September 13
- Is being a journalist in Arunachal a curse ?
- Centre approves natural calamity funds for Arunachal
- Union Minister refutes illegal coal mining at Namchik–Namphuk
- Orgs condemn assault on press staff, demands arrest of culprits
- Incessant rain throws life out of gear
- VKVians steal the show on their day
- Universal Brotherhood Day celebrated
- Vigyan Mela concludes
- Ex-
servicemen rally to be held at Tawang on 11th October 2012 - State Govt clarifies on airport site yet again
Is being a journalist in Arunachal a curse ?
Mingkeng Osik
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: Now, writing any article in a daily submerges the thoughts of every individual and working journalist under the realm of imbroglio, whether it will have or imply good or bad effect?
Nobody wants to be attacked under any circumstances but the fact is that if you are a journalist in Arunachal, you are the easiest prey. For, here the Press fraternity is just like a tethered goat that anyone could attack and disdain openly and no action will be taken against those odious people. Who will take responsibility for safety of media persons?
The recent attack on Associate Editor of Arunachal Times Tongam Rina on July 15 has shocked the media fraternity, the entire people of Arunachal and it is creating tides of thoughts in every mindset. Every journalist working in Arunachal is under surveillance by those chaps or the wrongdoers who have been encouraged with a norm that if anything or whosoever goes against them and their will, will get shot !!
Since time immemorial, the attacks on the media persons has been noticed time and again. Working in this field has become a curse with enormous responsibility. With a meagre pay and excessive working hours one cannot still have the security of life, especially in Arunachal.
It has been 59 days, the attackers of Tongam Rina are still at large. Tongam, the Associate editor of Arunachal Times is one of the journalists who has been working dedicatedly for this daily, who also withstood all the problems. Still no one could find any clue why she was attacked?
Who could imagine and expect that while going to your own office you are being watched by imbecile slayers who are going to attack you.
One should always remember and inculcate a sense that the media people are only the mediators, their work is just to inform and aware the common public. But some lunatics think that they do things and forecast it intentionally, most of the time the press persons are targeted without any valid reason and are abused and harassed. Threatening, intimidation, slang words against media persons are some of the common things that prevail here and every journalist has to hear and bear it.
To eradicate these trends, all the citizens of Arunachal should come together and safeguard the media people and should respect them, if they want the media to present the truth. For, the press are harbinger, mediator of the society and furthermore the mirror that reflects everything to the common mass. If this kind of perpetual intimidation go unchecked, then one day no media will dare to showcase the truth.
The implicated is still absconding from the hands of the laws, when the press fraternity of Arunachal is still looking forward to the state government with a hope that they will take some strong measures and actions for safeguarding the press. But till now no result and legitimate action are noticed from state government. The Arunachal media houses and journalists are treated by the state government in a step motherly fashion. It can be said that many a times numerous journalists are severely attacked and tortured by the miscreants, but no prompt action against them and their masterminds are taken from government side, which at the end of the day shows how the media is being neglected in Arunachal.
The journalists, which have knowledge in writing the factual information and showcasing them, are always appreciated but side by side criticized by the people to whom it implies immense impact of scorn. Without media influence in Arunachal, every individual will grope in darkness. Media is the only source which helps propagating opinions, news, views, unfolding corruptions, which helps everyone to update oneself. Due to numerous attacks on the media fraternity, for sure, one day there will be no media houses that will apprise the people of Arunachal and at that time the need and the value of media will be known well.
Centre approves natural calamity funds for Arunachal
New Delhi, Sept 12: A high powered committee on calamities, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, today decided to release financial assistance of Rs 681.57 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Haryana to cover losses incurred due to natural calamities like floods and frost last year.
Briefing media about the decision taken in the meeting today, Pawar told, "The Committee has approved financial assistance to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Haryana due to floods and other calamities last year."
The financial assistance of Rs 536.57 crore and Rs 114 crore each has been approved for Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, respectively, due to floods last year, he said.
