may17 28

2017

May 28

Home

AAPSU seeks all party meeting within one week on Chakma-Hajong refugee issue

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, May 27: In a consultative meeting on the Chakma and Hajong refugee issue, the house, consisting of various political parties, students unions, former union leaders and legal experts, endorsed that the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) would call on the government to conduct an all political party meeting within one week's time to draw more consensus on the issue.

Attending a consultative meeting of the AAPSU on Saturday at the Siddhartha Hall, the members present also resolved that it would be mandatory for all the 60 MLAs and the three Members of Parliament to attend the all political party meeting, and consequently revive the high power committee constituted earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI.

Resenting the Chakmas and Hajongs from allegedly encroaching reserve forest areas and "sneaking" from the designated camps/blocks, the house said that the state government should carry out an eviction drive and contain the refugees. It also called for proper documentation of all refugees in Arunachal, including Chakmas, Hajongs and Tibetans by the state government within one month.

The consultative meeting was not only limited to the citizenship rights of the Chakmas and Hajongs, but also dealt with the status of Tibetan refugees in the state and the ST status of the Yobins/Lisus.

Where PPA Chairman Kamen Ringu suggested that the government take the lead on the refugee issue instead of student unions always spearheading the movement, BJP Vice President and former AAPSU president, Dominic Tadar was of the opinion that it was best that the students lead the "peoples' movement" against the issue and not be dependent on the government.

Instantaneously blaming the Congress Government for the situation at hand, Ringu said that the PPA does not have any objection to granting of citizenship to the Chakmas and Hajongs, provided they are not placed in Arunachal Pradesh. He also felt that it was necessary to have detailed deliberations with the Chakmas and Hajongs on the matter.

Calling for introduction of customary laws to protect the rights of the tribal people of the state from the central dictates, AAPSU President Hawa Bagang said, "Citizenship means voting rights and legislators like Chowna Mein, C T Mein, Nikh Kamin, Kamlung Mossang, and all other legislators that have Chakma and Hajong settlements under their assembly constituencies will soon be replaced by Chakma and Hajong legislators in the days to come".

All Tai-Khampti Singpho Students' Union Chief Advisor, Thingnong Umbu was clear in his stance that the government had failed its people.

"In the 2003 Referendum Rally, all citizens and legislators came together for the cause. The legislators even went to the extent of promises of giving up their seats if the Chakmas and Hajongs were given citizenship rights, but where are those promises now?" he questioned and informed that in an all-party meet in 2007, then Home Minister Tako Dabi had assured the AAPSU that all Chakmas and Hajongs would be removed, but the government failed to keep its commitment time and again.

On the ST status of Yobins, Umbu said that were divided by political barriers, which was not their fault and that they should be granted ST status, while he also felt that the people of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts should use their democratic rights and decide for themselves on the Greater Nagalim issue.

Granting APST status is a state subject, but apprehensive with the current situation, All Papum Pare District Students' Union President, Nabam John opined that granting citizenship rights to Chakmas and Hajongs could soon lead to granting ST status. Saying that Chakmas and Hajongs already occupy government jobs and are even members of the state Panchayati Raj Insitute, John suggested that the government initiate steps for their removal from government jobs and Panchayat memberships.

In 1980, the state government had banned the employment of Chakmas and Hajongs, and stopped issuing trade licenses to members of either community.

He also suggested that the AAPSU establish a permanent committee so that the matter could be pursued with the government even if the tenure of the incumbent AAPSU members end.

Former Minister Nyato Regia suggested concentrating on the Chakma-Hajong issue rather than on issues of Tibetans and Yobins as they were currently dormant in nature, while PPA President Kahfa Bengia suggested that a Refugee Department be established by the state government to deal with the issue in a planned manner.

