The Arunachal Times - Archives

Effort to relocate Lisus from Namdapha Tiger Reserve

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: Efforts to relocate the Lisus from Namdapha National Park (Tiger Project), Miao is on. The Lisus comprising of 84 families are reported to have encroached in the Core/Critical Wild Life habitat inside Namdapha Tiger Reserve at 5 locations.

On Mar 30, a meeting on Lisu relocation and rehabilitation from Namdapha National Park was convened at Miao which was attended by Parliamentary Secretary (Environment & Forests) Kumar Waii. He said that there is immense pressure from the centre to find an early solution to the rehabilitation of Lisu settlers from Namdapha.

He said that the proposal by Lisu leaders to recognize their settlements inside the Tiger Project by de-reserving the area is not feasible and urged them to accept the compensation package and move out from the Park. He categorically stated that in near future if the Govt. decides to evict the settlers as they inhabit the critical wildlife habitat, it will be a great loss.

The Lisus have sought some time to arrive at an amicable solution.

Local Kamlung Mossang, ZPM Chairperson Junpo Jugli, PCCF (WL & BD) & Chief Wildlife Warden J.L.Singh along with officials from Wildlife and Local administration attended the meeting.

Namdapha was originally a Reserved Forest and was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972 under Assam Forest Regulation. It was declared a National Park in 1983. In the same year, it was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger Scheme of the Government of India. An area of 177.425 sq. km. of Reserved Forest was added to the Tiger Reserve in 1986. Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and is recognized as one of the richest areas in biodiversity in India.

There are 41 tiger reserves in India which includes Namdapha and Pakhui in Arunachal, governed by Project Tiger. The landmark report, Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India, published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, estimates only 1411 adult tigers in existence in India including the uncensused tigers in the Sundarbans.

12 cadres surrender in Tirap

KHONSA, Mar 31: Twelve cadres belonging to both factions of NSCN today surrendered at the 19th Assam Rifles, Khonsa. The cadres, six each from NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K), surrendered with four Pistols, one 9 mm Carbine, two .22 Chinese Rifles, a single barrel rifle, five grenades, one IED and four detonators. Eight of them are from Tirap and three from Changlang while one cadre was from Mon Dist of Nagaland who was operating in Kanubari circle of Tirap.

With these twelve, total number who has surrendered has gone up to 62.

On three earlier occasions last year, a total of 51 cadres had surrendered at Khonsa.

An army release termed the surrender of these youths as landmark event and change in perception among youth.

Brigadier JS Negi, VSM Commander 25 Sector Assam Rifles of DAH DIVISION presided over the surrender ceremony. Colonel Naveen, VrC, Commandant 19 Assam Rifles, SSP Tirap Madhup Tewari and DC Tirap W Lowang were also present during the ceremony.

Brigadier Negi said that the return of large number of cadres is an indicator that operations by security forces coupled with psychological initiatives are bearing dividends. Brigadier Negi emphasised on the commitment of the Security Forces towards rehabilitation of these misguided youth. He added that at the initiative of GOC 2 Mountain Division, a Rehabilitation Centre is functional at Dinjan Military Station, where in these youths are provided vocational training aimed at providing adequate skills for employment.

Tremendous synergy between the 19 Assam Rifles and the Dist Police has developed in Tirap District and Brigadier Negi, thanked Madhup Tiwari, SSP Tirap for his selfless commitment and cooperation.

Col Naveen, VrC Commandant 19 Assam Rifles pointed out that the entire process of motivation of cadres for surrender has been a joint effort with the Dist Police.

He also said the sustained support of the SSP and the DC will go a long way in the common objective of heralding peace in the District and the State.

Gen (Retd) JJ Singh, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has been crucial in pushing through the Surrender Policy with the Central Govt and is likely to be finalised soon.

Soon after assuming office, Gen Singh had visited Tirap giving a boost to the peace process. With his support the process of normalisation has picked up pace and will grow in strength, a Army source said.

