Upper Subansiri bandh against delay in disbursement of compensation
[ Karda Natam ]
DAPORIJO, Sep 04: All Tagin Youth Organization (ATYO) has called 12-hr Upper Subansiri district bandh on September 6 from 5 am to 5 pm in protest against delay in disbursement of compensation to the people against their land acquisitioned for Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) in Upper Supper Subansiri.
In this connection, ATYO gave the administration seven days to disburse the land compensation.
ATYO in a release informed that the state government in an order on July 29 had directed the district administration for disbursement of the compensation money by constituting a committee within a month from the date of issue of the order. But the district administration has not taken any initiative to disburse the money, lamented ATYO.
The organization said that non-disbursement of the compensation money is causing delay in the construction of TAH in the district.
Borduria remembers Mother Teresa
BORDURIA, Sep 4: The catholic community of Borduria in Tirap district joined in the global celebration of Mother Teresa's elevation to Sainthood on Sunday. Mother Theresa had visited Borduria in Aug 2, 1993 and is the only place in the Arunachal Pradesh where she visited.
The villagers of Borduria took out a procession and a solemn Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Bishop George Pallipparambil, who was instrumental in bringing Mother Teresa's to Borduria.
Bishop George recalled that it was a very pressing need to bring Mother here as any child born with physical deformity was considered a curse to the family and so such children were thrown in the river immediately after birth. We requested Mother to come and open a house so that such children would be collected and brought up.
She came and inaugurated the first Catholic Church in Borduria and also laid the foundation for the House for Missionaries of Charity Sisters here.
Celebrating the Canonization with the rest of the world, the people in Borduria remembered fondly of the Saint's visit to the village. "23 years have passed after Mother's visit but it feels like yesterday", said Techa Tangddong. Nawang Lowang Medam, said that the whole village felt blessed to see this day. "I was a small boy when she came and the memories of her visit are so vivid in my memory. It feels so great today to realize a Saint has walked on the streets of our village", he said.
A huge procession from the general public ground with a portrait of St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata was carried out till the Church that Mother Teresa had inaugurated. To mark this event a statue of the Saint was installed at the entrance of the Church.
The Missionaries of Charity Sisters working in Borduria were felicitated during the cultural event by the villagers.
Further, a series of animation were held for youth, women and men groups in Borduria and the people in Khonsa took out a candle-lit procession around Khonsa town with a photo of St. Mother Theresa and it concluded with a movie on the Saint.
Inter-state fest helps know each other better: DC
YUPIA, Sep 04: Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Tai Kaye appealed to the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh residing in boundary areas to maintain social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The Deputy Commissioner, who attended the Hemanto Utsav organized by the Ministry of Border Affairs, Assam and Lakhimpur District Administration at HSS Pathalipahar, Assam on September 3 and 4, said that such interstate border cultural festival help know each other better besides fostering unity and brotherhood.
He sought the co-operation from the government as well as people from Assam to maintain peace and harmony.
Papum Pare DACO T.M Tara and cultural troupes from Arunachal participated in the festival.
All tribes from Assam also participated in the festival.
School infrastructure in pathetic condition
[ Karyir Riba ]
ROING, Sep 04: The Government Higher Secondary School, Anini is in dire need of attention from the concern authority as the school building, including boys and girls hostels, are in a pathetic condition which requires immediate renovation.
A team of All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) headed by its general secretary Eha Mili recently visited the school and found the condition of the boys and girls hostels too in deplorable condition.
While the toilets are without doors the girl boarders are being forced to use open bathrooms, the AIMSU general secretary said.
The kitchen building is also in verge of collapse, he said. He also informed that the school has no proper boundary wall making it vulnerable to encroachment.
Despite repeated complaints to the concern department no fruitful action has been taken yet, he rued.
He also said that there was acute shortage of teachers in the school.
“Out of the total 6 sanctioned ST posts only one has been appointed so far. A Junior Teacher (JT, SSA) is doing the role of Senior Teacher, the union leader said. He expressed the apprehension that the prevailing situation in the school may hamper the students in their in academic performance.