However, there were speakers who believed that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, the Chin Hills Regulation Act of 1896 and the Balipara/Tirap/Sadiya Frontier Tract Regulation Act of 1947 would safeguard the rights of the indigenous population of Arunachal, and said that the people of the state need not worry as long as the state government is serious about saving the indigenous population of the state from outside invasion. However, they maintained that the state government has to take serious note of the issue, instead of sidelining it every time.

The All Nyishi Students Union also assured the AAPSU of its unwavering support on the refugee issue.

Upper Subansiri lifts Hangpan Dada Memorial men's football trophy

Staff Reporter

NAHARLAGUN, May 27: Upper Subansiri lifted the first state level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy, 2017 defeating East Kameng 3-0 in an exciting final played at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun on Saturday.

Upper Subansiri took the lead in just three minutes through a goal from Rajesh Mara (15).

Tacha Doyum (8) put Upper Subansiri in a commanding position, scoring the second goal in 42nd minutes. He dribbled past two defenders before sneaking into the penalty area and kicked the ball into the net.

He scored his second goal through a close range shot, making the score 3-0 in the 49th minute.

East Kameng made several attempts, but failed to score.

The East Kameng team was represented by the 8th Bameng Constituency, the winner of the district level competition, while 24th Daporijo Constituency represented Upper Subansiri.

East Kameng reached the final defeating Kra Daadi in a penalty shootout in the semi-final, while Upper Subansiri beat Kurung Kumey in the semis.

The winner walked away with cash prize of Rs 5 lakh along with the coveted trophy, while the runner-up, East Kameng was awarded cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.

Tacha Doyom received the Best Player award of Rs. 10,000.

Earlier on Friday, Upper Subansiri also won the women's football title.

The winner received cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and runner-up Papum Pare was awarded Rs 3 lakh on the closing day.

Sanjana Nguki of the winning team was adjudged Best Player and was awarded cash prize of Rs 10,000.

Capital Complex won the men's volleyball title defeating West Siang by 3-1 sets (25-8, 21-25, 25-17, 26-24).

The winner and runners up teams were awarded Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.

Tatung Tayum of the winning team won the Best Player cash award of Rs 10,000.

The women's volleyball title was won by Kra Daadi. The team defeated Kurung Kumey by 2-1 sets (25- 22, 26- 28, 15-12) in the final on Friday.

The winner and runners up received Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.

Khoda Yaka of the winning team was adjudged Best Player and awarded cash prize of Rs 10,000.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein lauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu for renaming the erstwhile Chief Minister Football & Volleyball Trophy as Hangpan Dada Memorial Football & Volleyball Trophy. He said that the Trophy is a tribute to the great soul for his supreme sacrifice.

"Dada will be remembered for years to come as an inspiration for the youths for his unparalleled sacrifice and bravado", the Deputy CM added.

He offered floral tribute to late Hangpan Dada before the start of the final football match (men) and also prayed for the eternal peace of his soul.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sports & Youth Affairs, Nyamar Karbak informed that more than two lakh youths from 21 districts, including Capital Complex, participated in the month-long tournament.

He also said that the state government will come up with a Sports Policy soon to streamline and promote games and sports in the state.

Among others, Kumar Waii, Minister Home and RWD, Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Investment and Personnel, Karya Bagang, Parliamentary Secretary for Textiles and Handicrafts, Dikto Yikar, MLA, Bamang Tago, Chairman, Sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh and Dani Salu, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs were also present on the occasion.

The dignitaries gave away the trophies and prizes to the winners of football (Men & Women) and volleyball (Men & Women) and the best players in each categories of the tournament.

The Deputy CM also lowered the flag to mark the end of the first State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy on football & volleyball in the closing ceremony on Saturday.

Lohit achieves 100 pc Aadhaar coverage of the target population

TEZU, May 27: Lohit district has achieved 100 percent Aadhaar coverage of the target population of 54,067.

This was announced by Lohit Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf in a meeting held on May 26 to review progress of Aadhaar enrolment in the district as well as discuss future strategies for covering the left out population.

"No person in the district should be left without Aadhaar enrolment and seeding to ensure seamless cash transfer to the beneficiaries," Ashraf, who chaired the meeting, said.

