The Arunachal Times - Archives

Monigong gets road connectivity

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: The adage better late than never came true for the people of the Monigong as after 15 long years, 75 Km long Tato-Monigong West Siang road has finally been opened for light vehicles on March 25. The work had commenced in 1995.

Undermining the unlimited adversities like steep rocky stretches, difficult weather conditions, resources constraints, absence of communication, medical facility, 44 BRTF men worked day and night to link the vital border road which bears very high strategic importance besides being the life line for socio-economic development of the region.

44 BRTF authorities further informed that some minor changes in alignment and new strategy formed under guidance Brig Deepak Sharma, Chief Engineer, Project Arunank and Padam Kumar, SE(C) Commander 44 BRTF, facilitated faster linking of Monigong by road at least 1 year in advance from the expected date.

Padam Kumar, SE (Civ) FS and his team were felicitated by the residents when they arrived in Monigong on 25 Mar.

Kumar assured that road will be soon declared fit for all type of vehicle and expressed the hope that road would bring progress and prosperity to Monigong Circle.

DoNER hopeful of timely implementation of the schemes under NLCPR

Rs.668.62 Crores released for NE states

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: The Ministry of DoNER has released an estimated Rs.668.62 Crores to North Eastern States for development projects in the region under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) in the Financial Year 2009-10. This disbursed amount under NLCPR is higher than the allocations made in 2008-09, which was Rs.660.38 Crores.

During the FY 2009-10, the NLCPR Committee of the Ministry convened 12 meetings wherein a total of 97 projects for the NE states have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs.834.99 crore. The Ministry has also retained 163 projects at an estimated cost of Rs.1635.83 crore from the Priority List 2009-10.

The provisional budget allocation of NLCPR during 2010-11 is Rs.800 crore. The Ministry has prepared a fool proof mechanism to avoid bunching of expenditure at the fag end of the financial year.

In the light of decisions taken in the North East Chief Minister’s conference convened by Union Minister of DoNER,.B.K Handique in Shillong last year, specific timelines have been fixed for ensuring accountability on both State Governments and DoNER Ministry. Handique is hopeful that the implementations of schemes under NLCPR during current year would be faster, ensuring timely implementation of the schemes.

Accordingly, revised guidelines for NLCPR have been issued which includes that Projects with only Rs 3.00 Crore and above shall only be proposed. States to propose priority list by 30th November for the next Financial Year, DPRs are submitted by the State Govt. within 2 months of its retention. Fund released from the Ministry must be transmitted to the implementing agency Project authority by the State within 15 days and these Funds be utilized within 12 months, Monitored by online Management of Information System (MIS) for NLCPR.

* DPRs are submitted by the State Govt. within 2 months of its retention.

* Retention of Projects be completed by the Ministry of DONER within a month (ie.31st DEC.)

* Submission of DPRs by the States within two months (i.e. 28th FEB.)

* Approval of the DPRs by the Technical wing within a month (i.e. 31st MARCH.)

* Placing of Commission/ concerned Ministry’s view to avoid duplicity a month (i.e., 30th April.)

* Approval of Minister of DONER within 2 months from the date of receipt of complete DPRs from the State (ie. 31st April).

* Any delay in completion of the Project beyond 6 months State is responsible for completion.

* Cost escalation is allowed up to 10-15% only. In exceptional circumstances, it is allowed up to 20%.

* Any cost escalation beyond 20% is required to be shared by the State & Centre @ 1:1 ratio.

* Project Duration shall not exceed 3-4 years.

* Funds are released in 40%: 40%: 20% ratio in 3 installments.

Tax and Excise dept. exceeds revenue target, gets new office

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Tax and Excise department has already collected Rs. 132 crores in 2009-10 against the target of Rs. 122 crores collected in 2008-09 and this may even cross Rs. 140 crores when the final reconciled figures from all the treasuries are received. This was informed by Secretary (Tax & Excise) Amit Singla during inauguration of office Building of the Tax & Excise department named “Kar Bhawan” by Minister Tax & Excise, RWD, Law Kalikho Pul.

Minister Pul in his address urged all concerned to increase revenue collection as this will lead to greater plan allocation for the State and underscored the need for working as a team. He further emphasized for greater transparency and requested all concerned to share the problems faced in implementing the provisions of the law.

