apr17 30

2017

April 30

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BJP stages protest, makes its stand on Arunachal clear

Arunachal doesn’t share border with China: Gao

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANANAGAR, Apr 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday staged a rally in protest against renaming of six places in Arunachal Pradesh.

Condemning China's move, the Party burnt the effigy of Chinese President Xi Jingping.

State BJP President Tapir Gao asserted that Arunachal does not share a border with China, but rather it shares a border with Tibet, while addressing media persons on the sideline of the protest rally.

"I want to tell the people that we never shared a border with China in the history of India. We share a border with Tibet," proclaimed Gao.

"Today, the people of Arunachal and the BJP are protesting against China's attempt to reorganize the border by renaming few places of Arunachal, and we strongly condemn this act of China," he stated, while adding that there will be protests in every nook and corner of the state against China's plans.

He further added that "through the protest rally, Arunachalees want to send out a strong message to China that Arunachalees are Indians and will always remain Indians."

Gao's latest assertion may land him in trouble as his party high command at the Centre already warned Arunachal leaders to refrain from commenting on such sensitive issues.

On April 5 during the 14th Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang, Chief Minister Pema Khandu had commented similar lines,stating that India shares boundary with Tibet and not with China. Khandu's comment did not go down well with either the Centre or with the Chinese Government.

Jolted by Khandu's comment, which according to the Centre was 'insensitivity towards highly sensitive issue', National Chief Advisor Ajit Doval reportedly cautioned the Chief Minister to refrain from commenting on the Chinese issue. Reportedly, Doval had also called Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju after the comment appeared in the media. Rijiju, who was also accompanying the Dalai Lama, had to cut short his trip and rushed back to the North Block.

Retaliating against India for allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, China had unilaterally renamed six places, with experts saying that the move was aimed at reaffirming Beijing's "territorial sovereignty" in the region.The official names of the six places using the Roman alphabet are Wo'gyainling, Mila Ri, Qoidêngarbo Ri, Mainquka, Bümo La and Namkapub Ri."

Later, the Chinese Foreign Secretary justified that changing the names was a "legitimate" action done in line with the Chinese law.

Further, the state BJP submitted a memorandum to the Governor showing its stand on Arunachal Pradesh. In its representation, the BJP said, "China has no locus standi or raison d'etre whatsoever claiming Arunachal Pradesh, and that the recent renaming of places in Arunachal is a transgression of the sovereignty and territory of India. Arunachal was never part of China at any point of time in history, rather always a part of India."

Union demands reinstatement of terminated workers, threatens stir

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 29: The All Arunachal Pradesh Anganwadi Workers' & Helpers' Union (AAPAW&HU) on Saturday threatened to launch a democratic movement against the authority concerned if it fails to reinstate all the 60 Anganwadi workers from Longding and Tirap districts, who were allegedly terminated by the Deputy Director, ICDS Cell, Tirap/Longding.

Addressing a press conference at Arunachal Press Club here today, AAPAW&HU President Yasi Nalo Sonam claimed that around 60 Anganwadi workers from Longding and Tirap districts were allegedly terminated arbitrarily by the Deputy Director, ICDS Cell, Tirap/Longding district without any valid reasons from October to December last year.

Claiming that show cause notices have been served to Anganwadi workers and helpers who had attended the recent state level conference-cum-foundation day of the AAPAW&HU at Chimpu by the concerned authorities of districts for leaving the station without intimation, Union President Sonam clarified that the Director of Women & Child Development was intimated regarding the conference and peaceful rally beforehand.

"The copy of intimation letter was also submitted/ sent to all concerned of the districts, besides PS to Minister Women & Child Development," Sonam stated and accused the Director of Women & Child Development of ignoring the intimation letter and misleading the government.

Describing the show cause notice served to the anganwadi workers & helpers who had attended the state level conference-cum-foundation day of AAPAW&HU at Chimpu as unfortunate and uncalled for, the Union President further clarified that the peace rally was taken out as mark of unity, solidarity, fraternity and sisterhood among all the womenfolk of state and not against the government.