The minister said Rs 31 crore aid has been approved to Haryana due to mustard crop loss following frost last year.
For states facing drought this year, the committee has decided to extend the Central support for organising cattle camps, that provide subsidised fodder to livestock, from 15 days to 90 days for the time being, Pawar said. Monsoon deficiency has come down to 8 per cent so far. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan have declared drought in more than 390 taluks.
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Finance Minister P Chidambaram were among other members present in the meeting.
Union Minister refutes illegal coal mining at Namchik–Namphuk
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: V Narayanswami, Union Minister of State in the PMO, today refuted
the allegations of violation of guidelines in extraction of coal from Namchik-
Addressing a press briefing here this morning, Narayanswami, in presence of Chief
Minister Nabam Tuki and AICC in-
The total area of Namchik-
All kinds of statutory clearance like Mining Plan, Environment Clearance and Diversion
of forest land for Open Cast Mining were obtained from the central Government in
the due course of time. Out of 133.65 hectares of Namchik-
Total extraction of coal since April 2007 to February 2012 in 39.02 hectares was 10,000,00 Metric tonne. The mining operation is presently suspended with effect from May 10, 2012. Therefore, the allegation of extraction of coal exceeding the prescribed quantity is completely baseless.
The Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd. accrued profit
of Rs.985.73 lakhs in last five years through the open cast coal mining from the
Namchik-
The Corporation paid a total amount of Rs. 2291.52 Lakhs to the State Government and the Central Government in the form of royalty, Cess, CST, VAT, Stowing Charges, Energy Cess etc. during last five years.
The Corporation also paid Rs 299.77 lakhs under CAMPA to the Govt of India which will be subsequently utilized for compensatory afforestation by the State Department of Environment & Forests. An additional Rs 14 lakhs has been paid to the State Pollution Control Board as Consent Fee while Rs 304 lakhs was paid to the Income Tax Department, Govt of India as Provisional Income Tax.
The extraction of coal in Namchik-
There was no violation of Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act-
As regards to allegation of insurgent groups involved in illegal mining in Namchik-
Orgs condemn assault on press staff, demands arrest of culprits
ITANAGAR Sept 12: Indian Journalist Union (IJU) is shocked to know that two employees of The Arunachal Times have been attacked in front of the newspaper's office. Earlier on July 15 Tongam Rina the Associate Editor of the daily was shot at at the same spot. IJU has demanded the government to investigate the repeated attacks on the journalists/staff of this daily and to book the culprits as some of them were captured on CCTV of Arunachal Times office.
The AITC unit (TMC) of Arunachal Pradesh strongly condemned physical assault on two staff of “The Arunachal Times” by the miscreants while they were entering into the office in the wee hours on Tuesday.
While expressing serious concern over repeated attack on press personnel in the state,
the Party demanded the state government to provide foolproof security to Press and
media houses instead of false promises and bogus assurance. The party also urged
the Capital complex police to play pro-
Meanwhile, Arunachal Against Corruption (AAC), an NGO strongly condemned the repeated
attack on staff of the media house, particularly Arunachal Times. The attack itself
reflects the larger conspiracy by powerful group or hobbyist to silence the most
vocal and potent voice of the state, the AAC said while adding that ‘it is an unrelenting
trail of intimidation to change the method of journalism that the Arunachal Times
adopted for well-
Expressing concern over the slow pace of investigation into the attack on Tongam Rina case, the organization said it fails to understand the reason behind the withdrawal of police protection.
Alleging lackluster attitude of the government and state police force towards public safety and security, AAC urged the Govt to act swiftly to arrest all perpetrators of these unacceptable activities.
Incessant rain throws life out of gear
Prafulla Kaman
RUKSIN, Sept 12: Incessant rain over the last 24 hours has paralyzed life in Siang
belt, especially Ruksin, Nari-
After a dry spell for a week, the heavy rain which came last evening turned torrential and crippled the lives of the entire region for the day. Clogging of water in Pasighat and Ruksin township due to torrential rain caused problems for the pedestrians.
