The Arunachal Times - Archives

Arunachal gets additional 32 companies of forces for election

Itanagar, Sept 18: The Union Home Ministry has agreed to provide 32 additional companies of Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) to Arunachal Pradesh for the October 13 Assembly polls.

While only seven companies of CPMF were provided to the state during the recently concluded parliamentary elections, the quantum of forces to be deployed this election is much high.

Besides the available state police and other para military forces, the additional 32 companies would be deployed in all sensitive and hyper sensitive polling stations and other vulnerable areas during the poll day, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Yeshi Tsering informed here today.

On poll preparations, the CEO disclosed that the entire election machinery in the state has been pressed into service for conducting peaceful election.

''We have designated all the deputy commissioners (DCs) as Returning Officers (ROs) and other administrative officers as AROs.

Moreover, 10305 government employees would be deployed for election duty,'' he added.

On the facilities to be provided to physically challenged voters the CEO informed that standing instructions have been passed to all the polling booths to provide wooden ramps and other facilities to the physically challenged electorate.

He said all the DCs have been asked to make a survey of all physically challenged voters in their respective districts and provide facilities to them. Special care would be taken for visually impaired voters, he added.

''We have asked the DCs to ensure that all the polling stations in their respective districts are located on ground floor for comfort of the voters,'' he disclosed. Out of the total 2061 polling stations in the state, eight booths have only few voters ranging from three to nine. The booths with less numbers of electorate include Sikaridong in Kalaktang constituency with four voters, Lamta in Pakke-Kessang (five), two booths in Anini constituency namely Punli (nine) and Marambo (three), two in Hayuliang constituency - Matkrong (seven) and Malogam (four), Dharampur-II under Miao constituency (seven) and Upper Mudoideep in Bordumsa-Diyun constituency with only three voters. UNI

ATNS adds: 32 Senior Administrative Officers have been appointed as Returning Officers. They will be assisted by 178 Administrative Officers.

33 General Observers have been deployed by the Election Commission of India to keep watch on the activities of the Political Parties, Contesting Candidates and also the fairness of the Election Officials.

A Control Room has been opened in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (Telephone No. 0360- 2290693) and helpline at all District Hqrs. to assist the voters. There are 2062 Polling Stations spread all over the State while 7,49,659 voters will exercise their franchise.

Three papers filed on first day for Arunachal Assembly polls

Itanagar, Sept 18: Altogether three candidates today filed their nominations on the first day of filing papers for the October 13 Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh.

With issuance of statutory notification, the process of filing papers began.

Independent candidate Subu Kechi filed his papers for the prestigious Itanagar constituency, while NCP candidates Tad Tana and Hapa Taidong filed their nominations for Sagalee and Changlang North constituencies respectively, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Yeshi Tsering told UNI. Filing of papers will end on September 25 and scrutiny will take place the next day. The last date for withdrawal is September 29.

Arunachal Pradesh has a 60-member Assembly and the Congress during the 2004 elections bagged 34 seats and BJP 9. While Arunachal Congress, a regional party, and NCP won in two seats each and 13 went to Independents.

However, all the BJP MLAs, including both the NCP members, merged with Congress and all the Independents became associate members of the ruling party thereby making presence of opposition virtually nill in the House. The Congress so far has announced the names of 56 candidates, while NCP 30 and BJP 17 and Trinomool Congress 26.

For the first time Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is going to contest in all seats while Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF), a Nagaland- based party is planning to field 16 candidates in Tirap and Changlang districts.

Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA), Janata Dal United JD (U) and AC are also going to contest from selected constituencies this time. UNI

Congress in hectic election mood, star campaigners to visit state

Itanagar, Sept 18: With the battle lines drawn for the October 13 Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh, the ruling Congress in this Himalayan state is on a hectic election mood with full preparations for the D-day.

The party though announced the names of 56 candidates; it is still indecisive on remaining four constituencies following reported internal rift within many contenders seeking ticket from the remaining seats.

