The Arunachal Times - Archives

AAPSU protest in Delhi against Chinese claim

University and colleges abstain from class

Itanagar, Nov 3: Irked over the repeated claims of China on Arunachal’s territory, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today lodged a protest by staging a dharna in front of the Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

Supported by various students’ bodies of the North Eastern states under the banner of North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), the apex students’ union of the state sat on dharna from 1030 hrs.

The sit in Dharna was participated in large numbers by students from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University and various colleges of the national capital and senior citizens cutting across different section of the Delhi society thus validating the sentiment of the union and affirming its belief that no power can play games with the unity and integrity of the country, an AAPSU release stated.

The underdevelopment and huge potentiality of hydropower at its reservoir and the strategic location of the state has suddenly caught the imagination of the Chinese government and the union strongly feels that “balance development” of the state in all front would be a befitting reply to the Chinese claim, it added.

Expressing solidarity to the students’ body, the students of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), including North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) and all the colleges of state abstained from attending their classes as a mark of protest against China’s claim.

''We are overwhelmed by the support and solidarity extended by various students’ organisations of the region to us in our movement against China’s claim,'' AAPSU president Takam Tatung informed UNI over telephone from New Delhi.

Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy also joined the dharna.

''The repeated claims over the territory of Arunachal Pradesh by the Peoples Republic of China and intermittent claim and incursions are quite disturbing and the continuous debate over border imbroglio has been a matter of mental agony for the peace loving and staunch patriotic people of Arunachal Pradesh,'' the AAPSU president said.

''We express our deep concern and resentment over China’s myth of expansionist design and jingoism to expand its sovereignty over our motherland and lukewarm attitude by the Indian government with its counterpart,'' he added.

He said Arunachal Pradesh was not only a sensitive border state but most neglected and backward in India in terms of socio-economic, political and educational infrastructure. Predominantly inhabited by indigenous tribal people with limited resources and living under acute subsistence shifting agricultural economy, the people have lived in areas and boundaries guided by its traditional and customary geographical boundaries of indigenous tribal communities.

However, the recent high pitched debates and claim by China over the entire territory of the state have made Arunachal occupy a centre stage.

All Tirap Students Union has come out in support of AAPSU in their moment against Chinese claim over Arunachal Pradesh. In a press statement issued by Union, they had urged state government to react strongly to any mischievous claim by China. With inputs from UNI

Members of Fifth Legislative Assembly take oath

Lowangdong and Taloh file nomination for Speaker & Deputy

NAHARLAGUN, Nov 3: Newly elected Members of the Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly today took oath beginning the first Assembly Session of the Fifth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh.

Protem Speaker C.T Mein administered the oath to the members. Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu was the first to take the oath followed by his eleven ministerial colleagues. Of the sixty members, Lokam Tassar of Koloriang constituency could not take oath as he walked in to the House after the oath taking process was over.

Almost all the members took oath in English while few chose Hindi. One of the members who took oath in Hindi had to be helped by the Protem Speaker as he struggled to pronounce the words.

The young brigade cutting across party lines gave stiff competition to the old timers as they took oath confidently.

However, the applause was reserved for Karya Bagang and Nang Sati Mein. The house applauded the women when they took oath. Both took the oath of affirmation in English.

Earlier, the Protem Speaker C.T Mein while congratulating the members including the new entrants called upon them to maintain the democratic values of the Assembly and work for the welfare of the people.

Meanwhile Wanglin Lowangdong and Tapang Taloh has filed their nominations for the posts of speaker and deputy speaker.

After the election/selection of the Speaker and his deputy, the governor of Arunachal Pradesh Gen (Retd) J J Singh would address the house on Wednesday.

AAPSU-ALSU call for 12-hr capital bandh on Nov 6

ITANAGAR, Nov 03: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and Arunachal Law Students’ Union (ALSU) in joint meeting today decided to call a 12-hour Capital bandh on Nov 6 next in protest against the ‘total failure’ of the Govt to respond its ultimatum served demanding immediate arrest of the ITBP personnels allegedly involved in Seppa firing, immediate suspension of the Seppa SP and constituion of judicial enquiry committee to investiage the actual fact of the entire episode where one IRBn constable was allegedly killed. The decision was taken after five-hour marathon discussion by both the students’ bodies,

informed AAPSU and ALSU in a joint press release.

