The Arunachal Times - Archives

Cong hits back

ITANAGAR, Oct 09: Pooh poohing all the allegations leveled by the BJP, Congress today said that BJP has been spreading propaganda and resorting to such ploy out of frustration.

Congress had already won three constituencies unopposed and going to form the next Govt on its own with thumping majority, said AICC general secretary V Narayanswami while addressing the media persons here today.

‘Our priority is ‘people first, welfare of the people’, Narayanswami said adding development will be accelerated in all sectors including road and air connectivity. The Congress leader said every possible step will be taken to fulfill the aspiration of the Govt employees by March 2010, and assured that besides the completion of the PM package, other development package will be implemented fully to bring rapid development in the frontier state.

Lashing out at the BJP, the Congress leader said, the saffron party having no agenda is resorting to misinformation.

Refuting allegation of the BJP, he clarified that if Congress comes to power in the state, development will be accelerated with the increase in fund flow.

“We have been in various parts of the state on campaign trail and seen no violation of code of conduct as alleged, the Congress leader said.

Ruling out pre-poll or post alliance with any of the party Narayanswami said, BJP, NCP, TMC and even PPA are all rival of the Congress. Therefore, alliance with such parties in this state does not arise.

Congress is united and all the leaders including former Chief Minister Gegong Apang have been working hard under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, he said and appealed the people not to believe in propaganda of NCP, BJP or any other party.

Stating that the people of the state and Congress have deep bond with Nehru-Gandhi family, former Goa CM and Congress leader L Falerio said Arunachal needs accelerated development to improve the quality of life of the tribal people and UPA Govt at the Centre is keen to develop the state along with other North Eastern state.

Pasight witness violent election campaign

Ojing Tayeng

PASIGHAT, Oct 09: Five vehicles was totally damaged at 5 mile, Pasighat, East Siang district at wee hours this morning by party workers reportedly belonging to Indian national Congress. All the damaged cars belong to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). All the damaged vehicles were later handed over to Arunachal Pradesh Police and FIR have also been lodged against the culprits at Police Station Pasighat.

However no arrests have been made.

Deputy Commissioner, Onit Panyang who reached the spot at around 2.30 am, lambasted the Officer in-charge Police Station, Pasighat for not doing enough to ensure security. A visibly upset DC condemned the incident and urged the police personnel to tighten the security.

Earlier, in an another incident at Yagrung village, INC workers pelted stone and attacked Nationalist Congress Candidate Kaling Moyong. However, the timely action of PSO of the NCP candidate averted further incident.

Meanwhile, in an emergency meeting convened at DC office today which was attended by NCP’s Kaling Moyong, INC’s Bosiram Siram and BJP candidate Oyem Dai, SP, party leaders and officers resolved to ban setting up of party office at government quarters, strict checking of IMFL, ILP and vehicular traffic which will be carried out by magistrate, police and excise field staff, Nakas at Ranaghat, 2-mile areas, Mirmir Charali and Banskota besides regular police patrolling at Jarku, Sawmill Area, Banskota and ALG areas.

Meanwhile, Pasighat Bazar Secretary, Onyok Tamuk highlighting the in-efficient performance of State police in the constituency appealed the DC and SP East Siang to depute CRPF jawans especially in Bazar and nearby areas.

Rebia reacts

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: AITC candidate for Ziro-Hapoli assembly constituency Nani Ribia, stated that election law requires disclosing of records only when there is conviction and charges framed. He was reacting to news report on an FIR being filed against him by Subu Kechi for non disclosure of crime records. I have neither been convicted nor has the charges been framed, he said.

Rebia further said that FIR was legally ill founded and politically motivated. While appealing the voters not to be misguided, Rebia said that Kechi as an advocate has failed to understand and interpret the law.

CM seeks support

ITANAGAR, Oct 09: The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has said that only Congress can accelerate development in the state and urged the people to support his party. He was addressing the mammoth gathering of thousands Congress supporters at Hapoli on Oct 05 last.

Urging the people not to believe in propaganda, the Chief Minister said that Padi Richo is the official candidate of the INC and people should election Richo for speedy implementation of the developmental schemes.

High turnout for postal ballot

Seppa, Oct 09: The postal poll of the polling and the presiding officers come to an end with the sealing of the ballot box by the nodal officer (EVM) at Seppa Election office today. All total 1567 ballot paper were issued during the four day voting.

