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2014

October 17

News Impact

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Taloh’s transfer policy receives positive response

Karda Natam

with input from ATNS

Daporijo, Oct 16: After education department initiated mass transfer of teachers many NGOs and students unions have come forward to support this bold education policy.

Appreciating the policy as it could bring drastic changes in the education system, especially in Upper Subansiri district, Daporijo MLA Dikto Yekar informed that education sector in the district needs special attention.

“We need to upgrade the system to impart quality education to the school children. Hopefully introduction of new innovative policy will improve the education scenario,” said Daporijo MLA.

One citizen while talking to this correspondent shared, “Many teachers are not going to their places of posting. Instead they are staying back at Daporijo and withdrawing their monthly salary.”

He also added that, “There are many defunct schools in Upper Subansiri district but it is officially shown running. Moreover teachers are shown posted in some schools whereas these schools do not exist in truth.” Ironically in Upper Subansiri many government schools are facing acute shortage of teachers. On the other side many qualified teachers are busy in their personnel work without attending the school as most of the teachers are locals of the area and no one dares to lodge complaint against them. People now are hoping that this new transfer policy if properly implemented will bring big changes in the history of Arunachal’s education system.

Meanwhile, East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) had welcomed the Education Minister Tapang Taloh’s decision of transfer and posting of teachers in order to rationalize the education system. In a press statement EKSWCO stated the Minister’s move has relieved the East Kameng district to some extent as the district was facing shortage of teachers.

EKSWCO claimed that it submitted a memorandum in 2013 to the government seeking posting of 100 teachers in lieu of those transferred from the district between 2006 to 2013 without any relievers.

Recently the government has earmarked for posting of 54 teachers to East Kameng district, but at the same time it has transferred six teachers from East Kameng district, EKSWCO added. Due to the shortage of teachers in the district, the quality education is not maintained in the schools. The organization appealed to the newly posted teachers to join the district. It further said that the rationalization of teacher transfers on need base should not be politicized, saying that education is key to overall development of any state.

Govt’s transfer & posting policy uncalled for : APETA

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: The Arunachal Pradesh Elementary Teachers Association (APETA) has termed the mass transfer and posting policy of the state education department as uncalled for and has sought the Chief Minister’s intervention in the release of the pending arrears and DA of in-service teachers and other staffs of the education department amounting to Rs 1,66,18,47,037 before initiating the transfer and posting policy. In its memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister informing that the case is pending in the High Court and also that another case of ATs and JTs of 2008 batch is sub-judice in the same court, it questioned the intention of the state government on the issue and said that it is allowing political game against the teachers.

Mass transfer of teachers that too in the middle of the academic session is a clear cut indication of political rivalry which will jeopardize the education scenario of the state, it alleged.

Teachers call off pen-down strike

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Oct 16: The members of Arunachal Teachers Association (ATA) East Siang unit, who were on warpath against the state government’s move of mass transfer of the elementary teachers, today called off their pen-down strike for a definite period.

The East Siang unit ATA president Tabung Ering, in a press communiqué said that the association today conducted an emergency meeting at Pasighat and decided to call off the strike for a period of two weeks. The strike has been suspended to facilitate the ongoing Summative-1 examination of the primary schools, submission of CBSE forms and registration, evaluation of the Class IX and X examination and submission of records in Guwahati CBSE office among others.

ATA sources said that they have not yet received any communication from the state government’s end, but have been compelled to call off the strike for the greater interest of the innocent school students. It is said that the school principals and headmasters are to submit the evaluation (marks) record with CBSE office on or before October 25 next, which would be impossible if the pen-down strike is carried on.

“We will meet again for the next course of action if the government does not reciprocate our demands in a suitable manner”, the ATA (East Siang) president stated in the press statement.

Media is neither God nor Judge

[ Amar Sangno ]

One evening a frail guy appearing to be in his mid 20’s slammed a piece of paper with the embossed mast head of his union’s name on my table which almost frightened me.

“Notice dene aaya tah media walaon ko, don’t entertain any press release without my signature and prior permission (Hindi suddenly overlapped by English)” he commanded. Subserviently, I enquired that what does prior permission exactly mean.

He blurted out..! (Sprinkling saliva at my face) Saar..! I am the President..Unless I recommend it for publication, don’t entertain. What happens? I asked (extending my curiosity). There is a problem in my union, he elucidated. Obediently I pinned up the letter on the notice board in front of that guy so that it draws attention of my esteemed colleagues on the so called exaggerated controversial piece of paper.

