The Arunachal Times - Archives

BJP blames Centre for "weak" policy

Ranjit Sinha

ITANAGAR, Oct 03: Barely 72 hours after the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s assertion that there is no question of surrendering sovereign rights over Arunachal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today cast aspersion over the sinister design of China and blamed UPA Govt for its ‘weak’ China policy.

Addressing the media persons here BJP President Rajnath Singh alleged that due to weak policy of the UPA Govt, China has been flexing its muscle over India. He demanded a pro-active approach to protect India's sovereignty. Due to weak policy of the Centre, China has been opt repeatedly claiming over Arunachal Pradesh and desperately trying to block development projects, he said.

Pointing out the reported incursion in Indian territory, Singh said despite more than 200 incursion bid by China during last three years and 270 times this year besides intrusion by helicopter to establish it as supper power in Asia, UPA Govt is regrettably terming it as a media hype, BJP chief said and demanded clarification from the New Delhi over the present status on the relationship of both the countries.

Chinese think tank had advised Beijing to split India into 25 to 30 pieces, Rajnath claimed and regretted that New Delhi did not deny the report nor cleared its stance on it.

"If China continues its hegemonistic policy, a 1962-like situation cannot be ruled out," the BJP chief said.

While there was no Sino-India border dispute after the tripartite agreement between India, China and Britain leading to demarcation of McMohan line, it has surfaced now because of the "weak" policy of the Centre, he said.

Referring to the reported Chinese move to divert the flow of Brahmaputra, the BJP leader said, such move, if implemented would not only affect both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh but also create a problem for neighbouring Bangladesh.

The Congress should not play with the sentiments of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, must come out with pro-active China policy, he said.

Responding to a question, Singh said that during the NDA tenure, China had accepted Sikkim as part of India and initiated strong confidence building measures. The BJP said that North Eastern states deserve special treatment from Centre and BJP would certainly make an effort to give special status with strategic package for north east.

Rajnath said that India has every right to raise the issue in international forum and build up diplomatic pressure over China compelling it to sign Water Treaty.

On the influx of Bangladeshi, he said, if the Centre does not take the problem seriously, the demography of the many states of the North East including Arunachal Pradesh will change.

Singh also criticized the US for tripling its aid to Pakistan even after the admission by President Barack Obama that the assistance was being misused against India.

Coming down heavily on the UPA-led Congress Govt for ‘spiraling price rise of essential commodities’ in the country, he said “UPA Govt had promised to control the prices of essential commodities within 100 days of governance. But it measurably failed to keep its words.

Responding to a volley of questions from the media, Rajnath Singh said “We know the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh. BJP would create constant pressure on the Centre for special attention to this Frontier state.

Rejecting outrightly the internal strife in the saffron party after the recently held Parliamentary election, Singh said “there is no vertical division in saffron party like Congress and Communist party”. BJP is a disciplined party and derives its strength from its ideology, principles and cultural nationalism.

Later, addressing a rally at Nyokum Naya ground Nirjurli, BJP president alleged that under the Congress government in the last 37 years, the pace of development for 11 lakhs population in the state is very unfortunate. He further questioned as to why the level of development is so pathetic.

The biggest developmental package was given to North East during the NDA regime Rajnath claimed and urged the people of the state to elect BJP candidates to bring about balanced governance in Arunachal Pradesh.

He assured that illegal Bangladeshis refugees will be identified and deported from North East if NDA comes to power in the Centre. The president further said that BJP wants to maintain emotional attachment with the people of this strategically located state.

Assam MP Vijaya Chakrabarty alleged that under the UPA Govt, huge sum of money is being misused. Common populaces of the state are becoming poorer while the Chief Minister and his colleagues are becoming richer by the day, she further claimed.

