April 22
RKMH gets new CT scanner
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Ramakrishna Mission hospital, Itanagar has installed a new Siemens Somatom Perspective 128 slice CT scanner machine in the department of Radiology.
The high-
This is yet another endeavour of RKMH to provide quality health services to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. General (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma will inaugurate the machine on April 23 on the auspicious occasion of Sri Sankara Jayanti.
The machine is fully funded by Infosys Foundation, Bangalore.
11 EEs promoted to SE
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on recommendation of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) has issued an order promoting 11 Executive Engineers (Civil) to the post of Superintending Engineers (Civil) in Arunachal Pradesh Public Works Department with effect from April 16, 2015, informed the Commissioner (PWD) in an official release.
Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide
are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated
in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated
in more than 192 countries each year. In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco,
peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of
peace, to first be celebrated on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern
hemisphere. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a Proclamation
written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations.
A month later a separate Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson
as an environmental teach-
CM condoles death of Tassar Sunjoy
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed deep sense of sorrow over the unfortunate demise of social worker and politician Tassar Sunjoy, who expired today.
In his condolence message, Tuki said “In his death we have lost an eminent social worker who relentlessly worked towards the upliftment of backward and downtrodden people. Starting his early career as a teacher, Late Tassar took the initiative of educating youths and safeguarding the interest of the business community in the capital city.
He extended solidarity with the bereaved family members and prayed almighty to bestow strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) today expressed deep shock at the untimely death of its former president Late Tassar Sunjoy following brief illness at his Jollang residence in Itanagar following briefness today. Recalling his invaluable contributions in promoting state’s trade and commerce, ACCI chief advisor Pradeep Kumar, president Techi Lala and general secretary Tarh Nachung said as a very straightforward man he had the guts to call a spade and spade to protect the interest of the business community.
Besides the founder president Itanagar Market Welfare Association, he also served
as secretary of Donyi-
Computer training course for unemployed youths gets underway
AALO, Apr 21: A computer training course for unemployed youths of Aalo East Assembly constituency was organized by NIC Aalo under MLA LAD got underway at Conference Hall of DC office from April 20. Altogether 40 candidates are undergoing the 2 months long training at District Informatics Centre, Aalo
Inaugurating the programme, West Siang ADC, T Talom exhorted the candidates to participate sincerely as computer knowledge is essential for day to day work. Computer knowledge is a must for any service seekers, be it regular or contractual in all Govt. offices and private institutions. The DIOs K C Wangmo and Nyaken Ori are supervising the training course. DIPRO
DHS governing body meeting held
AALO, Apr 21: The West Siang District Health Society governing body meeting was held at DC’s Conference Hall here today.
Presiding over the meeting, Deputy Commissioner cum DHS chairman Pige Ligu called upon the DHS to work with dedication and make optimum utilization of fund for benefit of common people. “Some visible and good changes are coming after the posting of new DMO at West Siang District, he said and lauded APWWS, Aalo Unit for its support to the District administration for the cause general hospital. He also asked DHS to recognize the best ASHA for commendation certificates during national days like Independence Day & Republic Day.
Dr. Marbom Basar DMO, CEO, Member Secy cum Convener, DHS gave emphasis on holding such meeting twice in a year to sensitize physical and financial aspects of the DHS and to take suggestion for the successful implementation of the NHM programme in the district.
Dr. Kengo Ori, DFWO cum CEO Executive Committee presented a report on physical and
financial achievement of District Health Society, during the year 2014-
Marconi Potom, Deputy Director UD & Housing donated buckets for the waste disposal to the GH, Aalo.
Yiyom Yomcha, ZPM, Yomcha, Marbom Bagra, President, APWWS, Dr. Karmar Dirchi, DTO, RNTCP, West Siang district also spoke on the occasion. DIPRO
Training on IMNCI for medical officers and staff nurses commences
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Eleven days training on faculty based Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness IMNCI) for medical officers and staff nurses commenced today in four different batches at Arunachal State Hospital, Naharlagun, organized by the State Health Society.
IMNCI has been developed with an aim to address the skill gaps found in health facilities. It aims to provide optimum skills and help build capacities of the medical officers and staff nurses to address the child morbidity and mortality and managing newborn and children both at the community level as well as the facility level, informed Dr. Tana Natung, Nodal officer (MCH) NHM.
The resource persons for the training are Dr. Otem Yomso, Dr. Gagam Dai and Dr. T. Lollen.
