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2013

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May 30

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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Fulfill grievances or else we will take back land:ASM

ITANAGAR, May 29: Reiterating its earlier demand AnchalSamiti Member of 2-Nirjuli Panchayat today expressed anguish over the authority for not paying heed to their demand. In a release ASM on behalf of villagers claimed that the villagers had donated their cultivating land for the establishment of Livestock Farm and other infrastructural development of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department with hope to get job reservation and contract works in return. He further maintained even after twelve years passed the authority has yet to fulfill the demand of villagers. ASM also alleged that department is not judiciously using the land donated by villagers. He also stated that if department does not address the villagers grievances, the land donors would not be hesitate to take back the land.

Awareness generation programme for rural women held at Mechukha

ITANAGAR, May 29: Altogether 30 rural women of Mechukha participated in a one-day awareness generation programme for rural women at Mechukha on May 28. The awareness programme was organized by Mechukha based NGO Onge Welfare Society with the support of State Social Welfare Board.

Matter related to education, health, agriculture, horticulture and child care legal aspects were discussed during the programme. The resource persons for the programme were Dr Olen Tatak (BDS), BahiKoyu (CDPO), NorbuNaksang (ADO), JigmeOngey (BEO) and other host of dignitaries.

Death mourned

ITANAGAR, May 29: Officers and staffs of Kurung Kumey DC office have mourned the demise of Chello Tatup who expired at Koloriang after a prolonged illness today.

Late ChelloTatup was a prominent social worker and a former panchayat leader of the area. He is survived by his two wives, 13 sons and a daughter.

He was ASM in the undivided Subansiri district for two terms from 1972 to 1980. Later he served the area as Zilla Parishad Member from 1980-1984.

By religion, he was a staunch Christian but played a vital role in the socio cultural development of the people. He was instrumental in the revival of Longte Festival of the Nyishi Community. He also worked hard for socio economic and educational development of the area in the NEFA days.

In its condolence message, they wrote, his contribution in bringing border road to this remote area will always be remembered. In his demise, we have lost a man of great dedication and generosity, a father figure to whom we looked upon for advice and solace.

Offering condolence to the bereaved family members, they further prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Society mourns constable’s death

ITANAGAR, May 29: All Puriok Welfare Society today deeply mourned at sudden death of Karcha Puroik an APP constable posted at Yupia, who died on Tuesday. Late Karcha joined in police service in 1995 and had also served as various capacities in community. He is survived by wife and a son. Terming the death as irreparable lost to society and family; society said he will be remembered for his contribution to the society.

Association files complaint against Bameng ERO

ITANAGAR, May 29: Alleging that 1- Bameng Electoral Registration Officer has deliberately deleted and illegally added voters list at Effa GPC segment while misusing his power and capacity in favour of a INC candidate, All Yaffa Giddi Clan Youth Association today sought action against the officer. In its letter addressed to the district election officer association pleaded the authority to look into the matter.

Union reiterates demands, serves 20 days ultimatum

ITANAGAR, May 29: All Libo Bokar Ramo Students’ Union (ALBRSU) in an eight point charter of demand addressed to the West Siang Deputy Commissioner has called for latter’s personal intervention to look into the matter at the earliest.

The demands include serious actions against all the absentee govt officers and staff, who remain stay out of their respective posting places, immediate transferring out of ADC Mechukha for his alleged inefficiency in tackling frequent law and order problems in Mechukha Sub-Division, termination of all the govt staff involved in Tapu Yornyi incident case, up-gradation of Mechukha Police Station into SDPO post besides creation of separate Police Out Post at Monigong Circle and immediate posting of circle officer at Pidi Circle.

Other demands are immediate up-gradation of Govt Middle School, Tato into Secondary level, introduction of science and commerce stream at Government Higher Secondary School, Mechukha and immediate posting of Doctor at Monigong Primary Health Centre.

