The Arunachal Times - Archives

Citizens should exercise restrain: Pul

Helipad, steel bridge inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Assam Arunachal boundary is an issue to be taken at Government level and people of both sides should not strain its age-old relationship on petty issues, said Finance, Tax & Excise Minister Kalikho Pul while inaugurating a helipad at Sunpura after successful test landing there yesterday. The area borders Assam. He also declared open 15 meters Span steel bridge connecting New and Old Hatiduba on the occasion.

Expressing his satisfaction over construction of road connecting Tezu – Sunpura , he insisted on proper execution of road from Jeko to 19 Mile for which Rs 40,00,000/- has been earmarked . The reservation of forest has been a past mistake and de-reservation is now a lengthy process. The Tribal right on forest land will rescue our tribal people to claim their individual and community land and people can seek redressal from the concern department, he added. He was addressing a huge gathering at Sunpura.

He spelt out in detail about the management of revised and arrear Pay of the government servant under Sixth CPC. The problems of Doctors, Nurses, Teachers and Police who are working round the clock in providing essential services are his priority area and they should keep-up their reputation. The government is taking a policy to regularize the teachers serving under SSA.

Appreciating the VKVians who turn-up for reception with band braving the inclement weather, the Minister gave away Rs. 50,000/- to meet up their contingency expenses and directed the work department to prepare a detail estimate on fencing works as desired by the Principal of VKV Sunpura . The hydropower projects taken up on Lohit River will be great source of revenue for the state and wave of apprehension by few people is not backed by any logic, he said. Replying to the public memorandum submitted by Sunpura ZPM , he assured to look into it on priority basis .

The former representative of Tezu-Sunpura Karikho Kri said that enormous effort has been put on road, infrastructure development of Medical , Education and Circle Office.

His main focus in future will be shifted on irrigation system as the area has a vast fertile land with rich productivity. The monsoon this time has been quite harsh on farmers resulting in crop losses, he said and urged the minister to declare as “Drought Area” during this year.

The 2004 flood that wrecked Sunpura to isolation and outbreak of epidemic has prompted him to conceive the idea of a landing ground there for emergency evacuation and flow of relief materials, he said.

An independent MLA cannot bring development to such an extend unless he works as a team with other senior ministers of Lohit, Anajaw and the state Chief Minister, Kri added. (DIPRO)

ASUD takes up reservation with Centre

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Arunachal Student Union Delhi met Union Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik and APCC President and Minster for P.W.D and U.D Nabum Tuki at Arunachal House in New Delhi, regarding the reduction of reservation of S.T from existing 7.5% to 1% in Education Sector by the Delhi govt. The Union informed that Wasnik assured to solve the problem at the earliest while Tuki promised to take up the matter with concerned people.

Speaking on the occasion Lokam Anand President and Tali Gongo General secretary A.S.U.D condemned the decision taken up by the Delhi Govt. and requested the ministers to look into the matter and highlight the Importance of reservation for the North East students and Arunachal in particular.

Meanwhile ASUD is organising Freshers-Meet on Aug 29 at Arunachal House.

Suspension Bridge over Poma River inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: MLA N. Pinch has inaugurated a Rod-Wire Suspension Bridge on the river Poma linking Tarasso and Bassernillo at Ramghat. The bridge is 150 meters in length and 3 meters in breadth on August 22 last

With the bridge having been commissioned, the people of Tarasso and Bassernillo have heaved a sigh of relief. The bridge is a great boom to the people of either side of river particularly in the rainy days when the river is high spate.

On the occasions Pinch was accompanied by EAC Balijan, AE PWD Sub-Division Balijan, AE WRD, GB’s, Panchayat Leaders besides people of the villages said a release issued by the Office of the MLA.

CHC Deomali delivers service

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Deomali CHC, Tirap would have twelve Doctors including part-time Specialists, a Dentist and five Medical Officers. It’s expected that by the end of 1st week of September the CHC would be fully functional, however, VHAI has started providing services from Aug 1 itself much to the relief of the people of the area.

Five Specialists including a surgical specialist, Pediatrician, Gynecologist, Ophthalmologist and Medicine-Specialist have started providing services at the CHC. At present they visit the CHC once in a week, which is likely to be enhanced in future.