Overflowing river and steam water inundates the link roads, paddy fields and human
habitation areas, creating a disastrous situation. Surging water of the hilly streams
was seen flowing over MMJ road at several locations damaging the road between Niglok
and Mirem villages. It may be recalled that torrential rain during first week of
July badly damaged horticultural gardens, fish ponds and water pipelines besides
a large area of crop fields at Mirem village under Bilat circle in the district.
The historical Latu Irrigation channel also created havoc in low lying areas of Mirem
village along Pasighat-
Heavy rainfall also resulted in water logging at several places at Ruksin town and
nearby Ngorlung villages, causing innumerable problem to the residents. Surging water
of Ngorlung, Silley and Oyan rivers eroded a large portion of paddy field and bamboo
plantation on its bank at Birem-
The region has witnessed sufficient rainfall during this summer. Meteorology department
predicted heavy rainfall during the season as Southwest Monsoon was changing its
course towards the region. As such, Nature’s furry left a trail of devastation at
Mirem-
Torrential rain also totally damaged many WRC field of Yemsing village under Pangin circle of East Siang district.
According to Yemsing village ASM Khabang Tapok, the major affected areas are Mitying,
Ralung, Hiri, Hibi, Degong, Deleng, Yemsing, Higo-
VKVians steal the show on their day
Aalo, Sept 12: The Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya Jirdin, West Siang observed the Universal Brotherhood Day in a befitting manner on September 11 to commemorate the famous Chicago Address of Swami Vivekananda in 1893.
Gracing the occasion, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Marnya Ete said that the Chicago Address of Swamiji brought India in the fore among comity of nations in promoting word peace and universal brotherhood. His great ideals of man making and nation building hold relevance today, he said and appreciated the role of the institution to give all round developments to the girls students of the district. He gave away the prizes on various competitions. The Principal of the school spelt out in details about the activities and achievements of the school and appealed the district administration to keep them also in touch with the calendar of events in the district for their active participation.
The wide variety of cultural programme on the theme of national unity and integrity, promotion of culture and social values were not only captivating but gave us deep insight into the root of indigenous and Indian culture. It may be mentioned that the school is the livewire of all National Day celebrations in district with its band, parade, PT and Lazim displays to steal every shows.
YINGKIONG: The teachers, school children and parents and all well wishers of VKV school, Yingkiong observed 11th September as Universal Brotherhood Day in its school premises in a very colourful and befitting manner.
Gracing the auspicious occasion, Tapik Pertin, EAC recalled the great and everlasting contribution of great reformer Swami Vivekananda, particularly in social, religious, philosophical and educational sectors. Pertin said, Swami Vivekananda’s speech during the international Religious conference at Chicago starting the address as “ Dear Brothers and Sisters” remained an indelible ink in the hearts of the people of the world and this greatly impressed upon the minds and hearts of the Americans in particular and the western world in general.
Pertin was appreciative of over all performance of VKV and R.K. Mission schools. He called upon VKV authority here to put an extra effort to make it a model school for the benefit of the local people.
Pertin distributed prizes to winners in different curriculum.
Earlier, the Principal of the school readout the annual school report and spoke about the importance of the day in brief. DIPROs
Universal Brotherhood Day celebrated
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The teachings of Swami Vivekananda should be source of inspiration for the people of India to raise India into superpower and the inspiration of great personalities of India should be imbibed by the youths of present generation, said Parliamentary Secretary (Planning & Development) Nabam Rebia while attending the Universal Brotherhood Day at VKV Sher yesterday.
The youths of the country must uphold the Indian value of Philosophy and Culture.
Rebia appreciated VKV students for their good academic performance in the state and added that the institutions like Don Bosco schools and VKVs are having best trained teachers in building of character and imparting quality education.
While advising the students to concentrate in their education, he expressed his disappointment and dissolution that present youths have lot of degrees and diplomas and but some of them are not able to deliver as per their academic achievements.
