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April 06

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Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

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India never used me against China: Dalai Lama

Bomdila, Apr 5: Amid protests by Beijing against his scheduled visit to Tawang, the Dalai Lama today said India has never used him against China.

"India has never used me against China. I am a messenger of the ancient Indian thought and I talk about ahimsa, peace, harmony and secular ethics wherever I go," the Tibetan spiritual leader said while talking to the media here.

His remarks came after Chinese state media today said India is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic leverage to challenge China's "bottom line".

"I am a Buddhist. The entire Himalayan range had been traditionally following Buddhist dharma and modern physics is based on Buddhist philosophy," he said.

On corruption, the Dalai Lama said graft is a big problem facing the world and it was increasing because of lack of moral principles.

He spoke fondly of Arunachal Pradesh and said he had a special connection with the state as it served as his point of entry when he arrived in India in 1959.

"When I got freedom, when I first reached India, I entered through Arunanchal Pradesh. I have an emotional connect with the state. It is a special place for me," he said.

The Dalai Lama thanked Indian government for letting him visit the frontier state.

"I would like to thank the government of India. I have been here since 1959. India has taken great care of me. I am their longest staying guest. I am thankful to them," he added.

He gave a discourse at Buddha Park here this morning.

The spriritual leader had arrived here last evening from Guwahati accompanied by state Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Tomorrow, he would impart teachings at Dirang and confer the 'Avalokiteshvara Permission' at Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery in the morning. PTI

 

 

 

China vows ‘necessary measures’ after Dalai visits Arunachal

Beijing, Apr 5: China warned today that it will take "necessary measures" to defend its territorial sovereignty and interests after India "obstinately" allowed the Dalai Lama to visit the "disputed" parts of Arunachal Pradesh causing "serious damage" to the bilateral ties.

"India in disregard to China's concerns obstinately arranged the Dalai Lama's visit to the disputed part of the eastern part of China-India border, causing serious damage to China's interests and China-India relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters.

"China firmly opposes this move and will lodge representations with the Indian side," she said.

"China's stand on the eastern part of the borders is consistent and clear. India is keenly aware of the role played by the 14th Dalai Lama. Arranging his visit to those sensitive and disputed areas not only runs counter to the Indian side's commitment to the issues related to Tibet but also escalate disputes over the border area," she said.

"It goes against the momentum of the sound growth of bilateral relations and will not benefit India in anyway," she said.

"China will firmly take necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests.

 We demand the Indian side immediately stop its actions using the Dalai Lama to undermine China's interests and not hype up sensitive issues between the two countries, not artificially damage the foundation of the talks between the two countries on the border issues and bilateral legislations and take concrete actions to safeguard the China-India relations," she said.

The 81-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader reached Bomdila in West Kameng district yesterday, starting his nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

China claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh as southern Tibet and had previously warned that if India allowed the visit of the Dalai Lama, whom it calls an "anti-China separatist", it would cause "serious damage" to ties.

China is sensitive to the Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang region in Arunachal which happens to be the birthplace in 1683 of the sixth Dalai Lama and is at the centre of Tibetan Buddhism.

Yesterday, Minister of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said India never interfered in Beijing's affairs, has respected the "One China" policy, and thus China should not interfere in India's internal affairs or object to the Dalai Lama's visit.

"There is no political angle behind his holiness's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. It is completely religious."

Separately, the External Affairs Ministry has said that no "artificial controversy" should be created about the visit.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson rejected Rijiju's comments, saying "China upholds the policy of not interfering with other countries internal affairs. This is unquestionable."

"But in disregard to China's concerns India arranged the visit of Dalai Lama to the disputed areas. This issue goes beyond internal affairs," she said.

"The role played by the Dalai Lama is clear to all.

China's position on the eastern section of the boundary is also very clear," she said.

"The arrangement of Dalai's visit to the disputed area by India runs counter to its commitments on issues related to Tibet and it runs counter to benefits of bilateral relations.

We demand that India stop this wrong action," she said.

About Rijiju's comments that it was a religious visit and should not be politicised, she said, "We have noted the statement of the official from the Indian side."

"Could you tell me honestly do you seriously believe that Dalai is only a religious leader. I think the answer is known to all. He is not just a religious figure. Therefore, his visit to the place will not be purely of religious purpose. So using the empty words to defend this arrangement is not reasonable. We demand the Indian side to stop this move of undermining Chinese interests," she said. PTI

 

 

 

 

Dalai Lama’s visit: China has no business telling India what to do, says CM

BOMDILA, Apr 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said China has no business telling India what to do with regard to the Dalai Lama's movement in the country.