''We would announce the names within a day or two,'' informed Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki during a press conference here this afternoon without specifying the exact date.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, who is also present in the press meet, informed that the star campaigners of the party including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and youth icon Rahul Gandhi had agreed to visit the state shortly in phased manner to boost the election campaign.

''We have shortlisted a few places like Itanagar, Along, Daporijo and Seppa where the Congress stalwarts will address election rallies,'' Khandu said, adding the dates of their visit were yet to be finalised.Exuding confidence of a best show this election, Tuki claimed that the Congress would reinstate as the single largest party by winning in over 50 seats and would form the next government.

''Our main issues will be development in the state being undertaken by the UPA government besides internal and external security concerns of the state,'' Tuki said and ruled out any possible alliance with other parties.

Denying any internal strife among the party, he said ''Congress is a big party and there may be some misunderstandings but it will be amicably sorted out.'' To the incident of burning of NCP’s vehicles by Congress workers at Naharlagun yesterday as alleged, Tuki expressed ignorance of the incident.

Meanwhile, the party received a shot in its arm ahead of the Assembly elections with 131 leaders including panchayat leaders and two former ministers from various parties coming to the Congress fold today. UNI

‘Money politics not a healthy sign of democracy’

Development of infrastructure, health & education sectors JD(U)’s poll agenda

RANJIT SINHA

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: With the filing of nominations began today, Janata Dal (United) has said that development of road infrastructure, health and education sectors would be party’s main agenda for October 13 Assembly election in the state.

Despite huge fund allocation from the Centre, the state Govts in North East, especially Arunachal Pradesh has totally failed to utilize or misused the fund, JD(U) national general secretary and North East Incharge Arun Kumar Srivastava said and assured that his party which had already brought major changes in development perspective in Bihar, would embark on development activities with the people’s support in Arunachal.

Claiming that the BJP in state is not in a good position, and the NCP and Trinamool Congress are ultimately being the parties of the UPA at the Centre, the JD(U) in state would give a tough fight in Assembly election and may play crucial role in formation of the Govt, Srivastava said while addressing the media persons here today. If voted to power, the party would also work hard for women’s emancipation including 50 per cent reservation in Panchayat bodies in the line of Bihar where women have major say under the JD (U)-led Govt, he said. However, despite JD(U)’ commitment, no woman candidate in state has sought party ticket till date.

Lamenting over the involvement of huge money in elections in North East and other states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnakata, the party observed that over use of money in battle of ballot is not a good sign of healthy democracy, it may bring disaster in the long run in the largest democracy in the world, the party leader said.

Banking on people’s support, the party claimed that JD(U) is the party of the people. The party does not believe in money power, the people are the ultimate judge, and they will decide their representatives according to their choice.

The JD(U), which is a nascent party in the state had earlier decided to contest in all sixty assembly seats, however, is going to field candidates in ‘maximum seats’ now.

Announcing the name of Tami Taniang, chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Society as the official candidate for the party from prestigious Itanagar constituency, Srivastava said that so far the party has received around 30 applications for party ticket and final list of the candidate will be announced on Sept 21 or 22 next.

Party supremo Sharad Yadav, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and many other party MPs would arrive in the state shortly for election campaign to ensure maximum number of candidates get elected, Srivastava added. State JD(U) president Sonam Wangchu and other party leaders were present during the press meet.