Further claiming that two workers died of shock after being terminated from their services in Longding district, Sonam termed the action of the authority concerned as inhuman and against the interest of working women of the society.

"The termination of 60 anganwadi workers who rendered their selfless services for 15 to 20 years is an utter violation of fundamental rights of the workers," Sonam lamented and demanded for either immediate reinstatement of the terminated workers or to provide compensation of Rs 10 lakh each.

Expressing deep shock over the unfortunate death of two workers following termination of their services, the Union also strongly demanded the authority to immediately provide ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the bereaved families.

The Union also strongly demanded for transfer of Deputy Director, ICDS Cell, Tirap/Longding district and all CDPOs of ICDS Cell, Khonsa and Supervisor within one week's time for their alleged illegal activities of termination of workers.

It is worth mentioning here that Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein had attended the first ever state level conference-cum-foundation day of the AAPAW&HU at Chimpu as chief guest.

Meanwhile, the Union has sought immediate public apology from one Yumlam Ama for defaming the Union in social media without knowing the ground reality immediately,failing which, it threatened to initiate legal action against the individual.

Grow organic tea with minimal chemicals, says Mein

NAMSAI, Apr 29: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein has called upon small tea growers to grow organic tea and minimize use of chemicals.

Addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of MARKFED Tea Factory on Saturday, Mein informed that there is more demand of organic tea in the market and the Tea Board also recommends growing of organic tea.

Highlighting the vision of the state government to convert Arunachal Pradesh into an organic state under its Organic Mission, Mein said, "There are huge challenges before the tea industry in the state", but exhorted the tea growers to work with team spirit to overcome all the challenges.

Mein further said that the MARKFED has created history in Arunachal Pradesh as it is very rare to see Cooperative Societies creating such a big asset in the state.

Giving importance to the marketing of agriculture and horticulture produce through value addition, he said "there have been changes in the marketing pattern in the world and we must also adapt to such changes."

While exhorting the young generation to take up innovative schemes, he informed that the state government is providing loans to farmers up to Rs 10 lakhs on 30 percent subsidized rates of interest on agri and allied sectors and also offering crop loans at zero percent interest to the farmers. He appealed to the farmers and youths to avail such benefits.

Informing that an Adarsh Village in every constituency will be developed, he called upon the people to work together with positive mindset to convert Namsai into an ideal district.

Also speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Administrative Reform & Training, Chow Zignu Namchoom said that the MARKFED Tea Factory will largely benefit the small tea growers. He said that it will also provide employment to the educated and uneducated youths of the district.

Former Minister, Komoli Mossang, who is the Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh Co-operative Agricultural Marketing Federation Limited, informed that opening of the MARKFED Tea Factory has fulfilled the long felt needs and aspirations of the people of Namsai district. She said that it would help in improving the economy of the people.

She requested the Deputy CM to continually support the growth and functioning of the tea factory and further sought financial assistance from the government for second production line (Crush Tea Curl Line) for the tea factory.

S Laskar, Manager, MARKFED Tea Factory said that it is a dream project of Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Agriculture Marketing Federation. It was sponsored by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and financed by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a GoI enterprise to finance infrastructure in cooperative sector under the Ministry of Agriculture. The project was completed with a total cost of Rs 6 crore, of which Rs 3 crore has been taken as loan from NCDC, he informed. The tea factory has been leased out to an Assam-based tea production company, Stellar Tea Industries to liquidate the loan amount, Laskar informed.

Abhishek Keshan, team member of Stellar Tea Industries informed that the MARKFED Tea Factory will sponsor three students from Namsai district in higher studies after class XII,who would be selected by the board of officers under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Namsai. R D Thungon, Joint Registrar of Cooperative Society also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Mein inaugurated the tea factory in presence of locals and government officers, including Tape Bagra, Commissioner (retired), Vijay Talukdar, ADC Namsai, and Panchayat leaders.

