The Arunachal Times - Archives

Chakma refugees sent back to designated camp

Correspondent

JAIRAMPUR, Sept 11: Seven Chakma refugee families with 28 members residing illegally in Jairampur circle, Changlang district were sent back to their designated camps located at Diyun today by the youths of Kovin, Honkap and Taipong.

Initially, it was only one family that we had record of but when we inquired further it was stunning to locate six more families scattered along the bank of Namchik River, informed ASM Samtu Simai.

We also found that none of the 28 individuals had any legal documents like inner liner permit with them, he added. It was unanimous decision of panchayat leaders, village heads and youths to drive off the Chakma refugees residing illegally in Jairampur circle, he said.

We have not used any means of violence or threat to drive them out but in fact we convened a meeting and told them to leave this area as they have been working and residing here illegally and also advised them never to come back, he added.

He also appealed to the concerned authorities to make sure that such illegal colony doesn’t crop up in the future.

Over the last one decade, Chakmas have spread out of their designated camps and spilled over to reserve forests areas in the district.

CM visits rain devastated Upper Siang

ITANAGAR Sept 11: Concerned over the situation arising out of incessant rain leading to flash flood that claimed eight lives and swept away several houses in Mosing village under Upper Siang on September 8 last, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu made an aerial survey of the district to take firsthand account of the magnitude of disaster. The district is cut off from rest of the world for last three days due to road blockages in several points.

While expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Khandu released Rs. 20 lakhs as immediate relief to the kith and kin of the deceased and for those who sustained injuries.

He assured all possible assistance from the state government to bring back the district to normalcy and has issued immediate directions to the works departments to take up restoration of road communication, water supply and electricity.

In the wake of situation arising out of incessant rain leading to flash flood, inflation of all the small streams, landslides and flood like situation, the state government has requested the union government to declare the calamity as a national calamity and extend all necessary helps in this regard to the already fund constraint state government. Khandu had written letters to the Prime Minister, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and many other Union Ministers in this regard and has urged to send a high level central team to assess the quantum of damage done by the natural catastrophe.

Meanwhile the chief minister has alerted all the DCs and the police to be in preparedness for relief and rescue operations wherever required specially during late hours of night, reports PRO to CM.

Flood fury at Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Sept 11: The road communication between Pasighat and Yagrung in East Siang is cut off since last two days when the approach of a timber bridge over Poglek River was washed away due to a flash flood damaging the bridge badly.

According to Er. Tapi Darang EE (PWD) one Bailey Bridge over river Tolon, 13 km away from Pasighat is also at high risk.

The Pasighat-Pangin road was breached and blocked at several places due to heavy rainfall. The ‘14 mile Kalamati’ is badly affected area but men and machineries have been deployed for restoration. It would take 3-4 days to bring normalcy, the sources informed.

Union supports AAPSU, demands state varsity at Pasighat

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: All East Siang District Students’ Union (AESDSU) have expressed gratitude to All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) for inclusion of the demand for the upgrdation of Jawahar Lal Nehru College, Pasighat to a state University in AAPSU’s charter of demand submitted to state government recently. This noble and historic move will benefit the people of the state at large and is sure to add a milestone in the progress of the Arunachal, stated AESDSU Vice-President David Gao. The demand for the upgradation of JN College into a state University was placed by AESDSU in the recently held AAPSU federal assembly at Ziro which received support from every student organizations and later it was included in AAPSU’s charter of demand. It also demanded the state government to immediately establish state university at Pasighat and start the PG Classes from next session.

AESDSU hoped that under the leadership of AAPSU, President, Takam Tatung, union would earmark a new feat of success for the overall development of the state in the coming days.

The Union also extended its gratitude to the East Siang District Administration for materializing its demand in shifting the land allotted to JNV by JN college Pasighat in its upper campus to the north-west direction from the present side.

The Union further appealed the district administration to issue immediate order to vacate the land to those shopkeepers who are illegally occupying land in the lower campus of the college failing to which Union will take its own course of action.

PPA slams govt depts on CAG report

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: People’s party of Arunachal while reacting to Comptroller and Auditor General’s Report for year ending March 2009 demanded that all the departments in questions should be immediately investigated and persons involved in financial irregularities should be punished to set example to other corrupted departments too.

It said that irregularities and misutilisation of the fund in the Government Departments as revealed in the report of the Controller and Auditor General of India is matter of serious concerned.

On wrong selection of the locations of the schemes, the party termed it lack far sightedness and narrow political outlook of elected leaders, who in order to accommodate few of their political sycophants did it at the cost of development.

