Flood hits Changlang, Anjaw grim
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Heavy downpour since last week has caused much damage at various places of Changlang town. On Sunday night, as rain continued unabated, the newly constructed CC pavement connecting PK point to SP office suffered severe damage along with other roads at PHED and Agriculture colonies.
Rain water also flooded roads near Govt Higher Secondary School and caused sporadic mudslides at various areas. As per reports, the Margherita-Changlang road has also been damaged at several points.
Meanwhile, water and electricity supply in the township have also been hit.
‘At some places, rainwater also entered people’s homes’, Changlang DC Wayong Khimhun informed over telephone. Confirming that other than the damage to the said roads, no major damage has been reported in the town so far, the DC further said that water and electricity supply would hopefully resume by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the office of the Anjaw Deputy Commissioner said that due to heavy rain, situation in Anjaw District is grim with road blockades at several places.
District Administration and BRTF/ PWD/RWD are working hard to clear the blockades.
Blockades at Tidding and Chiquinty have been cleared and the other road blockades are being cleared to ensure uninterrupted movement of passengers’ vehicles and vehicles carrying essential commodities, read a statement from DA.
Bazaar Secretaries have been directed by the DA to check price rise and illegal hoardings.
Delay in appointment process miffs APCS candidates
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: For successful candidates of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE), the joy and happiness they lapped up after cracking one of the toughest civil service examinations has been short-lived. The inordinate delay in their appointment process by the Department of Personal has miffed many of successful candidates.
Expressing her angst, a candidate informed this daily that entire examination process has spoilt her excitement to be an administrator.
“They are (department) delaying our appointment, which is utterly unfair as we have already lost many years” she said. “We want appointment orders to come as early as possible. whatever other prerequisites must be completed at the earliest. This delay is unfair” she added.
Department of Personal has issued offer letters to successful candidates on April 1st last. And there are few more formalities they have to hobble through such as police verification and medical test before beginning of the training process. Unlike the UPSC and other state civil service commissions, APPSC doesn’t have fixed calendar for conducting Civil Service Exams. Moreover, in every batch, it is marred by controversies and legal challenges and petitions which have caused more delay.
The current batch has already crossed three-years in the process as Prelims examination was held on September 22, 2013. After two years flip-flop and flurry of agitations, the Commission conducted Mains Exam in July 2015. It is learnt that APPSC has sent requisition letter to Personal Department after the declaration of Viva-Voice result. The qualified candidates are reportedly planning to call on Chief Minister Kalikho Pul to appraise him to expedite the appointment process. This daily was unable to get reaction from the Department of Personal.
Fortunately, 12 candidates who have qualified for Arunachal Pradesh Police Service (APPS) have already left for training at North East Police Academy (NEPA). It is reported that Director General of Police S.Nithyanandam had managed to convince the Director of NEPA to allow them to join the training as the candidates won’t get chance to undergo course anywhere in North-East if they skip the training this year.
“It’s very fortunate for boys, as our DGP was able convince Director NEPA to enroll them, though the course had already begun” said Taba Gusar, Assistant Inspector General of Police. The PHQ also wrote to Home Department informing of ticking deadline of training calendar as there is no Police Training Centers in entire north-east which trains officers of Dy SP ranks. Taba also informed that PHQ had written to the Commission to have fixed date of declaration of APPSCCE result to catch up with NEPA training calendar. Procedure for training in NEPA begins every January and by early February training begins.
Drug peddler arrested
[ Mingkeng Osik ]
PASIGHAT, Apr 11: A drug peddler was arrested from Oyan in East Siang district on April 8 last village. The peddler has been identified as Mohan Tamut, a repeated drug offender. He was arrested with 3 grams of Brown Sugar.
The arrest was made by Sille police headed by SI Lowang accompanied by the members of Women Against Social Evil (WASE). Information about the drug peddler had come to light when the WASE team caught and interrogated some drug users of Pasighat.
