The Arunachal Times - Archives

CM assures Soochna Bhavan & additional support for Corpus fund

“The Media is yet to fulfill emerging expectations of its people”

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: The journalist fraternity of Arunachal joined the rest of the country and celebrated National Press Day here today with a lively debate among the college and university students on “The media is Arunachal is yet to fulfill emerging expectation of its people”. Very predictably, the motion won thus sending a message to the media fraternity that more need to be done! The quality of debate was high as both treasury and opposition benches raised contentious issues on how the media was functioning in Arunachal.

Announcement of additional Rs 10 lacs towards the Corpus Fund for the Media and assurance of Soochna Bhavan by the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu came as consolation though.

The Chief Minister who was the Chief Guest urged media fraternity to disseminate information to public without fear.

“Media should provide correct information to the public and not succumb under pressure,” he said. Chief Minister further announced that Soochna Bhawan, which is the long pending demand of media fraternity of state, is under active consideration of government and proposal in this regard has been sent to centre.

He lauded journalists of state for performing their duty despite many difficulties.

Speaker of Arunachal Legislative Assembly Wanglin Lowangdong said ‘where the freedom of press is denied and public opinion suppressed democracy cannot flourish’.

Expressing his pleasure that many newspapers are being published from the state capital, he however felt that media has long way to go in the state.

Lauding the state government for raising additional 10 lakhs towards corpus fund, Lowandong appealed the government to extend all possible help to the media fraternity.

My dream is that, this debate becomes a state level event where youth from all colleges in the state would come and present their debating and analytical talent, which is crucial part of wholesome personality, he added.

Renowned writer Mamang Dai, who chaired the debate competition stressed on more debate on the topic related to media fraternity and their field of activities.

She lauded all the 12 participants for their skills and knowledge and called upon the young people and the media group to work together for the knowledge based society.

To mark the day, The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist and Itanagar Press club recognized Ipi Basar and Tashi Khandu for their outstanding bravery.

Epi Basar was given the award for her insurmountable courage and response to call of duty in the inferno that engulfed Nyigam vilage in West Siang where unmindful of her own safety, she saved the life of invalid aged woman and a seven year old child.

On the other hand, Tashi Khandu was awarded for his show of courage in an act of terrorism where unmindful of the bullets, shot at bus, he was driving and with no concern for his own safety, he managed to save the lives of over 20 people by driving them to a secure place in the Bhalukpong-Balipara track.

The Chief Minister announced Rs One lac in cash and Gold medal to Ipi Basar and Tashi Khandu.

The day also saw the release of the Hidden Land: Arunachal Pradesh by Mamang Dai.

The Chief Minister released the book.

Along with Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist, Itanagar Press Club, Department of Information and Public Relations and Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation (CCRd) organised the National Press day.

The judges of the debate were Lawyer activist Sunil Mow, Senior Journalist V Ravindran and state epidemiologist Dr. Lobsang Jampa.

The winners are:

Mishya Joshi of NERIST walked away with the National Press Day Best Debater with a Certificate of Recognition, Crystal Trophy and Ngarsee Torio Best Debater award of Rs 3000 and The Sentinels Arunachal’s “Lummer Dai Cash Award for Best Debater” of Rs 2000.

Sunaina Aggarwal of Rajiv Gandhi University, won the National Press Day Best Debater Runner-Up A with a Certificate of Recognition, Crystal Trophy and Ngarsee Torio Best Debater Runner up award of Rs 2000.

The National Press Day Debate Runner Up Team Running Trophy went to Rajiv Gandhi university while Dera Natung College got the National Press Day Debate Best Team Running Trophy with Certificate of Recognition and a Crystal Trophy each.