It has also mentioned that a fund has been misappropriated and implementation of MPLADS has been failed due to non adherence of guidelines and financial rules.

The party further questioned why the CAG report was not discussed at the floor of the house.

The party further said that in order to prevent the misappropriation of the funds, the third party monitoring system should be introduced in all departments including autonomous institutions like Rajiv Gandhi University, NIT, NERIST, etc to ensure independent monitoring of the third party.

The party appealed to the Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Romesh to give due consideration to the opinions and views of the affected people of the Mega dams in the State. PPA advocated that instead of the mega dam the Run off River projects should be constructed in Arunachal Pradesh to ensure safety of the downstream people and socio-ecology harmony. PPA further demanded that Special Investigation Cell reveal the name of IAS officers and other who have been alleged to be involved in the multicrores PDS scandal.

Flood causes extensive damage across the state

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Reports of extensive damages caused to the people in the form of property loss, disruption in road communication, power and water supply by the recent flash flood due to torrential rains within and off the capital region have been pouring in.

The Down Colony, Naharlagun remained cut off from main market following washing away of the RCC bridge over Lagun River at Down Polo Colony. The flash flood, which occurred on September 9 and 10, also washed away the retaining wall along with nine houses, claimed a DCWSDC release.

The people of the colony appealed to the authority to re-construct the bridge and provide relief materials for their rehabilitation.

Flash flood also caused extensive damage to paddy fields, road & culverts, dwelling houses at Pichola, Tanihapa, Dokum villages.

A Pichola Tanihapa & Dokum Village Defence Committee release claimed that Panbari, Pichola, Tanihapa and Kerekjuli river culverts were washed away by flash flood causing disruption in road communication of Pichola, Gorubanda and Tani Hapa. It further claimed that as many as 20 houses and 27 paddy fields were washed away, 10 fish ponds damaged and 30 jhum cultivation destroyed under the impact of flash flood.

The road communication from Itanagar to Basarnala via Jote has been badly damaged on Friday due to torrential rain and landslide at various points. While informing this, All Papum Poma Students’ Union (APPSU) said that patients suffering from various diseases at various interior places have been facing lots of problem in reaching hospitals due to bad road communication. It appealed to the authority concerned to take prompt action to restore road communication, power supply and telecom services which were cut off due to incessant rain. Further, APPSU appealed to the Government to release relief to the affected villagers and assess the extent of damages caused to paddy fields by authority concerned. Barapani Welfare Committee (BWC) president, on behalf of the flood affected people residing near the bank of Pachin river, who have lost their houses, household items and other valuables in the recent flood, sought financial help from the State Government for their quick rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the Papum Pare district and Capital Complex units of All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), in their separate releases, strongly urged the Government as well as local MLA to provide relief to the people of capital region affected by the recent natural calamity.

While Papum Pare unit criticized the implementing agencies for their hesitancy in releasing fund eventhough Government sanctions money for such emergency purposes, the Capital Complex unit threatened to launch its own course of action if Government fails to redress grievances of the affected people.

Meanwhile, Development Committee of Pachin Colony lauded MLA Techi Kaso for his personal initiative to clear the road from Pachin Colony to NH 52A. It urged PWD authority for further clearance of the road.

FGA appeals to district admn

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: The members of Master Coordinating Committee (MCC), board of governing body of Future Generations Arunachal in its half yearly meeting held at SIRD hall today resolved to urged the Lower Subansiri District Administration for immediate recovery of the key of the organization’s vehicle from the GREF personnel. While discussing the unfortunate incident of August 30, the members in the meeting said that besides assault on Executive Director of Future Generations Arunachal Dr. Tage Kanno, the key of the organization’s vehicle have been snatched away by GREF personnel following a minor altercation.

The FGA in a release today said that the official vehicle is kept unused in the police custody and despite request by MCC members the key of the vehicle has not yet been returned by the GREF personnel.

While condemning the incident of Aug 30, the organization said that such kind of incident should not be repeated in future.

FGA is also working for community based sustainable development in Arunachal since more than a decade as the GREF does for the welfare of the nation, the release said. The organization wants to keep a good relation with the GREF personnel, it said and asked the GREF authority to return the FGA official Bolero key immediately.

Govt is duty bound to release pending PDS bills: Contractors

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association has demanded the State Govt for early release of the PDS bills of contractors which remains pending since 2004.

While threatening to launch democratic movement in favour of its demand, the Association president Nabam Tagam said the Govt should act promptly in releasing pending bills in order to avoid any law and order problems and opening of “another Multi crore Pandora’s box”.

