The Arunachal Times - Archives

Repoll in 28 booths, date yet to be announced

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to conduct repolling in 28 polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh, which went to the Assembly polls yesterday with a record 72 per cent turnout.

Elections to these polling booths located in 13 Assembly constituencies had to be suspended by the election authorities following incidents of damage and snatching of EVMs.

Though the EC was yet to finalise the date for repoll, sources at election office here informed that it was likely to be held on October 18.

However, reports from many interior polling stations were still awaited.

'' We are yet to get the final percentage of polling as reports from various remote and inaccessible polling stations are yet to arrive. However, the total number of booths, where repolling will be conducted could only be ascertained after the full report, ''Deputy Chief Electoral Officer D Bhattacharya said.

As per available reports so far, repolling would be conducted in two booths under Chayantajo Assembly constituency, two under Ziro-Hapoli, Palin (four), Raga (four), Dumporijo (four), two each in Bameng, Mebo, Daporijo, Nacho and one each in Nyapin, Basar, Nari-Koyu and Likabali. UNI

ATNS adds: Meanwhile, in additional to four polling booths announced yesterday for re-polling, Baratiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh today demanded re-polling in 4-Liga, 5-Nasilua, 13 Newreddy, 15 Kuporijo, 18-Meche Marde, 20-Aya Marde, 23-Dere Nalo, 29-Aya Nirin, 42-Lakbak Gongo, Dipu Gongo and Hiru and 49-Luchi polling bootsh under 26 Dumporijo constituency for alleged booth capturing, proxy and bogus voting’s besides forgery of BJP polling agents’ signature while sealing the EVMs.UNI

Fake ballot papers

lead to damage of EVM and fresh poll

Records were created in electoral history in 10 Hija -1 and 15 Hari –C Polling station of 17 – Ziro –Hapoli Assembly constituency under Lower Subansiri District when two fake Ballot papers with shuffled name and symbol of candidates pasted over the original ones were detected.

In Hari – C, the poll process was stopped abruptly following damage of Electronic voting Machine by group of persons after detecting a fake ballot paper pasted over the original Ballot paper of the EVM.

Only 38 persons had exercised their franchise when the EVM was damaged. Three AITC workers suspected to be involved in damaging the voting machine have been arrested.

In Hija, the polling was adjourned midway after detection of similar fake ballot paper pasted over the original one, however the EVM is safe. The local police, is enquiring into the fake ballot paper episode.

Meanwhile, the Lower Subansiri District Election officer, Sadhana Deori, has written to CEO for permission for fresh poll in these two polling stations.

The poll process in other parts of the district including those of 16-Yachuli assembly was peaceful.The poll percentage in 16-Yachuli and 17 Ziro –Hapoli assembly segment were 80% and 69% respectively and the district as a whole recorded 71% .Female voters outnumbered in almost all the polling stations.

Sadhana Deori has also congratulated the people of the district for exercising their franchise in a peaceful manner .She also thanked the government employees, police and para-military force for conducting the election in a very peaceful and smooth manner barring incidents at Hija and Hari villages. DIPR

Maximum EVMs deposited

SEPPA: After a peaceful polling except 4 polling stations, 2 under 8-Bameng and 9- C/Tajo assembly constituencies, all the polling teams has turned up to deposit the polled EVMs here at receiving center.

Around 28 polling officials are yet to arrive from the 8- Bameng, 9- C/Tajo, and the 12-P/Keassang assembly constituencies. They are expected to reach the receiving center by late night today and at least by afternoon of the Oct 15. As of now 129 EVMs have been registered.

DEO/RO Pige Ligu has arranged polling team with tight security along with magistrate for the re-polling at 8/36-Sangbia, 8/38-Jokio and 9/29-Kapu Dada, 9/30- Doka where EVMs were broken by the miscreants falling under 8-Bameng and 9- C/Tajo respectively. DEO has ensured the free and fair re-poll in these polling stations.

