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April 05

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Dalai Lama reaches Bomdila by road, likely to arrive in Tawang on April 7

BOMDILA, Apr 4: Travelling more than 250 kms by road, His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama reached Bomdila in West Kameng district amid  rousing welcome by thousands of devotees on Tuesday afternoon.

The Tibetan spiritual leader arrived by road as his chopper could not take off from Guwahati due to inclement weather. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and senior BJP leader Sudanshu Mittal.

The Dalai Lama will deliver his preaching to the people here tomorrow from 8 am at the Buddha Park. Later in the afternoon he will depart for Dirang and address devotees a day after. He will be reaching Tawang on 7th April and will be there tentatively till 12th.

Owing to the rescheduled visit, His Holiness will not be able to come and bless the people of Itanagar, the state capital, said CMO  in a communiqué.

Tenzing Tsewang Gyatso, known world over as the Dalai Lama, entered Arunachal Pradesh from Assam through Orang after 8 years, was received by hundreds of devotees at Balemu, the border town in West Kameng. From there he travelled through Kalaktang, Tenzingaon, Shergaon, Jigaon and Rupa before arriving at Bomdila. Hundreds of old and young followers greeted and received him all along the way. Colourful flags depicting Buddhism and imprinted with prayers donned the route from Balemu to Bomdila.

The Dalai Lama had a quite lunch at the Tenzingaon Monastery, a rural town inhabited by resettled Tibetans in West Kameng district.

Khandu expressed gratitude to the benevolence of His Holiness for taking the trouble to travel by road just to meet the people who first received him on his epic journey from Tibet to India way back in 1959.

"His Holiness had solemnly resolved to visit Arunachal Pradesh no matter what. Despite the inclement weather that forced cancellation of his chopper, he decided to travel by road. We are humbled and will remain ever grateful to His Holiness. He has fulfilled the prayers of thousands of devotees who have waited eight long years to hear and see him in person," Khandu said.

As the news of the Dalai Lama arriving at Bomdila by late afternoon spread, shops downed their shutters and public places went vacant. Every single individual of this town gathered in and around the Thupchog Gatzeling Gonpa, otherwise known as Lower Gonpa.

Revered Guru Rimpoche and Thekse Rimpoche, State Legislative Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok, local legislator Japu Deru, Parliamentary Secretaries Phurpa Tsering and Kumsi Sidisow, the Chief Secretary, the DGP and heads of the district administration were amongst those who received the Dalai Lama.  

As he arrived prayer chants rendered the air and heads bowed with respect. The heavens poured but it didn't dampen the spirit of the devotees. A few seconds glimpse of His Holiness was enough to keep the people glued to their places. Hundreds remained rooted for hours even after the Dalai Lama had retired for the day in the serene sanctity of the monastery.

 

 

 

 

India asks China not to interfere in internal affairs

New Delhi, Apr 4: Amid a row over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India today asked China not to interfere in its internal affairs, saying it respects the "One-China" policy and expects Beijing to reciprocate.

Making a statement on the visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said here that the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to the border state is completely religious and no political motive should be ascribed to it.

"There is no political angle behind His Holiness's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. It is completely religious. Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India and China should not object to his visit and interfere in India's internal affairs," he told reporters here.

Rijiju said India has never interfered in China's internal affairs and it expects China to reciprocate.

"We respect Beijing's 'One-China' policy and we expect China to reciprocate," he said.

Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had warned India that the visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as part of Tibet, will cause "serious damage" to bilateral ties. PTI

 

 

 

MVAC submits representation to Gao, reiterates demand

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: Mere Vichaar Andolan Committee (MVAC), a conglomeration  of several organizations, formed to seek justice for former chief minister late Kalikho Pul, has submitted a representation to State BJP President Tapir Gao demanding him to ask Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Government Spokesperson PD Sona to step down on moral ground.

Highlighting the contents of the 'Mere Vichar' purportedly written and left behind by Pul before he committing suicide, the MVAC stated that the corruptions that were leveled against the trio were very serious in nature, which contradicts the BJP's ideology of corruption free India.

Raising question over the party's inaction against the trio, the MVAC in its representation said, "To establish the party's credibility, it is high time for you to act in the interest of the public against the CM, DCM and Sona by asking them to step down from their respective posts considering the degree of corrupt allegations leveled against them in the sixty page suicide note without delay."