Anupama Singh calls for concerted effort to make Arunachal cancer free

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: Let it be the first step towards a Cancer Free Arunachal, said Arunachal Pradesh First Lady Anupama Singh while launching the 10-day state breast cancer awareness campaign at Raj Bhavan here today. She said, “Working together, marching together, fighting together, I know we will be successful. Therefore, let’s spread the message that women in Arunachal Pradesh need to get smart and get screened”. Expressing her concerns, Singh said, like all of you, when I hear the word ‘cancer,’ I do not see anything but faces. Faces of pains, of children with family tragedies. We have all seen what cancer does, and we are here today because we hope for a day when it does not happen to anyone anymore. This dream can happen in our lifetime, if we as an individual redouble our commitment to make it happen, she said.

Urging upon the State Government for more cooperation and adequate fund allocation for the programme, she said “if we fail to act today, the impediment will climb higher, benefits will erode further, and the numbers of people affected will swell to include thousand more Aruachalees”.

Appealing for involvement of anganwadi workers, the ASHAs, teachers and Goan Burahs, she said, early detection remains the key.

Singh suggested for organizing walkathons, rallies and small group meetings at all level and awareness campaigns through postering and distribution of pamphlets and exhibitions of foods that prevent cancers.

Muskan Society President stressed on access to cutting-edge clinical treatment for the patients and need for continued efforts in availing improved,

quality and breakthrough medications and treatments in subsidized rate.

She added, that treatment is creating a situation where a single illness can wipe out a lifetime of savings.

Effort should be made to provide financial help to the patient, he said.

State Health and Family Minister Tanga Byaling, expressed his happiness that a much needed awareness campaign has been taken up by Muskan Society led by the first lady. While assuring his full cooperation for such initiatives, he urged upon all not to feel shy but turn up for regular health checking.

Visionary behind PPP in health sector in the State, Anshu Prakash, Health Commissioner said, it is a disease which not only affect the patient but the whole family due to its cost factor. Stressing on mechanism for early detection, he appealed women not to panic but face it boldly. The health commissioner assured to do al to avail maximum benefit of the GOI programmes and improve the facilities in the districts. He further said that government is looking at the mechanism followed by Assam Government, where BPL patients are given free of cost treatment.

In his keynote address, Dr. M. Basar said, breast cancer is the third commonest cancer in the state after stomach and liver cancer.

He said that state have facilities for treating cancer patients but if provided with radiotherapy facility, lot more cancer cases can be mitigated.

Dr. Basar added, that there is a proposal for an oncology wing in the General Hospital, Naharlagun which need the patronage of the State Government.

Dr. Chaitali Lokhande, the coordinator of the campaign, highlighted on the objective of the initiative. She said, breast cancer is the disease which is silently devastating lives of many women in the State, therefore, looking at the necessary and much needed initiative; the NGO took the responsibility.

In the technical session, internationally reputed breast cancer campaigner, Dr. (Capt) Ritu Biyani of ‘Project Highways Infinite’ said cancer knows no boundary and is a silence killer. The resources person stressing on need for awareness said we need to change our attitude towards the disease and talk openly.

Cancer survivor herself, she said, I was aware of the cancer but never took out time for myself for regular checking. Hoping the a cancer detecting machine will be provided at the earliest, she also dwelled in length on the works undertaken by her on breast cancer awareness.

Dr. Sam Tsering of General Hospital, Naharlagun through PowerPoint presentation showed the cancer cases in the State. Driving through the message that breast cancer is curable, Dr. Tsering also stressed on regular monthly checking. He also cited example of cases, where suffering of patients were prolonged by quack and religious misconceptions.

Such was the response that the hour-long meetings stretched to more than three and half hours. Hundreds of anganwadi workers, officials of Social welfare and child development department including its director R.T. Riba and large numbers of women from all walks of life and students attended the function.

Such awareness meetings will be organized at Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo, Yingkiong and Pasighat.

In the sideline of the launching programme, Muskan Society member secretary Mamta Riba, dwelt in the length on other initiatives of the Society, which includes the toy train in Nyokum Lapang ground, heart surgeries, honourium to ASHAS and de-addiction centre. (PRO to Governor)

APSCU celebrate 56th Cooperative week

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: The Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union (APSCU), Naharlagun organized a workshop on the eve of the '56th All India Cooperative Week' on the theme- ''Strengthening Agro-Marketing and Processing- need of the hours" in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd. (APAMF Ltd) and Arunachal Pradesh Consumer Cooperative Federation Ltd. (APCCF Ltd.) at the Conference Hall of A.P. State Coop. Union, Polo Colony, Naharlagun.

