October 28
News Impact
NESO-
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) in coordination with All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today organized a ‘North East Consultation on Human Rights: Soliciting People’s Opinion on Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in a city hotel.
After a threadbare discussion, the consultation unanimously adopted some important resolutions. The house decided to demand repeal of AFSPA and to call upon all the people of the North East to be united towards the call and to sensitize the student community of the region on the human rights consequences of the prolonged imposition of AFSPA in the region.
Further, it decided to pressurize the Members of Parliament from the North East region to raise the issue to repeal AFSPA in the Parliament during the forthcoming winter session and lastly to ensure that the issue of repeal of AFSPA in the list of priorities of NESO.
This meeting was part of the series of consultative meeting being held by NESO across the NE region, the first of which was held at Imphal on 10th October and second at Shillong on 21st of this month.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Pasang Dorjee Sona, Member of Legislative Assembly, Sinam Prakash, Secretary General NESO, Tadar Dominic former President AAPSU and representatives of civil society members.
While addressing the gathering Sona termed it as unfortunate that at a time when whole world is fighting for animal right, NE people are fighting for human rights value. He also advocated for finding middle path in fight against AFSPA. “Union government seems adamant and most probably will not back off. Therefore it is important to find a middle path which is acceptable to both central government and people of NE region where AFPSA is mostly in place,” said Sona.
Former AAPSU president and state BJP general secretary Tadar Dominic stated that continuation of this Act is dangerous for the people of NE region.
“We need to fight against this inhuman Act unitedly. This law has taken lives of many innocent people. However, with the new government at Centre, we are hopeful they will listen to us more humanely,” said Dominic.
During the inaugural session, Suraj Tayam, finance secretary of AAPSU welcomed the participants.
While delivering the keynote address AAPSU president Kamta Lapung spoke in length about AFPSA and termed it as draconian law which is against humanity. Lapung also stated that AAPSU will generate awareness about this law and fight for early repelling of this Act. This was followed by a panel discussion which was moderated by former AAPSU president Tage Lapung.
Nabam Jollaw of NEFA Indigenous Human Rights Organisation, Rita Taku of Arunachal Citizen Rights and Babloo Loitongbam of Human Rights Alert spoke as resource persons in the working session.
“Most of the Arunachalees think that AFPSA is only implemented in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts. It is wrong. In practical, it is applicable in every parts of the state. It is clearly mentioned that this Act is applicable in the areas within the radius of 20 KM from Assam boundary,” shared Rita.
Prominent human right activities from Manipur Babloo Loitongbam dealt in length about the struggle against AFPSA and challenges which lies ahead in the fight for repelling of this Act.
The entire programme was coordinated by NESO office bearers from Arunachal Pritam Sonam and Marge Riba.
Northeasterners too have right to live anywhere in the country: Rijiju
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Northeasterners should not and never feel alienated as they have
every right to live in every part of the country as anyone else, said Union Minister
of State for Home Kiren Rijiju at the inaugural function of the annual Techno-
Rijiju said this in an apparent reference to repeated incidents of attack, rape
and murder of people from North East by so called ‘mainland’ people. He, however,
attributed such incidents to lack of understanding, mis-
Describing NERIST a mini India where unity in diversity flourishes, Rijiju said, it is not only a premier institute of higher education but also a symbol of unity in diversity where students from the region and the country pursuing education live together in peace and harmony showing a glaring example for others to follow.
Acknowledging the contribution of the institute in producing human resources, Rijiju
said that many products of NERIST are now occupying high and respectable posts all
over the country. While urging the faculties of the institute to discharge their
duty with devotion and dedication, he asked the students to strive for academic excellence
to survive in today’s cut-
Assuring his all support for all round-
NERIST Director PK Das, while highlighting the achievements of the institutes since past 30 years, urged the Home Minister to pursue with Ministry of Human Resources Development to send a team to visit NERIST to gather first hand information about various problems of the institute.