He urged that field officers have regular meetings with Bazaar committees and Panchayat leaders to eradicate misconception and spread awareness relating to tax so that more revenue can be generated. Tapas Dutta, Assistant Commissioner (VAT) while reading out the reforms undertaken by the department informed that the tax on heavy vehicles has been reduced to 4% from 12.5%, implementation of e-payment within short time through Online SBI, installation CCTV Online Surveillance and Electronic Weigh Bridge to monitor check post activities online round the clock. Value Added Tax (VAT) on Works Contract is being implemented and new optional scheme of 4% has been introduced. The procedures of TDS have also been reformed and the notification to this effect will be issued soon, the department is going to implement Mission Mode Project, a computerization programme of the Tax department being developed by the NIC, Karnataka and Arunachal Pradesh to facilitate the dealers with online facilities like e-registration, e-return, e-refund etc. The department has also formed Enforcement teams for inspection of dealers in different parts of State.

State look to Centre for tackling insurgency in Arunachal: Sanjoy

New Delhi, Apr 13: The people of Arunachal Pradesh have high expectations from the Centre in successfully tackling the present situations in both Tirap and Changlang districts as well as checking infiltration of ultras of neighbouring states to the thick forest areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

Acknowledging that Home Minister P Chidambaram’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh has reassured Centre’s commitment to the people of the state on security front, MP Takam Sanjoy, in a letter to the Home Minister said that more initiative is needed from the Centre to bring normalcy to both the insurgency infested districts.

Sanjoy also urged the Home Minister for deployment of para-military forces on the right bank of Subansiri Lower Project to ensure security. He said that there is every possibility of entering anti-social elements through the porous Dollungmukh bridge to disturb the ongoing project works. He, however, said that the left bank was secured enough with deployment of CRPF at Mohri camp and CISF at project site.

West Kameng gears up to welcome Head of Sakya sect of Mahayana Buddhism

BOMDILA, Apr 13: West Kameng is fully prepared with decorated streets, welcome gates, prayer flags and lightened Monasteries for the visit of His Holiness the 41st Sakya Thri-Dzin Ngawang Kunga Theg-chin Pelwar Thinley Samphel Wangyi-Gyalpo-The head of Sakya sect of Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered to be one amongst the most learned and spiritually advanced Buddhist practitioner of modern times. Being well versed in Tantrik practice of Buddhism and his command over the English language he is well known in the Western world too. He is reported to be on a 19-days tour during which he will visit parts of West Kameng, Tawang, Itanagar and Tezu. From his majestic monastery at Raipur, Dehradun, he is invited by the Buddhist community of West Kameng district with the support of Gaden Rabgyaling Monastery, Bomdila for offering prayers, rituals and initiating blessing along with teachings on Buddhism. He is scheduled to stay 8- days in West Kameng district starting from 14th -21st April followed by 7-days stay at Tawang from 22nd-28th April. He will also visit the state capital Itanagar for one day on 29th April before finally flying over to Tezu where he will be performing Pujas and preachings from 30th-1st May.

The Deputy Head of G.R.L monastery ,Bomdila when asked about the visit of H.H, commented that this being a historical occasion when a Sakya Pandita of such stature is visiting the twin Himalayan district for the first time, thus people should come forward to get blessings and preaching’s form the Great Master. (DIPRO)

Greets on Sangken, Vaisakhi and Bohag Bihu

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Gen JJ Singh has greeted the people of the state on Sangken and Vaisakhi and expressed his hope that these festivals, which signal the dawn of the New Year, will usher peace and prosperity for all.

May these festivals inspire us to work for the unity, progress and well being of all, message added.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has also extended greetings to the people on Sanken, Vaisakhi and Bohag Bihu. These festivals brings a sense of solidarity and unity among the people and spread the message of peace and love, he added in his message.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has wished the Assamese community in the state on the occasion of Bohag Bihu. The party hopped that Bohag Bihu which marks the beginning of New Year will usher in peace, progress and prosperity and spread the message of communal harmony.

The party also wished all on Baisakhi.

Porject affected people threatens indefinite agitation

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Subansiri Lower Power Project Implementation Committee (SULPIC) has given a 72 hours bandh which started from April 12 after its nine point demands put forwarded to NHPC were not met.