Society demands speedy investigation
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The members of All Tatung Welfare Society recently met Home Minister
Tanga Byaling, SP Itanagar, SDPO Itanagar and OC Itanagar regarding the death of
late Tatung Tana. The 10 year old boy was found dead under mysterious circumstance
inside the campus of Govt. ME School, E-
Further they told police officials about possible involvement of a couple who lives
near the place where body of the deceased student was found. “The place of occurrence
is just 3 metres away from the resident of the couple. Also they were the first one
to inform police about the death. We strongly suspect the involvement of husband-
ASM writes to DC
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Anchal Chairperson of 11 Batt-
Connect Bodo village directs RWD CEO
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The chief executive officer, RWD has written to Deputy Commissioner
East Kameng for connecting Bodo village under the PMGSY road package within ‘51 KM
point of Seppa-
Meanwhile Bodo Development Committee has welcomed the decision and requested the executive engineer RWD Seppa to connect Bodo village as per the above mentioned order issued by CEO RWD.
AYO calls for repelling of APUAPA
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Arunachal Youth Organization (AYO) has demanded immediate lifting of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 2014. In a representation to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, AYO claimed that the act has been implemented to suppress the voice of individuals and groups within the state.
“The so-
Union seeks start of goods train service
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The All Arunachal Section Divisional North Frontier Railway Construction Loading and Unloading Sramik Union (A.A.S.D.N.F Rly Const.) has appealed to the state government to ensure 80:20 ratios in the recruitment process for group D and C category. The Union has written to the Chief Secretary in this regard. They also called for the running of goods train for the betterment of the people of the state.
Contractors welcome APDBEP Act
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) has welcomed the AP District Based Entrepreneurs & Professionals (APDBEP) Act 2015 which the association hoped will be helpful to the contractors of the state.
Saying that the demand for this Act was placed before the state government during
a state level consultative meeting in 2013, AACWA urged all departments concerned
to split works into packages enabling registered contractors of all grade/categories
from Class-
AACWA further demanded the state govt. to fulfill other demands of the association placed before it earlier.
KVK Training
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Geku conducted a training programme on fish farming technologies for fish farmers of the area in the KVK premises today.
The scientists (fishery) of the KVK explained on modern pond management technology with multiple fish species in composite farming module.
Programme Coordinator of the KVK Dr MC Debnath briefed the farmers about the important and scope of Integrated Farming System (IFS).
Two calendars, one on fish farming technology and another containing list of do’s and don’ts in pisciculture and booklet related to fish farming were distributed among the participants.
34 fish farmers from Geku circle attended the training which was sponsored by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Upper Siang.
News Impact
Symposium explores various dimensions of AFSPA
RONO HILLS, Apr 21: A symposium organised at the Rajiv Gandhi University here today witnessed speakers examining various dimensions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) its provisions and implications on Arunachal.
The event, organised by the Rajiv Gandhi University Teachers' Association and the Rajiv Gandhi University Employees Association, saw the participation of not just the University community but also representatives of CBOs, Arunachal Pradesh State Women’s Commission, student organisations, political parties and rights activists.
A key point in the deliberations was the recent incident of alleged molestation by
army personnel at Taraso and how it was symbolic of how the Act could be abused.
The speakers examined how the Act has been in operation in the North-
The event, consisting of 3 panel discussions-
In the first session, Dr Jumyir Basar, Associate Professor, RGU moderated the discussion on nature, scope and experiences of AFSPA, 1958. Senior leader and former Home Minister Lowangcha Wanglat, Journalist Tongam Rina, Legal Expert Tony Pertin, Director, Human Rights Alerts Manipur, Babloo Loitongbom were the participants and Chairperson, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Mitali Tingkhatra.
The second session was on AFSPA and Political Viewpoints with Moji Riba, Assistant
Professor, and RGU as moderator. The Panellists were National Executive Member, AAP
Habung Peyang, former MP Takam Sanjay, Secretary-
The final session was on AFSPA and Human Rights with Dr Nani Tamang Jose, Deputy
Registrar, RGU as moderator with PG Tago of Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum,
Sunil Mow of Human Rights Law Network, Arunachal Chapter, Secretary-
Anthropology introduced in DNG College
AAPSU demands for introduction of ‘Sociology’, release of stipend
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has accorded approval for introduction
of Anthropology course in under-
Delighted with the Govt notification issued today for introduction of Anthropology
course in under-
The Union said it has been pursuing to introduce subjects like Sociology and Anthropology in the Govt. colleges in the state as many students and civil service aspirants opt for these subjects in the civil services examination.