Solung celebrated at Rumgong
PANGIN, Sep 4: Solung Giidi (festival) of Adii was celebrated with traditional fervor and religious gaiety here at Rumgong under Siang District from September 1 to 3.
Ponung group from Mori village led Ponung groups from seven villages in performing Ponung dance.
Apart from that, various other cultural programmes and food stalls were main attraction of the festival.
Attending the programme on Thursday, Siang District Tourism Officer TK Kopak exhorted all to foster unity through festivals.
He urged all to continue and preserve the rich culture and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
The DTO also highlighted the importance of tourism.
Citing the famous quote ‘Athiti Deva Bhava’, Kopak also urged the gathering to have hospitality and welcome nature to tourists coming in their area.
Host of government officials, panchayat leaders and public attended the festival.
Education for character building
[ M.R.Lalu ]
Again a Teacher's Day, to remind us of what it is meant to be a teacher. His roles and responsibilities are counted to be the most important. A teacher is a nation maker who converts a crowd to a disciplined assembly, a sculptor who chisels out a beautiful idol of a rough stone. It is not only a day to remind us of the importance of teachers, but also of the importance of the parents. Undoubtedly, the most precious period of a man's life is his youth and this is the formative period. The molding of one's life and the development of his character and an enhanced personality supported by various values take place in this period.
In his childhood, a person is consciously or unconsciously influenced by his surroundings. It is hard to be seen as to what sort of imprints they bring in him. But they may be either positive or negative. The situations that he is designed to undergo will remain in him as his habits and memories and he would be in a position to pick up such instances from the past as his life goes on. Therefore it is felt that the growing period of a child is so important and the parents and the teachers are the main contributors for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth of a child.
In India, life has always been considered as an endeavor for higher attainment. Our ancestors had always been teaching us with all necessary examples as to what could lead a man to gain the highest in his life. According to them, life is not only for money making and living a luxurious life but a task that directs our will and wish to attain a higher level of consciousness. It has been perceived that the overall purpose of living should be for an all-round perfection of the body, mind and intellect. They asked us to lead a meaningful life with courage, determination and greater values. According to Swami Vivekananda, education is a process of manifesting the perfection which is already in every human being. Our ancient education system was a great design of living with nature while exploring its possibilities. It was a system of harmonious living with nature and never one to promote any exploitation.
It is doubtful as to what the current system of education is able to achieve. Does it provide the children of these days with an inspiration and greater living impulses to live a meaningful life? Surely the present day education system is capable to provide them with information to pass examinations and get jobs. The matter that is seriously haunting the youth of today is that they grow as a confused lot with no courage to walk choosing the path that their hearts resolved to take, their inability to choose between the right and wrong as their power of discrimination has been missing their way. Education with moneymaking as the prime motto will chisel out money hunters and job seekers out of intelligent giants. Are the students merely brains to be stuffed with a plethora of facts, figures and statistical information? Are they blessed with life giving thoughts and facts with which they would lead the world in their future? An education system that enables a student to get a degree or diploma and earn a livelihood does not satisfy the real need of them. Every child is a personality with a capacity to think, feel, know, choose and act. He should be helped for a harmonious development of his heart, head and hands.
The road to the good is the roughest and steepest in the universe. Character has to be established through a thousand stumbles. It is the teachers and the parents who must decide as to what should be the values they have to pass on to the children. Though the system of education does not provide solutions for all the issues pertaining to the students' life, the parents and the teachers together can do wonders with greater goals designed outside the curriculum framework. It is our thoughts that lead to actions and the actions lead to results. Every thought, for that matter, leaves an imprint in the mind and the sum total of these impressions become one's habits. Now it is for the parents and the teachers to decide as to what should be the atmosphere provided to the children at home and school.
Thus character, which is again a bundle of habits in a person, can very well be developed through constant positive efforts by both parents and teachers. It is time for us to wake up and listen to the call of the day; else, a generation with rotten bookish knowledge and limited intelligence would grow around with a tattooed personality bringing chaos and troubles in every stratum of life. (The writer is a teacher of VKV Sher, Papum Pare)
Mega Solung Football Tourney: Mongku FC storms into semis
ITANAGAR, Sep 4: Mongku FC stormed into the semifinal of the Mega Solung Football Tournament defeating OG Sports Club 3-0 in the third quarter-final at JN College, Pasighat playground on Sunday.
