The Arunachal Times - Archives

National Press Day

Khandu, Singh urges media to play pivotal role for social transformation

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: The 16th of November – is symbolic of a free and responsible press in India. This was the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only did the press maintain the high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors.

Arunachal Pradesh Working Journalist Union, Itanagar Press Club along with Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Arunachal and Centre of Cultural Research and Documentation would join the rest of press community and celebrate the day at Banquet Hall, Itanagar.

The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and Speaker of the Arunachal Legislative Assembly Wanglin Lowangdong would be chief guest and guest of honour respectively. To mark the day, a debate competition among the students of colleges and university is being organised, to be chaired by noted writer Mamang Dai. The topic of the debate is “The Media in Arunachal is yet to fulfill the emerging expectations of its people”.

Meanwhile in a message, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen (Retd) JJ Singh expressed his hope that the occasion will once again prompt the fraternity towards their social responsibility to the people and nation.

Media, today, is one of the most powerful tools. Its importance in today’s world is evident from the fact that it has the power to influence the lives of people in every way. Therefore, those in this profession have to realize their capability to influence and role in creating a society of well-informed people.

Governor expressed his confidence that the media, especially of the State will continue to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards, defending the principle of the freedom of press, while disseminating fair and accurate information.

The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, in a message said that Press is indeed one of the most essential components of a democratic society, which in turn is a pre-requisite for sustainable social and economic development.

As this sensitive border state with rich ethnicity and age-old traditional practices and customs is passing through a transitional period to adjust with the changing time and need, the media - both print and electronic - has a pivotal role to play to help assimilate the Arunachalee society with the national mainstream, he said.

“I want to urge all of you to maintain to the highest standards of the profession and uphold the principle of impartiality”, the Chief Minister added in his message.

Despite a late starter in the field of development, Arunachalees too have become conscious to gain knowledge and carve a niche for themselves in this competitive world. Likewise, media began its historic journey only in 1988 with the publication of the first English weekly from the state. Today, the state boasts of five English dailies, some periodicals, including few at the district-level.

Tearful adieu to Dalai Lama as he wrap up visit to Arunachal

Itanagar, Nov 15: A shadow of grief descended over the mountains of Itanagar when the Pawan Hans chopper took-off from the Raj Bhawan helipad here this morning with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

The devotees as well as the public gathered in the helipad with heavy hearts bid farewell to their beloved guru.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, his cabinet colleagues and some MLAs were also present.

The Dalai Lama, who left Itanagar at 0830 hrs after completing his last leg of visit to the state, is scheduled to fly to Rome from Delhi to inaugurate the two-day Fifth World Parliamentary Convention beginning on Wednesday.

The week-long visit of the spiritual leader to this frontier state amid protest from China was successful, the weather was not a deterrent for him wherever he visited in the last few days.

The 76-year-old Dalai Lama mesmerized thousands of people in this Himalayan state with his divine oratory skill, as people from all walks of life thronged every venues where His Holiness deliver discourse.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Tawang on November 8 last with his ten-member entourage. He stayed in the district for four days and addressed religious discourse at Yid Gha Chozin besides visiting various monasteries in the district including the famous Tawang Monastery.

The Tibetan leader also inaugurated a multi-speciality hospital at Tawang for which he had donated an amount of Rs 20,00,000.

On November 12 enroute to Bomdila from Tawang, His Holiness has sanctified Thupsang-dhargye-Ling monastery and planted Christmas tree at Dirang.

While addressing devotees at Dirang stadium the Dalai Lama has categorically stressed on four noble thoughts of Buddhism.

He also visited Kalaktang before he left for Itanagar.

Here the Dalai Lama visited the Thupten Gatsalling Gompa and the Theraveda Buddha Vihar at Vivek Vihar belonging to the Hinayana Sect of Buddhism.

He also interacted with intellectuals at Banquet Hall here in the evening. UNI

175th year of Assam Rifles

Arif Siddique

JAIRAMPUR, Nov 15: Drawing and painting competitions were organized in all the schools of Jairampur, Nampong, Kharsang and Miao by the 18 Assam Rifles (AR) to commemorate the AR’s 175 years and to mark Children’s Day yesterday.