APWWS disapproves granting bail to accused

ITANAGAR, Apr 29: The Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) on Saturday expressed its disapproval with the alleged 'hasty way' the prime accused involved in connection with torture of two girls and their mother at Pasighat in the name of witchcraft were granted bail by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) on Thursday evening.

The APWWS's statement came a day after a scuffle broke out between protesting activists groups of the Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing, Women Against Social Evils, All Bogong Students' Union (E), Adi Students' Union, PKWSSW and Jering Matkir Society youth members and the police at Pasighat.

'Every accused has a right to get bail as per the law, but the way in which the CJM granted bail to the prime accused involved in a hasty manner without acknowledging the seriousness of the case is questionable since it was known that the relatives of the accused persons were influential and could tamper with evidence and hinder fair investigation into the case' the APWWS stated.

While stating that the court should have a look into the nature and gravity of the case before granting bail to the five accused, the APWWS expressed apprehension that witnesses in the said case may be influenced and manipulated by them.

The APWWS further urged the Arunachal Pradesh Police, Pasighat unit and Itanagar women police to carry out fair investigations to ensure that justice is delivered to the victims and their family at the earliest.

AdiSU calls for 12 hours bandh

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Apr 29: The Adi Students' Union (AdiSU) has called for 12 hours East Siang bandh on May 2, demanding that the state government uphold the geo-physical boundary mapping of Adi Baane Kebang, while also upholding the Dharmendra Sharma led High Power Committee.

In a statement today, Kaling Eko, Chairman of Lower Siang Boundary Issue and Okut Tali, AdiSU publicity cell have said that they have already submitted their representation to the state government to stick to the Dharmendra Sharma committee recommendation. The duo also said that the news item published on April 23,

mentioning exclusion of five Adi villages from Lower Siang district was completely a printing error.

"Our constant demand is to stick with upholding geo-physical boundary mapping of the Adi Baane Kebang, while also upholding the Dharmendra Sharma led High Power Committee", added Eko.

A mass meeting of the Adi Baane Kebang will be convened at Korang on Sunday to discuss upon the Lower Siang district issue where final course of the decision will be finalized, informed ABK East Siang sources this evening.

The road less traveled: The story of Rubi Lombo

[ Nellie N Manpoong ]

ITANAGAR, Apr 29: The magnificent Himalayan range, with its jagged roads and pure air, draws people from all around the world. While some come to the mountains in search of peace and solitude, others take the rough road of adventure and test their physical boundaries.

The Himalayas promise adventure in its lap; but it also shelters those who show endurance and true grit in the face of the mountains' might. This is where the first professional mountain terrain biking (MTB) rider from Arunachal Pradesh comes riding into the picture.

When 22-year-old Rubi Lombo was discovered by the first Everester from North East India, Tine Mena, for the 'Ride to Light - The Mishmi Hills Challenge', Rubi had no idea that she would soon be competing at a national level MTB event, alongside riders from across the world.

A native of Malini, a small village in upper parts of Dibang Valley district, Rubi is the third-born of seven girls in her family, and currently lives with her parents. She is pursuing her Masters in Hindi, and her family has had some difficult times to deal with, having lost three sons, of whom one was lost in the jungles and is presumed dead.

The family makes a living with their father's meager salary as a security guard in a private company, while her mother makes mats and baskets out of bamboo and cane, and sells them in the local market. Rubi's sisters help out in their own small ways towards the upkeep of the house, while she herself makes galeys to earn a little extra. Some have displayed their displeasure with Rubi's participation in the sport because they believe there is no safety net in a career like mountain biking; but her family has stood by her, and this has kept her going.

Her struggles are not unique, or a reason to sympathize with her, but her story of overcoming obstacles and achieving her target can serve as an inspiration to many.

Everester Mena says that she saw the fighter in Rubi during the 300 km (6 days' ride) 'Ride to Light' challenge.

"I thought it would be tough for her, but she showed great determination and was not really affected physically by the long journey. I could see that she had good endurance."