Invariably, such situation is faced by the editor of every media house in Itanagar especially when a rift within an organization crops up. The rift and division usually happens due to silly reasons, a) ahead of the union/organization election, b) disagreement over issues, c) an allegation of misuse of the funds and organization’s name and d) abuse of power and functions by the President or General Secretary.

Their fighting often goes all out open, in both traditional and social media, as one group claims that they are the legitimate one, and another group does the same. Funnily their battle over the legitimacy of the organization’s nomenclature many a times even leave the Honourable Courts at quandary.

The media persons have to walk a tightrope while dealing with such press releases, no matter how newsworthy or not the releases are. Because, it is an obvious act that the rival group would barge into the editorial room next day demanding apology for entertaining the press statement. They forget that for the media it is not news when cracks within an organization appear.

Whenever fighting among the members of an organization (especially socially sanctioned organization) gets out of proportion, its impacts are far reaching. The magnitude is largely felt by the three establishments such as media, business community and the government offices. Most of the times media and the business community are always at the receiving end.

Once the certain faction of an organization’s name gets published in media especially with the names of the President and General Secretary, it legitimizes them to go on donation spree, making the business community and government officers’ lives hell.

On one occasion a guy claiming to be the general secretary of a union came with a compendium of files to validate his claim that the President of the said union was impeached constitutionally for allegedly misusing power and the union name. It made me understand that the impeachment letter was duly signed by two third members of the union.

Apparently, these organizations do not realize that the primary job of media is just to inform or disseminate information, educate, entertain and some time give opinions rather than decide the fate of any individual or an organization. Despite knowing their own flaws, the members notoriously indulge in pushing their agenda on through the media to get social sanction. They avoid confronting each other, instead involve in forcibly publish their activities and make the media as the scapegoats in their factional clashes. Such notion develops among the organizations because media is wrongly considered as a God or the Supreme Judge which will decide their fates by publishing their matter.

Questions may be asked then is media in Arunachal not courageous enough to highlight the organizational clashes or divisions? Simple answer may be…. not at all, but if the society permits the media to speak freely it would be pleased to speak up.

On contrary, for media in Arunachal, the organizational clashes or in-fightings are no longer news, because it draws flak from the aggrieved members and invites opposition and misfortune for the fraternity. Over the years Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist have been engaging in flurry of meetings with various organizations to clarify the media’s limitation from time to time. Some are convinced and satisfied with the explanation and the limitations of the fraternity, and some are yet to be.

The unconvinced organizations still perceive that media curtail their freedom of speech, and the right to publication etc. They are considering media as the Supreme Judge or God and expect pronouncement of verdict over their legitimacy. But the fact is Media is neither God nor Judge!

Central team to assess flood damages,

CM advocates two pronged remedy

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: A high level Inter Ministerial Central team led by Shambu Singh Joint Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs is on four days visit to the state from today. The visit is aimed to assess the damages caused due to natural catastrophe during 2014 in the state and verify the worst affected areas.

The team of eight members representing various ministries will be conducting aerial and field survey of flood affected areas of the state.

State Chief Minister Nabam Tuki while welcoming the visiting team apprised them of major damages caused to the state every year by the natural catastrophe. He opined for admitting recommendation of two kinds, first being considering the rebuilding of infrastructure which has been completely damaged and secondly the repairing and renovation works on lesser damages.

Tuki also urged the team to consider taking up the proposals of mini hydel in the border areas which have been left damaged due to flood and landslides.

While appraising on the genuine problems faced by the state every year, the Chief Minister said that the state had been victimized in terms of publicity due to inaccessible geographical terrains. “Major damages are mainly not being reported in the national media due to tough and rigid geographical locations of the state”, he emphatically added.

Tuki further requested the high level team to consider funding on maintenance of Highways in the backdrop of state coming up with one of the longest internal highway. The visiting team had called on him in his Niti-Vihar office this evening.

The state being a flood prone zone, a comprehensive plan for flood protection is required for minimizing the life and property losses in such natural disaster, Tuki asserted. He urged the team to enhance the relief amount by considering the magnitude of losses incurred by the state and its people. Deliberations on various other topics were made during an hour long meeting.