Altogether 1500 students of various age groups participated in the competition with great enthusiasm.

The present day AR traces its origins back to a paramilitary force known as Cachar Levy which was established by the British in 1835 in the Assam region. Since then the AR has undergone a number of name changes before the name ‘Assam Rifles’ was finally adopted in 1917. The history of the AR, the oldest paramilitary force in India, is entwined with the history of the growth and development of the tribal areas of the North East region.

In fact, the AR’s history is the history of the NE. Through its deployment in what has become known as the ‘tribal belt’,

the AR has developed an ethos that is based primarily upon the notion of extending the hand of friendship to the people of the region despite the troubles that have occurred there. This has resulted in their employment in a number of developmental activities in the region as they have worked to bring order and security to it.

The AR’s role has been further expanded to include the provision of medical assistance and basic education, assisting in reconstruction and agriculture and handling communications in remote areas. The small nonexistent settlements occupied by AR detachments have now mushroomed into prominent and flourishing townships: Aalo, Tawang and Jairampur, to name of few.

The first AR battalion in Arunachal Pradesh was raised in 1864 by the British and was called the Frontier Police Force. It was deployed along the borders of Sadiya and Lakhimpur districts. The force has been instrumental in providing detachment for survey operations in the state to explore unknown areas and build roads and tracks. The discovery of Vijaynagar and Gandhigram was part of many such operations.

Following the March 12, 1959 disturbances in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama himself, along with other members of his family, escaped and reached the AR post at Chu-Thang Mu, giving the slip to the pursuing Chinese soldiers.

The AR escorted HH to Tezpur via Tawang and Bomdila. As a token of appreciation for the services rendered, the Dalai Lama graciously presented his personal weapons to the AR. These weapons are still on display at the AR museum in Shillong.

From a force of five battalions in 1947, the AR has grown substantially over the years. In 1960 there were 17 battalions, in 1968 there were 21 and today there are 46 AR battalions serving in the NE.

APCC set for membership drive

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: After romping home with a classic victory in the recently concluded state polls, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) is not taking it easy. To further strengthen the party, it has decided to launch recruitment drive to enrol more members. Speaking to media, APCC President Nabam Tuki said ‘the district wise launch of membership drive shall commence from November 16 which would culminate on December 15.

This decision was taken at a DCC and BCC meeting to strengthen party in the state here today at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Itanagar.

APCC has set a target of around one lakh membership with minimum 10% from total voters of the district and urged the membership drive committee to draft the final reports by December 31 next.

The launching of membership drive programme and schedule will be under the coordination of respective DCC and BCC Presidents, which will be attended by the membership monitoring Committee (MMC) of all districts.

District wise Membership Monitoring Committee (MMC) are Tsewang Dhondup (Tawang), RT Khunjuju (West Kameng), WRD Minister Atum Welly (East Kameng), Lokam Tasar (Kurung Kumey),

MLA Padi Richo (Lower Subansiri), RD and Panchayat Minister Takar Marde (Upper Subansiri), Power Minister Jarbom Gamlin (West Siang), JK Panggeng (Upper Siang), Home Minister Tako Dabi ( East Siang), Former MLA Roding Pertin (Lower Dibang Valley), MLA Rajesh Tacho ( Dibang Valley), MLA Karikho Kri (Lohit), Tax and Excise minister Kalikho Pul (Anjaw), Finance Minister Setong Sena (Changlang) and Horticulture Minister Honchun Ngandam (Tirap).

Breast cancer awareness campaign to start from Raj Bhavan

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: At the initiative of Muskan Society, led by the State First Lady Anupama Singh, in collaboration with the department of Health and Family Welfare, a ten-day breast cancer awareness campaign will be launched at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar tomorrow. It will be for the first time in the State, that such awareness campaign on the subject is being taken up in a big way.

Internationally reputed breast cancer campaigner, Dr. (Capt) Ritu Joseph of ‘Project Highways Infinite’

will be the resources person. Cancer survivor herself, she had toured the State in 2006.