Mighty Siang is the venue for 7th National Rafting Championship

Ragam Techi Tara

YINGKIONG, Mar 31: 7th National Rafting Championship 2010 is being held at Siang River, Yingkiong from April one in which nine teams are participating. The event is being organized by Indian Rafting Foundation (IRF) and Arunachal Pradesh Tour operators Association (APTOA) and supported by Ministry of Tourism and Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.

Glen C. Merrick, Tauras Gyula, Sharon French and Shaukat Sikand are the international judges for the chairmanship.

Local MLA Aalo Libang will flag off the first event tomorrow from 12 kilo. The main events for April 2 next are slalom round I and II that will be held at Gandhi Bridge around three kilometres away from the town.

Speaking about the future prospect of the tourism in the state on the eve of the Championship that began at Halleng village here today Parliamentary Secretary Gojen Gadi said that such events will not only encourage the young people of the state to participate in rafting championship in future and other national events but will also promote tourism in the state. Gadi who released a souvenir on the occasion said that Arunachal Govt. is giving thrust to tourism and hydro power sectors which will bring employment and development in the state. Holding of the Rafting championship is a part of tourism promotion in the state. The natural landscapes and the scenic beauty of the state are very alluring and will attract tourist if property exposed and marketed, he added.

Gadi also announced that he will work out to convert Halleng village into a model village to promote rural tourism.

Local MLA, Alo Libang said that it was a matter of pride for people of Yingkiong that the championship is being held in such a remote place. He said that he will try to make it annual event in from coming year. Being land of many rivers, Arunachal can be a hub of such events and he hoped for the best to come.

Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner, Pawan Kumar Sain, said rafting and holding of championship in the Siang River is a great challenge. After this event, people from outside world will know about the area which may pave way for adventure tourism in a big way. He assured all possible help and co-operation to make the event a success.

Director Tourism A.K. Singh thanked all those who have helped in conducting the championship and appealed do the participating teams to help in promoting and exposing adventure tourism to the outside world.

APTOA President John Panya said that the championship will go a long way in promoting and demonstrating the spirit of adventure for rafting and kayaking in the mighty Siang which is rated as top five rivers with world class rapids.

APTOA chairman, Tsering Wange said the event has been conducted here to promote adventure sports and tourism in the state and added that such championship will help the team from the state in getting national and international exposure. (With input from DIPRO)

Finally, prices of essential items fixed

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: Finally, Itanagar Capital Complex administration has fixed the prices of few essential items in consultation with the Bazaar committees. Altogether, rates of 106 items have been fixed which include grocery, fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, service charges of car and bike wash, computer typing, xerox, lamination and mobile downloading.

Although administration has fixed the rates, it is to be seen that how far it would give respite to the people distressed by the soaring commodity prices. It is seen from the price list made available to the press that there has been no drastic increase or decrease in the approved price list against the prevailing rates. The rates of almost all essential items, except few, remain same.

For example, the prices of items like chicken, fish, (local and challani), dal, rice, egg etc. and prices of few vegetable items in Itanagar remain same. From this, it is to be presumed that the present market prices of those items are genuine. However, it would be interesting to see whether the shopkeers/vendors could maintain the approved rates in the event of price rise at source. Would administration review this price list from time to time as rates of all commodities fluctuate mainly depending upon production, demand and supply?

Administration has already circulated this price list to all the bazaar committees of Capital Complex. A customer can also ask for the same from the vendors/shoopkeepers in case of any doubt or non-display of the same by them. Complaint may also be lodged at the nearest police station or at the office of the magistrate in case of refusal or non-compliance with the approved price list by any shopkeepers/vendors.

1982-3, 1984 kms,, low density of tiger, citing to extremism and ecnorahment.

DTO East Siang revenue touches a crore

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 31: District Transport Office, Pasighat has collected a revenue of Rs. 1,03,76,583 crores this financial year.