Awareness programme on medicinal plants

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Aakash Creations Development Society of India (ACDS) and Mehcha Welfare Society, Yachuli with technical support from Regional Research Institute (Ayurveda), Itanagar, organized one day awareness programme on Commercial Cultivation of Medicinal Plants at Yachuli, Lower Subansiri district on August 17,

Inaugurating the workshop ZPM, Yachuli Toko Punna, urged members of the welfare association to acquire the knowledge about the medicinal plants imparted by resource persons coming from different organizations.

Executive Secretary, ACDS Arun J. Mulla appealed women groups of the village to come forward for some constructive activities to improve the economic status of the villager.

Assistant Director, Regional Research Institute (Ayurveda) Itanagar Dr Ramashankar and North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine, Pasighat illustrated the importance of medicinal plants cultivation for the economic development of this region. He emphasized on the cultivation of few prioritized plants in the area rather than all medicinal plants. Further he mentioned the suitability of three plants Embelia ribes, Acorus calamus and Rubia cordifolia for the locality in initial stage and explained the detail cultivation procedure and pharmaceutical value of these plants and assured to provide seedlings for cultivation of medicinal plants.

North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM), Pasighat Dr Sourabh Deb, explained the importance of traditional medicine and different initiatives taking by NEIFM for the development of the region.

There was a field visit arranged for participants accompanied by Dr Rama Shankar, Dr Deb and Mulla for identifying those plants in field condition as well as for understanding their adaptability in the climatic condition.

MECHA Welfare Society Secretary, Joram Boke, ACDS, project coordinator Jyotimas Isalery and Joram Yajum also spoke on the occasion.

All together 75 women leaders took part in this programme.

A glaring human rights violation

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: An 11-year-old girl is being treated for shock in the Indian state of Manipur after spending five days in police custody. Bidyarani Devi Salam was taken from her home by security forces on the morning of 14 August.

"Amnesty International calls for an immediate investigation and action against the policemen responsible for carrying out this shameful act," said Madhu Malhotra, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Asia Pacific Amnesty Programme.

Local human rights organizations have alleged that the police abducted the minor girl to make her parents - who were suspected of helping local armed opposition groups – give themselves up.

"A minor girl being targeted by armed forces to justify their action against armed opposition groups is an unacceptable act and should not be tolerated under any circumstances," said Madhu Malhotra.

"It's high time that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, which gives immunity to security and paramilitary forces in conflict with armed opposition groups, is repealed."

The police maintain that they had taken the girl for medical treatment after she fainted during their visit to her house to search for her parents. However, the police could not explain why she was not sent to a children's home or to a hospital for treatment.

Bidyarani Devi Salam was released and handed over to relatives on Thursday, after police had arrested her parents under suspicion of helping the Manipur People's Liberation Army.

On Thursday evening she was being treated at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Manipur. Doctors said it was too early for a diagnosis and that she was under observation. Mala Lisam, the Manipur state coordinator of Childline, said child welfare organizations are now deciding how to help her.

This is the second time in a month that Manipur has come under sharp focus for gross violations of human rights. On 23 July, Manipur police and security forces shot dead a 27-year-old unarmed former militant, Chungkam Sanjit, and a pregnant woman bystander in the main market of Manipur.

Manipur chief minister, Ibobi Singh, has ordered a judicial inquiry into the 23 July killings and suspended six policemen. However, the policemen are yet to be formally charged with murder. A court has given the state government until 25 August to file formal charges.

On 4 and 5 August, police detained seven human rights activists including three women after they led peaceful protests to the state governor's residence, seeking the dismissal of the policemen for the murders and the filing of formal charges against them.

"Instead of taking legal action against the security forces committing gross human rights violations the state has chosen to punish local activists for peacefully raising their voices to seek justice," said Madhu Malhotra. Manipur has witnessed recurrent protests against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, which gives immunity to security and paramilitary forces in the conflict with armed militias.

Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have repeatedly demanded the repeal of this legislation which went against India's international obligations to protect human rights.

Spanish language and culture course at RGU

RONO HILLS, Aug 23: Hola,(Hello) Buenos tardes a todos! (Good afternoon to all), ¡ Cómo estais? (How are you doing?), Muy bien, gracias, ( I am very well, Thank you), ¿y tu? (How about you?) These Spanish words echoed at the Conference Hall of Rajiv Gandhi University at the certificate awarding function held yesterday. They were spoken by the 13 students who did a 60 hours course on Spanish Language and Culture.