 

 

 

 

IMFL retailers  seeks relaxation on SC order

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: Claiming that the Supreme Court has exempted Meghalaya and Sikkim from selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) within 500 meters of National Highway in its judgment of state of Tamil Nadu vs K Balu, Para 24(v)(iii) on 15 December 2016,  All Arunachal Pradesh IMFL Retailer Association has appealed to the state government to approach apex court for the same exemption.

It is said that both states of Meghalaya and Sikkim were exempted after they filed petition seeking exemption on ground of hilly terrains.  "The geographical condition or topographic situations of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is more intense and extreme than these two states. So our state is also deserves relaxation in that ground" said the association.   

The association further stated that due to non-initiation from the state government, the  Supreme Court did not include Arunachal in exemption list.

 

 

 

Student drowns in Dipu Nalah River

NAMSAI, Apr 4: Chow Ngikham Kiliue (20), a BA 4th semester student of Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu, reportedly drowned in Dipu Nalah River under Lower Dibang Valley district on April 3 at around 2.30 pm.

Sources informed that Kiliue was on his way to Roing from Tezu in a motorbike with a friend and crossing the Dipu Nalah River when the water level started to rise and pulled him under.

His body was recovered on April 4 after intensive search operations by the local police, who were assisted by his friends.

After postmortem, the body has been brought to his native village Juna-1, under Lathao circle for cremation.

Kiliue was also an upcoming Tai-Khampti singer.

The victim's friend has survived and the police have taken him into custody for interrogation.

 

 

 

Mein visits rehabilitation camps at Lekang

NAMSAI, Apr 4: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday  visited rehabilitation camps  in Lekang circle where 61 flood affected families has been  shifted from the temporary  relief camps by Namsai District Administration.

Expressing his satisfaction over proper settlement of the distressed people by the District administration, the Deputy Chief Minister directed to provide all essential services to rehabilitation camps.

Earlier, Mein inspected Noa- Dihing breach point at New Silatoo where major restoration work is going on. Stating his concern over slow progress of work he advised to ensure to complete the project before threat of monsoon.

Later Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma had a meeting with the Executing Agency and contactor and directed them to take up the restoration work in war foot to complete the task by April 30, 2017.  

Parliamentary Secretary (Forest & Environment) Chow Tewa Mein, Parliamentary Secretary (Planning, Personnel and Administrative reforms) Chau Zingnu Namchoom,  the Deputy Commissioner, EAC, Lekang, PRI members and departmental engineers accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister .

 

 

 

Workshop held on digital cashless payment

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: A day-long workshop on digital payment was organized by the Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital complex in collaboration with lead Bank Manager, SBI and IMWA at Banquet Hall, Niti Vihar here on Tuesday, which was attended by over 800 traders from Itanagar and representative from SBI. Speaking on the occasion, Itanagar Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner, Prince Dhawan stressed the need to have cashless transactions in every merchant's shop in the Itanagar market.

He stated that, due to limitation of POS machine and network issue, some merchants are holding back from cashless transaction. Therefore, it is necessary that all the merchants are aware of the other options available for cashless transaction.  The main focus of the workshop was to inform the participants about other options for cashless transaction such as SBI-Buddy, UPI (BHIM APPs) and USSD (Unstructure Supplementary Service Data).

While highlighting the importance of cashless transaction, the DC stated that the GoI after demonetization is making full effort for the cashless India. The government is trying to restrict the cashless transaction by imposing penalty on cash transaction above Rs. 2 Lakh. Urging the traders to start accepting cashless payments from their customers, he assured that banking apps are secure and easy to learn and use just like other social apps.

During the workshop, the representative from SBI gave a presentation on various options available for cashless transaction and walk through the process of all the options available for cashless payment.

Later, the traders also availed the facilities of on-the-spot account opening and on-the-spot Aadhaar enrolment during the workshop at the Banquet Hall.

To ensure active participation of the merchant for cashless transaction, the DC further announced cash award of Rs. 8000, Rs. 6000 and Rs. 4000 as a first, second and third award for the merchant who does 50 cashless transaction for any amount through any medium except POS machine w.e.f from  April 5, 2017. The merchants have to submit the transaction IDs to claim the award to the Itanagar Capital Complex DC.

 

 

 

 

Dalai Lama blesses Anshu Jamsenpa; flags off double ascent Mt Everest Expedition

GUWAHATI, Apr 4: Anshu Jamsenpa, the Indian Mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh had a special audience with His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Radisson Blue Guwahati.

His Holiness having known her several mountaineering feats to her credit said, 'Your achievement is the testimony of your hard work, firm determination and a strong belief in yourself". His Holiness hugged her warmly and blessed her when Anshu sought blessings for her future endeavours.

