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Centre clears the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal

Tawang prepares to welcome the spiritual leader

Ranjit Sinha

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: The Union Ministry of External Affairs has cleared the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tawang from Nov 8 next though China continued its demarche on his visit to this part of the country which according to them is ‘disputed area’.Earlier, Dalai Lama’s proposed trip to Tawang to inaugurate a hospital had to be cancelled due to reason best known to the authorities.

However, this time Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear before the Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao that Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is an ‘honoured guest” of India and is free to travel anywhere in the country, but his followers would not be allowed to engage in any political activity in the country.

Confirming the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal, spiritual leader T G Rinpoche, who is also chairman of the newly created department of Karmik and Adhyatmik affairs disclosed before the media persons today that the external affairs ministry had issued letter clearing the visit of the Dalai Lama to Tawang on Oct 19 last and the same was convened to the state next day.

While showing a copy of the letter of the concerned ministry, Rinpoche, however, clarified that the chief minister was not made aware of the development as the election process was on that time and there was a busy post-poll schedule.

Announcing the preparation and tentative programme for the week-long visit of the Dalai Lama starting from Nov 8 in Arunachal including Itanagar, Rinpoche said His Holiness is scheduled to fly from Guwahati and reach Tawang directly on Nov 8 next. A day after his arrival, the Dalai Lama would perform religious discourses in Yidga Choezin ground (Higher Secondary school ground) on Nov 9,10 and 11. During his stay at Tawang the His Holiness would also inaugurate the hospital. Thereafter at Dirang, the Dalai Lama would perform an hour-long discourse on his way to Bomdila on Nov 12. This would be followed by another religious performance at Bomdila on Nov 13 wherein the Dalai Lama is expected to offer blessing and preach sermons.

Rinpoche further informed that the much-admired spiritual leader would also arrive at Itanagar to bless the devotees and chant religious Prabachan at Gompa on Nov 14 afternoon. After a night halt, His Holiness would conclude his tour on Nov 15.

A state level reception committee has been formed which would liaison with the administration and look after overall arrangement for the successful visit of Supreme Buddhist spiritual leader.

While Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu would be the patron, the 12-member reception committee headed by Rinpoche as chairperson consists of former minister Tupten Tempa as member secretary and MLAs T N Thongdok, Jambey Tashi, Phurpa Tsering, Kumsi Sidisow, R T Khunjuju, Tsewang Dhondup and DCs Gamli Padu, Swati Sharma and Padmini Singla as members.

It was also decided to constitute sub-committees in consultation with local MLA and administration concerned of the designated places for the Dalai Lama’s visit.

The reception committee chairman said higher authorities would be approached for relaxation of RAP/ILP process for those outside visitors who want to attend religious discourses and seek blessing of His Holiness during his visit to Tawang and Itanagar.

This will be the Dalai Lama’s fifth trip to Tawang.

Tawang DIPRO adds: Meanwhile, Tawang Deputy Commissioner G Padu had a meeting with all heads of the department and Zilla Parishad Members today to discuss the programmes and arranagment regarding the visit of the Dalai Lama.

The DC who earlier had received His Holiness on his earlier visits to Arunachal in Tuting and Miao had clear-defined plans. "We have to be highly conscious and concerned about the visit of His Holiness", he said and appealed to the officers present (in the meeting) for their co-operation with coordinated manner and ‘give our best effort and endeavour to get his blessings."

Regarding the security arrangement, the meeting resolved that there should be restriction on the movement of tourist vehicles from Nov 6 to Tawang Monastery for security purpose and transport department should arrange public transport facilities for "darshan" of His Holiness by the devotees. Other points of discussion include -- supply of water, electricity, temporary toilets and bathrooms; camping arrangements; deployment of magistrates; placement of boulders from the roads; identity cards for voluntaries, devotees, security personnel, etc. The dress code of the voluntaries was also fixed to be traditional.

Meanwhile, Padu asked the Arunachal Pradesh Police of the district to start checking and revive the Check-gates of the Jang, Zemithang-Lumla divisions of the Tawang district for "precautionary measures". The police will liaise with the Army, SSB and para-military forces in this occasion.