He asked all the departments to share problems, if any, and position of Aadhaar seeding related to various schemes.

Taking serious note on the issue of registration of floating population instead of the actual beneficiaries and public of the district, he stressed on department specific registration of beneficiaries and making ILP compulsory for registration in order to check infiltration from Assam.

He called upon all the HoDs to take responsibility and initiative to achieve cent percent Aadhaar coverage. The HoDs were directed to issue circulars to all the officers and officials under them. The DFCSO and DDSE were also specifically asked to issue circulars to Fair Price Shops and principals of all the schools of the district with directions to list out names of the beneficiaries and students with and without enrolment for future reference and ensure 100 percent Adhaar seeding.

He instructed the DSO to provide Aadhaar registering machines to three circles of the district- Sunpura, Tezu and Wakro, in addition to machines for department specific registration for speedy enrolment.

He promised to provide one Aadhaar kit for school children so that no students are left out to reap the benefits of the schemes meant for them.

The meeting was attended by all the enrolment agencies and HoDs of the district, Sunpura CO and others. (DIPRO)

‘Take up biodiversity studies to save flora’

ITANAGAR, May 27: "Arunachal students must come forward to take up various studies related to biodiversity, ethno-botany and environment to save their highly endangered and unique resources, for the next generation", urged Professor M Sabu, an eminent taxonomist at the University of Calicut, Kerala.

"Many plants we studied here would be new to science and would bring to the scientific world, due recognition and acknowledgement to the local tribes and the state government", said Professor Sabu, who conducted a 10 days study-tour of Namsai, Lohit, Roing, Anini, Longding and Tirap districts.

He said that he was amazed to see the rich plant diversity and endemism in Eastern Arunachal.

Pointing to the high chances of extinction of these plant varieties due to major activities, like road widening, deforestation and landslides, Professor Sabu called for immediate measures to protect their entire destruction. He also lauded RIWATCH, Roing for setting up a unique museum in Eastern Arunachal.

Professor Sabu, editor of the website www.gingersofindia.com, along with Senior Research Associate, V S Hareesh was on a survey on ginger and banana varieties of eastern Arunachal, under a Government of India project. His visit was coordinated by the Lohit Youth Library Network in Namsai and Lohit districts and by RIWATCH, Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district.

'Peace Committee Meet concludes on positive note'

PASIGHAT, May 27: The first round of the 'Peace Committee Meeting' convened by the district administration at Siang Guest House conference hall, Pasighat concluded on a 'positive note' on Saturday, said an official report.

"Peace and harmony must be maintained at all cost, and no one will upload any provocative writings or comments in print and social media," it was resolved in the meeting by the members of both the Adi and Galo communities.

The second round of the Peace Committee Meeting will be held next month at Pasighat. Five executive members each from both the community-based organizations will be invited to participate in the meeting, they further resolved.

The meeting was attended by the Superintendent of Police, Pranav Tayal, ADC (HQ) Taddo Borang, administrative officers, representatives from 37-Pasighat (West), 36-Nari-Koyu assembly constituencies and also few from neighboring Roing and Siang and senior members as mediators and invitees. (DIPRO)

Pasighat welcomes Miss Asia World runners-up title winner Chum Darang

Reporter

PASIGHAT, May 27: Miss Asia World runners-up title winner, Chum Darang was accorded a warm welcome on her home coming by members of the Adi Baane Kebang East Siang, ABK women's wing, Women Against Social Evils, Adiland & Upright Peoples' Organization, Jering Matkir Society etc, on Friday.

She got the fifth-runners up position and also won the "Miss Internet" sub-title with highest number of votes in the recently concluded 'Miss Asia World' beauty contest at Lebanon.

Darang was received from Ruksin gate by a large crowd and members of the organizations took her on a special vehicle for a road show around Pasighat Market, which finally culminated in a formal programme at Engo Takar Dere.

