The Arunachal Times - Archives

Ray of hope on Chakma-Hajong refugee imbroglio

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: A Committee under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (North East), Naveen Verma, Ministry of Home Affairs has been constituted to examine various issues relating to settlement of Chakmas in Arunachal Pradesh including the possibility of grant of Indian Citizenship to eligible Chakmas and to recommend measures to be taken by Central Government/State Government in the matter.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved 6 members from AAPSU which will be led by its President Takam Tatung. AAPSU had proposed 8 members but the Ministry has nodded for Vice President Nabam Tamar and General Secretary Tujum Poyom beside 2 Legal Advisors of the Union T T Tara and Toni Pertin. Advocate J M Singpho (local representative) is also in the Committee from AAPSU side.

Government of Aruna-chal Pradesh will be represented by the Commissioner (Home) and K Riram, OSD to CM while Citizenship Rights of the Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh, General Secretary and Ajoy Chakma, Executive Member will represent Chakma.

The AAPSU, Chakma representatives and the State as well as the Union government are pinning high hope from this Committee.

This is to be reminded that AAPSU has deferred its proposed bandh call on 15th August following an assurance from chief minister Dorjee Khandu who pledged to take personal initiative in Chakma issue when 6 member AAPSU delegates led by president Takam Tatung called on CM at latter’s invitation and had an hour-long discussion on August 10 last.

Khandu had asked the apex students to call off their proposed bandh on Independence Day and assured all out support from government’s end to bring out a permanent solution to the decade long crisis. Constitution of this Committee could be seen as one of the commitment made by Khandu.

AAPSU had also proposed revival of Core Committee on Chakma issue and asked Khandu to be its chairman. The Core Committee was formed in 2002 in Namsai after a referendum rally there. The then Chief Minister Mukut Mithi was made its first chairman.

Third Party Monitoring claims its first victim

ITANAGAR Sept 2: The Government based on consolidated Monitoring report submitted by North East Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) for East Siang district for SPA funds 2008-09 has suspended one S Dey, BDO Mebo for alleged embezzlement of funds.

NEDFi has been entrusted with the Third Party Monitoring works for SPA projects in Arunachal Pradesh for the eight Eastern Districts.

In their consolidated monitoring report, the NEDFi had observed that the project of “Improvement & infrastructure development of sports at Mebo Town” for which an amount of Rs. 41.36 lakh had been sanctioned for year 2008-09 for the component - levelling of the playground has not been undertaken at all. The remark quoted that the project which is reportedly complete and amount spent is not at all fit for sporting events. The ground is still visibly sloping and filled with boulders and stone and unfit for any sporting activities, the report added. This was inspite of the fact that the entire payment for the project has already been released.

After closely going through the monitoring report the state chief minister Dorjee Khandu has ordered for immediate suspension of BDO Mebo of that period S Dey and had also ordered for an enquiry with specific directions not to revoke the suspension order until the complete enquiry report is submitted to the government.

The State Govt. is in the process of issuing show-cause notices and instituting enquiries against some other officials also whose role has come under the scanner in 3rd party monitoring reports. The Planning Department has already circulated formats amongst all engineering Departments to report corrective action taken on the reports of 3rd party monitors and also set a time frame for rectifying errors.

It may be recalled that the efforts of the State Govt. in getting 3rd party monitoring institutionalized for SPA projects were appreciated by the Planning Commission as well as the Central Govt. Recently, the Planning Department has decided to extend the scope of 3rd party monitoring to BADP and RIDF projects as well. The agreement for this covering 8 eastern Districts has already been signed with NEDFi on Sept 1 and will soon be executed with NABCONS for monitoring the remaining 8 Districts in the western part of the State. The GPS coordinates (latitudinal and longitudinal location) of the project site will also be included as a part of the report for each project to check duplication of projects in future. (PRO TO CM)

Siram appeals to citizens to let hydro

projects come up

PASIGHAT, Sept 2: The Educaiton Minister Bosiram Siram has appealed to the people of state to welcome the hydro power projects for financial development of the state. The projects would not only meet the demands of water and electricity, but would help to set up industries, control flood and bring in developments in agricultural sector which would make Arunachal a financially strong state. He further said that bandh yields nothing.

He said this after inaugurating the Odam Ering Memorial Primary School of Roing village recently constructed under SSA mission and one Musup / Dere on August 31 last at Roing village. Replying to the memorandum submitted by the ASM Kelek-Roing, the minister assured the gathering that drinking water, fencing, electrification of the school would be considered besides extension of two class rooms. He also assured to provide some funds for painting and future maintenance of the Dere.

Member of Parliament Ninong Ering appreciated the minister for his efforts towards the educational development of the state.