Mayhem in Tezu, 144 imposed

ITANAGAR, Oct 3: Dozens of Trinamool Congress party workers ransacked the office of the Congress party and created mayhem by destroying a shop and forcible closing entire shops in Tezu town today. The incident took place about 8.30 am in the morning. Soon after creating terror in the market the worker’s of Trinamool Congress party marched up to the residence of Congress party candidate Karikho Kri and after breaking open the main gate of the residence they destroyed several number of vehicle parked inside the compound. But the workers of the Trinamool Congress fled the scene following retaliation from the Congress workers who were in equal numbers. The workers of the Trinamool Congress party even pelted stone at the vehicle of the Deputy Commissioner Kaling Tayeng, IAS and Superintendent of police Issac Pertin and broke the windshield and rear glass of their vehicles when they were heading towards the residence of the Congress candidate to pacify the mob.

Right after creating mayhem in the Tezu town in the morning the workers of the Trinamool Congress party armed with machete and sticks gheroed the residence of the congress candidate and started demanding his arrest but the Deputy Commissioner urged them not to take the law into their hands and assured them he would take action after proper investigation but they didn’t heed and forcibly attacked the residence of the Congress candidate at noon and fled thereafter.

According to a report the tension erupted from the night of 2 October when the Congress candidate and his workers reportedly got into a scuffle with a supporter of the Trinamool candidate who was allegedly tearing the Congress posters and shouting anti slogan against the party candidate.

The mere incident which occurred in the previous night flared up and got political colours when the supporters of the Trinamool Congress made it an issue but fortunately there was no loss of life in the political battle which ensued between the Congress and Trinamool Congress today. Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner Kaling Tayeng IAS have declared 144 in the town to bring back normalcy.

Meanwhile Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee called on the Chief Electoral Officer to find out the culprits behind the attack on its party nominee Karikho Kri. The party further alleged that the house of Kri and BCC office was damaged by the Trinamool Congress workers. Demanding enhancement of security measures, the party further called for cancellation of candidature of Nakul Chai of TMC for taking law into his hand and to ensure law and order in the area. (Eastern Mail News Agency)

Reports on election preparedness from the districts

BOMDILA: DEO cum RO Swati Sharma said that 14 polling stations have been identified as critical, 32 as hyper sensitive, 31 as sensitive and 73 as normal. To ensure a free, fair and transparent election and also for its smooth conduct in the district, a team of Officers have been appointed as Nodal Officers to look after the security aspects, for over seeing of MCC violations, District Communication Plan, Arrangement of vehicles for movement of men and materials, EVM preparations, Monitoring of candidates election expenditure, Despatch of polling materials, Media Cell, Poll day arrangements and for Postal Ballot Papers, she added.

Earlier in the morning, the second phase of EVM and Non-EVM training for the Polling Officials and Sector Magistrates was conducted. Underscoring the need for a free, fair and successful election, the DEO cum RO Swati Sharma impressed upon the trainees to take the training programmes in earnest and all seriousness. As the Election Commission keeps a constant tab on the District Election machinery and on the officials engaged in election duty, dereliction of duty on ones part would be viewed seriously and dealt with as per the norms laid down by the ECI, she cautioned. Covering almost all the aspects, she termed the Polling Officials; especially the Presiding Officers as the nuts and bolts of the election machinery and urged them to go through the Presiding Officers Handbook thoroughly and use their wisdom in case something goes wrong and goes out of hand.

Besides the two Central Observers, 35 Micro Observers and a projected 36 Sector Magistrates have been listed for the 150 polling stations of the district having 48,406 number of voters. The Polling Stations at 1300 chain camp under 5-Kalaktang and Upper Bhalukpong under 6-Thrizino-Buragoan Assembly Constituencies has the lowest and highest numbers of voters with 04 and 1670 electors respectively. The final randomization of the polling parties of 4-Dirang and 7-Bomdila Assembly Constituencies was done today by the DEO in presence of the Central Observers. To sum up the training, the third and final training for the polling officials of the 7-Bomdila Assembly Constituency would be held on 7th of the month.

