apr17 08

2017

April 08

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Dalai Lama reaches Tawang

[ Tongam Rina ]

TAWANG, Apr 7: Amidst vociferous objection from China and an equally strong retort from India, the Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has arrived Tawang on Friday where he will spend the next three days.

Thousands of people lined up the beautifully decorated streets of Tawang to welcome their spiritual leader who has come here after eight long years.

For many, it was an emotional moment as they came face to face with their spiritual leader

The Dalai Lama had planned to come to Tawang on April 4 but because of bad weather in Guwahati, the 81-year-old spiritual leader had to take the arduous road journey to Tawang via Bomdila and Dirang.

He covered 140 km by road from Dirang in West Kameng district accompanied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu with a 30-km stretch of the route at Sela being partly snow-covered and having turned muddy and slippery due to the melting snow.

The state police and paramilitary personnel are keeping vigil along the 140-km stretch between Dirang and Tawang, particularly at Sela (13,700 feet).

His first stop was Bomdila, from where Chinese soldiers retreated after the 1962 war.

A day after delivering sermons in Bomdila, he spent two days at Dirang, about 40 km north of Bomdila, where he consecrated the Thupsing Dhargye monastery.

In the next three days, apart from religious discourses, the Dalai Lama will bless one lakh saplings which will be handed out to the devotees at Yid-Ga-Choizin.

On April 9, he will visit Urgeyling Monastery, the birth place of Sixth Dalai Lama.

Earlier, the Dalai Lama was given a Buddhist ceremonial reception by the Lamas of Tawang Monastery.

The historic Tawang Monastery, hosting the spiritual leader during his stay here is adorned with Tibetan and Indian flags. The Dalai Lama was first received at the same monastery on April 5, 1959 when he left Potala palace in Tibet, faced with Chinese atrocity. (With inputs from PTI)

CM bungalow officially inaugurated as new State Guest House

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The infamous Chief Minister's Bungalow was officially converted into a State Guest House with its inauguration on Friday morning. The guest house was inaugurated amidst prayers and blessings. Infamous for its "bad vibes" and rumoured "supernatural activities", the inaugural event saw several local priests, pundits, monks, church members and other holy men and women of various religions offering prayers and blessing each room to drive away any negative force.

Minister for Urban development and Town Planning, Nabam Rebia and Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin was present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Rebia maintained that the rituals are a ceremonial procedure and not to thwart away any evil forces, adding that such rituals are usually conducted before entering a new home or beginning a new project for good luck and prosperity.

"I do not believe in superstition and have always discouraged any superstitious practices in my personal life as well", Rebia said.

He hoped that with the blessings of all religious leaders on the guest house it would help eliminate the doubts and fears attached with the bungalow among the public.

Supervising the ceremony, Chief Secretary, Shakuntala Gamlin said that the State Guest House would cater to the needs of the public in the days to come and serve as a landmark in taking the prestige and glory of the state forward. She informed that the guest house would also be used as a training centre for civil service officers.

Located at the hill-top of Niti Vihar, the construction of the state Chief Minister's Bungalow began in 2007-08 and was completed in the year 2009-10 with an estimated cost of Rs 59.55 crore during the regime of former Chief Minister late Dorjee Khandu.

The luxurious official bungalow of the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister received the label of being "haunted" after two suicides were reported within a span of merely two months.

Former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul allegedly committed suicide on August 9, 2016, which was followed by the suicide of a bungalow staff on October 8, 2016 in the room opposite to the one where late Pul had allegedly ended his life.

The two incidents caused a stir and lead people to connect the demise of former Chief Ministers Dorjee Khandu and Jarbom Gamlin with the supposed "evil" lurking in the bungalow. However, Khandu had died in a tragic chopper accident and Gamlin passed away after a prolonged illness -both outside the bungalow.

Some bungalow employees had also reported "paranormal activities" in the form of noises and of alarms going off unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Though this was told to reporters when the second suicide took place last year, these incidents are yet to be confirmed.

Many speculate that these undesirable incidents have stopped present Chief Minister Pema Khandu from housing himself in the official Chief Minister's Bungalow.

Rumours may fly high, but it remains to be seen whether the guest house serves its intended purpose of serving visitors and guests with top services as assured by officials, or does it go on to be labeled as the “ghost house”.

If we were racist, why would we have entire south: BJP’s Tarun Vijay

New Delhi, Apr 7: Former BJP MP Tarun Vijay on Friday faced accusations of racism after he appeared to suggest that Indians cannot be called racist as they live with black people hailing from the southern states of the country. On a TV programme to defend India against the charge of racism following attacks on African students, he said, "We have blacks, black people around" and asked, "If we were racist, why would we have the entire south?"