The Committee on behalf of local project affected people of Dollungmukh circle had given seven days ultimatum to NHPC authority to fulfill its charter of demands.

The second phase of bandh is slated for April 25-29. If the NHPC fails to meet the demands by then, the Committee would launch an indefinite agitation.

Demands of the project affected peoples are immediate shifting of Law College and conference hall to Dollungmukh, recruitment of Groups "C" and "D" posts from project affected people, shifting of all project related offices from Gerukamukh to Dollungmukh, opening of 50 bedded hospital at Dollungmukh, intra-village road via circle office Hqs Paro-NH52 and other amenities and facilities indicated in Article 8.17 of the state Govt policy and implementation of Polution Control Policy.

SULPIC has been approaching NHPC authority since 2000 for redressal of their grievances; but all of the demands have been simply brushed aside by NHPC even after signing of MoAs with state govt., SULPIC said.

Begi visits proposed site for Degree College and RIWATCH

Correspondent

ROING, Apr 13. Director of Higher & Technical Education Joram Begi today visited the proposed site for the establishment of a Degree College at Simari village at the outskirt of Roing.

“The proposed site earmarked for the upcoming degree college is highly congenial. Approximately 50 acres of land is required to build academic building, staff quarter and other necessary infrastructures”, Begi who paid a spot visit with a team of officials from his directorate revealed.

While appreciating the land providers for the College, Begi urged upon the MLA to get the ground work cleared for the early establishment of the college.

The Govt of India recently announced establishment of 10 Degree College in Arunachal Pradesh and Roing is proposed for establishment of the one of the College. Dr Begi visited the RIWATCH Campus as well.

The main objective was to access the progress and chalk out a road map for future action plan of RIWATCH. The team visited the RIWATCH campus, inspected the land development and fencing work.

During his visit, he also interacted with Executive Members of RIWATCH Committee and the land donor Dature Miuli.

RIWATCH Executive Director, Vijay Swami informed that the committee has set a target to complete a Library of 10,000 books, two research cottages, office block and starting language development and Himalayan Herbs & Ethnic Medicine by November 2010.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Y. W. Ringu, Superintendent of Police Tojo Kagra, SDO (Planning) T. Pabin, Dy. Director Higher Education, Alik Jongkey & Sanjay Bengia.

Bohag Bihu -- a conglomeration of cultural entities

Rahul Dutta

Bohag (Spring) is not only a season, nor just +a month; it is the lifeline of Assamese culture, inspiration of social life.

Rongali Bihu also known as Bohag Bihu is a time to forget all our sorrows & pain and step out to celebrate this occasion with traditional gaiety, which makes it the dearest, joyous and the loveliest of all.

Rongali Bihu as the name suggests is a celebration of colour and joy, which spread the message of social & communal harmony, unity, love, peace & tranquility.

Bohag, which marks the beginning of an agricultural season is the festival of merriment comprises of Bihu dance accompanied by lusty beats of dhol (drum), melodious sound of Pepa (instrument made of Buffalo Horn), Bahi (flute), GaganalToka (bamboo instruments), Hutuli (clay instrument) and other indigenous instruments, while Bihu Songs sang by all age groups woven around the themes of love and yearning often having distinct erotic overtones. During this season, we hear the melodious sound of Kuli-Keteki (cuckoo) singing on the branch of tree, fragrance of Kopouphool (orchid) with wearing of new green leaves into the barren branches of trees and shrubs, which blossom in their zest for life making the world look like a heaven/dreamland.

The Bihu dances performed by youths characterized by brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands and swaying of hips with whirl of rhythm and song represent youthful passion. Even old, men, women and children did not lag behind and throw off their cares to join the dancers in a wonderful whirl of rhythm and song.

Rongali Bihu not only marks the advent of the Assamese New Year, but also the beginning of the harvesting season. The festival is not only a time for music, dance and amorous dalliances, but also for taking part in the conjoining of the temporal and timeless.