Extending its gratitude to the Minister of Education Tapang Taloh for his untiring and relentless efforts, he is putting to bring visible and vibrant change in the education sector, AAPSU also reiterated its demand for release of the stipend of the students studying in the state and outside at an early date as this would help the students to a great extent. AAPSU further said that it has felt a variant change in the education scenario in the state in the last one year. “A visible, much needed and long awaited unfulfilled dream of the people of the states in general and students in particular have been streamlined and fulfilled in the recent past,” the Union said while referring to the establishment of Government Engineering College at Toru, which is the only approved Engineering college in the North East during last one year.
Stating that the Ministry of Defense has already surveyed a location at Niglok, near Ruksin in East Siang district for establishment of a Sainik School, which was agreed in principle by the Centre, AAPSU said “This is indeed a rare milestone achieved by our education department.”
Describing the High Court’s reported intervention on the transfer and posting policy initiated by Minister of Education, the Union said the transfer and posting would have blessed the students of the remote and far flung areas.
The transfer and posting policy in the state needs support from all quarters, AAPSU said and strongly urged the education minister to continue his endeavour to bring much needed change in the most important education department with his policy of transfer and posting during the vacation period, so as that the academic pursuits of the students does not suffer.
Pathetic road condition adding to commuters’ woes
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Apr 21: The people of Bilat, Korang and Koyu circles of East Siang have
expressed strong resentment and disappointment over lackadaisical approach of the
state Public Work Department in repairing Pasighat-
The 65-
The present deplorable condition of the road with numerous potholes all along the road from Pasighat to Koyu EAC headquarters put the movement of vehicles at risk. Road condition has gone from bad to worse during the last few years for want of maintenance. Several portions of the road that have been damaged during the last flood are yet to be repaired adding to the woes of the commuters. The office goers, businessmen, students and patients referred for better medical treatment have been the worst sufferers.
“We are suffering innumerable problems to reach Pasighat and other places during medical emergencies due to the deplorable condition of road. We have to travel four to five hours to reach Pasighat along the narrow, deplorable and treacherous road risking our lives”, rued Koyu Anchal SAmiti Member Pakyor Koyu.
The bad road communication is also creating hurdles in the maintenance of the 2-
Former Assam governor JB Patnaik dies, Arunachal Governor & CM mourn
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Former Odisha chief minister and ex-
The 89-
A multi-
Meanwhile, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have expressed shock and grief on the sudden demise of J B Patnaik.
In his condolence letter to Late Patnaik’s wife Jayanti Patnaik, the Governor said that Late JB Patnaik was a great nationalist who worked with dedication in public interest and for peace and development in the States of Assam and Odisha. He served the States and the people with distinction, both as a Governor and Chief Minister.
Fondly recalling his brief but pleasant association with Late Patnaik when later was the Governor of Assam, the Governor said that Patnaik’s proactive initiatives are rare and this makes him stand tall among his peers.
Conveying heartfelt condolences on behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh to Smti
Patnaik and members of the bereaved family and also offering prayers for the eternal
peace of the departed soul, the Governor said that Late Patnaik will be remembered
for cementing the age-
In his condolence message to Jayanti Patnaik, CM Tuki wrote “It pains me to write to you at this moment of extreme grief. I humbly endure to share with you the saddest times of your life though I know that it would be hard to do so and ease the pain you and your family are going through”.
“The news of sad and unfortunate demise of former Governor of Assam, former Chief Minister of Odisha, former Union Minister, and a senior Congress leader late Janaki Ballabh Pattanaik has come as a shock to me. I am aware, how painful it is to you to be deprived of the love and guidance of a husband and the futility of these words of condolences”.
“In his death, we have lost a veteran Congress leader, who served the country in various responsible capacities.”
“At this moment of grief, me, my family and people of Arunachal Pradesh extend our solidarity with you and share the pain inflicted on you and your family by this irreparable loss” the message further added.
Surrogate mothers who take bear cubs on a walk in the forest
Itanagar, Apr 21: Taking out pet animals on a walk is commonplace but ever fancied taking a bear cub out on a walk in the woods?
Debahutee Roy is one such animal keeper in Arunachal Pradesh whose job is to take caged bear cubs out on long walks so that the omnivorous animal acclimatises itself to wilderness of the jungle before being set free.