ZIRO: For smooth and error free election in the district, the training for polling personnel of Lower Subansiri including sector magistrates, presiding officers, polling officers and polling attendants was semultenously held in the Abutani hall here, today.

The Electoral registration Officer, Ziro-Hapoli assembly constituency, MR Chakroborty who supervised the whole process of the training while addressing the trainees said the polling officials should be very serious in performing the election duty as any irregularity in the process could vitiate the whole election process. while quoting some minor errors in filling the presiding officers diary by some presiding officers in the last Parliament election he asked them to be very careful in filling the presiding officers diary reflecting all the proceedings of the poll in the polling station saying it as the most vital instrument to judge what actually happened in the polling at the polling station.

Core Trainer, R.S. Bhist, and master trainer Umesh Mishra presented in detail the process of election and other dos and don’ts for the polling officials through a flawless power point presentation.

Polling personnel have also been issued postal ballot application forms so as to make them able to cast their postal ballots on October 8 at DEOs office, Ziro, EROs Office, Yachuli and EROs Office, Pistana.

The Election Commission of India’s Election Observer, for Yachuli and Ziro-Hapoli assembly constituency P.R. Bishnoi, District Election officer, Sadhana Deori are making rounds of Polling stations of the district so as to ascertain proper road connectivity and on securityarrange-ments.

The district, though having three assembly segments, the District election office here is looking after election process of 16-Yachuli and 17-Ziro-Hapoli assembly segments. The election process of Raga assembly segment is conducted by DEO Daporijo, for technical reasons.

The district with many strong contenders in the two assembly segments, is already in the electioneering process with star campaigners of various political parties visiting the district to campaign for their party candidates, the door to door campaigning has also began. In Yachuli, Arunachal Pradesh Youth congress president Likha Saaya(INC) is locking horns with sitting MLA Nikh Kamin,(AITC) and JT Takam,(PPA). While in Ziro-Hapoli, Padi Richo,(INC) is fighting sitting MLA Nani, Rebia(AITC), Kuru Tai, BJP and Subu Koyang,(NCP).

PASIGHAT: The District Election office held a meeting with the Micro-Observers and magistrates before imparting election related training on Oct1 last at the conference hall DC's office.

The ECI Observer R.N Jha and DEO Onit Panyang and SSP D Srivastava (IPS) attended the

training program. Jha briefed the importance, power and functions of micro observers. He asked all to attend the training program attentively so that they could act their best during the poll.

‘Don’t fear and favor, it is a national duty’ said the DEO Onit Panyang said though all the stakeholders had a role to play, primary role is on the govt. personnel and machineries to ensure conduct of peaceful and fair polls. He disclosed that many were detained and suspended during and after the last Parliamentary election in the district due to negligence of duties.

The SSP, D. Srivastava informed that about 800 security personnel including CRPF, ITBP, IRBn, APP and forest guards would be deployed. The SSP stated that his force is on the roll.

Changlang: The Second phase of the Election training for ensuing Assembly Election started here at Changlang today. The SDO (Election), Changlang M C Roy announced the names of polling members for 167 polling stations in 52-Changlang (South) and 53-Changlang (north). However, the names of presiding officers were not disclosed yet. The training was attended by 320 numbers of polling personnel for different polling stations.

The training on conduct of election which was imparted at length also included mock polls demonstrated by the master trainers.

Earlier, the Election Observer, 52-Changlang South and 53-Changlang North Assembly constituencies Md. Mohsin, IAS advised the polling personnel attending the training stressed all to be sincere and attentive to the training and clear all the doubts regarding conduct of election and operation of EVM at the time of training or before leaving for their respective polling station to avoid confusions during the poll.