Mena decided to introduce her to Siddhartha Bhandari, founder of the adventure travel company, Walk to Himalayas. Under the guidance of Bhandari and his team of national level riders, Rakesh Rana and Rahul Bhatt, Rubi was trained for two days before the big race - the MTB Nainital Challenge-2017, held from April 20 to 23 last.

In those two days, she was taught how to change gears on uphill and downhill slopes, how to position her feet in the correct way, how to balance her weight on a bicycle, and so on.

Bhandari, who is a mountain-biking enthusiast himself, said that he saw great potential in Rubi.

"She had little knowledge of how to handle a mountain bike, but she caught up with the techniques impressively soon."

Not only was this Rubi's first ever race, she also secured third place in the women's category of the MTB Nainital Challenge-2017. The race was a 110 kilometres' ride, touching 7300 feet ASL, starting inside the dense forests of the Jim Corbett National Park, travelling along breathtaking views, dirt roads, wilderness, and some steep climbs, before concluding at Vinayak, Nainital.

"I was pretty nervous at the start of the race, but I had come so far from a small village to prove my mettle, and I made up my mind to give it my all. I could've done better with a little more training, but I am happy that I came in third in my first race," Rubi told The Arunachal Times.

"She was a big surprise. She has the potential to be among the top mountain bikers in India," said Bhandari, who would consider making Rubi a part of his mountain biking team, if she so chooses to, and provide her with adequate training and facilities. But she has to want it with as much passion as the other top riders do.

"The people of the Himalayan range have greater endurance as they live in high altitude locations. This makes them fit for adventure sports like mountain biking; it gives them the edge over other riders from cities and plain areas," Bhandari said.

"With Rubi, being the first mountain bike rider from Arunachal Pradesh, she could serve as an inspiration to many youths."

Currently in Nainital, Rubi will return to the state soon, and leave for her training on May 24 after discussions with her family and Mena.

"I didn't know that sports could offer me so much scope for improvement in so many different ways. If I do well in this career path, I hope it would help the state come into the limelight and maybe open opportunities for more people from the state," Rubi said.

While Mena and Bhandari have been helping Rubi in their own ways, SSB Commandant Rajesh Thakur also spotted the talent in her. He expressed hope that the state government would assist Rubi in her endeavours.

"Her feat in mountain biking will not only help her achieve a name and a career for herself but also draw attention to Arunachal in the national and international arenas of mountain biking, besides opening up tourism prospects for the state. Youths would also be diverted from ill habits and into taking up the sport," the CO said.

Perhaps it is time the state government turned its attention to this sport and, by recognizing Rubi's achievement, opened up a whole new vista for other youths with potential in mountain biking. The young of our state have the passion and the ability; what they need is streamlined direction, and the knowledge that their honest endeavours will be recognized and endorsed.

Abu Tani’s speaking tree

Flights Of Fantasy

[ M Panging ]

‘Son Takang...you see...too much of wealth acquired easily, in a short time ultimately shortens your life...!’ Abu Tani advised.

‘How is that possible...Abu...I didn’t understand’ Takang replied.

‘You have to understand the value of money...otherwise money starts controlling you’ Abu Tani continued.

‘But Abu...money is required for everything today...money brings position, respect and power’ Takang replied.

‘Yes, wealth is essential for living well, but money has many ill effects and like a Frankenstein’s monster... money can gobble you up’ Abu Tani continued.

‘Abu, with money you can buy comforts of life vehicles to travel in ease, good food, house for protection from vagaries of weather, stylish clothes, you can send children to reputed schools; in fact money can help treat diseases and avoid ill health’ Takang said.

‘Son you see, a vehicle is required to travel faster and comfortably between two places, but after a while you start depending on vehicles to go everywhere, even to the corner shop... you stop walking and running... you go in vehicles to even go to the gym or go for walking!’ Abu Tani continued...’your children and family also becomes dependant on vehicles...gradually you stop exercising and start collecting fat and body weight’

‘Hmmm...that appears true, Abu...’ Takang replied

‘Money allows you to buy food for a healthy diet, but gradually you start eating meat, fish, butter, ghee etc in every meal you start getting more calories and sugar through hard drinks and soft drinks...all this adds to your putting on weight and diseases start hitting you sooner...now a day’s juvenile diabetes and obesity is commonly seen...’ Abu Tani replied

‘That also appears logical, Abu...’ Takang nodded.