He was accompanied by DC Onit Panyang, SP Aloke Kumar, DSE Tapang Taloh and DDSE Tani Talom and heads of offices and local leaders.(DIPRO)

Union questions airfield extension

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: All Upper Subansiri District Students Union (AUSDSU) has expressed concern over proposed extension of present airfield of Daporijo town. The Daporijo airfield which at the moment is only used for Pawan Hans and military helicopter service has been deteriorating in recent years. However government of India has decided to renovate airfields along the Arunachal borders of which Dapoirjo is one keeping in mind the Chinese threat. While welcoming the decision for renovation of airfield, AUSDSU presented some logistic problem which may hamper the implementation of this project.

The present airfield is situated in the heart of district headquarter and there is limited scope for further extension. Also extension may cause displacement of people settled nearby airfield. But the main cause of worry is if any accident happens, it may endanger live of many civilians because of the geographic location of airfield.

Keeping all this in mind AUSDSU has appealed to the civil aviation department to look for other alternatives in regard to airfield.

Society question arrest

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Jaal Welfare Society (JWS) has expressed deep shock at the way and manner the former chief minister Gegong Apang was arrested.

The society said, Gegong Apang who had served the state for more than 20 years as the chief minister is known as "the Father of the Arunachal politics and credit goes to Apang for all development activities in state since NEFA to present days.

Society questioned the arrest procedure without serving any proper notice. If the arrest of Apang is not politically motivated, the state Govt. should break it’s silence on PDS scam, the society said.

The Society also demanded the state Govt that SP SIC M S Chauhan be terminated and PDS case handed over to CBI for punishment to all accused. The society further said that the case should be heard in session court in state instead of Lakhimpur.

It also extended support to the organizations including ANSU in its demand for early release of five Arunachalees arrested in Tinsukia in Assam recently following a group clash. The Association appealed the Nyishi Elite Society to take up the matter and also appealed Arunachal and Assam Govts to solve the case immediately.

GREF apologise for manhandling of Dr

Ziro, Sept 2: A peace meeting between the villagers of Tajang and GREF in connection with the incident of manhandling of Dr.Tage Kano on 30th August last, and the flare up that followed was held at the initiative of the Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, at her office chamber here this evening.

The Chief Engineer, GREF, Col. V.K.Badola who attended the meeting on the part of the GREF, vehemently condemned the incident and apologized to Dr.Kano and the Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association (APDA) and requested the villagers not to flare up the incident further for the betterment of all.

The Deputy Commissioner Sadhana Deori, who chaired and moderated the meeting accepted the apology offered by the Chief Engineer, GREF on behalf of the people and the APDA. She also expressed her deep anguish on the act of arson and rioting by the civil population and said that appropriate action will be taken on the guilty. Informing that two culprits who were involved in the assault of Dr. Kano have been arrested and case registered against them in the Police Station, the Deputy Commissioner requested the APDA representative to close the chapter there and let law take its own course.

The villagers who were informed of the action being taken by the District Administration on their demands for shifting of GREF camp from Pine grove area also assured to maintain peace and status quo till a final step is taken by the government on the matter.

The meeting was also attended by Supdt. of Police Mari Riba, ADC, W. Tikhak, other senior officials of GREF, Ziro, APDA representatives , PS Officer-in-charge Tab, Techi, village elders, PR leaders, of Tajang village, reports DIPRO.

Apatani Cultural and Literary Society have condemned the atrocious attack on Dr Tage Kano by some GREF personnel. Drawing the past experience society said epithet “BRO is the friend of hill people” remain shattered after repeated incident of mis-treatment of locals by them. Society while urging district administration to punish the attackers under provision of law, has also requested resident of the Tajang village to show restraint in the interest of the law of land.

Meanwhile All Tajang Students Union has also expressed serious concern over repeated incident of GREF personnel ill treating the locals. The attack incident of Dr Tage Kano is seventh of such in recent years.

Union has further supported demand put in by some Ziro based organizations for shifting of GREF camp from Pine Grove within seven days. For best interest of locals and GREF, the camp should be moved out immediately before more damage is done.

Apatani Career Guidance Forum, HQ : Itanagar strongly condemned the physical assault.

The forum supported the demands of the local people and urged the district administration to arrest all the accused involved in the physical assault and punish them under the appropriate section of the law. The forum also supported the demands of the Tajang Village Development Committee to shift their camp to some other places outside the jurisdiction of the village as further continuance in the present village area would jeopardize the relationship.

Pilot BPL Census-2011

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Mariyang under Upper Siang District and Gandhigram under Changlang District have been selected by the Ministry for Pilot Socio-Economic Survey, 2010.

To this effect, a Ministry of Rural Developemnt sponsored three days training for Pilot BPL Census-2011 has started on Sept1 at SIRD, Itanagar.