On the poll preparedness part, all the necessary homework for the smooth conduct of the election has been done. The movement of the polling and the presiding officers to various polling stations also has started today.

Atleast 108 vehicles have been requisitioned for the transportation of the polling and the presiding officers with 324 ALC excluding the ones deputed by the circle headquarter, have been deputed so far.

DAPORIJO: The casting Postal Ballots for the 5 constituencies of the Upper Subansiri ended today at Rijo Conference Hall, Daporijo. Government officials, who are on election duty, duly cast their votes despite long wait to exercise their Adult Franchise.

A total of 1622 postal ballots for all the constituencies were cast with Daporijo recording the highest at 446 votes cast. The district having a hilly terrain where almost all the polling stations are accessible only by foot march, the advance movement of polling parties to their polling stations for Chetam and Giba circles began today so that the parties reach well in time for the Oct 13 poll date.

22 micro-observers for Lower Dibang Valley

ROING: General Observer (GO), Anuradha Mall and DEO, YW Ringu had a meeting with the Micro-Observers (MO) at GHSS Auditorium yesterday.

Altogether 22 Micro-Observers were appointed from various central agencies. 17 MOs were deputed to 17 Hypersensitive Polling Stations and 5 MOs kept as reserve. It is also important to mention here that in the district, out of 62 Polling Stations, 19 Polling Stations are declared Hypersensitive, 10 P/S in 42-Dambuk and 9 P/S in 43-Roing A/C are Hypersensitive. 13 Polling Stations are sensitive, 3 in 42-Dambuk and 10 in 43-Roing A/C. And 30 Polling Stations, 12 in 42-Dambuk and 18 in 43-Roing A/C are declared normal.

Mall had to abandon her visit to Polling Booths at Hunli Sub-Division yesterday afternoon after due to road blockade at Mayudia Pass. However, the road blockade was cleared by the GREF Personnel today at 1000 Hrs, informed Kuldeep Raj, OC GREF Roing.

The 2nd Phase of training to Officers and Officials appointed for Receiving Centers were imparted in the DEO’s today.

West Kameng gives finishing touches

BOMDILA: In order to ensure a free, fair and transparent election, a finishing touch in the form of sensitization of Executive Magistrates was conducted here today at Officers Club Bomdila. Central Observer for the district SP Kadu Patil, impressing upon them the need to check and report instances of MCC violations, which would, in the long run facilitate the smooth conduct of poll, opined that, Freedom, Information, Accessibility, Facilities available at polling stations and Procedures are the five basic factors, on account of which, a voter does or does not turn up for voting. Therefore, the Executive Magistrates need to play a pro-active role but well within the defined ambit, he said. To familiarize the Executive Magistrates with the geo-political conditions and other matters of importance and relevance, the concerned AROs and AEROs need to conduct briefings accordingly, he suggested.

Briefing on almost all the activities to be taken up by the Executive Magistrates, DEO Swati Sharma, specifically highlighted on certain aspects, which an Executive Magistrate needs to comply with, besides following the various other guidelines and directives as laid down. As far as possible, they need to ensure their presence during the mock poll at one, start of poll at another and witness the end of poll in the other polling station of their sector and report accordingly. As the presence of a Magistrate acts as an confidence building measure, their endeavour should be to cover all the polling stations possible under their sector; which also would act as a deterrent for the anti-social elements, she observed. Underscoring the need for smooth conduct of the forthcoming Assembly Elections, the DEO called upon the Executive Magistrates to ensure maintenance of law and order keeping the communication line open while also keeping a tab on the Presiding Officers, parties and supporters concerned and on activities and other developments taking place in their respective sectors. A total of 50 Executive Magistrates, including the reserve, have been approved by the Commission for the district. Till date a total of 1130 Postal Ballot Papers have been cast.

EVMs commissioned, randomized and despatched

KHONSA: There are no two opinions about the fact that Electronic Voting Machine is the most important component of this Assembly Elections. Little wonder then, training of poll personnel on handling of EVM is of paramount importance. Accordingly, Poll Officials in Tirap had been sufficiently trained to ensure smooth conduct of elections. The EVMs which would be used during the polls have been commissioned. The randomization of EVMs was done at Khonsa NIC in presence of all the 3 Election Observers on 9th October ‘09. The randomized EVMs have been despatched to ADC, SDO and CO headquarters.