He urged Rijiju to pursue the ministry to sanction one time grant for infrastructure development of the institute, such as construction of classrooms, teachers quarters and protection of erosion by Nirjuli Nallah.
The inaugural function was also attended by Tourism Secretary Joram Beda.
Congress enjoys confidence of the people of Arunachal: Richo
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Padi Richo
has stated that the recent victory of Gabriel D Wangsu in Kanubari by-
While addressing the press persons at Arunachal Press Club this evening, Richo laid down few suggestions to the government of Arunachal.
The APCC President appealed to the government of Arunachal to bring in certain changes while awarding contract works for the benefit of local population. “We appeal to the state government to award contract upto Rs 5 crore only to the people of that particular constituency where project is being planned. Similarly in the same vein project worth Rs 10 crore should be given to the citizen of that particular district only. This policy will bring equal development throughout the state,” said Richo.
He also called upon the state government to give free registered contractor license to the unemployed engineers when they are starting their business.
“At present there is too much dependency on government job. “If we are able to help unemployed engineers this way, it will go a long way in helping them generating self employment,” said the APCC president.
“Government should make process of getting license easy so that our local firms can compete with big corporate houses. At present most of the big projects are being executed by people from other parts of the country thereby denying our local people the chance to earn,” continued Richo.
The APCC president also raised the issue of how some departments have failed to levy 1 % cess charge for the welfare of workers. “Many departments including central government agencies like BSNL, BRO, ITBP, CRPF etc are not paying 1% cess . This is complete violation of the Act passed by Parliament. We appeal to the state government to take strong action against such agencies,” said Richo.
“The chief minister’s meritorious scholarship award should be extended to private schools too. We should make this award more students friendly, so that students get maximum benefits,” said Richo.
APCC Vice president TC Tok was also present in the press conference.
Work on mission mode for effective implementation of health insurance scheme:CM
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today called upon the health managers of the state to work with commitment on a mission mode for successful implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme.
The ambitious health scheme, launched on February 20 last, was aimed at providing
cashless treatment to all sections of people in the state by giving a coverage of
Rs two lakh for almost all categories of diseases as specified in the empowered committee
approved and notified list of diseases. However, the Bio-
He said "People can avail free treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals in the state and other parts of the country."
Highlighting the facilities being provided under the health insurance scheme, the Chief Minister also suggested for constituting monitoring committees at the state, district and block level for successful implementation of the scheme.
He said the health insurance scheme had already been proved to be beneficial in some other states of the country and if implemented properly, the scheme will bring a revolutionary change in the dismal health scenario of the state.
Stressing the need of organizing mass awareness camp at grass root level to ensure maximum coverage of rural people under the scheme, the Chief Minister also exhorted the New India Assurance Co Limited to complete the process of issuing smart card within December next.
Chief Minister also urged upon the New India Assurance and state health department to work in a coordinated manner to fine tune the mechanism in order to provide better health care for all kind of diseases to the beneficiaries under the scheme.
In his address, Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi called upon the medical officers to work hard and give extra efforts for successful implementation of the health scheme.
Earlier, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Indra Mallo informed that the state Govt had already approved Rs 10 crore for successful implementation of CM’s health insurance scheme.
Giving an overview of the scheme, Mallo said “ we need to be the agent to provide better health service to all.” She called upon all stakeholders to come out with valuable suggestions to make the scheme a grand success.
Dr. B V S Murthy, Joint director of health, through power-
He further called upon the health insurer for timely release of payment to the empanelled hospitals.
Responding to various questions of medical officers, Regional Manager of New India Assurance Arun Chandra Borgohain informed that the company has already covered 62 per cent of families under the scheme.
Pointing out the difficulties in enrollment of people for smart card under the health insurance scheme, Borgohain said his company is aiming to cover most of the poor people in the village level.
