April 14
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152 families given compensation after 50 years by Army
BOMDILA, Apr 13: As many as 152 families of three villages of Senge, Nyukmadung and Lish, whose lands were acquired by the Indian Army, post 1962, were given compensation cheques of about Rs 53,92,71,110 at a simple ceremony in Senge village on Thursday.
The cheques were handed out by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Health Parliamentary Secretary Phurpa Tsering and West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Sonal Swaroop.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister, who earlier gave away a replica cheque of Rs 39,72,83,157 for Senge village, said the villagers had to wait for almost 50 years to get their land compensation that was long overdue. He said this was possible due to combined efforts from the Ministry of Defence, Rijiju and the local MLA.
Each family will receive compensation amount which will be directly transferred to their account, said the Chief Minister. To prevent any malpractice, he asked the villagers to report any officials asking for bribes in releasing compensation directly to the local MLA and to the Deputy Commissioner, assuring that officers involved will be arrested and suspended.
Rijiju, who earlier gave away a replica cheque of Rs 9,36,22,474 for Lish village, pointed out issues regarding the dispute over beneficiary list due to which the compensation amount could not be transferred to their accounts. He, however, informed that the district administration has assured that the issue would be sorted out within a week.
He also handed over replica cheque of Rs 4,93,65,478 for Nyukmadung village council, which would be distributed to each beneficiary identified.
Terming it as auspicious day, the Union Minister said he had come to celebrate here as the villagers have got back their rightful compensation after almost 50 years. He credited it to combined team efforts of the Chief Minister, the Indian Army and the local MLA.
Also speaking on the occasion, Phurpa Tsering advised the villagers to use the compensation fund on good use, such as education, health and business and to desist from wasting it on gambling and partying.
The villagers in their speech thanked the Chief Minister, the Union Minister, the local MLA and the Indian Army for exhibiting good teamwork due to which the compensation relief could be finally released, bringing respite to distressed families.
They also thanked the Chief Minister and the Union Minister for making possible the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to West Kameng district. The villagers appreciated the duo for successful conduct of the Buddha Mahotsava in Bomdila this year. As token of their appreciation, the villagers gifted them with a photo album that contained collection of photos taken from these three occasions.
During the occasion, a colourful cultural programme from Monpa and Bhutanese community were presented. Also present were Brigadier S S Dahiya of the 40 Brigade, local administrative officials and other army officials. (CMO)
Wildfire kills father and son at Kalaktang
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: In yet another tragic wildfire accident in West Kameng district,
a father and son were reportedly charred to death on Wednesday near R-
Sources from Kalaktang informed The Arunachal Times that the incident came to light when the father, identified as Sonam Dorjee (49) and son Kejang Dorjee (16) did not return to the village from their farm in the evening. Alert villagers rushed to the farm and found their charred bodies.
Sonam Dorjee was working as a casual labour in the Electricity Department.
Reportedly, the ADC Kalaktang, along with officials rushed to the spot to assess the incident. The bodies were handed over to the family of the deceased after postmortem on Thursday evening, sources added.
Local MLA cum Speaker T N Thongdok expressed his condolences on the tragic demise
of both father and son in the wildfire. He assured the aggrieved family of ex-
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu also expressed shock over the unfortunate incident
and announced immediate ex-
He also conveyed his deepest condolences and extended solidarity with the bereaved family members.
"We have seen similar incidences in the past where people's lives were lost due to forest fire caused due to negligence of few. Such incidences has to be immediately checked and people responsible for forest fire should be immediately booked," the Chief Minister said in strong terms.
Dalai Lama's visit purely religious: Khrimey
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Former Minister R K Khrimey asserted that allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh is a clear indication that Arunachal is an integral part of India and the state is not negotiable as claimed by the Chinese Government.
He said this while speaking to reporters on Thursday. He went on to add that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India, and China should not object to it as his visit to the state is purely religious, and not political in nature.
