May 09
News Impact
Kaying, Payum and Tato bandh
ITANAGAR, May 8: The Adi Students Union (AdiSU), going ahead with its earlier decision to oppose the proposed public hearing for 1000 MW Naying hydel project on May 11 has decided to call 48 hrs bandh on May 10 and 11 at Kaying, Payum and Tato circle respectively.
While intimating this to the West Siang deputy commissioner, AdiSU lamented that the state government, despite repeated pleas, did not respond to the demands for reconsideration of all MoAs/MoUs signed against all hydropower projects in Adi inhabited regions.
In another memorandum to the DC, AdiSU alleged non-
AdiSU cautioned the BRTF-
Committee demands removal of under secy
ITANAGAR, May 8: Joint Action Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tribes Union and All Arunachal Youth Association in a letter to chief minister demanded immediate removal of under Secretary (Power) K P Balachandran from the post.
It said that Balachandran had been relieved from government service vide order no
PERS. 03/2000 dtd.29/12/2010 on superannuation. However, the government has reappointed
him vide order no PERS-
The committee alleged that the power department is not following department roaster system and there is complete failure of DPC system.
RTI activist demands cancellation of JE appointments
ITANAGAR, May 8: RTI activist Taba Tagam has demanded investigation into the appointments of eight junior engineers (C) in power department.
In a letter to the power secretary, Tagam alleged that these appointments were made illegally by then superintending engineer (E) Anong Perme in total violation of established rule during 1994.
Equipped with RTI papers, the activist further demanded cancellation of all the appointments and suspension of the appointment authority for his alleged role of favoritism.
Union demands teachers
ITANAGAR, May 8: All Mengio Students’ Union briefing the shortage of subject teachers appealed to the Director of School Education to post English, Hindi, Maths, Music and PTI teacher each and Two science and Two Social Studies teachers at government secondary school Mengio before the commencement of new academic session.
GASA demands Guest House
ITANAGAR, May 8: Guwahati Arunachal Students’ Association (GASA) appealed to the state government to immediately construct the proposed Arunachal Guest House at Guwahati.
It said that last year state government has announced some fund for construction of the said guest house but till today there is no sign of any construction work, GASA said.
Appeal to AAPSU
ITANAGAR, May 8: The Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic Employees’ Welfare Association (RGGPEWA) appealed to All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) to reconsider the date of its proposed statewide bandh call on May 18 as the day coincided with the end semester examinations of both Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar and Tomi Polytechnic College, Basar, which commenced from May 7, for greater interest of the students’ community.
NEHMC&H semester exams
ITANAGAR, May 8: The BHMS I, II, III & IV Semester Examination of North East Homoeopathic
Medical College and Hospital under Rajiv Gandhi University would be conducted from
June 11-
8 civil labourers rescued by AR
ITANAGAR, May 8: The 4 Assam Rifles (AR) troops from Bn HQ Changlang rescued eight
civil labourers, who were trapped under a heavily loaded truck which fell 30 feet
below the main road when the driver lost control on Khonsa-
The Assam Rifles team rushed off to the accident site immediately after they were informed about the accident by local people and started rescue operation. The truck was on its way to Laiboung when the accident occurred. The rescued persons were taken to Govt. Hospital Changlang in 4 Assam Rifles ambulance.
The efforts and assistance provided by 4 Assam Rifles clearly indicates the good and healthy relationship that 4 Assam Rifles enjoys with local population of Changlang and hopefully it will continue to prosper in the future too.
APATCYO reiterates demands
ITANAGAR, May 8: Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clans Youth Organization (APATCYO) has reiterated its demand for establishment of engineering college, medical college, creation of Arunachal Regiment, one more MP seat in the state. It further said that English should be medium of instruction in every institution with improvement in quality of education.
Expressing resentment over lackadaisical attitude of the Govt towards its five point demands which was submitted on March 1 last to the CM, the Organization again urged the Govt to fulfill its demands within 30 days to avoid any democratic movement.