Director of Health Service K Nishing and Itanagar Municipal Chief Councillor Higio Aruni also spoke on the occasion.
The Chief Minister and other dignitaries jointly released the manual of the APCMUHIS.
Among others, P. N. Thungon Mission Director (NHM), GoAP was also present on the occasion.
YINGKIONG, Oct 27: Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Tariq Thomas foot-
The intention of his visit was to get firsthand knowledge and information about the ground realities and the problems being faced by the people living in remote and interior places.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected school buildings, health centers, drinking water supply system and made spot visit of all the constructions implemented under BADP, MSDP and other state government sponsored schemes in rural areas.
Dr. Thomas also visited Singa Hydel Project, major landslide area between Angging and Singging and Likor and Palling villages which have been facing rodent menace. The visiting Deputy Commissioner sought cooperation from all the Goan Buras, PRI members and people in general to develop their areas by utilizing the fund provided to them by the Centre and State government judiciously and properly.
Earlier, the DC had visited Pekimodi, one of the most interior villages in September 2014 and the villages of Upper Siang district after assuming as Deputy Commissioner of the district in February this year.
Tuki advocates conservation of biodiversity, responsible development
Meeting of State Board for Wildlife held
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Chairing the 2nd meeting of the 21st State Board for Wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh today in the Conference Hall of PCCF’s office, the Chief Minister summarized the need for conserving the rich natural biodiversity along with responsible developmental programmes where minimum impact is visible on biodiversity.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who also holds the post of Chairman of the State Board for Wildlife called upon the citizens of the state to protect and preserve the rich natural heritage of the state and abhor from indiscriminate hunting and fishing and destruction of forests by cutting and burning.
Tuki advised the forest and police officers to be extra vigilant to thwart miscreants indulging in poaching, hunting and destruction of forest and take stringent actions against them as per law. He also directed the department to take the local people in confidence so that village authorities can play pivotal role in protection through existing traditional laws in areas where there are no forest or police officials.
“Lessons on conservation and protection should be learnt from the local communities from Arunachal Pradesh because of whose traditional knowledge and practice on conservation the state can boast of having 82% of the area under forest cover,” he observed.
Tuki pointed that forest cover can be increased by reducing jhumming and giving alternative sustenance to the local people in the form of Rubber, Coffee and Tea cultivation. He requested the members to put their expertise to give right direction to the government by speaking on behalf of the wildlife who live in the forest and are mute and dumb.
Meanwhile, the Action Taken Report on the Agenda items of the meeting was placed before the board by Dr Yogesh, the PCCF (WL&BD) & Chief Wildlife Warden. The Agenda items approved to were proposal of improvement/ construction of Miao – Vijoynagar Road by the CF & FD, Namdapha TR to the National Board for Wildlife, proposal for wildlife clearance for Pare Hydro Electric Project (52 MW) in Sagalee Sub Division of Papum Pare district and Kamlang Small Hydro Electric Project (24.9 MW) in Wakro area to be submitted to the National Board for Wildlife with the condition that the user agency shall bear the cost of preparation and implementation of the wildlife management plan against the respective HEP, reconstitution of Standing Committee of State Board for Wildlife, encourage Ecological Research and its link to conservation, replication of Community Conserved Areas through higher reaches of the state and to direct the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and Divisional Forest Officers of all districts to take stringent actions on hunting of wildlife and use of explosives for fishing, take necessary measures for fire protection during dry season with the help of local communities and NGOs.
