The Arunachal Times - Archives

Arunachal lawmakers seek early settlement of boundary row with Assam

2nd day of Legislative assembly session

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Cutting across party lines, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly today sought early settlement of the boundary row with neighbouring state of Assam in order to ensure peace and harmony among the people living in the disputed territories in the foothill areas of Assam.

Kamthok Lowang (TMC) expressing concern over the boundary dispute with Assam has called for expediting the one-man Boundary Commission for an early settlement of the boundary row.

Raising the matter in the Assembly, Lowang referring to the recent incidents taken place at Kamkuh Rusa village under Kanubari sub-division of Tirap district, urged the state government to take up the issue with Assam for finding an early settlement.

Tension prevailed for ten days due to an economic blockade by different organizations of Assam, he added.

Pointing to the disputed area at Kanubari in Tirap district bordering Sibsagar district of Assam, Lowang said, ''Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, both ruled by the same party, can easily settle the dispute through discussions.'' He further demanded the state government to build a separate road route to avoid passing through Assam while commuting.

Laeta Umbrey (TMC) also termed the Arunachal-Assam boundary issue as very serious, adding the situation in Kanubari was blown out of proportion by the Assam media and provocative statements by vested interests made things worse.

Maintaining that the economic blockade caused a lot of hardship to the people of the state living in the disputed area, Umbrey told the House that the intervention of central government into the boundary dispute between the two states was a must.

Finance minister Setong Sena, while participating in the discussion, informed the House that the situation at Kanubari turned volatile due to provocative reports by the Assam media and people with vested interests, along with miscreants.

Sena, who had led a delegation to hold parleys with the Assam government recently in Dispur, told the House that both the governments had decided to maintain peace and normalcy in the disputed areas.

Sena informed that in future, the Assam government would take steps to lift the economic blockades as decided by both the parties in the meeting.

The Finance minister told the House the situation was nipped in the bud with the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu discussing with his Assam counterpart.

''The meeting also decided that the respective state government will take action against armed miscreants on either side, Sena added. He further informed that both the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments had decided to maintain status quo till the one-man Boundary Commission submits its report.

Newlai Tingkhatra, local MLA of Kanubari, referring to the disputed areas along the foothill areas of Assam, sought the support of the government to road connectivity from Kanubari to Bogapani, consisting of eight or nine villages and also urged for early establishment of various departments at the CO post there.

He further told the House that the legislators of Tirap at a meeting with the chief minister were assured of a helipad at Longding and financial support for construction of roads. Tea cultivation, oranges and Pan kheti are carried out in the foothill areas and setting up industries in the area would immensely benefit the local people, he said while pointing at the recent economic blockade which had put the people to a lot of hardship and appealed to the government for taking it up with Assam for finding an early settlement of the boundary dispute. Jomde Kena, MLA, urged the Assembly to adopt an unanimous resolution for taking steps on Assam-Arunachal boundary disputes. People living in disputed areas are constantly living in fear till an early settlement on boundary dispute, Kena informed the house.

Referring to the disputed area in his constituency Likabali bordering Assam, Kena pointed that the Union Home ministry while responding to Assam-Arunachal boundary dispute had asked the Survey of India to conduct survey in Likabali area.

The MLA however regretted that except for temporary arrangements, the state governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have not come forward to bring a permanent settlement of the disputed areas.

Home minister Tako Dabi while giving a background of the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute informed the House that a high powered tripartite committee was formed in 1979, consisting of central government officials and representatives of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Dabi said that as per historical evidences and the demarcation of boundary existing since the NEFA days, Arunachal has got valid reasons on demarcation of boundary in the disputed areas which cannot be argued by Assam. He added that when the status quo agreement is in place, peace needs to be maintained all along the disputed boundary areas.

Dabi emphasized that there is urgent need to show restraint by both sides till the one-man Boundary Commission comes up with a solution.