Meanwhile, he also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for including
him as the Non-
The NFCH principally provides assistance for the rehabilitation of child victims of different kinds of societal violence, promotes communal harmony and national integration. The Foundation also actively networks and partners with concerned state governments, different ministries and departments, educational institutions, NGOs and voluntary organizations etc to effectively implement its schemes.
Over two thousand students receive degrees
30TH Convocation of IGNOU
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor, Professor Tamo Mibang presented degrees to a total of 57 of the 2975 students of the state during the Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) 30th Convocation held here on Thursday. The remaining students were considered for receipt of their degree in absentia.
The main function of the 30th Convocation of IGNOU was held at its campus in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi and simultaneously in 56 regional centres across the country. In all, different schools of study declared 1,95,108 students eligible to receive their degrees and diplomas in the Convocation, including MPhil and PhD students from about 25 disciplines.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Mibang emphasized on the need to bring human development and change in the society through education. While congratulating the students, Professor Mibang exhorted them to utilize the knowledge gained during the course of their studies.
IGNOU Regional Director, Dr Sanjaib Kataky also spoke on the occasion.
The Sangken Festival
[ Nimina Namchoom ]
The New Year signifies an end to the old and a start to new beginnings. The Sangken festival, which falls in the fifth month 'Noun Ha' of the Lunar calendar, coinciding with the month of April, bids goodbye to the old year and ushers in the new year. This time, the Sangken festival begins on 14th April at 04:56:29 am and ends on 16th April at 09:01:10 am, ushering in the new year of 1379 Sakkalet (Sakka Era).
The festival symbolises the washing away of past sins and impurities, with the sprinkling of water on each other, and the beginning of a new year afresh with good thoughts and deeds.
On the first day, at the auspicious time, the images of Lord Buddha are taken out of the temple shrine, given a ceremonial bath and placed in the 'Kyongfra' to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals. People pray, offer sweets and food as offerings in the temple and then distribute sweets and goodwill amongst all by pouring water over each other.
Water is also poured over all the holy objects, including the Boddhi tree, the Sailiks
(ropes of the holy book), Chausangphau-
On the final day of the Sangken festival at the appointed time, the images are taken back to their original places and this marks the end of the old year.
Believers prepare for the three days of Sangken so that the teachings of Lord Buddha can be followed to the letter on these days and spend it in devotion and prayers. People visit the village monastery in the morning and evening and also places that are considered holy like Empong and Phaneng in Namsai district and Karyoni in Assam to offer prayers.
During the three days, people do away with ill feelings and seek togetherness by coming together to form groups and visit temples in different villages, pray, pour water (Sonfra) over the idols and relics and distribute sweets. Young and old alike can be seen going towards the temples to pray in the morning and evening during the festival. The people observe certain percepts which include abstinence from killing, stealing, lying, consuming intoxicants, causing harm to other living beings etc during the festival days.
The New Year is welcomed with community prayers and feast during the 'Poi Sangken' celebrated after the end of the festival. This day is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by all and marked by people going to the monastery to wash and clean up the shrine, idols and sprinkle holy water in the premises and a community feast which follows. Poi Sangken is dedicated to the worship of Lord Buddha so that he can bless one and all.
TVC resolves to identify vending zones and beautify highway
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: The second meeting of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) was held on Thursday, where Chief Municipal Executive Officer Habung Lampung informed the members about action taken reports as per the last meeting.
Accordingly, all existing vending zones in Itanagar and Naharlagun have been surveyed by the CMEO with the EAC Itanagar, EAC Naharlagun and SDPO Itanagar and representative of Vendors Associations, where existing vending zones and vendors have been surveyed.
Town Planner, Likha Suraj made a power point presentation on various issues of vendors
and their possible solutions. Participating in the meeting, Capital Complex Deputy
Commissioner, Prince Dhawan suggested that two sub-
Further, the DC suggested that all the vendors who have been left uncovered during the survey should be included and requested the representatives of vendors and hawkers to sort out any issue with all vendors. He also suggested that proper license system should be evolved and vendors should also be provided with uniforms.
