May 27
CASH REWARD STANDS
The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006
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CM condemns sanguinary attack on Cong. men in Ch’garh
ITANAGAR, May 26: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed shock and grief over the mindless killing of Congress leaders and supporters by Naxals in one of the deadliest attacks in Chattisgarh yesterday.
Responding to media reports that confirmed killing of at least 28 people, including Chattisgrah Congress Chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son, former Congress MLA Uday Mudliya and Congress leader Mahendra Karma, Tuki in a message today condemned the ‘dastardly act’ of the Naxals. He viewed the act as not only attack on the Congress party but attack on democracy and the country.
“This is a moment of grief for every Congress worker and every law abiding citizen.
We are sad but we will not give in to anti-
Tuki conveyed his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the State Congress, to all those killed in the attack and prayed for early recovery of those injured.
4th Itanagar Career Fair begins on Monday
ITANAGAR, May 26: The 4th Itanagar Career Fair 2013, being organized by SAPE, a
Kolkata based leading educational fair organizer of South Asia, in collaboration
with Higher and Technical Education Department government of Arunachal Pradesh, began
on Monday at Hotel Arun Subansiri Itanagar. The education extravaganza is expected
to feature over 40 leading Indian institutions at the event. The two days career
fair will provide an opportunity to aspirant students a single gateway to entire
gamut of academic and professional courses available in India in various conventional
and non-
6th eco census begins in L/Subansiri
ZIRO, May 26: The 6th Economic Census-
The Census was conducted by team of Enumerator and Supervisor accompanied by TR Tapu,
EAC-
Trader dies in car accident
ITANAGAR, May 26: Prominent trader Dwarka Prasad Lakhotia, who served Arunachal Pradesh for over 25 years, died in a tragic road accident along NH 52 at Nagaon in Assam Saturday night.
Lakhotia, 45, is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
Lakhotia, wholesaler of many packaged commodities, was managing director of Ganesh Trading Company, G Extension, Naharlagun and executive member of Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI).
Lakhotia, who was on way to Guwahati in a self-
Expressing deep shock at the passing away of Lakhotia, who immensely contributed to the state’s trade and commerce, Nachung said he would be remembered as a capable trader and a kind hearted human being.
Conveying deep sense of shock and sorrow on behalf of the business community, Nachung conveyed deep sense of condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
The shocked traders in the Capital Complex would down their shutters during 10 am to 12 noon Monday as a mark of respect to the departed soul, he added.
Five houses gutted
Correspondent
DAPORIJO, May 26: Three houses were gutted and properties worth lakhs of rupees damaged in a massive fire near medical colony here today. One SPT building was also partially damaged in the fire.
Two fire tenders were rushed to the site and doused the flame from further spreading. Reportedly, the fire was caused by an electric cooker.
Owners could not save their properties as they were busy in their business when the accident occurred. A local expensive ‘dao’ was also burnt in the fire, the owner said. In yet another fire incident yesterday, two Govt. quarters—one OBT and another semi RCC—were burnt down at DST colony along with two motor bikes. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
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315 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.
News Impact
- Bihu reflects strong Assam-
Arunachal unity: Mein - DC leaves district under mysterious condition
- Roing water woes – Mismanagement or crisis?
- Mega dam against people’s interest will breed extremism: SPF
- To Sir, With Love...
- Governor lays foundation of banquet hall
- ‘People’s Governor’ & Arunachal
- Earning money from the rivers
- Ruksin ICDS project in vortex of corruption
Bihu reflects strong Assam-
ITANAGAR, May 26: Crediting the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for maintaining their good relations since time immemorial, Finance Minister Chowna Mein today advocated strengthening the ties by overlooking at petty difference.
Addressing a huge gathering in chaste Assamese during Bihu celebration at Nyokum Lapang here Sunday, Mein said Bihu has united the people of the entire North Eastern region.
Quoting former MP, late Wangcha Rajkumar who had described Bihu as the best folk dance and song, Mein said Bihu reverberates in every nook and corner of this Himalayan sate.