Governor’s Library Gift to Walong School dedicated

Walong, Oct 2: “A school library is the asset of the entire community; and hence it should be open to the common people too” declared K. Perme, DDSE Anjaw, as he dedicated to the youth of Walong, the Library furniture and materials gifted by Governor, Gen (Retd) J.J. Singh, to the school Library of the Govt. Middle School, Walong. “The school library to be effective must be kept open daily and should be made a part of the learning process.” Complimenting all former teachers and students of Walong school for preserving such a rare collection of books in English, Hindi and Assamese, Sri. Perme exhorted the present teachers and students to continue maintaining the books well. He also expressed his profound gratitude to H. E the Governor for his magnanimous gesture in revitalizing this fine school library during its Golden Jubilee year, and to Prashant Lokhande, IAS, Secretary to the Governor, for championing the cause of youth libraries in remote rural areas like Anjaw.

K. Apum, Circle Officer, Kibithu, recalled how his teachers helped him overcome the difficulty in reading comprehension as a rural school student, and exhorted the teachers to ensure at least half an hour library reading as daily class activity.

Speaking on the occasion, S. Mundayoor, Coordinator, VT- AWIC Youth Library Network, outlined the generous patronage received from H.E. Governor to the Youth Library movement in Lohit and Anjaw. “This has emboldened the Library Network to appeal to the intellectuals of the state to come forward to revive the almost defunct school-libraries in the State”. He also placed on record the hearty support received from several friends of the Library movement, specially its founder patron Prashant Lokhande IAS, and Padmashree Dr. H. Sudarshan, Secretary, Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra, and the Press, in promoting a vibrant youth library network.

The school children paid their tributes to Gandhiji with a series of interesting presentation using library books. Rosamlu Bellai’s mono-acting a story from Guru Gobind Singh charmed the audience. A rare and antique emblem of the NEFA days, with the Walong school name embroidered on it, was a star display.

Welcoming the guests, L. Nayil, Head Master, Govt. Middle School, Walong assured the gathering to strive hard to make the school library a model in the entire state.

Emerging Areas And Agiruclture Development In Inidia

Manish Kanwat, Suresh Kumar P, Choudhary VK, Alone RA and Bhagawati R

ICAR RC NEH Region, AP Centre, Basar

There are many myths surround hills. As such, hills mean many things to many people. It is only in recent times that people have started to explore, understand and realise the immense potential and benefits of hills for the hill people and the country at large. Hills have certain advantages over plains. They have vast wealth of natural resources - natural vegetation, fertile soil, forests, pastures, lakes, and snow-clad mountain peaks. Hills are also the sources of perennial life-giving waters to the plains. All these resources must be properly utilised and harnessed for faster development of hills and hill people. Hills also have a comparative advantage over plains for production of off-season vegetables, vegetable seeds, temperate and tropical fruits, medicinal plants and other high value crops.

Himachal Pradesh has given a new concept of development of hills and agricultural economy by scientific transformation and modernization of agriculture. Therefore, Himachal Pradesh is considered as a model for the development of hills with the pertinent lessons for other areas and states. Arunachal Pradesh, the biggest state of north eastern states offers similar kind of topography to that of Himachal Pradesh. However, it lag behind many of the Indian states nonetheless its eighty percent population depend on agriculture as source of income.

Following the GATT (General Agreement of Trade treaty) and the liberalization process, globalization of market would call for competitiveness and efficiency of agricultural production. In the ensuing years agriculture will face challenging situation on the ecological, global, climate, economic, equity, social justice and energy and employment fronts. It is projected that by the year 2025 AD about 50% of the country’s population will live in urban areas calling for a significant shift in the pattern of the food basket. In the light of the new international trading regime under the WTO and expert opportunities being opened up and also due to paradigm shift in the agriculture from:-

* Productivity to profitability

* Sustainability to commercial agriculture

* Green revolution to evergreen revolution

* Commodity oriented to farming system

* Local market to export oriented

* Technology to eco-technology

* Mono-cropping to crop diversity

* Supply driven to demand driven

* Exploitative to sustainable agriculture

* Raw material to value addition

Agriculture to go hi-tech in the twenty-first century for significant increase in output and income of farmers to ensure food security. The hi-tech agriculture is composed of significant advances in agriculture, combining:

· advanced package of practices

· latest appropriate farm machinery and implements

· the green house technology

· watershed management technology

· the latest outcomes of biodiversity

· biotechnology

· land use mapping

· remote sensing

· land and water use

· conservation and management

· organic farming system (OFS)

· integrated nutrient supply system

· pest management system

· improved cropping systems

· integrated intensive holistic farming systems

· improved irrigation systems

· improved extension systems

· agricultural marketing systems

There is a need for promotion of farmer participatory, demand driven, location specific research and extension. In order to cope-up challenges ahead in agriculture, there is need to contemplate some significant issues.

Cropping Intensity: As 80 percent of Arunachal Pradesh is hilly teraain and it will be very difficult for the resource poor farmer to expand his area through land development there is very little scope of bringing more area under cultivation. Hence, emphasis may be given on increasing the cropping intensity. It is unfortunate that the cropping intensity of our state is very less when compare with Indian average. Our farmers still practices monocropping of rice and normally will not go for taking another crop following the main crop.

Diversification: Mono-cropping can not meet the requirement of farmers. There is need to shift towards diversification of crop basket and more emphasis must be given to take succession crops in Jhum and terrace lands.

Management of problematic soils: Most of the hill soil are acidic in nature. Land reclamation by adding lime or leaching the soil is pre-requisite for better farm output.

Timely available of inputs: Many a times it has been observed that farmers are having technical knowledge but due to non-availability of required input, specially the HYV seeds they are compelled to use the local inputs. Therefore, arrangements for timely availability of inputs are to be made.

Bridging the yield gap: There is a gap between optimum yield projected by research scientists and the real yield obtained at farmer’s fields. Here the role of extension agency comes. There is need of regular evaluation studies of the activities, which will give a clear cut idea whether there was lacuna in the technology or weakness of extension agency or any other problem encountered by farmers. Accordingly measures can be taken to rectify it.

Ecological or Organic Farming System (OFS): We have reached a turning point so far as modern inorganic agriculture and sustainable farming are concerned, as is evident from the degradation of farm lands and lower crop yields in the best farming areas like Punjab. This has destroyed the sustainability and ecological balance and the solution of this grim problem and the long run sustainability of farming lie in the OFS as described above. There are published reports including that of the U.S. National Academy of Science wherein Organic Farming without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for more than 15 years have produced yields of corn and other crops which are 30 to 40 percent higher than those of other methods of farming and sustainable over time.

Integrated Pest Management System (IPMS):

Indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has led to the destruction of beneficial organisms, resistance against pesticides, resurgence of treated pests, pesticidal residues in food-chains, environmental pollution and health disorders. In view of this, the current thrust is on the Integrated Pest Management System (IPMS) as the main plank of plant protection to make use of the resistant varieties, bio-control agents and physical and cultural methods of pest control which are more important in the context of sustainable agriculture. IPMS encourages the use of bio-agents like predators, avoids the use of broad-spectrum insecticides to conserve natural enemies of insect-pests. IPMS is need-based with judicious use of pesticides on the basis of economic threshold level (ETL) of major insect-pests for sustainable farming.

Hi-Tech Package of Practices: Farming is to go hi-tech in future. Agriculture is becoming a highly specialised and technical enterprise system which needs latest scientific know-how and hi-tech package of practices. The soil testing must be conducted through mobile soil testing service (MSTS) at the door steps and fields of farmers and the results and recommendations should be given there and then. The State Agricultural Universities must bring out and distribute the Hi-tech Package of Practices both in Hindi and English for the use of farmers and others for increasing the production, income and sustainability of farming.