Further, the Union threatened to launch democratic movement in the area followed by intensive protest/boycott if the authority concerned fails to fulfill its demands within 20 days period.

Joint eviction carried out

ITANAGAR, May 29: With local administration and police personnel, All Sagalee Students Union today successfully evicted the illegal land encroacher in around government higher secondary school. Union further urged the public to cooperate with local administration and appealed that school land should not be encroached.

Gov staff mourns death of UDC

ROING, May 29: The officers and staff of Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner’s office have deeply mourned the untimely demise of Eleswary Regon, UDC, at Dibruagarh due to illness on May 27 and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. She was presently working in District Election Office here.

Hailing from Namsing village of East Siang district, Regon joined Govt service as LDC in 1992 and she was promoted to the post of UDC in 2007.

They also conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family to overcome the tragedy. DIPRO

Tirap ZPC elected unopposed

KHONSA, May 29: Zilla Parishat Member Chawang Lowang, who was elected from Kapu Anchal Block under Borduria-Bogapani Assembly Constituency on INC ticket, was unanimously elected as Tirap District Zilla Parishad Chairperson today. The three Independent candidates from Deomali, Soha and Lazu had also extended unconditional support to Lowang.

Lowang won by 269 votes in a triangular contest defeating BJP and two Independent candidates.

It may be mentioned here that four INC and three Independent ZPM candidates won from Tirap in the recently concluded Panchayat elections.

The Khela-Lamsa Anchal Block which was reserved for women ZPM candidate was won by Sontung Bangsia of Khela village. The Khela village is under Borduria-Bogapani Constituency while Lamsa is under Khonsa-East Constituency.

Born in 1973 at Noksa village, Lowang had been associated with various social and political activities. He was the Congress Block President and Bazaar Welfare Secretary. He was also involved in many other social works in Tirap district.

Earlier, the newly elected PR leaders were administered oath of secrecy by the DPDO.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong has congratulated Lowang and hoped that he will work selflessly for the development of Tirap district. The Speaker also urged all the new PR leaders to work for the people in close co-ordination with the elected representatives of the district. DIPRO

Career Fair -2013

ITANAGAR, May 29: Director, Trade & Commerce Tokong Pertin has inaugurated the Career Fair 2013 in an impressive function at Hotel Arun Subansiri today. It is being organized by M.N. Mishra, a retired Govt teacher of Arunachal Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion Pertin appreciated Mishra for his effort in bridging the gap between reputed educational institutions like Sanskriti Group of Institutions, Dewan V.S. Group of Institutions, Aryan Institute of Technology, Regional Institute of Science & Technology and many more institutes and the students of Arunachal Pradesh. Pertin, however, said that while inviting institutes for participating in such educational fair, AICTE and UGC approval and NAAC accreditation should be properly verified. Of late, several news items on bogus and dubious Universities and Educational Institutions are appearing in the print and the electronic media. Pertin also advised the students and parents alike to visit UGC’s website and ascertain the exact status of the Universities before seeking admission. He sought active co-operation from various educational institutions participating in the fair to help the students and parents by providing the correct and valid information of their institutes.

Present on the occasion were B. Ngulom, Joint Director of Elementary Education, S. Singh, Senior Town Planner, Department of Town Planning and students and their parents.

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318 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

Nirbhay Sharma sworn in as Arunachal Governor

ITANAGAR, May 29: Lt. General (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM was sworn in as the new Governor of Arunachal Pradesh at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhawan, here today.

Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice A.K. Goel administered the oath of office.

First Lady of the State Jyotsna Sharma, Chief Minister NabamTuki, his cabinet colleagues, Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong, former Chief Ministers Gegong Apang and Jarbom Gamlin, Chief Secretary H K Paliwal, public leaders, special invitees and distinguished guests and school children attended the function.

The swearing-in ceremony was followed by State Guard of Honour presented by Arunachal Pradesh Police.