‘Since you assume that money brings power and prestige you become arrogant and misbehave with other human beings like your friends, servants, children, family members...you start losing genuine friends and well wishers...’ Abu Tani said.

‘You start gifting your family members and children expensive items like bikes, cars, mobiles etc. You start giving them more money. As a result children learn that money is easily available and stop studying, working, exercising and gets spoilt. You may have earned your money...but your children may easily squander your money and property!’ Abu Tani continued.

‘Yes, I tend to agree with you, Abu...’ Takang replied.

‘Son, money is a double edged sword; it is a weapon to make you, or it is an evil to break you. Weapon or evil depends on your understanding and utilisation of money!’ Abu Tani said.

‘You give smart mobiles to you children. They may use it for keeping connected and passing essential information, they may also use it for playing games, watching videos, listening to songs-it depends on the child and the grooming’ Abu Tani said.

‘You give laptops to you children. They may use it for doing projects, keeping connected etc. They may also use it for playing games, watching videos, listening to songs etc...it again depends on the child’ Abu Tani continued

‘But Abu, what explains very rich people like the Tatas, Birlas, Ambanis, Mahindras?’

‘Hmmm... good question! The only logical explanation is that these people are traditionally rich and understand the value of money. They are able to control money and thus avoid its ill effects,’ Abu Tani replied.

‘Thank you, Abu. You have cleared many of my nagging questions’ Takang replied.

Abu Tani concluded by saying ‘Son, Takang... most people run after money thinking money is the panacea for all problems; least realising that along with it, money brings many ill effects like laziness, obesity, gluttony, arrogance, hubris etc. Humans must understand how to use money as a blessing or as a curse’. (The writer is a retired Group Captain of Indian Air Force)

APSCS&T officials submit memo to NCSM DG

KOLKATA, Apr 29: A team of officials led by theArunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology, Chairman, Bamang Mangha has in a meeting with the Director General of National Council of Science Museum at Central Research Training and Laboratory (CRTL) at Salt Lake, Kolkata on Friday last, submitted a memorandum seeking establishment of new District level Science Centre in seven districts of the state.

The memo also included upgrading the existing lone Science Centre at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar, establishment of Astro Park at present Science Centre, science museum bus and more innovative model of exhibition for the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre.

Chairman Mangha, accompanied by Department of Science & Technology Secretary, Gaken Ete and Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre Curator, Dr Vivek Kumar was on a tour to the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM), Kolkata.

While assuring to fulfill the demands placed by the Chairman, the NCSM Director General further informed that the District level Science Centre would be developed in a phase-wise manner and an expert team from the NCSM will visit the proposed district in Arunachal Pradesh in the coming months. He, however, stated that the science museum bus, updated exhibits model and Astro Park would be developed in the AP Science Centre soon.

Handyman dies in accident

ITANAGAR, Apr 29: A truck (tipper) met with an accident at Sopo, killing one Hemanto Borah (handyman) on the spot on April 28.

The body of the deceased was handed to his relatives after post-mortem. The driver of the truck, who has sustained grievous injuries, was admitted to Tomo Riba State Hospital.

In this regard, a sou moto case has been registered u/s 279/304 (A) IPC at Doimukh Police Station. The traffic on Doimukh-Hoj road was also blocked for about two hours after the accident.

Financial literacy prog by RBI and NABARD

ITANAGAR, Apr 29: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD conducted a financial literacy awareness programme at Old Tupi Village of Tirap district.

The aim of the programme was to create awareness among the general public regarding various financial products that are being offered by banks to the public.

Officials from RBI, Srikrishna Biswas and Pradeep Saxena took sessions on features of bank notes, exchange of notes and coins, interesting facts about rupee and coins, lodging of grievances, if any, with banks/Banking Ombudsman etc.