In a creche-
Bizoo is one such orphan who lost his parents to bruteless hunters.
Roy, a wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), acts as his surrogate
mother and takes him out on day-
Initially reluctant to leave the secured environs of his caged home, Bizoo ran to the nearby river and started to swim on his first excursion.
“He got himself dirty in the mud, got back into the river and ran around like there was no tomorrow. He would climb trees, dig earth and his actions were quite similar to that of a child who has just learnt to walk,” says the caretaker.
Along with a veterinary, she spends a fun time playing hide and seek with the furry animal looking for food with its long snout.
Just like humans, it has the ability to stand on its two legs.
It is during this period that the intelligent creature also learns how to catch fish for food.
“It begins by catching insects, beatles and then realises it can also catch fish.
The cub also hones other skills necessary for independent survival in the wild,”
N V K Ashraf, in-
The soft release method using ‘walk the bear’ technique gives the bear cubs a longer acclimatisation period at the site of their future home by lessening their overall time in captivity. PTI
AFSPA extension in Arunachal Kiren Rijiju’s decision?
With protest against the extension of Armed Forces (Special Power) Act getting louder in the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh, the role of union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju and some home ministry officials have come under the scanner of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for an unilateral decision of extending AFSPA in 12 new districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Disclosing that decision was taken without any consultation with the state government and other security agencies, sources in the Central government told this newspaper that home ministry was prepared to roll back its decision of extending AFSPA in 12 bordering districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Informing that Mr Rijiju was aware of the decision of the home ministry on AFSPA extension, sources said that decision was unilateral and without any consultation.
The protest became louder after three women of Jullang village in Lower Taraso of Papum Pare district accused that Army soldiers molested them on April 6.
The Army has not clarified its position on molestation charges, but Mr Rijiju on social media claimed, “It was a drama of false accusation against Army at Taraso. Army is not even present in that area, forget about deployment and harassment.”
However, the state police has confirmed the involvement of Army in alleged molestation of three women.
Indicating that Prime Minister’s Office was also unhappy over the U-
Asserting that the home ministry is going to review its order in a day or two, security sources said that union home minister Rajnath Singh may look into the issue of extending AFSPA to Arunachal Pradesh again.
It is significant that Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki and leaders of all the Opposition political parties have expressed their reservation on extending AFSPA to Arunachal Pradesh. Many civil society groups and students organisations of the state are also opposing the extension in the “peaceful state”. (Courtesy Asian Age)
DRDA employees threatens pen down strike
ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Lohit district unit of All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association
has threatened to launch “pen down” strike to register its strong protest against
the state government’s non-
The association in a representation to the Chief Minister the unit stated that the DRDA employees of the state have not been absorbed in the line department despite several letters written by the Union Ministry of Rural Development directing the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to absorb the employees. Some states like Andaman & Nicobar Island, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal etc., following the instruction have absorbed their DRDA staffs in the line departments, claimed the representation.
The association gave the state government 15 days from April 16 to fulfill its demands failing which, the association said, will launch a 15 days “pen down, tool down” strike.
Other demands of the association included service benefits like retirement benefits, regular salaries and other service conditions at par with other State Govt. employees.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Interest of state should be of prime importance
Two of the most important issues concerning the people of Arunachal are being used by BJP and Congress for their political battle. The decision to extend Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) to 12 districts of state and financial crisis crippling the government of Arunachal is matter of deep concern for the people. AFSPA gives undue advantage to the armed forces to harass and kill innocent citizens in the name of counter insurgency operation without being held accountable. Its ill effect has already been displayed at Taraso where recently three local women were allegedly molested by the armed personnel.
An FIR was lodged but till now no arrest has been made and most probably the accused will never get arrested. On the other hand financial crisis arising due to mismanagement of fund by Congress government will severely affect the developmental activities. For the state like ours which is totally dependent on central government for fund, the news about misuse of government money is distressing to hear. Instead of trying to give political colour to the issue, the Congress party and state government should try to find out solution to tackle this crisis. They also need to properly investigate the matter and punish those responsible for misusing the fund. Likewise BJP should also think for the safety and security of the people of Arunachal and give second thought about defending a draconian law like AFSPA. Both the parties should keep aside their political differences and work for the betterment of state. The interest of the tribal people of Arunachal should be their prime motive.