In a memorandum to the Chief Minister, the Association quoting the HC order on May 13, 2008 and another division bench order on June 18, 2009 and recent court order on June 15 last said that the pending PDS bills do not come under PIL No.50/2004.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu informed the Assembly on Sept 6 that Centre had agreed to pay 50 per cent of the amount in the first phase for the bills pending from the year 2007 till date but had refused to pay the earlier bills for the year 2004 to 2006, as it was subjudiced.

The Association, however, said that as per record of the Govts (both Centre and state) there is no subjudice case regarding pending bills. As such there is no stay order on payment.

Pointing out the resolutions taken by the Association on Sept 4 last, the memorandum said, the PDS contractors has been appointed by the state Govt along with a deed of agreement. As per Indian Contract Act, the appointing authority is duty bound to make the payments to the contractors, it said.

Highlighting the plight of the contractors due to non-payment of bills, the Association said most of the contractors have been bankrupted and at the same time the Apex Bank almost collapsed due to non-repayment of the loan amount by the contractors as they are not receiving yet their pending bills from the Govt. Reminding the state Govt that “28 contractors have obtained High Court orders against their pending Hill Transport Subsidy bills and 8 money decrees that has been passed by Fast Tract Court against the state Government with 6% interest levied annually with total interest of `75.0 crores till date, the Association said that pending of bills with interest will badly affect the state coffer.

Why the state Govt sabotaged the PDS contractors bills, which is 100 per cent reimbursable from the FCI/Central Govt, while the concerned department has released crores of rupees to the contractors against iodized salt, levy sugar, SK Oil which is also reimbursable as that of PDS/HTS, the Association questioned.

Student bodies demand cancellation of Govt decision on PRC

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: All Changlang District Students Union and All Lohit Students Union have warned that there would be serious law and order problem if state government does not cancel the decision of giving PRC to non-APST in the two districts. A joint meeting of two district student unions was held at Tezu yesterday, in which they decided to fight tooth and nail against this historic blunder committed by state government.

Both the union stated that this decision has deeply hurt the sentiment of local citizen and it is like adding salt to the injury as already people of both the district has suffered enough due to refugee and insurgency problem.

The two unions claimed that this order issued by the govt. of Arunachal Pradesh which will facilitates the non-APST people to acquire Permanent Residential Certificate in two districts is a clear invitation by our political bosses to make these already suffering districts as dumping ground for refugees and consequently the gateway to Indian citizenship via PRC. This order has been issued purely for the political benefits of politicians and ordinary citizens of two districts will never accept this order, the two union stated.

Both the union has supported move of apex students Union ‘AAPSU’ who has given ultimatum to state government to cancel this controversial decision.

IDEA Opens Skill Development Training at Ziro

Ziro, Sept 11: Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA) in collaboration with NABARD inaugurated the first phase of Skill development training programme for 25 rural women of Ziro on September 9 at IDEA Training Centre near Hong Village in Ziro.

While inaugurating the programme the Chief Guest Hibu Uma, ZPM appreciated the steps taken by IDEA for women empowerment and human development particularly to reach the rural women in the interior villages of Arunachal Pradesh. He enlightened the trainees on the scope of entrepreneurial activities in Ziro.

The guest of honour Shri Hage Tado, Joint Director for Textiles congratulated the participants for taking a daring step to learn a new skill and earn something to improve the standard of living of the family.

He reminded the participants that they have the hidden treasure of many inborn talents. This is a golden opportunity to unearth their talents for the good of themselves and for the humanity.

While thanking IDEA for such initiatives he ensured his wholehearted support to the trainees in the form of loans, insurance and any advanced studies in this level to take up small scale enterprise activities after the completion of the training.

The Don Bosco School Principal and IDEA training centre in-charge Rev. Fr. Xavier thanked NABARD for their wholehearted support and interest towards the rural women empowerment in Ziro. Speaking on the occasion he highlighted the need of capacitating the girl children to insure empowered families. He also said that the very coming together to learn in itself is a process of socialization and human development. It will positively contribute to social change.

Sanjiv Tirkey the project coordinator of IDEA elaborated on the training module and positive outcome of the programme. He said that IDEA is trying to help people to help themselves. Thus IDEA is networking with various other developmental actors such as NABARD, Government departments and likeminded NGOs to attain this goal.

He also reiterated the commitment of the President of IDEA Rt. Rev. Dr. John Thomas, the Bishop of Itanagar to enable the rural youth and women of Arunachal towards holistic development.