Also attending the meeting, IMC Chief Councillor, Kipa Kaku suggested that there should be team work among all stakeholders. Representing vendors, Nabam Roger informed that they conduct awareness programme for vendors from time to time and highlighted various legal provisions for the welfare and protections of vendors. He also requested the Chairman of the TVC, CMEO Habung Lampung to initiate on it. Councillor Tatung Tania suggested that vending zones should be identified at the earliest, while President Itanagar Market Welfare Association Yumlam Achung suggested that the TVC should work for beautification of the Capital Complex.
Members of the TVC also resolved to identify vending zones while taking care of the
highway, footpath, and holding capacity, which will be initiated under two sub-
The TVC also resolved to draw modalities of registrations of vendors, which shall be initiated through the IMC.
Among others, the meeting was attended by councillors, representatives of market committee, SDPO Itanagar, OC traffic, OC Naharlagun, EAC Itanagar and Naharlagun, UD Deputy Director, Town Planner, and representatives of vendors and hawkers, who are also the members of the TVC. (DIPRO)
Ensure the best and affordable healthcare to the people: DC
PASIGHAT, Apr 13: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak on Wednesday called upon the Bakin Pertin General Hospital officials and health fraternity to ensure the best and affordable healthcare to the people.
Presiding over the 10th Governing Body meeting of the hospital, Tatak, while appreciating the health staff, said that the hospital, equipped with sophisticated medical equipments, specialized doctors and trained assistants has provided quality care and services to patients of the entire Siang belt, including some parts of lower Dibang Valley and neighboring state Assam. Tatak also suggested for regular review meeting to identify shortcomings and problems and to make future plans.
Considering the Health Department as one of the most important departments that deal with human lives, the DC instructed the medical officers and paramedical staffs to be punctual in their duty for providing effective services to the patients.
Assuring necessary corrective measures for best possible health service, the DC
said that issues like introduction of generic medicines, setting-
JDHS Dr K Lego informed that the hospital is doing the best for quality health service
to the patients. He further informed that the hospital is going to introduce many
sophisticated equipment, like digital X-
DMO Dr M Perme and Medical Superintendent Dr Y R Darang also spoke on the occasion. Officers, MOs, ZPM, councilor and engineers shared their experiences and suggestions. (DIPRO)
Quiz, debate & visual media slogan competition mark culmination of Digi Dhan Mela
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Quiz, debate and visual media slogan competitions were organized by the Department of Information Technology & Communication, in collaboration with the North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) at the institute on Thursday, as part of an event which is going to be held at the state banquet hall on April 14 to mark the culmination of 100 Digi Dhan Melas across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, State Council for IT & e-
Additional Secretary (IT), Rajthilak Selvaraj, Director, IT & Communication, Neelam Yapin Tana and NERIST Registrar, Professor R P Bhattacharjee also spoke on the occasion.
The winners of various categories of the contest will be awarded on the concluding ceremony of Digi Dhan Mela on April 14.
Moyong inspects Civil Terminal & Poglek bridge work progress
PASIGHAT, Apr 13: Local MLA Kaling Moyong, accompanied by East Siang Deputy Commissioner, Tamiyo Tatak inspected the work progress of the much awaited Civil Terminal building on Thursday.
The completion of the building will facilitate operation of commercial and passenger flights from the Pasighat ALG, fulfilling the long pending demand of the people of East Siang in particular and adjoining districts, including neighboring Assam as a whole.
Later, the MLA inspected the ongoing construction of bridge over Poglek River near
Yagrung on Pasighat-
Terming the Poglek bridge project as a lifeline for smooth connectivity benefitting
the people of various villages under Bosing-
DC Tatak also sought the people's cooperation for timely completion of the infrastructure project. To address the problem of silting, he asked to form a technical committee with members from the WRD, AMDO and PWD and also a local committee, headed by CO Yagrung and PRI members to monitor the progress. He also asked to stop deforestation activities of nearby areas and hills, as it is one of the main factors for erosion and silt deposition in low lying areas.