His controversial comments triggered a backlash, especially on social media, forcing him to tender an apology on Twitter

"If we were racist, why would we have the entire south? Which is you know... completely Tamil, you know Kerala, you know Karnataka and Andhra. Why do we live with them? We have blacks, black people all around us," he said on air

Vijay, a former editor of RSS-affiliated weekly Panchjanya, claimed that people with African ancestors have been living amicably in Maharashtra and Gujarat. He also said Indians worship black gods and referred to Lord Krishna. Faced with criticism, he said his words were perhaps not enough to convey what he wanted to say.

"Feel bad; really feel sorry, my apologies to those who feel I said different than what I meant. I feel the entire statement was this; we have fought racism and we have people with different colour and culture, and still never had any racism," Vijay stated. He, however, claimed that he never called south India as black. (PTI)

Man arrested for allegedly raping minor

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT Apr 7: A person was arrested from Berung village by Pasighat Police for allegedly raping a minor girl on Thursday.

A case has been registered in Pasighat Police Station against the alleged rapist Tai Riyang (60), working as Chowkidar under Field Publicity Office, under U/S 376(2)(i) IPC R/W Section 6 of POCSO Act.

Meanwhile, family members and activists of Women against Social Evils (WASE), Perme Kening Welfare Society, All Bogong Students' Union (E) and Pasighat Block Kepang Erang Kebang have demanded stringent punishment for the alleged accused and also have appealed to the district administration and police not to grant him bail.

Govt. accused of adopting delaying tactics over L/Siang issue

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The Galo Peoples' Federation (GPF) has alleged the state government of adopting delaying tactics to stall early functioning of Lower Siang district with Likabali as its functional headquarters.

Addressing media persons at Press Club here this afternoon, GPF president, Nyadaar Loya said that earlier on Dec 16, 2016 representatives of GPF and Galo Welfare Society met the Chief Minister Pema Khandu urging him to expedite the process of making Likabali a functional headquarters of Lower Siang district besides, creation of Lepa Rada district, to which the CM had given his assurance to address the said issue till Jan 2017.

'No development has been made regarding the issue since then', said Loya and alleged the state government of ignoring the genuine demands of the people of the area.

While expressing resentment over the state government's alleged apathetic attitude towards the issue, GPF spokesperson Tujum Poyom said that the GoAP has not taken any initiative regarding the issue despite the state cabinet giving approval to creation of Lower Siang district on Mar 4, 2014.

'A number of memorandums have been submitted to the GoAP seeking functional headquarter at Likabali and posting of Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and HoDs to Lower Siang district besides, creation of Lepa Rada district with its headquarter at Basar based on the decision of the Galo Bane Keba on Aug 12, 2016, however no steps have been taken by the GoAP since the last four years which is highly discouraging for the people of the area', Poyom added.

GPF president, Nyadaar Loya further informed that following non-action of the GoAP despite its Mar 15 ultimatum seeking posting of DC, SP and HoDs, the Federation has decided to organize a protest rally on Apr 10 next from Akashdeep market to Tennis Court, IG Park, which will be held simultaneously with the Galo Students' Union declared second phase of bandh call in all Galo inhabited areas.

NRC-Y must be beneficial to local people: Governor

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Governor PB Acharya called upon the scientists of National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Y), Dirang to involve themselves beyond the mandates of the Centre by imparting latest scientific technologies to the farming communities.

Interacting with the scientists on Friday, the Governor said that researches carried out in the Centre must be beneficial to the local communities.

"It must be applicable in the development process of the society. Our ultimate goal is to develop our society, State and the Nation. There must be visible development," the Governor emphasised.

The technologies which are developed in the Centre must create wealth for the indigenous communities, State and the Nation and it can only done when the knowledge developed is transferred to the farmers and society, the Governor said.

"Reach out to the farmers and empower them through the knowledge which you have gained through the research works you have carried out. If you make the farmer strong, you will make the State and Country stronger, the Governor stressed.

While, applauding the scientists for their research work, the Governor said that motivation is required to make youth take up entrepreneurship with the help of technologies developed in NRC-Y.

Earlier, Director NRC-Y, Dr. SM Deb briefed the Governor on the works under taken by the Centre, which is under Indian Council of Agricultural Research. He informed that with the mandate to identify, conserve and evaluate Yak of the region and to improve the draught and milk of Yak, the Centre has adopted 50 villages and imparting trainings, skills and knowledge on Yak breeding to the villagers. It has been organising Yak Melas and conducting village tours regularly.

Later, the Governor met those women trained at Kolkata on weaving Yak products, sponsored by NRC-Y. He advised them to form Self Help Group and apply loan from bank and start their own business.

In the evening, the Governor also visited the Palyul Jangchub Dargyeling Nyigma Monastery, popularly known as Leung Gompa near Dirang Village.

Continuing his effort to reach out to more and more people, the Governor met the members of business community, local weavers and labour Union at Dirang on Friday.

After giving a patient hearing, the Governor advised the Labour Union not to depend on the Government but stand on their own feet. He advised them to open their account under Jan Dhan Yojaya and orther welfare schemes of the Central Government and avail benefits.

