Aug 09
NE cultural festival begins with a call for unity
Illegal immigrants a threat to North-
Taba Ajum
ITANAGAR, Aug 08: The 4th North East Cultural Festival began today at Rajiv Gandhi
Stadium, Naharlagun with a call for unity among brethrens of North-
Addressing the participants in the festival, young and dynamic Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that he is lucky enough to witness rich culture of the region under one roof. “By this festival, the people, especially student communities of NE region are getting chance to understand culture and tradition of each other. The youths are the future of country and if youths of our region get united, sure the dynamics of NE region will change forever,” said Dr Sangma.
Speaking about ‘emotional’ illegal immigrant issue, Dr Sangma said time has come
for the Centre to wake up from deep slumber and seal the Bangladesh border like they
did in Kashmir. He said “the illegal immigrants pose serious threat to socio-
In his address, Arunachal Chief Minister Nabam Tuki while remembering legendary musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika on the occasion said he was a person who managed to unite whole NE region through music. Tuki urged young participants to learn from the life of Dr Hazarika.
“Late Bhupenda inspired many budding musicians of the region and therefore he was true cultural ambassador. Similarly young group of musician known as Shillong Chamber Choir won the heart of nation with their scintillating performance in a national television show. These talented musicians, beside promoting culture, are also source of uniting factor,” said Tuki.
Taking the opportunity Tuki called on NESO to take steps in order to ensure that youths of the region do not impose economic blockade against each other. “It has been noticed that even for minor incident people impose harsh economic blockade. Such inhuman act against fellow brothers and sisters of same region should be discouraged. NESO being apex student body of North East should take initiative in this regard,” said Tuki. The Arunachal Chief Minister further urged all the participants to take inspiration from North East sportspersons who are excelling at ongoing London Olympic.
NESO Chairman Dr Samujjwal Bhattacharya strongly pleaded for stopping influx of illegal foreign immigrant into North East region so that indigenous culture does not die a natural death.
“In Tripura indigenous people have become minority in their own land. Situation is similar in Assam and recent Kokrajhar is grim reminder of what can happen when indigenous people become minority in their own home,” said Dr Bhattacharya. He further added, “There is a urgent need for formation of North East Chief Minister’s conclave to discuss this burning issue. If steps are not taken now to prevent influx of illegal immigrants, in days to come entire NE region will have to suffer for it.” NESO Secretary General Gumjum Haider and AAPSU President Takam Tatung also spoke on the occasion.
The rich culture and tradition of the NE region was on full display today. Cultural
troupes from Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh presented spell-
Various student groups of North East including Garo Students Union (GSU), Khasi Students Union (KSU), Tripura Students Federation(TSF), Naga Students Federation (NSF), All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), MZP (Mizo Zrla Pawi), All Assam Students Union (AASU) and All Arunachal Pradesh Student Union are participating in it.
Also present on the occasion were Rajesh Tacho, Minister Urban development and Taba Taki, Chairman state Khadi and Village Industries Board.
Governor reviews greenfield airport project
ITANAGAR, Aug 08: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd.) JJ Singh was briefed on the action taken for construction of the Greenfield airport at Itanagar by Civil Aviation Commissioner Tape Bagra at Raj Bhavan, here today.
Continuing his personal effort to see that all the projects under Prime Minister’s
special economic package to Arunachal Pradesh are completed within the time-
Emphasizing its importance for the people of the State, especially during medical emergencies, Governor urged upon all concerned to address the issues related to the project on top priority. Governor advised the officials to ensure that project effected local population are given appropriate and just compensation as per rules. He added that he will be closely monitoring the progress of this important project.
Earlier, Civil Aviation Commissioner briefed the Governor on the project and the challenges for implementation. Beside this, the Governor was also briefed on the steps being taken for early restoration of the regular helicopter services to ameliorate the air connectivity between Guwahati and Itanagar and other areas. PRO to Raj Bhawan
World War II museum coming up at Nampong
Utpal Boruah
Itanagar, Aug 08: The tourism industry in Arunachal Pradesh has received a shot in the arm with the Union Ministry of Culture sanctioning funds for construction of a museum commemorating the World War 11 at Nampong in Changlang district.
The Second World War Memorial Museum, which will come up adjacent to the historic Stilwell Road, is expected to boost tourist inflow from South East Asian countries.
“The museum, to be constructed with a sanctioned amount of Rs 2.25 crore, will also be in honour of the Arunachalees who laid down their lives fighting under the British," Director of Research of Arunachal Pradesh government Tage Tada said.
Tada said that the sanctioned fund had already been released in the current fiscal and his department was undertaking the site selection job for the proposed museum.