“Road map for development in the disputed boundary areas viz roads, hospitals besides other infrastructures and above all the political will for an early solution to the boundary imbroglio would work in the larger interest of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh,” Dabi added.

No rehabilitation: The government has said that despite surrender of 109 ultras in Tirap district alone from 2003-2010, the state does not have a rehabilitation package as it requires suitable origination for undertaking training of surrender members in different trades while adding that the state lacks capacity in terms of organization having requisite infrastructure among others to impart training. This was informed by the Home Minister Tako Dabi to in a written statement.

He further said that there are presence of both factions of NSCN in Tirap and Changlang, ULFA in Changlang, Lower Dibang, Lohit and East Siang District and NDFB in West and East Kameng, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Lower Dibang Valley and East and West Siang.

QUESTION HOUR: Education Minister Bosiram Siram today told the Assembly that the process of regularization of SSA teachers has already started and would be done on seniority basis. He said as per the new Education Policy, initiatives are on for rationalization of teachers’ transfer and posting.

Replying to a supplementary from Phurpa Tsering seeking balance posting of teachers, who tend to stay at district and circle HQs, the Minister said all DDSEs have been directed to reshuffle the teachers on need basis in proportionate to number of students in a particular school. He said as per new Education Policy, teachers will have to compulsorily remain at their posting places - hard belt for 2 years (2+2+2), middle belt - 3 years (3+3+3) and soft belt - 5 years (5+5+5) cycle-wise after every 10 years.

The Minister said as part of provisions of RTE Act, all top-level officials must go to the districts to personally see the teaching-learning process. The Secretary cum Commissioner Education should visit each district once in a year, Director twice in a year, Joint Director thrice and concerned DDSE would visit each school once after every two months. Yesterday, he had told the House that the Principals/ Headmasters, from now on, will also have to take the classes.

Siram, meanwhile, informed that the offices of DDSEs and Directorate would be computerized soon containing records of teachers’ recruitment, date of joining, qualification, etc.

CAMPA: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu told the House that so far, an amount of Rs 241.36 crore has been realized as net present value (NPV) against two hydro-electric projects for diversion of forestland for non-forest use, out of which Rs 238.72 crore is lying with Supreme Court and Rs 2.64 crore with Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), an adhoc body appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on the Apex Court’s direction.

CAMPA was mandated by a 2002 Supreme Court judgment to collect the compensation money from projects that divert forestland for non-forest uses.

Khandu, also the Minister in-charge of Environment & Forest, said as per GOI guidelines, the CAMPA funds are set for release that can be utilized for afforestation activities in village level, forest including wildlife protection and management, catchment area treatment to control soil erosion, etc.

ADMIN OFFICERS: Khandu told the House that 40 more posts of Circle Officers are being created during this financial year to meet the shortage of COs in the State. Besides this, 34 posts of Circle Officers have been given to the AP State Public Service Commission for recruitment, said the CM while replying to a supplementary from Bamang Felix, who drew the attention of the House that Phassang circle was going without regular CO.

To another supplementary from Karya Bagang, Khandu said the AP State Pollution Control Board had on August 25 last served a notice to the Banderdewa-based Satyam Group of Industries asking it to install pollution control equipments to put a check on environmental hazards.

BOARD: Horticulture Minister Honchun Ngandam, while responding to a supplementary from Ralom Borang, informed the House that the govt has recently constituted an independent Horticulture Marketing Board in order to decide the prices of locally produced horticulture products.

SAMTENG: Fisheries Minister Kalikho Pul informed that the govt has proposed to revive the regional Coldwater Fisheries Project, Samteng established at Shergaon 15 years back, through the Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries Research (Out Reach Activities) Bhimtal (Nainital, Uttarakhand) and a DPR with an estimated cost of Rs 6.91 crore has already been submitted to the GOI.

Bills: The Arunachal Pradesh Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and the Arunachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was passed by the Assembly by voice vote today.