The accused is in custody and a case has been registered in Sille oyan 04/16 under 21(A) NDPS Act.
Meanwhile, WASE General Secy. Joya Tasung Moyong has appealed to the youths not to indulge in such activities which will only ruin lives.
Numerous types of drugs including Cannabis, brown sugar, opium and pharmaceutical products containing narcotic drugs have been found in the entire district in recent years. These peddlers use easy preys to sell their drugs, especially the youths who are susceptible and become their target for marketing their product.
Tourists assaulted at Ziro
Civil society condemns incident
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Three tourists under the aegis of Kite Manza camping at the isolated Pechi Putu in Ziro were assaulted by group of local boys on Sunday around 10 pm. They took away one canon 70d camera along with three lenses.
On receiving the information Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen immediately summoned SP, District Tourism Officer, the owner of Pechi Putu plot and the tour operator from Guwahati, one Shyamal Nath to his office to take stock of the situation. He instructed the police to immediately seize the mobile phones and the relevant documents of the tour operator and Pechi Putu owner and to detain them for further investigation.
Expressing displeasure over why the Pechi Putu owner allowed the tourists to camp in such an isolated place without proper security, he directed the owner to cooperate with the police and the district administration in nabbing the absconding culprits and not to leave the station without permission.
DC while condemning the act said that district administration will not compromise with the safety of the tourists and directed the police to immediately nab the absconding culprits
However, he also felt the need for the tourists to be more responsible and to choose suitable accommodations to avoid such incidents. He also reminded all the hoteliers and other accomodation providers to submit the record of tourists and guests regularly to avoid such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile a case under section 397 IPC has been registered in the Ziro police station and the search for the absconding culprits is being carried out under the close supervision of SP Tumme Amo, reports DIPRO.
Meanwhile Tanw Supuñ Dukuñ (TSD), the Tanw Apex Council has strongly condemned the manhandling of tourists. Apatani Youth Association (AYA) has also condemned the unfortunate incident. The association sought stringent punishment to the wrong doer.
Since Ziro is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh and when Govt and NGOs are working hard to attract more tourists in the Valley, this incident would hurt the whole process. Therefore every right thinking people should condemn the incident, the release added. AYA appealed district administration and police to arrest the culprits at earliest so that such incidents are not repeated in future. However, to popularize tourism in the state, AYA suggested government to organize sensitization programme involving all stake holders including general public. Later, AYA presidents Taku Chatung met Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Kemo Lollen and appraised the incident.
PMC councilors switch loyalty, joins BJP
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Apr 11: All six Congress Party councilors of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) along with three independents have joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
PMC sources said that four Congress councilors including incumbent Chief Councilor, Denong Tamuk earlier joined BJP on April 4 last, while Deputy Chief Kaling Darang and Ponung Lego have joined the party in a meeting conducted at Pasighat on Monday.
The BJP had three councilors in the PMC, which is now increased to 12.
Chief Councilor Tamuk said that they have taken the decision for greater interest of Pasighat urban dwellers. Tamuk opined that the official works pertaining to release of development fund would be easy and smooth as there is BJP led government in the centre while MLA from Pasighat is also from the same party.
Welcoming the councilors, MLA Moyong said he would extend all possible help to the urban body for development of Pasighat town as Smart City. Saying that Pasighat urban body will function in free and fair manner, with no political interference, Moyong urged the councilors to work with dedication.
State election commission announces dates for by-election
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: The State Election Commission on Monday announced to hold Panchayat by-election for five Anchal Samiti Members and 38 Gram Panchayat Members across the 16 districts of the state. In a press communiqué, the state election commission informed that the polling will take place on May 23rd and counting will be on May 26 respectively.
Notice of election will be issued on April 24, submission of nomination is fixed on May 2, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on May 4. Withdrawal of candidature is fixed on May 7.
The commission also said that with the announcement, the model code of conduct will be come into force with immediate effect in the constituencies going for by –election. The model code of conduct shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the state and central government, added the commission.