R.D. Thongon, Jt. RCS (Dev), S. Laskar M.D. APAMF Ltd, T. Bage, ARCS, Papum Pare-cum-Administrator, APCCF Ltd., and other Departmental Officers and Officials attended the program.

They highlighted the importance and need of implementation of the theme in the field of Cooperative Sector and shared plan and action to be undertaken for strengthening Agro-Marketing and Processing.

Guest Speaker, Deputy Manager, NABARD, Itanagar explained in details about marketing strategy of Agriculture and Horticulture products in Arunachal Pradesh which is still lagging behind in comparison to other states of the country.

To improve and facilitate marketing system- some procedure has been suggested to be introduced like- Mobile Marketing Infrastructure, Cold Storage facilities, establishment of Shopping Complex, Farmers Guest House by using modern methods of cultivation for standardization of products and its durability.

CEO, APSCU, G Nyorak informed that programme relating to Women Empowerment and Weaker Section would be held on Nov 18.

Pasighat: The 56th All India Cooperative Week was celebrated on Nov 14 last at Pasighat by the members, staffs and Departmental Officers of Cooperative Societies and APEX Bank in the Campus of the Arunachal Pradesh State Co-op Apex Banks Ltd, Pasighat Branch.

The ceremonial flag was hoisted by the Chairman DCU (District Cooperative Union) Tajom Mibang.

Mibang advised the members to contribute their best efforts to the society to encourage entrepreneurships in the district.

The DRCS R.N. Deb appraised the various schemes and assured to support the local entrepreneurs financially in accordance with the government norms.

The meeting concluded with opening of Six Savings Accounts by Self Help Groups (SHG), promoted by Pasighat Lamps Ltd, Pasighat, for Micro finances on Piggery Sector, reports DIPRO.

Children show the way

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan, Itanagar handed over Rs. 11,000 to Donyi Polo Mission School for Hearing Impaired, Chimpu Itanagar today.

The fund was raised by the students and teachers of the DPVB on Children’s Day to assist the physically challenged children.

DPVB further decided to celebrate the Children day every year in the same manner and raise fund for the cause of less privileged children of the state.

Meanwhile, Koj Tado, a class XII student of DPVB appreciating the performance of visually impaired children extended his willingness to render welfare services for such children in future.

Principal DPM school for visually impaired thanked the students, staff and Principal cum Executive Director Mone Yonggam for celebrating the Children Day for the cause of differently abled children.

He advised the children to become a worthy citizen by possessing qualitative human values that lead to success and happiness in life.

Jairampur accords a hero’s welcome to Setong Sena

JAIRAMPUR, Nov 16: Jairampur town came alive with the beating of drums and sounds of firecrackers as Setong Sena, the new Finance Minister of the State came visiting. villagers, Panchayat leaders, and head of departments, came out to greet the ministers here today. It was his first visit to his hometown after being inducted as finance minister.

Sena said that his priorities will be to concentrate on schemes related to developing human resources of the state, especially the youths by providing them education and engaging them in developmental works.

Though, he was satisfied with the pace of progress in the state under congress Govt, “but still there are many important goals to be achieved”. He further appealed all to work together for the welfare of the state.

PPA demands creation of Deptt of Border Affairs

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) suggested the state government to create Department of Border Affairs with full infrastructure and logistic support to deal with border issues.

PPA, which met at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok today, said that both the state and central govts should initiate immediate steps for early and amicable solution to the long pending inter-state border disputes between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for peaceful and harmonious co-existence between the people of the two states.

While demanding immediate release of fund for construction of the green field airport by the Centre as announced by the Prime Minister, PPA urged the central govt to implement the same in letter and spirit.

The meeting also held discussion on various party related issues and state interests.