Earlier, in 2008 and 2009, the department had collected Rs. 50 lacs and Rs. 75 lacs respectively.

However, with the efforts to raise the revenue collection of the department, DTO, East Siang Marik Loyi who joined in August 2007 has managed to collect a record amount for the department from the district. When contacted, Marik appealed the government for more human resources in the department to ensure more revenue collection for the government.

Meanwhile, DC Pasighat Onit Panyang appreciated Loyi for making records in revenue collection in the department.

Commission says no to bail

Itanagar, Mar 31: Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women has urged the District Court not to grant bail to an alleged rapist under Doimukh Circle. The Commission informed that four youths trespassed into a house of a young woman and one of them allegedly raped her on Mar 20. The Police is reported to have arrested the alleged rapist. The Commission further called for protection of the woman and her family.

Seppa Township to get facelift

Seppa, Mar 31: Much to the delight of the people of East Kameng district, the initiatives for the beautification of the Seppa township would begin with the widening of road from April two next. This was confirmed by the East Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Pige Ligu in a coordination meeting with the Town MLA, Tapuk Taku in presence of SP, Tume Ammo, ZPM Chairperson, Sipi Bagang and host of administrative officers at DC’s office chamber on March 30last.

Informing about the preparation for the town beautification, Ligu said that all the equipments and other items required for the beautification are ready. Only a spark is needed to ignite the flame which would be done on April two by initiating the widening work from the entrance point of the Seppa township, he said.

MLA Taku urged the entire officers to cooperate with the executing agency during the beautification process.

Meanwhile, apprising the meeting about the current law and order situation in the district and Capital, Taku asked SP, Seppa to put strict vigil to the working pattern of the subordinate staff and other police personnel. He viewed that as the district has enough able officers, all the professional criminals should be booked immediately in order to prevent the possibilities of further criminal activities in the district. He further suggested for whole night patrolling of the area like Ty-I colony and New Seppa where the criminal activities are reportedly high as compared to other areas.

Superintendent of Police Tumme Amo informed that the CRPF Jawans have been deputed for the night patrolling from 9 pm till 6 am. He assured to keep the law and order situation intact in the district if enough force is provided. While informing about shortage of personnel, the SP said that the existing strength of police personnel in the deptt., is still on the basis of the ratio fixed earlier which is not enough to tackle law and order problem in the present situation. He urged the MLA to raise the issue in the assembly.

It was also decided that a police beat would be established at two strategically important points.

Besides, the meeting resolved to take the electricity problem seriously. One of the important points discussed in the meeting was on the massive slaughtering of Mithuns for commercial purpose. The house observed that as the slaughters of Mithun is increasing day by day; a prior permission should be obtained from the DC to sale/slaughter the Mithun for the commercial purpose. And the violators would be booked as per the relevant law.

Town Magistrate, Dahey Sangno presented the overview of the market rate of the goods and the prices it is actually being sold at. He informed that despite of serving order repeatedly to sale the goods at the fixed rate, it is being sold higher than the rate fixed by the District magistrate adding that the order if passed should be strictly enforced to curb the illegal activities. He also informed about the intricacies involved in the execution of the order and sought cooperation from all, especially the police deptt in order to put check on such activities. DIPRO

CCE convocation

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: Centre for Computer Education (CCE), Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat has convened its third convocation ceremony today for the Session 2009-2010.

The Centre runs with the approval of the Director of Higher and Technical Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, since 2007. It provides basic as well as advanced training in computer applications to students for a period of six months.

A total of 32 students were awarded certificates on successful completion of the course during the current session.

While congratulating the students, the Principal T. Talom informed the students of other avenues which are available in the college since its recognition as a centre of potential for excellence by the UGC.

CNC assets

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: The proposed foundation stone for Tadar Tang sitting Gallery and handing over the immovable and movable assets of the Central Nyokum Committee (CNC) to respective local Nyokum Committees at Nirjuli and Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar have been re-fixed on April 3 at Nyokum Niya Hall, Nirjuli. Earlier the date of the handing over ceremony was proposed on January 16 but postponed.