While appreciating the cleanliness of Dirang Town and nearby villages, the Governor advised the people, particularly the business community not to use plastics, including bags.

The Governor advised the business community, who were mostly from other parts of the country to learn local language. Such step will build stronger bonding with indigenous communities, he pointed.

Earlier, the people who attended the meeting apprised the Governor regarding poor mobile network and banking facilities in the Town. They said that such shortcomings have not only hampers their business but also put the tourists in problem.

Dagbom Riba, Additional Deputy Commissioner was present on the occasion. PRO to Raj Bhawan

Libang asks youths to take up agri-horti for self-reliance

YINGKIONG, Apr 7: Minister for Rural Development Alo Libang has asked the youths of Upper Siang district to take up agriculture and horticultural activities sincerely for self reliance.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a community hall (Dere) at Gette village on Thursday, Libang said, the area holds enormous potential for development of agriculture and horticulture and asked the youths to exploit the huge potentials in the sector instead of running after white-color job.

Talking about rural development schemes, he urged the PRI members to get themselves acquainted with the basic rules of Gram Sabha as the village level development schemes needs to be decided and selected at Gram Sabha meeting. Training for PRI members should be conducted from time to time by the BDOs, he said stating that any error or delay in submission of schemes or utilization certificate hampers flow of funds.

Responding to a concern raised by ABK women Wing of Gette unit on hunting, fishing and felling of trees at Gette village, the minister appealed to the public to refrain from such destructive activities. He urged them to protect rare animals, like Siben and preserve flora and fauna of the area.

Responding to a single-point memorandum submitted by ZPM Bading Teng, he assured for construction of link road from Gette village to Herek area for horticulture and forest development.

DFO Anying Boli briefed on the 'Green India Mission' and assured to include Herek area under the scheme with necessary assistances of Rs. 2 lakhs for the porter track.

ZPM Bading Teng urged the youth of the village to be self reliant by engaging themselves in Agricuture and allied activities.

He thanked Libang for sanctioning Rs. 50 lakh under his MLAAD fund for horticulture development at Herek area.

Earlier in the day, the Minister attended the BJP foundation Day at Community Hall, Yingkiong.

The Community Hall was constructed under MPLAD fund. DIPRO

AdiSU writes to CS against construction work within school campus

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The Adi Students' Union (AdiSU Apex) has lodged a complaint against construction of "Working women hostel, Destitute and Old Age Home" by the UD Department, Yingkiong within the campus of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Yinkgiong in Upper Siang district.

In its complaint letter to the Chief Secretary on Friday, AdiSU requested her to intevene and direct the authorities to stop the construction inside the lone GHH School campus which needs further extension for infrastructure within the limited allotted land to accommodate ever increasing number of students of the district in the future. It further said that the district administration should be directed to identify a suitable location for the construction of the same project.

Claiming that public and students' body are opposing the construciton works within the school premises tooth and nail, the AdiSU said, if the said building by the UD department is allowed to be constructed, the future prospect of the school may be at stake and the people and students body will compel to take the path of agitation.

A letter was written by Director of Secondary Education to Deputy Commissioner on March 14, 2017 to stop construction work following HC order in December 2016 at the plot of school land till an amicable solution is resolved, AdiSU said and claimed that with the intervention of the local MLA cum Minister RD Alo Libang, the district administration was asked again to continue the construction works.

Citing its several representation submitted earlier to the higher authorities against construction activities by UD department within school premises, AdiSU alleged that the MLA in his note "misled the concern authorities by stating that the 70 per cent of the work has been completed but the fact is different. The said note has been initiated by the MLA for his personel interest."

Kamlung Mosang inaugurates Namphai-I circle

MIAO, Apr 7: The long cherished dream of at least ten villages under Miao Sub-Division came into reality with the inauguration of the Namphai-I administrative circle by Geology and Mining, WRD, Food and Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Minister, Kamlung Mosang.

In his address, Mosang congratulated the people of the circle for having the administration reach their doors. He announced for making the payments for a temporary chowkidar for the CO office from his MLALAD fund till regular arrangements from the government side was made.

In response to a public memorandum, he assured to look into the public grievances while informing that the permanent infrastructure for CO office and staff quarters were under construction and advertisement for recruitment of staffs has already been published.

On the demand for upgradation of the Sub-Health Centre, Mossang informed that the Health Minister had already assured to provide staffs and approve for upgradation to Primary Health Centre very soon. 'Development is a never completing process as further requirements keep coming up for people and needs multiply ', Mosang said while assuring to take up developmental works in a phased manner.

Earlier, Miao ADC Tage Rumi in his address appreciated the denizens of Namphai-I for their enthusiasm shown in the establishment of the new administrative circle. He informed that the new circle office besides regular administrative works will issue Permanent Resident Certificates, Scheduled Tribe Certificates, temporary Inner Line Permits and birth and death certificates etc.