Onyok Pazing gave Mongku FC the early lead by scoring within 10 minutes before General Modi added two more goals to book the team’s place in the semifinal.
Capital Complex will play against Siang Rovers FC in the fourth quarterfinal on September 5 in the same ground at 2 pm.
Pinky-Yania lose in pre-quarters
ITANAGAR, Sep 04: Pinky Karki and Taring Yania of Arunachal Pradesh lost to Natcha Chatputtaring and Fareeda Loog of Thailand in the pre-quarterfinal of the Yonex Sunrise India Junior International Badminton Championships-2016, which concluded at Pune, Maharashtra Sunday.
Pinky and Yania went down fighting 08-11, 09-11, 09-11 to third seeded Natcha and Fareeda in women's double, informed Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA).
Meanwhile, ASBA has expressed its happiness over performance of Pinky and Yania in the championship, which was participated by top badminton playing from nations, like Japan and Sri Lanka.
Reaching upto pre-quarterfinal in such highly competitive championship is a great achievement, said ASBA secretary Bamang Tago.
Poor BSNL service in Nari irks people
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Sep 04: The people of Nari-Seren area in East Siang district have expressed their strong resentment over poor and erratic BSNL telecom services, saying that poor maintenance led to further worsening of the situation.
According to them, the quality of service, network coverage and capacity have gone from bad to worse, mainly due to lack of maintenance by the concern officials, causing great inconvenience to the users.
Irritated by the poor telecom service, the members of All Arunachal Pradesh Worker's Union (AAPWU) demanded BSNL authority in the district to look into the matter and ensure regular telecom service in the area.
The union also demanded the higher ups of BSNL authority for launching 3G service at Nari-Seren area.
Governor wishes Teachers
ITANAGAR, Sep 04: Governor JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his warm greetings to the teaching community of the State on the occasion of Teachers' Day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
He expressed the hope that the occasion will inspire members of the noble profession to rededicate themselves towards imparting knowledge and value based education.
Teachers play a vital role in molding the future of students and the nation. Teaching job has great responsibility than a mere job, Rajkhowa said and called upon the teachers to follow the highest morals, ideals and ethical values preached by Dr. Radhakrishnan, who was a great philosopher, leader, and above of all, an exemplary teacher.
Dejected Rajkhowa miffed by Centre’s move
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, Sep 4: Though there is no official statement, Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa is reported to be dejected and hurt by Centre's suggestion to step down.
Sources from the Raj Bhavan confirmed that Governor appeared to be 'deeply disturbed' and hurt by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) moves.
Though, no official communication is reportedly made yet by the MHA but Rajkhowa was under insurmountable pressure to step down or leave Raj Bhavan after the Supreme Court Judgment on July 13, 2016.
Sources close to Governor informed The Arunachal Times that Rajkhowa was agitated when a junior minister as well as an official from Ministry of Home affairs called him and asked him to step down on health ground.
Reportedly, Rajkhowa called up the Union Minister of Home Rajnath Singh asking the reasons for attempted early recall, source added. Sources also claimed that the Union Home Minister pacified him by complimenting that Rajkhowa was doing a great job.
It is reported that former bureaucrat is miffed at Centre's move for his unceremonious recall after he was brought to Arunachal Raj Bhavan amidst crisis in the Congress govt in 2015.
Rajkhowa was in center stage of controversy after he recommended President Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, which was invoked by centre on the evening of Republic Day dislodging Nabam Tuki Congress govt. The Congress accused him of being BJP agent and converting the Raj Bhavan into BJP headquarters.
The Supreme Court judgment on July 13, 2016 which led to reinstatement of Nabam Tuki led Congress govt was hammer blow to Rajkhowa and huge embarrassment to the Modi led govt. His advancement of the State Assembly Session was declared illegal by the apex court and the court also questioned his intention in invoking President Rule in frontier state. Apparently, the BJP is acting under immense pressure to save itself from embarrassment and disgrace.