The meeting also marked the flagging off ceremony of Anshu's Double Ascent Mt Everest Expedition 2017.

President of Arunachal Mountaineering & Adventure Sports Association Tsering Wange offered the Indian tricolor flag to His Holiness which was handed over to Anshu to be unfurled on the top of the world Mt Everest.

Anshu presented a photo frame of her earlier successful summit to Dalai Lama as a token of love and respect.

His Holiness also blessed her two teenage daughters Passang Droma and Tenzing Nyiddon with a personalised message which His Holiness wrote and signed himself.

Speaking exclusively to media person, Anshu said,  ‘Meeting His Holiness The Living Buddha and getting his blessings in person is one of the most treasured and blessed days of my life. I shall cherish it for life long especially the close warm hug.

It will always motivate me and infuse strength to overcome all my struggles of life.’

Anshu is in quest to better her own national and international mountaineering records. Mountaineering being one of the costliest adventure sports, some Corporates and public sector undertakings like North Eastern Council, State Bank of India, Topcem Cement, NEEPCo Ltd and NRL Ltd. have come forward to support her mountaineering endeavour.

 

 

 

 

Mopin greetings

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya has greeted the people of the state on the festive occasion of Mopin festival. He wished that the festivity ushers-in peace and prosperity in the state.

In his message, the Governor said that Mopin is one of the most popular festivals of Galo community, which reflects the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Similar to all of our tribal festivals, Mopin festival is also based on agricultural activities and good harvest. It is observed as a prayer to Goddess of Prosperity, 'Ane Mopin'.

'On this auspicious occasion, I pray to Almighty Donyi-Polo and Ane Mopin to bless each one of us with their choicest blessings', the Governor said in his festival message.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu in his festival message also expressed hope that the festival ushers in peace, brotherhood and prosperity in state.

Stating that the festival is observed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Ane Mopin, the Chief Minister prayed for good fortune, a bumper harvest and a prosperous new year.

Appreciating the elegant dance of Popir, the CM further expressed hope that this festivity will go a long way in preserving and promoting the age-old cultural heritage. (PRO to Governor, CMO)

 

 

 

 

Worker buried alive in landslide

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: A worker was buried alive in landslide at a retaining wall construction site at Bameng general ground on Tuesday.

Men and machinery have been pressed into service to retrieve the body of the person, who has been identified as one Arjun Thapa, informed Bameng ADC T Messar.

Another worker Buddhiman Subbha managed to crawl out of mud bath.

Heavy rains have been reported in entire Bameng.

 

 

 

Governor to meet individuals, NGOs and officials

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland P.B. Acharya has returned back to Itanagar on 3rd April.  He will be meeting individuals, Non-Governmental Organizations, and officials during his stay.

 

 

 

 

AMSCC demands proper investigation into Katem Dai death case

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT Apr 4: In a letter to Officer-in-Charge, Gorchuk Police Station, Guwahati on Monday, the Adi Mising Student's Coordination Committee (AMSCC), Guwahati has appealed the police for proper investigation and examination of evidences related to the Late Katem Dai death case.

The AMSCC in its letter to OC have urged the police to take some vital witnesses and evidences in counts which includes five eye witnesses, examination of unedited CCTV footage and examination of call detail record of victim's three mobile numbers besides two witnesses who had identified the body of the victim in the presence of doctor during the time of post mortem. The committee has also alleged that, the accused in the case, who has already been released on bail, is trying to distort the evidences while using social media.

Meanwhile, the AMSCC along with parents of late Katem Dai have also served a one-week ultimatum to the authorities of Scholars Institute of Technology and Management, Guwahati on 30th March demanding blacklisting of the alleged murderer of Lt. Katem Dai.

Late Katem Dai, a civil engineering student of the Scholar's Institute of Technology and Management (SITM), Guwahati, died on February 20 last following a tiff with his classmate Rajen Tachang Tara at the institute's hostel.

 

 

 

DDI's suspension demanded

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: The Anjaw district unit of BJP Minority Morcha has demanded immediate suspension of the Deputy Director of Industries (DDI). Aniaw for allegedly surrendering and diverting subsidy fund sanctioned against PMEGP Anjaw thus depriving many applicants from availing loan.

In its complaint letter to the Chief Secretary against the Deputy Director, the district BJP Minority Morcha said that the subsidy funds earmarked against PMEGP scheme for Anjaw district were 'purposefully' and 'willfully' surrendered despite a huge demand for the scheme from applicants every year.

