October -  10

• ABK oppose public hearing on Lower Siang Project
• ABBK seeks Guv’s intervention, says no to public hearing
• Marde advocates for mutually acceptablesolution to Assam-Arunachal boundary row
• NES-ANSU declares NCC’s referendum rally ‘anti-Nyishi’
• AAPSU leaders meet injured students
• Road maintenance work being carried out: Minister
• NCC reacts to ANSU  statement
• Roing incident was intentional, says union
• Students stage protest rally at Tezu, demand suspension of DC and SP
• Tawang DC calls for effective teaching methodology
• MFC lifts Bakin Pertin Memorial Football Tournament

ABK oppose public hearing on Lower Siang Project  

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) in an emergency executive body meeting held at Itanagar yesterday unanimously passed a resolution to strongly oppose the proposed public hearing for construction Dam over Siang River and construction of numerous Dams in various rivers within Adi inhabited areas.

It demanded the concerned authority/ State Pollution Control Board to postpone the proposed public hearing scheduled from October 18-21 for indefinite period till the project affected local people are completely educated about the pros and cons of such Mega Dam projects.

It further said that ABK is clear in its stand on this regard from the very beginning and until the project affected people are familiarized about the actual picture or ground reality of the consequences of the mega dam projects, holding of such public hearing is futile exercise, release added

Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has decided to boycott proposed Public Hearing announced by State Pollution Control Board for 2700MW Lower Siang Hydro Electrical Power Project on October 18, 19 and 21.

It claimed that the AdiSU has tried numerous times to convince Dam proponent, state government and central government through memorandums, representations and agitations to scrap the project as the project affected people are not in a position to spare their livelihood, culture, social setup and their belongingness at the cost of the project.

The union further decided to conduct touring at three Siang districts from October 11 to interact with the student community and the public of project affected places.

It demanded the Dam proponent to scrap the Lower Siang project and also appealed Anti Lower Siang Hydro Electrical Power Project organizations,  Adi Baane Kebang, DSUs, Public Leaders and Student Communities to take full fledged participation in the boycott movement.

Meanwhile in a separate release, Pangin and Boleng Students Union  has unanimously decided to oppose the proposed public hearing regarding 2700MW Lower Siang Hydro Electrical Power Project at Rottung on October 19.

The decision was taken  in a mass meeting held at Pasighat today. The house also selected Ajay Darang as the chairman of the movement.

 

ABBK seeks Guv’s intervention, says no to public hearing

ITANAGAR, Oct  9: The Adi Bogung Bokang Kebang has demanded cancellation of the proposed public hearing on 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Power project scheduled to be held  at Jeying, Rottung and Pressing on Oct 18, 19 and 21 respectively.

The  Kebang in a memorandum  addressed to the  Governor of the  state  said that there should no construction of dam on Mighty Siang river and the proposed public hearing on Lower Siang project be postponed immediately. Highlighting the grievances of the villagers likely to be affected by dam, the Kegang in its memorandum said that almost all the villages of the Siang Valley are not aware of the nature of the proposed Siang Dam. Few people of different villages claimed to have attended Dam meeting at the Administrative Headquarters, wherein most of the people did not accept the proposal for construction of a Dam over Siang River, the memorandum claimed.

Kebang claimed that it has visited almost all the villages and found that Prior-informed consent of the project affected people has been overlooked or stage-managed in the proposed Lower Siang Hydropower Project. The Kebang further said that the construction company involves in malpractices to win over the confidence of the villagers on construction of dam.

Accusing the authority for taking hasty steps for public hearing, the Memorandum further said that former Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh stressed on study of three monsoon sessions to prepare the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Lower Siang Hydropower Project (LSHP) way back in September last year. But the authorities decided to place the second EIA report of SLHP for public hearing within a year, the first being in the month of December 2010.

It further said that the present EIA report is found to be a carbon copy of the previous one which was scrapped by the Experts Appraisal Committee, Govt of India on Dec 11, 2010. It is seen that few corrections here and there have been made, especially in the Chapter 5, Social - Economics Profile, and with regard to the International boundary. However, the whole content is found to be the same, the memorandum said.

The memorandum further said that transparency has not been maintained while dealing with public regarding on LSHP Project. The company never discussed about the design of the Dam. Moreover, the memorandum said “EIA report seems to have not been handed over to the West Siang DC office even after  the declaration of Public Hearing by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, as the application of the dam affected people for EIA report have been forwarded to the director of the Jaypee Company.  Kebang further said that certain steps taken by the company in their attempt to influence over the people to support Dam proposals have been found to be dividing our societies into two groups, anti and pro-dam groups.