Later, in a joint meeting of commissioners, secretaries and head of departments, the visiting team was briefed about the quantum of damages caused due to the natural catastrophe. The Chief Engineers of the state gave a statistical figure of the loss caused due to landslides and landslips which disrupted the surface communication.

In a memorandum submitted to the visiting team, the state government has projected 2329.25 Cr loss incurred due to the natural catastrophe in the current year.

Participating in the meeting, Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi gave a brief on the soil condition of the state and said that due to loose soil condition, the state is prone to disaster. He however requested the Inter Ministerial Team to have proper assessment of the areas which have been badly hit by the floods and landslides.

Earlier, Secretary Disaster Management Kapa Kholie, gave a brief over view of the activities undertaken by the department of Disaster Management followed by a brief report on the disasters occurred in the state.

The eight member team included Dr. K Manoharan, Director Jute Development, S C Meena, DD Ministry of Finance, Vandana Singhal, Ministry of Power and Central Electrical, Avinash Kumar, SE, PMU Itanagar, Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways, Indra Prakash, DDG Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ravi Shankar, SE, Hydrological observation CWC, Ministry of Water resource and A G S Sundaram, Consultant, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

AAPSU terms Chinese objection as outrageous

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has termed the Chinese objection to India’s plan to construct road along the Mc Mahon Line as outrageous. In a release AAPSU urged Beijing to be aware of Arunachal’s history before making any inflammatory statement about the state.

“Is Beijing not aware that NEFA has been under the Indian Constitution and Todak Basar was first nominated as Rajya Sabha member on 27-5-1972, while the provisional Legislative Assembly with 30 seats was formed in 1975 and the state government with Prem Khandu Thungon as the first Chief Minister was formed on August 13, 1975 ? This was followed by Arunachal sending representatives in the Lok Sabha. The Assembly seats increased from 30 to 60 with the state attaining statehood in 1987. Was China in deep slumber then?” the AAPSU questioned.

Further AAPSU added, “The proposal of the Union MoS Home Kiren Rijiju for building a 2,000-km road for providing the much needed connectivity to the people living along the border as well as the strong reaction by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh against China’s objection is laudable. We the Arunachalees are Indians by birth and speak Indian languages which are enough for China to realise its foolishness. “

Union also stated that it is in the larger interest of both the Asian giants, India and China to pursue friendly course to settle the border dispute.

“They should stop issuing stapled visa to the Arunachalees to strengthen the relation between the two neighbours. Sooner China adopts this policy, the better it will be,” AAPSU concluded.

Ziro murder & rape accused remanded to 14 days police custody

From a correspondent

ZIRO, Oct 16: The two accused Lamra Tater and Tasso Taruk in the recent murder and rape case in Ziro have been remanded to 14 days police custody after they were produced before the court yesterday. The miscreants allegedly attacked a student Hage Hassang at Ziro Govt. H. S. School’s campus on Oct 5 last. Later he succumbed to his injuries. Hassang’s friend was also allegedly sexually assaulted at around the same time of the attack.

Giving details of the two cases, Lower Subansiri Superintendent of Police Tumme Amo informed that the breakthrough was achieved with the help of the CCTV camera footages. The SP informed that, “On examination of the video footage from the CCTV camera at the residence of the principal of the Govt .Hr. Sec. School, it was found that the two victims had gone to the place of occurrence inside the school campus around midnight. They were followed by the two accused about an hour later. But the CCTV footage could not reveal the identity of the accused persons as the footage was not distinct and clear. However, later it was found through another camera installed at the CBSE room of the same school that the accused had returned by the same route towards SSB gate, Sallang village. Accordingly, a combing operation of the area near SSB gate, Sallang village and school gate area in addition to the search operations at medical colony was conducted by the investigation officers of the cases.”

The SP further informed altogether 20 suspects were rounded up and interrogated till Oct 14 and finally one of the accused rounded up from Sallang village confessed his crime. His appearance and conduct matches with the CCTV footage. Later in the night, SP Ziro and his team raided the rent house of the main accused Lamra Tater at around 11pm and arrested him also.

During interrogation both the accused confessed their crime without any hesitation. Their confessions fully collaborated with the statement of the victim girl. Both of them stated that they were from Radum village of Kamporijo circle under Raga PS jurisdiction. They have come to Ziro to study and are self-financing their study by working as daily wage earners.