The CNC appealed the Nyishi Elite Society, Nirjuli Nyokum Local Committee and Itanagar Nyokum Local Committee members to attend it.

Union say no

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: All Palin, Chambang, Yangte, Gangte and Tarak-Langdi student’s union has extended support to recent demand by All Kurung Kumey District Students Union to stop head load carriage system of PDS in the district.

Its right time to solve boundary issue: ANYA

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has urged the Arunachal and Assam Govts to find out mutually acceptable solution to boundary dispute at the earliest.

There has been no sincere and bold effort made to hammer out solution to the boundary, ANYA claimed and said that Assam and Arunachal should make good use of conducive working atmosphere to solve the vexed issue with the Congress party in the helm of affairs in both the states.

Advocating for constitution of State Finance Commission with budgetary provision as third party monitoring body in the line of the Central Finance Commission, ANYA demanded that State Planning Board be constituted with inclusion of experts from various disciplines. Such independent body with expertise will play a significant role in maintaining fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability for good governance, it said.

Expressing surprise over the ‘non-preparation of Annual Operating Plan’ (AOP) ANYA said that the general public have right to know what kind of planning, budgetary and fiscal discipline is being maintained while spending public money.

It demanded white paper within a month explaining the reason as to why usual planning process was not brought in during this fiscal thereby expending from Govt coffer without preparing AOP.

State Govt should liaise with the union ministry of human resource development to ensure that a new vice chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University with fair knowledge on socio-economic, cultural mosaic, tribal ethos and philosophy of indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh is appointed.

Myoko may be costliest festival in Arunachal!

-Yachang Tacho-

Three clustered village of Apatani valley i.e. Hong, Hari-Biila and Hiichi, have been divided for the purpose of Myoko festival to be celebrated on rotation. When turn comes, no one could escape from it, nor have ever tried. One may not present personally at the time of celebration but, it is sure he is affected in one way or other. Every Apatani could perceive the problems being faced by the people of the host village except for under age children. However, children would wish if every day is Myoko Day. When one became adult or head of a family, their attitude will overturn.

Countdown for the festival start from a year ahead - how many months are left? As the time comes closer, the tension increases - but you can’t escape from social taboos and religious formalities. No hope of excuse either. Ultimately, you have to take part in preparation of social taboos like Lapang, Babo etc and attend personal preparations like renovation of house, collection of fire wood, preparation of rice bear etc. There seems no chance to retreat - needs sufficient time and money to stand up with these chores and formalities. Every body of hosting village wished that Myoko started exactly on time. It gives people all the opportunities to offer prayer or to appease numbers of deities. People also try their best to entertain visitors/guests to a high degree in traditional ways. This is called Myoko festival.

While looking from this angle, Myoko festival of Apatani seems to be one of the most expensive and longest festival celebrated anywhere in the state. Take for instance, Hong village; once second largest village of Asia with 1000 houses (approx) including Siiro is hosting the festival this year. It is estimated that an average of Rs. 15,000/- was spent per household while celebrating 2010 Myoko festival. For 1000 household, it will be Rs. 1,50,00,000/-. It costs a dear for every one.

In a casual discussion among a friends, one of their wife retorted with a comment “those who are afraid of expenditure should not be counted as an Apatani”, but her opinion is not acceptable by majority.

Any way, where that money has gone - solely on entertainment? If so it is too much. Apart from heavy expenditure, people have to sacrifice his valuable time, not for a week but for a whole one month or 30 days at a stretch in the name of celebration. It is not a jock. If you workout the value in terms of money will cost you a dear, as much as you spend money during the festival. Could we minimize the cost? Are we buying the occasion in the name of culture or tradition to such an extent? – are the feelings of some people. Earlier, in our forefathers’ time, one Lyima harkhu (a part of pig meat containing bones) was sufficient to serve the visitors. Now, we needs manifold. Besides, numerous modern food stuffs also find a place along with local dish. Such things are forceful additionals to bulge the expenditure.