The Kebang claimed that besides the proposed Lower Siang Hydropower Project, 34 other Dams are also being proposed in the numerous tributaries of Siang River in the Upper reaches. Opposition to the dam on Siang River does not only mean apprehensions of submergence of homestead land, vast agricultural land, abundant forest product and resources and extinction of social cultural existence, but is found to be a deep-rooted social sentiment ingrained in the blood of all the Adis which emerges out and out with reverence to the Aane Siang River, the memorandum said.

 

Marde advocates for mutually acceptablesolution to Assam-Arunachal boundary row

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Home Minister Takar Marde yesterday said that both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam may have to resort to swapping some part of the disputed land in the spirit of give and take in order to genuinely find a permanent and mutually agreeable solution to the vexed inter state boundary issue.

Addressing a public meeting at Dollungmukh in Lower Subansiri district bordering North Lakhimpur district of Assam, Marde said that since time immemorial the people of the two sister states have been living in complete harmony and peace.

"History has it that the tribal people of the state had joined hands with the Ahoms and fought against the British. Many had laid down their lives along with the natives of the present state of Assam," the Home Minister observed while stressing on the need to maintain cordial relations with the people of Assam. Fights would be disastrous for both but peace and patience would pay rich dividends, he said.

Marde further told the gathering of the local Panchayat leaders, GBs and villagers that during his recent meeting with the Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi, the later while appreciating the concern for early solution of the problem had lauded the people of Arunachal, unlike other states, for maintaining peace and tranquility despite some tension along the border.   Referring to the recent incident wherein the Assam administration had objected to the construction of an approach road to Dollungmukh area, Takar Marde said that the DC and SP of Lower Subansiri are itself meeting their counterparts of North Lakhimpur district of Assam to amicably resolve the impasse in the local area.

The minister said that he would soon hold a meeting with Assam Forest Minister to discuss the boundary problem especially the evictions carried out by the Assam forest personnel.

Responding to a public memorandum, Marde, who is also the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister, assured to create a new CD block at Dolungmukh and said no stone would be left unturned to sincerely help the people find answers to their genuine problems.

"Despite odds I cannot shrug off my responsibilities as Home Minister but would continue to work for the well being of the people of the state in any given capacity", Marde further added.

The DIG (Western Range) Anil Shukla, who also spoke at the meeting, assured to address the genuine public demands for posting of more police personnel besides a police station in the area.

Earlier, the ZPM Nido Torh submitted a memorandum to the minister demanding demarcation of boundary between Dollungmukh and Rajgarh Ali of Assam, up-gradation of circle office, establishment of police station and permanent closure of the Dollung firing range of the Indian Air Force.

The minister had to visit Dollungmukh to take stock of the situation and meet the local populace following objections raised by the Assam authorities recently against construction of a road in the area. Besides frequent harassments meted out to the locals by the Assam police and forest personnel, the authorities of the neighbouring state had seized machineries used for construction of the approach road.

The minister was also accompanied by the Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Nila Mohanan, Superintendent of Police Pushpender Kumar, leaders of the Arunachal Law Students' Union (ALSU) and members from the Boundary Affected Indigenous People's Committee of Arunachal (BAIPCA).

 

NES-ANSU declares NCC’s referendum rally ‘anti-Nyishi’

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) have declared the Great Nyishi Procession-cum-Referendum Rally on October 11 by Nyishi Consultative Committee (NCC) as anti-Nyishi activity.

Describing the proposed rally as illogical and ridiculous, NES president Bengia Tolum in a joint press meet with ANSU said that Nyishis would not accept any resolutions coming out of such unauthorized rally and appealed to one and all irrespective of caste, creed and community not to attend the ‘anti-Nyishi Government sponsored rally’. Tolum further said, the AAPSU  which is still maintaining silence on the issue should come out openly in support of NES-ANSU movement.

According to the sponsor/organizer, the referendum rally is being organized ‘to clarify the ToI issue by Government and exhibit social harmony, to maintain peaceful co-existence and spread the message of communal harmony among all tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.

“The coinage of the phrase - for communal harmony, peaceful co-existence of all tribes in the state - pointing fingers that the Nyishis are impediments and alien to communal harmony, peaceful co-existence of all tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the derivative of the same source (or) author and mimicry of the Times of India/Deccan Chronicle report that Nyishis does not enjoy good rapport with other tribes,”  the NES president said adding that by giving this statement the Government has time and again reminded us of the humiliation instead of listening to our hue and cry.   “The Nyishi community in its Dignity Rally on September 13 and Mega Dignity Rally on October 7 declared the present Government led by Jarbom Gamlin as anti-Nyishi Government and thus, the so called Government sponsored rally “to clarify Govt stand on the ToI issue and to spread message for communal harmony, peaceful co-existence amongst other tribes added insult to injury.”

The NES president hoped that good sense will prevail upon those leaders with vested interest within the community and refrain from such miss-propaganda campaign concerning the sentiment of the Nyishis.