The randomization of polling parties has also been done and Polling Officials can be seen frantically looking their names in the list. So, Tirap District is all set for the 13th October Elections and the Officials are fully prepared for the job. Other arrangements for the polls are also in readiness. (DIPROs)

From kitchen to politics, wives set to show the way

Itanagar, Oct 9: It is election time in Arunachal Pradesh, an opportunity for the wives to prove their mettle in politics.

From daily toil in kitchen to hectic electioneering, nine women who are in the fray this election, are trying to prove their determination to serve the people with equal élan as that of their male counterparts.

This is the first time in the history of the state's electoral politics when such a huge number of women are contesting.

''We did mobilise the women to come forward and participate in nation-building exercise. Within the Congress there were 17 aspirants. We are committed to creating a political space for women participation in leadership in the state,'' commented Jarjum Ete, former chairman of State Commission for Women (SCW) and social activists, who had worked for women empowerment for the last 25 years.

While the ruling Congress has fielded two women nominees, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress has puts four women followed by the NCP two and a single Independent candidate.

Former Social Welfare Minister Yari Dulom, wife of former minister late Tadak Dulom, is contesting from Daporijo constituency, while Pomaya Mithi, wife of former Chief Minister and present Rajya Sabha

MP Mukut Mithi, is contesting from Roing constituency. Both of them are contesting from the Congress.

The NCP had fielded Jitbo Aboh from Khonsa West and Kenyir Ringu from Nari-Koyu constituency. While Ms Ringu is in a straight fight with sitting Minister Tako Dabi, Ms Aboh is in a multi-cornered contest.

Ms Ringu, wife of former chief secretary T Ringu, is also a member of state commission for women and Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS). She has also served as a teacher.

Trinamool nominees, including Karya Bagang contesting from Chayangtajo constituency, Yai Mara (Likabali), Dakter Basar (Basar) and Duter Padu from Along West constituency, are also wives of reputed leaders and officers.

While Duter Padu, Dakter Basar and Yai Mara served as teachers, Karaya Bagang has served as a Zila Parishad member (ZPM).

Ms Mara and Bagang are founder members of the Federation of Elected Women Representatives of Arunachal Pradesh.

Ms Mara is the wife of Takar Mara, Chief Engineer, Power and Officer on Special Duty (OSD), while Ms Dakter Basar is the wife of Dr Tajum Basar, Director of Health Services and Duter Padu is the wife of Geyum Padu, Chief Engineer, PHED. Ms Bagang is the wife of former District Congress Committee president (East Kameng) Tara Bagang.

The lone woman Independent candidate Nang Sati Mein, contesting from Namsai constituency, is the wife of sitting Minister Chowna Mein.

Though the participation of women in this election is much higher than before, Ms Ete expects more participation to minimise gender discrimination in the state.

''Unfortunately, though the women are ready but socio-political milieu of the state is still apprehensive,'' she pointed out, adding, ''We can always ask whether the state is making much stride in the development sector and giving space to women will be one of the aspects of development, where emphasis is not given.''

Maitry Diwas

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: The District Level Coordination meeting for celebration of Maitry Diwas 2009 at Tawang was held in the Conference Hall of DC Office, Tawang under the chairman ship of Gamli Padu, Deputy Commissioner Tawang. Army delegation was headed by Col. P. S. Bains, Dy. Commander, 190 Mnt. Brigade.

The purpose of celebration of Maitry Diwas every year is to strengthen national integration and maintain healthy relations amongst army, civil administration and general public of this border district. This year the Maitry Diwas proposed to be held in first part of November 09.

While speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Tawang said that relation between Army and Civil populace in Tawang District is very cordial and is an example for rest of the country. Accordingly, he asked all the Govt. organizations, NGOs, Business community and locals to extend their full participation and to render all possible assistance and cooperation to make Maitry Diwas 2009 a grand success and memorable one. He further suggested that all the events should be presentable and upto the mark as Chief Minister would grace the occasion as Chief Guest and Army Commander, Eastern Command as Guest of Honor.