The first day of Bohag Bihu is observed as Goru (Cow) Bihu, when cows and buffaloes are bathed in rivers, lakes and ponds, tied with new ropes and worshipped as per ritual

Manuh Bihu, the second part of Bohag Bihu (also the first day in Assamese New year calendar) is an occasion of fun, frolic, joy and merry-making, when Mother Nature radiates in her new found beauty and glory. The younger ones take blessings from their elders and loved one with gamucha (a traditional Assamese towel) and also make delicious dishes like til pitha, tel pitha, ghila pitha, narikal & til laru etc. and treat their relatives, friends and guests. The all women affair is known as Zeng Bihu in which the maidens gather in an open area, plant a leafless branch, sing and dance around it to welcome Bohag. On the joyous occasion, the women folk decorate themselves with Jetuka (mehandi) in their hands, muga & pator mekhela chadar (traditional dresses) and traditional ornaments like gamkharu, maduli, junbiri etc.

Deprived people of Monigong-Pidi need basic amenities

Dear Editor,

It is extremely sad to state that the inhabitants of Monigong-Pidi circles under the Mechuka sub-division in West Siang district are deprived of basic fundamental right for more than a decade.

The right to live (fundamental Rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India) does not mean just person’s existence. Article 21 assures the right to live with human dignity, free from exploitation. But for the people of these two circles, the Right is meaningless.

There are no doctors, staffs and medicines in the government hospital and health centers and proper road connectivity in Monigong-Pidi areas.

They make their way to District Hospital Aalo, in case of immediate medical attention and have to run for 200 kilometers, 65 kilometers on foot march and remaining kilometers by Sumo from Tato/Lungte village. Sometimes the patient dies on the way to District Hospital.

Therefore, it is my fervent appeal that the authorities look into this sad state of affairs and post doctors and staffs and ensure availability of medicines for the Government Hospital and health centers of Monigong-Pidi Circles to mitigate the hardship being faced by the poor people of the area.

Yours,

Tashi Pujen

President,

All Bokar Students Union

Monigong

Do something as you decide

Dear Editor,

We appreciate the move of the Education Minister and the Govt as a whole for their move to regularize the services of SSA teachers. But the process will seemingly take time and till regularization of the services of this category of teachers, the Govt should take some step to enhance the salary.

The dedicated SSA teachers have to do a lot of paper works including mandatory countersign from panchayat leader on their performance to receive the salary amount. Sometimes, this salary is also being delayed due to non-availability of Panchayat leaders. After getting the hard-earned meagre salary the SSA teachers have to face tough time to survive and run their families in these days of price rise of essential commodities.

Considering dedicated service of SSA teachers and increasing prices of essential commodities, the Govt should take step to increase the salary of the SSA teachers.

Yours,

Hake Tatak,

Ronnie Gao and

Takuk Talo

SSA (A/T) teachers

Include in 2010 census

Dear Editor,

The three villages, namely, Saagia, Kulongha and Karmang in Palin circle are apparently not included for Census 2010. These three villages are still being counted with Rayung village whereas they are separate villages. Therefore, I, on behalf of the Village Development Committee, Rayung Village, do request the authorities concerned to take corrective measures.

Yours,

Techi Tadap

Chairman, Village Development Committee,

Rayung village

A separate rule for VIP cavalcades?

Dear Editor,

It is often seen that the VIPs of our State such as Chief Minister, Home Minister and Governor enjoys long cavalcade of police escorts.

You will always find them driving rashly and at top speed as if the whole world is tumbling down and that there is no tomorrow.

The escorts are often seen cursing at people in order to make safe passage for their ‘Boss’. Sometime they become physical and assault the driver or vehicle owner at their wish and whims. There are many instances of escorts breaking the car glass but it never goes reported. Reason is obvious.

Believe me these police escorts are the one who break all traffic rules. Are they setting trend for other vehicle owner to follow them?

Now the pertinent question is: Is the road only for the VIPs? Is traffic rules meant only for the common public? Who empowers these escorts to rule the road? Are the Bosses responsible for breaking all rules?

It is high time that these escorts mend their ways or a bigger tragedy may fall sooner or later.

Yours,

Soma Yangfo (on E-mail)

Look who is talking

Dear Editor,

After reading the comment made by one Rajendu B Chakma under the heading "coverage on Mpen issue is biased and one sided"; I would like to know on which basis he is claiming that the information were biased. The people of Arunachal have never been happy with the migration of Chakma refugees in our state and has never been willing to share an inch of its land.