“The Nyishis being the largest tribe of the state has been playing the role of a big brother. All the tribes of the state have been flourishing peacefully in the state capital--the heartland of the Nyishis and other Nyishi areas like Dikhalmukh, Nomara, Dissing-Passo, Seppa, Karsingsa, Banderdewa, Doimukh etc., enjoying land allotment, trading license irrespective of tribes or race. This bears testimony to the large hearted accommodative attitude of the Nyishis. Nyishis are staunch patriotic and symbol of pan Arunachal,” said he.

Meanwhile, NES and ANSU honoring the Therevada Buddhist Society’s (TBS) request, have decided to allow movement of vehicles carrying the religious flag of the Buddhist community during the Bandh call on October 12 so that members of TBS from Capital Complex, including Nirjuli, Naharlagun do not face any problem in attending the religious function (Satang Patwa--the concluding day of three month Tithi i.e Molma) at Vivek Vihar.

 

AAPSU leaders meet injured students

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: A team of Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) headed by its president Takam Tatung  has  met the four injured students at a Dibrugarh hospital today.  The  four students, who received serious injuries in a firing incident  at Roing on Oct 5, are now recuperating at  the hospital. AAPSU President assured the bullet injured students of taking the matter to the highest forum in order to deliver justice to the victims.

Visiting AAPSU executives were appalled on being told that the bullets, taken out from the victim’s bodies, were collected by the Assam Police from the Hospital. How can Assam Police collects the bullets when the case is at Roing Police Station? Is it to tamper the evidence of police brutality? questioned AAPSU.

The Union demands thorough investigations into the whole episode and stringent action against the culprits involved.

 

Road maintenance work being carried out: Minister

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: While reacting to the demand for handing over of the NH52A from Banderdewa-Holongi to the BRO authority, PWD and UD Minister Nabam Tuki said that Party involved in such demand has gone to the media without trying to establish the facts from the PWD.

The said road, which was constructed initially by the state PWD, was handed over to BRO in 1993. Subsequently, the APPWD has retaken the road on the direction of the MoRTH, GOI in 2008. The road at the time of taking over was full of potholes and damaged, he said.

However, periodical renovation of the entire  51 km Banderdewa-Hollongi road  was approved when the matter was taken up with MoRTH  immediately and work was completed within shortest possible time, the minister said.  Small stretches which remains incomplete due to earth cutting will also be completed shortly. In addition, regular maintenance of the road like protection work, cross drainages, surface repairs have been carried out as and where required. However, flood damages followed by heavy rain in recent past and other factors like rampant construction along NH have contributed to major damages of the road, he said. The Minister further said that the concerned department is of the opinion that the existing 2-lane NH has out lived its utility due to increase in traffic in the capital complex. The need of the hour is up-gradation of the existing 2 lane to 4-lane to cater to the massive traffic. Four laning of Holongi to Itanagar (PHQ) has been approved and awarded to competent contractors. The work is to start immediately on settlement of compensation package.

Moreover, the DPR for the sector between Banderdewa to Itanagar (PHQ) has been submitted to the MoRTH in Sept 2010 and the same is under process at the Central level. It is expected that the same shall be approved soon. The department has left no stone unturned to process all estimates at the Ministry level and to get sanction. Priority has also been given to get sanction for the Trans Arunachal Highway, running from Nichipu to Hoj covering 311 km. It is with pride, that we can say that the letter of award has been issued for this road recently  and  work shall start soon, the minister said.

Tuki said, the Department needs support of one and all in its endeavour to provide good roads while adding that highlighting the shortcoming through media  and  bandh call has a detrimental effect on the morale of the officers  and  staff of the PWD.

 

NCC reacts to ANSU  statement

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Nyishi Consultative Committee (NCC) said that the proposed Great Nyishi Referendum Rally on October 11 at IG Park is being organized in the larger interest of the community where the Committee will seek clarification from Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin on the ToI issue.

Reacting to a news item by All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) alleging that NCC is organizing anti-Nyishi Rally, the Committee said that ANSU should restrain themselves from making such illogical and unfounded allegation against an organization like NCC. “We are not organizing any Anti-Nyishi Rally or Anti-Dignity Rally. Rather we are organizing it to protect the prestige and honour of the community where we will demand the State Government led by Chief Minister Gamlin to give clarification on ToI issue,” the release said.

The main objective of the Referendum Rally is to give a clear message for communal harmony and peaceful co-existence among all tribes by maintaining peace and tranquility in the state, the release asserted.

“Nyishi being one of the largest tribes in Arunachal Pradesh can not be a silent spectator while some of our community members and responsible organizations’ leaders mislead the great Nyishi community in a wrong direction and it is beyond toleration of any sensible member of the society,” the release said and advised ANSU leaders to refrain from making ‘irresponsible’ statement against any organization ‘without having knowledge about them’.