This was the outcome of the MOU signed between Rajiv Gandhi University and the Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Tarragona last year. Professor Marta-Beatriz Vizca?no Español was successful in teaching students the basics of Spanish lingua (language), dance, Cocinar (cuisine) and the rich culture of Spain.

Vice Chancellor RGU Prof. K.C.Belliappa gave away the certificates while Prof Marta made a presentation on “Spanish Gypsy Life” with video clippings.

Society rally behind MLA

ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Poma Rillo Youth Welfare Society while reacting to allegation of non performance leveled by the ZPM of Upper Balijan and Tarasso against MLA Ngurang Pinch, said that development activities carried out by the MLA deserves appreciation.

It said that MLA fulfilled his pre election promise of road to Poma Village and a bridge over Rello river have been constructed with his initiatives. It suggested that leaders visit the area to take stock themselves.

Ringu resigns

ITANAGAR: Kenyir Ringu resigned from Indian National Congress to join Nationalist Congress Party State. She was a State Executive Member of the INC. Ringu is a Member, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women.

“Arunachalee looted”

ITANAGAR: Rs 3 lakhs was reportedly looted at gunpoint at Samarjan, Dhemaji from one Mari Laye last night at 7:30 pm.

The incident happened when passenger was crossing the flood damaged portion of NH 52 on foot accompanied by two female relatives.

The delayed restoration work has increased the vulnerability of Arunachal passengers to various forms of exploitation. Prime minister himself needs to intervene to put in place an all highway for the region said Dr. Tado Karlo, chairman, of North East Indigenous Human Rights Organisation.

2nd Tarung Pabin Memorial Solung tournament

ITANAGAR: 2nd Late Tarung Pabin Memorial Solung Tournament was kicked off by MLA Omak Apang at Mirem, East Siang District on August 20 last. In the opening match Rising Star Ralung beat Sibut Mabar 3-1. Altogether 18 teams are participating in the week long tournament.

Speaking on the occasion Apang advised the players to maintain sportsmanship spirit and assured to provide possible help to the Mirem Sports Association (MSA). He donated a sum of Rs 25000 to the organizing committee.

Meanwhile, MSA President Obang Mize thanked MLA Omak Apang, official and others for attending the opening ceremony.

AdiSU project 2nd phase Band

ITANAGAR: After a 12 hours bandh call on August 6 last at East Siang, Upper Siang, West Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit Districts, the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has decided to call its second phase 48 hours bandh call on September 10 and 11.

AdiSU said that despite repeated appeals and protest, the state government has failed to initiate any steps on their demands regarding Dam projects in Adi belt and review of the MoAs, compensation to land donors of Joypur, New Jengthu and Samuguri in Namsai sub-division, maintenance and renovation of Boys hostel of Jawarhar Lal Nehru College, Pasighat.

(Readers’ Forum)

Pongte’s contribution cannot be undermined

Madam,

We, the common mass of 53-Changlang (North) S/T Assembly Constituency are surprised to see the allegations made against Wangnia Pongte on the ground of 'Development Lacking throughout the constituency during his five years tenure as MLA.

The allegations made through the Reader's Column of Arunachal Times on 13"' & 14"' of August 2009, wherein it has also been projected that, some people from the Tutsa Community are breaking away from Pongte's camp, is not only a baseless but totally false. The fact remains that the Tutsa community is whole heartedly supporting W Pongte.

With the assembly elections knocking on the door, all the rival groups and parties have become actively busy with raising false allegations and propaganda against the sitting MLA.

We would further like to clarify the allegations made against Pongte of not doing any developmental works in his constituency.

It needs to be mentioned that, all the major establishments such as Changlang RFG Degree College, Officer’s Club, Judge's Building, Extension & Up-gradation of District Hospital, Extension & Up-gradation of Circuit House at Changlang and many other important establishments been implemented during Pongte’s tenure.