The meeting was attended by the newly inducted SBWL members Kameng Dolo and Chow
Zignu Namchoom, MLAs and Dr Anupam Sarmah, WWF-
AMK for conservation of biodiversity in Siang region
Prafulla Kaman
PASIGHAT, Oct 27: A joint extended meeting of Adi-
The meeting elaborately discussed on various biodiversity issues with special reference
to protection, promotion and conservation of the wildlife in Daying Ering Memorial
Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjacent reserve forest areas. The discussion focused
on ecological balance and future economic prospect for the local people through development
of Eco-
The General Secretary of Adi Baane Kebang (ABK), Tajing Taki in his presentation
stated that domesticated cattle are being reared inside the sanctuary jurisdiction
that sometimes is responsible for the spread of Foot & Mouth Diseases and over-
Moreover, aforestation projects carried out by forest department along boundary areas
have failed due to large-
He also pleaded with the Mising organizations of Assam to initiate fruitful action for smooth protection of the wild species in D’ Ering sanctuary and its fringe areas.
Assistant Conservation of Forest Boken Pao suggested the people to contribute to make the Daying Ering sanctuary a world famous tourist destination in the coming days.
Addressing the people, DFO (WL) Tasi Mize informed that the sanctuary is a hub of many rare and endangered bird species and the sanctuary is placed on seventeenth position of International Bird Society’s list.
The meeting later constituted a 21-
Various speakers spoke in favour of Adi-
Introduce NCC units in all colleges: ADG
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Additional Director General (ADG), NCC Directorate NER, Maj General SPS Kohli accompanied by Brigadier N K Dabas, Group Commander, NCC group headquarter Tezpur and Col SA Patil CO 1 AP Bn NCC Naharlagun called on the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at his residential office this evening.
During the half-
While admitting that the cadets from Arunachal Pradesh were exceptionally good, the ADG hoped that with a new battalion in Tawang and upgradation of NCC unit of Pasighat to a battalion, there would be a major facelift of NCC in the state. He sought assistance from the state government for identifying a suitable land for establishment of NCC Academy. The general also opined for introducing NCC in private schools of the state but submitted that the private schools need to be helped out with meager government funding to activate NCC.
After giving a patient hearing, the Chief Minister assured to provide all possible assistance from his end.
While appreciating the NCC for its performances, Tuki suggested for extensive publicity of the benefits being given to the NCC cadets for their future set ups. He was of the view that due to lack of publicity, many youths do not opt to avail the NCC benefits.
Clarifying the query, the ADG said that there were many benefits given to the C & D certificate holders of NCC even during the recruitment in Army. Apart from Army recruitment, concessions are provided for admission in medical and engineering colleges for NCC cadets, he informed further.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Advisor to CM Kameng Dolo.
Upon their arrival, the team was received by Col Sunil A Patil, CO, 1 AP Battalion and given a guard of Honour by NCC cadets. He interacted with ANOs/CTOs and Staff of the unit. Later CO briefed him on NCC activities conducted by the unit. He visited the stores and residential accommodation of staff.
ASUD members inducted in Delhi Police
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: In the wake of various crimes against people from North East, the Delhi Police has inducted a total of 44 North East representatives out of which 5 are members of Arunachal Students Union Delhi (ASUD).
The representatives have committed to work voluntarily with the police for the safety and security of the NE people in the National Capital, stated a release.
The members from the state are Taba Doni, Toko Tagam, Toko Mina, Obang Ngupok and Sunny Tayeng, who are studying at different colleges and universities in New Delhi. The members are known as Delhi Police North East Representative (DPNER).
A training-
One dead, 11 houses destroyed in Nafra fire
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: A minor girl has died at Nafra, West Kameng following a fire accident
at Nafra on October 25. The fire that claimed the life of the six-
Er. Aju Khonjuju, President, Sajolang Elite Society, West Kameng, while informing this appealed to the State Govt. to provide all possible help and compensation to the fire victims and the bereaved family of the minor girl. The Society expressed deep sorrow and grief at the devastating fire accident.
College girl found dead
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: One Hiba Lucky, a student of Dera Natung Govt College, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on 21st of this month at her rented apartment in Itanagar.
Hailing from Pachin colony, Naharlagun, she was in the 3rd year pursuing bachelor of commerce.