Addressing the ceremonial reception function, ABK WW president Yalem Taga Burang expressed her happiness over the achievement of Chum Darang, who represented Pasighat and Arunachal in an international event.

Other organisations' members also appreciated Darang for representing India in an international event.

Extending her sincere thanks to everyone for encouraging her daughter, Chum Darang's mother, Yamik Dulom Darang said, "It was a tough time for all her family as the participation in international event involved huge expenses.

Deputy Commissioner, Tamiyo Tatak, who was also present during the programme, advised all other young girls to learn and be inspired by Chum Darang, who has made Pasighat and Arunachal proud.

On her part, Chum Darang advised the younger generation, especially young girls aspiring to become models, to have confidence and dream big. She also advised them to stay away from drugs, alcohol and other addictions as these are great deterrent to one's ambition and dream.

Meanwhile, financial supports for Chum Darang from the state government are yet to be materialized as quoted by ABK WW President, Yalem Taga Burang and Chum's mother Yamik Dulom Darang. In this connection Chief Minister Pema Khandu was approached couple of times, but assurances from the government are yet to be fulfilled, informed sources.

When asked about financial involvement in the process of participation in an international event, Chum's mother said that, she had to borrow money from second and third parities on interest to fund her daughter's aspiration.

Abu Tani’s Speaking Tree - II

Flights Of Fantasy

[ M Panging ]

‘Son Takang, you are successful and rich in your generation, but the next generation is unable to match you.’ Abu Tani said.

‘Hmmm...Abu, I don’t understand’, Takang replied.

‘See, you and your contemporaries lived in remote villages, walked long distances to reach school, toiled hard to become engineers, doctors, govt officers, lecturers...’ Abu Tani continued. ‘However, many of your children are unable to graduate and find jobs of equal standing; many of them are still struggling to stand on their own’

‘I see, Abu’, Takang replied.

Abu Tani said, ‘Your parents lived in kutcha houses in fur flung villages, had menial jobs or worked hard in fields as farmers to just about manage to educate you and your siblings. They did not have any resources to indulge in you and your siblings, and therefore, you understood the value of money and worked hard to do well in life’.

Abu Tani continued... ‘After you became officers and started doing well, you moved into big houses, lived in towns, started owning many vehicles, sent children to good schools and started indulging in your children.’

‘You employed servants to look after your children, cook and wash for you and your children. Your children depended on servants to do most things. You gave your children cars, bikes, mobiles, laptops and in the process they eventually started believing that they can afford things with parent’s money; they stopped working hard to achieve better results.’

‘Abu, our children are also becoming professors, government officers, engineers, specialists doctors etc’ Takang replied.

‘Yes son, some children are doing well. Few parents have groomed their children well, imbibed good values and raised them to become responsible citizens. We want more of them’, Abu Tani replied.

‘That’s right, Abu! These children are making us proud.’ Takang replied.

‘From childhood, you learnt to wake up early, eat on time, go to office on time and sleep on time, do your own work, but many present day children wake up late, skip breakfast, eat junk food and sleep very late in the night. These erratic lifestyle is not good for their health...’ Abu Tani said.

‘If that is the case, what is the solution, Abu?’ Takang asked.

‘There are no fixed solutions to this complex issue’ Abu replied. ‘As a start, parents have to spend time with the children and talk to them. Parents need to be strict with children and stop getting blackmailed into over indulgence. One way maybe is to set milestones for them, like mobile phones after Class X, laptops in college only, vehicle after getting a job etc. Also, parents need to set personal examples for the children’.

‘I understand now, Abu’ Takang nodded.

‘Son Takang, one of the greatest duty of parents is to ensure that their children become responsible citizens of the world and surpass their parents in all fields,’ Abu Tani said, ‘Isn’t it son?’

