aug17 28

2017

August 28

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APCC holds CM responsible for mess in Rural Works Dept

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has held Chief Minister Pema Khandu responsible for the corruption while handling the PMGSY schemes in the Rural Works Department (RWD).

"It is due to negligence and inept handling by the state government that the PMGSY scheme is failing", the APCC stated in a release.

"Due to large scale corruption in the department, there are complaints and counter complaints from various sections of the people in the state. The state government is absolutely failing in stopping corrupt practices in various departments including the infamous PMGSY scheme in entire Arunachal Pradesh. The state government has to be held responsible and must be able to reply to the electorates and people of Arunachal Pradesh", the APCC said

Asserting that no individual officer or minister can be singled out for large scale corruption in PMGSY scheme, the APCC said that the flow of transparency, corruption-free government and efficient administration depends solely on the 12 ministers, who are headed by the Chief Minister.

Further, the APCC claimed that the PMGSY scheme seems to be coming to a total halt because of the indecisiveness, callousness and directionless attitude of the state government.

"Taking undue advantage of such typical and sophisticated situation, the NDA Government at the centre has already stopped release of two installments amounting to Rs 250 crores last May and Rs 300 crores in August. Payment has been stopped due to various investigations and cases leveled against each other within the family of BJP and the government", the Congress party alleged.

The APCC has also held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for non-release of funds at various levels, including PMGSY, adding that the contractors who have invested their money and machineries are now facing torrid times.

Bike lifters gang busted, five arrested

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Aug 27: The Arunachal Pradesh Police, Pasighat unit busted a gang involved in bike lifting and recovered five stolen bikes from different places of East Siang and Siang districts.

Four of the five arrested bike lifters were identified as Kaling Mize, Taken Mize, Tony Koyu and Tobing Dai.

Police said, one Kanggong Perme of Rani village had filed a complaint before police on June 26 this year that his FZS Yamaha motorcycle (AR 09A-9501) was stolen from his residence, and a case under section 379 IPC was registered.

During investigation, one Kaling Mize and his brother Taken Mize were arrested from Pasighat along with an associate. They have reportedly confessed their involvement in bike theft cases.

On interrogation, the trio disclosed the name of another bike lifter Tony Koyu (19) of Abor-Leku village under Jonai Police Station in Assam, who was subsequently arrested by the police.

Following his statement,Investigating officer (IO), SI Anong Apang recovered two motorcycles from Pasighat 2-Mile and Riga in Siang district.

The IO arrested one more bike lifter Tobing Dai of Berung village near Pasighat and recovered three motorcycles, which were lifted from Itanagar. All the three recovered bikes are FZS-16 series of Yamaha motorcycles.

Of the five recovered motorcycles, three were already handed over to the owners.

The IO communicated with the Itanagar Police Station for the unclaimed motor bikes (engine Nos. 21CG019013 and 21CH068885) to find the owners as these bikes were reportedly lifted from Itanagar.

The stolen motorcycle of the main complainant is yet to be recovered.

Silent bystanders

Monday Musing

[ Nellie N Manpoong ]

"He pulled her by the hair and dragged her to the end of the road, and then he kicked her in the stomach."

This is an incident narrated by someone who witnessed a physical assault by a husband on the wife on the streets of her residential colony recently. This probably is also the story of every other colony, every few days. The similarity in most such stories is that neighbours turn audiences and do not participate in the play, or maybe listen to it from the comfort of their homes, like a radio playing in the background.

Since no one is keen on intervening in anybody's private lives even if there has been an abhorring action by the perpetrators, many victims are subjected to the same treatment every few days; mainly because there is no one to help them.

Those who wish to help are silenced by "concerned" neighbours who remind them that it is none of their business, or that those involved would take it personally and come for them. So the fear which wasn't there to start with, houses itself, courtesy the concerned neighbour.

When reports of death by assault come to the fore, these very neighbours gossip amongst themselves on how the victim and perpetrator would argue and fight on several occasions. It certainly does not mean that every single one of your neighbours is not to be relied upon for help, but yes, many would prefer not being part of your chaos.

When a young Migrik Lomi was allegedly killed on July 31 last at her rented apartment in Lekhi village, the neighbours reportedly did not hear any commotion. The police or investigating authorities cannot pressurise anyone to come up and claim that they heard or saw something. Even if the neighbours did not hear anything, there must be substantial clues left by the attacker, and that is for the police to investigate.

Meanwhile, people came out to show their solidarity with the family and marched with candles in hand. However, the anger of the public is gradually subsiding and most will forget the crime like many other incidents, till a new crime is committed or a new life is lost. That is when people will take examples of Migrik Lomi and Ojing Taying since they are the freshest cases, to remind authorities of their incapability in capturing the killers.