Known as Poglek Korong (stream), the Poglek River is also called the sorrow of Bosing area as it causes untold miseries to the people during monsoon spate.
The NLCPR funded project, which covers construction of RCC bridges over Poglek and Tolon rivers started in January 2017 and the target for completion of project, is June 2019.
PRI members, GBs, EE PWD T Jamoh, EAC, M Komut, and CO in-
ACF raises concern
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has expressed serious concern over the decision of the NDA Government to observe national programmes like Good Governance Day on December 25 (Christmas) and Digital India Day on Good Friday.
In a release, the ACF opined that the NDA Government after coming to power at the centre has repeatedly played with the religious sentiments of the Christian community of the country by deliberately holding various important events of the government on the same day as Christian events. The ACF strongly opposed the decision of the government to observe Digital India Day which coincides on Good Friday this April 14.
The ACF added that this decision of the NDA Government at the centre is undermining the secular fabric of India and is fueling the agenda of religious intolerance against the religious minorities in India.
Lok Adalat disposes 23 cases
AALO, Apr 13: The Lok Adalat disposed off 12 criminal compoundable cases and 11 money suit cases involving Rs 13, 27, 455, out of 56 cases, recently in Aalo.
Presided by Chief Judicial Magistrate, Hirendra Kashyap, all cases could not be disposed off due to various reasons. Accordingly, cases have been referred to the next Lok Adalat/ regular court.
Advocates Minrik Nochi, Todak Ado and Gorik Kamduk attended the Lok Adalat as members to assist disposing of all cases as per the directives of the National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi. (DIPRO)
SIC imposes penalty on BDO Mengio
MENGIO, Apr 13: Taking cognizance on non-
Kaso visits water source at Sangrikugo colony
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Parliamentary Secretary cum local MLA Techi Kaso visited the natural fountain at Sangrikugo Colony near PHQ, here on Thursday. He also inspected the water tank under construction at Sangrikugo Colony to store the water flowing from the natural fountain. Earlier, Kaso had announced Rs 5 lakhs from his MLAD fund for construction of the water tank to mitigate water shortage problem to some extent. He was accompanied by IMC Councillor cum Empowerment Standing Committee Member, Tatung Tania during his visit.
Career counseling prog at JNC held
[ Maksam Tayeng ]
PASIGHAT Apr 13: A one-
Highlighting the aims and objectives of the programme, AdiSU (Apex) General Secretary, Buteng Tayeng said that the AdiSU aims to conduct such programmes in all Adi inhabitant districts of Arunachal Pradesh with the help of the government and other NGOs. Tayeng further informed that in a recent meeting with Education Minister, Honchun Ngandam and Secretary Education, Bidol Tayeng, the Adi students' body had proposed to introduce a regular Career Counseling & Guidance Programme (CCGP) in every secondary and higher secondary level school across the state.
Further, Dr D P Panda explained the details of courses and opportunities after class X and XII, while lecturer Oman Siram spoke on the opportunities provided for the girl child for education, including centrally sponsored schemes.
Social activist Aini Taloh, founder Chairman of a voluntary blood donating NGO 'AYANG' also spoke on youth and adolescence, challenges and opportunities. She appealed to the youth and students to stay away from drug abuse and alcoholism. Dr J R Padi spoke on the importance of developing good communication skills for a better personality, while Harry Loyi highlighted the importance of environmental awareness. Dr K K Mishra highlighted the scopes and opportunities in the Armed Forces after class X & XII. AdiSU Education Secretary Nang Gao also spoke on the occasion.
Quiz competition on CCGP and an interaction session were also held, where 15 students were awarded prizes like dictionaries and general knowledge books.
GoAP urged to reconsider move to wind-
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Stating that the state government's recent move to wind-
In a release on Thursday, the Association claimed that if the engineers on deputation
are repatriated to parent departments in their original post, the incumbent officer
holding the post will be jobless, while the over 400 C & D non-
'Instead of winding-
Governor, CM convey Sangken greetings
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh P B Acharya and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Sangken.