Preserve identity: DCM Mein
Pongtu celebrated in Changlang, Khonsa
CHANGLANG, Apr 11: “Preserve identity by safeguarding the age old rich culture and tradition inherited from your forefather,” appealed Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mien attending Pongtu festival of the Tutsa Community at the festival ground, Changlang on Monday.
“Do not let modernization and urbanization affect custom and languages which are the legacies of our ancestors,” he said calling upon the young generation to learn customs and traditions to carry forward for generations to come.
The Deputy CM marked the commencement of the celebration by unfurling the festival flag and offered prayer to the almighty ‘Rangkhothak’ the divine Goddess for bumper harvest and prosperity in the area.
Earlier, he inaugurated multipurpose hall at Circuit House and Rostrum of festival ground.
Mechukha MLA P D Sona referred to festivals as means and ways to preserve one’s culture.
He encouraged all sections of the society to take part in each other’s festivals, shedding all negativity.
Geku Maryang MLA Olom Panyang also spoke on the occasion.
The traditional dances from the various Tutsa Villages of the district were displayed despite heavy rainfall. The night cultural show and community feast were other happenings of the programme.
KHONSA: Pongtu festival of the Tutsa community of Tirap district was celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour at Khonsa on Monday.
Addressing a gathering of huge festival revelers, WRD Minister Kamlung Mossang said that most of the tribal festivals celebrated in Arunachal were based on agriculture implying that the festivals were directly related to the economy of the people and appealed the people to spare no effort to improve their economic activities by engaging themselves in gainful ventures like wood carving and handicrafts as the age-old jhum cultivation could not sustain the livelihood of the people. He told the people to adopt cash crop cultivation to augment their source of income.
Taking part in the festival, Education Minister Wanglin Lowangdong said that festivals were a time not only to rejoice but also to pray for the well-being of all human races. He asked the Tutsa community to retain the originality and the true essence of the festivals without letting them get diluted and overshadowed by the glitter of modernity.
Parliamentary Secretary Mutchu Mithi exhorted the Tutsas to safeguard their rich culture and traditions for the posterity. While underscoring the importance of education for development, Mithi urged the people to pay more attention to education and take good advantage of the job quotas under Sports by taking keen interest in games and sports.
While calling the youth the future of the state, Parliamentary Secretary Zingnu Namchoom urged them to shun opium, drugs and other bad habits which were destroying the life of many youths in TCL, Lohit, Namsai and Anjaw districts.
Earlier, former MLA Wanglam Sawin, Chief Patron TPFC, spoke about the significance of Pong-Tuh festival and urged the people to maintain unity and harmony. Sawin said that the Pong-Tuh festival was not only for the Tutsas but for Tirap district as a whole. (DIPROs)
DC meet school administrators, discuss ways to improve education scenario
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: A meeting with the Principal/Vice Principals of various Government Higher Secondary and Secondary Schools located within the Capital complex was called on Monday by Deputy Commissioner, Sandeep Kumar Singh following reports of dismal performance by schools as well to make future plans.
Expressing displeasure over the dismal performance of the school, the DC discussed in detail with each of the representative of the school, the reason for the deteriorating performance of the school.
He asked them to place their grievances and the shortcomings that they face while discharging their duties and to present their views/ suggestions on remedial measures to be taken.
Most of them termed overcrowding of students in classes as the main reason for poor performance as it becomes tough for the teachers to attend to the students.
DC said that as it is government schools, admission cannot be denied to the students, instead teachers must work as a team to take the school ahead. Many pointed out that lack of posting of senior teachers in higher secondary schools also acts as a hindrance, to which the DDSE Mallo Yam Gollo assured to provide ST in all the school.