Meanwhile, in a separate press release, APATCYO demanded immediate approval of DPR with an estimated cost of Rs 286.36 crore for improvement/widening of capital road. It further said the construction work for Chimpu to Banderdewa four lane national highway should be to taken up at the earliest besides maintenance of existing road. It once again gave 15 days time to Govt to pay heed to its demand.
Contractors urge© officers to stay in posting places
ITANAGAR, May 8: All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association Lower Subansiri District Unit appealed to all the heads of departments and other officers of the district to stay in their respective posting place for better development, transparency and welfare of the district.
It also appealed to all the political leaders not to transfer any officer till completion of their tenure in the district.
Awareness camps
ITANAGAR, May 8: Kassar Valley Welfare Organization (KVWO) organized awareness camps
on preservation and protection of wildlife at Walong, Hawaii, Hayuliang and Trade
of Anjaw district from April 20-
During the camps tree plantation drives were conducted and dustbins were also distributed to the public.
The programme was sponsored by CAMPA, Department of Forest and Environment, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. and the programme were attended by Deputy Commissioner, Divisional forest official including KVWO Chairperson Madang Sonam participated in the programme.
Tribal folk music can boost state tourism sector: Sona
ITANAGAR, May 8: “The rich tribal folk music can become important source of tourism for Arunachal Pradesh,” stated Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Pasang Dorjee Sona while releasing DVD and calendar capturing the entire sequence of Arunachal Legendary Artistes Felicitation Function 2012 which was held on the month of 29th February 2012 at IG Park, Itanagar.
Addressing the press persons at Arunachal Press Club building after releasing the DVD and calendar, Sona who was organizing chairman of legendary artistes felicitation function said this was first step towards recognizing those artistes who had made state proud and contributed to conservation of tribal culture. “We are planning to organize this event after gap of every 3 year. In the next edition we would felicitate those artistes whom we could not do this time. This was the first such kind of event and we had learnt a lot from it,” said Sona. He also added the committee member will pursue department of Art and Culture for proper funding of this event in the next edition. Organizing Secretary Kipa Ajay who was also present on the occasion lauded all the people involved in successful completion of first ever Arunachal Legendary Artistes Felicitation Function 2012. “This programme could be held because of active support from Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Finance Minister Chowna Mein, Indra Mallo Jain, Secretary Art and Culture, Mamata Riba Director and Jomnya Siram deputy director, Art and Culture department along with all the committee members. Despite all obstacles we managed to conduct such programme to remember those artistes who entertained since Radio days,” said Kipa Ajay. Further he added, “We are distributing DVDs for free so that those people who could not attend the programme can watch it and get closure look of famous artistes of state.”
It is to be noted that Arunachal Legendary Artistes Felicitation Function 2012 was organized by Arunachal Guild for Cultural Integration in association with department of Art and Culture to felicitate the legendary artistes of the state. Popular singer of North East Lou Majaw had graced the occasion.
NHPC flouted rules in Subansiri project: RTI activist
Guwahati, May 8: Accusing the NHPC of flouting norms in the formulation and implementation of the Subansiri Hydro Electric Project, RTI activist J N Khataniar said this could lead to "serious ecological and seismic problems in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring areas."
Releasing details secured by means of RTI from the NHPC, the Brahmaputra Board and the Ministry for Environment and Forest, Khataniar told reporters here today that the state sector power giant gave "misleading advertisements" in newspapers and media regarding the project.
"In newspapers advertisements, NHPC claimed to have secured statutory and regulatory clearances for the project from ten bodies, including the MoEF, the Ministry of Power, the Brahmaputra Board, Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and so on before beginning construction.
"However, when I filed an RTI seeking information in this regard from the Brahmaputra Board, I was given a reply that no such clearance has been given," he said.