As an Arunachali, I strongly feel that there is not even a nano chance of Chakmas doing right things in our State. We don’t need others land and no one can take our land.

Yours,

Moji Padu, Nirjuli

Let the money be equally distributed

Dear Editor,

The BRTF(116 RCC) is building an new road from Brahmakund point to Tidding bridge(approx 18km) on the way to Tezu-Hayuliang road as some area of the existing road fall in sinking zone area. The new proposed road area fall under community forest land and basically the Tayang, Takaliang and Pu clan of Mishmi society is the land owner since times immemorial.

Recently the user agency had paid an amount of Rs.2.18 crore as financial compensation for land acquisition of the proposed new road to the District administration, Tezu and the said amount was to be disburse uniformly to all the beneficiaries of the landowner as per Govt. of A.P norm.

The D.A, Tezu had unauthorizedly handed over the cheque of Rs.2.18 crore to few individual, who later en-cashed that amount and which was disbursed secretly at the sweet will of the disbursing person without uniformity.

Why did the D.A handed Rs.2.18 crore cheque to few person for disbursement as no one had authorized? Why transparency was not maintained in the process? Any financial compensation to the beneficiaries has to be disburse by a board of officers after maintaining all codal formalities.

Subsequently an application was lodge regarding non receipt of the financial compensation to DC, Tezu by the aggrieved people and RTI was also filed regarding the issue on 13/3/10.but till today no visible action had been initiated and the D.A, Tezu had not responded to the RTI.

The Govt of A.P is requested to enquire into this matter, find out the truth and Rs.2.18 crore be recovered and equitably be redistributed among all the beneficiaries.

Yours,

S Tayang

(on email)

The most lively and entertaining aspect of Bohag Bihu is Huchori, which is a group presentation of Bihu song and dance in accompaniment of musical instrument and went house to house to perform bihu and give their blessings to the household. The Bihu festival is a conglomeration of various cultural entities having their own traditional nuances and significance.

Spring has a definite charm of its own and the people of the North East region and the rest of the country celebrate it in their own distinctive styles. In Arunachal Pradesh, the different indigenous tribes celebrate the springtime festival with traditional gaiety and fanfare for prosperity and welfare & all round development of human beings. Spring really turns our soul’s cheerful and bright, ends with an appealing smile in every face.

Gone are the days of shivering cold, the frost and the dew, which drops to the ground, giving way to Spring - the queen of the year, seeing whom our hearts fill up with joy and enthusiasm.

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in his song “Bohag Mathu Ed Ritu Nohoi, Nohoi Bohag Mah, Asomiya Kristir e Ayuh Rekha, Gana Jibonor e Hah” rightly described that spring is not only a season, nor just a month; it is the lifeline of Assamese culture, inspiration of life.

Wishing one & all on the joyous & auspicious occasion of Rangali Bihu.

APPDSU demands posting of DDSE

Itanagar, Apr 13: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) has demanded the department concerned to post a DDSE for Papum Pare District. The district has been facing much inconvenience in functioning of school administration for want of DDSE since the transfer of the present incumbent, said APPDSU in a release.

The union also pointed out that most of the staff in DDSE office in Papum Pare district are teachers. At least 80 teachers are working in DDSE office, including ADEOs, BRCs and CRCs, who are actually assigned for teaching jobs. The union demanded for cropping the size of staff and sending those teacher-officials to various schools in the district that are falling short of teachers.

NYO demands resignation of CM

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Nyishi Youth Organisation has demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister for plunging the state to an “economic crisis” and uneven division of resources in the state. It said that if the funds were allocated evenly in all the regions of the state, entire state would have benefited. It said that if the government continues to mete out step motherly treatment, Organization would come forward with a democratic “movement”.

Circle Complex Examination

PASIGHAT, Apr 13: Kajing Bori (C-V), Anjali Sharma (C-VI) students of GNA Middle School, Oyan and Dinoram Pait of Government Middle School, Oyan were adjudged best in the Sille-Oyan Circle Complex Examination held at government Middle School, Oyan recently in which many primary and middle schools students from government and private school participated.

PR leader calls for flood protection work

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Expressing concern over the damages of wet rice cultivation field and habitation being caused by the flood from Sisir River during rainy season, Dambuk Anchal Samity chairperson said that Sisiri would become the sorrow of Dambuk if flood protection work is not carried out immediately.