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Please save me
Dear Editor,
In 70s and 80s when Naharlagun was the State Capital, I was the most beautiful and sought after point drawing the attention of the Ministers, MLAs, Commissioners, Secretaries, Directors and whole gamut of nature lovers. Every morning and evening, I used to welcome hundreds of visitors who would come to see me and enjoy the fresh air filled with sweet fragrance of flowers available all around me. Considering my importance as the source of Oxygen and also the site for wide variety of colorful birds, butterflies and squirrel, the sensitive Govt. of the time used to deploy dozens of Govt. Employees everyday to protect and promote my beauty. Often called as the lung of the city, I used to host the picnic goers, body builders, sports persons, poets, researchers and often the meeting points for the young lovers. Anybody wanting a peace of mind or be in the lap of beautiful nature would visit me without fail.
But over the last two decades or so my picture is completely changed. The endless Land Grabbers all around me have now left me with mere few thousands meters. Both my head and legs have been cut and arms imputed and replaced by temporary as well as permanent structures. The huge waist around which I used to tie my belt is now reduced to few feet and I am no longer using the belt.
The RCC Structure sheds inside my compound have been completely destroyed and all the Tata CGI Sheets have been lifted by the thieves and as a result, I now cannot protect the visitors in case of a sudden rain or hail storms. The water and power connections in an around me is now a thing of the past. Every morning and evening I am made to inhale harmful and toxic air released by smokers, drug addicts and alcoholics. The young boys and girls, instead of going to School or in the pretext of morning and evening walks, would straight way come to my compound and do all that is undesirable and condemnable.
During holidays, I am tortured the most with hunters carrying Shotguns and Catapults to wipe out all my beautiful birds and harmless reptiles.
The Firewood Collectors often come with Dao and Axe and bleed me for their use in Kitchen. The office of the park authority located near my entrance has completely turned a deaf ear and blind eye to the events leading to my systematic extinction. In fact, my guardian’s premises too are encroached and destroyed by the miscreants. The only little care that I get is from the garbage collectors who would visit me almost every alternate day to collect the empty bear and can bottles, whole range of empty rum and whisky bottles, empty mineral water bottles etc. to make a source of livelihood. However, the items not saleable in the markets such as empty cigarettes and bidi packets, pan gutkas, rajnigandas, chips packets, match boxes and condoms etc. remain uncollected and scattered all around my campus. However, the most disturbing act that I witness everyday is the throwing and breaking of bear bottles and passing of stool and urine around the four corners of my body which not only chokes me but more importantly causes physical injury to the visitors.
I took a sigh of relief, when a couple of months back, I saw few labourers carrying a renovation work of the pavement areas with sand and cement, but this too was an eye wash and did not proceed beyond few meters.
The situations today have gone to such an extent of intolerable limits that I now think of committing suicide or at times leading the life of a dead fossil. But again when I see and hear few elderly man and woman still remember and praise my past glory and positive contributions to the health of the inhabitant of Naharlagun in particular and the State as a whole, I then change my decision.
It is here, I think of exploring the last option and request the CM Nabum Tuki, MLA Techi Kaso and the Local Councilor Tarh Pacho to personally intervene and do something to save me from all the ills. If the Govt. Department cannot do anything or depute two or three Forest Guards from out of the hundreds of appointments carried out recently, then I may please be married out to any social minded NGO or a private company on private public partnership mode for rest of my life.
Polo Park
Naharlagun,
Why should we sacrifice our peace?
Dear Editor,
Just for the sake of outwitting the militant groups from Assam like ULFA or NDFB, the extension of AFSPA in 12 districts of Arunachal is not very convincing. Neither are we enemy nor friend of ULFA, NDFB since they have their own genuine demands. It is a concern for all of us to ponder about the ‘underground outfits or terrorist’ as labelled by the Indian govt. If we have a glimpse back to the colonial period, even the freedom fighters like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh of whom we are very proud of now, were being treated as ‘terrorist’ just the way the ULFAs, NDFBs, NSCNs are treated now.
Thus, the word ‘terrorist’ has a greater meaning than what the common people perceive it. Therefore, since we have not much to do with those so called ‘underground outfits’ of Assam, I personally feel that the peace loving state ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ should be left undisturbed. If necessary, the existing law and order machinery should be strengthened. When the problem is between Assam and the Central govt and not with Arunachal, why should the peace, liberty and happiness of Arunachal be sacrificed?
Yours,
Paul Jerang
Rajiv Gandhi University
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