The Arunachal Times - Archives

He waved, assured and left

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: He came, waved, and gave some anxious moment to Special Protection Group (SPG) and left. However, not without assuring to pursue the demands of the state government with the central leadership.

Dubbed as the future prime minister of India, All India Congress Committee General Secretary Rahul Gandhi addressed a massive Congress Victory Rally at I G Park, Itanagar this afternoon in which he recollected his family’s long association with the people of the state.

He said that state is close to the heart of the UPA leadership and it would do everything possible for the welfare of the state.

He said that his party would continue to work for the common citizens of the state and called on the Congress leadership in the state to work for the poorer sections of society.

Whenever I go the villages, Opposition mocks at me, he said in obvious reference to BJP and Mayawati. But real India is in its villages, away from power corridor. It is in villages where strength of India lays, he said. He further narrated how he took British Politician David Miliband to a village so that he could have a glimpse of real India.

He said that Congress would work to bridge the poor and rich divide in the country. We cannot have an India where privileged has unlimited access to everything. This needs to change, he said, in his short speech.

Responding to the memorandum of the state government, Gandhi assured to take up with the Prime Minister and UPA chairperson so that grievances of the state are looked into.

I am your soldier in Delhi and promise to work for your development, he said.

For the three-hour visit to the state, a security blanket was thrown over Itanagar. Altogether six companies of security forces, including state police, Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and CRPF, was reportedly deployed in the entire capital complex.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu called for release of funds for speedy development of the state. He further said that state government is committed to make PDS successful in the state provided Food Corporation of India takes initiatives to open godowns in all the sixteen district headquarters.

Earlier APCC president Nabum Tuki submitted a memorandum to the Congress leader to pursue with the centre for early execution of Green Field Airport in Itanagar, green bonus to compensate for loss of revenue due to Supreme Court ban on timber activities, implementation of sixth pay commission to the state government employees,

additional allocation of funds for construction and repair of foot suspension bridges and porter tracks, construction of quarters for teachers, doctors, para-medical staff in border areas, streamlining of public distribution system, raising of Arunachal Scouts, and speedy disposal of projects under the Prime Minister’s package. In His address, Union Minister V Narayansamy said that centre is committed to ensure development of the state and would continue to support the people of the state.

Just before getting into the car after the completion of the program, to the nightmare of the Special Protection Group, Rahul Gandhi found his way through the bamboo barricade to shake hands with the delighted crowd. The Gandhi charisma and charm was at work!

“Don’t Just Blame The System, Be A Change Agent”

RONO HILLS: “You can’t wait to be given a chance to better this world, you have to go out and grab that chance. This is the time for young people to get actively involved in the political process.” This was the tenor of the exclusive interaction that AICC General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi had with students from various colleges and institutions participating in CADENCE 2009, the Youth Festival of the Rajiv Gandhi University. He said this at the outreach programme called CONNECT that was organized with a view to meet with college and University students to get to know the issues that concern the young people of the state. Encouraging the youth to join politics, Rahul said it will be very impactful when youngsters joined politics and changed the political system of its ills. Further, describing Arunachal’s extraordinary cultural diversity, he said that Arunachal may not be big in terms of population but in terms of diversity, it is bigger than any other state. Sharing that he was greatly impressed with the way north easterners were doing exceptionally well in every field, especially in the metros, he said every Indian was proud of Arunachal as well as of the entire North East. On replying to a question by a student from Don Bosco College, Itanagar on discrimination against the people of the region, he said that the majority of the people don’t have any biased attitude towards people from the north-east. Only a negligible number behaves so, and this thing is not just confined to this region alone, it is seen across the country. It is only when we respect our differences and regard our diversity that we can grow as a nation.

While responding to a question from a student from Arunachal Law Academy on governance, politics and corruption, he said that the system had no faults of its own but the problems lay in its implementation. We need to get down to the field and

create opportunities for scoring and not just stand at the center of the field, he explained, taking an example from soccer when the student mentioned that he played as a striker.

On answering a question from President, RGUSU Tayuk Sonam regarding his views on the renaming of RGU into Arunachal Rajiv Gandhi University (ARGU), he candidly opined, “it is your University, you have to decide what ever name you like to give it. I’m ok with it.”

Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Vice-Chancellor of the University, in his welcome address described the stature of Rahul Gandhi as a breadth of fresh air in the political set up of the country. He lauded Rahul’s efforts in revamping the entire political structure where increasingly, merit is given precedence over networks and connections. He said that Rahul’s brand of politics have brought about a paradigm shift in contemporary politics. He also gave a brief description of the University’s concerns, discussing various problems faced by the University and also the potential of the University in becoming one of the biggest providers of human resources of the state.

Meenakshi Natarajan, Member of Parliament, in her introduction to the event, explained the purpose of the visit as one with a purpose to motivate youth to join active politics.

Moji Riba, Assistant. Professor in the Department of Mass Communication in his brief presentation spoke on the commitment that every faculty member and student of the entire University showed in trying to contribute to the development process in the state. He shared that though the University was beset with problems, like the inadequate grant of funds on being declared a Central University, yet it would keep striving to excel. Paying a tribute to late Rajiv Gandhi, after whom the University is named, he thanked Rahul for continuing to inspire the young to dream.

Dr. Nani Bath, Dean, Student’s Welfare thanked Mr. Gandhi for coming to the University and said that it was indeed a proud moment for all the contingents who have got an opportunity to interact with him.

Representatives from various colleges, teaching faculty and the students of the University attended the event.

Training of nurses of Arunachal on H1NI

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: A five days State Level In- service training on H1N1 (Swine Flue) for Nurses of Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated by Dr. K. Nishing, I/c Director of Health Services today at State TB Training and Demonstration Centre Naharlagun.

Twenty six Nurses from various District of Arunachal Pradesh attended the Training Programme which is being conducted by Nursing cell of Health Directorate.

The Course Coordinator and I/c Nursing cell C. Susan Tada highlighted the importance of nurse’s role in the combating and containing the emerging new infectious disease like Swine Flu.

She highlighted that nurse’s role in Hospital Infection Management, and information dissemination is very important in this time and age.

Dr. Nishing emphasized the role of nurses in alleviating sickness with willing heart, compassion and a smiling face.

Dr. B.Tada, DDHS (TB) spoke of the importance of updating the latest medical and nursing knowledge to contain various diseases. He especially thanked the nursing personnel who have come from the far flung places like Tawang, Tirap, Yingkiong, Daporijo, Roing, Changlang, Seppa, Along, Pasighat along with nurses from RKM Hospital Itanagar.

Veteran soldier visits 19 AR at Khonsa

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: If one is resolute to achieve something, age and physical capabilities are no bar, what matters is the spirit. This was aptly proved by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) MS Behl, Vishisht Seva Medal, an octogenarian who travelled all the way from Gurdaspur (Punjab) to Khonsa along with Mrs Behl to meet the soldiers of his beloved Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) MS Behl Commanded the battalion from February 1971 to December 1975.

While Assam Rifles is celebrating 175 years of its Raising, visit of the Veteran soldier to the battalion was a great morale booster for the unit personnel.

MS Behl exhorted all ranks to re-dedicate themselves to the national cause and North East region in particular. During his visit from 21 Nov 09 to 23 Nov 09, the Ex - Commandant and the lady interacted with Jawans and their families and also visited various regimental institutes.

Breast cancer awareness campaign reaches Aalo

AALO, Nov 23: Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has reached Aalo on Sunday. The campaign which was launched in Itanagar last week is set to travel ten other towns of the state.

Initiated by Muskan Welfare Society which is headed by First Lady of Anupama Singh, in collaboration with Highways Infinite and Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, the campaign was held at Old Market Dere, Aalo which saw a huge turnout of people.

Dr. (Captain) Ritu Biyani, of Highways Infinite said that cancer is world’s second biggest killer while adding that it is preventable and non-communicable disease.

Dr. Adisi Kri (MD) of General Hospital Naharlagun informed that the recorded cases of cancer in male with 55.6%. is much higher than women in the state. (DIPRO)

Mass awareness campaign on Govt development schemes

YINGKIONG, Nov 23: Under the initiative of the Upper Siang district administration the people from all walks of life including students, Govt staffs, PR members, GBs, public leaders took out a mass Awareness Programme on the developmental schemes of the various departments in the Yingkiong town today. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain, who conceived the idea of the awareness campaign, flagged off the rally

Addressing the gathering in the town hall, Sain exhorted all to utilize the knowledge gained from the campaign for developing the district.