According to the accused, after consuming local rice beer near SSB gate on Oct 4 evening, they were going to the medical colony by the Govt Hr.Sec.School shortcut on foot on the intervening night of Oct 4 and 5 and found the two victims in one of the abandoned buildings inside the school campus. They started talking to the victims and assaulting Hassang. The main accused Lamra Tater took the girl to the nearby bushes and sexually assaulted her. The second accused Tasso Taruk also followed him and sexually assaulted the victim. He had also snatched the mobile handset of Hassang after he had fallen down. The mobile handset had been recovered without the sim card which the accused Tasso Taruk had thrown away.

The medical examination of the rape victim has been completed and her statements were also recorded U/S 164 CrPC by the magistrate. The other legal formalities will be completed and case will be charge sheeted within this month, the SP further informed.

Meanwhile, the Apatani Cultural and Literary Society, Ziro, expressed full satisfaction for cracking the twin criminal case of murder of young student Hage Hasang and the sexual assault on his friend on 5th October 2014.

While appreciating the investigating police officers, the Society urged the Ziro Police and District Administration to deliver justice to the victims by filing the fair chargesheet after thorough interrogations so that court of law can award the stringent punishment to the severest.

“A culprit is never recognized by community or any other identity, as the crime is committed to the humanity and criminal is a criminal” Er. Tapi Tai, General Secretary, ACLS stated. The society vehemently condemned any act of atrocities on womenfolk in any form.”

Govt for periodic inspection of MDM

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Taking serious note of various complaints on alleged improper implementation of Mid Day Meal scheme being raised by different organisations and groups, the Education secretary R. K. Mishra yesterday called for periodic surprise inspection of schools on serving of mid-day meal to the children by the District Nodal Officer (DDSEs). He was presiding over the half-yearly state level review meeting on implementation of Mid-Day Meal scheme at conference hall of SCERT, Gohpur here yesterday.

While emphasizing on the safety concern of children consuming mid-day meal, Mishra called for compulsory testing of food by teacher in-charge before serving the meals to children and also emphasised on the submission of inspection and monitoring report to directorate office for necessary action. He further stressed on the constructive role of all district MDM implementing agency the district education authorities and the schools concerned.

On the issue of low transportation cost of food grains which affect the delivery of food grain to remote schools, the education secretary informed that the matter has been taken up with the State Government for suitable decision.

Taking serious note of delay in release of funds by district authority to the schools, Mishra questioned the DDSEs on the reasons for delay in release of funds in spite of state government having already released adhoc instalment of Central assistance in August, 2014 after due Cabinet-sub-Committee approval & FD’s concurrence. The Education Secretary resolved to take up the matter with concerned Dy. Commissioners of districts in coming days.

In his address Director of Elementary Education Bodong Yirang exhorted the district functionaries to be more proactive in implementation of Central Sponsored programmes like, Mid-Day Meal scheme.

Monya Nyori, Jt. DSE (MDM) in his brief status report highlighted the various critical issues, like delay in release of funds, dilapidated conditions of kitchen sheds, scarcity of water supply in schools, poor health check-up of students under School Heal Programme, et al which affects the proper implementation of Mid-Day Meal scheme in the state. The meeting was attended by DDSEs and respective team of district co-ordinators.

Arunachal police team takes part in All India Police Badminton C’ship

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: In its maiden participation in the 7th All India Police Badminton Championship held at Dehradun, Uttarakhand from Oct 8 to 11, Arunachal Pradesh Police Badminton team reached the last eight in the team event before losing to defending champion Manipur.

The team comprised of Seju P Kuruvilla, Superintendent of Police, Capital Complex, Irak Bagra ADC to Governor and Kirli Padu, SDPO, Namsai.

Altogether 29 teams from different Police organizations, including 21 state Police teams and teams from ITBP, CRPF, SSB, BSF, CBI and NSG participated in the championship. From the North East region, police team from Assam, Manipur and Mizoram and Arunachal took part in the four-day tournament.

In addition to team and individual events, there were competitions for veterans between the age group of 45 years and 55 years.

The tournament, which was organized by Uttarakhand Police aims to rejuvenate the highest spirit of sportsmanship amongst the officers and personnel of the force. The DGP Uttarakhand B S Sidhu expressed hope that such event will help in developing a healthy competitive spirit in the police fraternity.

Tirap Kuo-Shu Kungfu team bags Team’s Champion Award

KHONSA, Oct 16: The Tirap district Kuo-Shu Kungfu team from Arunachal Pradesh was adjudged as the winner of overall Team’s Champion Award in the 2nd Dr. BR Ambedkar National Games held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi recently.