The milk van, paramilitary force, ambulence, media, magistrate on duty, fire brigade are exempted from the purview of the bandh.

Dalai Lama’s visit is purely religious: Rinpoche

China accuses Dalai Lama of damaging ties with India

ITANAGAR/BEIJING, Nov 03: Even as Rev. T.G.Rinpoche, the chair of the State Level Reception Committee, reiterated that the visit of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, to Arunachal is purely a religious and spiritual one, China continues its tirade against the proposed visit of the Dalia Lama to Tawang.

While reviewing the preparations being made for the Dalai Lama’s visit at Bomdila today Rinpoche said that efforts should be made by all to receive him with the traditional and religious fervour attaching utmost importance to dignity and decorum.

On the other hand the Chinese foreign ministry at Beijing on Tuesday accused the Dalai Lama of damaging its relationship with India by his plans to visit a ‘disputed border region’.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader has riled Beijing by arranging a trip next week to Arunachal Pradesh, parts of which China claims as its own. The Chinese government has condemned the trip several times and asked Delhi to stop it going ahead.

But with ties between the two Asian giants strained by a flare-up of disputes over their shared boundary, Beijing apparently hopes to keep its ire over the trip, due to start November 8, from inflaming diplomatic tensions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu repeated earlier criticism of the Dalai Lama for "separatist" activities, but did not condemn Delhi for allowing the trip to go ahead, and underlined the importance Beijing places on Sino-Indian ties.

"The Dalai Lama often lies and often engages in acts to sabotage China's relations with other countries," Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said at a regular news briefing. "I am confident that his scheme to wreck China's relations with the relevant country will come to nothing."

The Member Secretary of the State Level Reception Committee Thupten Tempa sharing the history of the flight of His Holiness and his devotees to India through the present day Arunachal Pradesh way back in 1959, said that His Holiness has a special liking and attachment for the people and state of Arunachal Pradesh. The same should be reciprocated in equal terms in form of love and devotion, he observed.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Swati Sharma impressing upon the various committees for proper co-ordination, called for review meetings amongst the concerned committee members on daily basis. Highlighting the positive role that the print and electronic media can play, she called for adequate and proper arrangements for the national and regional media persons coming over for coverage of the visit of His Holiness here at Bomdila. DIPRO/ Source.

CZAI adopts Roing mini zoo

Bishnu Rana

ROING, Nov 03: The Mini Zoo Roing which was known as Mihao zoo during nineties got a fresh look and new lease of life with the intervention of the forest officials.

It is also good news for the Roing mini zoo that the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) has adopted the zoo. We are instructed by the CZAI to prepare a master plan to facilitate conducive environment for endangered animals and birds”, reveals Alok Singh Range Officer Deopani wild life range.

The zoo houses Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque (both monkey species), Barking & Hog deer, Python of schedule-1, Porcupine, common palm civet and small Indian civet.

According to zoo sources, the place once again witnesses the visitors after the fading beauty was restored.

We have planned to modernize the zoo under wildlife guidelines. We have also decided to rehabilitate the stranded Eastern Hollock Gibbon from Delo village in this particular zoo which in days to come may become a favourite destination for visitors, Singh further said.

Located at the scenic confluence of the Eze and Eme rivers bank, the surrounding of the zoo is also most favourite destination for picnic parties and holiday makers. “Indeed it is good news and right step taken by the CZAI. If developed properly the zoo will attract large number of tourists”, hoped Jibi Pulu a tour operator.

The Mini Zoo Roing was unfortunately neglected for several years due to lack of adequate funds and shortage of manpower. Fund crunch had compelled the department to shit a good number of animals to Itanagar zoo.

Insurance policy for livestock in East and West Siang

PASIGHAT, Nov 3: East West Siang districts have been selected under Cattle Insurance Policy, a scheme being launched by the govt. under national programme on cattle and buffalo breeding in the state. Under the programme, 50% premium would be borne by the AH & Veterinary department.