As per family sources, on the ill-
However, when her friends came back late night, they found her hanging. The family alleged that her body bore serious injury marks and it looked like she was murdered. Hiba Tukpo, father of the deceased has appealed to the police to properly investigate the matter so that his late daughter gets justice.
“We are poor people and she was our only hope. Her untimely death has shattered us. My daughter was a very sincere girl and I am sure that she will never take such step. There is something shady and I appeal to the police to do honest investigation,” said Hiba Tukpo.
DC acts tough against absentee employees
SEPPA, Oct 27: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner has directed the government employees
posted at Bameng sub-
The DC has served orders to as many as 58 staff of various departments under Bameng
sub-
It has also been stated in the order that the attendance of the staff and certificate stating their presence has to be submitted to the DC through ADC, Bameng at the end of every month failing which their salary for the said month will not be released.
171 children deprived of regular schooling: DDSE
Yachang Tacho
ZIRO, Oct 27: 171 children under the age group of 6-
While highlighting the constitutional provisions for compulsory education for children
under the age group of 6-
He directed his officers and panchayat members to conduct extensive survey and collect
details of the children who have been deprived of formal education. Camps at 73 KM
Joram, Boa-
Zilla Parishad Members, Joram Yania, who is conducting the survey in Ziro-
Voluntary blood donation camp at Gurudwara
PASIGHAT, Oct 27: Members of “Sarab Sadh Sangat” of Pasighat Gurudwara organized a cleanliness drive in and around Gurudwara and a voluntary blood donation camp on October 25 and 26 last. Six units of blood were collected from generous blood donors after going through a series of tests and examinations by Pathologist Dr. G Jongkey.
Dr. Jongkey while appreciating the organizer appealed other societies and organizations to come forward for the noble cause.
Highlighting the importance of blood donation, Jongkey stated that ‘Blood donation saves someones life and also benefits the donors’.
Repeated blood donations help blood to flow better, reducing viscosity and possibly helping to limit damage to the lining of blood vessels. It reduces the risk of heart attack and also one of the best ways to avoid the health risks associated with iron overload, he added. DIPRO
2nd Sub-
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) will conduct the 2nd
Sub-
The championship will be held for Sub-
ASBA, in a meeting yesterday, further decided to adopt strict regulation for management of Raj Bhawan and MLA Cottage Badminton Courts.
Program on rural sanitation
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: To mark “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, PHE & WS Division Seppa has conducted a series of sensitization programmes on Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) through awareness programmes at Veo, Lumdang, Pakoti, 14th Mile, Rang and Fangche village on drinking water, sanitation, health and importance of Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC). PRI members, teachers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA members, villagers participated in the awareness programme.
Koro Liyak, District Consultant (Water and Sanitation) in his keynote address said that most of the diseases are caused because of open defecation and to stop this, the Govt has introduced Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) for BPL and APL families.
Tung Sono, Assistant Engineer, elaborated on the importance of managing drinking water, good sanitation, health and hygiene practices and also formation of Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) and its role at village level. He appealed to the PRI members to cooperate with department for smooth implementation of the various schemes and programmes at rural areas. He also informed the gathering that Department is going to handover all the completed water supply scheme to VWSC and separate A/C will be opened in the name of VWSC which will be operated jointly by Chairman, Member Secretary and Treasurer and all the maintenance works will be done through that A/C.
Speaking on the occasion, M. Riba, Executive Engineer PHE & WS Division, Seppa, dwelt in length about various maladies of unclean water that lead to water borne diseases. He said that drinking boiled water is the safest way to prevent water borne diseases.
He also said that still rural people are practicing pigsty cum latrine and open defecation, which is a major cause for diseases.
He called on the villagers to avail IHHL at every village.
At 14th Mile, Rajo Gyadi, ZPM Seppa West said that due to lack of sanitation at rural areas, there was a prevalence of diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, malaria and various other diseases. He also suggested the participants to construct sanitary toilet as per Department guidelines.