Quotes of the day

=> Mein pehle baar utha hoon, sir, thoda kathin ho raha hain: PPA MLA Phurpha Tsering

=> Sirf ek rakhega. Aur sab wapis le lega: Bosiram Siram while responding to T N Thongdok who informed the house that 20 computers at Kalaktang HS School is not being used.

=> Question no 4 has been left out: T N Thongdok who had three zero hour questions to Speaker.

=> Support nehi kar raha hai toh DPR centre ko kyun bhejega: Khaliko Pul responding to a question.

=> Fund available kijiye, Hum land available karega: Tani Loffa seeking funds for burial ground at Seppa

=> Ministers are evasive with their answers: Laeta Umbrey

=> Abhi bhi kafi log bahar hain: Jomde Kena upset fellow members who chose to take a break while debate on border issue was on.

Khandu, Siram and Singh greet teachers

Itanagar, Sept 4: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Governor Gen J J Singh have greeted the teaching community of the state on the Teacher’s Day.

CM appealed teaching fraternity to pledge to inculcate knowledge, unity and discipline amongst the student community, impart quality education and to be a role model by working harder to achieve the desired goal.

Celebrating Teachers Day is recognition of the devotion with which teachers undertake the responsibility of educating a child, he further said.

Gen JJ Singh while extendeding best wishes to all the members of the teaching community on the occasion of Teachers’ Day expressed his hope that the occasion will inspire each one of them to rededicate themselves toward nation building.

The Education Minister Bosiram Siram said that “I fervently appeal to the teaching community, the best minds of the society to strike hard to impart such education to all by which character is framed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expended and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.

IDEA marks the birth centenary of Mother Teresa with a medical camp

Boasimla, Sept 4: Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA) organised a free medical camp and awareness program at St. Claret School, Boasimla to mark the birth centenary of Nobel Peace laureate Mother Teresa on Sept 2. Free medicines were distributed among the poor and needy patients.

Over 525 patients were treated in the free medical camp and awareness program. Over 300 special tests were conducted for Malaria and Hepatitis B since the area is predominant with these illness. Dr. Subu Habung personally supplied the necessary medicines for the patients with Hepatitis B, informed a release.

Minister PWD & UD Nabam Tuki pitched in by extending financial support for the immediate procurement of the medicines for the free medical camp.

Dr. Sabu Habung Medical superintendent of District Hospital, Ziro readily supported this initiative of IDEA and coordinated the medical personnel to reach out to the sick and suffering in the Lower Subansiri District while Dr. Nishing, Addl. Director of Health Services and State Programme Officer and Dr. Hage Tam, Joint Director also provided medical support for the camp, said a IDEA release.

A health awareness session by Dr. Subu Habung was also part of the camp where he enlightened the patients on malaria prevention, mother & child care and basic health tips.

Consultative meet opposes mega dam

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: The consultative meeting on hydro power issue held under the banner of Subansiri Upper Basin Project Grievances & Redresal Committee criticized the Government for reckless signing of MOA with power developers in Subansir Upper Basin without taking consent of the local indigenous people.

Taking strong exception to the MoA signing spree, the Committee said that by doing so the government has intentionally violated the norms of the World Commission on Dam. Describing such act by the Government undemocratic and authoritarian action, the committee said that it would not tolerate and will never compromise with the safety and security of the future of indigenous people. It also vowed to fight unto death against the decision and unravel the real truth behind the signing of MoAs despite stiff opposition from the nook and corners of the state. The central electrical authority had identified seven hydro projects in Subansiri Upper Basin in its preliminary hydro potential ranking study. Of these, Subansiri Upper, Oju-I, Oju-II and Nava have been entered into MOA recently. The remaining three projects namely, Nalo, Dingsar and Nyare are in process of signing MoA. The Oju-I and Oju-II are situated in the periphery of the international boundary with China.

If the Centre allows to install such a mega dam in this locality it will definitely be a great threat to the nation in the event of war between the two Asian Super Power, the release said. The committee sought the intervention of Union Defense Ministry in this regard and demanded stringent punishment for those leaders and the authorities who are responsible for execution of MOA for construction of mega dams in such a sensitive area.