The Brahmaputra Board, in its reply, said: "...it is to state that there is no information
regarding requisite statutory and regulatory clearance of the Subansiri Lower Hydro
Electric Project issued by Brahmaputra Board to NHPC prior to the starting of the
construction works of the project." The activist, who is also an engineer, conducted
on-
Khataniar also filed an RTI with NHPC regarding the issue of clearances. The power
major, in reply, submitted clearance letter from only four bodies -
"The Brahmaputra Board has clearly stated that no clearance was given by it. And NHPC also failed to give any information regarding clearances it claimed to have secured from five other bodies/ministries," Khataniar said.
"The CEA had in 2003 made it clear that its clearance is granted only on the condition that NHPC will secure statutory clearance from Brahmaputra Board and the CWC. As such, it is a clear violation of the special clause enshrined in CEA's clearance," he added.
As per the clearance from the MoEF, it was stipulated that the ministry's regional office at Shillong would monitor implementation of environmental safeguards at the project area.
"In reply to an RTI filed with MoEF, I was informed that monitoring was conducted from April 2004 to March 2009...why monitoring of the project was not continued by the MoEF's Shillong office for last three years could not be explained which is another serious violation of the conditions of environment clearance," Khataniar said.
As per the clearance given by the Assam government, the state chief engineer of the state water resources department was to be included in the project monitoring committee.
"In reply to another RTI application, the government informed that the concerned official has never been invited for such work by the NHPC," he said.
He further added: "The area, situated in trans-
Roing emerging as new hub for opium market
Correspondent
ROING, May 8: The widespread opium cultivation in Lohit and Anjaw districts of Arunachal Pradesh is triggering a flood of opium in Roing, as drug traders in their quest to expand their market looks westward.
On the outskirts of Roing town, in a small rural community, people have gathered in a house to attend Igu, a religious practice of Mishmi involving a priest. Seated round the fireplace, four to five people are hooked to smoking opium ceremoniously. “It’s a sign that opium is becoming a routine addiction,” said Anjite Menjo, a local panchayat leader. “A few years back, such sights were rare in social gatherings.”
“Within a span of five-
A 2010-
Menjo leads an organization called ‘Dibang Anti Drug Campaign Committee’ which is spearheading the movement against drug addiction in Lower Dibang Valley district.
In one campaign, the committee on Sunday with support from All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) caught red handed one Ranjeet Gurung, a drug peddler from Medo in Lohit district. He was caught with 844 grams of opium from Arango village, 15 kms from Roing.
“For many days Gurung was in look out for buyers. We kept track of the communication he had with some locals and then we laid the trap,” Lokha Elapra, AIMSU president informed.
Gurung was handed over to Roing police and an FIR registered against him. He is booked under section 17 of Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. “This is just a tip of the nefarious drug racket in the district. They (drug peddler) sell their opium in cheap price and even deliver the goods to the door,” said Elapra.
Much of the opium sold in the district is smuggled from Lohit and Anjaw. A source revealed that even some college students of Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu are involved in smuggling opium in the district.
Some observers in mainstream media and civil society organizations have said the recent boom in opium trade in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh could be traced to early 1990, when United Nation Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) began its active assistance to Myanmar to eradicate illicit drug production.
It led to Myanmar’s ruthless anti opium drive in Northern provinces that to led to decline in production. As a result, the opium growing fields shifted to eastern borders of Arunachal Pradesh of Anjaw and Lohit as demands grew from across the border.
INSA in its survey conducted in Arunachal Pradesh has disclosed that there are around 3,460 hectares of land in Anjaw and 12,981 hectares land in Lohit, which produces opium. It also disclosed that 186 villages out of a total 226 in Anjaw and 95 villages out of 232 in Lohit has opium as their main source of income.
The absolute control of wholesale trade by outside agencies is also one reason cited that is encouraging opium cultivation. The local farmers don’t see ‘high income’ in growing other cash crops like orange, maize, cardamom etc, whose rate is fixed by outside traders. So the local farmers look to opium cultivation to reap windfall profits.