However no date has been fixed for the re-polling. DIPRO

RO conducts post

poll meeting

BOMDILA: Attended by the Central Observers L.Satya Srinivas and SP Kadu Patil, RO Swati Sharma convened a meeting of all the candidates and their election agents prior to the sealing of the strong room here today in the receiving centre Bomdila.

Cautioning against violence or disturbances of any sort in the post-poll period in the district, the RO urged for prevalence of better sense and peaceful co-existence. Assuring full security for the polled Electronic Voting Machines which would be sealed in the strong room in their presence, she said that closed circuit televisions with night vision facility have already been installed outside the strong room. The Central Para Military forces have also been already deployed for its security, she added.

As an added measure for ensuring safety and non-tempering of the polled EVMs, the respective candidates can place their agents in the Control room of the Receiving centre after going through the prescribed regulations and security checks in addition to the round the clock duty by the officers and security forces till the counting day, she said. As a precautionary measure, the RO also informed of the possibility of clamping prohibitory orders in the district after declaration of the results.

Acknowledging the efforts put in by all the personnels on election duty and the support and co-operation extended by the various departments, organizations and security forces, the District Election Officer and Superintendent of Police Bomdila congratulated them for making the Assembly Elections in the district a free, fair and transparent one. DIPRO

Four polling teams airlifted

ANINI: Altogether four polling teams comprising Anelih, Adane, Atali & Engaling were airlifted to Anini, the district Headquarter of Dibang Valley District by Pawan Hans chopper here today.

Doulphin Pawan Hans Chopper was pressed into services for retrieving the polling teams from Anelih Circle Headquarters, who have reached the lifting zone from their respective polling stations after 28 hrs trek by foot.

With the reaching of polling parties from four remote polling stations at receiving centre, Anini, including the poll report from Kronli polling station received through wireless transmissions, the total voting percentage of Dibang Valley district as of now stood at 85.6 %

However, this figure may go up as reports from the Mrombo polling stations, the last polling stations, which has only 3 voters, is still being awaited. DIPRO

Record turn out

of voters in Changlang

CHANGLANG: Changlang had a record turn out of the voters as the polling teams from remote polling stations in 52-Changlang South(ST) and 53-Changlang North (ST) constituencies arrived at the Receiving Centre Changlang amidst tight security today.

The consolidated 86.04 % of voters turn out was recorded in the district in the Assembly Election with 49-Bordumsa-Diyun 80%, 50-Miao 81%, 51-Nampong 91.07%, 52-Changlang South 92.98% and 53-Changlang north 85.19%. Meanwhile, the EVMs from 49-Bordumsa-Diyun constituency also reached the receiving centre at Changlang

While many peoples’ eyes were focused on Tirap and Changlang districts for the Assembly election, the voters came out boldly to choose their leaders under extensive security coverage.

All arrangements for the poll were planned meticulously under the direct supervision of Dr. S B Deepak Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner cum DEO, Changlang district and Kime Aya, SP Changlang to prevent any kind of untoward incidence.

The SP, Changlang informed that in addition to 3 company of Civil Police & IRBN and 23 persons of forest staff, 11 company of CRPF was deployed in the district. The District Election Officer stated that entire arrangements were handled effectively due to timely arrival and deployment of the security force. While appreciating the foolproof security arrangement Dr Kumar thanked H B Gramopadhye, SM, Commandant 25 AR, 18 AR Jairampur, 169 CRPF, 93 CRPF, 36 CRPF, 186 and 171 CRPF deployed in the district for their dedicated works and back up operation in area domination patrolling and Polling Station security. This has helped instill a sense of confidence amongst the people and evidently the electors’ turnout was in good number.