Meanwhile, NCC expressed doubt over the role of Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tribes’ Union for ‘deliberately’ calling 12-hr Papum Pare Bandh on October 11.

The Union could have given the bandh call on a latter date, if there is valid issue,  instead of the day (Oct 11) in which the rally  is being organized, NCC said. It cautioned that the committee will be compelled to consider the bandh as pre planned to sabotage the rally, if something unpleasant happens on that day.

Meanwhile, Nyishi Welfare Association (NWA) has extended whole-hearted support to the proposed referendum rally.

The NWA  also criticized NES for ‘turning the Mega Dignity Rally into a political rally’ by demanding resignation of the chief minister levelling various allegations against him, which, according to NWA, are ‘incorrect’ and ‘misleading’.

“NES should have placed the findings of the 2-man enquiry committee report before the gathering and disclosed it before them. But, instead of disclosing it, NES has twisted the issue in a different manner and adopted resolutions in the said mega rally which is ridiculous and unfortunate,” NWA said in a release.

 

Roing incident was intentional, says union

ROING, Oct 9: Wednesday’s police firing on students and civilians during the Durga puja celebration was pre-meditated, All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) has claimed.

"The police shooting on students was planned with intention to create terror in the minds of citizens," Rajiv Mihu, Secretary of the union said.  

Personnel of the special task force (STF) shot at and injured eight students, including a girl. Two people were also beaten to the state of unconsciousness. The injured were rushed to Roing Hospital where the condition of all was said to be critical. Most of the injured were rushed to Dibrugarh hospital later that night.

AIMSU Secretary said the union’s claim is based on the report of its initial fact-finding process to investigate on the Wednesday’s shooting.

While welcoming the enquiry committee to probe the police shooting announced by Home Minister Takar Marde on his Roing visit,  the union said it sticks to the demand for judicial inquiry by a high court sitting judge for fair justice to the victims.

Mihu said, "The union’s fact finding report, which is as per the eye witness’s account points to the fact that the police wanted a simple excuse to open fire.”

“As per the report, an altercation occurred between police and students after STF personnel took ‘extra’ interest in ransacking the game stalls after forcing themselves inside the puja premise, after they had received orders to close down the stalls,” he said.

“There were only five puja volunteers including twenty youths, while rests were away for dinner. Some students were preparing to close the stalls that hosted the dice games, wheel games and air gun shooting.”

The secretary said: “In five minutes of baton charge that followed after the altercation, the crowd of 20-30 youths had dispersed and the situation was directly under the control of police, who were backed by by IRBn, CRPF, STF and state police personnel of 30-40.”

He said the STF personal opened fire despite any further provocation from students, whatsoever. And if any, baton charge was ‘enough’, said Mihu.

“Many were caught unaware. One girl who was packing inside one stall was shot in her left hand. Another young student was hit by shot pellet in the head who fell on the ground straight away.”

The puja premise is a sixty meter long and is in the midst of Roing bazaar. “The STF chased the students as even far as 250 meters and most were shot far outside the puja premises,” said Mihu.

One elderly man, whose residence is in the Roing market and is witness to the firing incident said the STF were shooting at the boys at leisure. “While boys were running, the camouflaged commandos took position, aimed, fired and kept walking.”

“One bullet nearly missed me,” he said. His shop is perforated with bullet marks.

“This makes sense that the motive of the police was not to disperse and conclude the puja celebration, but to cause maximum casualties,” said Mihu.

AIMSU secretary said that by judging the nature of police action, one would be compelled to believe that the police shooting was not an ‘isolated’ incident.

“It is preplanned and well calculated move to instill fear on people, for administration to go on its own will.”

 

Students stage protest rally at Tezu, demand suspension of DC and SP

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: The students of IGG College, Tezu  under the banner of IGGCSU  today organized rally in protest against the firing on IGG college students and students of Govt Higher Secondary School, Roing during Durga puja celebration at Roing on Oct 5.

More than 1000 students took part in the rally which started from IGG college and culminated at the residence of Lohit DC.  Many other students unions including All Mishmi Student Union (AMSU), Mishmi Student Union (MSU), All Lohit District Student Union (ALSU), All Anjaw District Student Union (AADSU). All Tai Khamti Singpho Student Union Tezu, All Triap  and Changlang Students Union (ATCSU) and Kara ­Ah Students Association  have supported the rally and strongly protest against the  barbaric act of  personnel.

Meanwhile,  the    All Mishmi Students Union, IGGCSU and  Mishmi Students Union and  Kera-ah Students Association have jointly submitted a  six point memorandum to the state Governor through the  Tezu DC R.K Sharma. The memorandum demanded immediate suspension of  Lower Dibang Valley DC and SP  for  allegedly misusing the administrative power in a religious function. They also demanded immediate termination of  the officers   who were on duty, action against the personnel involved in the incident and independent  judicial enquiry into the incident.