Deputy Commissioner Wayung Khimhun said that the new CO office will undoubtedly bring in more convenience to the people and in administration. He appealed for extending cooperation to the staffs of the CO office. Khimhun also underscored the need for human resource development besides achieving other forms of material development.

The Circle Officer of the new circle Namrata Bhatt Tiwari also expressed her gratitude to her superiors and Minister Mosang for reposing faith in her and giving the responsibility of the new circle.

Jowkhong Singpho, ZPC Changlang and former minister Samchom Ngemu and a few other public leaders also spoke on the occasion.

SP Amit Sharma, other Govt officers, panchayat leaders, GBs, women groups and public leaders were present to witness the inaugural event.

The circle was notified vide order No. DAD-04/12 dated 26 March, 2013 and the foundation for infrastructure development was laid on February 12, 2014. This becomes the fourth administrative circle of Miao Sub-Division.

The CO office is presently temporarily housed in the 20 Men CRPF Barrack till completion of the new building at the earmarked site. The land for the permanent office building measuring about 1.5 puras was donated by Khipman Mossang, Namphainong village.

Namphai-I area is a developing zone in terms of socio-economic avenues with the wood based industrial estate based here and the Oil India Limited having set up a drilling base with work on it already started. The Government Polytechnic College is also under construction within the jurisdiction of the new circle.

DC Capital seeks cooperation of Councilors

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Itanagar Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan has sought the co-operation of (IMC) Councilors for smooth and trouble-free construction of four-lane National Highway from Chandranagar to Banderdewa. The DC was addressing a co-ordination meeting with all the Councilors of Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC), Chief Municipal Executive Officer, Highway Engineers and CO (LM) at his Conference Hall here on Friday.

"It is never possible for the District Administration itself to execute the 4-laning work," the DC said and requested the councilors to create awareness at the grassroots level among the affected party for giving up the possession of the areas which fall in right of way (RoW).

The DC said that Itanagar, being a state Capital desperately needs development and development can only be carried out by the Government with the co-operation of people. He stated that if the people cooperate and give up the possession and demolished their structure in RoW, he will ensure that the structural demolition costs which are paid by the government are given to them as incentives. He, further, requested all the councilors to set up ward level meeting with all the affected party and assured that he along with Circle Officer (Land Management) and Executive Engineer Highway will visit to clarify any doubts amongst the public.

He also assured that there will be 100 per cent transparency in compensation disbursement process and it will be paid by setting up committee when construction of 4-laning starts. The DC assured the councilors of holding such meeting at least once a month.

All the councilors expressed their willingness to support the District Administration in executing the 4-laning works but requested for transparency and fair compensation.

Elaborate discussions were also held on Town Vending Committee, Littering/Slaughters House/Beautification of twin city, law and order and Illegal encroachment.

The DC informed the councilors that Executive Engineer, IMC has already been asked to formulate estimates for all sectoral roads & footpaths of the city. The vision is to make all roads of the city extremely good. On receipt of the resolution from IMC regarding slaughter house, instructions shall be issued to EAC/COs to implement the same. The DC informed all councilors about the resolutions passed in first Town Vending Committee (TVC) meeting and requested them to give their feedback & help the TVC in identifying the vending zones in the city.

144 CrPC has been issued against gambling in and around capital complex; the DC further informed and requested the councilors to bring to the notice of the authority of any such activity. He also stated that the Extra Assistant Commissioner, Circle officer of Itanagar, Naharlagun and Banderdewa circles are empowered to carry out any eviction of un-authorized occupants under Arunachal Pradesh Public Premise (Eviction of un-authorized occupant) Act, 2003 (Act No. 2 of 2003) at their respective jurisdiction. Councilors were also asked to identify any feasible location for the vendors at their respective jurisdiction.

Earlier, IMC Chief Councilor Kipa Kaku, spoke at length regarding the lack of fund for the maintenance of drains of the Itanagar Capital Complex. She also stated that the illegal slaughter house located within the capital complex has to be closed and the town vending committees need to explore private land for vendors on rent basis.

Highlighting on the issues regarding law & order and illegal encroachment, Gora Lotak, Councilor Ward No. 18 stated that many dice/gambling are being played in & around the Capital Complex in the name of "Mela".

Nani Tath, EE, Highway, raised the issues faced by the highway division and clarified the confusion of the councilors which was caused by the various notification issued by the state Govt, according to an official release.

OSC centre starts functioning at Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Apr 7: To provide all kind of assistance including legal, police, medical help, counselling, temporary support services to women affected by violence, a One Stop Centre (OSC) was inaugurated by the local MLA Kaling Moyong here on Friday at High-Region, Pasighat in presence of Secretary W&CD & SAJE&TA Madhu Garg, Director (WCD) Tokmem Pertin Loyi, DD (ICDS) Ponung Ering Angu, Center Administrator Advocate Mary Tatak and presidents of ABK (WW) and WASE.