‘Yes Abu, you are right...the next generation logically should be smarter, healthier and happier!’ Takang replied. (The writer is a retired Group Captain of the Indian Air Force)

Army jawan killed, 6 injured in field firing exercise

Tezpur (Assam), May 27: An army jawan has been killed and six others were injured when a mortar shell exploded during field firing exercise at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

The incident took place on Thursday in an area bordering China, about 35 km from Tawang-Gamrala area, killing one jawan and seriously injuring six others, Defence spokesperson of Tezpur 4 Corps, Lt Col Sombit Ghosh, told PTI here today.

Three of the critically injured jawans were evacuated to army s Command Hospital at Kolkata by helicopter while three others were admitted to Tezpur Army Base Hospital. PTI

Para forces, IAF Garuds join to recover missing Su-30 wreckage

ITANAGAR, May 27: Para (Special Forces) and Indian Air Force Garuds have joined the rescue and recovery operation for the Sukhoi-30 MKI jet that was formerly missing, according to a source.

The two pilots who were onboard the aircraft have not been located yet. However, it is being presumed that they did not survive the crash.

The wreckage of Sukhoi-30 MKI jet was found after four days of search mission yesterday.

The jet lost contact on May 23rd following which massive search operations were launched to track the jet.

The aircraft airborne from Tezpur Air Base lost radar and radio contact approximately 60 km North of Tezpur.

Meanwhile, a Court of Inquiry will be investigating the cause of the accident.

Society seeks security for Taku

ITANAGAR, May 27: Taking serious note on the purported extortion notice served by the ULFA to former Minister Bida Taku, demanding Rs 10 lakhs or face dire consequences, the Taku Welfare Society (TWS) on Saturday urged the Home Department to provide security to the former minister in the wake of a threat perception.

A case has been registered at the Lekang Police Station against the letter, but the TWS expressed displeasure at the slow pace of investigation on letter.

Terming the extortion letter suspicious, which according to them might be served in behest of political bosses, the TWS demanded for handing over the case to an SIT for speedy investigation.

"With such an audacious banned UG group, which has nothing to do with the former minister, serving an extortion letter, the state government and authority concerned should take it seriously".

On Friday, the former minister's clan members, under the banner of Baate Youth Welfare Society also demanded that the government unearth the person behind the extortion notice.

Orientation prog for trainers of para-taxonomists conducted

ITANAGAR, May 27: A two-day orientation programme for the trainers of pilot programme on "Skilling Para-taxonomists" of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, GoI, under the National Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) was jointly conducted by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI) on May 25 at ZSI's Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, here.

Itanagar (Papum Pare) is one among the 11 districts chosen across the country for implementation of the pilot programme by the ministry, informed Dr Bikramjit Sinha, HoO, APRC, ZSI.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI is launching the pilot programme as part of the National Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP).

The programme was divided into four technical sessions. The first two sessions dealt with foundation course and the other two with advanced course.

The trainers comprised of scientists, faculty and research scholars from various institutes, including Rajiv Gandhi University; Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board; GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development; Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar; Wildlife Sanctuary and State Remote Sensing Application Centre; Department of Science and Technology, GoAP and from both the host institutes.

AKDDSU demands proper implementation of RTE Act

ITANAGAR, May 27: The All Kra Daadi District Students' Union (AKDDSU) appealed to the authorities concerned to implement the Right to Education Act in the schools in letter and spirit.

Attending a coordination meeting convened by Kra Daadi Deputy Director of School Education on May 25 last to discuss clubbing of non-functional schools with functional ones, AKDDSU President Gora Rikam appealed to the Deputy Director for proper implementation of mid-day meal scheme and to make school uniforms and textbooks available in the schools.

The AKDDSU President appealed to the MLA(s) and Panchayat leaders not to pressurize the Education Department for political transfer and posting of teachers.

It also strongly supported Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu's zero tolerance approach for absentee teachers.

Stating that most of the teachers posted in the districts are reluctant to stay in their place of posting, the AKDDSU cautioned all the absentee teachers to discharge duties with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Union General Secretary, Pakyum Talop appealed to the teachers to impart quality education to the students and stay in their respective places of posting.