State Minister for Health and family welfare Tanga Byaling, Chairperson State Women Commission, Komoli Mossang, Health Commissioner Anshu Prakash and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Moji Jini will be attending the launching function. Women form all walks of life, anganwadi workers, ASHAs and students will be attending the campaign. Interactions and suggestions of correct remedies to mitigate the problem will be highlighted on the occasion.

Such awareness meetings will be organized at Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo, Yingkiong and Pasighat by the Muskan and HFW deparment.

RGU set to host Cadence 2009

RONO HILLS, Nov 15: The Rajiv Gandhi University is all set to host the VIIIth Inter College Youth Festival, Cadence 2009 from 20 – 23 November 2009. This edition of the festival will see the participation of 15 colleges from all across the state as well as the host team. The four day festival, which is held every two years, will witness over 800 students coming together and celebrating the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, amidst the fierce spirit of competition.

Since its last edition in, the festival has been permanently christened CADENCE. The term, borrowed from the terminology of music,

not just signifies a tempo and rhythm but also suggests a modulation. Seen in the light of the festival it would represent the harmony, fervour and the vigorous competition that is so characteristic of the cultural, literary and sports events in the festival. Through the course of the festival 9 literary competitions, 13 cultural events, 11 track and field events and 5 games events will be conducted.

The festival will be inaugurated on 20 November by Minister, Rural Development and Panchayat, Takar Marde while Mr. Nabun Rebia will be the guest of honour.

The Valedictory programme on 23 November will be graced by Member of Parliament, Takam Sanjoy as the Chief Guest and Vimla Mehra, the first ever woman DGP of the state will be the guest of honour.

Would the authority do something about killer trackers?

By Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: The tragic road accident on Saturday involving a bike and trackers that resulted in the death of a young girl has once again brought forward the issue of reckless driving by the trackers drivers. According to the capital complex police, girl named Kipa Yayum was a resident of Nyapin and presently staying in Naharlagun with her brother. She along with a male rider was on its way to Itanagar, when their bike collided with a tracker coming from opposite side. While girl died on the spot, the male rider fled from the scene and police are yet to trace him. The driver of tracker has been arrested and vehicle impounded.

Ever since their launch in the capital complex road, tracker has been on spotlight for wrong reasons including numerous accidents.

In most case, it is bikers who are at the receiving end. Notwithstanding the curvaceous stretch of road between Itanagar and Naharlagun, these trackers are often found driving in very high speed. Most of the residents of capital complex area are angry at the rash driving of trackers and have asked the authority to deal with them in appropriate manner.

Mridul Ghosh, a government employee who regularly commutes in her scooter between twin town of Itanagar and Naharlagun tells, “Its time authorities take stringent action against these trackers drivers. I myself twice narrowly escaped from the jaw of death and on both occasion trackers were at wrong end. They overtake so dangerously even at the most dangerous curve.” She further adds, “If at right time authority does not take proper action, we may end up losing many more lives at the hand of this monster known as trackers.” Even those people who regularly travel in trackers complain about the reckless driving.

On many occasions, passengers travelling in them have to constantly warn the driver not to over speed. Flouting all traffic rules, one can see helpers mostly young boys dangerously hanging on the back of trekker risking their own lives.

With accident of Saturday, suddenly these trackers have again come under the scanner of public and authority. When this reporter spoke to some of trekker drivers at Naharlagun stand, they came up their side of explanations. One of the drivers, a native of Assam spoke on the condition of anonymity, “We all feel sad for the death of that young girl. But every time an accident happens involving trackers, they all blame on us.” He went on to add, “Even other vehicles like bikes and Scorpios can be seen driving very dangerously. Why only point finger at us?”

A city dweller who refused to be named, however, observed that the authority should come out with policy to regulate the reckless bike riders too, at least in the Capital road which is still waiting for the four-lane road to accommodate all types of vehicles. He urged youths to have some self-regulation and ride the bike under prescribed speed. The death of a promising young girl should awaken authorities and let them come up with a proper transport mechanism for the capital complex area.