The Governor has expressed hope that the occasion will inspire to follow the path shown by Lord Buddha.
While joining the Khampti community in offering prayers for universal peace and harmony, the Governor hoped that the occasion will promote amity amongst the people.
The Chief Minister has conveyed greetings and best wishes on the pious occasion of Sangken, the festival of water, celebrated with religious fervour and fanfare by the Tai Khamptis of the state.
"Sangken, which is the New Year festival of our Khampti brethrens, is a celebration of the good things that happened in the passing year and to celebrate life with new hopes and prayers in the coming year," Khandu said in a message this evening.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the joyous celebration would usher in new era of peace and prosperity for the state and wellbeing of all its citizens.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also extended warm greetings and good wishes to all the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Sangken festival, Bihu and Good Friday.
He hoped that these festivals will usher peace and prosperity for all. Let the sacred traditions and the festivity associated with these festivals herald a happy and prosperous year ahead, the message read.
“May these festivals bind each one of us in fraternal love, goodwill and affection and inspire us to work for the unity, progress and wellbeing of all”, he added.
Public resents poor BSNL mobile service
ITANAGAR, Apr 13: The Panchayat leaders of Sangdupota Circle and Basarnallo have expressed displeasure with poor BSNL mobile service in the area.
ZPM IVth Upper Balijan, Gollo Takam said that they had approached BSNL authorities several time appealing the authorities to upgrade the service in the area. There have been frequent rise in call drops and network problem due to which the public of Jote, Poma and Basarnallah area are facing a harrowing time, Takam added.
Though the BSNL tower was erected several years ago, it was made functional only a few years back and the services provided to its customers are not up to the mark, added the ZPM. He further warned that the public of the area will launch protest against the BSNL if they do not upgrade the facilities.
Reacting to the issue, BSNL GM Dilip Siram said that they have been trying their best to provide service to the people and there may be some problems as the geographical location of the state is uneven. He said that the tower in Sangdupota area is running on VSAT (satellite), adding that the optical fibre cable laying is underway and is on the verge of completion.
He also said that a proposal for construction of another tower in the area, especially for NIT is also under process and land for the purpose has been arranged. He assured that mobile service in the area would improve soon.
Tarh Hipik passes away
NAHARLAGUN, Apr 13: Tarh Hipik, father of noted entrepreneur Tarh Nachung passed away at Tomo Riba State Hospital on Tuesday midnight. He was around 100 years old. Late Tarh Hipik is survived by two wives, seven sons, including Tarh Nachung, two daughters and grand children.
The last rites of late Hipik will be performed at his native village Gaaga, near Nyapin in Kurung Kumey district on Friday.
The Tarh Welfare Society, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) and Nirjuli BWC deeply mourned the death of late Tarh Hipik. “With his death, the Tarh clan in particular and the state has lost a legendary path finder who always extended helping hand for the wellbeing of the society. His contributions will always be remembered by the younger generation”, the organisations said in a message.
Shopkeepers also downed their shutters in Nirjuli as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
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Student's future is at stake
Two of the state's premier technical education institutes North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli and National Institute of Technology, Yupia are functioning without regular directors. This is matter of deep concern for everyone including students and parents. The apex student body of state, AAPSU, has already raised this issue in media and sought urgent intervention of the state government in posting regular directors at NERIST and NIT for wellbeing of the students' community within 15 days time. Situation is so precarious especially at NERIST that the students have been forced to carry out protest march seeking posting of a regular institute Director.
State government should immediately take up the matter on urgent basis with Ministry of Human Resource Department, Govt of India. Both NERIST as well as NIT are pride of the state. They have produced many brilliant engineers who have gone on to serve across the world. The institutes of such repute cannot be allowed to go into deep crisis due to absence of regular director. Future of hundreds of students is at stake and it is the duty of government to help them. State Govt should intervene at the earliest before it gets too late.