“We have already entrusted the responsibility to the concerned engineering department for preparing the master plan of the building,” he disclosed.
He said the museum would not only preserve the remnants of the war, but also personal belongings of the soldiers and other persons involved.
The Stillwell road, near which the museum will be set up, belongs to a tourist circuit where there already exist a World War II cemetery near Jairampur, Hell Gate and the Iron Bridge, the last two being the living testimonies to the war.
The National Highway Authority has been undertaking renovation and construction of the Stilwell Road up to Pangsau Pass, the last Indian post.
“We have asked the NHA to re-
The irony is that not long after the construction of the Stilwell Road was completed and the first convoy of Allied supplies reached China in February, 1945, the Second World War ended.
The Stilwell Road's construction and the airlift of supplies from Assam to Yunnan in China across mountains exceeding 10,000 feet are considered to be one of the most remarkable chapters of World War II.
It was necessitated following the Japanese invasion of China and the consequent inability of the Allied Forces to reach supplies to China by sea.
To make matters worse, the Japanese land thrust towards India from South East Asia cut off access to the Burma Road once Myanmar fell.
The airlift from Assam, called “Flying the Hump”, became a legend in aviation history. Flown by American and Chinese pilots, several aircraft were lost on way. Lobbying to reopen the Stilwell Road, much of which lay in Myanmar, has been on for some time.
Nampong, where the museum is proposed to be built, is a town where unofficial trade between Myanmar and India is carried out. Trade articles on offer include packaged food items, garments, toiletry, cosmetics, porcelain and small gadgets.
Border policing in these parts works on the principle that people residing in the neighbourhood of the international divide be allowed to cross. There are specific days for visits by either side. PTI
Juvenile delinquency on the rise
Prafulla Kaman
PASIGHAT, Aug 08: An upswing in crime graph, especially delinquent crime, caught
the police-
A peek into the police reports of criminal activities reveals involvement of teenagers, especially the students studying in various schools of the town. Riding/ driving of two wheelers by minors addicted with alcohol and consumption of narcotics and contraband drugs by children are other manifestation of juvenile delinquency. This also makes a strong case for introduction of ethics and values, traffic education and crime prevention in the curriculum of school education, itself.
Some conscious citizens including members of Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) observe that role of the teachers, parents, NGOs and district administration at all levels is very important to check this before it goes beyond control.
“The police, civil administration, teachers and parents need to be sensitized on the ill effects of juvenile delinquency in the society. We need to take immediate remedial measures and act promptly to tackle the burning issue”, opined one Ungkung Regon, chief adviser of AdiSU, East Siang unit.
Regon has pointed out many causative factors such as lack of parental guidance, neglect
in upbringing of children by parents/guardians and teachers, exposure of raunchy
videos, lack of emphasize in ethics and strict ruling system in educational system.
He feels necessity to conduct regular “Parents-
“Our growing children are marching towards a bleak future. They have fallen into grip of detrimental practices like consumption of alcohol and other contraband drugs, which influence them to commit offensive activities. It is high time for the society to rise to the occasion to save our children from going astray, said some elderly citizens of Pasighat, who were visibly upset over the growing drug menace.
Meanwhile, the district unit AdiSU has moved the East Siang Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police and appealed them to deal with the drugs trafficking. It further urged the administration to issue executive order banning use of motor bikes (with gear) and mobile phone among the youths below 18 years and also the students at primary and secondary levels. It also sought active participation from ‘Adi Bane Kebang’ and other social organizations.
KHONSA, Aug 08: The Khonsa Police added another feather on its cap by arresting 3 women opium smugglers on August 4 last.
Acting on a tip off, Khonsa Police led by OC Thomas Pertin swung into action and
arrested Yamna Rumsu, Ngena Kongphe and Chumte Ngongpa, all from Lazu circle with
1200 grams [approx] of opium smeared in clothes from their possession. They were
caught at Kheti village from a vehicle on Khonsa-
It is needless to mention here that opium addiction is rampant in Tirap district and cultivation of opium is going on clandestinely for commercial purpose, especially in remote areas of the district. The public has appreciated the Khonsa Police for its timely action. DIPRO
Tamulang Taloh memorial volleyball tourney begins
ITANAGAR, Aug 08: The first ever Volleyball Tournament organised in memory of Late
Tamulang Taloh, father of Tapang Taloh, Director School Education, began at Solung-
Late Tamulang Taloh was a well known figure in the Adi belt for promoting wet rice cultivation and encouragement of education to the children of remote village of Ledum, East Siang district.
While narrating the life history of his late father, Dr Tamut Taloh, Jt Director of Health Services, recalled how his father struggled for the education of his children in those days when education in the then NEFA was in nascent stage.