Conservation of natural resource: To save and conserve soil and water are to save life on earth. There is continuous degradation of natural resources, especially soil and water. Water is very precious recourses in farming. Though receiving more than 2000 mm rainfall the state faces acute water scarcity in summer and water is the one reason farmer often says for not taking the second crop. Water shed management principles should be applied and more water shed based schemes should be implemented to harvest the rain water and it can fetch good amount of water for irrigation purpose. Therefore, to promote ecological and sustainable farming, provision of cheap water harvesting and storage tanks for irrigation, check dams, earthen cum stone field bounds and boundaries, conversion of outwardly slopping terraces or fields into inwards slopping fields, fuel-fodder grasses, tree plantations and afforestation for soil and water conservation on watershed basis have beeb taken up and continued on a large scale. Irrigation is the most important factor and input for the development of sustainable agriculture system, as it increases the efficiency of all other inputs too. Therefore, all sources of irrigation like rivers, streams, nullahas, springs, rainwater, etc. should be fully tapped, harvested and developed. Once irrigation becomes available, it is necessary to make changes in cropping patterns, cropping systems and cropping intensity by including more remunerative high value crops and the IIHFS. To increase the efficiency of irrigation, more efficient methods like sprinkler and drip irrigation must be used.

Public Private Partnership: Time has come where public sector can jointly work in agriculture research and extension. In many case the private sector varieties are superior to public sector are doing good job in transfer of technology. Therefore, a joint effort of both the sectors would bring fruitful results.

Farming System Approach: Individual farm should be considered a unit /system. Ideal farming system should be developed in the respective location and the extension agency should communication and educate about the system to the farmers.

Quality enhancement & Cost effective: Although the quantity of produce is important but simultaneously quantity improvement of the produce is the equally important. Therefore, promotion of organic waste, vermin-compost, IPM, INM etc. should be encouraged which would be not only enhancing the quality of produce but are cost effective also.

Marketing and value addition: Presently the extension agency is not competent enough to provide proper market information to the farmers. From where they should buy the input and where they should sell their produce. How they can grade, pack, transport and sell their produce. If this kind of knowledge is provided to the farmers, they can get good return of their produce. Besides farmers can also add value to their produce and can sell the value added products if that skill is available to them .There is a need to equip our extension agency in these two aspects.

Livestock Improvement: There is need of conservation of threatened breeds of animal, up gradation of indigenous cattle and buffalo, improvement of pasture lands, adequate availability of fodder seeds and creation of disease free zones for bringing improvement in animal husbandry sector.

Fish Rearing: Nowadays generally farmers are constructing water reservoir at their farm. Fish rearing in these reservoirs is possible and farmer can get additional income by this enterprise. This can be made popular by extension agency among farmers. This could be not only supplement the income of the farmers but also helpful in facing the drought.

Weather forecast: Weather forecasting is very crucial to agriculture which should be done regularly and timely .At the same time weather forecasting should be very accurate in tune with need of the farming community.

Preservation of endangered species: Specify attention should be given to the disadvantaged areas like desert and specific campaign should be started there to preserve the endangered fauna and flora.

Vocational Trainings: Organization of vocational training is an important tool to generate employment opportunity in the rural and urban areas. There is a need to identify the specific trades based on the need and scope in the areas.

Use of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK): Although efforts have been made to identify the indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) in various fields of agriculture, but there is a need t test the validity of this knowledge. The ITK’s which have been worth in present context should be brought into recommendations.

Emphasis on Location - Specific Perspectives and Specificities:

In view of the predominance of ecological imbalances and the prevalence of different agro-ecological or climatic zones the agricultural research, extension and development work has got to be location-specific, need-based, problem-solving and production oriented. The production patterns, inputs and package of practices have got to be different and specific to such perspectives, specificities and zones.