5 people each from Yingkiong and Miao have been nominated for enumerators of two villages. Nodal Officer of Pilot BPL Census urged the participants to carry out the task with full dedication and seek true information from the respondents to help the ministry in devising appropriate programme and policies for deprived sections of the state.

Faculty SIRD L K Kabak, explained NSSO (2004-05) estimation of BPL rural household, which is 28.3% in India needs to be identified by identification methodology of MoRD. That way actual percentage of BPL would be recorded, she said.

Field experimentation of the questionnaires was carried out in Cheme Village on Sept 2 by Pebom Doyom Binny and Komkar Nyodu of RD Department who are the supervisor and trainer as well of two respective villages.

Workers board presents scholarship

Ojing Tayeng

AALO, Sept 2: Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Jalley Sonam in presence of APB&OCWWB Secretary cum Commissioner Labour and Employment Ojing Darung gave away the first scholarship award of the Board to Marsum Lottem of VKV Jirdin during APB&OCWWB awareness cum meeting at Aalo today.

Urging all the officers and public leaders to work for the welfare of labour community, Sonam appreciated EE (E&M) Er. Ninya Bagra, AE, PHED Bomi Nyorak, AE, RWD Reli Kato for attending the awareness camp and expressed displeasure over the district administrative officers and other HoDs of Aalo over their negligence to turn up for the workers awareness meeting of the government.

The chairman advised WRD EE Aalo to deposit cess and also urged the other departments to deposit One per cent Cess to the board.

APB&OCWWB Secretary Ojing Darung advised workers of all government department/PSUs, organized and unorganized sectors of the District to register their names under Workers’ Welfare Board. He also briefed about Building and Other Construction (Regulation of Employment & Condition of Service) Article, 1996 and the Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996. District Labour Officer Lee Ete highlighted about the benefits provided by the board and advised the workers to register their names in the board by depositing Rs. 20 per month to avail the benefits. Highlighting the Cess collection of the district he informed that RWD has deposited above Rs 7 lacs, PHED 4 lacs, Hydro Power civil Rs 3 lacs, PWD 1 lacs and Power department deposited less than one lac till today and there was no any Cess contribution from WRD, Aalo.

Ete further advised the AAPWU executive members of Aalo Unit to work hard for the welfare of the workers and to check and stop engagement of labourers in private works by their concerned officers. He also advised the labours not to produce or submit false medical reimbursement bill.

AAPWU President Tumar Bagra, Secretary General D Kayi and Basar Unit AAPWU General Secretary Ipe Kamum highlighted about the workers problems of their respective areas and appealed to the Chairman and Commissioner to look into the labour problems.

All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation, general secretary Dobing Sonam appreciated the chairman and the secretary of the board for organizing such awareness campaign for the welfare of working community in the state.

He urged AAPPTF West Siang district unit members to maintain coordial relationship with the workers union and extend all possible help to the workers.

Later, the chairman, secretary along with engineer distributed free exercise books to all the workers, who attended the meeting.

SSA teachers bat for each other

ITANAGAR, Sep. 2: All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teacher’s Association Lower Subansiri district unit has came out in support of ultimatum served by its parental organization to the state government for early regularization of SSA teacher’s job. It is to be noted that recently All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teacher’s Association had served an ultimatum for regularization of job failing which it threatened to launch phase wise pen down strike.

Informing that many SSA teachers are serving state for last many years with meager salary without getting any TA/DA, time has come for state government to reward these teachers by regularizing their jobs, association added.

The Lower Subansiri district unit of All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teacher’s Association (AASSATA) has strongly supported the proposed phase wise ‘pen down’ strike by AASSATA in support of its demand for early regularization of services of teachers serving under SSA in the state.

Reminding the Government about the law of equal pay for equal works, the district unit of the SSA teachers association questioned that if the services of all the OBB (Hindi language) state sponsored contractual teachers and officiating teachers can be regularized that too without conducting any interview, then why can not the services of the SSA teachers.

AASSATA is launching its first phase of ‘pen down’ strike from September 16 - 22.

Solung celebrated

MIAO, Sept 2: Preservation of one’s rich culture is the need of the hour said ASM Chairperson Johkhong Singpho while attending the Solung celebration yesterday as the chief guest.

While attending the celebration organized by the Mopin-Solung Committee Miao, Singpho stressed on the importance of maintaining one’s identity through one’s rich culture.

He also urged upon the elders to encourage the youngsters to educate oneself on the rich history and traditions of the tribal culture.

The festival was celebrated with much enthusiasm here at Donyi-Polo Festival Ground Miao under the guidance of Miao Additional Deputy Commissioner T Mara.