There is also an inaugural programme of the Tawang District Hospital by His Holiness on Nov 9. informed the DMO, Dr. T.G. Khrimey. A Management Committee headed by Padu will take up the magisterial deployments.

Khandu gets back to work

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: After Taking oath as the Chief Minister of the state for a second term, Dorjee Khandu yesterday got back to work.

He was accorded a warm reception by his personal staff and officials of the secretariat who escorted him to his office chamber.

While briefing his staff members, Khandu lauded their dedication and sincerity and expected the same tempo in the days to come.

We have lot many things to do and I hope every one of you would lend your helping hands to take our state to new heights, Khandu said while briefing his personal staff in his office chamber.

Meanwhile Anchal Samity Chaiperson of Khandu’s constituency Namgey Tsering expressed the hope that the untiring and relentless efforts of Khandu in gearing up the developmental activities in the state would make Arunachal Pradesh a model state in the country.

He further thanked the people of the state and legislators for giving Khandu a second chance to serve the state.

On the other hand villagers of Niglok under the initiative of Mardo Tada and Mangnang under the leadership of Toggeng Panyang in Pasighat east constituency organized a function to mark the coming back Congress to power and Dorjee Khandu retaining the Chief Minister’s chair. The people of the area expressed the hope that a new era of development would be ushed in the state under the Congress regime.

Tayeng roll out his plan for Dambuk

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: Jomin Tayeng, the newly elected MLA from Dambuk constituency has set his eyes on improving education scenario in Dambk area. With the state government putting education as one of its priorities, Tayeng’s dreams may soon turn into a reality.

Schools need to be ungraded with improved infrastructure and teachers. Only with good education, we can hope for a society that is developed in its truest sense, said that bureaucrat turned politician.

He committed up gradation of Jia Middle School to secondary school, which has been demand of the people of the area for the last fifteen years and renovation of teacher quarters of Meka Secondary school, which was upgraded in 2002.

He further assured re-installation of Bijari Middle to secondary school, renovation of defunct Boys and Girls hostel of Dambuk Higher Secondary School in this financial year.

Establishment of Circle Officer (CO) post at Parbuk and setting up of Police Out Post at Paglam in the Assam-Arunachal Boundary are alos in the priority list of Tayeng.

Tayeng further assured to re-instate State Transport Bus Services to Dambuk and handover Dibang Ghat to BRTF which is presently run by private parties. During the campaign trail, he had promised power connectivity, good roads, health, and education and drinking water facilities to the people of the constituency.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party, Lower Dibang Valley District Unit General Secretary Balung Pertin hoped that with his administrative knowledge and political experience, Tayeng would bring all round development to the constituency.

Rajkumar blames NSCN for poll debacle

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: T L Rajkumar who lost the recent assembly elections blamed NSCN for his defeat.

In a statement he said, “once again NSCN is entirely responsible for my defeat. They abducted and severely beat up my supporters of Tutnu, Kolam, Longbo and Lianwang villagers. They threatened the villagers that they would be killed if they voted for congress.

It is a defeat of good and victory of the bad force”.

Every election it has become a trend for underground outfit to sabotage election in his constituency, he said while adding that very democratic system and institution has been jeopardized and the Government needs to view it seriously to ensure peace and order and free and fair election.

I suggest that Rahul Gandhi should involve himself in solving the Naga issue as I see in him the required vision and wisdom, above all, the rationality and pragmatism. No dialogue can linger for over 10 years, he said.

“We have seen solution to issues and problems of higher magnitude around the world. The people of Tirap and Changlang are longing to have an early political solution to restore the normal life” the leader added.

DRDA employees struggling without salary

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association Arunachal State Unit informed that the employees of DRDA in Arunachal Pradesh are not getting their salaries for last 11 months because the state government is yet to release its 10% share. DRDA is 90% funded by central government under grants in aid. The association said that 1st and 2nd Installment of State share for the financial year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 is yet to be cleared due which centre to yet to release its share.

The employees said that the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi has written a letter to state government for immediate absorptions of direct recruited DRDA Staffs to respective line department and reminder is repeatedly served to state government as Centre would stop giving administrative fund and salary fund right from march 2010.