The DC further asked them to engage good JT teachers till new ST teachers are posted as the education of a student cannot be compromised due to the lack of teacher. Few schools pointed out lack of infrastructure to which the DC assured that it would be done in a phase wise manner. The DC in turn asked them to keep a check on teacher absenteeism as earlier on his visit to some schools, many teachers were found absent without intimation and proper action was also taken against them. He further asked them to ensure proper classroom transaction, regularity of teachers, maintenance of log book/ skill book to be counter signed by the principal/ vice- principal. He also asked them to seek cooperation of the parents/guardians and to conduct regular parent- teacher meetings. He also asked them to organize sanitation drives/activities monthly so as to create awareness among the students regarding hygiene . (DIPRO)
CM promises to improve facilities at Itanagar Police Station
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul visited Itanagar Police Station, to see for himself how the facilities are like and to get firsthand account of the condition in which the police personnel and police officers serve.
The CM expressed that it is his wish to secure a safe and favourable working environment for the police personnel – to see that the police station is well maintained, equipped with water, toilet and sanitation facilities and also proper office rooms with attached toilet facilities.
On entering the police station, he first checked the duty chart to get information on the working shifts. The CM suggested introducing a new working hours to a rotating schedule of 8-hour shift each for morning, afternoon and night shifts.
He inspected the under construction building for police station where IRBN personnel are stationed temporarily. The CM checked the toilet facilities that was stinking and kept unclean though it had proper water facilities.
The CM inspected the common toilet erected in a makeshift structure outside the police station built with CGI sheets. He instructed the department to prepare estimate and proposal and to start works for immediate construction of toilet building with four set of toilet facilities.
CM also met the inmates who were arrested in money laundering case. He asked them about their background and their family. He asked about the facilities in the lockup – the food they eat, the level of health and hygiene maintained in the lockup. Upon learning that the inmates are provided with two meals a day, the CM instructed to provide them with breakfast and tea.
CM advised them to look for healthy means of livelihood and not to make their family members feel ashamed.
The CM informed that the government will give opportunity for the inmates to learn skills to secure their livelihood by converting jail to skill training schools.
The CM assured that the government will provide full backing to policemen on duty, but with expectations that police also perform their duty sincerely and diligently. He, however, warned that the government would not hesitate to initiate on-spot suspension or termination of erring policemen.
He also assured to release the election honorarium for the policemen for their last three election duty.
He also informed that helicopters will be requisitioned specially for police personnel to be deployed anywhere in the state in the event of law and order breakdown, natural calamity or for patient evacuation. (PRO,CMO)
DC calls for speedy construction of Siger to Gobuk highway
YINGKIONG, Apr 11: Upper Siang DC, Remo Kamki called upon National Highway Infra Development Corporation Limited, a new department of GoI undertaking State Highway authorities, all the road constructing agencies to properly utilize their time and use fund judiciously to complete the on-going construction in its scheduled time.
He was a addressing a meeting with NHIDCL general manager Vivek Srivastava, local Constructing agency BIPL (Bharatiya Infra Project Ltd.) represented by its Project Manage, Olom Borang, Mariyang ADC, R Perme, Yingkiong EAC(D), Adong Pertin and other members.
He also appealed the public dwelling along the roadside not to create obstruction for the constructing agencies Companies, State Highway authorities and the local administration. The DC further informed that it has been decided in a meeting with the villagers of Padu that the road construction work at landslide/sinking zone near Padu would be carried out as per the existing DPR.
The road construction work at Silli village would also be done after a joint spot verification by district administration, constructing agency company and state Highway Department soon, he further informed.
MLA Olom Panyang also appealed the constructing agencies to accomplish the road construction work as soon as possible because it is the life-line of the people Panyang.(DIPRO)
Villagers attend FLCC camp
SEPPA, Apr 11: Over 200 villagers attended a Registrar of Co-Operative Societies & NABARD sponsored awareness programme on agriculture and its allied activities with Financial Litterateur Credit Counselling (FLCC) jointly organized by the Arunachal Pradesh state Co-operative Apex Bank and District Co-operative Union (DCU) at Lumdung under Pijirang circle, here on Sunday.