ADC Mara who is also the chief patron of the Mopin-Solung Committee Miao, thanked the local people, the public leaders and administration for joining in the celebration of the Solung festival and sharing the joy as one family.

In Ziro, the Solung was celebrated with traditional fervor. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, Sadhana Deori, who is also the chair of the celebration committee, while extending Solung greetings to the people of the district and the state on the occasion, also highlighted the importance of the occasion.

Government Officers, PR leaders and well wishers of the district joined the members of Adi community in celebrating the festival in large numbers at the official residence of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, where the Solung Committee hosted a lunch cum cultural programme.

Besides the colorful ponung and other cultural programmes, “Yaken ke Binyat” an Adi film by Delong Padung was released by Dr. S.Kakoty, DMO.

Meanwhile Itanagar Police is looking for miscreants who pelted stone at the festival ground in the intervening night of 1/9/2010 and 2/9/2010. The incident happened as people celebrating the festival were about depart from the venue after whole night Ponung.

Solung Festival Celebration Committee (SFCC), Itanagar volunteers when tried to chase them, the miscreants disappeared into the dark of the night.

SFCC, Itanagar has lodged a written FIR at Itanagar Police Station to nab the culprits.

While condemning the incidence and the people involved in the incidence, SFCC, Itanagar urged upon the concerned authority to provide adequate police security cover specially in the night during Solung Festival at the ground so that such incidence could be averted before hands.

Keep people in mind while taking decision: PAYWA

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Palin Area Youth Welfare Association (PAYWA) has extended support to the issue raised by the All Kurung Kumey District Students Union for all round development of the district. It said introduction of air sorties would ensure smooth supply of PDS items in interior areas.

The people from Chambang, Yangte, Gangte, Tali and other areas have settled at Palin since 2002-2005 due to non-availability of essential ration items, which is very unfortunate, the Association said, adding as a result the Palin area has been facing many problems including scarcity of drinking water and sanitation.

It is common people who are facing problems during tug of war between organizations and political party, the Association said and appealed the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues to take decision only in favour of people.

AEKSU demands early construction of Seppa-Chayang Tajo road

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Expressing resentment over the slow progress of development activities, particularly road infrastructure, All East Kameng Students Union has urged the Gammon India Ltd to expedite the construction work of the 81 KM NEC funded Seppa to Chayang Tajo road.

The Govt officials and general people of Bameng and Chanyang Tajo area are facing lot of problems due to delay in construction of road, the union said and alleged that quality of road construction works is not up to the satisfactory.

Mentioning other ongoing development activities, the union also demanded immediate completion of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana under Seppa electrical division, quality implementation of PMGSY project in East Kameng. It also asked the civil aviation department to provide basic facilities like passengers and VIP waiting rooms, security checking room at Seppa Helipad.

While pleading for proper infrastructure in Seppa Govt College, the union also appealed the people to extend cooperation to the district administration in its eviction drive against land encroachment.

46 vie for Mon Ser-gyeling

TAWANG Sept 2: A modest initiative of Film Federation of Monyul (FFM) to hunt and groom the talented but unrecognized singers of Monpa community under the banner of Mon Ser-Gyeling, a mega Monpa singing hunt started off with a big bang at Tawang in Kalawangpo Convention Centre here yesterday.

46 final participants performed their introductory talents in front of hall packed audience from the Monyul region of – Tawang, Bomdila, Khalakthang, Dirang, Rupa, Morshing, Shergaon and Nafra.

The mega singing hunt has been categorized into; Mon Ser-Gyeling (General songs category), the winner of this category will drive home a ‘Chevrolet Spark’ along with a cash prize of one lakh rupees. The second category, Mon Rigshung Ser-Gyeling (Folk song category) winner will pocket a cash prize of one lakh rupees.

“We are on a way to achieve milestones in preserving the indigenous Monpa culture. Today, where the younger generation are embracing the Western culture in the name of modernization, such platform will inspire and instigate craze in our own culture and tradition”, expressed Pema Khandu the Chief Patron of Film Federation of Monyul (FFM) in his keynote address on the inaugural ceremony of Mon Ser-Gyeling. On behalf of the federation and the people of Monyul region he expressed his gratitude to the sponsors of the show.

“Food and clothing doesn’t define culture as these are basic human needs which are dependent on topographical and vegetation of a region; however songs, language, dance and religion identifies people which in turn define culture. Change is constant and we need to be flexible with changing time but not at the cost of losing ones own identity; said Ven. Guru Rimphoche the abbot of Tawang Monastery who graced the function as Chief Guest.

T. Chombay Kee, President of FFM, who initiated the formation of FFM and organizing Mon Ser-Gyaling thanked the dignitaries and Pema Khandu for his infinite support in planning the show and bearing the trouble to find the philanthropic sponsors.