As per the CEA study, Subansiri Upper basin has several discrepancies and the study did not consider certain status viz .storage type, height of the dam, length of the head race tunnel, international, interstate aspects, accessibility to site and impact of upstream and downstream status of the project. Moreover, the people of Upper Subansiri District have experienced two major earthquakes in the year 1897 and 1950 where mass devastation took place and bursting of natural dam due to blockage of the Subansiri River caused several of its tributaries change their course.

Meanwhile, the Subansiri Upper Basin Project Redressal and Grievances Committee has decided to hold open debate on mega dam exclusively for civil society at Daporijo wherein five legislators of the district, public leaders, bureaucrats, technocrats, NGO’s and students organization would be invited to generate public opinion for concrete and tangible decision. The committee also resolved to constitute an expert committee drawn from different discipline and field to study the feasibility and viability of the proposed hydro project. Besides these the committee also proposed to create a volunteer front called Subansiri Bachao Sena in order to counter any sinister designed to sell out our ancestral land, water, life and property.

Society questions Apang arrest

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Heche Welfare Society expressed its deep anguish over the “indifferent attitude” of the State Govt despite strong resentment expressed by various organizations regarding arrest of former Chief Minister Gegong Apang.

Reacting to the denial of state Govt that it has any role in arrest of Gegong Apang by SIC in the PDS scam saying that it is the subject matter of the Gauhati HC, the Society said by saying this the state Govt is trying to befool the public.

Pointing out the people’s demand for handing over the case to CBI, the Society said the state Govt should direct the SIC to arrest all those persons involved in the PDS scam. It further said that at the same time the Govt should appeal the high court to hand over the multi-crore PDS scam to Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) to unearth the truth and to nail the real culprits who have emblazed such huge public amount.

The Society further said that State Govt failed to show its maturity in handling the issue and could not convince its people regarding appointment and role of SIC SP M.S.Chauhan.

Why only Apang was arrested and others were let loose, the Society questioned while adding that Apang was only a witness in the multi-crore PDS scam, he is not an accused. When witness could be arrested why the prime accused were allowed to roam freely, the Society further questioned.

Regarding transfer of PDS case to the Lakhimpur, Society asked whether the state govt has appealed Guwahati High court for trial of the case at High Court Permanent Bench at Naharlagun? Is the High Court Permanent Bench Naharlagun is not competent enough to try such case? The Govt should shoulder its responsibility instead of treating Apang as opposition leader and allowing the police to treat him 'like a criminal, the society said. Is there someone within the Congress party playing the role of opposition like a wolf in sheep's cloth to destabilize the successful Govt under the able and dynamic leadership of Dorjee Khandu?, The Society questioned.

Society further said that Apang during his tenure as CM had banned the head load system of PDS and introduced airlifting system in order to check the monopoly of the PDS contractors , deptt officers and for the benefit of needy and poor persons. Now the people prefer for delivery of PDS item through airlift facilities.

The society rued that Apang was reportedly scheduled to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Aug 25, but he was arrested by SIC lead by SP M.S. Chouhan on Aug 24 in suspicious manner.

There is no dearth of efficient police officers who could be made IO to handle the PDS case in a mature way, the Society said while adding that appointment of M.S. Chauhan a ‘tainted police officer’ who was put under suspension during Apang’s regime as Investigation Officer created more confusion.

The PIL had been filed in 2004 in connection to multi-crore PDS scam with good intention for welfare of the public, not against any particular individual, it added.

AdiSU dubs hydro power meeting stage managed

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has smelt conspiracy in the Chief Minister’s proposed official meeting with the protestors of Lower Siang Hydro Electric project on Sept 7 as most of the delegates being invited to the meeting are pro dam, said an AdiSU release.