Lt. General (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma is one of the most distinguished and decorated Field Commanders of the Indian Army. Most of his assignments have dealt with the J&K and North Eastern States; the last assignment being a Corps Commander and Security Advisor to the Government of J&K. During the period, his landmark contribution in fighting the ongoing proxy war in Kashmir, including the successful conduct of Parliamentary and Assembly Elections are well known. Apart from brilliantly directing anti-terrorist operations of over one lakh elements of the security force, his accomplishments include construction of anti-infiltration obstacle system along the LOC, opening the Uri-Muzaffarabad Road and the construction of ‘Aman Setu’. He had earlier raised a Division during the ‘Kargil War’ (in record time). The concurrent conduct of disaster relief operations during the ‘Snow Tsunami’ and Earthquake also drew praise and recognition. His slogan of “Jawan aur Awam, Aman hai Mukam” and its manifestation on ground brought in a new approach and momentum to the ongoing peace process in Kashmir.

Lt. General (Retd) Sharma fought in the 1971 War and was part of the Airborne Assault Group, the first Indian Army Unit to enter Dacca. Apart from commanding a battalion on the China border, he was part of the Sino-Indian Working Group and coordinated counter-insurgency operations in the North East with civil agencies and inter-ministerial delegations. The peace process with Naga rebels commenced during his period. Close interaction with the representatives of the armies and governments of Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh for effective border management and formulation of joint strategies to combat militancy, anti-national / criminal / hijacking activities and disaster management were also part of his charter.

Lt. General (Retd) Sharma was Member, Union Public Service Commission. During the tenure he had presided over more than 350 Interview Boards and around 200 Departmental Promotion Committees to select officers for the Civil Services. He also offered specific advice on examination reforms and other matters related to the development of the Indian Civil Service.

CCTV footage of no use, police still clueless about teenager’s murderer

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, May 29: Two days after the gruesome murder of a teenage boy in Itanagar, Capital police have made no headway with the investigation and are still grappling for clue.

“There are no clues yet, but we are doing random interrogations in case we hit on something worthwhile,” said Capital SDPO Taru Gusar.

And unfortunately, no footage of the fateful night when the incident happened has been captured on the CCTV camera that is mounted atop the traffic point at Bank Tinali. The lone CCTV camera points toward Legi complex and the adjacent area.

Confirming the non-capture of image by CCTV camera, the SDPO said, “Unfortunately, there was no electricity during that time so no image could be captured.”

Meanwhile, the Akom Welfare Society (AWS) has requested the Chief Minister to direct the concern authority for immediate arrest of the assailants of Bomjen Gapak, who was murdered on the wee hours of May 27 last at Legi Complex here.

In a representation to the CM, AWS stated, the early arrest of the culprits will deliver justice to the aggrieved family members and to late Bomjen Gapak for his eternal peace in the heavenly abode.

The state capital is reeling under the shadow of such crime and becoming bad to worse. We pray that under your dynamic governance such crimes need to be nipped at the bud before it is too late, it further said.

The Arunachal Students’ Federation in another release decrying the gruesome murder has urged the home ministry and police personnel to tackle the matter with iron first and to book the culprits at the earliest.

In the release, it stated, homicide of such energetic young student is a great loss for the state, for these students are the future generation and the state government should enhance the security with effective measures to curb atrocities which is a vital need of the day in the present scenario.

The federation further appealed the social communities, welfare groups and people of Arunachal to slam such violence that cause loss to not only life but degrade our civic life too, it further said in the release.

An appeal from Bomjen’s parents

Meanwhile, parents of the deceased, mother Yama Gapak and father Debom Gapak, have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

The heartbroken parents said, “Bomjen was only 18. His life has been taken away from him - he should have been looking forward to his future.”

“We wouldn't want another family to go through what we have. No one deserves what happened to him. We urge people to come forward and help us in finding his assailants who are roaming out there freely,” they further said.