The team grabbed 3 Gold Medals, 3 Silver Medals and 1 Bronze Medal in the event. Wangnain Wangsu, Wango Wangsu and Jingtai Wangsu won a Gold medal each. Tingngong Nokbi, Ganghang Wangsa, Avinash Dutta bagged Silver medals while Obedur Rehman won a Bronze medal in the competition.

The 11 member Tirap district Kuo-Shu Kungfu team was led by Takhu Wangsu as team manager and Asan Wangsu as coach.

It is worth mentioning that, the team was to represent under the banner of All Arunachal Kuo-Shu Kungfu Organization but due to non registration of the organization, the sportspersons participated as a private club representing Arunachal Pradesh in the 2nd Dr. BR Ambedkar National Games.

Meanwhile, 57 Borduria-Bogapani MLA Wanglin Lowangdong assured possible help and support from his end in all sports activities in the district. He also said that without proper sports infrastructure and proper guidance these young sportspersons have created a niche for themselves all by dint of their hard work and discipline. DIPRO

Central team asses flood damages

YUPIA, Oct 16: A high level team of inter-ministerial central team which arrived at Itanagar this morning inspected places affected by monsoon heavy rainfall and flash floods from Karsingsa to Doimukh, Doimukh to Jampa, flood affected areas near railway station at Borum and bus terminal at Lekhi.

Director Disaster Management T W Ringu, Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki, Papum Pare DC Tai Kaye apprised the central team about the damages caused by monsoon few months back. DIPRO

Table Top Exercise and Mock Drill on Fire Hazard Conducted

AALO, Oct 16: In order to generate awareness on fire hazards, a two Table Top Exercises and Mock Drill on fire hazards was held at various locations in Aalo town on October 14 and 15 last.

Addressing the gathering, ADC T Talom urged everyone to acquaint themselves with the useful fire safety tips to avoid fire accidents. He said that the mushrooming of congested dwelling houses with thatched roofing without scope for fire brigade to enter lead to large scale damages during a fire accident.

DDMO Nima Dorjee gave a detailed deliberation on District Disaster Management Plan to tackle any kind of disaster. Captain Prem Prakash from 19th Grenadier Bogdo gave useful tips on the role of Army in such situation. Resource persons from Fire Service Station gave detail demonstration on handling fire extinguisher, use of rope in evacuation and human evacuation.

On October 15, the mock drill was conducted at Nehru Memorial Govt. Higher Secondary School and Hotel Toshi Palace where police personnel from Fire Station, IRBn, Civil police, Medical department, NGOs were involved in fire fighting and evacuations.

Nodal officers, observers, NGOs, IRBN, civil police and women groups were also present on the occasion. DIPRO

Raling village celebrates golden jubilee

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Oct 16: The village community of Raling village under Mebo subdivision in East Siang district recently celebrated ‘Golden Jubilee’ of the village with two-day colourful programme.

Raling Anchal Somity Member, Karo Moyong, the overall in-charge of the occasion, informed that their villagers paid homage to their ancestors who had put forward the community to the present state of civilization. The village, which is a hamlet near Sigar village, was settled in 1964 with three families. Thus, the villagers recalled their three forefathers including Abdul Apum, Lt Kopok Pertin and Lt Babung Megu, who had made immense contributions. The three families in the village now have increased to around 40 households.

Located at 12 km East from Mebo town, Raling village is known as part of the important rice bowl in the district. Most families of the village survive on agriculture, horticulture and vegetable farming.

Moyong also informed that Mebo MLA Lombo Tayeng and East Siang ZPC Kaling Dai attended the inaugural function of the golden jubilee celebration as the guests. The leaders urged the villagers to follow the path shown by their ancestors for development of the community.

The Celebration Committee in the occasion submitted single-point memorandum to MLA Lombo Tayeng requesting a scheme for construction of RCC bridge over Patung river which is vital for maintaining road link from the village to the agricultural fields. The MLA reportedly assured the villagers to take up the issue with the state government. Cultural programmes, exhibition of traditional food and dresses were some special highlight of the golden jubilee celebration.

ATSU silver jubilee celebration going on full swing

Correspondent

Daporijo, Oct 16: The silver jubilee celebration of All Tagin Students Union is going on full swing. Various events like sports, cultural and literary competitions are being organized. Students of different schools of the district are taking part in the events.