Claiming that 31 out of 40 tentative delegates invited to meeting are pro-dam, AdiSU said that anti-dam protestors of West Siang district have not been informed of it although 28 villages of the district are identified as affected in EIA report.

It said that non-invitation of adequate representatives from AdiSU/anti-dam activists reflects Govt’s ill-intention to resolve matter in its favour.

‘Any decision taken in the meeting would be nullified by the AdiSU and the movement against the Lower Siang Hydro Project would continue till the last breath’, said Tapu Mibang president AdiSU. The AdiSU terming the meeting convened as an insult has decided not to attend the meeting said that it won’t let any anti dam protestor to be victimized and hunted. Nullifying the meeting the union stated that it is a stage managed meeting for a pro dam outcome. Though the AdiSU has been vehemently leading the anti dam protests from the front but only two representatives from the union have been invited and total of nine delegates out of the forty tentative delegates have been genuinely opposing the project, asserted the union. The anti dam protestors of West Siang were not made aware of the meeting though twenty eight villages of West Siang would be affected by the project and the people protesting against the project from the villages have not been invited, added AdiSU. The preparation of the delegates list itself by the East Siang district administration, which is a part of the government is mockery of the meeting, said T. Mibang said.

Further, the majority of the delegates invited for the meet are from none descript pro dam organisations with vested interests which have been created recently by the backing of Jaypee associates, alleged AdiSU.

Union defer bandh

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has decided to defer the proposed Bandh Call on Sept 6. This decision came after the Chief Minister assured to look into their demands following a meeting with the Union along with students representatives from Papumpare, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri.

The demands of the Union include establishment of National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Jote Kampo, Papumpare and Polytechnic College at Yachuli and declaration of Kara Dadi as National Park in East Kameng, roads from Itanagar to Balukpong via- Seijosa, Doimukh to Gerukhamukh via Kimin, Tamin to Tali and road from Chayang Tajo to Nyapin, Khandu and Hydro Power Projects in Kurung Kumey and East Kameng. The Union has also decided to hold a consultative meeting very soon with the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), Nyishi Legislature Forum and Senior citizens of the community for further course of action.

Golf open for public

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: A new Golf Driving Range --the first of its kind in the entire NE region-- has opened at Chimpu, Itanagar.

According to a release issued by the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, persons who wish to take up golf as sporting hobby can practice at the range from Tuesday to Sunday. The department will provide golf clubs and balls to those who come to practice free of cost on returnable basis.

The Golf driving range has been developed under the guidance of Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen. (Retd.) JJ Singh.

Flood at Chambang

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Flood water of river Sike and Pire in Rongte-Rite under Chambang circle of Kurung Kumey district caused heavy damage in the area. Heavy flood on 1st September damaged paddy fields, bridges, houses, government infrastructure including campus of government ME school and sub-health centre. Even one person is reported to have lost his life in the flood.

Abu Dindo Welfare Society has requested higher authority and all well wishers to come out and help the flood victim. Society informed that due to destruction of cultivable land by flood, people of area are gearing up for serious problem in coming days. It has urged all people including political leaders and businessmen of Kurung Kumey district to help locals in this hour of crisis. Meanwhile ZPM Chambang, Gora Tagung has drawn the attention of local MLA Takam Tagar and deputy commissioner Kurung Kumey Bidol Tayeng towards this devastating flood.

He urged them to restore road communication at the earliest and also pleaded for immediate sanction of relief for flood victim.

Rongte Rite Anchal Samity member Dindo Yanak in a release appealed the state Govt, public leaders, business community and well-wishers to extend helping hand to flood victims.

The wrath of unemployment

Tom Simai

The grim and growing unemployment situation has flared up the social unrest within our state, compelling the educated unemployed youths (EUY) to trust and rely on the time-tested backdoor policy rather than the government’s employment policy. Such psychological alteration has made our state a fertile ground for a Natwarlal or a Charles Shobraj to sell fake dreams to EUY for an exorbitant fee. And to own those fake dreams the EUY are selling or pawning their movable or immovable properties and in the process are being cheated by the swindlers and shown the door of poverty.