DDSEs urged to maintain financial discipline

ITANAGAR, May 29: Education Minister Bosiram Siram exhorted the Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs) to maintain financial discipline at district level through proper execution of targeted interventions under SSA.

Attending the inaugural day of the two days financial review meeting of district functionaries on financial management organized by SSA Rajya Mission at the conference hall of SIRD here yesterday, Siram advised the DDSEs to go for need based and district specific plans and accordingly, to forecast financial needs required for implementation of SSA program in the districts, according to an official release.

While emphasizing on timely expenditure of fund and proper implementation of SSA scheme, the minister reiterated the fact that DDSEs have the main role to play in achieving the goals and objectives of SSA program.

The education minister requested them to meet the expected outcomes in tune with Right to Education Act within the given time frame.

It may be mentioned here that the present government under the leadership of Chief Minister NabamTuki had cleared the entire backlog of SSA state share for 2012-13, creating a record in the entire country, the release claimed.

Earlier, State Project Director (SSA) P N Thungon advised the DDSEs to maintain proper book of accounts as per SSA Financial Rules. He also advised them to empower the School Management Committees, so that they are able to take care of their schools on ownership basis thereby creating greater responsibility in its day-to-day affairs including financial management at school level.

On the second day of the review meeting, all the districts presented their achievements and financial progress.

Threadbare discussion on different activities was carried out with an aim to bring about a qualitative change in the teaching-learning process at classroom level.

The DDSEs also presented the problems and constraints of their districts in-spite of which they have been trying their level best to achieve the targets of SSA-RTE.

In his concluding remarks, Deputy SPD Ashok Tajo requested the district functionaries to be prepared for the new academic session with a positive mind to bring about a visible positive change at the school level, which is possible only through dedication and commitment of the district functionaries.

11th Itanagar Edufest begins today

ITANAGAR, May 29: It’s time for the students to choose right academic career and decide where to go for higher education. On the other hand, parents are also not sure what would be best for their wards.

Even if you have made up your mind, it would be more than worth your while to be at the 11th Itanagar Edufest scheduled at the Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, on 30th and 31st May. The career-defining event that has benefitted more than 250,000 students and parents so far, is being held in all the state capitals of the Northeast concurrently.

“This is the 11th edition of Edufest in the city, we are privileged to once again bring leading educational institutes from India and abroad to the doorstep of students here,” said Kaushik Barua of Lynchpin, organizer of Edufest and pioneer of career and education fairs in the Northeast.

Lynchpin fairs, Barua said, are attended by international government bodies such as British Council, USIEF and Royal Thai and world class educational institutes such as University of Melbourne and Asian Institute of Technology. In a decade, more than 200 top Indian and global institutes have participated in Edufest, considered the most comprehensive interaction forum for finding out within your comfort zone which course in which institution suits you best.

“We have been participating in Lynchpin's exhibitions over the past few years and have found them to be very useful in reaching out to students of the Northeast and making them aware about UK education opportunities. These exhibitions are very professionally organized," said Marina Gandhi, education head of British Council, Kolkata.

Dr Ajit, Director Admissions Lovely Professional University “We have been participating in Lynchpin exhibitions since 2005 and they have been instrumental in creating awareness about high quality institutions across the country. I feel students and parents also have a lot of confidence in their exhibitions as they are the only ones who allow institutions to participate directly.”

M Gopalakrishnan, admissions coordinator of Manipal University, appreciated Lynchpin’s exhibitions too. “We find them amongst the best in the country,” he said.

The Organisers have arranged for a free bus service for visitors of the fair from bank Tinali to the Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok.

First meeting on DFTI held

ROING, May 29: Nearly 4 out of every 10 children in India are not fully immunized against vaccine preventable diseases, informed Lower Dibang Valley DMO DrAtlokYirang.