It demanded immediate separation of the executive from judiciary, timely completion of trans Arunachal-highway, four-lane highway, establishment of national institutes of technology, fashion technology and leather technology, passing of legislation on customary rights on land and resources, proper addressal and tackling of the prevailing situation in Tirap and Changlang districts, proper infrastructure for development of tourism sector in the state, among others. PPA also favoured “Run off the River Project” over mega dams in tapping hydropower in Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the party retained mithun as its election and flag symbols and the state executive body will take up the matter with the Election Commission of India.

Revealing ‘Peace’ in Roing

Jiko Linggi

“Poverty is a Threat to Peace”– Nobel Laureate, Muhammad Yunus,

The word ‘Peace’ was the catchword during the electioneering for fifth legislative assembley election 2009, saleable to the electorate of Roing constituency for votes. Each contesting candidate tried to out do one another’s attempt to claim credit for stationing CRPF at Roing, which they believed was the reason for ensuring peace in the region.

In their race to claim the credit, the contesting candidates overlooked one important factor that, the peace requires to be understood in a more human, in a broad social, political and economic way. Had the peace flowed through the barrel of the gun and kicks of military boots, most of the conflicts around the globe that, we witness today would have been solved by now.

During the election campaign, slogans like “vaahi haath aapka aalu chinega, vaahi haath aapka tamatar chinega aur vaahi haath aapka mangal sutra chinega”, touched the hearts of the masses. From such slogans we can conclude that the disturbances in civil harmony or peace in the region were perperated by the local tribals, whose populaton are handful in numbers but are suffering from abject poverty and were forced to commit such crimes for their one square of meal. And the heniousness of the crime amounted to snatching a tomato or a potato, because their survival is at stake. Or some frustrated alcoholic tribal unempolyed youth creating mayhem, because not everyone is blessed with an optimistic mind to deal with such situations.

According to Ashoke K.Sarkar, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India and Dipak Ghosh, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK, in exchange economies, mere presence of goods and services in a society does not necessarily mean that they are available for consumption by anybody who needs them. Only those who have the means to acquire these goods and services are able to consume them. Their defination of poverty is, “poor person is one who does not possess the wherewithal to command enough goods and services necessary for reaching the basic minimum level of standard nutrition,

literacy and health compared to other members of the society”.

Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Environment and Forest, writing on funding pattern for Northeastern states says that, Arunachal gets its 85% money from the centre. He feels, more money is not the issue. Mere ‘more’ will only compound the problems because the way money is being spent today, the way it is actually finding its way into uses not necessarily for which it was originally intended, in his view, it is striking at the very base of the societies and fuelling many of the problems.

Then what are the root causes that threaten peace in the Roing region? From the slogans it is very clear that the peace in the region is threatened by unjust economic, social and political order. The phenomenon of jobless economic growth that increases income inequalities and generates too few jobs for low income groups poses a serious threat to the well-being of a society.

The frustrations, hostility and anger generated by abject poverty cannot sustain peace in any society. The positive fact until now is that, such negative energies have not fallen trap into the carrasses of wrong hands to stick a dagger to the state that is also called the ‘oasis of peace’.

It is the result of looking at the tribal development through narrow prespective, prism, lenses of securing political chair by those who wield power. Government policies should consider not only aggregate economic impact but also the distribution of employment.

In an anthropologically considered a tribal state like ours, political power is disproportionately centralized. One major politician is responsible for decision-making. But the irony of the fact is that the politicians are themselves tribal but with a negative state of mind. They try to prevent other tribals from being empowered educationally as well as economically, since an aware tribal poses a threat to the political security of existing political order. This often causes development problems. For example, in these situations politicians make decisions, policies and programs about places in context, designed effectively to secure their chair.

Corruption often accompanies such centralization of power, when leaders are not accountable to those they serve. Most directly, corruption inhibits development when leaders help themselves to money that would otherwise be used for development projects. The consequences of which we are witness to, factors responsible for eradicating poverty like good roads, bridges, agents and centres of social transformations like educational institutes, colleges, hospitals are systematically ignored and hidden behind nice sounding phrases like ‘development takes time’.