APLS remembers Swarna Borah

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) has paid its glowing tributes to the eminent litterateur of Assam, Swarna Borah, who is also the recipient of first Lummer Dai Literary Award.

The award was instituted by the Assam Sahitya Sabha.

A noted novelist, poet and lyricist in Assamese language, Borah breathed her last on October 21 after fighting a long battle with cancer. She was 72.

Some of her notable literary creations include Deeyong Nadeer Geet (1985), Luit Parar Kantha (1989), Subansirit Relor Uki, Nadeer Parar Sugandhi Kobita & Hriday Nadeer Kallol (1990), Dudhnoir Bedana (1997) and Aai Nadeer Usupani (1999).

In a condolence meeting held at the conference hall of JN State Museum here today, the APLS members, led by its president Y D Thongchi, Research Director Tage Tada, Trade & Commerce Director Tokong Pertin and Nanni Dai, Editor of this daily, remembered the celebrated Assamese writer and her literary contributions.

“That she is no more amidst us fills our heart with remorse. We have lost a near and dear friend of us. It will be difficult to fill the void created by her passing away,” said Thongchi.

“The death of Swarna Borah has left me in a state of shock. I have no words to express my feelings. I have lost one of my close friends and a family member as well. I still remember vividly the day when I conferred the first Lummer Dai Literary Award, instituted after my husband,” said Nanni Dai, with tears rolling down her eyes.

Later, the meeting observed two minutes’ silence to pray for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Lok Adalat in Sagalee

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: The office of additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Sagalee recently conducted Lok Adalat to deliver speedy trial of pending cases. During the proceeding nine cases of petty nature were taken up for hearing and disposed off. The remaining cases could not be taken up due to lack of time.

The Adalat was presided over by Obang Dai, ADC cum chairman, Likha Sampu, Circle Officer cum member SDLSA and Tana Bapu, Circle officer cum member SDLSA.

The next Lok Adalat will be held on 28th February 2010.

Meanwhile SDLSA, Sagalee will conduct micro legal literacy camp through out the Sagalee sub-division from 2nd November 2009. The camp will provide free legal aid services and create awareness among the general public about the various laws of country.

Chow Tewa Mein sworn in as Pro Tem Speaker

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: Chowkham MLA Chow Tewa Mein was sworn in as the Pro Tem speaker in a function at Raj Bhavan here today. The Governor Gen JJ Singh administered the oath of office to Mein in presence of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, former Speaker Setong Sena and senior Congress leaders including Nabum Tuki, Tako Dabi, Tsewang Dondhup, Bosiram Siram, Nido Povitro and newly elected MLA Likha Saaya. Chief Secretary Tabom Bam and Secretary to Governor P.S. Lokhande were also present during the swearing-In ceremony.

Former Minister and one of the senior most Political personalities of the State, Mein was elected to the Second Legislative Assembly in 1995 and held the charge of Minister for Horticulture. He was re-elected to the fourth and is being elected again to the Fifth Legislative Assembly.

Born on 2nd December 1942, Mein is an active social and political worker.

The Pro Tem Speaker will be swearing-in the newly elected MLAs during the first session of the Fifth Legislative Assembly. After the newly elected MLAs are sworn in, the Legislators will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

10 Bn organizes free medical camp

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: A free medical camp was organized at Village- Lichi, Papumpare today. It was a runway success with lots of villagers turning up for getting medical check-up, advise, treatment as well as medicines because they were informed well in advance by the unit. 49 male and 33 female totaling 82 people benefited from the camp. Medicines worth Rs. 6148/- were also distributed free of cost. People from neighbouring villages also came for advice and checkup.

The camp was inaugurated by Manoj Kumar Singh, 10 Bn ITBP.

The medical officer of the unit Dr. Dipankar Nayak, CMO (SG) also delivered a lecture on awareness about Hygiene and Sanitation and other infectious diseases.

ACR calls for participation of citizens and transparency

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: Arunachal Citizens Right (ACR) has said that new government while on its path to development must respect the need for free, prior, and informed consent and participation of the indigenous peoples Arunachal.