CYO appeals for maintaining peace
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: The Capital Youth Organization claimed that their members organized peace initiative in various parts of Itanagar so that no post poll violence takes place because of market welfare election. With the support of DC Capital and Chief Election commissioner of IMWA, the members of CYO visited various polling booths and appealed for maintaining peace.
Bahadur Hill to have endangered germplasm garden
ITANAGR, Oct 27: A social work was conducted at Bahadur Hill near Aalo recently by the officers and officials of Aalo Forest Division. The forest department team led by Divisional Forest Officer Nyali Ete trekked upto the Bahadur Hill, one of the oldest Reserve Forests under the Forest Division and cleared the unwanted bushes and weeds hindering growth of trees and other wildlife, stated a release.
DFO Ete informed that a globally significant endangered endemic germplasm garden spread across 10 hectares within Bahadur Hill is being planned and it has also been incorporated in the working plan of Aalo Forest Division.
The Aalo Forest Division has pledged to raise a plantation of an area covering 5000 square meters on Bahadur hill. Similar such activities have been planned for different areas in Aalo Division, added the release.
Besides, an estimated of Rs.35 lakhs has also been included in the AOP of the Division under the CAMPA with a mission to create a great recreational centre for posterity besides maintaining its greeneries.
The DFO was accompanied by Ashwin Parihar an Indian Forest Service probationer, ACF M Ratan, RFO, L Kamsi and all staffs of Aalo Division and Ranges. (DIPRO)
Training prog on conduct rules
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: A five day Training Programme on “CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964” commenced at ATI today. Ministerial staff of AP Civil Secretariat and other Heads of Offices are attending the programme.
While inaugurating the programme, ATI Director Pate Marik urged the participants to be disciplined, dedicated and sinceri in dealing with official activities which are the prime objective of the Conduct Rules.
The Govt. employees need to consult the prescribed Conduct Rules for fair and transparent dealings with the general public, he said.
ATI Assistant Directors Nani Khambo and Priscilla Tayeng also advised the participants to be sincere and punctual for successful completion of the programme.
The main Resource Persons are the ATI Director , Kime Aya, SP, Fire and Emergency Service, Itanagar, Hibu Tamang SP, Telecommunication, Itanagar, Dani Belo, Under Secretary (Law & Judicial), Itanagar, Taniyang Tatung, FAO, Audit & Pension, Naharlagun & Sunil Mow, Advocate, GHC(IPB), Naharlagun.
AWKKA to participate in 12th WKI International Karate Championship
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Arunachal Wado-
AWKKA president cum chief instructor Sensei Yarda Niki is the Manager and Secretary Nanu Sangha is the Coach of the team.
The team will be leaving here tomorrow for Gujarat.
Fund for township road sought
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: All Mengio Unemployment Engineers Union (AMEU) today sought fund for construction of township road at Sakiang.
In a letter to the PWD Minister, the union said that Sakiang, the circle headquarters of Mengio does not have proper road communication within the township. Sakiang is 120 kilometers off Itanagar and people are facing hardships due to lack of road communication, said union.
Early release of compensation demanded
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: Itanagar-
In a release, the Forum claimed that people have extended full cooperation to the committee during the survey and assessment of the land and properties for the sake of development, however the compensation is yet to be released.
Bhoti language course
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: The Department of Karmik & Adhyatmik(Chos-
Forms for Registration are available at the Office of Director, DoKAA ‘C Sector,
Itanagar as well as Gompa Campus-
Health camp organized
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: More than 100 people from Bameng, Pakke, Marjingla and Paksa sub-
The medical camp was conducted by a team of doctors, who included Dr H Sambyo, Dr D Mindo, and supporting staff from Bameng PHC.
Tree felling, hunting and fishing banned in Tubung Panchayat
ITANAGAR, Oct 27: The 35th Tubung Panchayat has resolved to ban illegal timber cutting, hunting and fishing within its jurisdiction. A penalty of Rs 10,000 will be imposed against the violators, or he.she may be booked under various forest and wildlife protection Acts.