Addressing the first meeting of the District Task Force for Immunization (DFTI) conducted in view of the ensuing immunization campaign here yesterday, Dr. Yirang, who is also Member Secretary of DFTI, requested the Deputy Commissioner to provide necessary support from the district administration for successful organization of the campaign.

Highlighting the aims and objective of the immunization campaign, annual action plan, immunization schedule and presented datas through Power Point presentation, Dr. Yirang informed that 22 million infants worldwide miss the basic vaccines and half of 22 million unvaccinated infants live in three countries, namely India, Indonesia and Nigeria.

“Immunization prevents illness, disabilities and death due to Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) like Tuberculosis, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis, Measles, Rotavirus Diarrhea, Pneumonia, Typhoid, etc. Immunization also averts 2-3 million deaths every year around the globe.”

The Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) aims to achieve vaccine coverage of 90% nationality and 80% in every district by 2020, the DMO said while informing that the Govt of India has declared 2013-14 as “the Year of Intensification of Routine Immunization,” to achieve the target as per the GVAP.

The presentation also showed that the Routine Immunization coverage in India remains low with only 61% infants fully immunized as per CES 2009 Data, 239 districts with less than 50% fully immunized children and 71% partially immunized or unimmunized children in 9 states.

As per HMIS Data 2012-13 full immunization of Arunachal Pradesh reached to 46.12 % with Papum Pare District reported to have the highest percentage of infant immunization with 80%.

Dr. M Basar, DRCHO, Dr M C Gogoi and Medical Officers from various PHCs and CHCs also attended the programme and highlighted the grievances faced by them in their respective health centres before the Deputy Commissioner to which he assured to look into their problems.

The Deputy Commissioner visited the Anganwadi Centres at Cheta I, Cheta II and Meka-II along with Savitri Kamti, Deputy Director (ICDS), Nelo Umbrey, CDPO, Dr M Basar, DRCHO and Abu Saring, DAEO yesterday morning. He enquired about the Immunization and Supplementary Nutrition Programme which are being implemented at Anganwadi Centres. DIPRO

Pre-monsoon disaster preparedness meet held

CHANGLANG May 29: Changlang district administration conducted its first pre monsoon disaster preparedness meeting here yesterday,

Presiding over the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Chanchal Yadav suggested various pre and post disaster measures to reduce extent of disaster.

Bordumsa and Diyum being flood prone areas with flood occurring every year there is every possibility of water borne disease outbreak after flood, the DC said. She directed the PHED and Medical department to take precautionary measures and distribute 100 chlorine tablets to each person within 15 days. She also asked the medical department to stock available medicines during monsoon.

Taking stock of the roads leading to Khimiyang, Rima Putok and Yangkang, she asked the department concerned to maintain surface communication properly.

The DC informed that control room for emergency operation will be activated before the on set of monsoon.

Jairampur Additional Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Srivastava appealed civil police, CRPF and Army to respond quickly in times of disaster. He also stressed the need for strengthening telecommunication services in times of disaster both in the pre- and post-disaster situations for effective management.

Bordumsa ADC Kento Riba also shared his bitter experience in fighting flood within his jurisdiction.

District Disaster Management Officer Dorjee Khandu, explained explicitly about natural calamities of different kinds and how to fight them. DIPRO

BWS condoles demise of ex-ZPM

ITANAGAR, May 29: Bengia Welfare Society (BWS) has shock and grief over untimely demise of former Zilla Parishad Member of Koloriang and social reformer Chello Tatup, who breathed his last at Koloriang today after a prolonged illness.

He is survived by two wives and 13 sons and daughters including Bengia Cecilia, former Secretary (Art and Culture) of Nyishi Elite Society.

Born to ChelloTayuh and Chello Yaram in 1946 at Chello village, Tatup was ASM of Chello village from 1971-80 and ZPM of Koloriang from 1980-84. After being baptized in 1977, he became the first Christian of Koloriang area.