It is an initiative for women safety pertaining to strategic areas of prevention, protection and rehabilitation and the second centre in the state after the state's capital. Initially, the district administration headed by the Deputy Commissioner TamiyoTatak has started this centre at High-Region, Pasighat and later it would be shifted to its own new building.

In his inaugural speech, MLA Moyong said OSC is intended to support women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace. Women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, education status, marital status, race and culture are facilitated with support and redressal. Aggrieved women facing any kind of violence due to attempted sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, honour related crimes, acid attacks or witch-hunting who have reached out or been referred to the OSC are provided with specialized services. Moyong extended his gratitude to the CM Pema Khandu for granting necessary fund to setup full-fledged OSC at Pasighat.

Secretary Garg appreciated the efforts of DC East Siang for providing temporary shelter and manpower to start the center within a very short period with all kind of facilities under one roof including medical aid, police assistance, psycho-social counselling, legal aid/case management, shelter facility for short stay with food and clothing etc to women affected by violence. Main objective of the center is to facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support under one roof to fight against any forms of violence against women, added secretary Garg. She held an open discussion with the women activists of ABK (WW) President YT Burang and WASE President Jaya Tasung Moyong and gave tips for betterment of women. During her tour to East Siang Garg visited all anganwadi centers in Mebo and Pasighat and SJA&TA departments at Telam and Nari. Later this evening, she inspected the Juvenile Home at 2mile area and took stock of development.

DC Tatak termed it as historic moment for the district and further assured the visiting secretary that victim women will get all necessary assistance. ABK (WW) and WASE raised various issues for protection and upliftment of women and assured to extend all cooperation and supports to run the center smoothly besides sensitizing the women, especially in interior and rural areas. (DIPRO)

DC calls for improving performance

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Apr 7: Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner AK Singh urged the health officials to improve performance in Mission Indradhanush (MI-4) and Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) programme.

Addressing the district task force meeting on IPPI and Mission Indradhanush (MI-4) held here on Wednesday to review preparedness to carry out the immunization programmes in the district, Singh assured all possible help from the administration for maximum immunization coverage.

He assured to provide sufficient vehicles for the convenience of health workers to carry out the immunization programme.

While emphasizing the need for raising awareness about the importance of immunization of children, Singh urged cooperation of all stakeholders, including GBs, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, NGOs to make the immunization programme a success.

DMO Dr N Geyi highlighted the hardships faced by the health workers in the district, especially in rural and far flung areas without proper road connectivity, in carrying out the immunization programme leading to poor immunization coverage. He sought help and cooperation of NGOs and public in the coming immunization programme under IPPI and MI-4.

DRCHO Dr G Hankar highlighted the achievements/coverage in the previous round of Mission Indradhanush and also target for the upcoming immunization programme.

Indian railway reaches new heights in Passenger Business front during last Financial Year

Maligaon, Apr 7: During the last financial year that ended on 31st March, 2017; Indian Railway has performed exceptionally well in many front.

8221 Million Passenger Travelled as against 8151 Million passengers in 2015-16

Passengers booked about 70 million more than last year. ( +0.89 %)

Passenger Earnings estimated at Rs. 2,000 crore more than last year

The total earnings are estimated to be around Rs.47, 400 crore. This is the highest ever passenger earnings.

1st time in recent year negative growth has been seized and increase in the number of passenger and Earning started

New Services: IR implemented 87 new services, 51 extensions of trains and 5 increases in frequency. This includes 4 Humsafar express trains, 2 Antyodaya trains, 10 DEMU and 5 MEMU trains

Augmentation: IR attached 586 coaches in regular trains, generating an additional capacity of 43,420 berths

Special trains: About 31, 438 trips special trains run.

Stoppages: 293 stoppages provided

Speeding up of trains: 350 trains speeded up.104 trains converted to superfast express trains.

New rakes: 34 pairs of trains replaced with LHB rakes by utilizing 42 LHB rakes.

Ticket checking cases 9.75 lakh more than last year which is 6% higher over last year.

Ticket checking earning 58 Cr more than last year. Total earning from ticketing checking is estimated to be Rs.950 crore. This is the highest ever.

SC order followed, wine shops sealed

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: In compliance with the Supreme Court order on December 15, 2016 in the Civil Appeal No.12164-12166 and the subsequent review petition order dated March 31, 2017, the Capital Complex District Magistrate, Prince Dhawan has directed the concerned administrative officers and Superintendent Tax and Excise to seal the wine shops that falls within 500 mtrs of National Highway within the Capital Complex.

However, as per the direction of the Apex Court, the wine shops whose licences have already been renewed prior to the date mentioned in the latest review order of the Court are allowed to open until the term of their licence expires but not later than August 2017. The District Magistrate informed that on expiry of term of the licences, such wine shops will be sealed.