NABARD DDM Kamal Roy informed the gathering about various schemes being implemented by NABARD for the benefit of villagers. He talked about financial inclusion, financial planning, various financial products like Saving a/c, RD, FD, loans and advances, PMJDY, PMSSY, PMJJBY, APY, KCC, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) and various government sponsored schemes.

Subhash Dhar, Lead District Manager, SBI took a brief session on KYC, various banking products, transaction through electronic means, such as NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, internet banking, mobile banking, Unified Payment Interface, etc.

More than 200 villagers from Old Tupi, Luthang, Noksa, New Tupi and Longo villages, including SHG and NaRMG members promoted by NERCORMP in Tirap and Longding were present in the programme.

The programme was organized by NERCORMP - Tirap and Longding, in collaboration with the District Administration and attended by T Aran, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Tawang Lowang, Branch Manager, Apex Bank Khonsa Branch.

ABKYW questions West Siang health dept

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Apr 29: The Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW), which has undertaken the initiative to conduct medical camps at various places in East Siang, Siang, Upper Siang, West Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Namsai districts after getting approval from the Department of Health Services, GoAP raised resentment over non-cooperation of District Medical Officer (DMO), Aalo in sending doctors to the Tato medical camp.

ABKYW President Aling Pinggam informed that the organisation had sent a prior intimation to the DMO, Aalo to send doctors for the medical camp at Tato. When the team reached at Tato for the camp, no doctors turned up, causing the ABKYW to hand over the medicines it had brought, to a Homeopathy doctor.

"When we asked for an explanation, DMO Dr Marbom Basar told over the phone that he was away at Itanagar and the concerned DMO in-charge Dr L Lollen was entrusted to send the doctors, adding that, we should have kept in touch with Dr Lollen", claimed Pinggam.

The ABKYW also alleged that Adi areas under West Siang district like Tato, Pidi, Manigong and Mechuka are neglected by the Aalo Administration. "In Tato and Manigong circle, many schools are defunct. There are no doctors at Mechuka, while the Pidi CO office is run by a peon", added Pinggam.

Pinggam also said that DMO In-charge Aalo, Dr Lollen had intentionally mentioned the Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing as All Bokar Karo Youth Welfare Association (ABKYWA), which he alleged was an attempt to divide the Adis in those areas.

"Due to such negligence, we strongly appeal to the state government to materialize the demand of creating separate district for Tato, Pidi, Manigong and Mechuka block or give Mechuka ADC block independent charge", added Pinggam.

When contacted, In-charge DMO, Dr Lollen denied the allegations and clarified that he had issued an order directing two doctors to attend the health camp with an ambulance and medicines. "They (ABKYW) did not turn up on time to get the order and details as we had readied all these by 21st April", said Dr Lollen.

When asked about mentioning the ABKYW as the All Bokar Karo Youth Welfare Association, he said, "The DMO office had also received a letter from the Bokar youths asking for a similar health camp, so we probably mistook it."

The ABKYW is said to have had their letter endorsed by MLA Mechuka cum PS Tourism, P D Sona and Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, where the nomenclature of Adi Baane Kebang was clearly mentioned

NEMPDS members call on Governor

ITANAGAR, Apr 29: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, P B Acharya on Saturday met the members of the North East Multi Purpose Development Society (NEMPDS), an NGO working towards promotion of self help groups, marketing and manufacturing of handlooms and handicrafts, skill development, amongst others at Itanagar.

The Governor asked the NGO to procure its raw material for the production of handloom and handicrafts from the original market itself rather than buying it from middlemen. He reasoned that this would enable them to sell them at much cheaper rates than the market rate.

The Governor also assured to offer all his help in the marketing of these products, reasoning that, while manufacturing a product is easy, selling it remains a challenge owing to stiff competition from various other vendors. He said that provided the quality is up to the mark, the Raj Bhawan will also buy few products from the NGO, as and when required.

He also assured the members of the NEMPDS to help them in getting loans from the banks. He asked them to prepare a detailed plan proposal justifying their demands, after which he said he will facilitate a meeting between the NGO and bank managers.