"Youths, who have undergone entrepreneurship development training under Department of Industries, Anjaw have been declined loan from the respective branches of SBI at Hawai and Hayuliang under PMEGP. The Banks have reportedly told the applicants that loans were not sanctioned due to non-release of Subsidy by the Department of Industries to the bank for the beneficiaries," the letter said.

In 2015 - 16, only two beneficiaries have availed PMEGP loan against quota of 20 from funds sanctioned under KVIC, KVIB and DIC. In fiscal year 2016 - 17, about 26 applicants had applied online for PMEGP loan but not even the preliminary interviews were conducted by the concern department, the letter claimed.

The Morcha also demanded an inquiry into the alleged illegal diversion of funds.

 

 

 

On Farm Trial on value addition of orange peel conducted

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: A three-month long On Farm Trial (OFT) on value addition of orange peel was conducted by Home Science Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), Nane Taga at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papum Pare from December 2016 to February 2017.

The SMS taught the farmers about the health benefits of orange peel and trained them about making orange peel powder from waste orange peel as one of the value added product of orange peel.   

Through her On Farm Trial she educated the farmers regarding the nutritional composition of orange peel and its health benefits. She stated that orange peels are rich in flavonoids, like hesperidin and polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) and other phytochemicals, which contributes many of their health benefits.

 

 

 

Removal of HPDC chairman sought

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: The Yupia Youth Welfare Association (YYWA) has demanded immediate removal of Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited chairman, Tungri Effa from the post alleging his involvement in corrupt practice.

In a letter submitted to the Chief Minister on Tuesday, YYWA president Gyamar Takar (Bharat) alleged that Effa had submitted a false claim of bills by annexing fake photographs to the Chief Engineer (Western Zone) of Department of Hydro Power Development (DHPD) stating that  the project for "Improvement of approach road with C/o Retaining Wall to Middle School at Tigdo Village, Yupia under Revised Estimate 2016-17 under the DHPD is at a verge of completion and same would be completed before March 31st March 2017.

The aforesaid project has never been executed either by Effa or HDPCAPL, Takar claimed and alleged that "Effa had also urged the authority to divert and release the fund against the aforesaid project to the Hydro Power Corporation Limited in order to defalcate and siphon off the fund". Takar further said that HPDCAPL is not an executing agency of civil works and therefore, the execution of aforesaid project by the Corporation does not arise and same is absolutely false and not sustainable.

 

 

 

New Anchal Chairperson of Koyu block

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Apr 4: Koyu Anchal Somity Member and BJP nominee Pakyor Koyu has been declared elected unopposed as Anchal Chairperson of 7th-Koyu Anchal Block.

The election was necessitated following the resignation of Zirgi Kadu from the post of Anchal Chairperson.

 

 

 

Delhi based company to set up spice processing centre at Namsai

NAMSAI, Apr 4:  SRC Creations, a Delhi based company has shown keen interest to go for contract farming on ginger, turmeric and large cardamom at Namsai and Anjaw district. The company is also ready for establishing a processing unit at Namsai for the larger interest of the farmers.

Assistant Director Spices Board Namsai Vijeeshna informed that the director of the company is scheduled to visit Namsai from April 7. During his stay at Namsai, the Director would hold direct interaction with the farmers.

"Spices are high value export oriented crops extensively used since time immemorial for flavouring food and beverages and in medicine, cosmetics and perfumery. Spices have played a significant role in influencing the course of history till the Middle Ages. India is the largest producer, consumer and second largest exporter of spices in the world," she added.

 

 

 

Initial Training Camp of RSS underway

YINGKIONG, Apr 4:  In all 42 children from 7 blocks of Upper Siang are participating in a RSS organized Initial Training Camp (ITC) camp which began at VKV here on Tuesday last.

During the camp, which is being attended by resource persons like Regional Sewa Prasmuk, Rajesh Deshkar, Arunachal Pradesh Prant Prachak, Sunil Mohonty and Vibheg Prasharat Siang Vivak, Kamlesh Kumar, training will be imparted to the participants on Yoga, games & sports, patriotic Songs etc. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

'Shift cow slaughterhouses away from NH'

ITANAGAR, Apr 4: The Capital District unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner to shift the various cow slaughterhouses located along the national highway at Banderdewa, Karsingsa, Nirjuli, Naharlagun, Itanagar, Gohpur and Chimpu, to at least 500 meters away from the highway.

In a memorandum to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner on Monday last, the BJP Capital District unit president, Tarh Soping claimed that the unpleasant sight of slaughterhouses along the national highway will spoil the image of the state as Itanagar and Naharlagun are the state's main tourist route.