He informed that the Jan Suvidha Setup in the DC Office has reduced the time in issuance of ILP, STC, PRC certificates. It will be developed further, he informed.

Though all-out effort has been put into streamlining the PDSs, he said there are still more to be done so that the public get full benefits.

Informing that a KVK School has been approved he urged all the GBs, PRI Members, and NGOs to check opium cultivation and hunting.

Village Education committees should monitor the running of the school properly so that children get quality education. Agriculture and Horticulture should be used for long-term projects for economic upliftment, he said.

Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang said every department has its own importance. He appealed all the public co-operate the Govt. officials in implementing the developmental schemes. The public should also live in unity and work for the development of the society. People should go for the long-term planning for better future than short-term benefits. Establishments of schools, medicals, etc should be backed by supporting infrastructure, he said.

The DFO stressed on the preservation of ecological balance, protection of ozone layer and control of global warming besides informing about the developmental schemes.

The DDSE informed that new scheme called Rashtriya Madhyamic Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) is being launched for Secondary & Hr. Secondary Education.

The DMO briefed about the NRHM, Malaria, Blindness Control, AIDS & HIV, Iodine Deficiency Diseases, Leprosy, TB eradication programmes, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, etc.

The PD (DRDA) briefed about the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Rural Housing, SJGS and Hariyali and Role of Panchayat in MGNREGA. The SP also spoke on the occasion.

Many Govt officers highlighted the programmes and policies of their respective department in the rally. DIPRO

Power cut affects normal life

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: Normal life in the Capital Complex has been affected due to day-long power cut today. The power cut greatly hampered the business community who were unprepared to face such sudden situation. However, electricity made available after 5 pm.

Sources informed that high voltage from the supply source of electricity compelled the authority to cut power as they was every possibility to burst transformer in such situation.

New associations

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: Takio Taguk and Tamchi Mangha have been selected as President and General Secretary of newly formed All Sangram Area Youth Welfare Association (ASAYWA) in a meeting held here yesterday.

Teli Hid, Gollo Tahang and Tok Bado have been selected as President, Vice President and General Secretary of newly formed All Sangdupota Circle GBs Welfare Association along with Nabam Yasin and Pani Yajo as women Secretary in a meeting held recently.

Week-long training on establishment rules gets under way

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: A weeklong Refresher Training Programme on “Establishment Rules” began at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Naharlagun today. As many as 32 ministerial staff of the Secretariat and head of the departments are attending the programme being conducted by ATI.

Terming the “Establishment Rules’ as the backbone of the Govt system of functioning and management of the workforce in respective organizations and departments, ATI Director (training) Pema Tshetan, in his inaugural address, called upon the participants to refresh and up-date their knowledge in respect of Establishment Rules and regulations and other office procedures.

The long-term responsibility for efficient functioning and delivery of service depends on the local employees of the state who are operating the departments and offices in majority, Tshetan said and exhorted the participants to inculcate sincerity, hard work and integrity and avoid depending on others.

He said the efficiency of the departments ultimately depends on the caliber, skill, knowledge, and integrity of the each member. Therefore, the officials should take responsibility, he said. The director further advocated for policy of “reward & punishment” by the departments to inculcate work culture, motivate employees for better performance and discourage indiscipline and lack of sincerity to their duties.

Deputy Director (training) and course coordinator of the programme T Lodo and Assistant Director (training) Prescilla Tayeng also spoke on the occasion.

ITBP U-19 football tournament

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: 10Bn Indo Tibetan Border Police Force is organizing a under 19-football tournament for boys at Kimin from November 24-December 3.

Art of Living workshop

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: The six-day Art of Living course will be held at the AoL in H Sector from November 24.

Christened Health through Breath, the centerpiece of the Art of Living course is the Sudarshan Kriya, an innovative breathing technique designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The techniques taught in the Art of Living workshop have been proven to facilitate physical, mental, emotional and social well-being, claimed Art of Living Centre in a release.

Results of chess tourney

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: International rated player Bharat Ringki was leading with 5.5 points followed by N Konia at second place with 5 points after the end of round six at state level open chess tournament being played at Youth Hostel, Naharlagun.