Literacy competition was organized today at Shingik Hall, Daporijo with students competing in drawing, painting, essay writing and extempore speech.

Inaugurating the literacy event, Deputy Commissioner Upper Subansiri, Komkar Dulom, appreciated ATSU for initiating such noble idea. He also encouraged the student’s community to study hard and serve the society. Further he asked the student leaders to continue organizing such programme in the near future, which will create best platform for the student community to exhibit their creativity and hidden talents.

Many schools including private and Govt. run participated in the competitions.

Extempore speech competition in junior category was won by Jia Rigia of VKV Kuporijo and in senior group Geeta Bulo of VKV secured first position. In quiz competition VKV was declared as the winner.

Meanwhile in the football tournament, VKV Kuporijo, Taliha Secondary School, Higher Secondary school Daporijo and Secondary school Daporijo entered into the semi-finals.

Raling village celebrates golden jubilee

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Oct 16: The village community of Raling village under Mebo subdivision in East Siang district recently celebrated ‘Golden Jubilee’ of the village with two-day colourful programme.

Tripura Assembly Committee team on study tour

NAHARLAGUN, Oct 16: The Committee on Welfare of Schedule Caste, OBC and Minorities of Tripura Legislative Assembly is undertaking study tour to Itanagar from October 15 to 17.

The Committee called on Speaker Nabam Rebia and Chairman PAC, Nikh Kamin today.

The Committee had interaction with them on various subjects relating to legislature, Assembly Committee and other general issues. The Committee includes MLA Sudhan Das as its chairman. DIPR

Interactive session of NES and ANYA

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: During an interactive session called by the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and the Interim Committee of ANYA and the election commission at Nyikum Nyia Hall Nyirubjolli today, NES president Bengia Tolum expressed the hope they shall maintain utmost neutrality in the conduct of ANYA election.

Whosoever comes democratically elected shall represent the youth of the community, the President added.

The President urged the former President of ANYA as well as the President of Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) with his team and his constituted Election Commission members to return to the mainstream by 20th October 2014 in the supreme interest of the community. The community still considers them as the important and valuable members and it is in their interest that they should take part in the Seppa ANYA conference as above all considerations, the community comes first; the supremacy of the community is not negotiable, Bengia Tolum said.

PRI leaders of Balijan seek exemplary punishment

ITANAGAR, Oct 16: The PRI leaders of V- Lower Balijan Segment have demanded exemplary punishment along with no bail consideration for the culprit involved in the brutal murder of ASM Kokila Diganta Teron on October 8 last.

In their letter written to the Speaker of state legislative assembly Nabam Rebia, who is also the local MLA, it declared that if the culprit is granted bail or released from jail they will move against the government and will seek the help of the High Court.

A murder is a heinous act and culprit must be punished; it said adding that the accused could have surrendered at Balijan PS instead of going to Doimukh.

They further sought immediate approval of police out post at Kokila, ex-gratia to the deceased’s family and job avenue for the victim’s family.

World Sight Day Observed

AALO, Oct 16: The District Blindness Control Society organized a workshop on screening of eye sights for the school children as part of the World Sight Day at APP Primary School premises today.

On the occasion, Eye Specialist Dr. Bai Bam, Ophthalmologist District Hospital Aalo gave a detail deliberation on various diseases of human eyes, its care and prevention, do and don’ts and informed that the programme is a part of worldwide programme to control blindness. He appealed all to check up their eyes periodically to avoid eye complications. DIPRO

Moyong takes stock of law & order situation

PASIGHAT, Oct 16: Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong today took stock of overall situation of Pasighat Township.

Interacting with DC Nidhi Srivastava and SP Devendar Arya, Moyong urged to intensify police deployment and patrolling in market areas. He apprised that reportedly miscreants in the name of unions/associations are forcefully selling lottery and housie tickets, calendars. They are collecting donations in the name of welfare activities from the business community even from the poor vegetable sellers which are absolutely unwanted for a civilized society, he said.

He urged the youth force to shoulder education, socio-economic causes instead of resorting to disruptive activities.

DC and SP both assured not to tolerate lawlessness in the society and to act tough against wrongdoers and even inactive police men will not be spared. DIPRO

Nabam, Mansai sworn in as APPSC members

NAHARLAGUN, Oct 16: Nipo Nabam and C.P. Mansai, today took the oath of office and secrecy as Members, Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) in a simple ceremony at Itanagar. The oath was administered by Ligu Tacho, Chairman, APPSC.