On road connectivity an amount of Rs 9 crores been sanctioned from PMGSY against Changlang - Kuchep road and is under implementation, an amount of Rs 1 80 crores for construction of road for Jongpho village has been sanctioned from PMGSY, another 3 (three) more roads are under construction for Jongrani to Nakang village. Nine Mile Coffee to Relangkan Village and Phangtip to Waltom village have also been sanctioned under DOTC and SPA fund. All these developmental activities on road connectivity have been done during the tenure of W Pongte.

In regard to Construction Changlang - Margeritha road, we would like to mention that the said road had been taken up under NEC Scheme during the tenure of T Taiju, the then Minister for IFCD.

Crores of rupees was sanctioned for it’s implementation but nothing been done in the field and thus crores of rupees been misused.

The government is not going to sanction any more fund against the said road till it's life span is over despite repeated approach. However, the present MLA is initiating for taking up the road under CRF for double line road.

As regards to renovation of township road of Changlang, it is to be mentioned that, every year an amount of Rs.50 Lacs is being sanctioned either from SPA or MLA LAD. Unfortunately, this year due to the sudden flash flood the roads of township have been badly affected.

However, with the help of the chief minister Dorjee Khandu, measures have been taken up for restoration of road connectivity throughout the township.

Some works are yet to be complete, for which an estimate for Rs.2 (two) crores has been submitted with the government which is also under active consideration.

In regard to construction of Road from Changlang - Yankang- Khonsa, it is to be mentioned that, the road had been taken up under Arunachal Trans Highway Scheme and are going to be implemented soon.

All the above contributions by W Pongte cannot be ignored.

We appeal to the common people not to fall in the net of false propaganda and support the genuine candidature of the sitting MLA to represent the people.

Hongwang Kungkho

Vice president, Youth Congress Changlang district

Baitu Youngja

Public leader, Kongsa village

Kamthan Tailu

Public leader, Kuthong village

Noki Kungkho

ASM Phangtip, GPC

Kapwang Kanglom

ASM, Yankang-Jongrom, GPC

Lemthing Wangrey

Former GPM, Longpha village

Ten years after…

Madam,

Since the creation of Changlang district, bifurcating Tirap in mid 80’s, Changlang was divided into two constituencies – Changlang North and Changlang South.

Since its inception, Changlang South constituency (Khimiyong circle) was fortunate to have had socio-economic development. Electricity, water supply, road communication had reached every nook and corner, even to far end of villages adjacent to Burma. Moreover the villagers had bus service from Changlang town to Khimiyong(36km).

However, during last 10 years, Changlang South (Khimiyong circle) has been facing hell-like situation. Literally nothing was done, not even restoration or maintenance of the existing infrastructure. The roads are in such depleted condition that they are not in shape for plying buses. In cases of emergency, people are helpless. All development activities are also being hampered due to dilapidated road condition. There are no adequate rations supplies, proper medical facilities and no improvement in education scenario.

In fact, the Govt has been allocating crores of rupees every year under DoTC, SPA, BADP, MIC fund, besides MLA fund for development of Khimiyong circle and Tirap and Changlang as a whole. However, during the ten years there is no sign of developmental work.

Therefore, we appeal chief minister to investigate into the matter through appropriate investigating agency.

Yours,

Timpu Ngemu, GS

All Changlang District Students’ Union

Changlang

Appeal to APPSC

Madam,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to appeal to APPSC to provide option for applying advertised jobs online. This will help those professionals who are staying outside Arunachal. I know many of students and professionals who don't have relatives there at Itanagar. After verifying the applications online, the Commission can post the required form to the candidates.

Moreover, it is sad to see that the APPSC website has not been updated since ages. This is also true for almost all departments of Arunachal. In today's internet age, we would expect the prestigious organizations like APPSC to have at least well updated website with option to apply for jobs online.

Yours,

Bomken Basar

Sr. Software Engineer

IBM, Bangaore

Abolish bad practices

Madam,

Vidhan Sabha election is knocking at the door of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been observed since long that the voters are demanding huge money from the particular candidate in spite of their own choice. And sometimes they run after other candidates for double money, that’s why the candidate/party workers have been resorting to administer oath which is a bad practice.

I therefore request all the voters, candidates, party workers to abolish the bad practices such as Oath in this ensuing election, let us exercise our fundamental right in a peaceful manner.

Yours,

Nima Bagang

Naharlagun "C" sector