26 names figures in Trinamool’s first list

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: Trinamool Congress has come up with a first list of 26 names for the Arunachal legislative assembly polls. The list includes 9 legislators who joined the party after being denied tickets from their respective parties, four women candidates and 11 new entrants among whom is Editor of Dawn lit Post Gabriel D Wangsu who is set to contest from Kanubari constituency against sitting Minister Newlai Tingkatra. The women candidates who will try their electoral luck are Dakter Basar, Duter Padu, Karya Bagang and Yai Mara. The names that were announced today are Tagung Neri (Bameng) Karya Bagang (Chayang Tajo) Tapuk Taku (Seppa East) Tani Loffa (Seppa West) T. C. Teli (Doimukh) Nani Ribia (Ziro Hapoli) Nyato Rigia ( Taliha) Daklo Nidak (Daporijo) Yai Mara (Likabali) Dakter Basar (Basar) Duter Padu (Aalo West) Yomto Jini (Aalo East) Tako Puning (Mechuka) Tsepa Wangchuk Khumpa (Tuting) Tadom Mibang (Pangin) Olom Panyang (Mariyang-Geku) Jomin Tayeng (Dambuk ) Laeta Umbrey(-Roing) Chinakong Namshum (Chowkham) Chow Pingthika Namchoom (Namsai) Mayong Maio (Bordumsa) Wangnia Pongte (Changlang North) Khamthok Lowang (Khonsa East) Thajam Aboh (Khonsa West) Gabriel D Wangsu (Kanubari) Kapa Bengia (Koloriang).

NCP announces 2nd list of candidates

Itanagar, Sept 18: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today announced the second list of candidates for the October 13 Assembly elections in the state.

With the second list released by party's national secretary Jimmi George in presence of state unit president Lowangcha Wanglat here, the total nominees announced so far reached 30. On September 5, the party announced its first list of 17 candidates.

The candidates whose names were announced today include Kaling Moyong (Pasighat), Wanglong Rajkumar (Namsang), Gumke Riba (Likabali), Ralum Borang (Mebo), Kapnai Wangsa (Pongchaw-Wakka), Samchom Ngemu (Miao), Japu Deru (Bomdila), Yomkar Riba (Basar), C. Namchoom (Chowkham), Happa Taidong (Changlang South), Hamjong Tangha (Changlang North), Jito Aboh (Khonsa) and Raising Perme (Mariang-Geku).

Talking to reporters George claimed that the NCP would emerge as the single largest party with lots of potential winning candidates in the fray. ''No party could form government without help of NCP,'' George claimed, adding the party was presently considering fielding candidates in 40 seats out of total 60, but it could go up as many high winning prospects candidates were approaching the party for tickets.

When asked about decision of the party to issue tickets to Congress deserters who were being denied tickets, George emphatically said they should first understand and accept the policies of NCP before approaching for tickets.

''We will consider such candidates only after scrutinising them and keeping in view their capability and acceptability to the people,'' he added.

Lashing out at the ruling Congress, the NCP leader alleged that the party of late had resorted to unfair means and was using muscle power due to utter frustration.

He alleged that a few Congress workers yesterday burnt down two vehicles of the NCP at Naharlagun and the party had already filed an FIR with police and would also soon lodge a complaint with the Election Commission. UNI

Relief for Nyigam Village

Aalo, Sept 18: Headquarter Rama Krishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah, West Bengal sanctioned Rs. 5 Lakhs towards the fire victims.

Swami Vashisthananda, Secretary and the Principal, R. K. Mission, Aalo along with ADC, Basar visited the fire accident site at Nyigam village Basar and had a meeting with the victims yesterday.

Dirchi Welfare Society, West Siang District and Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar community contributed a sum of Rs. 10,000 each to the fire victims of Nyigam Village, Basar, West Siang District.

Kaso files complaint

ITANAGAR Sep 18: NCP candidate Techi Kaso filed a complaint against the burning down of two vehicles of NCP workers at wee hours of the morning today by some unknown miscreants.

He alleged that Maruti Alto and Maruti 800 car were burnt down in Papu Nallah, Naharlagun.

Kaso urged the authority concerned to arrest the culprits and give exemplary punishment within 24 hrs to prevent such incident from happening. He said that if such incidents continue law and order problem could arise in the twin capital and adjoining panchayat areas.

Kaso further alleged that AK-47, SLR rifle were used to threaten the public with a modus operandi to terrorize the democratic election process at Itanagar Nyakum Lapang and Bath village in 2004 assembly elections.