"China has no business telling us what to do and what not to do (regarding the Dalai Lama's movement). It is not our next-door neighbour. India shares boundary with Tibet, not with China," he told reporters here.

"In reality, the McMahon Line demarcates the boundary between India and Tibet," he said.

Khandu, who accompanied the Dalai Lama during an eight-hour-long drive from Guwahati to Bomdila on Tuesday, said it was a brave decision on the part of theTibetan spiritual leader to undertake the arduous trip.

"He wanted to reach Tawang anyhow and the weather could not deter him. Let us hope that his followers here get satisfaction from his discourses," he said.

The Nobel laureate, he said, was the country's most respected guest since 1959 andArunachal Pradesh deserves his visit more than any other place.

This is the Dalai Lama's sixth visit to Arunachal Pradesh as a state guest since 1983 and he has been to Tawang every time except in December 1996.

His last visit in 2009 was planned exactly 50 years after he had crossed through Arunachal Pradesh, then North East Frontier Agency, after escaping from Lhasa. PTI

 

 

 

 

Mopin celebrated with traditional fervor across Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Mopin, the main festival of Galo community, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervor across Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

At Naharlagun, Agriculture Minister of Assam, Atul Borah attended the Mopin celebrations. Greeting the people of Arunachal in general and the Galo community in particular, on the occasion,  Borah said that festivals fostered love, harmony, brotherhood and peace and  recalled the age-old relations between the two neighboring states and opined that all the people of the North-East should unite to build a strong, vibrant and self-reliant North-East.

Earlier, Mopin celebration committee president, Kento Jini while highlighting the significance of Mopin festival urged all to preserve the rich traditional culture of the Galos. A number of important personalities from Assam and Arunachal participated in the festival.

Senior citizen of the Galo community, Tado Ete in his address appealed the youths to zealously safeguard their rich traditional culture and heritage.

Popir dance, cultural programmes and community feast marked the Mopin celebrations.  

At Itanagar, attending the Mopin celebration at Nyokum Lapang ground, UD Minister, Nabam Rebia emphasized on preservation of traditional dialect and advocated that young generation should follow the tradition and culture.

Stressing on the need to promote one's traditional dress and attires to the outside world, he requested Galo community to forget the differences and work for the unity and prosperity of the state. There should be no feeling of discrimination among the entire tribes of the state, Rebia said while assuring to provide any kind of assistant in his capacity.

While expressing concern over the lack of interest among the younger generation regarding their own dialect/language, Chief Engineer (Power), Anong Perme, called upon the Galo brethrens for preservation of the rich tradition of the community.

(IMC) Councillor, Gora Lotak stated that strength of the society lies in the celebration of traditional festival.  Traditional dances and folk songs presented by cultural troupes were the major highlight of the festival.

At Yupia, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner, Tai Kaye attended the Mopin festival celebration.  While greeting the Galo brethren on the occasion, Kaye opined that there should be one multipurpose community hall at Yupia district headquarter for community based activities like festival or any other important official work.

DMO, Dr. Kampu Tasso said that the festival binds the people together for harmonious living. Traditional cultural programmes were presented by various cultural groups of Yupia on the occasion.

At Darak, Minister PHED, IPR, Printing and Parliamentary Affairs, Bamang Felix and Director Higher and Technical Education, Dr. Tejum Padu attended the Mopin festival.

While greeting the people on the occasion of Mopin, Felix said that Mopin being an agriculture based festival is directly related to the environment. Stressing on the need of protection and preservation of environment, he called upon the people to refrain from rampant destruction of flora and fauna. "Unless you protect the environment you cannot expect for a bumper harvest," he said.

Responding to a single point memorandum submitted by the public of Darak circle for provision of drinking water supply, Felix assured to sanction fund for the same, however, he categorically asked them to adopt a resolution to stop deforestation at the proposed project site. He further appealed the people of area not to disturb in developmental activities initiated by the local MLA for the greater interest area.

Highlighting the importance of Mopin festival, Dr. Tejum Padu gave a detailed overview on mythology of the festival.

Attending the festival, local MLA-cum-Parliamentary Secretary for Sports & Youth Affairs, Nyamar Karbak announced Rs 1 crore for the construction of community hall at Darak. He also announced Rs 10 lakh for the renovation of rostrum at the general ground Darak. He assured to take up with the state government for early sanctioning of fund for construction of bridge over Sibu River connecting Darak from rest of the constituency.

At Kamba, attending the Mopin festival celebration, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Home, Pani Taram called upon the people of Galo community to protect and preserve their age- old tradition and culture. However, he categorically said that religion and culture should not be mixed.

The Parliamentary Secretary also stressed on promotion of local dialect. He assured that the state government will definitely support in preservation and promotion of local dialects.