Since opium has become a profitable venture, it has also become a complex issue to be addressed. “It is now almost difficult to change the perception of people towards the drug trade,” says Barum Masong, an economics graduate from Rajiv Gandhi University.
“Prominent people in the Mishmi community (of Lohit and Anjaw) like doctors, teachers and administrators smoke opium and think lightly of it,” he said. And that has made the problems all the more difficult.
Razzeko Dele, Assistant Professor in IGG College, Tezu explains how opium addiction in Mishmi society is on the breach of reaching an epidemic proportion: “When a man is addicted to opium, the economic burden falls on his wife. She then starts trading opium to meet the opium intake of her husband and to make up for the cost.
Because the tribal community is a close-
The Arunachal Pradesh government in the last 10 years chose to ignore the issue of the growing opium trade in eastern districts. What is now more worrying is that INSA in its investigation has revealed that even today the state government is not serious about it.
AAPSU appeals GWS to refrain from communalizing the issue
ITANAGAR, May 8: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) is deeply hurt by the press statement of Galo Welfare Society (GWS) raising the issue of attack on Tujom Poyom on communal line.
A section of local dailies today carried a news item basing on the GWS memorandum submitted to the Governor which alleged that the attack on Poyom was a communal incident targeting the Galos.
AAPSU had earlier appealed everyone not to communalize the incident.
“GWS has to understand that Poyom is the general secretary of the apex student body of the state representing the students’ community from different tribes and religions. We regard the attack on him as attack on life of every student community of the state,” AAPSU said in a release.
“We have lodged FIR against the accused and also terminated them from the membership of the students union for period of 10 years.”
“Further, it is an internal matter of AAPSU and the union is alive to the situation,” it said.
“We appreciate GWS for raising concern over the safety and security of Galo community
residing in the Capital Complex. We are also raising concern over deteriorating law
and order situation in the state capital. There are incidents of criminal act against
members of all the tribes, including non-
Meanwhile, AAPSU, while claiming that the proposed state-
No committed efforts for greater human cause go in vain: Dr Rao
ITANAGAR, May 8: The villagers of Bagwar in Narshimpur district in Madhya Pradesh
proved their honesty as a no-
This spread a wave of curiosity among the 152 North East youth attending the ongoing ‘Youth development camp’ at Bharat Scouts & Guides HQs here today as National Youth Project director Dr SN Subba Rao shocked them further by informing that the village has not seen election since the independence in 1947 as all elected leaders are chosen unanimously by the villagers with the political party representative biting dusts.
That is the spirit of freedom, the Gandhian said, adding why should we make India a ‘police state’?
When inaugurating the hospital as chief guest, Dr Rao had sought god’s blessings that all 50 beds of the hospital should always remain vacant as a proof that the people of the area are healthy, the statement created a wave of laughter among the youth.
“No committed efforts for greater human cause go in vain,” Dr Rao said and cited
the example of a lone ranger, 31-
Few pioneers also addressed the youth, who included Arunachal Pradesh Weightlifting Association general secretary Daniel Teli, entrepreneur & ACCI general secretary Tarh Nachung, youth leader Kipa Kaha and IPR & APPSC secretary Indira Mallo Jain.
“Those who are engaged in commendable social works should become friends to create a network to neutralize the impact of negative people who form network very fast. Such a network would have a positive impact on the society,” Mallo said to the thunderous applause of the youth.
Responding to a volley of questions, including Tripura’s Panna Bhattacharjee, who wanted to know how he could be an IAS officer, Indira, the first IAS officer of the largest community Nyishi, said: “99% hard work and 1% luck. Try with commitment, success would embrace you.”
To Sikkim’s Livelihood School principal Arati Adhikari’s query on steps to empower the tribal women, she said: “The most important aspect is to win their confidence to make them part of the system which would give them power.”