ACR hoped that new government will involve its citizens in a democratic, transparent and accountable debate and discussion in planning and decision making in all Govt. developmental agendas particularly for water and hydropower policies, plans and projects to secure the spiritual and physical survival of present and future generation of the people of the state keeping in mind that the vexed four and half decade Chakmas and

Hajongs refugee problem in Arunachal Pradesh is the impact of the US based multinational power corporation in the Chittagong Hills Tract of Bangladesh in the early 1960s.

The Arunachal Citizen’s Right (ACR) is not against development but is more concerned about the sustainability of dams vis-à-vis tribal development in the years to come. The innocent tribals are increasingly being lured with money in the name of compensation and rehabilitation packages as espoused by firms in the power sector. Tribals who have been surviving for decades on subsistence agriculture by means of shift agriculture and marginal wet-rice cultivation are easily lured with few lakhs of rupees as offered by companies in the power sector. They are hardly aware of the fact that the nominal sum of money does guarantee a lifetime security. Where as once the dams are constructed, the power firms are going to derive profits for time immemorial, it said.

ACR suggested that new government go for a thorough assessment of carrying capacity of the state be conducted by an independent team of experts/agencies with regard to hydropower generation considering the economic fragility of the state and loss of biodiversity and livelihoods caused by construction of dams.

All decisions for new hydro projects in state must adhere to decision making framework as proposed by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) for an approach to water resource development based on respect for rights, valuing of equity and sustainability, participatory decision making, accountability and efficiency.

A welcome change

Raju Mimi

This election to the Roing 43rd constituency comes as a surprise. The newly elected legislative member Laeta Umbrey fulfilled the promise for victory to all those people who had trusted and supported him. The consecutive defeat of INC from Roing in 2006 by-election and 2009 general election has terribly shaken the party base and the conventional wisdom of Mithi’s invincibility has been awfully proved wrong. Following the declaration of poll results, incidences of stray violence are also being reported which is a blot in this democratic process. If INC faces humiliation in its defeat then it must appreciate the fact that Umbrey too had went through that same fate. Today he triumphs as a popularly elected leader defeating all odds with sweeping change in the electorate behavior. Going by the voting pattern in this Roing election, it shows that Congress retained its support in the rural areas and even fared well in places like lower areas of town like Midland and Agamgite where the party has a poor support base. However it miserably failed to draw support from the govt employees and working class in the urban areas. Traditionally in a state like Arunachal, the electorate mandate is strongly decided by the ruling party factor since it commands the assured support of the govt employees. It was in the 2009 parliamentary election that under the banner of CoSAAP the employees voted massively against the ruling party. However after partial fulfillment of their demand, mood swayed in favour of ruling party with CoSAAP posing no threat, thereby INC gaining absolute majority in the state assembly. Yet it is intriguing that in Roing the govt employees became the decisive factor in determining the poll victory. As had been rumored earlier of Mithi loosing his clout in the state congress party, the electorate behavior in Roing proves the point.

It is a great disappointment to supporters of INC who had wished to be on the safer side believing it to be the ruling party. This election went on in the backdrop of great political upheaval for supremacy with reports of infighting within the Congress party.

With the poll deciding factor shifting its loyalty the rich elites from the Idu Mishmi tribal community that enjoyed political supremacy in Roing during Mithi’s rule has come to an end. It is now being professed as the end of Mithi era and the dawn of Umbrey era. The changed electorate behavior is a wake up call to the all those vast majority of local tribal community to shed their old ideas of retaining their economy on the strength of political supremacy. During 90’s when Govt of India declared complete ban on timber business the tribal community then went in a state of depression. However that corrected the behavior of a lavish money culture and made people devote in education looking for prestigious govt jobs. As said ‘All’s well that ends well’, the time now is for local tribal people to inculcate contemporary ideas with education as their strong support base. Thankfully it’s Umbrey who taught the lesson.

Identity and Cultural Dynamics: Tribes of South Africa, Nigeria and North East India

RONO HILLS, Oct 26: Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Indian Council of Social Science Research and Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, is organizing a three-day International Multi-disciplinary Conference on “Identity and Cultural Dynamics: Tribes of South Africa, Nigeria and North East India” from October 28 to 30, 2009.