“Like five main Arunachal rivers flowing to Assam as life givers, the celebration
would further strengthen socio-
Reciprocating the gesture, Assam Home Parliamentary Secretary Bhupen Kumar Borah saluted Arunachalees for respecting the Assamese culture and celebrating Bihu with great enthusiasm.
Quoting great musical icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika, he said respect for each other’s culture would only cement the relations further and assured that he would take steps to remove petty difference for the peoples of both neighbouring state to live in peace. Assam DIG (HQ) Apurba Jiban Boruah having close affinity with Arunachal spoke at length about the cultural bond between both the states, endorsing the views of Mein.
Rajdhani Rangali Bihu Samillan-
Arunachalees are beautiful in mind and nature like the enchanting land, he said adding
he symbolized the Assam-
He appreciated Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for sponsoring the Bihu celebration to the thunderous applause of the gathering.
Earlier, the committee felicitated state’s prominent writer & Sahitya Akademy awardee Y D Thongchi, Nyishi Elite Society president Bengia Tolum, philanthropist Biny Maya Yanga (A Padmashri awardee), noted singer Bengia Tabb and state’s senior most journalist Pradeep Kumar Behera in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the society in their respective field.
Tolum, in Assamese, described the ties between both the states, by singing “Rongarey rangali ronga nadi kulu kulu geet gai dhirey dhirey bahi jai amar prem pranayar kahini Asom dexoloi loi jai.”
He quoted Bhupenda who composed the Assam-
Yanga, an Assamese daughter-
People form all walks of life attended the celebration including Arunachal Tourism Parliamentary Secretary P D Sona. A strong team for Assam including prominent singers and cultural team besides cine artists Indra Bonia, Inu Bonia, Arun Hazarika, Barsharani Bishaya, Prasanna Gogoi, Dillip Phukan, Priyanshu Gogoi, singer Mousam Gogoi attended the celebration.
“Bharatarey purba dikhar Surjya utha desh, Axom aamar rupohi gunar nahi xesh” (India’s
land of rising Sun in east our Assam’s beauty and novelty has no limit) -
DC leaves district under mysterious condition
Staff Reporter
SEPPA, May 26: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Tope Bam reportedly left the district on Saturday under mysterious condition.
Sources from Seppa informed this reporter over telephone that Bam left the district with bag and baggage without assigning the administrative responsibility to any of his subordinate officer. It is said that reason for Bam silently sneaking out of the district is yet to be known, however, unable to handle the mounting law and order situation prevailing in the district following the Panchayat elections cannot be ruled out.
With Bam leaving the district, the morale of already weakened administrators have
completely shattered amid violence and hostile situation after Panchayat election.
Now the big question arises, how would re-
While confirming the report of DC’s departure, Seppa ADC informed that the DC did not officially hand over the administrative charge to him.
Sources close to district administration told that none of the officers is ready to go to Yakali polling station, considering their life security. It is also said that officers had sought for helicopter service at Yakali polling station considering the volatile situation so that ballot box could be safely transported to Seppa.
“We are left at the mercy of mob, in such situation how can we work safely” said a circle officer.
However, Bam could not be contacted for his comment. Earlier, the district unit
of Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officer Association en-
Meanwhile, expressing its deep concern over the latest development, East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) appealed to the state government for immediate intervention to restore the law and order in the district saying that absence of deputy commissioner without assigning charge to his subordinate could worsen the situation.
EKSWCO further expressed surprise and anguish over the deputy commissioner unceremoniously leaving the district amid the volatile situation following the Panchayat election. The district parental organization also appealed to the people of district to maintain peace and calm.
Roing water woes – Mismanagement or crisis?
Raju Mimi
Every morning Miyu Meto walks half a kilometer to fetch water for her family. With no access to clean potable water in her neighborhood, she relies on the spring water source in the foothills near Roing town.
Her house is located in the eastern part of the town, and is connected with water supply from a tank that lies northwards built by the local engineering department. But she can’t rely on this water because it is so murky that she cannot use it even to wash her clothes or utensils.
