The Arunachal Times - Archives

Manmohan eyes Pasighat while Rajnath sets a date with Itanagar

We are on our own, says Khandu

ITANAGAR, Oct 2: With barely two weeks left for the elections to form the 60 members Arunachal Pradesh legislative Assembly, state is flooded with visits by party heavyweights. The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan is to address a rally at Pasighat on Saturday while BJP Chief Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address a rally at Nirjuli. Political campaigning is at its peak with parties trying to woo voters in their own style. Apart from reliable door to door campaigning, advertisements through print and electronic Medias, rallies are being organized across the state.

Meanwhile Chief minister Dorjee Khandu who is on hectic election campaign across the state said that the party would come to power in the state once again on its own without support from other political parties. A confident Khandu said that Congress would not seek their support in forming a Congress government.

Addressing the mammoth gathering at Seppa, Dorjee Khandu, having created a record of elected unopposed for three consecutive times, called on all to stand united and cooperate with each other for formation of a Congress government.

He further informed that Rs 10-crore fund granted to DUDA for improvement Seppa township drainage was also big achievement of Congress Government.

Lambasting the opposition parties, Union Minister of State for Planning and the Parliamentary affairs V. Narayanswami, said that BJP has not done anything for the development of the state. He clarified that INC had no kind of understanding with the TMC or NCP. “Even if they (TMC/NCP) are elected, they are not welcome in Congress led government in the state,” he added.

He pointed out that the East Kameng needs to be developed in all aspects and claimed that only the Congress government can do this if voted to power. He informed that medical college is soon going to be established at Itanagar which indicated the Congress commitment to the people.

Former Union Minister and MP from Assam Pawan Kumar Gatowar, appealed the people to vote for the Congress in order to take the state ahead towards all round development.

Congress nominees, Kameng Dolo, Hari Natung, Kumar Waii and Tame Phassang also spoke in same tone for unity among INC party candidate.

Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy from Arunachal West while addressing election rally at Bomdila and Seppa today appealed the people to reciprocate the massive developmental activities undertaken Congress govt within short span of time by reposing faith in Congress.

He added that Congress is the only party which can keep the traditional values and Indigenous culture intact in the state.

Society disposes Tawang waste

ITANAGAR, Oct 2: The Environment Protection Society conducted a mass cleanliness programme by burning bio non- degradable wastes in Tawang.

In a release, it stated that though the District Urban development department has been taking measures to keep the city clean but with the increase of tourist inflow, garbage mmangement has become a pressing issue, said its secretary Tenzin Dorjee.

EPS requested the Deputy Director, Urban development and housing Tawang to shift the dumping ground as the present dumping spot is a bit close to a School.

EPS also requested the Deputy Director to also manage separate garbage bins for recyclable wastes and non- degradable wastes. Led by the president Jambey Dondu, the members of the society conducted cleanliness program.

TMC allege criminalization of poll process

ITANAGAR, Oct 02:TMC election agent for 10 Seppa Assembly constituency in a complaint letter to East Kameng district election officer said that around 40-50 people with criminal records from various parts of the state are staying in various locations of Seppa only to create law and order problem and disrupt election process.

The election agent further alleged that these people appear only in evening in order to terrorise the peaceful campaigners and harass the citizens.

If such vagabonds are not flashed out from Seppa township on time, law and order situation may take a ugly turn, for which the administration will be responsible, he said.

Arunachal pay rich tribute to the Mahatma

ITANAGAR, Oct 02: Along with the rest of the nation, the Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated by various organizations in the state in a befitting manner.

While paying rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here today, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Nabam Tuki called upon the new generation to realize the importance and relevancy of Gandhian ideology for the welfare of the people. He also highlighted the role of Mahatma in achieving the Freedom of the country and his ultimate sacrifice at the altar of nation.

Speaking on the occasion, All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Sanjay Bapna said that Gandhian philosophy preaches non-violence, communal harmony and universal brotherhood. ‘We can bring peace in the whole world with Gandhian principle of non-violence’, he asserted. All the rank and file of the APCC also took part and paid rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Truth always triumph at all the fronts said Commissioner PWD Otem Dai as chief Guest during the 140th birth anniversary of the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi organized by the Capital Complex district administration at Mahatma Gandhi Park Bank Tinali, Itanager.

He further exhorted all the Arunachalees to follow the path of Gandhi’s principles so that development could forwarded state in particular and nation in general.

Earlier Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs &Planning and AICC General Secretary and in charge Arunachal, V. Narayansamy Commmissioner PWD, DC&SP capital Complex, Government Officers and officials, Public leaders and students paid floral tribute to the Mahatma.

Meanwhile, the officers and staff of the Deputy Commissioner office, Itanagar Capital Complex conducted a cleanliness drive in and around the office complex to mark the one year completion of the office and Gandhy Jayanti celebration.