Amidst the reports of pressurizing him to step down on health ground, Governor left Itanagar around 11:30 AM for Guwahati by road on Sunday. However, the Raj Bhavan is tightlipped on his departure for Guwahati.
BJP’s dilemma
[ Tongam Rina ]
After the Supreme Court's devastating verdict in July castigating the Governor J P Rajkhowa for advancing the Legislative session without the consent of the state cabinet, which subsequently led to change of guard in the state, it appears that Centre is in for another dilemma.
BJP replaced Nirbhay Sharma, an Army man who was seen as close to the Congress leadership with J P Rajkhowa, a retired bureaucrat but a known nemesis of Congress in Assam while the Arunachal govt under the leadership of Nabam Tuki struggled to keep the govt going because of infighting.
To the sheer delight of BJP central leadership, Rajkhowa did what the beleaguered Congress MLAs could not do for months together: ensuring the ouster of Congress govt. The plot seemed complete till the SC decided to play the role of villain, much to the discomfort of BJP. As the party continues to struggle with its image, aftermath the SC verdict, it seems that the first option to save its face is to let go of Rajkhowa.
But while controversy surrounding Centre's role in Uttarakhand and Arunachal refuses to die down, Rajkhowa remains a tough nut to crack with his reluctance to leave the Raj Bhavan till he gets a satisfactory response from the BJP.
But BJP is as ruthless as any other political party. As it appears, Rajkhowa will end up as the ultimate sacrificial goat of BJP, sadly, after being thoroughly used.
It was expected that he would ultimately step down after the SC verdict without waiting for the Centre's move, to spare himself as well the BJP, from any further embarrassment. It remains to be seen what step Rajkhowa takes, though there is not much he can do, if Centre at all decides that he has to leave the Raj Bhavan.
The next few months will be important for the BJP in Arunachal as it is not yet done with regards to the state as the political situation is far from being stable. Even though there are few BJP MLAs, with too many power centres in the state, party is certainly waiting for a moment to strike. Though people are fed up with political instability and hoping that the present govt under Pema Khandu lasts till the 2019 elections, Arunachal is an important state for BJP and Congress. So unless the Chief Minister keeps his folks together, Congress might as well get ready for another strike from wounded BJP. It's a different matter that state BJP is fractured with two different camps headed by Tapir Gao and Kiren Rijiju respectively. While the best strategist will take the final call, we are headed for interesting times. Though supporters may shout, scream or injure each other, 60 powerful people are too huge a number to be dictated by the 13 Lakhs powerless citizens.
Pema acknowledges contribution of Christian Missionaries
State celebrate canonization of Mother Teresa
ITANAGAR, Sep 4: Chief Minister Pema Khandu acknowledged the contribution of Christian Missionaries in the field of education and healthcare in the state, especially during the initial stage of the statehood.
The state was indebted to Christian Missionaries as they played a major role in taking education to the poor and far-flung areas, providing healthcare facilities to the people, Pema said while addressing a large gathering of Christian community, who assembled at Good Shepherd School, Papu Nallah, Naharlagun to celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa on Sunday.
He assured that his government will continue to extend support to the missionaries in its efforts to provide better education and health services to the poor and downtrodden people of the state. In this regard, Pema said, a policy would be evolved.
Responding to the demand of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association for naming a road at Itanagar after Mother Teresa, he invited the association to discuss the matter.
On the occasion, Pema also said to establish a "Seva Kendra" in Itanagar to provide accommodation facilities to the poor people of the state coming from different parts of the state on medical and other emergency purposes.
Earlier, Pema offered floral tributes to the portrait of Mother Teresa and also lit the candle.
Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who also is the Chief Patron of APCA, urged the Christian brethren to pray for peace and progress of the state. He urged the government to extend support the missionaries in its endeavor to take education and healthcare facilities to poor and downtrodden people in remote areas.
Father Rev John Thomas, in his message, called to follow in the foot steps of Mother Teresa and help the poor and downtrodden people.