This was decided in a meeting held with Vth Lower Balijan Anchal Chairperson, GPMs, GBs, public, intellectual and Arunachal Green Environment Mission (AGEM) yesterday.
The AGEM further informed that two hidden cameras will be installed in the forest area of the jurisdiction and will provide free sapling to the people.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Don’t politicize the issue
Finally after much criticism union government today disclosed the name of three persons
who are black money account holders in an affidavit to the Supreme Court. The three
persons named are Pradip Burman, director of the Burman group and one of promoters
of Dabur group, Pankaj Chimanlal Lodhya, a Rajkot-
The Centre told the court that it had no intention to withhold names of persons who have stashed black money abroad and stated that information received from foreign countries will be disclosed in all cases where tax evasion is established. Every foreign account held by an Indian may not be illegal, the Centre said, adding that names cannot be disclosed unless there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. Television reports also claimed that four members of the Congress party, including a former minister of the previous UPA regime, are under investigation. Congress party has dared NDA government to reveal all the names. At the moment it looks like black money issue is being politicized. During the parliament election, Narendra Modi had promised to bring back black money and also initiate action against people stashing money illegally at abroad. Now as PM he should stick to his promise and don’t politicize this issue.
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Let us fight our own battle
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the article titled “FAC recommendation can destroy 4577 HA rich forests” written by one Parineeta Dandekar. After going through the article in length I could guess that the writer has written the article to vent out her frustration regarding the FAC recommendation on Dibang Project. It seems that in spite of repeated attempts, the author and her company could not foil the Forest and Environment clearance of the project.
Having gone through the article one thing I could not understand about the writer’s intention. Why is she showing so much concern for the environment and forest of Arunachal Pradesh alone? If she is a real environmentalist, have she ever visited the project sites or for that matter even visited Arunachal Pradesh and ever talked to the villagers who are the real custodian of these Environment & Forest?
Just sitting in the Air conditioned cabins of metropolis like Mumbai/Delhi/Kolkotta and dictating the terms theoretically and writing articles after articles in national and international journals will not suffice to the real needs of the local populace. Even if FAC rejects the proposals, what about the ultra megawatt projects that China is constructing across the border?
Does the writer have any say in this? Can she oppose the Chinese moves which are far much more disastrous to us?
Today Maharashtra is one of the most industrialised states of India. Many industries
have been set up in her home state violating all the Environmental/Forest norms.
What has she had to say in this regard? Moreover, the entire stretch of western ghat
which is found mostly in Maharashtra state is one of the most important bio-
The Dibang multipurpose project is a boon for the people of Arunachal/Northeast in particular and India in general.
I humbly request the writer not to mislead the common masses with the pretext of issues like environment/Forest and halt the development process in Arunachal Pradesh. We also have a dream to live like you all with all modern amenities. Our children also have the right to live in the civilised world.
Kindly don’t push us back with the brand tag like tribal/backward/Forest dwellers etc.
Leave us at our own mercy. We know how to fight our own battle.
Yours,
Kito Dulom
Roing
Time for a new approach
Dear Editor,
Diwali, one of the important festivals in India has the distinction of polluting the environment to the core.
According to research, Newborns and aged people have a nightmarish experience because of the high levels of sound caused by crackers during Diwali. Noise pollution on Diwali is between 69.7 db and 88.3 db which are higher than the prescribed limit of 50 db. The decibel levels are alarmingly high in metros and it may reach up to 100 db.
On the other hand, India is known world over for the highest number of holidays, but Arunachal would beat all the existing records after Nagaland.
There seems to be some kind of holiday or forced holidays like bandh calls every month. Without doing anything productive for the society, we always welcome all the festivals of mainland India and celebrate it as our own. A simple kid under 5 years in Arunachal would won’t know the meaning of Donyi Polo but he or she will definitely know when is Dipawali and how it’s celebrated.