Robin Hibu, IPS, DIG (E/R) who visited Bordumsa on the poll-day under the supervision of Ms Vimla Mehra, DGP, Arunacha Pradesh also appreciated the arrangements and congratulated all the officers and men for their dedication amidst all odds in securing the peaceful conduct of the election. DIPRO

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today took strong exception to China's objection to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the state, saying that country should "accept the reality" and refrain from laying claim to the state.

In a statement, Khandu hoped that China would accept the reality and refrain from laying claim on the hilly tribal state which graduated to electoral democracy in 1975.

"Between the two visits of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last year and this year, several central ministers including then external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Antony had reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of India and that no power on the earth can snatch it away from India," he said.

Khandu pointed out that President Pratibha Patil also visited the state to endorse the stand of the Union government.

Cong expects 50 plus, hails people for peaceful polling

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today extended heartfelt thanks to the people of the state for exercising their franchise in Assembly poll in a peaceful atmosphere, and expected to win 50 plus seats, reiterated to form Govt of its own.

The people have come openly in various parts of the state including Tirap and Changlang districts due to massive security arrangement, APCC chief Nabam Tuki said, and expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission, poll officials, Gaon Burhas and para military and police forces for their performance in peaceful conduct of election. Except few incidents of EVMs snatching/damage, the election was peaceful, he said.

Interacting with the media persons here today, Tuki also extended his sincere thanks to intellectuals and media for their wholehearted support to the peaceful assembly election.

He said that his party will implement the agenda mentioned in the manifesto in toto for the welfare of the people.

While his attention was drawn towards the BJP’s allegation of damaging vehicles of its party candidates in Liromoba and Lekang assembly segments, Tuki said the concerned party has right to lodge complaint and law enforcing authorities will look into the matter. He, however, said that most of the EVMs as reported were destroyed by some workers of TMC, NCP, PPA and BJP.

Chinese statement illogical and provocative: Congress

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct. 14: Strongly reacting to the Chinese objection to the recent visit of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress in the state today said that China was making provocative statement only to create confusion among the people on Assembly election day.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu while referring to the PM’s recent visit to Pasighat for campaigning said: “China is strongly dissatisfied with the visit to the disputed region by the Indian leader disregarding China’s serious concern”.

''Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and all Arunachalis are citizens of this country by birth,” Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki said and termed the statement of Chinese foreign ministry spokesman as illogical, immature and uncessary. Arunachal Pradesh was and will remain as an integral party of India, he commented while interacting with the media persons here today.

The people of the state have been receiving all facilities including social security from the Centre as citizens of India. Since 1950 various Prime Ministers including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Deve Gowda and deputy prime minister L K Advani had visited the state and in recent past in 2008 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President of India and host of Central leaders visited the state on various occasion, Tuki said and added that three parliamentarians have been elected recently by the people who have been regularly electing their representatives on Assembly in the state.

He said ''it is people who exercised their franchise and have been wholeheartedly contributing towards the sovereignty and integrity of the country under the excellence performance of the UPA Govt.”

Stating that Arunachal can not be a part of such controversy, Tuki said, a formal protest against China is being made by the MPs of the state and senior leaders before the Prime Minister.

PM was within constitutional right to visit Arunachal Pradesh

KOLKATA, Oct 14: India today reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and the Prime Minister was within the constitutional right to visit the state.

Addressing a press conference at the PCC headqauters here, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, '' I too visited Arunachal Pradesh for campaigning and considered it as a legitimate right. It's a proper action on our part.'' '' The just concluded polls in Arunachal Pradesh have proved that it was held in accordance with the Indian constitution. The Prime Minister can definitely visit the state for campaigning or any other purpose,'' Mukherjee said.

Replying a question on the objection raised by China over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the border state, Mukherjee said just a few months back the people of Arunachal Pradesh had sent their representative to Parliament under the Indian Constitution. UNI

NCY condemns school eviction

ITANAGAR, Oct.14: Nationalist Youth Congress (NYC), Papum Pare unit today said that the officials of the Assam Govt have evicted the Buka Govt Primary school situated under Kimin circle in Papum Pare district today and appealed the Arunachal Govt to intervene and prevent unlawful and illegal activities of the Assam Govt.