Talking on developmental points, Rebia informed that vast potentials of natural resources of the state, if tapped, can greatly contribute in the national economy. At the same time, vast human resources can also be better used by involving them in the development of the state.
He also advised VKV trust to take-
ZPM, Borum Taro Modi, Bagang Yayu ZPM Kimin, Nabam Sukia ZPM Jote, former ZPM Bamang Mangha, Er. T.K.Tara, Executive Engineer (Power) Itanagar, Dasher Teshi, Deputy Director, IPR and Heri Maring, Deputy Director (Printing), parents, teaching staff and children were present on the occasion. DIPR
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The three days State Level Science Festival titled ‘Prantiya Vigyan Mela’ organized by Arunachal Shiksha Vikash Samiti concluded at State Bharat Scouts and Guides Complex, Polo Colony, Naharlagun on September 10.
The Science Festival aimed at developing scientific temperament among students and create a platform for them to enhance their interest and creativity in science.
Science exhibition, seminar, quiz, experimentation and science aptitude tests were
held during the three day programme. Altogether 175 students from across the state
participated, who were divided into three categories of sub-
Tai Tagak, Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh NGO’s Coordination Committee attended the valedictory function and distributed the prizes to the students.
Earlier, State General Secretary, ASVS Nabam Ruja highlighted the aim and objectives of the Science Fest.
Ex-
TAWANG, Sept 12: A meeting was held today in the office chamber of the DC Tawang
regarding the Ex-
Speaking on the occasion, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen, who also is Chairman
Zilla Sainik Board (ZSB), informed that the State Managing Committee for Administration
of Armed Forces Flag Day Fund for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Ex-
Col. Robert Pereira informing the importance of the rally mentioned that the fund
constraint for the rally is a major hurdle in the organization of the rally and urged
for better coordination and cooperation between the Civil-
Officers from the Indian Army, Tawang DDMO (cum Member Secy ZSB) and i/c DIPRO Tawang attended the meeting. DIPRO
State Govt clarifies on airport site yet again
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The State Government has taken serious note of the continuing agitation against the ‘shifting of Greenfield Airport from Karsingsa to Hollongi’ despite issuing clarification as well as holding parleys with the agitating organization.
Describing the 24 hours capital bandh imposed by the agitating organization on Tuesday as totally uncalled for, the state government today made it clear that it has neither any role in the shifting of the said airport nor has it any say in its construction.
“Since the beginning (March 2006) the State Government has been in favour of establishing the airport at Karsingsa/Banderdewa area. However, in the intervening period of official procedures the Public Investment Board (PIB) in March 2009 raised some observations due to higher cost on earth work and suggested for exploring an alternate site. It even suggested using the Lilabari airport instead of constructing a new one in Arunachal Pradesh,” a state govt press statement said.
It further clarified that “The Ministry of Defence issued a NOC on June 12, 2007 for construction of the Greenfield airport at Karsingsa. However, the NOC had several preconditions incorporated in it that are mandatory for operationalizing the airport. In the later stages, it was found by the Technical Committee and the concerned departments that it would be difficult to abide by the preconditions in case the airport was established at Karsingsa site.
Meanwhile, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) recommended Hollongi as the new site
but the state government responded by writing to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry
on July 20 and July 28 and again on December 14, 2011 that it has decided to have
the airport at Karsingsa. The reasons cited by the state government for choice of
Karsingsa/Banderdewa site are -
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation then formed an Inter-
The press statement informed that on July 9, 2012 a meeting was convened by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister at South Block, New Delhi, which was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Union Civil Aviation, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner.
In the meeting at South Block, the State Government officials reiterated the stand of the State Government to have the airport established at Karsingsa/Banderdewa site on the grounds cited above.
However, the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister submitted that the Technical Committee does not recommend the site at Banderdewa as it is surrounded by hilly terrains and obstacles. In addition there is limited scope for future expansion, poor safety environment and has a high cost implication, it said.