DC reviewed the last year programme and sought rectification and suggestions from the house to make Maitry Diwas 2009 a different and colorful from the previous years celebrations. Main highlight of the celebration maitry diwas 2009 are– Run for Prosperity, Medical Camp, Exhibition stalls, Food festivals, weopon display, cultural programmes, literary and painting competition, army band display, dog show, baby show, Polo demonstration, Tug of War. (DIPRO)

Urban space – a tool for change

Kobby Zirdo

As I sit down to write on women issue my grey matters are charged up trying to pick a topic. Time and again my mind settles down to touch on the sensitive issues of atrocities on women in the name of customary laws. But can’t, as I feel the issue is so sensitive for my untrained mind to speak as of now. With an urban upbringing I am more comfortable to be cracking my head on dealing with women issues and its mitigation in urban context. In this article henceforth I shall be concentrating precisely on that. So, I have decided to be brushing on a new approach of thought which caters to the effects of spatial-temporal conditions on shaping the behaviour of people, which is more to do with my field of study. Does it sound more like a piece for an architectural journal? I am driving to the point. When we do talk on women issues the topics are mainly generalised on crimes against women and their protection, gender issues, female literacy, health, women empowerment etc. An interesting point I can dwell upon is that, these issues are dealt more consciously and followed, as in accordance abiding the law, in civilized societies where people understand the priority of the burning topics. In our case the above mentioned sensitization of the masses is lacking.

It is said old habits die hard. As it has become a habit of our dear men folks to overlook and ignore the status of women in our tribal state, but thankfully not all do that. It is this marginalized figure of our counterparts that we need to change and increase in numbers. The right approach what I see is to mould the thoughts of next generation by means of good education, canalizing their abundant energy on constructive activities, and developing avenues for self expression in the field of literature, art, theatre and sports.

Being a student of design, I did come across books on urban spaces in my college library that had pictures of public plazas, avenues, fountains, open art galleries, performing arts platforms and I longed to be a part of it. Till now I do. In a city, well designed urban spaces are the centres of amalgamation of ideas, a zone which becomes the pulse of the dwellers, a breathing place for tired souls, and a place where one can de-stress oneself. Such spaces bring families, friends and strangers together, to see, perceive and feel the essence of well being, of sharing, of enjoying with others. Such spaces are buzzing- breathing nodes which invites celebration of art & creativity and imparts its citizen with the whole beautiful process of being a part of such an experience. It boosts our self esteem and hence make us more liberal, open minded and conscious of human values. Our very own capital lacks good recreational places, and we the dwellers feel deprived of self expression and in many cases lack to see the way to live a beautiful life. It is proved fact that, the space in which a person grows shapes him or her. My visions take me back to the pieces of article I read on urban spaces which I would like to share. Abraham Harold Maslow an eminent psychologist noted for his conceptualisation of “hierarchy of human needs” has coined five sets of human needs for imparting quality of life:-

• Physiological needs

• Safety and security needs

• Affiliation needs

• Esteem needs &

• Self actualisation needs.

Along with two parallel needs: - Cognitive & Aesthetic needs.

As put by Dr. Pushplata, asst. prof. dept. of arch. & planning, IIT Rorkee, Ar. Rachna Lal based on presentation in 10th ACA at New Delhi, I would like to share their observations too.

The physiological need caters to basic survival needs, of air, water, food, rest, to needs for health & development for a comfortable environment. In the next set, one has to deal with “physiological safety” to freedom from bodily harm from accidents, natural hazards and antisocial elements. Also “psychological safety”- sense of place, i.e.; geographically and socially. The affiliation need caters to human bonding, association, acceptance, love, friendship, sense of belongingness and it increases if opportunities for social interactions are provided. Esteem needs comes in handy to impart feeling of self respect, pride, status, appreciation, achievement, and recognition in an individual. This can be done by giving opportunities for development of competence, display of skills, quality of built environment, and control in design process. The Self actualisation needs, means the urge for high achievement, competence, creativity, attaining a degree of personal autonomy in individual sphere of work.

Only if opportunities for cognitive experiences and aesthetic appreciation are provided can an individual’s vision be personalised to an extent of becoming his only goal. Cognitive needs deals with intellectual stimulation by means of imparting opportunities for learning, provision of informal educative environment. While Aesthetic needs demands avenues for inducing creativity and sensual stimulation of senses by opportunities for sensory, formal, sequential aesthetic experiences, symbolic aesthetics, pressure of public art.

No wonder we are really trailing behind many years in this area. After a brief brush on urban design elements I suppose the gravity of the situation that I am trying to bring into light is making its sense felt. With mushrooming of rented places at every nook and corner, the safety of the fairer sex may become a big issue in the days to come.