Apex Bank Branch Manager, Chatung Mara while addressing the villagers briefed on the importance of having Bank accounts by every household and explained about the process of opening Bank accounts. He further urged all to repay bank loan on time.
DFS&CO, Chuku Jirjo urged the registered societies to maintain account books properly and advised all to share knowledge from the awareness programme.
DCU Chairman, Tame Cheda informed that similar programme will also be organized at Pipu, Sebibo,Bhola Watte and Pachi village.
Representatives of agriculture and its allied department attended the programme as resource persons.(DIPRO)
Traffic advisory
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Traffic will be closed from Maya Motors to Division-IV Bailey Bridge till April 17 due to construction of Abotani Colony RCC Bridge at Itanagar, informed SP Capital.
Miscreants steal computer sets
AALO, Apr 11: Miscreants stole 2 computer sets and a printer on night of Apr 7th last from the office of Aalo East, Block Development Officer. The miscreants entered the office by breaking the main entry door lock. Meanwhile, an FIR has been lodged at Aalo police station against the unknown culprit(s). (DIPRO)
APCC mocks Pul over corruption issue
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Party (APCC) has reacted to the statement of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul made during foundation day celebration of Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA). Pul leveled series of corruption charge against Congress.
“If the statement of Kalikho Pul that Congress is expert in corruption is true then he must have led that team since he was the longest serving finance minister under Congress. Now all the corrupted legislators have shifted loyalty to PPA,” stated APCC in a release. Further taking a dig at Pul, Congress said, “Later they should not say that PPA is corruption expert and switch to BJP.”
APCC also stated that Pul was a product of Congress as he was in the party for more than 20 years. “APCC has not received any information that Pul had received baptism for atonement of his sins,” party stated while mocking Pul over corruption issue.
Citizens oppose garbage dumping at Karsingsa
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: People of Karsingsa and Banderdewa have vociferously opposed the provisional allotment of land to Itanagar Municipal Council for a garbage dumping ground at Karsingsa. A team comprised of PRI leaders, Gaon Buras, and Youth on Monday appraised the Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex to revoke its provisional land allotment to IMC for garbage dumping site. It claimed that garbage dumping would directly affect human and animals nearby as it pollutes water and air. The people also raised alarm over possible contamination of Dikrong River which according to them is being used by people at downstream.
Dr. Hui Tag awarded DBT Overseas Associate-ship
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Dr. Hui Tag, currently serving as Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, has been selected as DBT Overseas Associateship for the North Eastern Region 2016, by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI.
Dr. Tag shall be pursuing 3 month-long intensive training and academic engagement at Department of Plant and Social Sciences, Mississippi State University (MS) USA under the supervision of Prof. R. Raja Reddy. The training will focus on stress physiology of medicinal plants and development of secondary metabolites of biomedical interest.
Dr. Tag did his B.Sc (Honours in Botany) from J.N. College, Pasighat in 2000 and completed his M.Sc. in Botany 1st class from RGU in 2002.
DPC passes ‘My Village, My Development Plan’
DAPORIJO, Apr 11: A DPC meeting to approve the Five Years Perspective Plan 2015- 2020 for ‘My Village, My Development Plan’ under the 14 Finance Commission Grant was held under the chairmanship of Upper Subansirir DC Komkar Dulom on Monday.
Addressing the members, DC Dulom called for a positive change in the mindset and ending of bad practices which hampers the proper implementation of schemes. He asked the PRI leaders to emphasize on livelihood activities under agriculture and horticulture sector like orange, large cardamom plantations and vegetable gardens which would sustain the local population and economy.
He also asked all to follow the prescribed guidelines, work together in coordination with each other.
DPO S Timba explained about the concept of 'My Village, My Development' Plan and its emphasis on development beginning from the villages at the grass root level.
The member secretaries also expressed their views, clarified doubts and advised the PRI members.
Later the house approved and passed the Five Years Perspective Plan and the PRI members presented their views and brought out problems faced by them. It was a collective opinion of all that schemes should be selected on need basis and all should work together for the development of their areas.