John Tadu Ex-ZPM and Coordinator of IDEA Programmes at Ziro said that IDEA has been creating multiple avenues for women empowerment and sustainable development to make the people of Arunachal Pradesh self-reliant and productive.

Rural Youth Interaction Day

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Upper Subansiri District organized “Rural Youth Interaction Day” at Paka Govt. Middle School under Dumporijo Circle on Sept 9. Around 61 participants comprising of student & rural youth of surrounding area along with teachers of the school took part in the interaction programme.

Agricultural Development Officer, Dumporijo Circle Limi Ado, spoke about the importance and scope of Agriculture and allied subjects for the aspiring youths.

Regarding the technical session, Dr. Wahengbam Purnima Devi, Subject Matter Specialist (Agron) spoke on “Integrated Nutrient Management” through slide presentation and also carried out a method demonstration on seed treatment with bio-fertilizers.

Dr. Bina Saikia, Subject Matter Specialist (A.H. & Vety) discussed in detail about the “Formation of Self -Help Group (SHG)” particularly for the women section and how they can improve their financial status and contribute to their household and society. Mr. Dipjyoti Bora, Programme Assistant (Fisheries) spoke on “Importance of Fisheries in rural development” and motivated the participants to start fish farming professionally as the area was particularly lacking in this field.

Rekik Roniya, Head Master of the Middle School also spoke on the day.

APPRCC reiterates demands

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Coordination Committee (APPRCC) in its meeting held here yesterday reiterated the demands submitted in a memorandum to the state Govt on July 19, 2009.

The meeting attended by ZPCs, ZPMs and ASM chairpersons of the districts resolved to chalk out strategy in favour of their demands in a meeting to be held in the last part of October. It was further resolved that district coordination meeting of the APPRCC would be held in each district within September before the proposed October meeting.

Upper Subansiri ATA unit clarifies

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: The issue involving the DDSE which was cropped up due to misunderstanding has been resolved in a meeting on Aug 28 last, said Arunachal Teachers Association (ATA), Upper Subansiri District Unit in a release today.

Reacting to the press statement of ANYA Upper Subansiri district unit pleading suspension of DDSE for alleged misappropriation of public money, the ATA unit said that the Panchayat leaders, students and DDSE in a meeting held on August 28 in presence of RD and Panchayati Raj Minister Takar Marde and Education Minister Bosiram Siram have cleared the misunderstanding and settled the case amicably. It appealed the organizations not to raise the issue further as it will affect the academic activities of the education institutions.

Meanwhile, ATA unit has appealed the state Govt to take steps for phase-wise regularization of SSA teachers.

Reminding the pen down strike proposed by the AASSATA, the unit said Govt should fulfill its assurance for the interest of the SSA teachers most of who are serving in remote areas despite meagre amount of salary.

Post harvest management on apple held at Dirang

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Under the auspices of National Horticulture Board (NHB), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, Gurgaon a 2 days training cum demonstration on Post harvest management on apple was orgainised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) West Kameng, Dirang from Sept 10.

Altogether 70 delegates including scientists, state department official, KVK officials, practicing farmers, farm women and unemployed rural youth attended the programme.

The main aim and objectives of training programme was to create awareness among the apple growers on proper post harvest management, provide value addition for marketing by means of accurate grading and packaging, selection of suitable packaging materials for export market and introduce the fruit harvester to reduce the fruit damage.

Dr. N.D. Singh, Programme Coordinator of the Kendra highlighted the role and function of the KVK especially in the field of frontline demonstration, on farm trails and training on agriculture and its allied sectors in West Kameng district.

Addressing the day of inaugural programme, H. Donyi, Additional Deputy Commissioner stressed upon the farmers to take up horticulture and agriculture activities.

Dr. V. Paul, Incharge Director of national Research Centre on Yak, Dirang highlighted the importance of commercial apple cultivation and its benefit in terms of employment generation, higher income and foreign exchange earnings.

N. Phaichulpa, District Horticulture Officer, West Kameng district focused on the immense potential of apple industry for generation remunerative self employment among small marginal farmers.

Bodumba, Progressive farmer of Dirang shared his experience of becoming a progressive farmer by taking up apple cultivation. He lauded the farmers to be sincere towards taking up different operation as apple being sensitive crop to many pests and diseases.

Later during the technical session Dr. N.D. Singh, Programme Coordinator of the Kendra and T. Boko, Subject matter Specialist (PP) of KVK West Kameng spoke on post harvest management on apple for self life enhancement by selecting suitable packaging materials for distance market and post harvest disease management on apple.