In fact, cheating cases once were alien in our state and it always surprised us when we read it on newspapers or heard it from neighbors, pondering how people can be duped with hollowed hopes and mere talks. But now we know how necessity can sabotage our intellections.

Ironically, the wrath of unemployment has shattered the hopes and aspiration of the EUY. The inability of the government to create jobs is navigating the optimistic and youthful energies towards the erroneous path. Presently, the desperate EUY are trying all the procedures, right or wrong to own that prosperous phase of life. Unfortunately, along with the government, fate has also decided to deceive them.

In 2009, 20 EUY from Jairampur were duped Rs 20,000 each by a Delhi based company by promising jobs at reputed call centers. In expectation of a new life the innocent boys paid the demanded amount but only to be betrayed in the end.

In another case, during 2008, more than 400 youths from in and around Bordumsa circle were taken for a ride after they paid Rs 1.80 lacs to Rs 2 lacs for Rs 40,000 salaried job in Oil and Natural Gas Company in Assam. Couple of months later the company was busted by the Assam police as it was a bogus company. The proprietor - two belonging to Assam absconded but the 4 co-conspirators from Bordumsa were apprehended by the Assam Police in Guwahati. It was a 6 crore swindling case. All the money was accumulated from the EUY belonging to Bordumsa and various parts of Assam as an amount for providing jobs.

Such incidents reveal about the frustration of the EUY and about their belief that the system has been brutally assassinated. In such depressing backdrop it won’t be surprising if they opt for a revolution - an armed revolution.

Moreover, it’s very perplexing that the government is only concentrating on establishing new educational institutes in a backdrop where they don’t have avenues to engage those students once they graduate as professionals. It’s ludicrous to expect economic prosperity without creation of jobs. And without jobs, it’s an approaching veracity that the EUY will gradually drift away into the oblivion - out of sight and out of reach.

In conclusion, what is the use of such development that doesn’t create jobs for the locals and what is the use of such prosperity that we don’t have the right to claim our share? (The writer can be reached at simaitom@gmail.com)

Summer Cup Football begins today

ITANAGAR, Sep 4: MVFC will play against NERIST football team in the opening match of the 2nd Papum Pare Summer Cup Invitational Football Championship 2010 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun tomorrow.

All the 16 participating teams are divided into four groups with winner and runners up teams of each group qualifying for the quarterfinals. The teams are, (Gr.‘A’) MVFC, FC Senki Valley, MMUFC, NERIST; (Gr. ‘B’) BTFC, SLSA, MDFC, Jomrie YS-XI; (Gr. ‘C’) CCSC, Game Zone, BAES, AUSC (Gr. ‘D’) IRBn, Doimukh FC, LYFC, GHSS, Polo Colony)

The second match of the day will be played between BTFC andYS-XI).

Quarterfinals round matches will be held on September 17 and 18 while semifinals would be held on September 19 and 20. The grand finale would be played on September 21.

Local MLA Techi Kaso will attend the inaugural function as chief guest while AAPSU president Takam Tatung would be the guest of honour.

Arunachal has potential in Taekwondo, Karate & Weightlifting

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) Technical Committee chairman PA Gurung appealed to the Arunachalee youth to come forward and practice Taekwondo, the art of self defence, with more vigour.

Gurung, who was on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh, said in a meeting today that he has seen immense talents, especially in Taekwondo, Karate and Weightlifting among Arunachalee youths and appealed to the State Government to spend money for those sportspersons.

He asked All Arunachal Taekwondo Association to fulfill TFI directives by constituting its district committees by the end of this month. Gurung, who is also member of National Disciplinary Committee of TFI and vice president of Delhi Taekwondo Association, informed that the schedule for the State Open Taekwondo Championship would be finalized during his next visit to the state in the first week of October.