No one comes up to divulge it - rather gives a casual view on it “it’s our tradition”. Yes, of course, it’s the answer. As to an adage ‘Loss of identity is loss of culture’ we can’t discard our traditions for personal benefit or in the name of modernity. We have to shoulder the burden so as to maintain our traditions and to retain the basics of the culture, but, how far? It should be echoed to every Apatani people.

Word ‘Modification or rectification’ or ‘modernization’ are synonymous to civilization and development. We can modify, but without harming basic nature of traditional fabrics. In view of modernity and change of time the matter was discussed in few occasions to celebrate the day unitedly like Dree Festival but none of the village wished to start first. Even today, there are two school of opinion, one in favour of it and the other against it. Many people talk of modification and a change but unable to devise any acceptable pattern of celebration. It is you who are to find a way towards reformation. (The writer can be reached at: tacho1@rediffmail.com)

REGP, PMEGP exhibition underway in Aalo

Aalo, Mar 31: The Three-day Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP), Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) product exhibition began today at Craft Centre. Ten prospective entrepreneurs financed under REGP and PMEGP programme sponsored by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB) are participating in the exhibitions which was inaugurated by Chairperson, Zilla Parishad Jarsa Gamlin.

He called upon the entrepreneurs to be self reliant and urged them to give attention to quality.

Former Minister Doi Ado, urged the entrepreneurs to come up with items which are readily accepted in the market.

Assistant Director Textile and Handloom S. Bhattacharjee lauded the initiatives of Chairman KVIC/KVIB Jarkar Gamlin, enabling the Textile and Handloom department for organizing the exhibition and giving marketing facilities.

Lukpu Kena, an entrepreneur running Kena Weaving Unit informed that she got financed of Rs. 3.2 lacs under REGP with 35% subsidy and refundable within 3 to 7 years. She said apart from repaying the loan she could run family with the sale of the products.

Mega Health Camp at East Siang

PASIGHAT, Mar 31: The District Health Society, East Siang District in collaboration with APDA East Siang branch conducted Mega Health camps at Nari, Mebo, Bilat and Borguli.

All medicines and diagnostic procedures were provided to the beneficiaries for free. The total numbers of X-ray done were - 178, ECG - 50, Ultra Sound - 280. The total number of Blood Test done for malaria at the camps were 212, out of which 42 patients were detected malaria positive and 20 patients were PF cases. 27 numbers of cataract patients were detected. These cataract patients have been informed to report at General Hospital Pasighat during the ensuing Eye Camp. The total of 2500 patients were checked.

The Camps were successfully completed under the guidance and supervision of Dr. T. Taloh, DMO, Dr. K. Lego, DDHS (T&R) cum President APDA, Dr. M. Perme, DRCHO cum Chief Executive Officer, District Health Society cum Vice President APDA, Dr. T. Talom, DLO cum Gen. Secy. APDA, Ipi Doke, Dist. Programme Manager (NRHM) and Y. Dulom Darang, LHV.

Ralom Borang, the local MLA attended the occasion at Mebo CHC and Borguli PHC and extended helping hands.

All the Specialist Doctors namely, Dr. T. Basar, (Ortho), Dr. J. Darang & Dr. D. Dutta (O & G), Dr. B. Ratan (Paeds), Dr. G. Gibi (Med.), Dr. T. Doke (Surg.) Dr. Mrs B. Borang (Opthal.), Dr. Mrs Y. Darang (Opthal), Dr. B. Taki ( ENT), Dr. Mrs U. Perme (ENT), Dr. Mrs. C. Tayeng (Sono.), Dr. T. Panyang (Dental) and Dr. T. Tamut (Dental), besides Doctors of PHCs and CHCs attended to the needy and suffering populace of these remote places. All the PRI members, Gam Buras and ASHAs of all the villages attended the camp with great zeal and enthusiasm.