While assuring to redress the grievances of people of Liromoba Constituency on priority basis, the Parliamentary Secretary, however appealed the people not to put hindrances in the developmental activities for mere petty differences.

Informing that the state government is giving top priority to girls' education, Taram, who is also holding the charge of Parliamentary Secretary for Home, said that the around 2,900 posts have been created in the police department. In order to solve the subject teacher and staff shortage problem in education department the government is also creating around 1,500 posts soon, he added.

Traditional dances and songs were performed during the day-long celebration.

At Tezu, Mopin festival was celebrated in Amik Ringiya Hall with traditional fervor.

Attending the celebration, Animal Husbandry, Research and Art & Culture Minister, Dr. Mohesh Chai spoke about the importance of Mopin festival of Galo community. Stressing on preservation of own culture and tradition, he said  the youth should be involved in preservation of culture and tradition  which were well-preserved by their forefathers. He also stressed on the communal harmony among all communities and added that Tezu has become one of the examples of existing social fabric in the state with different sects and believers living in a peaceful way.

Cultural troupes from various communities also presented traditional and modern dances on the occasion.

At Roing, Mopin was celebrated with traditional gaiety by the Galo community residing in the district at the Multipurpose Hall.

Attending the festival MLA, Mutchu Mithi lauded the Galo tribe for their numerous contributions towards the state's development. He also remembered the contributions of former Chief Ministers Late Tomo Riba and Late Jarbom Gamlin.

Roing SP, Sanjay Kumar Sain while greeting the people on the occasion, praised the rich traditional and cultural heritage of the state. He also urged the people to inform the police of any signs of trouble or criminal activities happening around them to help the police to serve the public better.

Deputy Commissioner, Deepak Shinde, Bukkong (Parbuk) ZPM, Starson Saring, officers and Panchayat leaders also attended the festivities.

At Chimpu, Sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh Chairman, Bamang Tago attended the Losi-Lore Mopin celebration at the 1st APP BN campus.

In his address, Tago said that the trend for commercializing the rich indigenous festivals of Arunachal Pradesh has become a matter of serious concern.

"Commercializing our rich traditional festivals is not a very welcome trend. Our indigenous traditional festivals are also our identity. While there is an urgent need to preserve and propagate these traditional festivals, turning them into commercial festivals is not the right thing to do. Such things run the risk of distorting our tradition and culture and once some distortion take place it becomes difficult to undo them. Even selling indigenous and ethnic food items at exorbitant rates is not a good trend and so is the tendency among a section to turn the festival grounds into gambling sites," Tago said.

Calling upon senior citizens, community elders, community based organizations, research scholars, academicians, youth organizations and other stake-holders, Tago said while each of these segments have their respective role in preserving and propagating the rich heritage and tradition of the communities, all have to stand united to protect the indigenous rich cultural heritage and create an Arunachal Pradesh that belongs to all.

Earlier, Monya Riba, president of the Lose-Lore Mopin Celebration Committee (Chimpu unit) read out the mythological story of the Mopin festival. The event was also marked by colourful display of dances and songs by various cultural troupes comprising of young and old alike and distribution of prizes to the winners of various games and sports competitions conducted by the committee as part of the daylong colorful celebration.   

Among others who attended the function included AIGP, Takey Ringu, Commandant of the 1st APP BN, Tojo Karga, Papum Pare SP, Tume Amo, Police Housing SE, Kirki Ori.

At Pasighat, Galo community celebrated Mopin festival with traditional gaiety at the Engo Takar Hall, Central Ganging. People from walks of life took part in the celebration with great enthusiasm.

MLA, Kaling Moyong while extending his warm greetings to the people for prosperity expressed hope that such celebration would unite the people in developing secular spirit. He called upon the people to take pledge to rededicate themselves towards good work, to renounce bad habits, to forget the differences and to work for the unity and prosperity of the state as a whole. Moyong informed that Pema Khandu led government has allocated adequate funds for preservation and promotion of the state's rich cultural heritage. We should maintain the originality of rituals, ethos and values associated with the festival though we move along with the wind of change in this era of modernization, stated the MLA.

ABK Secretary General (Apex) Bodong Yirang opined that festivals of Arunachalees are similar and agrarian in nature, signifies the peace and prosperity for mankind. Such celebration is an opportunity to reconcile ourselves to promote a sense of unity and strengthen the feelings of friendship and brotherhood, added Yirang.

CMFCC president, Er. Dakto Basar presented the mythology of Mopin. Cultural troupes presented melodious Galo traditional songs and dances apart from various cultural activities.

Lok Sabha Member, Ninong Ering, member of All India Handloom Board,  Tamat Gamoh, ABK (ES) executive members Okom Yosung, Tabung Ering, YT Burang and many prominent personalities participated in the festival.