While condemning the incident, the NYC appealed the Assam counterpart to maintain cordial relations with Arunachal. It said that the Assam personnel also took away all school infrastructures.

BJP alleges harassment to its candidate

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Alleging highhandedness and harassment to its candidate of Dumporijo seat Lompak Paksok the Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh today said that Paksok has been reportedly kept confined in police lock up since Oct 13 and demanded his immediate release.

In a letter to the Returning officer of the Upper Subansiri district, BJP said the state machinery should maintain neutrality and impartiality and should not act like an agency of party in power which is unbecoming.

Condemning the incident the BJP said its “candidate after having informed that booth rigging and bogus and proxy voting was taking place at 41-Maro polling booth had to rush to that polling station and

after witnessing unlawful activities he reportedly appealed the Presiding and Polling officers to intervene who seemed to be helpless. This had led to hot altercations, pushing and pulling and snatching of EVM to unintentional damage of EVM”. Whole allegations were fixed on the BJP candidate instead of taking action against those elements responsible for rigging, bogus and proxy voting which is unbecoming in a democratic election process, the party said.

There are also reports from 17- Ziro Hapoli and Mebo (ST) seats where AITC and INC candidates were reportedly involved in the damage of EVMs but no arrest was reported yet, the BJP further said.

The same candidate had also been unduly harassed at the time of scrutiny of nomination without valid reason, the party said and demanded the Election Commission to intervene and ensure equal treatment by district administration to all political parties.

Airfield dev in north-east not country specific: Vice-Air Chief

NEW DELHI, Oct 14: Reiterating its stated position that any development work in Arunachal Pradesh was not country-specific but part of the government's plan to enhance infrastructure facilities in the north-east, Vice-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal P K Barbora today said the IAF does not act out of fear.

''We do not fear. The IAF does not fear anyone,'' he said in reply to a query whether upgrading of airfields and developing Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh was because India feared China's increased movements in the region in recent years.

On China's reaction to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Vice-Air Chief said it was surprising that the reaction came about 10 days late after the PM visited the state.

''Also, they didn't react when the President visited the state earlier,'' he quipped, adding that ''may be it is because of the elections in the state''.

Elaborating on the 'improvements' being carried out on airfields, he denied that it was to counter China's rapid infrastructure building on the other side of the border, saying, ''We are not looking at any country-specific projects, but going for capability-based development.'' Stressing that it was not like upgrading facilities for China's sake, Air Marshal Barbora said, ''We are doing it as part of IAF's visualization for the future, how we see it.'' ''If SU 30s are being sent to Leh or north-east it is because MIG 21s are phasing out. Assets will be distributed all over the country. It is nothing to do with China.'' He also said maintenance of airfields was being done as part of Government of India's plan to upgrade infrastructure facilities in the state, specially in the light of the fact that roads were not available in several areas.

''All this is because of lack of infrastructure. Even the para-military forces have to be managed by the Air Force.'' Alluding development of helipads and ALGs to enhancing tourism in the state and ''to support the civil population'' after years of neglect, the Vice-Air Chief said ''after all we are not creating any new facilities, just refurbishing existing ones.'' ''Various airfields built during pre and post Independence era were deteriorating, but due to lack of finances and negligence they have remained ignored,'' he said, adding that with Prime Minister taking interest ''a relook is being done at the abandoned aviation assets in the north-east region.'' Airfields are being expanded from 9,000 feet to 12,000 feet because now aircrafts are heavier, he said adding that China too has expanded its airfields with the nearest being 30 kilometres from Arunachal border in Linzi.

Pointing that the Air Force planned to stretch its reach in the South as well, he said, ''these developments have got nothing to do with the prevailing tension,'' and added ''However, we don't react when they build anything on their side. I don't understand why do they have to do this.'' The Vice-Air Chief also denied that there was any proposal with the IAF in near future to have exercises with China.