Sadly enough, no one will stand up for someone on the streets when they are being attacked, especially when they are strangers. These audiences will find comfortable places behind doors and on terraces; they will call people in their houses to become one with the crowd and look on at the drama, and be glad that it isn't their drama.

However, there are instances where people have stepped in to help and in return been accused of a non-existential blame. The victims are threatened to speak on behalf of the assailant and make scapegoat of the one person who came to help them.

Such victims will remain victims unless they break the cycle of abuse and come out openly about any form of crime. They will also lose that one shot at rescue if they continue to say, "Kuch nahi hua, bhaiya. Roz hota hai yeh sab!"

There are victims who keep repeating that it is easier said than done, as the abused is usually unemployed and if employed, there are children at stack. Then there are those who make use of the legal system or help of organisations to their benefit and rid themselves of abusive partners. Children are also saved from the life-long trauma of witnessing their parents trying to kill themselves.

Experts say that it does not take long for verbal abuse to turn into physical abuse and in some cases, death. Maybe it is time neighbours become part of the drama, and maybe it is time victims stop being victims.

"Last I heard, she's been taken to the hospital. He blinded her in one eye."

CM meets Governor

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Chief Minister Pema Khandu called on Governor P B Acharya at Raj Bhavan here on Sunday and discussed on various developmental issues pertaining to the state.

The Governor shared his concerns and observations on various pending social welfare issues with the Chief Minister, and discussed matters related to education, health, Swachh Bharat Mission and dairy development.

The Chief Minister, who returned to the state Capital on Saturday, briefed the Governor on developmental activities all over Arunachal. (PRO to Governor)

East Kameng marching forward to put a stop to open defecation

SEPPA, Aug 27: East Kameng district is marching forward to put a stop to open defecation by the end of this year.

To give one final push to the ODF target, the Seppa division of PHE & WS conducted a series of sensitization programmes under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin at Nere, Ningcho and Lumdang Natung recently.

The awareness programme mainly focused on construction of sanitary toilets.

Bana Circle Officer Pooja Sonam Natung, who also is the Circle Officer for SBM (East Kameng), advised the gathering to construct sanitary toilets because it is a basic necessity for every human being.

As CO for SBM, she said that she was committed to making East Kameng ODF by the end of 2017 with the support of the PHE Department.

She appealed to the gathering to stop the practice of open defecation and use sanitary toilets only and make their district a role model for the entire state.

East Kameng Zilla Swachh Bharat Prerak, Devika Sahni said that one child dies in every 40 minutes in the country because of diarrhea and the disease is caused by open defecation. She advised the gathering to maintain high degree of sanitation practices to avoid water-borne diseases.

Assistant Engineer cum Nodal officer SBM-G Mayan Kino encouraged construction of permanent toilet structures and suggested twin pits and permanent septic tanks.

He told the gathering that he would never compromise with the work quality and amount for IHHL will be transferred to the beneficiary account only if he is satisfied with the work. He also informed the gathering that completed water scheme will be handed over to the Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC) for operation and maintenance.

Anchal Samity Chairperson of Papu Valley West, Yatik Natung and other speakers also discouraged open defecation and suggested construction of sanitary toilets. (DIPRO)

North East India showcased in Egypt

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Embassy of India in Cairo, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs showcased North East India through a photo exhibition and dance performance on August 24 last.

This event was part of the Government of India's ongoing efforts to promote North East India in the international arena and highlight the rich culture, traditions and tourism potentials of the North East.

The exhibition featured photos of the socio-cultural life, the religious practices and festivals from the states, like Horn Bill Festival and Bihu, besides other festivals and aspects from different states of North East India.

The officials and diplomats from the Embassy of India explained to the spectators, the background behind each of the photographs. A troupe from Manipur also gave a demonstration of the Manipuri martial arts Thang Ta, besides the enchanting dance of Basanta Ras.

This event also marked 70 years of India's diplomatic relationship with Egypt.

India and Egypt, two of the world's oldest civilizations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times, who have established diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level since 18 August, 1947.

The Ambassador of India to Egypt, Sanjay Bhattacharya said, "This is just the beginning, many such events are in the pipeline in the coming year.

The tourism seminar to be held in Cairo in September 2017, in coordination with ITO Dubai would also feature North East India among the many attractions in India for Egyptian tourists.

The Embassy of India thanked the state governments for their involvement in the event and urged them to participate in future events so that the more of this vast landscape of India is exposed to the international arena.