This was informed by DVO Dr. Emo Lego at an awareness camp on Cattle Insurance Policy which was held at Seram village under Mebo sub-division today.

The training programme was attended by cattle owners of all the adjoining villages of Mebo subdivision. He appealed the villagers to avail the optimum benefit of the scheme. (DIPRO)

Looking for an identity

Tongam rina

“I have no race prejudice. I think I have no colour prejudices or caste prejudices nor creed prejudices. Indeed, I know it. I can stand any society. All that I care to know is that a man is a human being — that is enough for me; he can’t be any worse.” – Mark Twain

At all stages of life, we face prejudices of some form or the other. At home, work, relationships, school and colleges. We would rather not talk about it unless it triggers something very ugly.

In this country, which is so proud of its rich and diverse culture, unfortunately, discrimination based on caste and colour is as old as its history.

Despite efforts by government and civil societies, even today, we have villages’ segregated based on castes.

For that matter, government of India has also been partly guilty. Its education system is riddled with discrimination. Today, if one belongs to a particular community, one is ensured of free education and admission to elite institutions, no matter what the economic status or percentage is.

For people of North East region of this country, we have few complaints, because we belong to that particular community which is patronised by the Indian government and more so its education system. We continue to live off Indian taxpayer’s money. Journey has almost been hassle free. It is a different story that for long, we have not been able to capitalise on the free goodies.

Thankfully, the younger lot has learnt lesson faster. Today, North East, though minimal is a visible face. This gives us hope.

However, it is not a cakewalk. Faced with fewer choices in terms of employment opportunities and good education in the North East, most of us head to Delhi and other metros.

Its not been a smooth journey. There has been simmering anger amongst the people of North East living in metros, more so Delhi, which has been dubbed the crime capital of the country.

They say, Delhi is not safe even for Delhites. But everyone knows that its no coincides that people from the region, more so the girls, are susceptible.

The most recent one was killing of a girl from Manipur at the hands of an IIT graduate and another incidence of assault on a girl from Arunachal. There were protests marches and candle light vigils. Delhi has never before witnessed such anger from the people of the Northeast region. Delhi Police had gone on record to say that killing of a girl from Manipur was an isolated case and anyone could have been the victim.

However, students from the region would have none of it. Police might termed it as an isolated cases but the outburst is culmination of years of discrimination faced in their own country. They had supporters from Delhites as well which speaks volumes.

For long students coming from the region has complaint about indifference of the authorities to these problems. Instead of helping it out, Delhi Police came up with shocking “While in Rome, be a Roman” dictate.

Now if you measure the moral fibre of the person based on her skirt or his shorts yours truly have no comments. For that matter how strong the stink of bamboo shoot and churpi.

When a section of society is vulnerable, it is essential that authority take steps to ensure their safety.

Training under BRGF gets underway at Upper Subansiri

ITANAGAR, Nov 3: SIRD Arunachal Pradesh commenced the training exercise for developing District Level Master Trainers under BRGF for Upper Subansiri at Daporijo.

The programme is being sponsored by Ministry of Panchayati Raj Government of India, and is supported by Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. While welcoming the participants, G. Ete, ADC-cum-Member Secretary, Zilla Parishad and District Panchayat Development Officer (DPDO) urged the participants to be well conversant of the programme.

He said all are accountable to answer for any query for failure and success of the programme.

He further said, the centre would not remain silence spectator after pumping such huge amount to the district. It would monitor its at every stages of implementation.

He said that being the member secretary of ZP and DPDO, he is equally responsible for proper and meaningful direction to the three tiers and accountable for low performance of the implementation and ineffectiveness of the elected PRI leaders.

He further stated that education sector must be planned on priority besides agriculture and horticulture activities. PR leaders must properly monitor the functioning of the teachers which has to be updated to the DDSE.

Health sector may also be taken care by the PRI leaders. He said that mortality is seen high in the rural area, which needs to be addressed properly while adding that Total Sanitation Camp programme being initiated by PHED department should be properly monitored and implemented.

S Timba District Planning Officer-cum-Member Secretary, DPC highlighted on the development grant fund under BRGF.