Nipo Nabam is a former Information Commissioner, Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission. Born in 1964, Nabam has a B.Sc degree in Agriculture from NEHU, Shillong.

Mansai had held the post of Secretary, Law & Judicial, Legilative Assembly & also member Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh legal Services Authority (APLSA)

Born in the year 1961, Mansai is Law Graduate from Punjab University.

---- Editorial ----

Plug the revenue pilferage

The Tax and Excise department claimed to have generated income of around Rs 400 crores in the last financial year. This was informed during a high level day long interactive review meeting of the department held yesterday. It was also highlighted that if Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is monitored properly and the excise duty and excise license fees are increased then revenue generation can be boosted further in the years to come.

It’s great to learn that atleast there is one department which is earning revenue for this resource crunch state. However many believes that tax and excise department can still better their performance by plugging the revenue pilferage. Revenue collection at the check gates are not being realized properly. Similarly many business units of state with the tacit understanding of some officials are managing to avoid paying tax. If tax and excise department sincerely wants to improve the revenue collection then they will have to take strong action against those officials responsible for the revenue pilferage. Besides they should cancel the license of all those firms who are not paying taxes.

----Readers Forum ----

A village far away from development

Dear Editor

Through your esteem newspaper, I would like to highlight the problem and hardship of the people of my village.

If one is unwell, a patient has to be carried on the back and walk to the nearest health centre by covering 94 kilo-metres.

So most of the patients die without treatment because we don’t have road connectivity. We are isolated from rest of the world in every aspect. We don’t have mobile phone connectivity.

The people of my village are very dependent on PDS for rice and salt, but it is only possible to get if the chopper fly and drop ration. Sometimes, when it does not appear for months than we have nothing to eat.

Being dependent on cooperatives, it doesn’t mean that we are lazy people. We do hard work but the production of rice is very poor. We can’t buy a packet of salt because it costs Rs110 after adding carrying charge. We don’t have income to expend such amount. All these problems could be solved through road connectivity.

I appreciate that the Parliamentary Secretary Alo Libang is taking initiative to solve the problem of road connectivity of Singa.

Union Minister of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju should also look into the matter of mobile network because we are one of the farthest villages of India sharing boundary with China.

Yours,

Gojen Migi

Singa, Upper Siang

Do not infuse fear

Dear Editor,

With the rising crime, law and order problem, I find DA, numerous unions and associations and several individuals urging general public to remain inside home for a stipulated time.

Also I find directions are being given to business community and shopkeepers to down their shutters early. I don’t agree with the point and I find no logic in that. Instead they should try to assure general public and make them comfortable to walk out in streets without any fear and hesitation than infusing chaos and fear psychosis. It reflects their total weakness and failure.

Instead of restrictions, mentality of people should be changed and for that effort has to be made by organizing and conducting mass awareness campaign especially among youths.

Until and unless we change our mentality nothing will bring any significant changes. Beside it should be duty and part of every denizen to voice against anti-social activities and crimes.

Weakness lies in us as either we shun away or give shade to habitual offenders. Instead it’s time for us to raise voice against anti social activities and growing crimes. We have to prevent it once and for all rather than staying in home to avoid being attacked.

Yours,

Duyu Tagio, Ziro

God bless us with little more of sense

Dear Editor,

This morning when I arrived at my working place, I found a car parked at 45 degree angle with the main road. This (Nehru Chowk) is the most crowded place of Aalo at the office hours. Yet, since it was early morning, there was plenty of space and this car was occupying space of two cars. I found out the owner of the car and told him this was not the way to park. And lo! He got pissed off and said everybody does like this. Even it is done in Itanagar too! We had some verbal exchanges. Finally, as the decibel level was rising, I preferred to apologize and he drove off nonchalantly.

It seems this man has not seen the world beyond Itanagar. And why Itanagar is being taken as an example for justifying such a deplorable act? In fact, on my last visit to Itanagar, I encountered an equally atrocious parking. And no wonder, you guessed it right! The driver of that car was also a man from my district!

I wish God blesses our people with a little more of common/ civic sense.

Yours,

D. Lollen

Nehru Chowk, Aalo

Theory of relativity

Dear Editor,

The exponential curve as presumed by Ane Donyi for decency-time graph twenty years ago is the irony in the modern day Arunachal. The black sheep of the Ane Donyi family shattered the great white hope she dreamt of Arunachal. The innate blessing bestowed upon us are arrogated as weeks pass, months elapse and years roll by.