East Siang teachers call on Siram

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: The ATA East Siang Unit President Tabung Ering along with Principals, Vice-Principals and Head masters of Pasighat met the Education Minister at Pasighat yesterday and appealed him to review the restructure of the departmental supplement for the interest of the teaching community of the state.Expressing his dismay, the President Ering said that the govt. plan is unfortunate and if implemented JTs will be badly affected and deprived.

Siram said that he would take care of the welfare of the teachers and appealed to adhere to CCE pattern in schools for the larger interest of the education system in the state. He stated there will be no compromise with the educational development and full fledged education bill would be implemented in the state from the January’11 next onwards.

Intensive prog on SHG

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Intensive programmes on Self-Help Group (SHG) are being conducted in entire East Kameng district by Arunachal Grace of Green Society (AGGS), an NGO, in collaboration with NABARD from August 14 last.

The progamme is being led by Demo Dada which aims to create awareness among people about the benefit of forming SHGs for self employment by undertaking various income generating activities. So far, nine SHGs have been formed since start of the programme, according to an AGGS release.

NNN condemns murder

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Nyishi Nyem Acham while reacting to alleged murder of Late Nebia Tara Yater, daughter of Nebia Sania from Bulapu Papumpare on Aug 16 has said that justice be delivered.

It informed that Yater was deserted by her first husband and subsequently married off to the younger brother.

NNN while reacting to the alleged killing said that first husband of Yater is answerable to the parents and the society.

While terming the killing as inhuman, NN has called for punishment of those involved.

Students to renovate hostel

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: All Sagalee Students Union is going to organize social service at government middle school, Laptap on 11th September to renovate 60 bedded MIBT boys hostel. The need for renovation aroused as existing hostel has been deteriorating in recent years. The renovation work is being conducted under collaboration with All Papum Pare District Students Union and Toru Circle Students Union through self help motto.

Union has requested all likeminded citizens of the area to provide helping to make this social service a success for the poor students and parents of area.

Society for Disabilities Act 1995

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Extending its moral and full support to the hunger strike being launched by All Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Society from Sept 3 in protest against non-implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, the Capital Complex unit of All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) criticised the State Government for delaying in the implementation of the same Act.

The Act is Centre’s attempt to help people with disabilities through job reservation in all government departments. But the same Act is yet to be implemented in Arunachal Pradesh which deprived them of their rights, ANYA unit said in a release.

Bandh

ITANAGAR: The Pushi Bango Students Union reiterated its demand for posting of sufficient numbers of teachers in the Pushi Bango dominated area and will continue the bandh call on Sept 3. The Union has informed that it would not allow vehicular movements in the Pushi Bango area.

ASU Fresher’s meet

DELHI, SEPT 3: 23rd fresher’s meet of the Arunachal Pradesh Students Union of Delhi (ASUD) under the leadership of Lokam Anand. was celebrated on Sept 1 at Arunachal House.

Lenzing Jerang and Mary Sangey were crowned Mr and Miss fresher.

Union minister for parliamentary and planning V.Narayanasamy was the chief guest while MP Oscar Fernandez was the special guest of the evening.

Minister UD and PWD Nabum Tuki, Secretaries (AICC) Meenakshi Natranjan, Sanjay Bapna, Sudhakar Reddy, Alka Lamba, Ranji Thomas, NSUI President Hibi Eden, general secretary(APCC)T.C Tok, MLAs Nido Pavitra and Likha Saya, Chief Resident Commissioner Avinash Kumar Mishra and many other senior leaders and students of the state attended the function.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: A mass social service was organised at Palin circle headquarters to broaden the road from circle office to the market via public health centre and BDO office and make motorable one. This has also reduced the distance from market area to the circle HQ from I km to 200 meters.

Panchayat leaders and villagers of Middle Hinda, Dui, Tassar, Amji, Lumba, Govt staff of Palin circle, bussiness community and general public led by Palin ZPM Techi Azad voluntarily participated in the social service.

Prog on drug abuse

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Arunachal Jagriti informed that talk program by Swami Vishweshananda, secretary, RK Mission hospital on topic “An action plan to eradicate drug from state of Arunachal Pradesh” has been postponed to 8th of September which actually was supposeed to be held on 3rd September.

Komoli Mossang, chairperson, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, will be guest of honour for the day.

Awareness camp

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: A medical awareness campaign was recently held at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Tali, with KGBV Tali chairman Tamuk Tania overseeing the program along with medical officer of PHC Tali and his group of staffs.

The medical team examined couple of students who were suffering from headache, stomach pain, cough, scabies and eye infections. Various measures to keep away from disease affecting the area were informed during the day by medical officer.