There will be no field for cultivation and Dambuk will face bleak future if the flood protection work does not begin at the right time, the Anchal chairperson Tuppik Saring said and appealed the local MLA take up the matter seriously.

DIET must play a role to improve quality of education: Quasim

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Under Secretary (Teacher Education) Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) A K Quasim during an interaction with the faculty members and students of DIET, Pasighat said that The DIETs have to play very important role in implementation of Right to Education Act. The scheme of teacher education is going to be revised and DIET will be the most important component in teacher education to improve the quality of education in the state, he said. He assured to resolve the problems being faced by DIET at the earliest.

Quasim is in the state for assessment of Teacher Education in the state.

He was accompanied by Director of School Education, Arunachal Pradesh T. Taloh, DDSE (TE) M. Nyori during his visit.

Taloh said that DIET can play a vital role in increasing the number of trained teachers in the state as number of untrained teachers in the state is about 76% at present. He asked the trainee teachers to devote their maximum time in attending the classes to be a real teacher as a quality teacher only can provide quality education.

While addressing the gathering, Dr. Buk Lego, Principal, DIET, highlighted various activities undertaken by DIET, Pasighat since its inception. He also focused on various problems and constraints faced by DIET like non availability of Class-rooms, Library room and Science Laboratory.

Nyori, urged the lecturers to devote their maximum time in conducting various kinds of activities like Action research, field visits/Monitoring & Supervision of Schools to improve the quality of education in the district in particular and in the state in general. He categorically emphasized that DIET should be the hub of educational activities.

AAPWU appeals for payment of cess on time

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union (AAPWU) has appealed the Labour and Employment Department which is responsible for the enforcement of Building and Other Construction Workers Weflare Cess Act 1996 to recover the pending Cess and requested the state and Central Govts departments and undertakings to clear outstanding cess immediately for the welfare of the construction workers.

The union said that under Cess Act all the employers in building and other construction activities in Arunachal Pradesh are duty bound to pay cess to the Construction Workers Welfare Board at the rate of 1% of cost of construction incurred by them.

AAPWU also appealed the Daporijo PWD executive engineer to clear the payment of cess which was reportedly been kept pending for last three years.

Northeast is no dumping ground

By Nending Ommo

The Central Government has time and again asserted that Northeast India is an integral part of India and that government accords highest priority to the development of Northeast. In his latest visit to the state, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed his confidence that the Northeastern states would emerge as one of the best regions of the country. All said and done, why double standard demeanour and step motherly treatment to the region?

The news hitting the national headlines about transferring of tainted Justice P D Dinakaran to Sikkim High Court is a fiery issue amongst the legal fraternity. For who do not know who he is, Justice Paul Diwakar Dinakaran was Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court till last week.

The 59-year-old Dinakaran was among five judges recommended to the government by the Supreme Court collegiums of judges, which is like a politburo, for a promotion to the Supreme Court last year. Allegations of corruption and the illegal acquisition of land by Dinakaran and his family in Tamil Nadu led to the recommendation to be cancelled. He was accused of “possessing wealth disproportionate to known sources of income, unlawfully securing five housing board plots in the name of his wife and two daughters, entering into benami transactions, and acquiring and possessing agricultural holdings beyond ceiling limit”.

While the inquiry against him was being carried on and though he was not performing judicial functions but administrative works only since last December, the collegiums asked Dinanakran to go on a long vacation so that another judge Madan B Lokur could take over as Acting Chief Justice since an Acting Chief Justice can only assume charge only if the Chief Justice proceeds on leave. But Dinakaran apparently refused to comply. In helplessness and in haste the collegiums sent to the Centre for approval of the President to transfer him to Sikkim High Court as its Chief Justice. The move was seen as punishment.

In December, the Rajya Sabha admitted a motion backed by members of different political parties to impeach Dinakaran. If he is found guilty, he can be impeached by the Parliament.

Before transferring him to Sikkim HC, there were rumours that Justice Dinakaran was to be transferred to Gauhati High Court. These rumours sparked protests, with Assam’s lawyer body taking to the streets in opposition to his transfer. This is not the first time a transfer to the Gauhati High Court was met with protest. A similar situation arose when three Judges of the Karnataka High Court, Justices V. Gopala Gowda, N.S. Veerabhadraiah and Chandrashekaraiah, in focus during the Mysore sex scandal popularly known as the ‘Roost’ sex scandal were rumoured to be transferred to Gauhati High Court.