DPDO, Taga Ekke, Member Secretaries, ZPMs and Anchal Samity Chairpersons attended the meeting. DIPRO
Report to police against Poppy, Ganja cultivations: DC
ROING, Apr 11: In a bid to tackle illegal Poppy and Ganja cultivation in Lower Dibang Valley, District Magistrate Ravi Dhawan has issued an executive order to report any known cases to the Police and district administration.
The DC, in his order said that there are reports of cultivation and trafficking of Poppy and Ganja taking place at Bizari and Anpum village under Dambuk circle and narcotic drugs are being trafficked for sale at local market and distribution in the district and nearby areas of East Siang district.
While stressing the need to adopt zero-tolerance approach to opium cultivation to check drug trafficking which leads to societal problems such as widespread drug abuse and increasing domestic violence, the DC directed the Dambuk ADC and Paglam CO to report such cases to the police and get an FIR registered.
Prayer tower branch inaugurated
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: A Second Coming Christian prayer tower branch of Healing Touch Ministry was inaugurated at Boginodi village, Papum Pare District on Sunday by Joram Menye.
DFP to organise special events
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Regional Directorate of Field Publicity, M/O Information & Broadcasting, GoI, Arunachal Pradesh Region will be organising special events through its district units as part of the national campaign "Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan" being launched across the country from April 14.
The starting day coincides with the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar. The ten day campaign will culminate on National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24. The campaign intends to strengthen Panchayati Raj and boost social harmony in the villages, promote rural development and foster farmer’s welfare and livelihood of the poor.
BJP mourns death in temple accident
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh has expressed shock and grief over the tragic death of 107 persons and injury of more than 400 devotees due to bursting of fire crackers at the Puttingal Devi temple at Paravur, Kollam,Kerala.
In a condolence message, the party expressed solidarity with the aggrieved family members. The BJP paid homage to the departed souls and offered prayers for providing solace and strength to the family members.
AAPLU bats for senior casual workers
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union on Monday asked for regularization of the casual workers who have been working in the department since the last 30 years. In a letter to the Chief Secretary, AAPLU claimed that many causal workers have been rendering service to the state with hope of regularization. In order to provide benefits to such workers, the union appraised the CS to give direction to all the departments for regularisation.
Routine vaccination
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: The department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary has constituted a team of veterinary officer’s and field staffs for routine vaccination programme against foot and mouth disease and swine fever in Mithun, cattle, goat and pigs in Capital Complex from April 18 next to 26 next.
The drive will be held at Yupia general ground on April 18, Nyoch/Tarajuli on April 19, Borum general ground- April 20, Sood- April 21, Papu-I, II- April 22, Pachin- April 23, Damsite –April 25 and at Model/Lekhi on April 26 last.
Fix a date for clearance: AACWA
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) urged Commissioner Finance, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to fix a particular date for the Contractors to withdraw money from various bank since the banks have repeatedly refused to issue payments following the circular issued by the office of the Finance department.
AACWA further said that despite the Commissioner Finance assurance to the Governor that there is no over draft and financial condition is comfortable, contractors have not been paid.
Cleanliness drive in Bomdila
BOMDILA, Apr 11: Cleanliness drive under Swachh Bharat Mission was organized in Bomdila on April 9. It was organized by Urban Development and Housing Department.
Spearheading the cleanliness drive at the initiative of Deputy Commissioner, Bomdila Dr. Sonal Swaroop, the mass social service coincided with Govt of India’s order to conduct cleanliness fortnight to commemorate Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14.
Extend tourism circle: Sonam
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: BJP leader Vijay Sonam has sought approval for extension of the existing tourist circuit, Itanagar-Sagalee-Seppa covering Bameng, Lada, Khenewa, Chayang Tajo& Pipu Administrative Circles under East Kameng District.
In order to promote rural tourism and also for a hassle tour, it is expedient to include the administrative centre in the existing tourist circuit, read a letter written by BJP leader to the centre.