At Nari, attending the inaugural programme of 3-day 'Mopin Festival', Joint Director of Art & Culture, Jomnya Siram said that indigenous tribal language and cultures are threatened as the youngsters do not intend to use their mother tongue, while they are imitating other's culture.

He laid stress on special efforts for revival of traditional cultures by research and documentation.

"I advise the parents to guide their children to use mother tongue in communication. Our department works for protection and promotion of folk cultures of the ethnic tribes of the state", Siram said while adding that Research department is working for conservation of traditional faith and cultures of the indigenous people.

Speaking on the occasion, Nari-Koyu MLA, Kento Rina said Mopin is not only a festival but a symbol of tradition and culture of the Galos. According to him, festive celebration increases understanding among different ethnic groups and promote communal harmony.

Mopin Gidii, the main agriculture based festival of Galos was also celebrated at Ruksin headquarter with massive participation.

At Miao, the Galo community celebrated Mopin with traditional fervor.

Geology and Mining, WRD, Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Minister, Kamlung Mosang in his address said that festivals  were an ocassion for reconciliation and rebuilding relationships amongst the community members. He said that culture is like the roots on which the entire plant is dependent for its well being thus culture ought to be kept intact. He appreciated the Galo community for their endeavour of protecting and preserving their culture.

Tage Rumi, ADC Miao and the President of Miao Mopin Celebration Committee read out the gist of Mopin mythology.

What added to the excitement of this year's Mopin was the presence of Dr. Gorik Yomcha, former Director Health Services and his better half Yanga Yomcha, one among the last of female priests in the Galo tribe. Yomcha lead the Mopin Popir dance much to the satisfaction of the dancers and people present . A mega group dance was also presented which comes as a first for Mopin at Miao. The guests and invitees were also felicitated.

Jowkhong Singpho, ZPC Changlang was also present besides other prominent public leaders and heads of departments.

 

 

 

Create awareness on Govt welfare schemes: Governor

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh P B Acharya on Wednesday called upon the government officials, political leaders and Panchayati Raj functionaries to create awareness about welfare programmes and policies of Central and State Governments amongst the people, particularly the villagers.  The Governor said this while interacting with them at  Bhalukpong on his way  to five-day maiden tour of West Kameng district. He stressed that people should avail benefits from insurance schemes and also enrolled themselves under Jan Dhan Yojana.

Acharya, who is one of the selected Navratnas of India by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Swachh Bharat Abhiya stressed on creating healthy environment and preserve the nature.

The Governor advised the administrative officers and public leaders that they must take extra efforts in ensuring that the targeted population avail benefit. One who is empowered with education must take the initiative.

 Fruits of development and progress must reach to the poor. Motivate and enroll at least five individuals under various schemes, the Governor said while stating that strength of the chain is in the weakest link.

Joining the Galo Community in celebrating Moipn Festival, the Governor extended his good wishes. Stating that the festival is related to agriculture and agrarian community, he highlighted on 'Kisan Credit Card' and said that every farmer must have the card. The concerned official must help the farmers to avail benefit through it such as soil testing, information of fertilizers and seeds etc.

The Governor, who was accompanied by State's First Lady Kavita Acharya and Secretary to Governor, Vinod P. Kavle, was accorded warm welcome by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Speaker of State Legislative Assembly, Er. T N Thongdok and Parliamentary Secretary Phurpa Tsering (Health), Advisor to Chief Minister Japu Deru  at Dirang.

Acharya had visited the District more than five decade earlier.

 

 

Lack of basic facilities to workers irks Governor

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh P B Acharya was pained to learn that basic facilities are not provided to the workers, who are contributing towards development of the State. They are not aware of the welfare schemes launched by the Government of India. On his way to Dirang from Itanagar, the governor was interacting with the workers working on the roads at Sessa, 78 km from Bomdila.

The Governor was surprised that apart from their salaries, they are not provided with other amenities such as daily rations, portable drinking water and sanitary facilities. The workers are breaking stones with gloves and glasses. No health or education facilities for them and their children.

Some workers, namely, Renu Masahary, Bipul Bora and work in-charge Chakra Boro, who have been working with Border Road Organization since last six to eight years informed that earlier they used to get rice and kerosene but all have been discontinued.

The Governor emphasised that the employers must have humane approach and look after the welfare of their workers. He also stressed that the organization under whom the labourers are working must ensure that they are enrolled under Jan Dhan Yojana and other insurance schemes. He wished that every worker working in the State must be enrolled and benefited from the welfare programmes. (PRO to Raj Bhavan)

 

 

 

RGUSU submits memo to Rijiju highlighting problems of RGU

ITANAGAR, Apr 5:  A delegation of Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union (RGUSU) met Union Minister of state for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju at his New Delhi Residence on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum highlighting various problems of the University for early redressal.