Govt lauded

ITANAGAR, Sept 2: All Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clans Youth Organization (AAPATCYO) has lauded the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues for taking steps for renovation of NH-52A. It appealed the executing agencies to give priority on quality works while taking up the road renovation.

Why are we being subjected to such treatment?

Dear Editor,

Even though the Solung is being celebrated in every corner of Arunachal Pradesh, the sadness and disappointment is clearly written on the faces.

The young men and women are performing rhythmic Ponung, but with tears rolling down their faces.

The transfer of ABK President Bilatee Pertin, IAS, created vacuum in Apex Organization of Adi Community. Somehow as the community managed to channelized the Baane Kebang, yet another shock was given to the community in the form of "Ponging lathi Charge" on 26th June' 2010 where the innocent villagers were beaten mercilessly, which show barbaric approach adopted towards the Anti-Dam protestors by State Government.

As the community prepared to celebrate Solung, yet another blow was given by our people first government by fixing Assembly Session from Sept 3.

Even after repeated request made by the community, the assembly session could not be deferred for Solung.

It was not over yet. Another blow was given to the community by arresting former chief minister Gegong Apang.

The entire episodes could not be mere co-incidents.

The union consider it most tragic moment in history of Adis, and which will remain in due pages of history.

In this entire episode, AdiSU praises the greatness of ANSU for deferring their 12 hrs Bandh call to make way for Solung celebrations.

The Union strongly condemns the partiality made by SIC in PDS Scam. It is crystal clear that there are more than 90 accused in the scam who are roaming free, including few of our legislators. But pick and choose arrest of Apang is questionable. As Apang himself has demanded for CBI intervention, nobody should have dared to say no to CBI.

We demand immediate intervention of CBI in state for investigation of PDS Scam.

Yours,

Tapu Mibang (President_

Tapir Taga(Speaker)

Takon Paro (Secy.

Law & Justice)

Adi students Union

An eye opener for the fraudulent

Dear Editor,

At foremost, I would like to thank all those voters of our state who are not tired of pushing world's most admired leaders into power-, who are born with the natural abilities far siphoning of public money. In addition, they acquired several skills in their life time, to misuse power that no wherein any constitution, it is written and interpreted. I felt, if there would be an Arjuna Award for fastest and shortest money making, most of our netas, public leaders and contractors are certain of being nominated and ascertain gold medal.

Ongoing PDS scheme scandal is one such case. The curse of millions of "supposed to had been" beneficiaries of PDS must go to all those who are involved. They will have to bear the God's punishment.

But, looking into the brief insight of the case, former CM Gegong Apang alone cannot be blamed for PDS scheme. He was a mere representative of state government as Chief Minister. Every one knows that departmental work begins from the Establishment Branch before being forwarded to higher authority and they are the custodian of office files. Then, all those involved should have been investigated and punished as per law. The manner in which the veteran leader was arrested and treated speaks explicit volumes of dirty political involvement. Why should a man, who has given his life span looking into the affairs of state, be treated like this'? However, this is an eye opener to all those, who construct quick buildings and run in million dollars vehicle but, lack freedom for existence.

Every one has their time and opportunity. One day our age group may have that prospect to take care of state. Who knows-all those past cases may be opened up for investigation'? Beware present netas, contractors and officers!! System cannot keep functioning like this.

Keep voting for wrong leaders and ready to bear the pain of negative consequences of every issue. When the college and university students are not promising, illiterate are susceptible to rule.

When our students' union and future leaders keep are selling their integrity and character like hot cake, system is sure to be misguided by leaders who cannot vision for state.

Lets ask and watch about 2000 plus crores PM package, 53 crores far capital road maintenance, 30 plus central schemes (which most of the public never know), execution of several mission like SSA, APSACS, NRHM, and infinite illegal appointments. Fight for common cause shall continue like flowing water purifies itself.

Yours,

Payi Gyadi

Chairman

Sango Lomte Foundation

Is the govt really determined to root out corruption?

Dear Editor,

Although the authorities’ recent crackdown on the multi-crore PDS scam is significant one, but the manner in which the former Chief Minister and one of the senior most citizens of the State, Gegong Apang was arrested by the SIC was not at all appreciable. It is very shocking to learn that instead of giving him the opportunity to narrate his own side, the man, who gave his almost entire life for the development of Arunachal Pradesh by serving it for more than 22 years, had been arrested on that ill-fated day creating much confusion in the minds of the State’s people. The pick and choose arrest of Apang and the inhuman treatment allegedly meted out to the former Chief Minister by the SIC needs to be condemned strongly by every right-thinking people of the State. I think the authority especially the SIC should have a humane face prior to humiliating the grand old man, who complained of chest pain in the evening and had to be hospitalized.