Other demands include Rs 10 lakh compensation each to the  injured student and shifting of all para military forces from Roing.

 

Tawang DC calls for effective teaching methodology

TAWANG, Oct 9: Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen attended the valedictory function of the Teachers training programme held at the DDSE office Tawang today. Speaking on the occasion he advised the trainees to adopt the latest teaching aids and methodology for effective teaching and better academic performance of student.

Later, the DC visited the indoor ward of District Hospital Tawang and distributed fruits and juices to the patients which were arranged by EPS (Environmental Protection Society) in presence of DMO R Khirmey.

Earlier, in the morning DC visited Tawang Monastery and met the members of CHANGZE (Monastery Management Committee) and requested them to keep the Monastery and its surroundings clean and hygienic. He inspected the kitchen and dining hall and instructed that these places should be cleaned and washed at least once in a week.

The DC expressed his concern over the antiques and relics including Tanka which are dumped at the top floor of the monastery uncared and unattended. He advised that these antiques should be properly preserved and care should be taken so that not a single piece is damaged. He opines that a museum should be constructed immediately for preserving these antique monuments. DIPRO

 

MFC lifts Bakin Pertin Memorial Football Tournament

PASIGHAT, Oct 9: The Mercy Football Club (MFC) grabbed the 1st Bakin Pertin Memorial Football Tournament (BPMFT.

The MFC beat Bogong Soccer Club (BSC) by 2-1 in the final match played at Pasighat.

The Chief Guest of the closing ceremony, Superintendent of Police Alok Kumar encouraged the players to keep fit and join defense services in future to serve the state as well as the nation.

He further advised them to spread feeling of oneness and brotherhood in the society.

Later, he gave away the trophy to the winner team.

Tason Tasung was adjudged as best goalkeeper, Oling Tatin as best defender and Rokom Tasung as best Player of the Tournament.

The ceremony was attended by President ABK East Siang unit Okom Yosung and Osor Pertin as Guest of Honour and SpecialInvitee. DIPRO

NCP demands enquiry into Roing incident

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Arunachal Pradesh unit strongly condemned the barbaric firing incident at Roing where where young students got serious injuries. The incident has again exposed growing atrocities of police on civilians, the NCP said in a release.

The Party demanded suspension of Lower Dibang Valley DC, SP and other officers and personnel involved in the firing incident. Delay in taking action on the part of the government would result in denial of justice to the victims, the Party said while advocating for a judicial enquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, the NCP wishes early recovery of the injured persons and urged the state government to provide immediate compensations and medical expenses to all those injured in the incident.

 

Prayer for prosperity  

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: A mass prayer was conducted today in every Church irrespective of the denomination they follow in all the Churches of every village and Circle head quarters throughout the Longding district for the prosperity, development, betterment, peace, harmony, and well being of the people and for bright future of the newly created district Longding. The people from all walk of life in the district has prayed for eternal peace of Late Dorjee Khanduj and also to give much strength and wisdom to the  present CM Jarbom Gamlin and the three elected representative of the district to carry out their responsibility with high spirit and had also prayed for early solution of the misunderstanding created amongst the ruling party upon the leadership issue, according to an release.

 

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Oct  9: Likha Welfare Society deeply mourned the demise of its senior member Likha Takam who died at Yoglu village under Pistana circle on October 7.

Takam was born in 1896 and was the oldest member of the society. He served the society as head Gaon Bura during British period and was also an active social activist.

He is survived by six sons, two daughters, grandsons and daughters.

The society extends its condolence message to the bereaved family members and prayed almighty god to give enough strength the bereaved family members to overcome the irreparable loss.

 

Mass Public Rally against Lower Siang Hydro Electrical Power project

ITANAGAR, Oct  9: Nyiko Bachao Forum (NBF) is organizing mass public rally at Logum-Jini village, West Siang district on October 14 in order to launch its Nyiko Bachao Movement against the proposed construction of 2700MW Lower Siang Hydro Electrical Power Project by JAYPEE Power venture at over River Siang in East Siang district.

During the rally, the activists will highlight the impacts of Dam among the denizen of Eyi, Logum-Jini and Biru villages which would be addressed by environmentalist and experts from various parts of the country.

 

AAPRTIAO calls bandh

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Expressing concern over the rampant corruption in the state, All Arunachal Pradesh RTI Activists Organization  in its meeting held  here today decided to call 12 hours Capital bandh on Oct 12. The demands of the organization include immediate arrest of Dungro Waii and Koniang Waii for their alleged involvement in criminal intimidation and Kumar Waii for his alleged involvement in illegal appointments and Nabam Tuki for his alleged involvement in awarding works orders to his relatives.    The Organisation also appealed the state Govt  to drop Tuki and Waii from their respective post and  further said both the leaders should resign on moral ground.