During their course of discussion, RGUSU president, Tania Tagia highlighted the various problems of the University, like lack of stadium to promote sports activity, insufficient number of hostels, scarcity of drinking water in the campus and the need for separate departmental buildings for various departments, like Mathematics, English, MSW, and Hindi.

General Secretary, Prem Taba spoke on the need to upgrade the University into a full-fledged residential institute. Speaking about renaming the University as 'Arunachal University', he informed Rijiju that it was a pending demand of the RGU. A signature campaign in support of the demand was organized and memoranda submitted to the state govt for renaming the University as Arunachal University, he informed.

After a patient hearing, Rijiju assured the students' delegation of all possible help and support from his end to address the issues at the earliest.

He advised the Union to place the issue of water scarcity in the state plan. With regards to the issue of renaming of the University, Rijiju  said that he will discuss the matter with the MoHRD.

Media and Information secretary RGUSU, Toko Rika informed that the Union also held a meeting with the Minister of Ministry of Human Resource Development as well.

 

 

 

All wars represent a failure of diplomacy

[ Jimsi Tassar ]

World history is testimonial to the fact that, wars have been wedged on the lines of territory, and resources. There is no war as such fought in the name of democracy or for religion in the modern or contemporary history. Almost all war boils down to only one aspect of human existence and that is, territory. It does not take rocket science to understand the human relationships and its basic instinct of defending one's existence, through protection of the territory it resides in, that which safeguards its identity and livelihood.

The history of Arunachal Pradesh, and its existence as erstwhile NEFA cannot be read in isolation from the colonial British regime, that India as a Nation state was created. It is imperative to realise, that India today including its territory and boundaries, is a Colonial British legacy. The outer line and inner line border of NEFA, were etched with a certain mind set of isolating these territories from the rest of the then British India.

India and China are both 'third world countries' that were victims of Western expansionism and Imperialist interest of the Far East. China was declared as Republic only in the year 1949 and India got its independence in 1947. The Indian colonial history is as much gruesome as that of the Chinese, with China being infused with Opium addiction by the imperialist during the Qing Dynasty, the Open door policy with almost all ports being taken by the imperialist, Hong Kong was handed over to the British, and China, then was divided into Spheres of Influence, and divided  like a melon between the colonial regimes like German Empire, British Imperial, French Empire.

In India, imperialism and its significant landmark and monuments and history and innovation are still kept intact and we still have the colonial legacy in terms of the Indian Administration system and also the Indian Legal system.  Whereas, in China almost entire landmark and monuments and testimony of the dark phase of imperialism has been removed and washed over from their history and a complete renovation and a building of Modern China under leadership of Mao Zedong and many other prominent leaders took place.

The Shimla Accord of 1914, is a testimony of the Imperial British India, with a significant Line of Mac Mahon that was named after a British Administrator who drew the lines.

The Tibet and the British Indian Representative got no audience from the Chinese Representative on the lines being drawn to demarcate the boundaries that highlights its non adherence till date.

The Tibet uprising due to Chinese expansion into its territory led its spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama to flee from its own territory to India in 1959. China claimed Tibet has always been a part of China. There is a full-fledged Tibetan Govt in Exile in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India and the Tibetan Refugees and Diaspora, have been there since the last 59 years.

The Sino-India War of 1962 was a territorial dispute, but it definitely hints towards a failure of Diplomacy in containing the matter and finding resolutions. India's role as a protectorate of Tibetan Govt in Exile and protection of 14th Dalai Lama in Indian territory by then Prime Minister Nehru was seen by the Chinese as breaking down of the Panchseel or the five principles for peaceful existence between the two Asian giants, that was historically signed in Peking in 1954 and reiterated with slogans of 'Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai!'. Thus, as speculation of the historians, the protectorate of Tibetan Govt in exile by India is one of the immediate causes for the Indo-China War of 1962, to which people in Arunachal Pradesh still holds witness and testimony. Though, it has been observed that most Chinese army had little damage done to the local population of the villages and township, yet the entire episode of National Emergency and utter standstill of the local economy and the unnecessary harassment, caused serious setback in people's daily routine.

The Chinese Government had a message to send to the Indian Government that, its expansionist agenda towards Tibet and South Tibet is a part of Chinese Policy in Asia. The Indian Government has its expansion agenda too and has been successful in annexing Sikkim in 1975, and having Bhutan pegged to Indian currency and Nepal being absolutely depended on Indian economy is more of a softer policy but none the less it hints towards expansionism, maybe not territorial but more on co-dependency and gradual rather than violent expansion.