Accordingly, the wine shops within 500 mtrs of NH415 within the Capital Complex from Itanagar to Banderdewa have been sealed by the administrative officers and Superintendents (Tax & Excise) on Friday.

The DC informed that ample opportunity has been given to the owners of the wine shops to submit proposal to shift their wine shops to suitable locations. A series of meetings were held in this regard with the representatives of the wine shop owners before pronouncing the order and the representation submitted by the wine shop owners has been forwarded to the State Government with a favorable recommendation, he added. DIPRO

Ering slams China

New Delhi, Apr 7: The issue of China objecting to the visit of Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh figured in the Lok Sabha today, with a member from the state saying Beijing has no business to tell India what it should do or not do in the context of its "guest".

The issue was raised by Ninong Ering, Congress member from Arunachal Pradesh.

"North East is a sensitive area. China lays its claim on Arunachal Pradesh. Who is China to tell what Centre (India) should do or what state should do and what state should not do," he said.

He was speaking on a private member bill which sought amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

"Dalai Lama is a friend of ours. He is our guest. He has taken refuge (in India). We recognise him as leader of Tibetan Council," Ering said.

He also raised the issue of the children of North East facing discrimantion and said that "we need to have stringent laws."

Speaking on the bill, Jitendra Choudhury (CPM) said the issue of extension of Sixth schedule to other states including Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam of the North East has been pending for long.

The government had said the bill to amend Sixth Schedule would be introduced in 2015 but it is yet to see light of the day, he rued.

The Constitution of India makes special provisions for the administration of the tribal-dominated areas in four states namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

Vincent Pala of the Congress had moved the bill to further amend the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India in its application to constitution of District Councils and powers of the District Councils and Regional Councils.

The amendment through the bill is aimed at providing shield to tribals and help in their upliftment of their livelihood, he said, adding, Adivasis have been left behind in journey of development.

"Adivasis were the first ones to raise their voice against the British rule even before Sepoy mutiny and the country should recognise their effort in preserving ecosystem of the country," he said.

There are 12 crore Adivasis in the country and everyone needs protection, he said. PTI

"Clear contractors’ cheques"

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association (AACWA) urged the state Govt to give instruction to State Bank of India (SBI) to clear all Government cheques deposited by the contractors at banks.

The association alleged that the contractors are facing several problems as the bankers refuses to clear their payments. The contractors took loan from open markets to complete their awarded works, it said.

Re-carpeting of Nirjuli-B'dewa stretch of road begins

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The re-carpeting of NH-415 from Nirjuli to Banderdewa is currently under process. The work for renovation of the stretch of road from Nirjuli to Banderdewa which gets damaged every year during monsoon is going on at war footing. The progress of work was inspected by the team of officers from PWD Highway led by Chief Engineer Toli Bassar and specific instructions to maintain quality were given to the contractor.

Executing firm M/S Vivek Enterprise Proprietor Taha Tagru said that the re-carpeting work which started from Karmajuli bridge point in Nirjuli would be done till Banderdewa Check gate and whole process will be completed within 30 to 45 days. He said that firm has sufficient manpower and machine and would try their level best to complete the work by maintaining quality.

Association demands repair of collapsed bridge

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA) has demanded immediate repair of the Bailey bridge at Possa village.

The bridge, which has collapsed few months ago, remained unpaired causing great problem to the users of the bridge, particularly people from Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and Kra Daadi districts, the association said.

Indefinite hunger strike against ASUD

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Expressing its disappointment over the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the Arunachal Students' Union Delhi (ASUD), a group of students of Arunachal Pradesh living in Delhi have decided to go on indefinite hunger strike until their demands were met.

The group of students, who have decided to sat on strike, in a release, alleged that the executive body of the Union has miserably failed to deliver even its sole purpose of serving the student fraternity in Delhi and in maintaining transparency in the decision making process.

They are demanding that registration of 149 APST students studying in Delhi, which was cancelled, should be reinstated, and no registration or membership fee should be collected from any member for casting vote.

"Nomination fees should be nominal and just enough to suffice the election expenditure and facilitate the smooth conduction of the election process," they said, adding that an election commission should be constituted which should have at least one representative from each community of Arunachal in Delhi and it should not have any incumbent executive member.

They are also demanding that a specific election date should be notified at the earliest after the constitution of independent election commission and election be conducted on the weekends for the convenience of all.

Mopin celebrated in Yomcha

AALO, Apr 7: Mopin festival that echoes the ethos of Galo community was celebrated at Yomcha subdivision on April 5 with much fanfare and traditional gaiety.

DIPRO Gijum Tali, who inaugurated the festival, exhorted the participants to take pride in their own culture and appealed to young generation to shoulder the responsibility of celebrating the festival. "Religion and culture are different entities," he said, adding that festivals provide us an opportunity to share happiness, arouse the feeling of unity and peace among us.

Yiyom Yomcha ZPM, Dr. Jumge Padu Chairman YMCC, Bommar Ronya President YMCC, Yaali Gamlin Secretary YMCC, Kali Yomcha Pingi Neri YMCC spoke in length about the origin and mythological aspects of Mopin festival.