The Union further appealed to the principals and all headmasters in-charge of various schools not to charge admission fee from the students.

While appreciating the initiative of the DDSE to merge the non-functional schools with stipendiary schools, the AKDDSU assured its support and cooperation to the DDSE to improve the education scenario of the district.

Literary competition among school children held

NAHARLAGUN, May 27: Over 100 children from various schools in the Capital Complex participated in a literary competition, which included essay writing, and drawing and painting, conducted at Royal International School, Naharlagun by the Department of Environment & Forests on May 27.

The drawing competition was held on this year's UN Theme "Connecting People to Nature", while the topic for essay writing was on "Climate Change".

The event was organised in view of the World Environment Day on June 5 to be celebrated at Art of Living Centre, Jullang.

The event was coordinated by D Dohu Robin, Deputy Director (Environment) & ENVIS Coordinator with his team of ENVIS and Climate Change officials with school authorities in Itanagar and Naharlagun.

The literary event saw the participation of students from Guardian Angel School, Itanagar; Bunny Fantasy World and host Royal International School.

Seva Dal observes Nehru's death anniversary

ITANAGAR, May 27: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) observed the 53rd death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, at Indira Gandhi Bhawan, Naharlagun on Saturday.

Seva Dal Chief Organizer, Kipa Kaha briefed about the works and life of Pandit Nehru, who was one of the foremost leaders of India's freedom struggle.

'Nehru was the architect of modern India and a central figure of Indian politics', Kipa said.

Nehru was born in Allahabad On November 14, 1889 and died on May 27, 1964 in New Delhi.

Kaha, along with Seva Dal workers and cadres offered floral tributes to the portrait of Nehru.

Runne village wins 23rd Tekang Etor Football Trophy

Reporter

PASIGHAT, May 27: Runne village won the 23rd Tekang Etor Football Trophy 2017 defeating Takilalung village 4-3 through tie-breaker in the final held at Tekang village on Friday.

The winner and runners-up teams walked away with cash prizes of Rs 30,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively, along with trophies.

Gelat Jiji of Takilalung and Tater Ering of Runne Team were adjudged as 'Best Player' and 'Best Goalkeeper' of the tournament, while Nayi Padung of Ledum Team became the highest scorer.

Ushi Tangu of Mirsam village gave away prizes to the winners, runners up and individual achievers.

In all, 26 teams from different villages of East Siang participated in the tournament.

BJP to celebrate three years of Modi Govt

ITANAGAR, May 27: Arunachal Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) today announced that it will celebrate 'Modi Fest' to mark three years of the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government by organising a series of events across the state from May 26 to June 15.

The party also informed that Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and Minister of Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju will visit Itanagar for the same.

Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Parliamentary Secretary, Laisam Simai highlighted the achievements made under the Modi-led Government and cited welfare schemes, like the Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojna, and several other schemes.

Simai also informed that around 52 lakhs youth will be trained under the National Skill Development programme all over the country to make every single youth sustain their livelihood. He further informed that, seven Indian Institutes of Management, six Indian Institutes of Technology and 10 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences would be established in the remaining tenure of Modi's governance.

Lauding the BJP achievements, the Parliamentary Secretary also said, "All the pending projects and schemes under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure were completed and some are still in progress, and near completion. We have more developments and inspirational waves to witness in the coming days and it is our prime goal to gear up for the upcoming 2019 elections."

RWD, Agriculture and Labour & Employment Minister, Kumar Waii said that "since the BJP has come into power, it has made tremendous achievements. However, it does not mean that it is time to relax. In fact, the hopes of all Indians have grown and as a BJPian it is our responsibility to spread Modi's ideology and initiatives to ground zero."

Parliamentary Secretary Tesam Pongte advised party members to strengthen communications and double their efforts, while state BJP General Secretary, Jarpum Gamlin urged the party members to stretch each scheme of the NDA Government to the people.