AAPSU mourn death of its members

ITANAGAR, Nov 5: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union mourned the demise of two of its members who died in separate road accidents.

Pagri Koyu died in Gauhati yesterday after being hit by a speeding truck as he was crossing the road. Son of Bapak Koyu and Mobom Koyu, Pagri was a final year Law student at J B Law College.

On the other hand Kipa Yayung, a school student died in Itanagar-Naharlagun road when the vehicle she was travelling was hit by tracker last evening.

President of the Union, Takam Tatung in a condolence message has mourned the death of two youngsters.

DFP to Organize Awareness Campaign on H1N1

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: The Directorate of Field Publicity is organizing awareness campaign on influenza A H1N1. The campaign aims at generating awareness among the people, particularly in rural and remote areas, about the influenza A H1N1 and precautions to be taken for protection from H1N1 virus.

During the three month long campaign all the 9 units of DFP will organize special publicity programmes in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh. According to a release, each special campaign will be of 5-day duration and interactive programmes,

film shows, photo exhibitions, quiz contests, drawing, slogan and sports competitions and health check ups etc. will be organized to sensitise the people about H1N1 flu, ifmored DFP Joint Director Raj Kumar.

The campaign started at Doimukh in Papum Pare district today, where Pasighat and Ziro units of DFP are organizing awareness programmes in the nearby villages. The main function will be held at General Ground, Doimukh on 18th November 2009, where the campaign will be formally launched. The campaign is being organized in close coordination with district administration, health department, medical officers and staff, anganwadi workers and PRI leaders.

National Education Day

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: NERIST celebrated National Education Day to mark the birthday of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on Nov 11.

Essay writing, Debate and Poster drawing competitions were organized as part of the celebrations.

A function was organized in the evening in New Seminar Hall of NERIST where Prof. H.S. Yadav, Dean (SA) was the Chief Guest.

Prof. M.Muralidhar, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Chairman (Gymkhana) delivered a talk on “Life History of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Great Son of India”. Chief Guest lauded the achievements and important role Azad played as the first Education Minister.

Cricket tourney cum literary competition

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: All West Kameng Nyishi Students’ Welfare Association (WKNSWA) will organize the 3rd Inter-District Cricket Tournament from November 16 to 22. The Association has also decided conduct the VIth Literary Competitions for both the seniors and juniors on the eve of its foundation day on November 23. The literary competition includes essay writing, quiz and extempore speech, according to WKNSWA release.

Kaso assures help on Children Day

ITANAGAR, Nov 15: The Children Day was celebrated yesterday in a befitting manner at Abotani Vidya Niketan secondary school, Pachin Colony, Naharlagun under the aegis of Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Smiti (ASVS).

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest and local MLA Techi Kaso stressed on discipline and character building by the students. He also lauded the students of the school for their good performance.

Earlier, the MLA laid the foundation stone of the Boy’s Hostel at Lower Pachin Happa and address the public gathering.

Responding to a three-point memorandum submitted by the ASVS, the MLA assured all possible help from his MLA LAD Fund road link to the school and the lower Pachin Happa. He also assured to take up with the Govt the Pachin river flood protection works to save the school campus from flood erosion.

ASVS vice president Tadar Kama, read out the Memorandum on behalf of the Parents and public of Lower pachin Happa.

In his speech the chairman of the Abotani Vidya Niketan Secondary School Management Committee chairman Tai Tagak emphasized the need of qualitative education. Pointing the growing awareness among the parents about the children’s education, Tagak observed that quality education is the live-long achievement and precious wealth of the children.

Lauding the reform initiative of the education minister Tagak appealed the Chief guest to look into the grievances mentioned in the memorandum.

Various programmes including competitons on patriotic and local songs and dances, competitions competitions were conducted on the occasion. ASVS secretary Nabam Ruja also spoke on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Royal International School, Naharlagun also celebrated Children’s Day to commemorate the birth day of the First Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Speaking on the occasion School Principal, J. Henry David asked the students to imbibe the qualities of Chacha Nehru.

Numerous programmes including cultural items, friendly basket ball competitions were held to befit the occasion.