 

Seminar on Hindi literature

PASIGHAT, Oct 9: The Department of Hindi, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat is going to organize a two days national seminar on “Agyeya Aur Hindi Sahitya’ on Oct 11 and 12.  East Siang Deputy Commissioner Talem Tapok  and Oshong Ering would attend the inaugural function as chief guest and guest of honour.

Professor Kumar Pankaj of Banaras Hindu University will deliver the Keynote address.

Director of Higher and Technical Education Dr. Joram Begi  and  State Liasion Officer Dr. V.N Sharma,  have consented to be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively for the valedictory function. Good number of resource persons  of international repute in Hindi literature from various parts of the country is expected to take part in the seminar.

 

Yachuli constituency bandh  

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: All Yachuli Youth Organisation in a meeting unanimously has decided to call 36 hrs Yachuli constituency bandh on October 10 and 11 in favour of its demand for establishment of government Polytechnic at Yachuli. Other demands include payment of KVK Contractors of Yachuli and release of all pending payment of contractors under PWD, Yazali Division.

Magistrate on duty, Milk Van, Ambulance and Police vehicles are exempted from the purview of bandh call.

Sagalee bandh: Meanwhile, All Leporiang Youth Welfare Association (ALYWA) has announced 12 hours Sagalee bandh on Oct 11 in favour of its demand for stable government, solution to political crises and imposition of President’s rule. The Bandh is also called in protest against the ‘anti-Nyishi rally’ by NCC, divide and rule policy in the society and in protest against abduction of a senior minister. Para military forces, milk van, water supply, medical service are exempted from the purview of the bandh, the Association in a release.

 

Women Volleyball tournament

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Swcha Den Delf Help Group, Yazali won the 2nd Women Volleyball Tournament organized by the Chwtum Ane self help group, Deed at Deed general ground recently. Altogether 13 women teams participated from 3 circles viz Pistana, Yazali and Yachuli. Winner team received cash award of Rs 50,00 while  runners up Pania Panchayat  team walked away with  cash prize prize of Rs 30,000.   Likha Yaro of SWSAG declared best player while 7 sister team of Yugli emerged as best discipline team.  The opening ceremony of the tournament was attended  by Likha Api, chairperson of Pistana circle as chief guest while Toko  Yaram, social activist participated in the valedictory function as chief guest.

 

Anti-tobacco movement

ITANAGAR, Oct 9:  Expressing concern over the use of tobacco and tobacco related products by the people, particularly students and youth in the Capital Complex, All Capital Complex Unemployed Youth Association (ACCUYA) decided to conduct anti-tobacco movement on Oct 20 next. It appealed market committees, Govt and general public to cooperate in its movement.

 

BYWA to extend help

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: Bui Youth Welfare Association (BYWA) in a recent meeting discussed regarding PWD road from Subansiri bridge to Segi, headquarter of Gusar circle district sanctioned under NLCPR scheme and decided to extend help physically and by providing volunteers to the executing agency during the time of construction of the road.

 

ANEYF against referendum rally

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: All Nyishi Educated Youth Forum (ANEYF) has expressed resentment over the referendum rally  being organized by Nyishi Consultative Committee at I G  Park on Oct 11 on ToI issue.

The people of the community had already endorsed the movement of NES and ANSU on ToI issue in its dignity rallies held on Sept 13 and Oct 7 for honarouable solution to the matter, the Forum said  and appealed the NCC to refrain from the ‘act of dividing the Nyishi community on ToI issue.’ The Forum also appealed the state Govt not to allow such rally ‘which is against the spirit of Nyishi community’ and also appealed to the NCC to support the  NES-ANSU in their fights against ‘anti-Nyishi attitude of the government’.

 

ARTIAF support NES-ANSU  

ITANAGAR, Oct  9: Arunachal RTI Activist Forum strongly supports the 36 hours bandh call by Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) on all the five Nyishi inhabited districts of Arunachal from  Oct.

While  condemning  the proposed referendum rally of the Nyishi Consultative Committee (NCC), the Forum said  the so called referendum rally is anti-Nyishi and is being organized to create division among the Nyishi community by people with vested interest. No one should turn up in such referendum rally which is intended to do more harm than good and to add salt to Nyishi community’s wound made by the derogatory remark in Times of India and Deccan Chronicle.

The Forum also urged  the Chief Minister  to solve the issue at the earliest and further said that Arunachal Pradesh Governor and Centre must also intervene to put an end to the crisis which is giving sleepless nights to every common public.

 

Fire gutted 30 houses

ITANAGAR, Oct 9: A massive fire broke out at Gongo village under Baririjo Circle on October 8 at around 2 am.

Altogether, 30 houses including properties worth lakhs of rupees was gutted down in the fire incident.