Earlier, APCA president Taw Tabin, submitted a three-point memorandum to the Chief Minister, which included naming of a link road at Itanagar after Mother Teresa, fund for establishment of a Seva Kendra in Itanagar and Grant-in-aid for Catholic Educational Institutions and Health Services. He also highlighted the educational institutions and health centres run by Catholic Churches in the state.
On the occasion, the sisters of 'Missionaries of Charity' were felicitated by Pema. A book title "Being Yourself" and a Niyshi audio album "Isoram Pagnam" was released by Fr Anthony O P, St Petric Seminary, Naharlagun.
The prizes to the winners of drawing and essay competition were also given away.
Sister Superior, Missionary of Charity, Naharlagun shared her personal experience with Mother Teresa while Father Rev C C George highlighted how the Convent of Mother Teresa was established in a local bamboo house at Naharlagun in the year 1992.
APCC president Padi Richo, MLA Pani Taram and host of Fathers, Sisters, and believers of Christ and students of Catholic run schools attended the programme.
By Taba Ajum
Deplorable condition of National Highway 415 near A-sector, Naharlagun. Though the repairing cum re-carpeting of NH 415 including the said stretch was done only in March this year, it could not withstand the monsoon rain. This raises serious question mark over quality of work done by the contractor as well as monitoring by the PWD highway officials. Recently Ashwini Kumar, regional officer, Ministry of Roads, Transports & Highways (MoRTH) informed that work for construction of Itanagar-Banderdewa four lane project is expected to start by November. Capital dwellers are hoping that this project which is in pipeline since last many years will finally see light of day. It is the only hope for better road in capital complex.
Citrus growers upset over trunk borer attack
[ H K Roy ]
PASIGHAT, Sep 4: Orange growers are likely to suffer heavy losses this time as trunk borers are likely to spoil their orchards.
According to a recent survey report, under Rural Horticulture Work Experience (RHWE), a team of students from College of Horticulture, Pasighat visited twenty citrus orchards and found that at least three out of every five plants were infested with citrus trunk borer in Mirem, Miglung, Bilat and Ledum.
This insect is very common and devastating pest in NE region.
It makes zig-zag galleries beneath the bark and tunnel into the trunk or main stem and as a result of feeding on the internal tissues, the attacked branches die and wither away.
Aalo-Likabali road partially restored
AALO, Sep 4: Road communication between Aalo and Likabali has been partially restored for light vehicles.
The Aalo-Likabal road was disrupted following landslides triggered by heavy downpour over the last few days.
Landslide occurred at 20 points due to which many vehicles were stranded.
Men and machinery of TK Engineering have been pressed into service to clear all the block points.
The GREF authority has been asked to clear all the block points falling under their jurisdiction.
Heavy rains also caused huge damage to public properties at various places of West Siang district.
WRC fields, labour barracks, horticulture gardens, water supply channels were destroyed and washed away by flash flood.
The people of Dari Circle under the guidance of Circle Officer Ejum Ango and ZPM Hengi Riba are toiling hard to come out of the crisis. DIPRO
3 houses gutted in Kanubari
KANUBARI, Sep 4: Three houses were completely burnt down while several others affected in a fire that broke out on Saturday at Kanubari, Longding.
Although the fire caused huge loss of household property, no casualty has been reported. A relief team headed by ADC incharge N.Borang accompanied by other officers visited the spot on Sunday to take stock of the properties lost and met the fire victims. The local administration handed over an amount of Rs.10000 each being immediate relief to the fire victims. Besides, 30 pieces of CGI sheets were distributed to affected family from MLALAD.
Apex Bank gears up recovery drive
ITANAGAR, Sep 4: With a view to improve the loan recovery position of the Apex Bank, the Chief Secretary has directed all the DCs to initiate recovery drive against all defaulters through Bengal Public Demand Recovery Act, 1913 as extended to the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Accordingly, the recovery initiative has been instituted against all defaulters, especially big borrowers, informed MD of the bank Tsering Thongdok.
Meanwhile, the MD while informing that the Apex bank is IT enabled, requested the customers of the bank to avail all types of ATM, remittance facilities, DBT etc.
