whose popular slogan was “Change”. The Indian politicians,
who most often or always identify themselves by their linguistic, religious, caste
or so called communal identity, would do well by taking inspiration from Obama’s
principle i.e. in spite of being an Afro-
However what is possible in America seems impossible in India. In India, the political parties would nominate a candidate overlooking his/her religious or caste identity. Seldom in India, have politicians sincerely asked the voters to vote him judging his performance and not his religious, caste or linguistic identity. The question arises here?
There is no denial to the fact that compared to India, America is by far a less heterogeneous country and their federal structure is so strong that all the federating unit are economically well balanced, which made it easier for Obama to say that foremost identity is an American and that their regional and other identities are secondary issue. India on the other hand, is a land of diversity, with more than 1600 dialects, and it is linguistically and culturally so diverse that it’s subject carry multiple identities. So if one identifies himself with his linguistic or religious identity, he is doing nothing objectionable. Further economic imbalance makes India’s federating units make various secessionist demands. Under such circumstances it is natural that a federating unit and its inhabitants would identify themselves more by their regional identity rather than nationalistic identity.
But giving respect to this perspective, one can say that when a politician deliberately identifies or gives much emphasis to his caste or religious identity, much more than his nationalistic identity, only for the fulfillment of a short term goal and to capture power, problem arises. This is so special when it is done by leaders of the national political parties, who are responsible for making policies for the whole country.
Often it is found in India that politicians, for mare vote bank politics, pursue a negative path of propagating an agenda, best suitable for them but harmful for national integration. The danger of such an agenda resulted in confining an individual into a particular identity against a multiple identity, sometime resulting in extreme chauvinistic demand from a particular region.
While India is seeking a path of development, mass participation is an important criterion for achieving its goal. It is thus good that leaders in India try to become mass leaders like Obama or APJ Abdul Kalam, beyond caste, creed and narrow politics. Especially a democratic country like India which is not only diverse but also is still in a nascent stage of its democratic setup compared to USA.
Going to the definition of Abraham Lincoln, A democratic government is setup and controlled by the electorate. But in India today money and muscle power have began to dominate the parliament. When a politician with criminal background asserts that he is the result of public opinion, actually both the electorate and elected abuse the term. With educated class less interested in voting, which could have make a difference, public opinion bound to be an abused one. So India can also produce an Obama like inspiration, if the electorate use their voting power judiciously and be vigilant and alert. In most of the time we vote emotionally and not rationally, showing some party allegiance and weakness towards a candidate who is from our caste, community, region and religion. America has set an example, can India do it in the days to come, or is it too much to ask this from our politicians and the electorate?
Yours’
Mibo Pertin
Don Bosco College, Itanagar
Withdrawal of letter
Dear Editor,
With humble submission I have the honour to lay down the following lines relating to publication of my letter “Appeal to RGU VC” in this daily on 5th May.
In this regard, I express my deep sense of regret for publishing the above letter which is not intent to malign and have nothing to do with the ongoing teaching posts recruitment at Rajiv Gandhi University. It is learnt that all the candidates for the department of Zoology shortlisted and hosted in RGU website is based on academic merit and has no any alliance with the family member of any officials and authorities concerned. It was false information in conjugation to the selection procedure being conducted by the most expertised committee members. And the alleged personnel in my letter are totally naive.
In view of the above, I withdraw my letter and content in the letter must be treated as null and void.
I do hereby render my act of contrition if somebody is marred out of my letter.
Yours’
Ngurang Meena
RGU campus
Basic problems of Dambuk people
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to highlight basic problems faced by the people of Dambuk in Lower Dibang Valley district. Though words are limited and not enough to explain our problems but here I am making a sincere and modest attempt to write some of the basic problems. Since time immemorial we are depending on the mercy of nature to reach Dist. Hq Roing, merely 40km and adjoining district headquarter Pasighat, merely 60km away from Dambuk. The area remain cut off from mainland for several months during summer as the area is surrounded by various rivers, where bridges could be made easily in today’s technological era.
Today when the world is changing fast, we are debarred from basic needs like road connectivity, electricity and banking system, rest we consider as luxury. So I on behalf of Dambuk people make a humble request to the concerned MLA, public leaders and district authorities to look into the genuine grievances of people and to work for the progress of Dambuk so that future generation will not be under the darkness which has already been faced by past and present generation. Hope very soon Dambuk will have a bright future ahead.
Yours’
Pradeep Ratan
Dambuk
Let them tackle their problems
Dear Editor,
This is in reference to the news article “AAHSU team meets NEHC&H authority” on May 4.
I would like to clarify the matter that we the executive body members of the AAHSU (All Arunachal Homoeopathy Students' Union) are completely unaware of the meeting with the Chairman of North East Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital by AAHSU team.
How could the AAHSU president constitute any such team without being convened any executive meeting or without including any executive member? There was no any notification or information and even no such resolution has been made to meet the Chairman of the NEHMC&H by the Union. Here we demand an explanation from the Union President regarding his role in meeting with the said Chairman by a team of AAHSU as no executive members are aware of such program. So the question arises who were in the team?
The issues or problems of the students of the institute are being tackled by the Parents Coordination Committee of the institute,even the Students' Union of NEHMC&H and the said Parents' Committee has not sought it’s (AAHSU) intervention in the matter. Henceforth, AAHSU should not interfere in the matters related to the institute without knowing the actual situation of the problems/issues.
Yours’
Joram Atu, Convenor, AAHSU
Correction
Dear Editor,
In my letter “Issue the Annual Statement” (4th May) the authority to issue the annual statement of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) or New Pension Scheme was wrongly mentioned as the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education instead of Directorate of Account and Treasury, Naharlagun. Therefore, the concerned department to issue Annual Statement of CPS may be read as Directorate Account and Treasury, Naharlagun. The mistake is highly regretted.
Yours’
Moge Dirchi
An employee
All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.
-