The incident was repeated at Tarajuli polling both last panchayat elections, he further said and added that though FIR was lodge at Itanagar police station yet no culprits have been arrested till date.

Kaso urged the concerned authority to take strong action and declare 13-Itanagar as hyper sensitive and keep vigil on those having criminal background. He also urged for 24 hrs mobile petrol party in the state capital.

Deru resigns

ITANAGAR Sep 18: Former minister Japu Deru has tendered his resignation from the primary and active membership of Congress party.

Deru said that despite working for the INC dedicatedly in his constituency, he was denied the party ticket.

Meanwhile, APCC has expelled Changlang District Congress Committee chairman Gumja Nong Singpho from the primary and active membership of INC party for a period of six years for breach of party discipline. APCC said that Singpho joined NCP without tendering his resignation.

Election Watch group vows to make politicians accountable

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: National Election Watch (NEW), a nationwide campaign comprising of more than 1200 NGO and other citizen led organizations working on electoral reforms, improving democracy and governance in India has stepped up the pressure on political parties to demand accountability from them. It announced formation of Arunachal Pradesh Election Watch for keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly elections and analyzing and disseminating the data pertaining to contestants of the elections.

In the consultation meeting to form the Arunachal Pradesh Election Watch, Bamang Tago, coordinator of Arunachal Pradesh Election Watch said, “There is a need for civil society to monitor what political parties are doing, specifically the type of candidates that they are putting up for elections. We are demanding from the political parties that they put up honest and capable candidates that can truly represent people and work for their welfare.

Four resolutions were passed in the consultation meeting which includes barring candidates against whom criminal charges have been framed in a court. Also disqualifying of candidates who indulge in electoral malpractices, and striking off names of people with non bailable warrants from voter rolls. The other resolution was “implementation of “None of the Above” – which would include providing a real option for people to vote “Note of the Above” if people do not like any of the contesting candidates. If the “None of the Above” option gets maximum votes, it would mean that all the contesting candidates have been rejected by the voters. This would result in a re-election but the contesting candidates from the previous elections would not be allowed to contest.

Talking about the resolutions, Dr Nani Bath, Associate Professor Political Science, Rajiv Gandhi University, said, “The need of the hour is to make our political parties transparent and accountable. Most of these have been endorsed by the Election Commission. The political parties should listen to the peoples demand and make appropriate changes for their implementation. We are inviting other social leaders of the state as well to join us in this endeavor.”

Since 2002, the major impacts of these campaigns have been on criminalization of politics, and transparency in candidate and political party assets.

Anil Bairwal, National Coordinator, ADR and NEW said, “the socio-economic indicators of the state show that it lags far behind the country in economic progress. It is for the first time that we will have affidavits available for contestants both for last assembly elections and the upcoming elections. This will enable us to compare the increase in assets etc for them and see how well these elected representatives have fared in just four years as compared to the ordinary citizens of the state.”

Launch of Toll-Free Helpline – 1 800 110 440:

Arunachal Pradesh Election Watch also announced the setting up of a toll-free helpline number, calling which people can find out the details of their candidates. The toll-free number is 1 800 100 400 and the information will be available from Mon-Fri from 10 am to 6pm. The number will be activated from 26 Sept, after all the candidates have filed their nomination papers and the scrutiny of these papers is complete.

Arunachal Pradesh Election Watch is part of a nationwide campaign called National Election Watch (NEW) working on improving democracy and governance in India. It is a citizen led non-politically aligned, non-partisan effort.