Nachung, who walked for five km from his village bordering China to read in primary school and worked as a labourer, is a pioneer in food sector as his Shilpa Bakery (TNT) brand food items have invaded the state besides neighbouring areas in Assam.
Moreover, he is a builder and owns highly sophisticated equipments to build roads of national standard which he started with a loan of Rs 80,000 from PMRY.
“I’m an example of everything is possible by honest efforts,” Nachung said pointing out that he never compromised with quality, adding “Your destiny lies in your hand. Look at your palms, fix your goal and work sincerely to achieve it.”
Teli, who along with president Techi K Abrham had won national laurels for successfully
conducting the national level weightlifting championship at Nirjuli recently, explained
his tell-
“There is no substitute to hard work”, he said, while highlighting the vast scope of games & sports in the state that has given birth to inborn talents. The need is to tap them,” he added.
Kaha, who belongs to Kurung Kumey, one of the most interior districts whose 8 of
the 12 circles are linked by only porter tracks, urged the youth to be honest with
confidence and helpful towards others. Earn knowledge from studies and try to be
self-
The GoI and GoAP are providing ample opportunities for employment of the youth and
efforts are on to widen the scope, Kaha said, adding the youth could change the present
‘money-
Youth leader for active participation of youth in politics
ITANAGAR, May 8: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) vice president Kipa Kaha encouraged active participation of youths in politics to strengthen democracy and good governance.
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. So it is very important for the nation to invest
in youth for nation building, Kaha said while addressing a huge gathering of youth
as resource person at a programme on self-
Kaha said: “self-
“Self-
“To begin with, having the right skill/knowledge is essential for self employment.
You should be well equipped with a specific skill to start a new venture. If one
is well equipped, nobody can stop our youth to become self-
The Seva Dal vice president exhorted the youths to take up agriculture and horticulture activities seriously as Nabam Tuki led state government has given top priority on this sector besides games and sports.
He gave importance on identifying the talent and skill of an individual and making him aware and realize his/her potential, giving them vocational training to hone their skills and finally assisting them to take up self employment ventures.
He advised the young generation to work towards acquiring professional skills, develop creative/innovative thinking for self confidence. He also advocated for sensitizing the youth towards social issues such as poverty, illiteracy, environmental pollution etc.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
We apologize for mistake
Dear Editor,
This is in reference to the news item appeared in your daily on May 8 edition wherein All Nyishi Youth Council (ANYC) claimed that the word “Hills Miri” is wrongly used in place of Nyishi in the Mastering Competitive Exam published by GGL group.
It is right claim and noble move by ANYC for better future. We apologize for the mistake which might hurt the sentiment of Nyishi community. It is to mention here that the said book is old and first edition. The preparation of General Knowledge book for publication is taking long time. In the meantime, many changes have taken place about some informations of Arunachal Pradesh. The new edition of the said book is yet to release in the market in which some rectification or changes have been done particularly deletion of the word “Hills Miri”, etc. Instantly after getting information of said mistake, we have intimated to the seller to stop selling of the book.
Yours,
N Dojeh
Publisher
GGL Group (SSSBE unit)
Violence growing day by day
Dear Editor,
I would like to bring into light the violent activities which are growing day by
day as an epidemic. It reminds me of a line from Coleridge which can be reflectively
quoted here in this manner “Violence, violence everywhere -
Violence in the state Capital Complex is increasing day by day. The recent brutal attack on AAPSU GS Poyom by miscreants is an explicit evidence of violence which is slowly engulfing the state. Exemplary punishment should be given to the attackers. Here it is pertinent to mention here that the state Govt has failed to nab the culprits involved in the recent fire incident at Nirjuli in which three lost their lives. This indicatively exposes the weakness of the state govt and thereby reciprocates fear and insecurity in the minds of the general public. How will people trust the efficiency of the Government and investigating agencies? How can they live in peace ?