Kirto Loyi, Deputy Director SIRD –cum-Course Director clarified on the need for participation of all members, since SIRD will be evaluating the participation of all the trainees and empanel only such participants as State Level Master Trainers (SLMT) who would be able to deliver the training interventions at district level.

A four days District Level Master Trainer for Upper Subansiri comprises of resource persons from State Level Master Trainers who were trained in July, 2009 for BRGF.

The programme is being attended by Anchal Samiti Chairpersons, ASMs, and district level representatives from various line departments, representatives of NGOs engaged in Upper Subansiri.

Another training programme for Block Level Facilitator will commence from Nov, 07 at same place for Gram Panchayat Chairpersons and block level field officials.

Training of PR women and younth leaders get underway

Meanwhile the State level Training Programme on Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan got underway at SIRD, Itanagar for East Siang and Upper Siang. Tope Bam, Director, SIRD, while citing the different stages of the constitutional amendment, particularly 73rd constitutional amendment and its implementation in Arunachal Pradesh, expressed the difficulties faced by the government and expressed the hope that people’s participation and sharing of information is the benchmark of the community development.

Narayan Sahoo ,Asstt. Director (Panchayati Raj), SIRD and Course Director said that under PMEYSB there is ample opportunity for the development of leadership skill and empowerment of Women and youths. He said that the present central government has already directed the ministry of Panchayati Raj for the introduction of Bill, which will be placed in the next session of the parliament for the reservation of 50% of seats in the PRIs for women.

More than 100 members representing Zilla Parishad, Anchal Samiti and Member Secretaries of Panchayats of East Siang & Upper Siang District are participating in the three days programme.

Record patients at Deomlai CHC

ITANAGAR, Nov 3: 2,678 patients were treated in VHAI-managed Deomali CHC of Tirap District in the month of October alone.

Deomali CHC is managed by VHAI since August, 2009 and there is nearly five times increase in patient-load since its takeover. Although NGOs staff work with relatively less salary and facilities than their Government counterparts do, however, service-delivery as well as patient-satisfaction increase significantly in NGO-managed hospitals.

Rural Tourism Training for NGOs of Arunachal Pradesh

ITNAGAR, Nov 3: NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office, Itanagar had sponsored NGO representatives, Amar Nangbia Dui Chairman NN Charitable Society Sagalee and Y. Yonggam, Secretary Young Mission Adventure Club, Itanagar for participation in three days “On Location Training on Rural Tourism” at Pastanga Sikkim from Oct 26-29.

The programme was organized by Bankers Institute of Rural Development Lucknow in collaboration with Sikkim based NGOs Eco-tourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) and Khedi Eco-tourism and eco-development Promotion (KEEP).

The NGO representatives returned after successfully participating in the training. The participants expressed their satisfaction and happiness on their learning- experience during the training. They were impressed with the way tourism has flourished in Sikkim where many people get employment and livelihood in the sector. Another beautiful aspect of tourism growth in Sikkim is that of preservation of culture and traditions of the local people and its environment and bio-diversity.

Amar and Yomngam attributed the success of tourism in the State as hospitality of the people, respect for rule of law, strong support from Government and other agencies. They expressed their confidence that Arunachal with its wonderful culture, bounties of nature and rich bio-diversity and can also become a hub for domestic as well as international tourists in the coming days. They want to make a beginning by starting rural tourism project in selected locations of Arunachal.

Seminar on medicinal plants cultivation

ITANAGAR, Nov 03: Akash Creations Development Society of India (ACDS), an Itanagar based voluntary organization has organized a one-day seminar on the topic “Commercial cultivation of medicinal plants through SHG’s in technical collaboration with Regional Research Institute Ayurveda (RRI-A), Govt of India at Panchayat Hall, Yachuli recently.

The programme was conducted with an aim to boost rural economy of the farmers through medicinal plant project. Members of Self Help Group and societies took part in it.

Inaugurating the programme as chief guest Ziro ADC Yowa Tapu assured all possible help to such programme and projects which will generate employment opportunity and revenue.

RRI-A assistant director Dr Ram Shankar stressing the need of the commercial cultivation of medicinal plants, called upon the participants to take up large scale commercial cultivation of medicinal plants and assured all possible help on the projects initiated by the ACDS.