Is the government really determined to root out corruption or just using the investigating agency as a tool to tarnish some one’s heard-earned image and reputation? Here, I would like to request the authorities to arrest all the accused persons involved in the PDS scam irrespective of their status or affiliation to factually eliminate the corruption. It is also learnt that there are altogether 90 accused in the PDS scam out of which some are legislators, high ranking officials and kith and kin of the legislators. Many of the accused have not been arrested and those were not required for police remand. And the justice can only be delivered to the people of the state if the Gauhati High Court hands over the case to the highest investigating agency of our country like CBI for a fair and independent inquiry. Hope, the state government will think about the matter in the larger interest of the people of the state.

Yours’

K. Tangu (on email)

Ziro

What GREF has done for Tajang!

Dear Editor,

This is in response to news item "Repercussion following attack on Doctor".

GREF said that the personnel involved in the assault of Dr. Tage Kanno did not know his identity.

Does it mean that a local citizen with no dignified identity would be subjected to physical assault any time? If the news item published in this daily is one sided then what is the truth? Will the authority reveal the truth to the civil society?

Of course we know that personnel of BRO are drawn from all the parts of the country and are working far away from their native place and family in Arunachal Pradesh to assist the progress and development of the state. Now I would like to ask what sort of developmental activities were brought to Tajang Village by the authority concerned. Has the authority ever done anything to the road connecting Lempia, Tajang, Kalung & Reru Villages or the highway connecting Ziro and Daporijo? Has the authority ever provided any educational facilities to the villagers? Has the authority ever provided bus services to the school going children of Pine Groove who have to march 4 to 5 Kms to reach the school?

We cannot consider teasing of women and children in the roadside usually practiced by GREF personnel as a part of development which is.

Local citizens of Tajang village have donated the land free of cost without taking even a penny as a compensation and we always gave respect and regard to the personnel whoever come to our place and we never expect such fruits in return and we can never bear such treatment. Therefore, I would like to ask the concern police department to arrest the culprits involved in the assault of Dr. Kanno immediately before it’s too late.

Yours,

mihinlali@gmail.com

We have right to question ‘laws’ being executed in the name of the our country’s police and judicial system

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my thoughts regarding an issue that has been much debated in your opinion column recently.

First of all, I would like to clarify the meaning of the phrase 'prima-facie': originally derived from Latin, it simply means "first impression or appearance". In legal parlance, the phrase means something "accepted as correct until proven otherwise". I thought it appropriate to explain that here because I feel it is important to simplify legal jargon and make language accessible to the lay reader. Too often, do people use their positions and obscure jargon to alienate the public by way of asserting pseudo authority over the issue being discussed.

I believe Gegong Apang has the indisputable right to challenge his arrest. Furthermore, if the SIC is merely taking orders from the Guwahati High Court for an arrest warrant under prima-facie, no one is contesting that either as the Dibe Youth Welfare Association has eloquently stated in their letter to the editor. However, in the back and forth assertions and retorts, we seemed to have missed out on the most important point, which is that the people of Arunachal are categorically pro-justice and will stand united against unfair and politically motivated "investigation". If the government fails to deliver fair trial then it is up to the people to express their concerns in their news dailies. Surely, these expressions should not be taken personally by anyone nor should they be entertained in a communal and caustic manner by representatives of the Guwahati High Court Bench in Naharlagun. Rather, at such a time the legal fraternity need to uphold their dignity and decorum while extending their unbiased service towards society, grounded on the ideals of the Indian Judicial System. A lawyer's work is to serve the community and seek justice like a balanced scale impartial and uncolored by personal biases and certainly not to naively serve some constructed "truth" as we all know truth is as slippery as it is elusive these days.

While it is vital to uphold democratic tolerance and engage in healthy debate, it is as essential that we do not lose ourselves to rhetoric or reactionary conspiracy theories, and focus instead on the more immediate issue of the dismal lack of law and order that has beleaguered Arunachal. This is clearly evidenced, over the last few years, by the spate of rampant kidnappings, murders and pick-and-choose "investigations" which in turn have been sensationalized on national television. In the face of this shameful, goonda-hooligan-politics, the present government seems to be sorely lacking in discretion and wisdom; thanks to which the rest of India probably sees us as one of the most corrupt and dangerous places to visit and we probably are not too far from becoming exactly such a place. In any case, this is all probably a result of what Dibe Youth Welfare Association has aptly described as "a trend being set in Arunchal where democracy is being murdered by money-power."