We sternly criticize and condemn growing violent incidents and physical assault on Poyom. We appeal to the authorities concerned to investigate the matter for appropriate punishment to the assaulters. We also appeal to the all students bodies of the state and other organizations to be responsive towards issues related to the crime and violence etc and gain the faith and trust of common people.
Yours,
Kenjit Paja , president
Lodu Ao Youth Club
Upper Subansiri Unit.
Genuine case
Dear Editor,
Indeed Ziro is very pleasant place as far as climatic condition is concerned. Ziro is always described as Plateau, Plain and Valley because of its unique landscape. All the major administrative offices are located at Hapoli including DC and SP’s office. So, the population in the Hapoli town has increased considerably because of all the basic facilities.
Before the administrative set up at Hapoli, it was known as Haopolyang (Hao-
Therefore, I feel it is a very genuine case which needs to be supported by everyone concerned.
Yours,
Mihin Sambyo
Itanagar
Daily market needs attention
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of all our elders and responsible citizens of Itanagar towards the pathetic insanitary condition prevailing in the Itanagar daily Market. Daily Market is a place where everyone from top echelon to bottom have to visit and purchase all the daily needs of kitchen like meat, fresh vegetables etc. But what do we see? We see all the litters and animal waste scattered all around the Daily Market which is left to decay for many days, causing nauseating smells and invites many flies and insect which is the transmitter of many disease.
In school, we are taught many hygienic and cleanliness lesson and to maintain civic sense but practically when we visit those important place, those civic sense are never seen. This is happening despite the Daily Market is visited by all the VIPs and responsible people of the capital city, but we hardly see any improvement in the pathetic condition of daily market. The essence of hygiene is almost nil. The waste material from fish and meats are scattered around and the butchers never maintain any hygienic norms. Drainage system inside the Daily Market is never maintained and cleaned, which causes overflow of drain water into the market place during rainfall and the garbage are stacked inside the market and left for many days without dumping away. The most ridiculous part is spitting of the visitors and sellers all around the vegetables and meats which really gives us bad impression.
If this is what happening in the capital in spite of having so many intellectuals, how shall we inspire other remote places? We need to be careful and responsible for the welfare of the society. I, therefore, request the concerned authority to look into the matter and take necessary steps for a safer “Daily Market.”
Yours,
Roshmi Garam,
VKV Itanagar
Construct the office at Papu Nallah
Dear Editor,
I strongly oppose the move to construct the office of the director of transport at Yupia whereas the state Govt has sanctioned/approved sufficient fund for construction of the office at Papu Nallah near Julang road. It is surprising that why the office is shifted or going to be constructed at Yupia.
I appeal to the authority concerned to stop the working process for the said office immediately. Also I request to the construction agency to kindly construct the office at Papu Nallah. Senor citizens and general public want the office within the Capital Complex not in district headquarter.
Yours,
Yangbiu Tajuk
Vice president
City Congress Committee
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Marginal decline in global food prices
Global food prices fell by 1.4 per cent between March and April, but seem to have stabilized at a relatively high level, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in its monthly food price index.
According to the index, projections for the second half of this year and into early next year indicate generally improved supplies and continuing strong demand. Consequently, the global food import bill in 2012 could decline to $1.24 trillion, down slightly from last year’s record of $1.29 trillion.
The forecast for cereals production indicates a modest expansion this year to a new record of 2,371 million tons, compared to 2,344 million tonnes in 2011.
However, within the cereals sector, wheat production this year is projected to fall by 3.6 per cent – compared to 2011 – to 675 million tonnes, with the largest declines forecast for Ukraine, followed by Kazakhstan, China, Morocco and the European Union.
The price decline was the first after three consecutive months of increases, and although the index is significantly down from its record level of 235 points in April last year, it is still well above the under 200 figure that preceded the 2008 food crisis.