It shall be so, as the pace of development and development of basic amenities are not going hand in hand. Many such rented apartments are coming up in certain corners which do not open to any street, one needs to zigzag his was through unlit paths on their way home. While on planning state it should be noted that, adequate measures should be taken not to develop blind corners, high walls on roadsides and inadequate illuminations, as they add up to make the streets unsafe. I know that it is the domain of the designers and planners to see these aspects, but with the people who take charge themselves of design and planning this basic idea should be passed, lest they do further damage.

I wouldn’t deny the most obvious counter attack that my article and my views would attract by the readers. A question that, even if we incorporate all the above points in action will our streets be safe for people, for our sisters? Are not the developed urban centres of the world infested with criminals? They are, no denying the fact. But it’s also true that cities like Singapore which gives top priority to urban planning, has time and again improved in imparting social security to its citizens and thereby inviting investors. As a result, it has a booming economy and a secure future.

The social fabric in our urban area is rapidly changing, and to create an impact these design elements needs to be incorporated at present. As the saying goes charity begins at home, let us try to change it first. No need to say again that if we desire for change to happen then our people should change first. This should be done on a broader platform adhering strongly to the physiological and psychological needs of people. If a well designed urban space creates positive psychological impacts on people, why not take care of this aspect too. (Zirdo is an Architect by profession)

Rain creates havoc in Taraso

ITANAGAR, Oct.10: Consistent rain in the last few days has made life miserable for people living in the Taraso circle. According to information issued by Nabam Eka, ZPM VI-Taraso, public are facing many problem because of heavy downpour. The flood like situation has forced people to move to high hill for safety and paddy crop has been badly damaged. He further added that many movable and immovable properties have been washed by the rain water. He appealed to the concerned departments of state government to visit the area and issue relief materials and fund to the flood victims of Taraso.

IMC on food processing

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Recently MSME development institute which is a govt. of India organization conducted two days industrial motivation campaign (IMC) on “Food processing” in its Itanagar branch. The main motive of two days event was to bring awareness among uneducated youth on how to create self employment opportunities. S.K. Sahu, Director MSME-DI, Guwahati, gave practical demonstration on how to prepare Amla Supari, Amla Herbal Hair Oil, Pineapple juice, etc.

The two days campaign was coordinated by Vivek G.Nikhade, Assistant Director in charge, branch MSME-DI, Itanagar.

Stop bogus voting

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: While congratulating the Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner for taking up steps to restrict bogus voting in the state capital, Capital Students Union urged to further stop the flow of people from Assam from Oct 11 onwards till the elections are over.

Poll Personnel reach Tali and Pip Sorang

ITANAGAR: Polling Personnel for Tali and Pip Sorang were today airlifted after several failed attempts since Oct 7. If weather permits Personnel for Koloriang, Damin and Parsi Parlo will be airlifted tomorrow. Indian Air Force and Pawan Hans Helicopters has been pressed into services airlift the personnel to Kurung Kumey which has a poor road network.

DEO Opak Gao informed that more than 300 employees from Capital region have been put into poll duties in Kurung Kumey as the district does not have the required numbers of employees. Meanwhile, the District Magistrate has declared Oct 10-15 and Oct 21-23 as dry days in the state u/s 129 of the Excise Rules 1994.

RGU prog

RONO HILLS: Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS) will conduct a two-day State Level Research Methodology in Social Sciences on Oct 19 and 20 at Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Itanagar being sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), N.E.R.C., Shillong.

The workshop shall emphasis on the emerging trends in Social Science Research, developing Social Science proposals, formulating research problems on data collection, field work and writing research report. The workshop will immensely benefit our M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars. A number of resource persons from the north east will attend the workshop.

APSWC seeks report

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh State Women’s Commission has solicited a report from the Upper Subansiri District administration on a reported confession to rape committed by one Hari Singh, a Sector Officer with SIB. The crime was reportedly committed six month back by the Officer on a minor girl.

Vice Chairperson of the Commission Tadar Mepung Bage further reiterated that Police authorities and administration take the cases on priority so that families of victims get justice.

Wall break

ITANAGAR: Following incessant rain more than fifteen metres of RCC compound wall of WRD Complex Chimpu collapsed. A OBT building also damaged following the collapse of the wall.