“If the water is left to flow for few hours, the floor of the bathroom settles with heap of mud, even filling up the outlet,” she says. “This water cannot be used for washing and even mopping the floor.”
An estimated 5000 households in Roing Township currently faces water crisis or do not have access to safe drinking water. In central and western part of the town, there is acute shortage of water. Those who own cars pack their empty jerkins and buckets, drive four kilometer northwards crossing the Eze River to fetch water from spring sources in the foothills. For families without conveyance, they have to walk several kilometers to fill their empty jerkins. For population of 10,107 in urban areas and 15,000 in rural areas, the Eze River is the primary source of drinking water. Certain pockets in the town are supplied with spring water sources in the foothills. The bulk of the water supply in the town, however, comes from Eze River.
With the onset of monsoon, the river is now flowing with mud, sands and gravel. And without the support of a water treatment facility, this dirty water is now directly fed to the consumers.
“The water crisis in Roing is not about shortages, it is about mismanagement,” writes Dr Rajiv Miso, a professor in Yachuli Government College in facebook. What he observes is true. Roing has no dearth of water sources, and is blessed with water bodies like rivers and springs that provide clean drinking water that gets contaminated only in monsoon season.
Water management is about providing clean potable water in adequate quantity, and when and where it is needed. As corruption is endemic, the engineering department is looked here as business houses, and engineers as brokers. The engineer gets incentives for public relation more than his professional skills. So lack of professionalism in the engineering department is one example of mismanagement.
A recent World Bank review on water supply and sanitation concludes that "institutional
failure" is the most frequent and persistent cause of poor performance by public
water utilities. The Roing water crisis is not unique, and characteristically the
result of mismanagement and policies influenced by short-
This is endemic to any developing nations where water management is generally characterized by over reliance on government to plan, develop and execute water related projects. This calls for participation of community bodies in planning and management of drinking water supply and sanitation facilities in both urban and rural areas. Therefore government must evolve a policy that clearly defines the rights of the community over water resources as well brings solution to the water crisis.
While government may try to offer solutions to water crisis through infrastructures projects like water tanks, treatment plant, tube wells, network of pipelines. But it does not talk on how these resources will be managed to improve services. A heap of water pipes lies abandoned, a water treatment plant wasted, several water tanks lies unused and numerous schemes passed without assuring us accountability.
It is pitiful to see local engineers, laborers and staffs toil hard braving the rain in the jungles near Eze River in effort to provide water to the residents. Also it is assuring to see administration, department and politicians having sleepless nights over water crisis paying site visits or conducting meetings. But without any clear policies and plans, all these efforts will be washed away with the onset of monsoon.
Mega dam against people’s interest will breed extremism: SPF
ITANAGAR, May 26: Siang People’s Forum (SPF) has expressed apprehension that Govt.’s adamant attitude to go ahead with its decision to construct mega dams over mighty Siang River despite people’s opposition will breed extremism.
SPF, which has been opposing construction of mega dam over Siang, said, “This is a plan (of the government) to displace the people from their habitat and make them vagabond by constructing mega dams to which the people of undivided Siang would not remain a silent spectator.”
In a clear cut message to the state government and hydro-
“Despite strong opposition against the public hearing on Lower Siang Hydro-
Akan Badu, HGB of Komkar said in the gathering that “even if we disagree Govt should have consulted …such project is abominable and we condemn such things. We’ll save our land.”
A public leader of Geku Omon Panyang said, “…it will displace us from our own land just for electricity, it will trigger our anger…we shall fight.”
Ankur Garg
How lucky are we to have someone, saying farewell to whom is so difficult
The incumbency board outside the governor’s office at Raj Bhawan lists a total of
17 governors over the 25 years of the existence of Arunachal Pradesh as a state.