''May be in future, but not in near future definitely,'' Air Marshal Barbora said adding ''over a period of time if we feel that there is a commonality of thinking we might go for it.'' On government's direction on just one exercise abroad in one year by the IAF, Air Marshal Barbora said, ''It is a general rule, but not that it cannot be bent. We are even having tri-lateral exercise involving Singapore and France,'' and added that several countries were indeed seeking to have exercises with the IAF. UNI

BJP demands all-party meet on China's aggressive design in Arunachal

NEW DELHI, Oct 14: Demanding an all-party meeting on China's objections to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's poll campaign in Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP today asked the Government to give up its 'tame and timid approach' in dealing with India's northern neighbour.

''Arunachal Pradesh is a state of the Indian Union and any citizen was free to take part in democratic process and China's objections to Dr Singh's poll campaign had broken all norms of international diplomacy,'' BJP spokesman Ravishankar Prasad told newspersons.

He said while China adopted an aggressive stance, it was dismaying that the country's External Affairs Minister was downplaying the Chinese threats to nation's strategic interests by responding in an apologetic tone in putting forward India's cause.

''This raises serious doubts if the country had the grit and will to safeguard its territorial integrity,'' Prasad said.

He said China had grabbed Aksai Chin portion of Jammu and Kashmir, a territory bigger than a country like Switzerland, and nobody ever talked about it although it was an unresolved border dispute. Besides this, there was also the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) and illegal ceding of this territory by Pakistan.

Now China was laying claim on Arunachal Pradesh which was three times bigger than Taiwan.

China, he said, was raising Arunachal issue frustrated by the overwhelming 72 per cent people of the state who had exercised their democratic franchise in yesterday's Assembly polls.

''They have chosen to stir international dispute on the polling day,'' Prasad remarked.

Dealing with a country with aggressive expansionist designs should not be left to the wisdom of few bureaucrats and there was a need for the political leadership to take a united approach because the country should overcome the mistakes of 1962, the BJP spokesperson said.

The all-party meeting would provide the forum for the Government to adopt a unified approach after wide consultations.

Asked about BJP's policy on Tibet, he said,''former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had stated it during his visit to China, but in view of aggressive posturing by China, the leaders of political parties could take a united view and review the country's policy on China and Tibet, the saffron party spokesperson said while answering a question.

''While the BJP was for India having good all-round healthy and economic relationship with China, the country could never accept even the thinking that

an Indian Prime Minister doesn't require visa from China to visit an Indian state. There is no need for India to bend backwards to accommodate audacious demands of an aggressive neighbour,'' Prasad said.

The Government should come forward with the details of Chinese incursions which had witnessed a 'quantum jump' between 2007-08, he added.

During the NDA regime, China went to the extent of declaring Sikkim as an Indian state, but was now encouraging border incursions, he said referring to repeated incursions by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the 'finger point' area in the state.

To a question about Karnataka Government focussing on China for its next investors meet at Bangalore, Prasad stated,''having good economic relations and compromise of strategic interests were two different issues. However, when the political parties discussed the matters, the economic issues could also be discussed.'' UNI

US ready to work with elected leaders of Arunachal: Roemer

KOLKATA,Oct 14: As a tiff was raging between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh, US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer today said it held respect for the just concluded Assembly elections in the state and would like to work with the elected representatives from the state.

" The US respects the process of election that has taken place and the outcome of the elections," he told reporters at a press conference here.

" I think it is very positive to see people turning out in thousands before polling stations in three different states. We are looking forward to working with the leaders that these regions elect," he said.

In reply to a question on China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh and its objection to the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during campaigning for the just concluded Assembly elections in the state,

Roemer said the US was confident that the issue would be 'resolved peacefully' by both the countries. UNI