Lastly, a letter to the editor title "No one is above law" urges us "not to unnecessarily question the arrest". On the contrary, it is very necessary to question the law especially when it has been allowed to be partial and handed over to a police staff who himself has criminal records and charges. How ludicrously ironic indeed. Let us reiterate here, that we the public body may indeed question the manner and the justification behind what is evidently emerging to be an unfair purchased and staged "investigation" against a single person. The reason why so many voices have spoken against this particular arrest is because it has become one of the most dramatic and also the most lop-sided cases in the history of Arunachal. Moreover, the singling out of one individual in this case (1 person out of 40), manhandling him to the point of depriving him of food and medicine, is unmistakably inhumane and abominable, and not just from the perspective of Adi Bane Kebang but according to any free-thinking, conscientious person. We all have the right to question such methods and "laws" being executed in the name of the our country's police and judicial system.

We all have the right to exercise our freedom of speech and expression, a hallmark of the Indian National Movement and our Constitutional and innate right, hopefully we can do so in a sensitive and sensible manner. On this note, let no one underestimate the sentiment, intelligence, conscience, and voice of the people. I pray, may we have healthy debates and liberated minds in Arunachal. It is the only way we can hope to have a healthy society. Here’s hoping the press in Arunachal will also be discerning enough to promote more healthy debates and less corrosive, politically motivated and trite rhetoric. Long live selfless and peaceful freedom of speech and expression.

Yours,

Y.Taggu, (on email)

Police interference mars cordial relations

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Taba Ajum’s article, "Pain of Tirap" published on Aug 30 in your daily.

The statement of one citizen of Russa village in Tirap "we share excellent relation with Assam people who live on other side of the boundary. But it is Assam police which always torture us without any reasons” is absolutely true.

I know this because I am a victim of boundary disputes.

On 4th April 2008 at Dullung Ramghat village under Tarasso circle in Papum Pare, my house was completely destroyed by Assam Police personnel with the help of CRPF led by Beat officer Gawsolla under Borgang sub-division in Sunitpur Dist. Assam.

Without any prior notice to the concern administration of Arunachal for eviction, they came suddenly like thieves and took away all the precious traditional ornaments along with money.

They even did not spare a single utensil.

Not only that, they destroyed agricultural and horticultural fields and ill treated women and beat them. Is this police or what?

People of Tarasso shares excellent relations with Assam people who live on other side of the boundary. But it is Assam police which always torture us without any reasons and make our lives miserable.

The duty of police is to safeguard the interest of citizens. But the Assam police instead of safeguarding the interest of citizens, they render us helpless. They never maintain the status quo as per the Supreme court order.

I wonder whether they are civil police and whether they take oath to safeguard all those in need when they are appointed.

In this context, I would like to request both the states of Arunachal - Assam and Student Unions to check such type of police activity in the border areas and give them an exemplary punishment so that strong relationship between the public of Arunachal and Assam is not spoilt.

Yours,

Tana Jasap

Dullung Ramghat,

(on email)

Incredible north-east!

Dear Editor,

From here in Bhubaneshwar, two areas in the world looks confusing and strange. Whenever there is a news on inter-tribal riots in African countries like Sudan, Nigeria, Congo etc, it makes me wonder how the rival tribes identify each other since they all look the same.

In India, North-east is amazing. These days we are getting stories of two states Nagaland and Manipur locking horns. When reading about the Nagas, it is found that there are numerous tribes among Nagas. My question is, why does an Angami, Ao, or Maram think they are Naga? Why the Kukis think they are not Naga. If Angami, Konyak, Tangkhuls have different histories, Kukis are also different. Why are they not Nagas? They are also hill tribe and are Mongoloid in look like the Ao or Angami. Angami, Konyak is so different from Tangkhul. Then why does Tangkhul leader Muivah bring Angami, Konyak etc in Nagalim and not form a separate land for Tangkhuls in Nagaland.

We read in tourism advertisements of north-east as land of seven sisters. The person who termed this sobriquet should rethink. Every now and then neighbouring hill states fight for land. Going by the scenario this doesn’t look true. Anyone will say the region to be that of ‘seven enemies’.

Yours,

Sumon Das

Bhubaneshwar

What if they say no?

Dear Editor,

This is in response to news items “Yobin: a marginalized tribe in search of Arunachalee identity”.

The Sokjar & Gamde Gamlin Foundation has done a good job by holding a symposium to let the people of Arunachal know the truth regarding the injustice Yobin people have suffered.

While looking at the comments from each participant, I was surprised by the words of the AAPSU President, Takam Takung, where he is quoted to have said that “Union would take a decision on grant of ST status only after arriving at a consensus with all the stakeholders”.

What if stakeholders say no? Would he still remain quite after learning so much from our leaders during the symposium?

Yours,

Liahey Ngwazah,

(on email)

Bangalore

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----Editor