This reduces the average tenure to less than one and a half years. But on 26th January,
2013 flew in an army general, a former chief of the great Indian army, who became
not only one of the most effective and result-
Gen. JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.) not only completed his full tenure of five years (only the second governor since 1987 to do so) in the service of the State but also packed in an output worth 20 years in those five years and four months. As he leaves the State today, the memories of the almost 2,000 days that he spent with us as our guiding friend, philosopher and guide sift through the mind and make one overwhelmed with emotions.
His association with the State was not new. He served as a battalion commander in Lohitpur area in 1981 and had conducted operations in Tirap district as well. On taking over charge as the first citizen, the first visit he made was to Khonsa where he addressed the widows of the men killed by insurgents and started giving shape to his Iron Fist and a Velvet Glove approach. That was my first encounter with him as he flew me in his helicopter and handed over the charge of the district as its deputy commissioner. I guess that was linking of the destinies as I had the singular honour of being his secretary almost two years later.
As the first citizen of the State, he distinguished himself in the standards he set
in administration of Raj Bhawan in discharge of constitutional duties. But more importantly,
he concentrated equally and strongly on the second part of the oath that he took
on 27th Jan. 2008 -
Poma Bamboo processing centre, Jote eco-
On a personal front, his qualities of persistence, far-
The only point of time at which Raj Bhawan was questioned during his tenure was when wrong information emanated from it on the news of missing chopper of Lt. Dorjee Khandu. However, the ‘incorrect’ news was conveyed to the media only when a sitting cabinet minister, two MLAs of the area and a very senior officer in CM secretariat personally confirmed that the chopper had landed safely, including one confirming that he had talked to the chief minister on phone. It was indeed a happy news and naturally, with the levels of confirmation received, one felt that it should be spread. However, considering the solemnity of the occasion, the governor decided neither to react to the criticism, nor issue any clarification.
The first lady, Anupama Singh, inspite of not keeping in good health for the last
one year and half, made it a point to attend all State functions. She stood by the
governor, in her own special way, shoulder-
Having worked very closely with His Excellency (and the First Lady) as his secretary and chief of staff, I know personally, the love and affection that the first couple have for all Arunachalis. Their ability to spread warmth and fondness is infectious and unlimited. My young son of six years, Arnav, calls His Excellency, his best friend. Infact, the young boy’s first question as he got to know of the appointment of the new governor was – Would the new governor also love me as much as governor uncle does? Love cannot get purer than this.
Rarely is it possible to find hearts so kind and people so simple at the helm of
affairs. The enthusiastic, positive and futuristic person that Gen. J. J. is, I am
sure he would not miss the governorship a bit but only ready himself for his next
innings. But the child in his heart will certainly make him miss the blades of the
dew-
How lucky are we to have someone, saying farewell to whom is so difficult. Sir and ma’am will be missed by each and every person of the State and will be a part of their lore for many many years to come.
Adieu, O People’s Governor and my loving sir. Fare thee well. May your tribe increase! (The author is Secretary to Governor & Secretary Planning, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh)
Governor lays foundation of banquet hall
ITANAGAR, May 26: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen (Retd) JJ Singh laid the foundation
stone for a State-
The Governor hoped the banquet hall will be very useful to the State Government as
well as highly beneficial to the people of the state. The Governor emphasized on
quality and timely completion of the project. The hall will have facilities for dinner
for 200 persons, stage performance and its interior decoration standards will be
of world-
Later, on the eve of their departure, the Governor and the first lady planted saplings in the Raj Bhawan compound. PRO to Governor
‘People’s Governor’ & Arunachal
Taro Chatung
The outgoing Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd.) J.J. Singh is the first
governor till today who served this frontier state for longest period of 64 months
from 27th January, 2008 to 27th May, 2013. During his long period of governorship
in Arunachal Pradesh he has been popularly synonymous to three different aspects,
namely, ‘People’s Governor’, secondly -
The ‘People’s Governor’ has knitted good public relation beginning from children to policy makers. In earlier days this capital had several children’s parks in almost each sectors but in due course of time they got perished on hands of endless land grabbers but development of a children park in front of Raj Bhawan reminds us those days of Itanagar when one witnessed good environment and recreation parks for children and old. It’s a one step example with a great message for the state of Arunachal to go thousand miles ahead. Even the APEDA is failing in maintaining properly the only children park in the heart of the capital.