Dr Saurav Dev and R Singh, horticulture development officer Ziro also spoke on the occasion.

Health camp at Changlang

Changlang, Nov 03: The District Health Society, Changlang organized Health Camps in five remote villages in Changlang Circle from Oct 26- 29.

The camps were held at Bubang , Laktong, Yatdam, Khuchep-I, Khuchep-II. 450 patients showed up for check-up.

The camps were attended by school Children and people from all walks of life. The district blindness control society also conducted eye Check-up and screening for cataract and other eye related problems among the schoolchildren and villagers.

Dr P Dutta, DRCHO,Changlang and Dr M Ngemu, M O Yatdam addressed the gatherings at each village and appealed to the villagers to bring more awareness regarding health related issues, and take prompt treatments. They also spoke at large regarding eye problems of the women in the society who very often neglect their problem. (DIPRO)

Tawang on beautification mode

TAWANG, Nov 3: Led by the District Administration, citizens of Tawang district would carry out a mass cleanliness drive on Nov 4, in view of the visit of HH Dalai Lama.

Jang township, Kharsa, Jang Yuthumbu, Lhou, Khrimu, Kitpi O-Point, Bomdir Supply, Namet, Lemberdung, Changprong, Damgin, Changbu village and NEC Farm would join hands in the beautification and cleanliness drive.

Parallel to this, the District Magistrate, Gamli Padu issued has banned the following unlawful selling of illicit liquor and IMFL in the district under any establishment, the selling of Ghutka Pan masala in any shop and dumping and stacking of building materials like boulder, sand singles, crushed stones and bricks on the road side causing public nuisance and serious inconvenience for movement of the vehicular traffic in particular. (DIPRO)

Arunachal face another eviction drive

ITANAGAR: Despite Supreme Court verdict to maintain status quo along the Arunachal Pradesh and Assam boundary, the problems has continued to haunt the people of both the states.

This time, the Assam Forest Officers led by Borgang Forest Ranger under Sonitpur District Assam along with Forest Guards trespassed Arunachal territory under Papum Pare District at Dullung Ramghath village, Tarasso circle on November 02, informed ZPM Nabam Eka.

He further informed that Assam officials has evicted some houses, fired and tortured the local Arunachalee people and taken away goods including motor cycle and cattle.

ZPM further alleging the Assam government for not maintaining the Supreme Court verdict appealed the Arunachal Pradesh and Assam governments to look in to the matter immediately.

“Post Colonial Concerns of the African Women Writers”

RONO HILLS: Ms. Annie Gagiano, Professor Emeritus, Department of English, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, will deliver the first lecture of Women Studies & Research Centre, Rajiv Gandhi University, on Nov 5 at 11.30 AM, in Conference Hall.

The centre which was recently inaugurated by the First Lady of the state, Anupama Singh presents this lecture as a part of its commitment to the cause of gender sensitization programme along with serious academic research.

Weekly talk series of RGU

ITANAGAR: Prof. Alka Acharya, Professor in School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi will deliver a talk in the Weekly Talk Series on the topic “Understanding China: Redefining Sino-India Relation” followed by panel discussion on 4 November at 2.00 p.m. in the Auditorium. The panel discussion on “Indo-China Relations” will have representatives from different political parties and media persons. Prof. P.K Panigrahi, Head, Dept. of Political Science, RGU, will moderate the panel discussion.

Resignation

ITANAGAR: Former Minister Kardu Taipodia has resigned from active and primary membership from People Party of Arunachal.

Union appeal

ITANAGAR: Koloriang Damin, Parsi-Parlo and Sarli Students’ Union (KDPSSU) has urged all the teachers of four circles under 21st Koloriang to attend their duty at the concerned posting and manage academic session properly. In a press release issued, KDPSSU has appealed to D.D.S.E of Kurung Kumey district to keep an eye on the presence of teachers in their place of postings and take legal action against those who abstain from their duty.

Confederation hopes

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Community Confederation has congratulated all newly elected members of legislative assembly cutting across party lines. In a press release issued by president of Confederation, Taba Taku, they hope that new government will work for the all round development of state and make judicious use of all central funds.