Also the tribals were systematically alienated from government machineries. Their youths were discouraged from seeking employment in government run establishment through corrupt recruitment system based on political backing or by paying under the table. Unable to get a job, frustration took its toll on this creamy section of the tribal community. When youths seem to be going out of political control, some times, tit bits in the name of government contracts were thrown at them. Frustrated by such a system and as a last resort, the tribal youths fell into the trap of the politicians. As intended, tribals youths found themselves at peace with a bottle of alcohol while creating mayhem for other members of the society.

Preferences in awarding government contracts too were purely based on feudal policy of ‘appeasing the nobles’. Rich and elite tribals were entertained with government contracts; they in turn provided the political rulers with the votes of the tribal masses during elections. Most of the tribal masses were obliged to do so, since they lived off by the doles doled out by the so-called tribal elites and it formed a vicious circle.

With no other vocational skill at their command, tribals were depended on petty government contracts for their survival. The reason for which can be understood from the statement of Moji Riba, an erudite and articulate filmmaker to Outlook, (a weekly magazine), “Our society developed at such a speed that that we couldn’t catch up. Most people like my grandfather never saw a wheel when they emerged from the jungles. And yet, they saw jets flying in the air. From pre-wheel to jet age, can any society evolve in this manner without consequences?”

The whole tribal community was delibrately made to be entangled in a web of ‘Dependency Syndrome’ living on charity, in order to internalise in them a ‘non-tribal psyche of subordination’ or ‘slave mentality’. In the short run charity may be essential for survival. In the long run, that charity can contribute to the possible demise of the recipient.

By-election of 2004 saw emergence of two political power centres. In their quest for political security, economic and other benefits percolated down to the tribals and their youths. People who were deliberately kept away from government establishment saw doors of opportunities opening. Political balance as well as forces of circumstances played a vital role in correcting the flaws of centralization of power like unjust economic, social and political order to an extent and hence it resulted in ‘Peace’ reigning supreme in the region, assisted by the presence of central paramilitary force.

The challenge before the politicians now is to maintain the peace in the region by abandoning repressive and reactionary polices. Instead of exclusiveness, inclusiveness should be opted for, while framing policies and adopt a multisectoral approach in tackling poverty, the root cause that threatens peace in the region.

Union supports

ITANAGAR, Nov.16: All Upper Siang District Students Union has extended their moral support to AAPSU in its movement against Chinese claim over the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Teacher bereaved

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: Techi Dodum, father of Dr Techi Upen Tara Associate Professor passed away today. He was 63 and survived by 3 sons. Government College Yachuli, where Dr Tara teaches mourned the death and condoled the bereavement.

CHF Pasighat celebrates 9th College Week

H.K. Roy

PASIGHAT, Nov 16: The College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat celebrated its 9th Annual Week amidst enthusiastic participation by students and faculties.

Onit Panyang, DC was the Chief Guest and Dr. Alok Tagi Ex-Director Horticulture, govt. of Arunachal Pradesh graced as Guest of Honour on the valedictory function held on November 14 last at the college auditorium.

Panyang expressed his extreme happiness for celebrating the day in a befitting manner and congratulated the Dean, Prof. Dr. V.K. Mishra, faculty members and the students for their excellent performances and achievements. Remembering his college life, the DC commented that Students get a week off from their classes and campus jobs to develop unity, fun and friendship.

While advising the faculties, Panyang urged to conduct more awareness programs, trainings, seminars to transfer the modern techniques to the poor farmers for economic and social prosperity of the local people instead of keeping it in laboratory or research centers.

Dr. Alok Tagi said that the state has ample scopes of horticulture productions but marketing system should be developed by the local MPs, MLAs, NGOs and administration to encourage the local farmers to sell their products. New schemes and modern tools are needed for larger benefits of the growers, he added.

The Dean Prof. Dr. V.K. Mishra presented a report on activities of the college and stated that the students of the college are competent to face national level examinations and competitions. Arunachal Pradesh having suitable climatic conditions and fertile lands be known in the country soon as Fruit state, Mishra commented.