Ironically, instead of removing the tainted judge, the Centre is showing it’s helplessness in disciplining the judge by transferring him to Sikkim as if it was Sikkim’s fault in his corruption.

The $ 64,000 dollar question is, is the move justifiable? Punish him, why punish Northeast. Is Northeast the modern Kaalaa Paani that tainted judges should be deported here? Is Northeast seen as a punishment posting? Here I am not singling out Sikkim nor the legal fraternity per se for the reason that if it can happen to Sikkim and legal system, it can happen to any one of the North eastern states and in any department and it can indeed very much happen to and in Arunachal. We are no dumping grounds, let us be sentient and show our logical resistance for common good. (The contributor is based at Pune and he can be reached through ommondg@gmail.com)

Human rights defender’s training

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Ten member delegates from human rights defenders of the state led by Chairman Global Human Rights Organisation, advocate Goken Bam participated at a training programme on Rights and responsibilities of human rights defenders organized by People Watch and Prahar at Guwahati recently.

During the training Bam highlighted about the problems of human rights defenders in the state and human violations and advocated for need to create awareness on human rights protection, human rights education to sensitize the people of the state.

He further highlighted the need of early establishment of state human rights commission in the state.

Meanwhile, the participants from all the north east state has decided to constitute northeast human rights defenders alliance NE (HR) DA with its headquarter at Guwahati.

The GHRO also assured to organize human rights protection awareness programme, human rights education in the state.

Work as a team: Paliwal

Yupia: Deputy Commissioner, Papum Pare Nandini Paliwal has called on her officers to work as a team and deliver good services to the people. She said this during an interaction with all Head of Departments of the district at DRDA conference Hall, Yupia.

She called upon the officers to maintain work culture and ensure punctuality in attending office.

Calling for proper coordination among the officers, she assured to make her best effort to address the problems and grievances being faced by the district.

DC has further asked Relief and Rehabilitation Departments to be in state of readiness to cope with any situation this monsoon. She also expressed her desire to visit all the circle headquarters of the district shortly.

Earlier all Head of Departments apprised the DC about their department and ongoing works and project. (DIPRO)

Census training in Koloriang

ITANAGAR: Census operation started at Koloriang town on Tuesday with authorities holding awareness meeting with PR members, enumerator and member supervisors.

The meeting was chaired by K.Dulom, ADC cum sub-division census officer of area. In his address, he sought co-operation of all stake holders to make this census operation a successful one.

Other guest present on the day was A.Regon, circle officer cum census officer Koloriang, who advised supervisors and enumerator to consult with PR members if there is confusion regarding any issue.

Next round of meeting would be held on April 22 to be presided over by the deputy commissioner of district who is also principal census officer.

Preserve the rich culture of the Khamtis: Mein

NAMSAI: Need of the hour is to preserve the rich cultural heritage and language of the Khamptis, Minister of PHED Chowna Mein while inaugurating the newly constructed Community Hall at Kherem village in Lohit in the Buddhist Temple campus.

Since all the Khamptis profess Buddhism as religion and have Buddhist temples in all the villages it has became imperative for all the Buddhist monks to initiate steps for preservation and promotion of teaching of Lord Buddha in their respective area, he added.

He appreciated various steps taken by Rev. Dhammakriti of Kherem Buddha Vihara for taking initiative and maintaining the temple very effectively. He assured to donate Rs. 3.00 lakhs for renovation of the Buddha Vihara.

Earlier Rev. Dhammakriti also spoke on the occasion.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Adi Fellowship of Town Baptist Church, Itanagar deeply mourned the demise of Evangelist Taro Boje, who died on April 10 last at his residence in Jeko, Lohit.

He was ordained as Evangelist under Council of Baptist Churches of North East India on May 1, 1968 at Panikhuwas, Assam by Rev. RK Marak.

Appointment

ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Tapun Jeke and Dumsa Baki have been selected as President and General Secretary of All Arunachal Pradesh (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya) KGBV Teachers’ Association today.