As we know that sixty five percent of India’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. During the past five decades spectacular progress has been achieved in agricultural production in the country compared to 51 million tones of food grain production in 1950-1951.India realized food grain production of 230 million tones in 2007-2008 and steered the country to a status of self sufficiency. It has been successful in keeping pace with the rising food demand of a growing population. In view of the untapped agricultural potential and the increasing demand for food due to the ever-increasing population, the banks must come forward in a big way to finance the Integrated Intensive Hill Farming Systems (IIHFS) and other activities of the farmers for sustainable agriculture, to ensure food security and freedom from hunger and malnutrition and transition to an era of agricultural prosperity. Development in horticulture, livestock, milk, fish and poultry production have also been on a high dimension to harness the potential of countries need. Towards the coming years agricultural development in the country would be guided not only by the compulsion of improving food and nutritional security but also by the concern for environment protection, sustainability and profitability. There is no doubt that the North Eastern states particularly Arunachal Pradesh will be the major player in the agriculture development of the country in the coming years.

Cyclonic wind hits Namchik-Kharsang

ITANAGAR: All vehicular movements came to a grinding halt for 12 hours after a cyclonic wind hit the Namchik-Kharsang area early this morning. Over hundred trees that got uprooted in the cyclone blocked 5 kms stretch of road.

PWD and Geo-Enpro Petroleum Ltd were pressed into service and the road was cleared by 4 in the evening.

Kharsang Circle Officer A J Lungphi informed that though there was no casualty but a house in Ongman village was destroyed. The electricity line has been completly damaged in the 5 kms stretch and will take 2 to 3 days to be restored. All areas under Miao ADC administrative centre is reeling under darkness.

Termination

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has expelled ZPM Tana Bado of II-Doimukh Anchal Segment from the primary and active membership of INC for a period of six years for anti-party activities.

Youth Foundation Day

ITANGAR, Oct 3: The First Ever Youth Foundation Day of Christian Revival Church, Lobi-Panchali (Cola camp) was observed on Sept 30 at its Church Compound. Representative of Chimpu, Chandanagar, Gohpur, Akashdeep, Itanagar, Papu Nallah, Pachin Colony, Naharlagun, Nirjuli, Karsingsa, Doimukh, Banderdewa and PTC took part in the programme.

Ev Asen Mize from Hoj Hara Hapa was the main Speaker. Capital Complex Youth Sectary Taru Kamda, ACRYA Vice President Tana Purno and Arunachal Salvation Singer Iter Bagra took part on the celebration.

Meanwhile All Christian Revival Youth Association (ACRYA) of area VI is organizing youth camp cum healing crusade at Seijosa from October 29-November 01.

Principal, Apostolos Bible College Dr. Techi Anand and Pastor, Harahapa Prayer Centre Rev. Nabam Sangno will attend the programme as speakers and youths from 98 Churches are expected to attend the programme.

Sanitation month

ITANAGAR, Oct 03: National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh launched month long Science for Sanitation on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar.

The programme will be organized in Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, East Siang, West Siang, Tawang, West Kameng, Lohit and Changlang districts.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest Khadi and Village Industries Commission Director AK Sharan said that such programme should be held to change the mindset of the people towards a healthy and hygienic life.

Guest of Honour EAC, Itanagar CR Khampa emphasized on the role of students and common people and highlighted on various aspects of sanitation.

Reader, RGU Dr. Tomo Riba, State Liaison Officer NSS Dr. VN Sharma, president National Youth Project HP Biswas and District Coordinator, NYC Sanjay Sinha also spoke on the occasion.

On the occasion social service, peace rally, demonstration on practices and management of safe disposal of wastes, audio-visual display on sanitation, safe drinking water and drawing and painting competition were also organized.

Meanwhile, Arunab Samanta of KVK School, Millo Laling of Hornbill Public School, Likha That of Hornbill Public School grabbed the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in the drawing and painting competition.

Blood donation

PASIGHAT, Oct 3: National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed on Oct 1.

at the General Hospital Pasighat. The students of College of Horticulture & Forestry, Pasighat and members of Seva Bharati enthusiastically to donated blood. The DDHS Dr. B.C Sarma and Medical Supdt Dr. O Moyong thanked the students of CHF and the members of Seva Bharati for the noble cause.