Well, to be frank, the ongoing drama between the teacher and the Selective Education minister isn’t categorically healthy at all. If there’s a shortage of teachers, why not recruit? And I assure, figures of unemployment must have been clipped. Streamlining Education department as he defends; on the stake of students Education life! Perhaps, either mists, freezing fogs and snows are hovering around the word ‘streamline’ or the denizens of Young AP is homely vague.

Apart from mass transfer (not that it really matters); there are clear-cut ways of streamlining Education department rather than a dubious mass transfer move. On the one hand Titans like Tongam Rina finds ‘ Mass transfer as Streamlining Education’ a misnomer and terms it ‘Politics of transfer’(not that I don’t agree with her).On the other hand students activist like AAPSU welcomes the dubious move.

Theory of relativity clearly depicts where Young Arunachal stands. And this nightmare haunts and will continue haunting one and all who feels for Young Arunachal.

I would like to plead to the Minister and the teachers in strike to kill their egos and be a better icon for Young Arunachal.

Not politically motivated or of personal grievances but a concern young mind of Young Arunachal.

Yours,

Nabam Kayang

Lovely Professional University

Punjab

Facts and criticism has to be clearly delineated

Dear Editor,

Given the volatile situation prevailing in the State, the article “Politics of transfers” published today is irresponsible, to say the least, especially since it has been written by a senior journalist. A journalist should not draw or infer conclusions but has to bring out the news in black and white. The title of the article itself is biased.

There are instances where it has been suggested that the move by the Government is nothing but political and vindictive in nature. What should one understand when the writer says “If that is the truth, it is indeed a welcome move. The only hitch here is that not all transfers were done with good intention”… “Now, even if that is the case, the minister will have an easy excuse and get away with these transfers; politically motivated or otherwise...? It is rather suggestive that some transfers were not done with good intention. The word “allegation” is conspicuously missing.

Fair criticism of the conduct of a public official is permitted. However, the statement that “the only hitch here is that not all transfers were done with good intention” seems to have been made with reckless disregard of whether the statement is false or not. Difference between facts and criticism has to be clearly delineated and if facts and criticism are interwoven then firstly the facts stated must be true before the criticism can be considered fair.

However, if the allegations and assumptions of political vendetta are, even slightly, proved, Government needs to come clean on this. Governance cannot be fanciful, oppressive or arbitrary.

The article has, however, made a very pertinent point. Government has to reconsider its decision regarding teachers who require special medical attendance or are differently abled. However, Retirement is no ground for leniency.

It is disturbing to note that it has become a fashion to see every policy decision of the government through the prism of suspicion. Constructive criticism is inevitable in a democracy but heckling the government isn’t the right path. While the civil society functions as the guard-dog of democratic and constitutional rights of the citizen, there is always the danger of transgression and manipulation by groups within the civil society. Media, as the fourth estate of democracy, has to realise this and be responsible, objective and astute. It has to disseminate information which would serve as a checking function by ensuring that people, armed with right information, hold the elected representatives accountable and make them act like public servants and not as Lords and ‘Maibaps’.

Yours,

Sam Tage

IP University

Look beyond conceptualisation stage

Dear Editor,

This is apropos the news item published in this daily on 15th Oct regarding MoS Home Kiren Rijiju’s disclosure that centre proposed to construct road along McMohan line in Arunachal. This announcement by MoS Home about newly conceptualized road project along Mc Mohan line in Arunachal Pradesh is a welcome development.

However, since 1960s especially after Indo China war of 1962, many such strategic road and railway projects were conceptualized by previous govts for Arunachal. It never progressed beyond conceptualization stage. as such existing/long pending railway projects along border in Arunachal should be first activated and progressed beyond the conceptualization stage while activating another grandiose road project for the state.

The nonexistent condition of the existing roads leading towards McMohan Line in Arunachal may also be kept in mind.

Yours,

Tenzin Delek

Upper Siang

Teachers versus Govt

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to let people know some points about transfer and strikes. Govt have reasons for transfer but teachers too have reasons to resist.

Who is right and who is wrong?

In my personal opinion, transfer and posting is a part and parcel of govt policy. In this present case, students are becoming victims as their exams are either being cancelled or postponed.

Yours,

Franchise Jerang

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----Editor