It is the duty of an MLA to work for the people: Siga

DAPORIJO, Nov 16: Expectation and excitement was rife in the air at Jeram on Children’s Day when Tapen Siga, MLA of the Daporijo Assembly Constituency visited the Battak Jeram Primary School in a programme organized by the School Development Committee (SDC). He was given a warm and hearty welcome by the students, GBs, PRI members and public of the area. He was accompanied by the ADC and other heads of departments of the district.

Wishing all the children on the day, Tapen Siga said that the day was rightly celebrated as children’s day as Jawaharlal Nehru was not only a great freedom fighter and the first PM of free India, but also an ambassador for love and peace. His love for children was well known and children too loved him dearly. He also said that he was very happy as the day coincided with his first official visit as an MLA.

Siga expressed his thankfulness to the SDC in keeping the school running in spite of lack of infrastructural facilities and teachers and said that there was a need for provision of quality education for the development of the children and people and the area and this could be done only when sufficient number of teachers were posted in the schools.

Expressing his thankfulness for the unconditional support of the people of the area all these years, he said that he was happy that they had faith in him and his abilities to work for their benefit.

Replying to a six point memorandum submitted by the SDC about upgradation and need for more teachers in the school, road connectivity and electricity supply to the area, among other points, he stressed that it is the duty of an MLA to plan and initiate developmental works for the people and his constituency. So he would do his utmost to pursue their demands with the government. Siga also clearly explained what he could do and his limitations on each and every demand stated in the memorandum and this effort of his was greatly appreciated by the public.

A colourful cultural programme, prize distribution ceremony and visit to local homes followed. Sentiments of happiness were expressed by the villagers as it was after a very long gap that such a function and large gathering was seen in the area. (DIPRO)

SIRD’s Grassroots Programme on Panchayati Raj reaches at Anjaw

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: Two days district level orientation training programme on Panchayat System in Arunachal Pradesh for Anjaw District began at Hayuliang.

Addressing to the participants as chief guest of the programme, Buglelum Tega, Zilla Parishad Chairperson said that Government of India is keen on activation of the Panchayati Raj system in each state including Arunachal Pradesh; hence, capacity building is the priority of the government through which PRIs can address the grievances of the community.

Appreciating the initiatives of SIRD, Arunachal Pradesh for intensive grassroots level training programme, he appealed the State government for continuous training programme so that field functionaries and elected representative are up-dated about the latest programmes and policies of the government.

Narayan Sahoo ,Assistant Director ,SIRD and Course Director of the programme said that second batch of the elected PR representatives are lucky enough because of the State government is taking keen interest for the devolution of fund, function and functionaries so that PRIs can be directly involved in the execution of the Programme.

Appealing to the heads of the department and field functionaries, he expressed that grassroots planning is indispensable for the replication of the need of the community.

PD, DRDA, Hayuliang Pagli Sora, EAC/BDO,Hayuliang & Millo Kojin, Anchal Samiti Chairperson ,Hayuliang Soplem Bellai also spoke on the occasion .

90 participants including ZPM, ASMs, GPMs and heads of the departments and line departmental field functionaries attended the programme.

The same programme will be conducted at Chaglagam ,Manchal ,Hawai, Walong and Kibito of the Anjaw starting from Nov 18- 28 according to official release.

Kariappa urges CM to address grievances of APSWB

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: Chairperson Central Social Welfare Board Prema Kariappa urged the chief minister to address several grievances like enhancement of honorarium for APSWB chairperson, creation of clerical staff for the board, site for building the Board office etc. pertaining to the state Social welfare Board. She said this while meeting the chief minister Dorjee Khandu this afternoon in his secretariat office. The chief minister assured to look into the matter. State Social welfare Board Chairperson Niani Natung was also present in the meeting.

Prema, in her discussion threw light on border area development projects taken up by the social welfare board and opined for adopting a model village which could be named after the first Chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board–Durgabai Deshmukh.

The central team is expected to visit Tawang tomorrow.