VC/HM forum demands redressal of grievances

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: Arunachal School Education Vice-Principals/Headmasters’ Forum (ASEVPF) in a meeting held here recently adopted resolutions to take up their grievances with the Govt for early redressal.

The Forum resented over the “unprecedented, undesirable and unjustified decision to pave a way for the present DAEOs to supersede/overtake the present Vice Principal and Headmaster”. The decision threatens the fundamental rights, they said while adding that government did not follow any proper procedures/recruitment rule for DAEOs.

The Forum also decided to urge the Govt to award the Grade-1 scale of payment of Rs 10,000 to 15,200+ GP 6600 in PB -3 with retrospective effect from January 1, 2006 uniformly to the VPs and HMs. Meanwhile, executive committee of the Forum has been reconstituted with Gekir Karga as president and Ego Doye as general secretary.

NABARD initiative for Clean, Green and Plastic Free Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: Responding to the State Governor, General (Retd.) J.J. Singh’s clarion call for Clean, Green and Plastic Free Arunachal NABARD has sanctioned a pilot Project on Solid Waste Management under its Rural Innovation Fund, to be implemented in Itanagar Capital Complex. The project is sanctioned to ENVIRON, a prominent NGO working in environment with its head Office at Guwahati. ENVIRON will implement the project in collaboration with Arunachal based NGO, Action Aid Society Arunachal (AASA) with community participation.

ENVIRON has done a good work in the field of integrated solid waste management in the North East India, a NABARD release stated.

The project hinges on Source Segregation - through specific “Litter Bin” at the source, reduction of the “segregated biodegradable solid waste through backyard composting, collection of non-biodegradable solid waste by rag pickers and Proper utilization of Solid waste through recycling etc.

Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Complex, would be monitoring the implementation of the project through a Project Monitoring and Implementation Committee constituted for the purpose.

With the successful implementation of the project, this model can be scaled up for the entire State.

Aagyang Biipa Ko

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: Apatani Youth Forum Capital Complex (AYFCC) has called for protection of Aagyang Biipa Ko, a scared place used by priest during rituals. These places are revered and usually demarcated.

The call came after they visited these areas at Naharlagun. The forum, while highlighting the improper maintenance of Aagyang Biipa Ko appealed the Apatani community residing in capital complex to take immediate step to preserve the holy places.

Sena assures funds for Tea growers

ITANAGAR, Mar 31: A team of Arunachal Pradesh small tea growers association (APSTGA) on Wednesday met finance minister Setong Sena and tendered a copy of memorandum which they had recently submitted to Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu highlighting various grievances faced by the association.

During the meeting, finance minister assured that from next financial year, government will try to facilitate some funds for tea development in the state. He also exhorted that state government is ready to extend support to APSTGA for development of tea industry.

For effective development of tea industry, finance minister stressed on importance of systematic planning and proper programme implementation. In this regard a conference will be organized in the month of June by directorate of trade and commerce. The main objective of the conference would be to find out the best types of tea that is suited to be grown in Arunachal.

SHRISTI-2010

NAHARLAGUN, Mar 31: The North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh is organizing SHRISTI-2010, the Techno-Management Festival which is one of the greatest Tech and Management festivals in the country. SHRISTI-2010 would showcase more than 50 challenging events apart from workshops which would be attended by eminent academicians and scholars from renowned universities and institutions.

More than 600 young talented engineers are expected to participate in the four days extravaganza starting from April 1 from various Institution like Rajiv Gandhi University, Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic apart from NERIST students.

The SHRISTI-2010 would be inaugurated by Education Minister Bosiram Siram as Chief Guest and Director of Higher and Technical Education & Director of NERIST Dr. Joram Begi would attend the function as Guest of Honour on Thursday at NERIST Auditorium.