SRI: A Sustainable approach for East Kameng District

Binod Kalita and Dr. Sanjoy BorthakurKrishi Vigyan Kendra, East KamengPampoli – 790 102

East Kameng is one of the most versatile district of Arunachal Pradesh having immense fertile soil and great biodiversity. Agriculture is the mainstay of the people of this district and had mainly depended on shifting cultivation (jhum) on natural hilly slopes with 3-4 years cycle along with Wet Rice Cultivation in valleys and foothill areas. In jhum cultivation also rice is the main crop. Moreover, rice is the staple food of the people of the district. Statistics of area, production and productivity of the crop in the district is not at all encouraging. According to 2007 statistical record, it is found that out of 12,229 ha Net sown area, rice area was 8250 ha, 10428 metric tonne was total production obtained and thus 1264 kg/ha was the average productivity of the crop which is far below the national average. But to feed the 57,065 (According to 2001 census) numbers population of the district the rice production is not sufficient. The reason behind low productivity of rice is that the farmers are resource poor and uneducated and mostly using the local cultivars and are not aware of the improved methods of cultivation. So, there is enough scope for enhancement of production of rice in the district through introduction of modern technologies which can only be achieved through intensive extension activities. In the recent time, a modern technology is emerging in the country for wet rice cultivation which requires less water and less expenditure gives more yields, beneficial for small and marginal farmers, known as System of Rice Intensification (SRI).

The System of Rice intensification methodology was first developed in the early 1980’s by Fr. Hendri de lauanie at Madagascar. Not known outside Madagascar until 1997. Its potential is under testing in China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. In Andhra Pradesh SRI is experimented in all the 22 districts during 2003 Kharif with encouraging results. At present worldwide over 1 lakh farmers are experimenting with this system and show a positive result.

The major advantages of this technology are - Seed requirement is less (5 to 10 Kg/ha in SRI, instead of 45 to 75 kg seed/ha in conventional method), more production (30% more than conventional), water requirement is less, better land utilization, does not require more labour, environment friendly, reduced demand for water, small holdings and need to get the highest yields, reduce the time required for grain maturation, use of agro-chemicals is less, no health hazard, less investment, more benefit. Considering the advantages of the SRI technology this system will be a new, sustainable and viable approach for the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore the entire scientific technology is elaborated for the better half of the district and state as a whole.

Seed selection and seed treatment:

Seeds are put in plain water, stirred well and the floated ones are to be rejected. After seed selection, the seeds should be soaked directly in Captaf or Indofil M-45 solutions @ 2.5 gram/liter of water for 24 hrs after that incubate for 48 hrs. One liter of fungicidal solution is required to treat 1 kg of seed.

Nursery bed:

The nursery/seedbed should be close to the main field. Prepare the land thoroughly when dry. During land preparation apply well decomposed FYM or cow dung and puddle well. The seed bed should be of 1 m width with convenient length. Remove the soil from either side of the bed and put it on the bed. Raise the seed bed about 15 cm above the ground level. Place wooden planks or bamboo slits all around the bed, so that soil will not loosen and not carried away with rain. Broadcast the seed sparsely on it. Five kg seed is required for 100 sq.m. area which is sufficient for transplanting 1 ha of land. For quick uprooting and healthy growth apply the mixture 50-75 kg soil + 10-20 kg FYM + 2.5 to 5.0 kg rice polish powder. Apply another layer of FYM mixture to cover the seeds. Then mulch the bed neatly with straw to prevent the seed from direct contact of sunshine, rain, birds etc. Light irrigation can be applied every morning and evening till spouting above ground. After, 8-12 days sowing vigorous healthy nursery become ready for transplanting.

Transplanting:

After final land preparation the seedling are transplanted quickly but carefully allowing only 15-30 minutes between uprooting and transplanting. The soil should be muddy but should not flood as conventional method of transplanting. Seedlings should be laid into the soil with care, the roots laid out horizontally so that their tips are not inverted upward. Transplanting should be done with 1 seedling per hill; spacing should be 25 × 25 cm in square pattern to facilitate proper weeding. The depth should be 1 - 2 cm.