Meanwhile, the nomenclature of All Arunachal Taekwondo Association has been renamed as Arunachal Taekwondo Association (ATA).

Kipa Kaha, the newly elected president of ATA, appealed to TFI president Harish Kumar and Secretary General T.Praveen Kumar and Gurung to give more attention to North-East, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, for development of the sports.

Earlier, L. Sokun Singh, Chairman, Technical Committee, Arunachal Taekwondo Association highlighted various problems of his association before the visiting TFI official.

The meeting was attended by all the new executive members of ATA.

Panchayat leaders support head load carriage

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: While lauding the state Govt for its approval of head load carriage system of PDS commodities in Kurung Kumey district, the panchayat leaders of the district in its meeting held on Sept 3 at Naharlagun said that airdropping in interior areas could not be materialised on regular basis, especially during monsoon season, due to weather condition.

The meeting attended by ZPMs and Anchal Samity chairpersons observed that in some circles like Phassang and Gangte Tarak there is neither dropping zone nor landling ground, as such head load carriage system is inevitable. Pointing out the demand of the students for air dropping of ration items, the panchayat leaders said, the Govt can change their decision, but neither the Govt nor the district students union can change the weather conditions and phenomenon of nature. Therefore, decision for air dropping of ration items will not wise enough, rather it would aggravate the problems, the meeting said.

Endorsing the decision of head load carriage system, the panchayat leaders resolved to ensure strict monitoring of the PDS so that the ration items reach to the beneficiaries. They further resolved that PDS bill will not processed until it is confirmed that the beneficiaries are satisfied with the system.

Science graduates offer its services

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Taking note of the problem of shortage of teachers especially that of science and mathematics in government run schools, which are being repeatedly raised by various student unions and NGOs, All Arunachal General Science Graduate Association wanted to know why government is keeping silent on whole issue. The association in a meeting held today discussed various problems faced by the general science students.

Association informed that there are around 900 general science graduate and post graduate in state of which some are unemployed, some working as contractual teacher under SSA and many working in private schools. This pool of talent can be used by government for recruitment of regular science and mathematics teacher in state run schools, the association added. Further it informed that every year hundred of science graduates and post graduates passes out from various colleges of state which government should make use of.

Dadabhai Naoroji remembered

ITANAGAR, Sept. 4: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) celebrated the 185th birth anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here today.

The celebration began with floral tribute to the great leader followed by felicitation of resource persons.

Haryom Bam, chairman, public grievances Cell, highlighted the important role played by Naoroji for uplift of Indian society during 18th century.

APCC general secretary Tachu Hina described Naoroji as patron of youths and great revolutionary among the business community.

Resource person Sekha Bhattacharjee spoke about his life and achievements. She described his as great human.

Tongam Nyodu, another resource person, said that Dadabhai was the glowing example of how people can achieve desired goal with sheer determination, dedication and hardwork.

NSUI president, Kafa Bagang also spoke on the occasion.

The function was attended by all the state office bearers and frontal heads.

Solung celebrated at Tuting

TUTING, Sep 4: The three-day cultural extravaganza of Solung culminated here in the wee hours of September four with Polung continuing till 7 am.

Traditional dance competitions, football and free medical camp by Army were some of the main highlights of the festival.

Army provided free medical checkup, medicines and trauma services throughout the festival celebration where more than 320 locals are reported to have benefitted.

Bandh deferred

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: The Pushi Bango Students’ Union has postponed its second phase bandh call to Sept 20 next. This decision was taken after the assurance given by the DC Amjad Tak to fulfil its demand for posting of sufficient number of teachers to Pushi Bango area. It further said, its 24-hour first phase bandh passed off peacefully.

Hunting, finishing banned

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: The executive members of Shalleyi Anchal Welfare Society (SAWA) along with the Panchayat leaders conducted a joint survey of Shalleyi area recently and found unnecessary tree felling. The society also seized charcoal and timber from the area. The members strictly prohibited hunting, fishing and use of bleaching power in their area and warned that violators of ban order will face punishment under relevant laws of the Govt.