Traditional song, Popir dance around the Holy Alter, prayers and offerings to Mopin Goddess and ritual sacrifice were the main attractions of the day. DIPRO

Liquor shops closed

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Apr 7: Eight foreign liquor shops at Ruksin town have been closed following recent Supreme Court order banning all liquor shops within 500 meters of the national and state highways. The liquor shops were set up near Ruksin check gate besides the National Highway-52 passing along Assam Arunachal boundary.

The local residents including the doctors here have urged the authority to ban sale of liquor and tobacco products like cigarette, gutkah, etc. near hospital and school premises.

Coordination meeting of Land Management deptt. held

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: A coordination meeting of the officers of Land Management department was held here on Friday which was attended by Minister for Land Management, Nabam Rebia, Parliamentary Secretary for Land Management, Gojen Gadi and Parliamentary Secretary for UD & Housing, Techi Kaso besides, Secretary and Director of Land Management.

In the meeting, land revenue collection of each district was reviewed and discussion on issues like; evolvement of policy on land revenue rates, notifications and demarcations of all township/ circle hqtrs etc, evolvement of proper policy guidelines for regularizations of government land encroachments, pay enhancement of DLR&SO and creation of additional posts in the department on need-based and phased manner were held.

Bandh called off

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The proposed 12 hours bandh call announced by the All Lower Subansiri Youth Association (ALSYA) has been called off following the Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner's assurance that the process of handing over of TAH construction work from Potin to Bopi is likely to be completed soon.

Informing this in a release on Friday, the Association said that the Deputy Commissioner has also assured that the executing agency carrying out renovation work of Potin to Bopi road will maintain quality of work. The ALSYA further threatened to continue with its third phase of democratic action in case the executing agency fails to fulfill its assurance within two months.

Coordination meeting on POCSO ACT implementation held

TEZU, Apr 7: A coordination meeting on effective implementation of (POCSO) Act 2012, Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act/2012 was held at DC's Conference Hall here on Friday.

The meeting presided over by Deputy Commissioner cum chairman of District Advisory Board of Child Protection Unit, Tezu, Danish Ashraf, was attended by CWC Chairman, Members, EAC(Jud), Principal Magistrate and Members of JJB, DLO, MO and personnel from Police department.

DD (ICDS), Tezu, G Amo Perying read out the aim and objective of the meeting and briefed about the last review meeting and present status report under POCSO Act in the district. Various measured were also discussed for the effective implementation of POCSO Act in the District. DIPRO

ACS oppose BJP's Idea to shift cow slaughterhouses

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has strongly opposed the State BJP's idea to shift the cow slaughter houses away from the national highway and described it a move to 'appease' the BJP ruled Central Government.

"The recent appeal made to the Capital Administration by the Capital unit of BJP to shift cow slaughter houses away from National Highway is hilarious and just a stunt to appease the BJP ruled centre," ACS Chairman Patery Tayum said in a Press statement.

"The party workers should know that majority of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and North East eat beef. It seems the BJP and its party workers are more interested in propagating the idea of Hindutva than the development of the region," Tayum said.

"A tribal state like Arunachal Pradesh doesn't need to be a pro Hindu state for its development," he added.

Stating that majority of the population in Arunachal Pradesh are non-Hindu, the ACS Chairman said that the BJP should refrain from propagating or mounting the ideas of Hinduism upon tribal people.

East Siang ZPMs on exposure tour

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT Apr 7: The Zilla Parishad Members (ZPM) of East Siang embarked on an inter-district exposure tour on Thursday.

During the tour, they will interact with panchayat leaders of other districts on wide range of issues, and gather more information on role of PRIs in social sector programmes, such as education, health, women and child development, natural resource management, livelihoods, and water and sanitation since many elected representatives of PRIs are unaware of their roles and responsibilities.

The tour was formally flagged off by local MLA Kaling Moyong, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak and Superintendent of Police Pranav Tayal.

The team of ZPMs led by ZPC Kaling Dai arrived in Roing in the after afternoon and held meeting with Deputy Commissioner Deepak Shinde, ZPC Sipi Elapra Linggi and ADC cum DPDO.

The team reached Tezu on Friday and hold meeting with the PRI leaders and officials on Saturday, informed ZPC Dai from Tezu this evening.

---- Editorial ----

Ban cow vigilante group

The cow vigilante group which has been creating havoc in the country in the garb of cow protection has been put on alert by Supreme Court of India. SC has sought response from six states, including Rajasthan, on a plea seeking a ban on cow vigilante groups there. A bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and A M Khanwilkar issued notices to Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh and asked them to file their reply within three weeks.