Gongo Welfare Society and Gongo Youth Society appealed to the local administration and state government to provide immediate assistance to the fire victims and also urged them to immediately send assessment team to ascertain the actual loss and damaged caused during the fire accident.

News Impact

 

Is this a logical approach?

Dear Editor,

In propos to the publication “NES demands Gamlin’s resignation”, this is to raise awareness & put forth our sense of frustration & helplessness in this ongoing imbroglio. At the outset, it’s pertinent to mention that the  “Pradeep Thakur Issue” has been dragged on for too long and is slowly creating a scenario wherein support is being replaced with mistrust & non-transparency.

Bengia Tolum, NES President, is supposed to be our guardian elite but instead of honour, he has created a sense of disunity & mistrust amongst other communities and our own. He keeps on harboring on the fact that the government has backtracked on its promise to organize a meeting with Pradeep Thakur in Guwahati despite the apology  been given in writing & also in a video format. NES states that the apology is not good enough and that they want the name of the specific person who passed on information to Pradeep Thakur. This is to remind us all that every professional in print or visual media has the right not to reveal his sources. So, apart from obtaining an apology from a National Daily & Pradeep Thakur what else does a government do in such a case? I want to make it clear that I completely condone Pradeep Thakur’s distasteful language in the article but at the same time I also believe that just because he wrote it like that, it doesn’t make our Nyishi Tribe small in stature. We have a rich history of culture & tradition and one individual cannot take away the importance of the Nyishi tribe in the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

I would like to question all our Nyishi brethrens – We have been told that NES is in possession of tapes which has the voice recording of Pradeep Thakur & another individual. I ask, “why hasn’t it been revealed to us till date & when do they intend to reveal it? Also, if Pradeep Thakur as a journalist has the right to not reveal his source. I ask, “What else can we expect from him apart from a national apology?” The government had also setup a Fact Finding Committee, the report which was submitted within the stipulated duration of 10 Days. The findings have been revealed in detail but NES led by Bengia Tulom continues with their non-cooperation. Is this a logical approach or is it personal vendetta?

The NCC as stated by T C Teli, Convenor, has called for a referendum rally to be held on 13th Oct 2011 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun. I would like to suggest Bengia Tolum to reveal the audio tapes then or stop this façade & let our voices be also heard as Nyishis who want to continue with our day to day lives instead of more bandhs & loss to the business community, college & school going children, people seeking medical assistance & lastly the loss to our State Exchequer.

Yours,

Sangha Tagik

ZPM, 10-Parsiparlo,

Kurung Kumey, (on  e mail)

 

 

The blaming culture

Dear Editor,

Many organizations in our state have a blaming culture. Blaming behaviors include pointing the finger, complaining, criticizing and making excuses. In a blaming culture time and energy are spent proving someone else is wrong, proving that one's self is not wrong, evading accountability and responsibility, avoiding honest communication and accumulating data for proof of blame or innocence. The tendency to blame stifles communication. It destroys trust and creates stress.Blaming creates an environment of fear. Thats what exactly is happening in the twin capital city of our state.

It becomes a way of life in our state. There is little clarity and consistencies going on, so results are obvious to be inconsistent. Nowadays we spend most of the time defending and justifying ourselves, instead of taking our state forward. I request our beloved leaders to make a commitment not to blame or complain each other. See problems as challenges to be overcome, not as opportunities to blame each other. Look at all possible sides of an issue. As a leader, your example teaches others how to act. The leader who is accountable and takes responsibility teaches the people to do the same. The leader who blames, undermine their own authority and teaches people that they are not responsible. When we refuse to blame and choose to be accountable and responsible, we begin to discover our own power. A leader's ability to make small changes within will influence those around him. His new way of being becomes a new way of doing. Others see the results and begin to make their own changes. Every leader is a teacher.

I appeal to all the citizens of this beautiful state to rise above and stop this kind of blaming culture, before it’s too late to rise again.

Yours,

Jomdu Dulom

Daporijo,  (on email)

 

 

Lisu/Yobin Vs animal

Dear Editor,

With appreciation to the ADC, Miao, for taking the pain to write concerning Yobin/ Lisu Tribe on the paper dated 4th Oct. 2011, I would like to express my opinion on ‘Lisu/Yobin verses animal’ issue.

Many people have, so far, misunderstood regarding our mindset. It is not the point that Lisus or Yobins are against the preservation of the natural environment and animals. I may be convinced that the proposal for the creation of the park was done during 1965 which eventually got declared as Wild life sanctuary on 2/10/72. But my point is that we Yobin/Lisus were living in that land in a scattered way from 1930s- 40s. We were discovered by the Indian government in 1961 esp., by A.S. Guraya, the then Major General of army, in his expedition and that was only the discovery of our tribe by Indian government whereas our existence traces back to decades. In 1945, Geoffrey Tyson, in his “Forgotten Frontier”, mentioned two men of our tribe namely, Lt. ‘HI-CHE-CHU and Lt. AKHI-TUE’ as local guide for the British officers. The fact of being qualified to be a guide is a clear enlightenment that Lisus/Yobins were not new in that land as they had already mastered over the land. This further proves that we were in that land years before India became a free nation. So till today no law has been enacted that explains to address such tribe as encroachers and disqualify them from being an aboriginal tribe of that land.