Raj Bhawan made exemplary, which is better than preaching, by developing organic
kitchen garden, bee keeping, poultry and cattle which is simply very significant
and inspiring for people who are active in agriculture and allied sectors. Still
I remember when the Governor has been to Pasighat as a Chief Guest on the occasion
of Indigenous Youth Festival sometime in December, 2008, he made a aerial survey
of the under-
Right from playing football between Raj Bhawan team and Chief Minister Secretariat’s
which indicated that there was no gap between Raj Bhawan and Chief Minister Secretariat
in all aspects be it policy matter and implementation of various developmental schemes
and projects in the state except in some mega hydro projects which are being still
caught in crossroad. Practically, being always encouraging entrepreneur, sportsperson,
and having good relation with institutions, organizations made him a synonymous name
called -
Secondly, ‘Iron Fist in Velvet Glove’ term is related to terrorism, law and order of this state. Therefore, his first visit to Khonsa on 2nd February, 2008 immediately after 6 days of his office assuming sent a strong wave of message to deal terrorism with iron fist. And before 4 days of demitting his office on 23rd May, 2013, while interacting with press people, the outgoing Governor informed that many cadres have been arrested and the efforts of the Govt. of India will continue to allow peace to rule in this wonderful state. He also said that surrender policy has not been implemented effectively and insurgency has become out of fashion. He further suggested for a viable surrender package to motivate the NSCN cadre and Maoist who are willing to join the national mainstream.
Third one is the ‘Team Arunachal’ inscripted in a small metal badge which sends a louder message that “We are together” right from young to old in one tread as a symbol of unity in diversified Arunachal. The idea of “Team Arunachal’ conceived by the Governor has taken its place in the mind and heart of the people of the state. Therefore, we all Arunachalees should strengthen it through different form of activities, so that ‘Team Arunachal’ spirit remains once for all time in this state.
And I wish, new incumbent of Raj Bhawan may also equally remains as ‘People’s Governor’ in all respects with ‘Iron Fist in Velvet Glove’ and maintaining better spirit of ‘Team Arunachal’ in time to come. (The writer is a Senior Journalist)
Tai Dora
After the pleasant winter, come the scorching summer. The heat, especially in twin
capital is unbearable. On one of such scorching day, I along with few of my friends
decided to beat the heat by taking dips in Senki View River at Itanagar. After reaching
Sinki View, we entered a small shop owned by a local there. We bought few eatables
and cold drinks, may be for Rs. 1000/-
Then suddenly a thought hit my mind. I thought what if the local people of that place
earn few bucks out of it? My idea was like, how will it be if this ecological service
be properly channelized. The locals could take advantage of this local tourism by
providing certain infrastructures like a parking place, shops to provide refreshments
and fast food, security etc. to the visitors. In return, they can charge nominal
fees for the service. I believe many people would like to take advantage of such
natural luxury. It will provide self-
The locals of such places like Poma, Sinki View, Doimukh etc. can think about such projects after taking proper permissions from the authorities concerned. Though we are blessed with natural resources, we have failed to tap the true potential of it. Instead, we are wasting and polluting our mother nature. Lastly I am thankful to some of those ignorant people visiting Senki View, because of whom I got my two toes cut by broken beer bottles there.
Ruksin ICDS project in vortex of corruption
Prafulla Kaman
RUKSIN, May 26: The people of Ruksin sub-
People say funds provided by the government under ICDS project for construction of Anganwadi (AW) building and nutrition supply for women and children in Ruksin block are being misused and the benefits are not reaching the targeted groups. They say the very objectives of the project are defeated due to maladministration, apathy and negligence of the officials responsible for its implementation.