“Post teachers”

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: All Banderdewa Circle Students’ Union has appealed to the Education Department to post sufficient teachers at Primary School Tani Hapa, Middle School Pichola and Durpang Middle School within Banderdewa circle.

Describing the plight of students due to insufficient teachers in the above mentioned schools, the circle students union demanded for posting of teachers in the newly adopted 30:1 student-teachers ratio.

NCP alleges

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Nationalist Congress Party, West Siang district unit has alleged that the land belonging to West Siang district is bargained out to East Siang for petty vested interest.

Stressing the need of open debate between the villagers of Kadu in East Siang and Daring in West Siang district, NCP district unit president Yomkar Riba in a release today alleged that the Home Minister is fishing in trouble water by enrolling the West Siang people without having boundary meeting between the two neigbouring districts. The NCP leader said that there should be administrative approval before formulating inter-district electoral roll and in case of transfer of land. The NCP unit appealed the higher authorities to look into matter.

Irani to visit Itanagar

ITANAGAR: National President BJP Mahila Morcha Smriti Irani is arriving in Itanagar on Sept 7 to address the State Executive meeting of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Arunachal Pradesh.

Many state issues particularly the problems and prospects of the women of the state will be discussed during the state executive meeting. The actress turned politician has further expressed her willingness to discuss women issues of the state with other women organizations.

ANSU seeks support for wonder boy Teji

ITANAGAR: All Nyishi Students’ Union has appealed the people of the state and region to support Toko Teji, who is set to perform at the quarterfinals of the “India’s got talent”, a Sony TV Show.

He Drummer’s performance will be telecast live on Sept 11 with the Voting line opened from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am Sept 12. .

A student of class XII, Teji impressed the judges during the qualifying rounds with his electric performance.

Ogrs raise voice on autonomy demand

ITANAGAR: All Nyishi Youth Association, Lower Subansiri Unit has said that demand of Ziro Autonomous Council is not justified as the plateau is not deprived from developmental activities. It however demanded that the district headquarters be shifted from Ziro to Yachuli or Raga. The association further said that because of non availability of land people from outside the plateau are faced with many problems.

Meanwhile, All Lower Susansiri Youth Organisation has appealed the Apatani community to withdraw the demand of autonomous district council for Ziro valley. Ziro, being the important place since NEFA days, establishment of headquarter at Ziro valley by the Govt was a positive step for welfare of all communities in the Subansiri belt, the organization added.

RGU results

ITANAGAR: The result of Master in Philosophy (M.Phil) written test conducted on 16th and 17th of August by department of AITS and Zoology, Commerce, Geography, Hindi, History, Political Science and Botany has been declared by Rajiv Gandhi University. Further it has been informed that Viva-Voice examination will be completed by 17th of this month.

RGU has also declared revaluation and re-checking result of BA IIIrd year (both honours and pass).

Demands for clearance of bills

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: The All Arunachal Contractors’ Welfare Association (AACWA) has reiterated its demand to the state Government for immediate release of genuine PDS pending bills. The CEC of the association, which met here today, also demanded CBI investigation on SPA.

Arunachal Law Students Union has called for early settlement of the PDS pending bills issue. The union said delay in payment of bill will result in increase of liability of the Govt over the pending bills as per the judgment of the court.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: All Puyu Panchayat Youth Welfare Association (APPYWA) has conducted a social service at Govt Middle School compound, Pilla on Aug 29 last. Meanwhile, in a coordination meeting hunting, fishing, timber cutting have been prohibited under Puyu panchayat.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Koloriang, Damin, Parsi-Parlo & Sarli Students Union has expressed grief over sad demise of Yangfo Tapo, who was Anchal Chairperson of Sarli administrative circle and one of the bright young leader of area. All Sarli Youth Welfare Association has also condoled the death of Yangfo Tapo and prayed for the eternal peace of departed soul.