Therefore, if there is any law that enforces to breed animals by snatching the land from human being in such manner, certainly, there should be the law that protects the rights of the aboriginal tribe of that land. According to the chronological order of the history, we people should be given first priority rather than the other way round as it is being done at present. If there is any law perceived to be threatening to snatch the land from the native people just for the sake of animals, then such law should be amended as we have a flexible constitution to meet the requirement for fundamental rights.

I have also noticed that many readers of the paper have confusion on “Why Lisu/Yobins first placed the application for alternative land then rejected both the packages instantly?” The rejection is not the confusion at all. It is just the by-product of the main confusion that ‘government immediately accepted the so-called application while the other memorandums and applications made by our public leaders on behalf of the whole community from the past 30 years are still pending unanswered.’ In any country’s rule, it is considered fraud to decide on the agreement of a single person for any property owned by a group of people without seeking the consent of the authorized members. If the government was attentive towards us, then we would have already been given our rights back now. We, through our representatives, democratically, have asked for the restoration of our ST for more than 30 years. The government could turn a deaf ear to the democratic way of asking for more than three decades, and now it hastened to respond for something which indicates the forfeiture of our land. As an instance, if government wants to do something for the betterment of the people, then people should be given more than what they already have and the quality should be better than that of what they already have now rather than the other way round as it is happening at present. Frankly asking, does the offer match or exceed with what they have now?

Regarding fear for communal disharmony as stated by the ADC Miao, I totally stand by his side that we must never encourage any idea that leads to disunity amongst the local people. Accordingly, we were asking the government not to keep an aboriginal tribe like us uncared for. We are emotionally wrecked. Dying people at least make some noise and human tends to utter at least some words as lamentation on someone’s death. If they do so, it is natural because it is really hard to quiet such a bleeding heart and force to smile.

Every action has a reaction; every problem has a solution. Therefore dear leaders, brothers of the state, and fellow citizens, be in our shoes, feel our torment and stand in support of us. For the solution of many problems, Lisu/Yobin must be given their APST status back. Secondly, government must protect such vulnerable tribe from any invaders in their own land as promised by our nation father. We respect our country and its national ideal. We are loyal to our land so we need the support from the concerned government and its subject.

Yours,

Phususa Yobin

New Delhi, (on email)

 

 

Show some leniency

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the kind attention of the Nyshi Elite Society and the All Nyshi Student’s Union that the National Institute of Open Schooling has scheduled its Oct. 2011 Examination dates and times and it is conducting its Secondary and Sr. Secondary Examination from Oct 12 to Oct 15 at various Centers in Capital Complex.

Therefore it is my sincere request to the NES and ANSU to foresee the numerous difficulties the candidates shall face on both Oct 12 and 13 to appear the above mentioned examinations.

In addition to this I on behalf of candidates and NIOS appeal both organization to show some leniency in the BANDH CALL nature and allow the candidates with proper ID Card and Hall Tickets to travel to the various examination centers for appearing the examination on 12/10/11 and 13/10/11.

Yours,

T. Lingyu

For NIOS

Naharlagun

 

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

 

Digital initiative

 

Indian agriculture currently faces the twin challenges of meeting the rising food demand of an increasing population in a sustainable manner and making the best use of the available resources and technology for enhancing the production and productivity of the agricultural sector.

As the nature of Indian agriculture has been based on changes in demand and consumption pattern and various other factors, farmers require a different type of support, like training, problem-solving consultancy, marketing advice to deal with these changes in agricultural practices.

At the same time, there is ample evidence in India to suggest that increasing debts and declining returns have led some farmers to make desperate choices including selling their land below market rates and even suicide. A major problem lies in the dearth of adequate knowledge about farming itself, which leads to poor decision-making.

A popular method used for reducing this knowledge gap is agricultural extension wherein extension agents impart farming practices and techniques to farmers through individual interaction.

In this context, started in 2009, Digital Green seeks to build on existing agricultural extension programmes by combining social organisation and technology. The Digital Green approach involves the use of videos for disseminating information about agricultural techniques that farmers can easily adopt in order to increase their productivity.

Currently, it is operating in 5 states and partners with 7 organizations. With more than 1650 videos in its database and a reach over 58,000 farmers, Digital Green today is ten times more effective, per dollar spent, in converting farmers to better farming practices than traditional approaches to agricultural extension.