Among others, Chief Secretary Tabom Bam and Principal Secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering participated in the discussion. (PRO TO CM)

Subroto Cup Football

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: The State Level Subroto Mukherjee Cup Football Tournament would be held from November 23 to 30 next at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun.

The opening and closing ceremony of the tournament would be held at 2 PM on November 23 and 30 respectively.

Silli Youth Trophy begins

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: The week-long 29th Silli Youth Trophy Competition began on November 14 at Silli.

Declaring the tournament open, Nationalist Congress Party general secretary Gumke Riba appealed to the players to maintain sportsman spirit while taking part in such competitions. He advised the students to study hard to become worthy citizen. Riba donated Rs.10,000 to the organizing committee and few amounts to the Ponu party as a token of love and appreciation.

Komde Nyodu, ZPM, who was the guest of honour, also spoke on the occasion.

This year’s trophy has been donated by Marmik Riba and Marto Riba in memory of their parents Late Emar Riba and Late Rengam Riba.

The opening ceremony was attended, among others, by the GB, PRI leaders, general public, students and youth of the area.

Triangular Sports Meet

ITANAGAR, Nov 16: The second Triangular Sports Meet ’09 of Government ME Schools, Dui, Bangte and Bokam under Palin circle of Kurung Kumey district would be held at Govt. ME School, Dui from November 26 to 29 next.

Besides games and sports, literary and cultural competitions would also be conducted among the students of the three schools to expose the budding talents.

Palin-Chambang MLA Takam Tagar (Pario) would attend the meet as chief guest while Kurung Kumey DDSE would be the guest of honour.

Dist. football tourney at Aalo begins

AALO, Nov 16: District Football Tournament began at Aalo yesterday with 26 teams participating.

The football tournament is being organized by West Siang District Sport Association.

In the inaugural match, Donyi, Polo College, Kamki beat Gumin Yiji 3-0 while the final match of the tournament will be played on Nov 27.

Er. Tayong Ketan, Chief Engineer, Eastern Zone was the chief guest of the inaugural function. He appreciated West Siang DSA under SecretaryShip of Kengam Ete for conducting the tournament which is best in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh.

Ngamdam’s assurances to Wangcha Rajkuamr College

ITANAGAR: Wangcha Rajkumar government college, Deomali celebrated its annual college festival on Monday. Honchun Ngandam, Horticulture minister, government of Arunachal Pradesh graced the occasion as chief guest. In addition, present on the day were members of legislative assembly Thangwang Wangham and Wangki Lowang.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest urged student community to stand up to the expectation of their parents and society in large. He assured the students to look into their demand of construction of permanent boy’s hostel, college auditorium and update of college library.

Association concerned at road traffic

ITANAGAR: All Nyishi Youth Association Capital Complex Unit has strongly condemned deteriorating traffic scenario in the twin town of Itanagar and Naharlagun.

It expressed serious concern about the series of road accidents occurring at regular interval in capital region. It further urged maxi cab association to co-ordinate with their fellow members and help to ensure safe and secure driving in the roads of capital.

Union demands delay of APPSC exams

ITANAGAR: Rajiv Gandhi University Students’ Union in a letter to Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission appealed for postponing of the APPSC Combine Competitive Preliminary Exam 09.

APPSC Combine Competitive Examination (Preliminary), which is scheduled to be held on December 30 seems to be irrelevant and impertinent to the students community of the state as the Rajiv Gandhi University is conducting final examination from December 7, followed by National Eligibility Test (NET) on December 27.

It won’t be possible to travel back to own respective APPSC exam centre in the district from state capital in such a short period due to bottleneck of transportation system, the letter added.

Weekly Talk Series

ITANAGAR: Prof. Jayanti Alam, Fellow, MAKAIAS, Kolkata will deliver a talk in the Weekly Talk Series of Rajiv Gandhi University on the topic “The Position of Women in the Himalayan Region – from West to East” on Nov 18 at the Council Hall.

Si Donyi

ITANAGAR: Capital Complex Si-Donyi Festival Celebration Committee has unanimously selected member of legislative assembly Punji Mara as the chairperson of the organizing board.