A detailed comparison between the two sites was also made by the Technical Committee. (See table)
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) received a representation from the so called Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum on 24 August 2012 demanding revocation of the proposal for shifting of Greenfield Airport from Karsingsa to Hollongi within seven days. Whereas it is to be seen that the State Government hasn’t taken any such decision on its own.
“Surprisingly, the Forum called a 12 hr Capital bandh before the expiry of seven days. However, Chief Minister’s Office had arranged a meeting on September 2 last at Chief Minister’s conference Hall at 3 pm which was supposed to be attended by the Chief Minister, MP Lok Sabha, Arunachal West with members of the Forum. Unfortunately, representatives of the Forum did not respond to the invitation for reasons best known to them.
On behalf of the Chief Minister, the CMO again arranged a dialogue on September 5, 2012 at 2 pm at the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall. It was attended by officials of Civil Aviation, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and the Papum Pare District Administration besides 16 members from the Forum.
In the meeting the officials explained in detail the circumstances that led to the shifting of the airfield from Karsingsa to Hollongi. It was also explained that the State Government has no role in the decision to shift the airfield from the proposed site. Instead till the last moment it had tried its level best to retain the airfield at Karsingsa/Banderdewa site.
Further, it has to be understood that the airport, once established, will not be only for Banderdewa or Hollongi but for all. This would be a State asset. The final point should always be that wherever it may be, Arunachal Pradesh needs an airport. The location of the airport is not important, its establishment is”.
Therefore, the government sincerely appealed to the agitating organization as well as the common citizens to understand the implications of the ongoing agitation. The finer details of the whole process need to be understood with open minds.
“We cannot let petty and political differences come in the way of attaining an asset of prime importance that would benefit generations,” the releases added.
News Impact
Cash reward stands
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele. numbers : 09436040006/09856060490.
Skill development training for in-
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The 10 days refreshers training for building capacity and enhancing
skills of in-
Addressing the inaugural function of the training programme at Chowkham, Lohit DDSE
K Rina stressed on sincerity and dedication by teachers while discharging their duties.
Teachers are the torch-
Dr.B.K.Nath, Principal, IGG College, Tezu, shared his 35 years of experience in the teaching profession and the contribution of teachers.
G.Megu, Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Chowkham also addressed the teachers and advised them to work sincerely for development of the society.
Earlier, VS Tiwari, District Pedagogy and Training Coordinator, Lohit explained the objective of the training programme.
Driver’s death mourned
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The staff and officers of the Station Superintendent, the state transport service Itanagar today deeply mourned at the demise of its staff E.B Thapa, driver(H), who died on Monday. In a condolence message to bereaved family the department stated that death of Thapa was not only lost to family but also to the entire department.
Waste management training for SHG members
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: A two-
The main objectives of the training were to make the women understand the concept of zero waste management and to motivate the women to actively participate in the program to keep Ziro clean, initiated by the District Administration and the Urban Development department, Ziro. The women were taught about the importance of source segregation and reuse of various wastes at household level. This training is especially important as plastic is completely banned at Ziro and Self Help Groups can play significant roles in substitution of plastic bags for the shoppers, said Hibu Tatu, Chairman of Ngunu Ziro.
The training was imparted by Punyo Chada and Roto Chobin, who are among the few
resource persons on Zero Waste Management trained by Trivandrum-
It may be may mentioned that Ngunu Ziro introduced the concept of Zero Waste Management at Ziro. The concept is now implemented by the District Administration and the Urban Development department. As a part of this project, the use of plastic bags is successfully banned at Ziro. However, not much public awareness has been generated about importance of source segregation using three coloured bins. This training is the first such exercises in the district.
DA bans sale of khaini, gutkha, pan masala
TEZU, Sept 12: The Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate, Lohit, in an Executive Order, has prohibited sale or distribution of chewing Tobacco, Khaini, Zarda, Pan Masala, Gutkha etc at shops in Lohit district with immediate effect.