The contentious issue of 'stapled Visa' has become a political tool. The PRC gives stapled Visa to Arunachal citizen to allow them in their territory but the Indian immigration does not recognise or allow Stapled Visa and thus, an Arunachali is not allowed to visit China. Now, any reasonable citizen would question the Indian immigration? Is it another soft power of China towards people of Arunachal?

Arunachal anyway do not have entire Buddhist Population as wrongly reflected in few national dailies, except for fringes in the west and east. The two senior most portfolios today in Arunachal governance, might be held by Buddhist, but that does not mean entire Arunachal is Buddhist.

The visit of His Holiness to this part of Arunachal could definitely be like the visit of the god on the holy land, which is understood and respected. However, it is a fact that many of us would revere him or acknowledge him only as a wise man, given our limited orientation in Buddhism and belief in Reincarnation. That 'differences' and space, need to be understood without judgement or we fail as a community.

The visit of the 14th Dalai Lama of the Buddhist Population in Arunachal could bring different tides and concerns in near future, but let's not forget that, we will be all together in it as citizen of Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

 

Dalai Lama holds religious preaching session at Bomdila

BOMDILA, Apr 5: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on Wednesday held a religious preaching session where he spoke about love and compassion to about 10,000 people at Buddha stadium here.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pema Khandu accorded a warm welcome to His Holiness on his arrival at the stadium where people from all over the district gathered to listen to the religious sermons.

The Dalai Lama conferred a White Tara Long-life Empowerment reciting sacred Buddhist chants from his teaching pavilion. He announced to the devotees to recite the chants for the benefit of all sentient beings.

In his teachings, he spoke about the benefits of positivity that could attract friends, family and people nearer. His Holiness also spoke highly about India's secular social structure that had let all religions to flourish side by side.

Later in afternoon, the Dalai Lama delivered a public talk in the high school auditorium. He spoke for nearly two hours and took questions from the crowd.

The attendees asked questions on how to improve school teaching system; how world peace can be achieved, etc.

In his speech, His Holiness spoke intelligence as a necessary component for compassion. He said without first being a better human being, no one can claim to be a true follower of any faith.

The Dalai Lama said "education is must today as it inculcates a sense of oneness and teaches to forgive and forget the wrongdoings of others and brings positivity". In a truly educated world there will be no hatred, no war and peace will prevail everywhere, he added.

Speaking on importance of inner peace, the Dalai Lama said the more positive you are, the better you feel. Even scientists have proved that for good physical health, inner peace is very important, he said.

Among others, Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok, Parliamentary Secretaries, Kumsi Sidisow, Phurpa Tsering, Local MLA cum advisor to CM Japu Deru, Chief Secretary and DGP were present on the occasion. Guru Rinpoche and Thekse Rimpoche were also present during the day.

Later in the evening, His Holiness and his entourage were accorded a rousing reception at Thupsung Dhargyelling monastery in Dirang. People from all walks of life paid their obeisance to their supreme Guru throughout the 40 Km stretch of road from Bomdila to Dirang.

 

 

 

 

Commissioner Finance inspects Tissu Micro Hydel

CHANGLANG, Apr 5:  State Commissioner Finance, Ashish Kundra accompanied by 53-North Changlang, MLA, Tesam Pongte, Deputy Commissioner, Wayong Khimhun, SP, Chief Engineers of Power and Hydropower along with HoDs inspected Tissu Micro Hydel and two ongoing major projects i.e Mini Secretariat and water treatment plant at Old Changlang here on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, a meeting was convened wherein the Commissioner reviewed the ongoing projects in the district in presence of MLA, Tesam Pongte, DC, Wayong Khimhun, CE Power and Hydropower  besides, various HoDs.

The MLA had apprised the Commissioner about lack of manpower in various departments of the district specially, Education and Health while, the DC briefed the Commissioner about the delayed road project between Miao-Vijaynagar and requested him to seriously review the project again with the highest decision making authority. The DC also informed about the delay in completion of VKV School and Rangfrah Govt.College building.

While interacting with the HoDs, the Commissioner asked them to submit their project proposal in advance and to streamline the unfinished projects for early completion. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

NSCN (IM) cadre nabbed

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Security forces nabbed an NSCN (IM) cadre from Rangluwa village of Longding district on April 4.

Acting on specific intelligence information about the presence of a cadre of the outfit, the Longding Battalion of Assam Rifles conducted a search operation in Rangluwa village and apprehended the cadre, who has been identified as Self Styled Corporal of NSCN (IM) Pangchak Arangham. (PRO Defence)

 

 

 

NES to honor pioneers of the community

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) would honor the pioneers of Nyishi community by recognizing their outstanding contributions towards the society in various fields. A committee has been constituted to find out the pioneers of the community, informed NES president, Bengia Tolum during the extended executive body meeting of the Society at Nyikum Nyia Hall, Nyirubjolli on Apr 5.