Water Management:

Keep the soil moist but well drained rather than continuously flooded during the vegetative growth period. Regular water applications to keep soil moist but not saturated, with intermittent dryings, alternating aerobic and anaerobic soil conditions. Apply small amounts of water daily just as much as needed to keep the soil moist but never saturated with any standing water. During tillering stage dry out the field for 2-6 days to the point of surface cracking. After panicle initiation, keep just a thin layer of water on the field (1-2 cm) until 10-15 days before harvest.

Nutrient management:

During final land preparation well rotten FYM or compost has to be applied @10 t/ha in addition to 20 kg Urea, 125 kg Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and 33 kg Murate of Potash (MOP) as a basal dose.

Weeds control/Interculture operation:

To control weeds and aerate the soil, there should be early and frequent weeding and these interculture operations help in faster growth of the plants. First weeding should be done 10 days after transplanting. Weeding should be continued till closure canopy arrived.

As per yield and cost of cultivation SRI is better than the traditional or conventional one. Govt. of India is planning a wide awareness campaign for the creation of sensitization of this SRI technique among the farming community during XIth five year plans. Being the hilly/sloppy nature of the rice area in the district of East Kameng, water retention is low; hence this technique will be very much appropriate for the district and state as a whole. If the technique is successfully penetrated among the farming communities, the productivity of the rice will be enhanced immensely and in turn enhance the food security status of rice farmers of the district.

Service of Nyamar needed: Rahul

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary, AICC has said that services of Nyamar Karbak are needed at the central and regional level.

Rahul Gandhi has said that Karbak is needed to play a bigger role in the Indian Youth Congress at the Center.

This was conveyed to Nyamar Karbak whom he had invited to discuss the situation regarding INC Party ticket distribution from 27-Liromoba Assembly Constituency.

Gandhi further appealed to the Youth Congress leaders of the state to work for the interest of the Congress Party and ensure thumping victory of the Congress in the coming assembly elections.

Meanwhile Karbak has also asked the Youths of the state not to get discouraged as there is a long way ahead for the Youth to make a difference and bring about positive impact.

New brigadier takes charge in Tawang

TAWANG, Sept 18: “I am deeply honoured and touched by this gesture and I will endeavour myself to live up to the expectation of the people of Tawang”, Brigadier C. P. Mohanty said in a formal meeting organized by the Deputy Commissioner, Tawang Gamli Padu to welcome the new Brigadier of Indian Army in Tawang. The major HoDs of the district were present in the meeting.

Padu welcoming the Brigadier said that the district administration and the Indian army personnel in Tawang maintain a very cordial relation and shall continue to do the same in future as well.

The Brigadier informed that he was earlier posted in Tawang as Major and Captain of Indian army. Unlike any other states in India there’s an excellent relation between the Army and the civilians in this state, said the Brigadier. He promised to render all possible help to the administration and people of Tawang.

He asked the people not believe in any kind of rumours regarding border issues and also not to get alarmed as the army is there to protect the people. “As long as I am here I will continue the cordial relation and will even set an example of civil-military co-operation”, he added.

District administrations gear up full swing for assembly poll

Naharlagun, Sept 18:- Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex Padmini Singla convened a meeting with representatives of all political parties of the 13-Itanagar Assembly constituency here in DC’s Office Chamber. She called for strict implementation of the of the model code of conduct and informed that Sectoral Magistrates have appointed for counter any law and order situations as per provisions of Election Commission guidelines.

To prevent any untoward anti social activities during the election, regular monitoring and checking at various Check Gates would be carried out.

Responding to a demands of the political parties, she said that every possible action would be taken against hijack of EPICs and checking would be carried out at the hotels. She also assured to set up a installation of hotline facilities.

KHONSA: With an eye on smooth conduct of Assembly elections in Tirap district, the District Election Office is sparing no effort to look into every aspect and minute detail of its poll preparations. As a part of this exercise, a voter awareness campaign is being launched from 18th to 22nd Sept ’09. Expert trainers will visit villages under the 7 Assembly Segments and create awareness among voters on use of EVM and other procedures related to smooth conduct of elections. It may be mentioned here that EVMs had been used during last Parliamentary elections but more awareness campaigns are required to educate the villagers in interior areas. The trainers have been sufficiently trained to impart right training.