Inquiry has revealed that children enrolled in most of the Anganwadi centres under
the project are not receiving proper education and nutritious food regularly. The
centres are running without safe drinking water and toilet facilities. Apart from
immunization programme, no other services like regular health check up and growth
monitoring of the children are being conducted in the centres. Many AW centres in
Ruksin and Silley-
According to information available, the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Govt of Arunachal Government sanctioned Rs 7, 03, 50,000 in March, 2010 as first installment for construction of 804 Anganwadi buildings under ICDS project with an estimated cost of Rs 87,500 per building. The authority has already released the first installment for construction of 31 new Anganwadi buildings in the rural areas under Ruksin ICDS project.
But, the land donors (for new Anganwadi Centre), who were offered contract work for construction of the new buildings, claimed that the department has paid them only Rs 40,000 even after completion of the buildings.
Alleging misappropriation of huge money out of the released fund by the officers and officials of the department concerned, the aggrieved land donors have demanded the state government to institute a high level inquiry into the matter.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Life is not bed of roses
Dear Editor,
All of us want to be successful in life. But everyone has a different outlook towards life. While some talk it as a struggle for survival, others take it an opportunity to grow. Life is a great test of our abilities and our desires. To achieve success hard work is essential. Since life is not a bed of roses, we must learn to struggle to achieve our target and we must not give up at any cost.
There is a saying “Failures are the pillar of success in life”. So, in .order to be successful we must try to learn from our mistakes and defeats. Moreover, it is impossible to have winners without loser. No one can be perfect in life since, to err is human. Yet practice plays an important role in achieving success. Everything is possible on earth if we practice regularly. So, we must not worry about problems and waste our time. Instead, we must try to find the solution.
Our life is no value if we don’t do something for the betterment of the humanity. Moreover success does not mean only one’s progress but also to improve others. Slow and steady wins the race. Since, the golden age is before us, we must walk, slow but we also should not look back in our life with pain. Then only we will be successful in our life.
Yours,
Niharika Kumari,
VKV Itanagar
Why the delay in declaring result
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, we would like to draw your kind attention
to the Director, Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies, Dahung:: West Kameng
District. We want to know reason for delaying of declaring the result of written
examination of various posts as per the advertisement vide No. 01/2012 (NTP-
In this regard, we the local unemployed youth would like to seek appropriate clarification from CIHCS authority concerned and urge them to immediately declare the result of cited posts with free and fair and preference should be given to APST candidate. Delay in declaration of the result may demoralized the talented candidates
Besides, we also appeal to Apex student body AAPSU, Arunachal Civil Society and other likeminded organization to join us strongly to pressurize the authority concern.
Yours,
Mudo Appa
Duyu Alla
N. Ode & other Panchin colony, Naharlagun
Pothole filled Basar road
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of concerned authorities to a very big issue being faced by the local residents of Basar town in West Siang district. There is no proper road maintenance starting from the initial starting point to the final end point of Basar which gives inconvenience to the commuters. One more thing to be reflected is that there is lot of potholes as a result of which frequent accident takes place. I would like to request the concerned authorities to look into the matter and work out a solution at the earliest possible for the benefit and wellbeing of the people.
Yours,
Karmi Taso
Old Market Basar
Melting glaciers behind sea-
A new study has found that shrinking glaciers were responsible for almost a third
of the rise in sea-
Though Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets straddle over 99 per cent of earth's land mass, the ice locked up in the remaining glaciers contributed just as much to the rise in the sea levels, researchers say.
All glacial regions lost mass from 2003 to 2009 the worst affected being Arctic Canada, Alaska, coastal Greenland, the southern Andes and the Himalayas. The glaciers outside the Greenland and Antarctic sheets lost an average of 260 billion metric tonnes of iceannually during the study period, causing the oceans to rise 0.03 inches, or about 0.7 millimeters per year.
Current estimates predict if all the glaciers in the world were to melt, they would raise sea level by about two feet. In contrast, anentire Greenland ice sheet melt would raise sea levels by 20 feet, while if Antarctica lost its ice cover, it would rise 200 feet.