The violation of tribal cultures world over being brutal and varied, tribal socio-cultural traditions today whether in South Africa, Nigeria or North East India, are either extinct or deeply threatened. The Conference hopes to address issues of critical contemporary relevance such as the problem of identity, dying socio-cultural tribal institutions, the issue of the tribal woman, linguistic politics, etc., in the three days of deliberation. The conference hopes to go beyond the politics of exclusion and distortion to awaken contemporary nation states to the realization that only through the re-establishment of democratic, reconciliatory, gender friendly grass-root tribal traditions could one create a more equitable, more just world order.

The Keynote Address would be delivered by Professor Annie Gagiano, Professor Emeritus, Department of English, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa. Professor Jasbir Jain, Professor Emeritus, University of Rajasthan will deliver the valedictory address. Professor Charles Bwana and Professor M. Rutanga from Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Makerere University, Uganda would also participate in the Conference.

Scholars of international repute from the Universities of Rajasthan, Mysore, Madras, Nagaland, Tezpur, Gauhati, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, and also from Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, would be deliberating on the critical issues of identity politics for the three days of the Conference.

KBM tiny tots shows the way

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: In its mission to inculcate the knowledge of global warming, an exhibition on environmental protection , water re-cycle , use of solar energy were presented by the tiny tots of Krick & Boury Memorial at its school premises on Oct 24 last.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Commandant of CRPF amid applause. The parents of the children and other people turned out in good numbers to see the exhibition. The Chief Guest appreciated the efforts of the young students and appealed the school authority to impart such knowledge time to time. (DIPRO)

The Art of Living to host YES! Course for teenagers

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: The Art of Living will organise a YES! (Youth Empowerment Skills) workshop for the youth in the age group of 13 to 18 years in Nirjili from 28th October to 1st November. The six-day course will be held from 4 pm everyday at BRTF Mandir Hall, BRTF Colony.

Kiren writes to Sheila on safety of NE girls

ITANAGAR: Former Member of Parliament Kiren Rijiju in a letter to Delhi Chief Minister sought improved security for the girls of North east region. Referring to a rape and murder of Naga girl and molestation of an Arunachali girl by students of a Delhi School, Kiren said that these are not isolated cases as girls from the region are becoming soft targets and city has become unsafe for them. Calling for proper education and awareness program on North East and its people for Delhites, he said that these sensitization programmes are necessary.

He further expressed his doubts at the functioning of Special Police Cell constituted under Delhi Police to address the grievances of the people of the region.

BCC reacts

ITANAGAR: Block Congress Committee while reacting to a news report carried in this daily on the postal ballots in Aalo West Constituency, said that all postal ballots which were rejected were not taken into counting as alleged by the Trinamool Congress. It said that Deputy Commissioner has already clarified that the all rejected postal ballots were not taken into account, it reminded. It said that misunderstanding and confusion should not be created in the minds of the people while adding that path for development of the constituency should be paved.

Candle Light vigil

ITANAGAR: North East Student Organization Delhi which has been formed with Shira Khiray as the convenor and Tali Gongo General Secretary of Arunachal Student Union Delhi as co-convenor would organize a candle light vigil on Dec 12 at India Gate.

The vigil is to protest against discrimination and injustice faced by the North-eastern people in Delhi.

13 houses burnt in Sagalee

ITANAGAR: A major fire broke out in the Old market line of Sagalee on Sunday. The fire started because of short circuit in one of the private residents and soon engulfed entire area gutting down 13 houses.

According to release issue by additional deputy commissioner, Obang Dai, administration distributed 50 kg rice and amount of rupees 2000 to the victims as immediate relief which was voluntarily donated by local public.

Association hopes

ITANAGAR, Oct 26: Arunachal Karate-Do-Association has expressed the hope that re-election of Padi Richo, President Arunachal Olympic Association, as member of legislative assembly from Ziro-Hapoli constituency would further boost the sports activity in state.

AKKDSU’s plea to CM

ITANAGAR, Oct. 26: All Kurung Kumey District Student’s Union has appealed to newly elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu to induct a cabinet minister from the elected representative of district. Union hope believed that induction of cabinet minister from district will bring in more development and will lead to the overall progress of Nyishi community in general. The Union further congratulated Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for his re-election and hope under his leadership state would attain new height of development.