International rated player Raluk Dui, Tamchi Kache were at joint third while Duper Dupit, B Phukan, BT Lahon, Dobin Doke and Mikbom Doke were standing at fourth place with four points each.

Tad Tok Camdir was leading in under 16 years group with three points and he was followed by Nanak Muri with one point.

Subroto Cup begins

East Siang beat Lower Dibang Valley in opener

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, Nov 23: Government Higher Secondary School Bilat, East Siang defeated Government Higher Secondary School Dambuk, Lower Dibang Valley District by 4-2 goals in the opening match of the state level Subroto Mukherjee Cup Football tournament played at Rajiv Gandhi stadium, Naharlagun today.

Lower Dibang Valley team which shot into lead 27 minutes into the match through Dite Perme (jersey No.10) looked formidable till the equalizer that came in 30th minutes from a strong footer from Dilip Ering. The team raided East Siang dent on several occasions in the first half but could not found the net as their all attempts were smartly thwarted by East Siang defenders. An LDV player donning the jersey no. 10 missed a golden opportunity when he could not beat the lone goalkeeper. Immediately after that a strong footer from midfield by LDV player (Jersey no 7) sailed over kissing the goalbar.

In the mean time East Siang colts regrouped and increased the pace of their attack which ultimately paid dividend. East Siang supporters in gallery erupted in joy when Tomy Panggeng’s fine header rested in the net (2-1).

The second half saw a stiff competition between the two teams for reigning supremacy. As a result, LDV’s Kamin Pertin reduced the margin to 3-2. After that, the match saw fortune fluctuating from one team to another. However, at the dyeing moment, LDV player succumbed to the pressure of repeated attacks by East Siang forward line and conceded two quick goals.

Earlier, a glittering cultural display by students of four government higher secondary schools of Capital Complex marked the opening ceremony.

Attending the function as chief guest, local MLA Techi Kaso expressed gratitude to Directorate of School Education for organizing the tournament after a long gap. He said that this tournament would provide a good platform to the budding football players to expose their talents.

Director of Sports and Youth Affairs PR Mazumdar, who was guest of honour, also spoke on the occasion.

Altogether teams from 10 GHSS schools, including Tirap, LDV, East Siang, West Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Lohit, Changlang, Lower Subansiri and host Papum Pare are participating in the tournament.

Subroto Cup Football Tournament is an inter-school football tournament in India, named after the Indian Air Force Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee.

Preliminary inter-school tournaments are held in every state of India starting from sub-division, district and division level culminating in the inter-school finals at the state level. The school teams, winning the state inter-school championships are then invited to participate in the main Subroto Mukherjee Cup Tournament at Delhi.

IED found near Bhalukpong

ITANAGAR: According to an unconfirmed report reaching here, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has been found in Bhalukpong along Assam-Arunachal border which forced the national highway to be blocked. The IED is yet to be diffused.

In Assam, Student organisations had called a bandh in Nalbari district of Assam today in protest against Sunday's attack that left at least six dead and 50 wounded.

Suspected ULFA militants had triggered two blasts close to a police station in Nalbari on Sunday.

A high alert has been sounded across the state after the blasts and people have been advised to remain indoors by the authorities.

Illegal appointments irk ATSU

ITANAGAR,: Expressing serious concern at the alleged illegal appointments made in the tourism department, All Tirap Students’ Union (ATSU) has urged the state Govt to cancel all such illegal appointments and conduct fresh interview for appointment of eligible candidates in the respective post.

Pointing out the tourism potentiality of Tirap district, with its unique culture, art of tattoo making and wood curving, the ATSU alleged that instead of including Tirap in the state tourist circuit, the concerned department is destroying the tourism potentials of the district by appointing inept persons to the posts of district tourism officer and tourist information officer that too illegally.

What is surprising is that none of the newly appointed tourism officers arrived at Khonsa since their appointment, the ATSU further alleged.

Condemning such illegal appointments, the students union also sought intervention of the apex student’s body to bring in transparency in tourism department.

While supporting AAPSU’s endeavour for streamlining DoTC and proper infrastructure for the Wangcha Rajkumar Govt College, the ATSU appealed DoTC and all MLAs of Tirap give priority in education sector.