Addressing the meeting attended by central, district and block level executive members from  Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, East Kameng, Papum Pare, West Kameng and Assam, the NES president urged them to celebrate the decadal Nyishi Day on April 19 in district, block and village level in all Nyishi inhabited areas and region including Assam. Tolum urged all the members to work with team spirit in serving the community.  

NES Vice President (East) Tarh Tabin urged all to maintain the sanctity and prestige of NES while rendering community service.

Various District Unit and Block Level members have also shared their views for the effective functioning of the society.

NES Vice-President (West) Dr. Tachi Taku exhorted them to dedicate themselves to protect and preserve the dignity and sanctity of NES for better future of the community.

While outlining the guiding principle of Nyishi Day celebration, NES General Secretary Heri Maring appealed to the members to do no injustice to their own profession while serving the community.

Assistant General Secretary, Dr. NT Rikam also spoke on the occasion.

 

 

 

Training on PMAY held

ITANAGAR, Apr 5: A training programme on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Housing for All (Urban) was held for the newly recruited experts of State Level Technical Cell (SLTC) and City Level Technical Cell (CLTC) at Conference Hall of the UD on April 4.

CE-cum-Director of UD & Housing, Taba Tedir advised all the Expert trainees of SLTC and CLTC to work with dedication to implement the PMAY for the benefit of the poor and needy to help them avail benefit of the Mission.

Joint Director-cum-SE-ll, State Nodal Officer (PMAY), Morcony Potom briefed the experts on their role and responsibilities and urged them to work sincerely for proper implementation of the housing scheme.

Deputy Director (UD), Nixon Lego explained in detail the guidelines of PMAY while, the consultant of M/s Stesalite presented draft report of Housing for All Plan of Action on PMAY.

Assistant Urban Programme Officer, Debia Ona also spoke on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director-cum-SE-l, T Darang and Deputy Director of various divisions.

 

 

 

Demand to revoke suspension order

ITANAGAR, Apr 5:  A group of Panchayat leaders of Chongkham in Namsai district, in a representation to Chief Post Master General, Department of Postal Services, NE Circle, Shillong, appealed to revoke suspension order issued against PP Sharma, SPM, SPO, Seppa and demanded a prompt and impartial investigation into the SPO Chowkham fraud.

In their representation, the group of Panchayat leaders stated that the then Chowkham, SPM, SPO, Sharma is innocent and a sincere official and he has been put under suspension without any valid ground. They termed the action taken against Sharma a ploy to defame and tarnish his image.

Alleging that some superior officers were allegedly trying to cover up the fraud case, the panchayat leaders also demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the whole episode.

 

 

 

Association clarifies

ITANAGAR, Apr 5:  Responding to the allegation made by Yupia Youth Welfare Association (YYWA) claiming that Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited chairman, Tungri Effa  submitted a false claim of bills by annexing fake photographs to the Chief Engineer (Western Zone) of Department of Hydro Power Development stating that the project for 'Improvement of approach road with C/o Retaining Wall to Middle School at Tigdo Village, Yupia' is at a verge of completion and would be completed before March 31st March 2017, the Tigdo Youth Welfare Association (TYWA) has in a release on Wednesday, clarified that half of the construction work against the said project has been completed and verified by Technical Assistant PRI SDO office, Doimukh.

'The project has been undertaken by Tungri Effa and the people of Tigdo village have extended their support to him', it claimed.  

Meanwhile, the Effa Welfare Society (EWS) has termed the allegations made by YYWA president Gyamar Takar (Bharat) against HPDCAPL chairman, Tungri Effa as baseless and a conspiracy to tarnish his image.

While urging the Yupia Youth Welfare Association to desist from making allegation without any valid proof, the EWS further demanded immediate arrest of Gyamar Takar (Bharat) for making false allegations.

Meanwhile, Higya Welfare Society (HWS) has condemned alleged torching of its clan member Gyamar Takar's vehicle. In a release claiming that personal car of Gyamar Takar was torched by unknown miscreants on April 2 at Yupia, the HWS strongly condemned the act of arson. The society claimed that incident occurred around 3AM in the morning when Takar parked his car at his residential compound.  It claimed that the incident was intentional and demanded the authority to expedite investigation into the case and book culprits at the earliest. The HWS has also written to Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police Papum Pare district seeking their intervention.