The order directed the concern authorities to carry out unannounced checking in shops in every month.
Violation of the Order by any businessman, trader, hawker would invite actions as per law, including cancellation of Trade License(s), the order read. DIPRO
‘FMD kills 6 mithuns’
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: At least six mithuns died of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) while
many have fallen sick at Pungrung and Layang villages under Sangram Area of Kurung
Kumey in the last two-
The sick animals are being treated locally with local medicines due to non-
East & West Siang facing major power cuts
PASIGHAT, Sept 12: The department of power, Pasighat informed that due to a line fault in between Aalo and Jini, power supply of 33 KV line has been disrupted causing power cuts in East and West Siang districts.
However, the teams from Aalo and Pangin area putting in all out efforts to detect and rectify the fault so that power supply can be restored in these two districts.
The department official informed that a team sent from Pasighat to extend help could
not reach the spot due to blockade in Pasighat-
Four feared dead in road mishap
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: At least four persons of a family feared dead in a tragic road
accident on Kimin-
According to Kimin police sources, the accident occurred when a Maruti car (Regn
No AR-
ITBP quarter-
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: A newly constructed Quarter-
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
59 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.
Re-
Dear Editor,
The SBI Daporijo branch is regarded as one of the best branches in banking service in the entire North East. This is also one of the busies branches with its heavy workload. But the facilities which the Branch provides to customers or say public is nil. The single ATM in the bank premise remains functionless and unserviceable since its installation despite 80% to 90% bank customers are having ATM cards. The bank remains crowded throughout the month like that of Hawrah Railway Station or Mumbai Metro Rail. On the other hand, there is no proper infrastructure or amenities for bank customers, even for filling up of a voucher. The bank ignores the feeling and sentiment of the general public and concentrates only on its profit.
Therefore, as a senior and indigenous citizen of the district, I would like to suggest
the bank authority to re-
Yours’
Albert Mra
Daporijo
What goes wrong ?
Dear Editor,
Repeated attacks on media persons is a great cause of concern. Whereas Tongam Rina
shooting case is yet to be solved by the police and is still afresh in our minds,
Arunachal again witnessed the merciless attacks on two employees of the same daily
where Rina used to work. These repeated attacks put a big question marks on the capability
and effectiveness of capital police. I wonder what went wrong? Why media persons
are being attacked time and again? Why no action on the part of police? One reason
is for sure -
Yours’
Longri Kimlong
Jairampur
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
World Heritage sites and challenges
Despite considerable successes over the last four decades, the World Heritage Convention cannot afford to rest on its laurels, according to IUCN, (International Union for Conservation of Nature) the World Heritage advisory body on nature. For the decade to come, IUCN is calling for increased resources to protect World Heritage sites and to fill the gaps on the prestigious list by applying the gold standard of World Heritage listing.
IUCN says the Convention must remain an effective mechanism for conserving places of natural wonder and uphold its high standards. In what was considered a retrograde step, none of the four sites that IUCN recommended for inclusion on the Danger list at this year’s World Heritage meeting were accepted by the UNESCO Committee that governs the Convention. Inscription on the Danger list is not a black mark for countries, but a way of drawing attention and providing support to sites at critical risk of losing the wildlife and landscapes for which they first gained global recognition.
Nearly 8% of the 217 natural World Heritage Sites are on the World Heritage Danger List, while 25% are affected by serious conservation issues and the status of many other sites is not known. Over 60% of West and Central African sites are on the Danger list, and one in four of these iconic areas are threatened by planned mining, oil and gas projects. This includes Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, home of the world’s last mountain gorillas.
The IUCN was instrumental in creating the World Heritage Convention in 1972 and has a unique advisory role in supporting the Convention in achieving conservation results. Natural heritage sites are recognized as among the world’s most precious environments. There are 217 of them in total, protecting more than 250 million hectares of land and sea in over 90 countries.