Tirap district by virtue of its proximity with Myanmar and Nagaland and because of the presence of various underground outfits, there are obvious apprehensions on smooth conduct of elections. But the stupendous success of last Panchayat and Parliamentary elections in the district wherein people came out in huge numbers are ample proof of the fact that the common people have more faith in the democratic processes and are not intimidated by disruptive forces. It may be added here that a number of polling stations have been identified as critical and Hyper-Sensitive.

The DEO, Ankur Garg who is personally supervising the whole arrangements is leaving no stone unturned to ensure free and fair elections. He has also made elaborate security arrangements to thwart any attempt from any quarters to disrupt the poll process. 4 companies of CRPF, Assam Rifles and State Police will be deployed at all polling stations. Sensitive places have been identified and more security forces would be deployed. A series of election trainings for poll officials will be held at Khonsa, Longding, Kanubari, Deomali and other circle headquarters. The district is fully prepared for the Assembly elections.

BOMDILA: A meeting of all the HOD and EROs of the District was held in the office chamber of Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer on Sept 16 in connection with the preparedness for the smooth conduct of ensuing Assembly Election.

Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Swati Sharma impressed upon all the HODs to adhere strictly on the enforcement of modal code of conduct.

Additional Deputy Commissioner the nodal officer will look after violation of modal code of conduct and called upon the entire departments to be prepared for the elections. She further said that road, electricity, water and power supply should be in place.

SEPPA: The electioneering process is in full swing in East Kameng District. At DEO’s chamber, a review meeting on security scenario was held with SP and Administrative officers.

Meanwhile, EVM awareness campaign to voters started from today onwards. A team headed by M.Karga, Nodal Officer (EVM) will conduct the campaign in various places which has begun from Pakoti and Mebua under Seppa West and Seppa East constituency.

Voters in large number participated in the awareness campaign.

Kego Essi, EAC/ERO 8th Bameng constituency informed that the final publication of EPIC is a remarkable achievement as the total electors during 2004 were 11475 which has come down to 9335 after deletion of bogus and under age voters from electoral roll.

Further, he informed that out of 40 polling stations under Bameng constituency, 20 have been identified as sensitive & 12 to be hyper sensitive.

ROING: The first level checking of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) was done in Anchal Samity Hall here today in the presence of representatives of various Political Parties. DC cum DEO YW Ringu has informed that altogether142 EVMs will be checked including 63 EVMs used in the last Parliamentary Election. She further informed that with the direction of ECI, EVM used in the last Lok Sabha Election will be re-used in the coming Assembly Election as there is no any election related pending case in both the 42-Dambuk and 43-Roing Assembly Constituency. The EVMs are checked by the team of ECIL Engineers from Hyderabad led by Er S S Mukhejee. After completion of the checking of EVM, the ECIL team will proceed to Anini for the same job. (DIPROs)

DRDA Tawang organise training under SGSY and IWDP Hariyali prog

NAHARLAGUN, Sept 18: A three day training programme for Capacity Building & Skill Up-gradation of the SHGs, individual Swarozgaris and PRI members under SGSY programme and Refresher Training for WDT members, user Groups, Self Help Groups, Watershed Associations and Van Rakshaks under IWDP/Hariyali was organized by DRDA, Tawang in collaboration with Blocks in their respective Block Hqs from Sept 14 to 16 at Tawang, Jang and Lumla CD blocks.

Project Director, DRDA, Tawang and officers from line departments including bank officials imparted training to the participates to make them aware of the programme guidelines and the modalities for implementations of the scheme sanctioned under SGSY during the fiscal 2009-10. During interactive session the PRI members and Swarozgars also shared their views and opinions with the resource persons and made the training fruitful.