---- Editorial ----

 

 

Time to tame cow vigilantes

Cow vigilantes are back in news for all the wrong reasons. This time they killed a Muslim man at  Alwar, Rajasthan suspecting him of smuggling cow. It is second such incident after a mob in Uttar Pradesh dragged a 50-year-old Muslim man from his home and beat him to death last year over suspicion that his family eats beef. Though such kind of incidents targeting minority communities is on rise, the ruling establishment does not seem bother. Shockingly on many occasions they have been found supporting these cow vigilantes. In the Alwar incident though Rajasthan Police registered a case against the attackers, the cops also booked the group of Muslim men for "smuggling" even when they had government receipts that allowed them to ferry the cows.

As per the media report, various receipts of the required money paid by the men to Jaipur municipality and other government offices to carry the cows legally has been found. Also the victims are reportedly milk traders and had purchased the cows for it. Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has shockingly come out to defend the lynch mob and blamed the victims. Sensitivities about eating meat in general and beef in particular have been present in India for decades—possibly centuries. The current outcry appears to be rooted in part in the election of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. The top leadership of BJP continues to maintain silence over such attacks which somehow embolden these cow vigilante groups. Incidents like Alwar is creating deep divide between Muslim and Hindu communities which in the long run will have devastating effect on India. Also in the garb of action against so called illegal slaughter houses, BJP ruled states have been targeting abattoirs. Majority of owners of abattoirs also tend to be Muslim and action against it disproportionately affects them economically. It is time government as well as civil society bodies take strong stand against the anti-social elements like cow vigilante groups. They should be strongly punished for breaking laws.

 

 

 

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

 

Upgrade Daporijo district hospital to full fledged General Hospital

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to request the concern authority of state health service department and Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh seeking upgradation of our District Hospital Daporijo to full pledged General Hospital as early as possible because said hospital has got "GNM" training institute a year back”. Despite it we are lagging far behind in terms of man power, equipment and technology.

Pasighat having "ANM" institute have already got full pledged General Hospital status with well equipped machinery and facilities many years back. Therefore, I being lay man and a native of Daporijo, earnestly request the State Government to look into the matter and give us a positive response as per need at the earliest.

Yours,  

Taki Longte Tamin

Medical Colony,

Daporijo

 

 

 

Pay honorarium to police personnel

Dear Editor,

Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) would like to focus the lackadaisical attitude towards police personnel of Arunachal Pradesh who were engaged for both Lok Sabha as well as State Assembly election duty in 2014. The honorarium of police personnel has not been paid till date and file for it is dancing in between Civil Secretariat, DGP and HCM office.  Principal Secretary Home puts up query about the said file as if it is a scandal one whereas the State Government does not take time to release the LoC of various working departments without knowing the actual progress of civil work.

State Government forgot to remember the immense contribution police personnel made for the successful and peaceful completion of election process in 2014. We all feel secure due to hard work and sincerity of police officials. It is sad that state government is treating them so shabbily.

Hence, ACS requests the Home Department not to make any unnecessary queries and we demand for immediate release of honorarium of police personnel without pre-condition.

Yours,

Patey Tayum,

Chairman, Arunachal Civil Society (ACS)

 

 

 

No compromise till death penalty is awarded to the murderer

Dear Editor,

The entire family of Lt. Kenjum Kamsi has been mourning and seeking justice from the authority after gruesome cold blooded murder of my brother on the fateful night of 26th March 2017 by one Kejum Bagra (Kajum Bagra) son of Tumke Bagra, Deputy Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly.

Lt. Kenjum Kamsi was a man of principle who lived by his right and never compromised with wrong doers in the society. He was murdered since he might have known wrong-doings of people born with silver spoon in the mouth. He stood up for society as a social worker and executive member of various organizations. We the family member of Lt. Kenjum Kamsi is demanding and waiting for exemplary capital punishment to the murderer by hanging till death as  murderer has no place in the society. All the members of society irrespective of clan, caste and creed has extended their solidarity to the family for justice and demanding award of exemplary punishment to the cold blooded murderer.

Unfortunately, again it is of great pain and humiliation for us to hear rumours doing the round in the society that Lt. Kenjum Kamsi’s family has compromised with the murderer’s family for a compensation of Rs 1 Crore, which is absolutely false and being spread to malign the integrity of my family. My brother’s life can’t be so cheap to be worth just rupees One crore. How can people conclude by themselves that a compromise has been worked out?

Therefore, through your esteemed daily I would like to put an end to all such rumours and warn the rumour mongers not to humiliate my family and refrain from making false propaganda when all my family members are struggling to overcome this traumatic stage. Also I am thankful to all those who have shown their solidarity and extended all possible support to my family during this tough time. Our fight for the justice of my beloved brother will continue till exemplary death penalty is awarded to the murderer.

Yours,

Kenmi Kamsi

Elder Brother of

Lt. Kenjum Kamsi

 

 

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---Editor