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti NSS RGU in collaboration with Women Technology Park RGU conducted a mass social service program at the University campus. Around 150 people comprising of teachers, non teaching staff and the students took part in the program.

The NSS Cell of NERIST observed 140th Birth Anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi and 104th Birth Anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The occasion was marked by plantation camp, inauguration of playground and film show on Mahatama Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri by NERIST Faculty and Officers Club.

Around 50 saplings of Amla (Emblica officinalis) and 30 seedlings of Coconut (Coccos nucisera) were planted along the roadside inside the campus by the volunteers, Program Officers and staffs of NERIST. Director NERIST, Dr. Joram Begi planted a coconut tree at the adopted play ground of NSS Cell, NERIST.

Speaking on the occasion coordinator of NSS Cell NERIST Dr. Binay Singh emphasized that the youths should not forget the principles of Gandhiji and that all citizen of India should be proud of a father like Mahatama.

NSS Cell felicitated one of the senior most gardeners Shukhram Tati who is going to retire in December 2009. He has devoted his entire service period for developing and beautification of the NERIST campus.

Program Officer P.D. Kashyap highlighted the role of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in the building modern India.

Aakash Creations Development Society of India (ACDS), Arunachal Pradesh also celebrated the Gandhi Jayanti in its office complex.

Rajiv Gandhi University controller of examination Dr. Tomo Riba and Trade and Commerce director Tokong Pertin took part in the celebration programme and highlighted the principles and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi.

A consultation-cum interaction session was also held with both the resource persons Riba and Pertin. While Riba emphasized on the need of women emancipation through income generating activities like mushroom rearing, seri-culture, bamboo plantation and handloom etc and need of farmers’ training on modern technological know-how, Pertin stressed on the need to know the problems of the people in the interior areas and find out solution accordingly.

ACDS president Taring Mama expressed words of contentment on-behalf of the Society for the valuable suggestions and encouragement. Local representatives and all the NGO members attended the programme.

Arunachal Pradesh State Social Welfare Board has organized a seminar/meeting on the subject “Prevention of Violence against women” to befit the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti calebrated as International Day of Non-Violence.

Resource person of the programme and associate professor, History, DNG College Sanjaya Sharma said that no society can move ahead without giving due share of the women. A society can not be civilized if it inflicts violence against women folk, Sharma said and added ‘we can prevent violence against women by forming pressure groups with the Gandhian principles of non-violence as weapon to prevent and check violence.”

Another resource person and chairperson of the Oju Welfare Association Binny Yanga stressed on equality of men and women and said that women should have proper knowledge about their rights and come out to demand them.

SIRD assistant director Likha Kiran K and Dolang Tari Memorial Society president Dolang Kecha also expressed their views.

NGO’s representatives and beneficiaries of Board’s schemes took part in the event.

The students and lecturers of Rangfra Government College Changlang led by its principal B.K Bhuyan in collaboration with the district administration organized a total cleanliness and sanitation drive in and around the Changlang town on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Students divided into five groups were detailed for different places in the town who were led by the lecturers of the college. Some of the shopkeepers were also more than happy to lend the students a helping hand in their sincere efforts.

The Changlang Deputy Commissioner Dr S B Deepak Kumar while appreciating the college family for successfully carrying out the cleanliness drive reiterated that such activities should be undertaken by all the sections of society for betterment of the area and district as a whole.

Arunachal Pradesh Junior Engineers Welfare Association alos paid floral tributes to the Mahatma’s statue at Bank Tinali Itanagar. The association also remembered Late Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birthday.

Volunteers led by the district administration today carried out a cleanliness drive in Tawang. Sectors, government offices and market areas were cleaned.

At Tezu, the day started with Prabhat Pherry by teaching community and children from various schools with banners, posters and shouting slogans. The procession congregated at Gandhi Chowk and garlanded the portrait of Nations Father and “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” echoed the entire township during the prayer session. Mass social service was also organized to mark the occasion.

Along with the rest of the country, the Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated at Seppa today in a befitting manner. Prabat Pheri was carried out by the school children along with a religion prayer.

Model code of conduct catch up with parties

ITANAGAR, Oct 2: While political parties have managed to outwit Election Model Code of Conduct, in a refreshing development in Itanagar, fines have been imposed on four candidates under Arunachal Pradesh Property Defacement Act 1997.

Executive Magistrates detailed sectors wise within capital complex are making rounds with Police to ensure maintenance of law & order and strict compliance of model code of conduct in the respective sectors. Night patrolling and regular checking of Hotels/rented accommodation/restaurants/Gumties are being made by them for checking stay of suspicious looking persons, unauthorized selling of liquors. Vehicle without registration plates, IPLs are also being checked.