Belatee Pertin, IAS while applauding the Taloh family for organizing such tournament, stressed that how a visionary parents can mould the future of the children. He emphasized that every parents should follow the example set by Late Tamulang Taloh.
DSE Taloh, who is also President of Solung Festival Celebration Committee, 2012 highlighted the motive behind the conduct of such tournament. He urged all the participating team to maintain sportsmanship spirit and appealed all the denizens of capital complex to join in the ensuing Solung festival.
Superintending Engineer, Getom Borang, General Secretary, Solung Festival Celebration Committee 2012 also spoke on the occasion.
The final match of the tournament would be held on August 26. Altogether nine teams are vying for the coveted trophy this year.
Koronu team win 3rd Naba Ita Pulu Memorial Football Tourney
Raju Mimi
ROING, Aug 08: Koronu football team emerged champion of the third Naba Ita Pulu Memorial
Football Tournament 2012 defeating Denlo XI by 2-
The match was taken to extra time after both the teams were tied 1-
MLA Laeta Umbrey gave away the memorial cup to the winning team in a ceremony held at Intaya Public School ground.
Wangnot Tikhak, Sub-
Koronu team was considered the favourite team of all the 16 teams that participated
in the tournament. It defeated Cheta FC by 2-
Koronu team was leading 1-
Ampo Nguri scored the winner for Koronu team.
Nguri was awarded the best player of the tournament and shared the top scorer award with Tayeng. Denlo goalkeeper Bippi Linggi won the best goalkeeper of the tournament award. Ajay Saring, DIPRO gave away the prize for best player and highest scorer. The prize for the best goalkeeper was given by Israel Megu, public leader.
Earlier, before the start of the match, Umbrey in his speech took the opportunity to spread the message of the tournament – ‘Say no to drugs, say yes to life’, loud and wide.
“Opium addiction is a disease that kills a society slowly, and robs of its health and wealth, he said.
The tournament was organized by Dibang Sports Club with support from the district administration and the district sports office.
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News Impact
Cash reward stands
ITANAGAR, Aug 08: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele. numbers : 09436040006/09856060490.
Guv congrats Ansari
ITANAGAR, Aug 08: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd) JJ Singh has congratulated
Mohammad Hamid Ansari on being re-
The Governor, on behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh, conveyed warm greetings and good wishes for a successful tenure. Singh expressed his hope that every Indian will be benefitted through wisdom and visionary acumen of Ansari.
It may be recalled that Ansari was on a three-
ADC inspects flood hit WRC fields
Aalo, Aug 08: Kamba ADC Nyiken Lollen accompanied by ADO Karmin Kamki, departmental engineers, public leaders and Head Gaon Burah Mormi Ninu of Kambu village inspected the flood hit WRC fields of Kambu area recently. He assured the flood affected people to take up the matter with government for flood control measures and also for providing relief assistance for them.
Several acres of land with standing crops and granaries were damaged in the recent flood. DIPRO
ARF calls on CM, demands action
ITANAGAR, Aug 08: The Arunachal Righteous Forum (ARF) headed by its president met the Chief Minister at his office on August 6 and demanded him to take disciplinary action against the Chief Engineer Planning, Transmission and Monitoring Zone, Department of Power for his alleged involvement in financial mismanagement of RGGVY and APDRP schemes.
The Forum, while deciding to keep its agitation temporarily in abeyance till completion of the investigation, further demanded suspension of the officer during the period of enquiry to ensure free and fair investigation.
Informing that a high level enquiry committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of principal Secretary (power) to enquire into the matter, the Forum further claimed that Power Minister (electrical) had assured it of stringent action against whoever is found guilty.
ARF said that the enquiry should be completed within a month failing which it threatened to continue its movement.
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24 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.
New opportunities
Asian Development Bank comes with an ambitious plan to help develop airport infrastructure
in Bhutan. The Asian Development Bank grant of nearly $7 million for Air Transport
Connectivity Enhancement Project will help Bhutan upgrade three domestic airports,
boosting the country’s fast-
Senior Transport Specialist in ADB’s South Asia Department observed that the current facilities are fairly basic and with air transport activity in Bhutan set to expand significantly as a result of the government’s push to bring tourists to the country, there is a pressing need for improvements. He added that better connections will lead to new opportunities for private businesses and employment in poor areas where development is badly needed.
Bhutan’s small population, mountainous terrain and formidable weather conditions make it difficult and expensive to build and maintain transport infrastructure, especially roads.
It is hoped that safer and more efficient airports in Bhutan will improve links to markets and help promote more evenly distribute economic development opportunities. The project will also help cut travel time and provide better access to emergency services for people in areas where road accessibility is poor.