Activist Tehseen S Poonawalla, in his plea alleged that these groups were committing atrocities against Dalits and minorities in the name of protection of cows and other bovines. This is a very good step and everyone will be hoping that these anti-social groups are banned by the apex court. They have already killed two people, one at Alwar, Rajasthan recently and another at Dadri in UP last year. The activities of these cow vigilante groups are against the spirit of Indian democracy. They have no right to take law into their own hands and make life miserable for minorities and dalits. Even if people violate law, there is court and police to take action in this regard. Before they create more mayhem, these groups needed to be regulated and banned in the interest of social harmony, public morality and law and order in the country. Democratic country like India has no place for illegal and anti-social element like cow vigilante group.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Sort out all issues peacefully

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to write about ongoing election process of ASUD (Arunachal Students Union, Delhi). Everybody is well aware about the discrimination and intolerance to the NE students in mainland India especially in Delhi where student has been killed and are being tortured. So all the students who are studying outside the state particularly in Delhi should maintain peaceful cooperation and support each other. But, since last few days I have witnessed through news paper and social media that our Arunachalee students are fighting each other with regards to ASUD election. As a student they need to remember that we all are staying in Delhi which is thousands miles away from the home only for education and not for politics.

Yes I believe that we are in democratic country, hence we can form any associations and unions and also can contest and participate in the election. I have nothing to do with ASUD but as an Arunchalee I want cooperation and peaceful co-existence among the fellow citizens.

Therefore I sincerely request to president and entire executive members of ASUD and senior students to sort out all issues as soon as possible for great interest of entire Arunachal

Save Arunachal! Save ASUD!

Yours,

Asendo Mitti

Parents should not allow under age children to ride & drive

Dear Editor,

On 6th April late afternoon while searching for ATMs that had any cash, I saw what I never hope to see again. Two bikes with youths at high speed collided creating a loud blast. It happened between the Civil Secretariat and Yes Bank. Being about 50 meters away from the spot it took me a second to come to term about what I just saw before running towards accident site to help. But already some good people were there helping to lift the victims and some stopped an auto to take the victims to RKM. Such people make Itanagar so much better to live.

Yesterday, the police were also holding their routine mobile court near Tennis court. What I noticed was that they mostly sidelined the two wheelers. That’s appreciable as it is not good to see bikers riding bike dangerously.

I appeal to parents and elders to be strict with young ones. Children should be made to understand that all forms of vehicles are a means of transport and not to play around. To the police I would like to suggest, besides their routine work please also check schools for vehicles which don't belong to the faculty or other staff and not to hesitate to arrest anyone who is under 18 and drives without a license.

Long ago one of our school teachers told us that in Kolkata the traffic police would stop vehicles at night whose lights are in high beam. Wish that could also be done here also. I am writing this for the sake of safe driving.

Yours,

Atung Pangya

Racism runs deep in India

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the editorial titled "India's double standards on racism" published on April 5. Racism runs deep in India not just against African students, but also against its own citizens. The physical harassment and mental torture meted to the North-Eastern students studying or living in the "mainland" India are increasing with each passing day. As a former resident of Bihar, I had witnessed how the Bengalis used to suffer racial taunts and abuses in that state. In such a scandalous state of affairs; the barbaric fatal attack on Yannick Nihangaza, the innocent Burundi student on July 2012 in Jalandhar, sexual assault on a Tanzanian girl in Bangalore last year or physical torture upon an Arunachal Pradesh student very recently in Bangalore are not a bit surprising. If the Australians or British are "racist" due to the stray incidents of attack upon the Indian students studying there, then the assault on African or the North-Easterner students in Bangalore, New Delhi and other "progressive" cities are also no lesser than racism. It should also be taken note of that while many Australian goons have been sentenced for their barbaric acts, we hardly hear any news about punishment of the Indian brutes who dare to assault or rape their own countrymen from the North-East or our respected guests from Africa.

Since centuries, innumerable Indians are falling victim to that draconian evil named casteism with Rohit Vemulas now "leading" the way in "modern" Universities. In this "great liberal" land, people of certain castes were not only deprived from village wells or temples(Oh what a classic case of "Hindu brotherhood"!), they were directed to sport bells around their neck so that the "human beings" of "upper" castes can get alert and avoid the path of the "pariahs"!

Less said about the tensions, riots and pogroms revolving religion that are plaguing independent India. "We are all Indians" ---- yet not only elections in majority of the states get fought on the issues of Mandir, Masjid, beef, gomata, graveyard and innumerable other divisive agendas; right from Lok Sabha to panchayat elections, tickets are awarded to candidates not on the basis of their eligibility or efficiency, but by shrewdly taking into account the demography of the respective constituency ie who are the dominant racial, religious, caste or sub-caste group! Yes "We are all Indians"!

Thus, instead of beating our own trumpet of "tolerance" or accusing others of practicing "racism", we Indians should at first learn to clean up our own backyard; else India will end up as a classical case of "pot calling the kettle black"!

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

D-2/403 Peerless Nagar,

Kolkata-114.

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---Editor