IMFL have been seized and destroyed at different locations. Such regular checking shall continue till completion of election process, informed Padmini Singla, DC-cum-Returning Officer.

Tezu: With the completion of first and second phase EVM training and training to Sector Magistrate, Presiding and First Polling Officers, Tezu is all set to go for October 13th Assembly Poll .

Chairing the training session of all sector Magistrates, Presiding & Polling Officer of Tezu and Anjaw , the Returning Officer Kaling Tayeng emphasized on the need to equip themselves with all election guidelines to discharge their assigned Election duties . He reiterated that randomization of polling officers is unavoidable as it is a policy decision of Election Commission of India and urged all officers to keep aware of their movement plan in advance after declaration of their respective polling stations . The assembly Election is always a sensitive issue and officers should come-up equally to the task. The handling of EVMs , MOCK Poll and preparation of election accounts are crucial and officers can have access to EVM handling at Election Office round the Clock . He also insisted on creating awareness on modified voting time of 0700 Hrs to 1500 Hrs to ensure casting of votes on scheduled time.

Attending the training session , the Election Observer R P Sisodia stressed on the need to do everything for free & fair election . Meanwhile, Election campaign is gaining momentum. The political parties are bent on sector wise and door to door campaign till now. The campaign scenario is peaceful and no-untoward incident has been reported so-far. The Election Observer is monitoring the Election process and many of the polling booths at Tezu and Sunpura have been inspected by him besides attending all election related meeting and trainings .

Meanwhile, Election campaign is gaining momentum. The political parties are bent on sector wise and door to door campaign till now. The campaign scenario is peaceful and no-untoward incident has been reported so-far. The Election Observer is monitoring the Election process and many of the polling booths at Tezu and Sunpura have been inspected by him besides attending all election related meeting and trainings .

DAPORIJO: A meeting of contesting candidates and their election agents in the presence of ROs, SP, observers, was held at the DEO’s officer yesterday. It was held to reacquaint and reemphasize on the importance of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), addition of names in the District Coordination Committee and to discuss and resolve the issues and problems in the constituencies.

The DEO H K Shalla, while stating that elections could be conducted smoothly only with the cooperation and help of the candidates and party workers, once again requested them not to hamper in the process of requisition of vehicles and to follow the laid down prohibitory orders during the elections. He also said that all efforts have been made to minimize any law and order problem but in case any such problem arose, it was a collective responsibility. Candidates and election agents were advised to caution their workers against any activities that might be termed as unlawful. In case any problems and animosities arose, immediate information had to be passed on to the competent authority to avoid retaliation with action, added the DEO.

Central observer for Raga, C H Venkat Reddy emphasized on the need to strictly follow the MCC and stated that in case of any problems arose, immediate information had to be provided so that action could be taken. The ROs for Raga and Nacho/Taliha stated on the need to provide porters as many polling stations in those areas could be accessed only by foot. Many more issues like the exercise of Postal ballot, issue of duplicate EPICs, security etc were discussed.

In another meeting of the DEO, ROs and administrative officers, the election preparations like the powers and functions of Sector Magistrates, movement plan of the polling personnel, postal ballots, requisition of porters, construction of temporary polling sheds etc were discussed and finalized.

Election speech flayed

ITANAGAR, Oct 02: Hong Youth Federation Capital Complex Itanagar (HYFCCI) today criticised the Ziro-Hapoli constituency TNC candidate Nani Ribia for his alleged provocative speech at Dree Ground Nanahar-lagun on Sept 28 last.

The Federation claimed that instead of accepting his failure to keep his promises made before the Youth Federation in last assembly election, Ribia was directly provoking the innocent people of Hong in general and members of Hong Youth Federation in particular. It said such provocative speech exposed the shortsightedness of the leader.

Disciplinary action

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has constituted Pradesh Disciplinary Action Committee, APCC with former Minister Tanyong Tatak as Chairman, former MLA Taba Haniya, Hibu Uma, Byabang Nukh and BC Tok as members.

Talo Mugli, Yai Mara and Techi Hemu have been expelled from primary and active membership of Indian National Congress for a period of six years as they have filed nominations against the party candidate. Meanwhile, Secretary APCC Nani Lajie has also been expelled from the primary and active membership of INC party for a period of six years for anti-party activities.

Deployment of Para-Military force demanded

ITANAGAR: Block Congress Committee, 12-Pakke-Kessang, East Kameng District appealed to the DC Seppa and Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for immediate deployment of sufficient Para-Military Forces at Seijosa ADC HQ to contain the growing law and order problems in the area.

It said that due to open border with neighboring Assam, the two circles are vulnerable for all kind of unlawful activities.