In the afternoon session around 200 members of User groups, Self Help Groups, Watershed Associations and Van Rakshaks from ongoing projects of Tawang-I,II,III IV & V IWDP/Hariyali projects in each block attended the refresher training on water and soil conservation, Agriculture/Horticulture, forestry. The trainees were also made aware of the latest policies and guidelines of the government for proper implementation of the programmers. (DIPR)

Joining and resignations

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: Kaling Moyong of 38th Pasighat (ST) Assembly constituency resigned from Indian National Congress and Joined Nationalist Congress Party with supporters.

Meanwhile, Ternga Gadi has been appointed as President, NCP East Siang District Unit.

Kumsi Sidisow of 6th Thrizino-Buragaon Assemblly Constituency resigned from Indian National Congress and joined People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) along with supporters.

RD Thungon along with supporters resigned from Nationalist Congress Party and joined Bharatiya Janata Party.

AEKDSU federal assembly held

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: All East Kameng District Students’ union appealed the people of the district to cooperate with the authority for free and fair election in the ensuing assembly election.

Meanwhile, the union drafted resolutions on various issues in its 1st federal assembly held at Seijosa recently.

Fire accident

ITANAGAR, Sept 18: One SPT Building of Yarang Tok along with documents and materials worth lakhs of rupees were gutted down in a fire accident at Bazarline Seppa yesterday.

Tuki flag offs election campaign

ITANAGAR Sep 18: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki flagged off the election campaign of 5th State Assembly Election 2009 at Parang circle under 15-Sagalee ST Assembly Constituency on September 14 last.

Arunachal Congress (AC) former state vice president Nabam Nikia along with his supporters and former state BJP Kissan Cell chairman Nabam Tade along with supporters have joined INC.

(Readers’ Forum)

Modify recruitment rules

Madam,

Physical height does not only serve the real purpose of a man. Man of below 5. 3” can do what a man of 5.3” and above can do. Sometimes even a man of 6 feet can not do what a man of short figure can do. There are many people with height between 5” to 5.2” who have all the qualities and talent to be a smart police officer. For instance one of my friends is an M A (Political Science), best footballer, cricketer, badminton player, own many prizes in long and high jump during his school and college days, besides being a best athlete in college days, but he could not apply for the post of sub-inspector ( I R Bn, APP Bn and Civil Police) only because of 1 inch short to 160 cm in physical height. I am sure there are many other local youths who are also victims for not possessing the height of 160 cm.

As such minimum height of 160cm requires for police service has really deprived many local youths who deserved to be a successful and smart police officer, whereas to be below the height of 160 cm is not the individual’s fault. This means that the dreams of short figure parents to see their child as police officer can never be fulfilled as the biological rules says, generally short parents can not have tall child.

There are many short fellow in the world who are really men of extra-ordinary talent like Maradona and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar who created world record in their respective field of activities with the superior physical fitness. This shows that man of 152 cm to 158 cm can also become an alert and smart police officer. So man’s physical ability and mental efficiency cannot be measured by mere physical height only.

Therefore, through this daily I would like to request the higher authorities of the police department to look into the matter and make a little modification in regard to minimum height require for police service in the state by reducing the measurement of height to at least 157 cm.

Yours,

Lukgum Romin

Wildlife Colony, Miao

Basar needs fire station

Madam,

Recent fire accident in Nyigam village in Basar is very disheartening tragedy.

No one for once thought that Nyigam village would go down in ashes. But what I want to know is there any fire department in Basar town? When fire brigade came there from Aalo town, all the 108 houses were gutted down rendering thousand people homeless. So, it is disgusting to know that Basar which is quite a big town don’t have a single fire dept.

From Aalo to Basar it is about 50km distance. How a fire tender from that distance come and stops the fire to spread? If Basar had one fire department, lots of home could have been saved. God knows what our administration and concerned departments are doing.

Yours,

Miken Gamlin

Naharlagun