He was a straightforward leader, who worked tirelessly for the people of the area till recently. The Border Roads Task force (BRTF) was pressed into service for construction of Leel- Koloriang road in the early eighties under his active persuasion. Besides playing a key role in socio-political upliftment of the people of the area he was also instrumental in reviving Longte festival with mass participation, BWS informed in a release.

“He himself was an adept farmer in terrace cultivation, fishery, animal husbandry and horticulture, and encouraged people to adopt his line of farming. Though he himself was illiterate, he taught the people the value of education, the release added.

BWS prayed to almighty to rest his soul in peace and give strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Newly elected panchayat leaders take oath of office

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, May 29: Elections of Chairpersons of Zilla Parishad, Anchal Samity and Gram Panchayats and oath taking ceremony of newly elected Panchayat leaders were held here today.

Oath was administered to 14 elected ZPMs, 145 ASMs and 511 Gram Panchayat Members by the Deputy Commissioner and Returning officers concerned.

Meanwhile, District BJP President Tapa Dadi has alleged unfair treatment to the party candidate for Anchal Chairperson of 5th Chetam Anchal Block by the Returning Officer. He alleged that the nomination paper submitted by an opponent candidate was incomplete which should have been rejected.

When questioned, the RO said that retuning officer can not reject any nomination paper on the ground of any defect found in nomination paper.

The District BJP appealed to the State Election Commission to look into the matter seriously.

Community Health Awareness Programme on TB held

PASIGHAT, May 29: Health and Development ABU an NGO has conducted a Community health awareness programme on TB at Yagrung village, East Siang District today.

On the occasion, programme Co-ordinator Khansing Chamroy highlighted about causes and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB) through PowerPoint.

He informed that above ten persons have been detected Sputum positive in the district every month since January by District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) Pasighat.

He advised the villagers to go for sputum test to the nearest Microscopic Centre to stop and prevent TB and added that government is giving free medicine as well as treatment.

He also stressed on the active participation of community to prevent TB in the society.

ZPM Namuk Taloh, ASM Talom Mize, Yagrung Baptist Church Pastor Banyok Siram and other public leaders also spoke on the occasion, they appreciated the team for organising the awareness camp and assured to co-operate with the NGO to prevent TB in the society.

Later, the public of the area has decided to form a village health committee to look after village health problem and to closely work with ABU.

The shameful act is repeated again and again

Dear Editor,

This is in reference to the letter ‘Vote for money is shameful act’ written by one Ngape Ronya in your esteemed daily on May 21. I do appreciate his courage to say that all that matter is money in exchange of vote. This is a fact but very difficult to digest. Co-incidentally I also happen to come across the same situation during recently concluded panchayat and municipal election. This is what our so called learned politicians have taught the innocent citizens. Paisa phekho aur tamasha dekho. The innocent voters are lured with money, liquor and false promises. Both young and old persons are sitting together, zooming under the influence of alcohol. The poor old folks are given due respect, and made to believe that the particular XYZ party is their only well wisher. The young ones take chance. “Kal kiya hoga kisko pata”, so why not take a chance ? Tomorrow the God father may or may not recognize you. So better make a business. Their brain is totally washed.

So where is the question of choosing a right person? Someone has rightly said “Yeh paisa bolta hai”. You can buy and then rule. Ultimately the innocent one is the loser. Therefore, I think you should look before you leap. Choose a good leader today who can make a better tomorrow for you as well as future generation.

Yours’

Omang Panor, Itanagar

For my brother Bomjen Gapak….

Dear Editor,

Yesterday, I buried the body of my brother Bomjen Gapak. And it is really painful to see my own blood shrouded with the earth.

His father is devastated, all his aspiration, his hope and desire all gone in-vain. His mother's tear still hasn’t dried and she loses her consciousness every now and then. And as I type this note, she is still crying outside my room.

You will be oblivious of such incident, such feelings and utter remorse unless you go through it. Till 27 May, to be frank, I anticipated that my dear ones are immune from such unfortunates. My point is, until such incident occurs with you, you would never realize the extended pain. You will never realize how susceptible your families are to such unfortunates.