The BJP Capital District unit has further urged the authorities to check whether the slaughterhouses posses valid licenses.  

---- Editorial ----

 

 

India’s double standard on racism

The recent mob attack on African students at Greater Noida is racist in nature. Students were attacked after rumors emerged that a local boy was allegedly killed by the Nigerians. A mob of people began searching the area for Africans and violently attacked some of them. The incident is grim reminder of how India continues to battle racism in its own backyard. When Indians face racist attacks in west or in Australia, they make such hue and cry. But unfortunately African along with people of North East India on regular basis becomes victim of racist attacks in the mainland India. After such incident government assures of taking strict action but everything is forgotten after sometime. This time the incident of attack on African students at Greater Noida has received widespread condemnation from international communities and international media has been scathing in its criticism of the attacks.

There is growing anger among Africans because of rise in such kind of hate attack against its citizen in India. Heads of African missions in India on Monday denounced the attacks on African nationals as "xenophobic and racial" in nature, accusing the government of taking no "known, sufficient and visible" deterrent action. African Mission said it expected strong condemnation from the "highest political level" of the Indian Government, and also called for an "independent probe" by the "(UN) Human Rights Council" and other human rights bodies. The United Nations has also expressed hope that those behind attacks on African nationals in India would be brought to justice. Though Government of India brushed it aside as simple law and order issue, there is no denying that attack in Greater Noida may have been racially motivated. Also it is occurring at a time when ultra-nationalism and hatred of the other are being associated with patriotism in India. Sadly government is doing nothing to provide a sense of security not only to Africans but to all foreigners. India immediately needs an anti-racism law to strictly deal with such incidents.

 

 

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

 

Appoint Rijiju as new defence minister

Dear Editor,

Through the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh I would like to request the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to appoint MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju as Defence Minister of the country.

Imminent personality like Kiren Rijiju can easily grasp the intricacies and complexities of the defence ministry. Ministry of defence cleared a total of 124 new contracts worth Rs. 209,731 crores under buy IDDM [Indigenously Designed Development and Manufactured] category since the BJP Govt came to power. Needless to say, Rijiju has vast experience and knowledge in the subject mentioned above. His appointment in the important ministry will be of immense help to the country as a whole.

Yours,  

Osong Saroh, Advocate

Gauhati High Court Itanagar

Permanent Bench

 

 

 

Why AAPSU is silent

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to question the stoic silence of apex student body AAPSU regarding illegal practice being adopted for recruitment of Junior Engineer under RWD. The sudden advertisement of such huge number of post by the department after announcement of HCM to give away group B recruitment post to APPSCE sends a clear message to the society that the department is pushing for final fraud.

It’s such a shame that these corrupt officials are openly playing with the career of poor hard working students to which neither media nor any organizations are raising voice against. Atleast we had a faith on AAPSU thinking that they being the parental student body would come to our rescue. Where are you AAPSU? Shouldn't student affair be your prime focus?

Yours,

Gogum Buchi

Nirjuli

 

 

 

An open letter to Chief Minister

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the kind attention of Chief Minister towards the genuine grievances of Govt. employees who are running from pillar to post for getting medical expenses reimbursed without any fruitful results. There was an order issued from finance department vide No. Fin/E-11/75/97 dtd 6th Aug' 2013 directing to grant medial reimbursement for state Govt. employees (70% to critical patients and 30% to non none critical patients.)

Accordingly some departments like AHV & DD are following the Govt directives but some other departments are disobeying the same order and granting 100% M.R. to their employees. This is injustice to a section of employees. Moreover, the order itself is unconstitutional and injustice towards the right of genuine govt servants to having medical expenses while serving the interest of public.

On the other hand, it has been found that there is no provision of getting life saving medicines, injection, bed charges etc. in APCMUHIS (Card) and it provides only the charges of doctors and equipments used during operation. The card system is only for those who needs operation, and other patients are to purchase and spent from their own resources. Govt. or concerned department should reimburse the medical expenses that are incurred by Govt servants.

In this situation, the duty of state govt should not only to  prepare new schemes/projects but also  to bring good days to every section of workers/govt employees by implementing old system like giving medical expenses, bonus etc.

Therefore, I would like to request the CM to intervene and revoke the said order immediately and pay pending medical reimbursement to genuine patients/employees.

Yours,

Nabam Khoda

Asst. Vet.

Directorate of A.H. & Vety. Nirjuli (A.P.)

 

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

---Editor