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Screen tests
Dear Editor,
Till two 3 years back all the exams by APPSC except APPSCCE were conducted in two
stages -
But longer the exam procedure, there is more chance of manipulation and corruption and unnecessary controversy.
Excuse of APPSC regarding Screen test/recruitment test is to filter the non-
Therefore through this letter we would like to appeal the commission to avoid the screen test at least where vacancies/posts are less than 10. If screen test is unavoidable please give us syllabus and if possible conduct screen test in respective district as APPSCCCE prelims are done.
Yours,
Rerum Bagem
Naharlagun
In favour of CoSAAP
Dear Editor,
Since employees are the backbone and the engine of growth to any democratic and progressive Society, therefore, the Political masters must not quarrel with their tools. The demands put forward by the Employees are nothing new but in accordance with the provisions of the law and other conditions of Service Rules. Since the State Government, while accepting the status of Statehood, has already given in writing to adhere to all the service conditions of Central Govt., it is therefore pertinent to follow and implement service length from 58 years to 60 years, grant transport, medical and children education allowances, LTC and other service avenues such as Lateral Entry System to APCS (Entry Grade) to be conducted by APPSC.
In view of the established facts in longevity of Human life span due to modern Science and Technology and also to reap the benefits of prime experience of the employees in their late fifties, the State Govt. as in the case of Doctors and Teachers, should immediately and without waiting for a hammer from Court or from Modi’s Central Government, issue Notification for retirement age to 60years. Like Assam and many other States, our Government can increase the upper age limit for entry to Government jobs to 38 years and make huge paradigm shift in creating job opportunities in private sector so as to lessen the unemployment problems of the Youths. The Enhancement of retirement age will also save the imminent withdrawal of huge amount of money from State Exchequer for at least 2 years which otherwise can be used for various developmental activities including additional job opportunity.
Also the demand of CoSAAP for doing away with NOC for promotion and retirement is
justified as the Constitution under Article 14 provides for Equality before Law and
therefore, the employees cannot be singled out or targeted as easy preys. In fact,
it is the political, business and NGOs who are the worst encroachers of Government
land and properties. Through this letter, I appeal all to be better citizens to concentrate
more on important issues such as pressuring the Government to handover all Group-
Yours,,
Mizum Lollen
Naharlagun
What happened to Itanagar Green Field Airport project?
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the news report under the headline “Tezu airport is almost ready” published in your esteemed daily on 12 April, 2017. It is great to hear that lone civilian airport of state at Tezu is going to start operation soon. Civilian air operation is also expected to start at Pasighat and Ziro ALG soon. These are exciting time and hopefully it will lead to tremendous improvement in air connectivity in the state. I am sure at this time people of Hollongi and Karsingsa (proposed Green Airport sites within capital) must be very happy to read these news. They have successfully the scuttled Green Field Airport project for Itanagar due to their personal greed.
If government made the mistake of arbitrarily shifting airport site from Karsingsa
to Hollongi, the people of Karsingsa-
Yours,
Radab T, Itanagar
Laudable initiative
Dear Editor,
It was heartening to see that the APPSC has started a new initiative while declaring the AE (electrical) final results.
It has started to publish the merit list of the selected candidates along with their
marks secured in written as well as viva-
Indeed it is a very appreciable move by the commission under the new chairman and will go a long way in maintaining transparency and instilling confidence and faith among aspirants and general public on the credibility and sanctity of the constitutional body.
The new chairman and his team deserves a big round of applause for this initiative ! And hope many more such good changes in the recruitment process will be witnessed in the days to come.
Yours,
Y. Raju, Itanagar
The right pedal
Dear Editor,
This is with regards to Result Notification of Assistant Engineer (Electrical).
No words can express the competency and will power of Chairman Taloh. By producing marks along with the final selection list of AE electrical exam, Taloh and team has pushed the right pedal to move the wheel of transparency and accountability. By listening to the long pending plea of aspirants, Taloh has brought back the lost glory of APPSC .
Thanks to his decisiveness and prompt action.
Yours,
An aspirant
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