SLSA draw 1-1 with YS XI; NERIST win

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) and YS XI played out a 1-1 draw in a league level match of the 2nd Summer Cup Invitational Football Championship at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun today.

In the day’s another match, NERIST team beat FC Senki Valley by a margin of 5-1 goals.

Today’s matches:

DFC vs GHSS, Polo

Colony, 2 pm

Game Zone vs AUSC, 4 pm

Annual sports & games

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: The Second Kipa Tai Memorial Volleyball and Badminton Tournament got underway at Zingang Colony, Papu Nallah, Naharlagun yesterday with MLA Markio Tado inaugurating the annual sporting event amidst huge gathering.

Altogether 16 badminton players and 8 volleyball teams are participating in the tournament. Finals of both the events will be played on September 21.

The winner of the volleyball tournament would be given Rs 70,000 while champion of the badminton event will get Rs. 30,000.

College election

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Tanya Agu has been elected general secretary of Students Union, Dera Natung Govt. College.

Committee demands RRC Bridge over Lagun river

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Upper Damsite (West) Welfare Committee along with public conducted social service today.

During the social service they constructed 20 meters long temporary Bamboo Bridge over Lagun River.

It appealed to the concerned authority, Local MLA and the state government to immediately construct RCC Bridge at Lagun River, Upper Damsite.

Social service cum volley competition

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: All Parang Circle Youth Association is conducting social service and Volley Ball competition for boys and girls at Government Secondary School, Parang on October 1 and 2.

Committee renamed

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: East Damsite Welfare Committee has been remained as East Damsite Development Welfare Committee, in a meeting held at Naharlagun today.

Felicitations

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Tai Nikio and Tai Kaku have been selected as Chairman and General Secretary of Tai Welfare Society in a meeting held yesterday.

During the meeting, the society felicitated Tai Akin, Tai Hali, Tai Mani, Tai Dupluty and Tai Ayum on being topped in the CBSE 2010 examination amongst the students of Tai clan and assure to continue such programme for the students community.

Meet on hydro project

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Segi Gusar Anchal Block ZPM Pakde Uli taking concerned over the proposed Subansiri Upper Hydro Project appealed all the people of the project affected areas to keep vigil on the entire project related matters.

Meanwhile, the ZPM convened a meeting relating to the said Hydro Project on September 15 at Dumporijo.

Oyan Solung Festival postponed to Sept 14

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Oyan Solung festival committee has postponed the Oyan Solung festival celebration to September 14 informed festival committee president Sen Pao.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner East Siang District Onit Pannyang and SDO Ruksin Yemling Tayeng have consented to attend the festival as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

Besides Ponung party from Mangnang village, variety show would also be conducted during the celebration.

Coordination meeting

ITANAGAR: Parliamentary Secretary (Agriculture), Rajesh Tacho stressed the need for revitalized extension services for ensuring growth of farm sector through ambitious programmes like RKVY, MMA Watershed Development which are funded by Govt. of India.

He said this during a Departmental Coordination Meeting held at the Directorate of Agriculture on Sept 10.

The Director (Agriculture), Tago Basar appealed to District Officers for radical changes of mindset for successful implementation of the programmes.

The meeting was attended by all the senior officers of the Department who appraised about the district specific plans.

Association demands adequate medicines

ITANAGAR: All Puyu Panchayat Youth Welfare Association appealed to the Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Nirjuly to provide adequate medicines to contain Foot and Mouth Disease of Mithun in the area.

It further appealed to the government to immediately release relief materials to Mithun owner, who lost their Mithun in the present FMD epidemic.

Continue support to Toko Teji

ITANAGAR: Adi Students Union has appealed the people of the state to continue their support to the wonder boy Toko Teji who is performing in India Got Talent -2, a reality show in Colors TV. Let the world know Arunachal through Toko Teji, the union said.

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang, Itanagar observed two minutes silence at Itanagar Donyi Polo Ganging today and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of IFS officer Kayang Pertin, who died in a road accident near Balipara on Sept 8 last.

The members of the Yelam Kebang also prayed for the early recovery of the injured members and extended its condolence message to the bereaved family members.

Meanwhile, Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has condoled the death of Late Kayeng Pertin.

Late Pertin was a dedicated Indian Forest Service Officer and a source of inspiration for young generation. His death is a irreparable loss for the state, AdiSU said in its condolence message.

The union prayed to Donyi-Polo for eternal peace for the departed soul and for enough strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.