The practice of immersion of idols after the festival in various cities is causing severe water pollution which leads to the death of tones of fishes and many aquatic creatures.
The twin capital since the last decade has been indulging in this practice as no prompt action has been carried out to put a halt on it. Gone are the days when the idols were made with clay, nowadays idols are made with Plaster of Paris and chemical dyes.
The repeated cautions and warnings of ecologists and environmental scientists towards the possible hazards inflicted by the Plaster Of Paris are falling into the deaf ears of the idol makers and buyers. According to scientists, Plaster Of Paris does not get dissolved or disintegrated fast. Moreover, the chemical dyes and colours being used to colour the idols contain poisonous elements. Particularly, Red, Blue, Orange and Green colours contain Mercury, Zinc oxide, Chromium and Lead, the potential causes of developing cancer.
But when we talk about the context of preserving Arunachal, this entourage of diverse festivals gradually is hampering our environment, as these pollutions can hurt flora and fauna of the river, pond, lake and coastal areas. As the same river, pond and lake water is used for bathing and drinking purpose high levels of lead can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and central nervous system. As the twin capital is messed up with grime of those crackers, wonder what the municipal corporation is doing?
The government of India, police, pollution control boards are suggesting many alternative ways to celebrate festivals which do not pollute the environment.
Even strict and stringent warnings are also given to public to refrain from bursting crackers. But it is all solely depended on us as “if we change our mind than we can change the trends”.
For a general cause, the best case scenario would be to have the state arrange the fireworks on a massive scale in a prominent place or a field, where in people can come and watch them. This would not eliminate the pollution but definitely would reduce it as so we can also enjoy the festival with peace and harmony.
Yours,
Mingkeng Osik
Naharlagun
God should have known better!
Dear Editor,
Whosoever said looks don’t matter! They do, or at least the recent controversy surrounding the breadth and width of the eyes would make one believe so. With so much of that in the news recently, one can almost forgive a person for thinking that there is an eye measuring scale to assess the severity of the crime against them.
The country and the Capital, in particular, have been mired by racial controversies in the recent past. The Delhi Police Statistics show that one person from the Northeast faces harassment in the capital every alternate day. The numbers are appalling; which means that while there are extreme cases of students being murdered or beaten to death, there is an even greater number of people being bullied for a ‘crime’ they were born with. The fact that people are being bracketed and marginalized for something they had no control over, is reason enough to worry.
The Nido Tania case earlier in February grabbed the eyeballs of the nation. The oohs and aahs could be heard on television every night. Until of course, another sensational news fought its way to the headline. Though we do have to thank the people here for helping us claw back to the prime time and how. A feeling of déjà vu returns on seeing yet another attack. People have short memory, so the ‘attack every alternate day’ statistics let the otherwise media deprived Northeast actually be in the limelight. The silver lining, you see!
However, there exists a section of society who challenge the racial view on the attacks on northeast people; their claim being that not all such attacks need to have race as its underlying tone. How do we then classify which attacks are racial and which are not? It is true that every situation is different. There are instances of arguments being started over some personal problem and not necessarily race. The problem however, starts when the argument that might have started on a different subject takes a racial turn with racial slurs being hurled at each other, when one’s physical trait dominates the argument rather than personality traits.
All said and done, this is certainly not a case of rotten potatoes. The yin and yang of society exists.
If God did create this world only for people who looked like a certain way, s/he would have surely put us with ‘lesser eye’ in a world other than the one we inhabit. That should have guaranteed world peace for sure. Alas, there was but one world to put all the mortals in. And we have now been left with to deal with this harsh reality; of tolerating people who look different from us and worse, try to adjust with them. God should have known better, I tell you!
Yours,
Higio Zarngam
Arunachal Bhawan
New Delhi
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