And lately, I have strongly realized how a single word of 'RIP' matters to the bereaved family members. Your voice will never go unheard. It has made us realize, just how people dwell in this unjust society. It has made us realize, people are there to support the good.

Sometimes I wonder how instant fury of man is an enough reason to murder the other.

The famous saying, ‘Pen is mightier than sword,’ I say yes indeed.

To sum it up, if you really feel unjust occurred with the deceased, take up your pen for us not daos. Raise your voice with every jot of injustice. We will pursue the case as per law. I am confident of the system. Justice must prevail.

Sometimes, overcome with what has happened to us, I too want to kill my brother’s murderer. But the society has to go on.

Yours’

Terchi Gapak

Vivek Vihar, Itanagar

Is the killing only option for solution?

Dear Editor,

I am very sorry to admit that I am living in civilized Arunachal society where human life has no value. Our state once known for peaceful and crime free has lost its very ethos over the year. It is no more peace now and life is completely at stake since law and order situation of our state is in full chaos. Had law and order been effective enough there would have not been such brutal killing of young Gapak, who lost his bright future over trifle squabble. “Killing culture” over petty issue has become order of the day in our state. Why our people don’t understand the value of life? Why they take sharp weapons after little discord? Why they don’t go for mutual settlement? Is the killing only option for solution to any problems/grievances? Who is accountable for this ignominy? It is obvious that preventive mechanism of our state is out of order and it need immediate backup.

Our state lags in development front except corruption. Land encroachment of Government quarters, frequent bike stealing case, extortion, and illegal appointment in the Government job have garnered the top headline of Arunachal politics. Non releasing of students stipend who studies in and outside the state has also added flavor to the failure of state machinery.

Non apprehension of the perpetrator of Tongam Rina case also witnessed that Government is not concerned with the safety of its denizens. Such inability on the part of the Govt. encourages the crime. Therefore I want our state government to expedite day and night patrolling in and around the twin capital complex so that such heinous crime may not occur in future.

I fervently appeal law enforcing authority to arrest immediately those who involved in killing of lad Gapak and punish them as per the law of the land so that people may not lose faith on authority. I pray almighty God to impart eternal peace to his departed soul in the heavenly abode and may God bestow enough strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable lost.

Yours’

Binjay Pombu,

Chandranagar, Itanagar

Salinity drop hits bird count in Chilika lake

This summer the 1100 sqkm Chilika lake, the country’s biggest waterfowl habitat, in the east Indian state of Orissa attracted 18,000 birds fewer than the last—the drop being from 77,609 to 59,687. "The shifting of the lake’s mouth towards the outer channel has reduced the inflow of tidal water, changing its salinity levels in the central and northern sectors. This may have affected the bird population this summer," a forest officer revealed. The weeds in the northern sector of the lagoon could be another reason.

Of the birds that have chosen to stay away this summer, the most noticeable absentees are the whistling ducks (8,050), black-tailed godwits (6,911) and little cormorant (6,561).

Some of the winged guests arrived at Chilika last winter, like the Eurasian pigeon (25), gadwall (10) and northern shoveller (6), have chosen to stay, although temperatures at the lake have touched a searing 40°C. “This is because they were too ill to fly back to cooler habitats,” says UN Deo, a noted ornithologist.

Currently, there are 655 greater flamingoes and 177 grey pelicans too in and around the Nalabana bird sanctuary, which continues to attract tourists to Chilika this summer, sources said.

U N Deo, a noted ornithologist, pointed out that the birds, which were unable to fly back to cooler habitats because of illness, have stayed on.

Last winter, around 8.77 lakh waterfowls of 180 species had flown into the lake from the Himalayas in the Northern Eurasia, Caspian region, Siberia, Lake Baikal and other remote areas in Russia.