Awareness prog on disaster management and preparedness

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Apr 29: The District Disaster Management Office organized an awareness programme on disaster management and mock drill on fire and earthquake at Synghik Hall on Saturday.

The programme was participated by PRI leaders of Chikom, Pate, Sigin-I Sigin-II Anchal blocks, representatives from all bazaar committees and volunteers from various NGOs.

Resource person from the 10th ITBP, Fire Station and Electrical Department sensitized them about disaster prevention and preparedness.

They were educated about search and rescue operations, first aid, dos and don'ts during disaster, particularly during fire and earthquake.

Durga Vahini Shibir for girls begins at Namsing

NAMSING, Apr 29: A five-day long Durga Vahini Shibir (camp) for girls began at Government Higher Secondary School, Namsing, East Siang on Friday last.

In all, 72 girls from 11 villages enrolled for the camp, which is part of a VHP-organized training imparted to young girls all over India annually to promote discipline and patriotism, besides self defence. Speaking during the inaugural function, Dr Dangi Perme exhorted the young girls to learn and implement everything they learnt during the camp in their daily lives. The trainees were taught meditation, yoga, group discussion, handicraft, games etc.

Rebia dissatisfied with pace of work

YUPIA, Apr 29: Minister for UD and Town Planning, Nabam Rebia visited Kamasaki on April 29 to oversee the progress of the under construction bridge sanctioned under NABARD at an amount of Rs 7 crore and expressed his utter dissatisfaction over the slow pace of construction of the bridge by the executing department, RWD.

He said that this is his fifth round of spot verification to the project and despite repeated directions to the executing agencies it is yet to be completed.

Accompanied by the SDO, Kimin PRI members and public, Rebia further directed officers of the RWD to complete the bridge by the month of May 2017, failing which; the RWD would be held responsible and answerable for further delay in timely completion of the bridge.

He also directed the SDO Kimin and PRI members to conduct spot verification from time to time, and instructed the Executive Engineer of RWD to constantly monitor and submit the progress report to the Papum Pare DC.

Later, he also visited the Circuit House, Kimin and instructed the PWD and contractor for timely completion of its construction work. (DIPRO)

Army projects under Op Sadbhawana inaugurated

INNAU, Apr 29: The army camps in Innau (Changlang) and Sadiya (Tinsukia) of Chowkham Battalion, under the aegis of Dao Division handed over the 5 KVA Solar Power Projects and toilet blocks constructed under "Operation Sadbha-wana" to the locals.

The Innau camp of Chowkham battalion inaugurated a 5 KVA solar power project for Innau community hall as there is acute shortage of electricity supply in the village.

In Sadiya also, the army camp inaugurated a 5 KVA solar power project at Chapakhowa Community hall along with '02 x toilet block' at Sunpura High School, Toribari.

The function, organized to hand over these facilities, was attended by local and civil dignitaries.

Such initiative of the Indian Army has been widely appreciated by all civil dignitaries as it is expected to further enhance the civil-military co-operation.

Ex-servicemen's rally in Tezu

TEZU, Apr 29: The Chowkham Garrison, under the aegis of DAO Divisionorganized an ex-servicemen's rally on April 29 in Tezu, which was attended by ex-servicemen from nearby villages of Lohit andNamsai district and Sadiya Sub-Division.

The programme was inaugurated by the Commander of the 'Lohitpur Garrison' along with the senior most ex-servicemen.

In his address, the Commander expressed his gratitude to ex-servicemen for their service to the nation. He also felicitated the Veer Naaris for their utmost scarifies.

The president of ESM Association,Chapakhowa also addressed the gathering and highlighted the issues faced by the ESMs and also the army's concern for their wellbeing.

The OIC ESM Cell (Lohit), District Agricultural Officer and District Medical Officer also addressed the gathering.

Representatives from the State Bank of India, Tezu branch, Aadhar and NPR registration were also present to guide the ESMs.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf assured full support to the ex-servicemen and requested the army to conduct similar rallies more frequently.