U-16 football team to participate in national championship

Staff Reporter

NAHARLAGUN, Aug 27: The U-16 boys’ football team this evening left for Imphal to participate in the U-16 National Football Championship, which is set to begin from August 30.

Sending off the team from Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) General Secretary Kipa Ajay asked the players to make the state proud with their performance.

Sports Authority of Arunachal Vice-Chairman G Doke, IMC Councillor Kipa Takum, along with other officials of APFA also gave pep talks to the players.

The U-16 team is being coached by Rocky Ramching and the team manager is Tapi Apa.

Further, Ajay informed that for the first time this year, 13 people have passed the AIFF "D" license course exam and have qualified to become the coach. Terming it as a big achievement, he said this will tremendously help to revolutionize football at grass root level.

"In the future, we will organize more such courses for various levels of coaches in the state. The idea is to make coaches available in every nook and corner of state. These coaches will nurture young talents and it will improve the standard of football in the state", he said.

The APFA General Secretary also informed that the Association has started two non-residential football academies for U-14 and U-12 players, before going on to share that Capital Complex FC, the winner of this year's Arunachal State Women's Football League, will play in the qualifying round in October this year to vie for a spot in the 2nd division of I-League.

Continuing Medical Education

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Arunachal State Branch, in collaboration with Hayat Hospital Guwahati organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) at Naharlagun on Saturday.

Assistant Professor Dr Bhabani Prasad Bordoloi, Department of GI Surgery, GMCH, Guwahati presented a paper on 'Management of Bilary Injury', while Assistant Professor Dr Pradip Kr Doley, Department of Nephrology GMCH, Guwahati spoke on 'Dialysis in Renal Disease'.

Dr Jego Ori of TRIHMS, Naharlagun spoke on professional conduct, ethics and etiquette. Doctors from different part of state attended the CME.

I-Clean Roing installs eco-friendly bamboo dustbins

ROING, Aug 27: Volunteers of I-Clean Roing installed 103 eco-friendly bamboo dustbins at Roing Park, Eze River DUDA view point and other parts of Roing Township on Sunday.

Over 30 members of I-Clean Roing were joined by the Department of Horticulture, led by P K Singh in the installation of eco-friendly dustbins.

Sanskrit speaking camp

ROING, Aug 27: A Sanskrit speaking camp was organised by RIWATCH from August 22 to 26 recently, which saw the participation of 70 students and 15 teachers from five different schools, besides community elders.

Pleased that many schools in Arunachal Pradesh use Sanskrit as a third language, Northeast Prant Sanghatan Mantri of Sanskrit Bharati, Bhuven Saikia gave information on how Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages and mother of many Indian languages.

"Scientific communities have already recognised its importance in computer language. If used as a spoken language, it helps in improving speaking and pronunciation skills as it gives effective twists and turns to our tongue", he added.

Resource persons from Sanskrit Bharati, Guwahati conducted practical sessions, including play way method of Sanskrit speaking, singing and dramatization to help new learners pick up the language easily.

Also attending the programme, Medical Superintendent of Roing District Hospital, Dr Ista Pulu said that the spirit of speaking a new but age-old and sufficiently equipped language needs to be preserved and promoted to understand the treasure of ancient knowledge.

Noting that there is a scarcity of Sanskrit teachers in schools, Roing DDSE Igo Doye emphasised on the necessity of such camps. Also appreciating the efforts of RIWATCH in conducting such camps, he said that if continued, at least 650 students of 12 schools will be benefited by learning the language.

Abdul Kalam Memorial basketball tourney begins

ROING, Aug 27: Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner, Deepak Shinde inaugurated the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Basketball Tournament at District Basketball Court in Roing on Saturday.

In the opening match, Mayodia Mithuns defeated Roing Riders 28/23.

The programme was organized by the District Sports Association and sponsored by the Arunachal Women and Child Welfare Society and others. (DIPRO)

Financial literacy camp conducted

Roing, Aug 27: Lower Dibang Valley District Administration, in collaboration with the NGO AMYAA conducted a financial literacy awareness programme for the public in Balek village.

Resource person and Roing SBI Chief Manager, M Ramchiary spoke on various central government subsidized schemes being implemented by NABARD and banks for the benefit of villagers. He also delivered a lecture on various other subjects, like financial inclusion, financial planning, saving account, recurring deposit, fixed deposit, loans and advances, PMJDY, PMSSY, PMJJBY, APY, KCC, MUDRA Yojna, Stand up India, Weavers Credit Card and Krishi Rinn Yojana.

A total of 34 members, including self help groups, farmers' club members, Panchayat leaders and villagers, besides AMYAA Secretary, R K Paul Chawang, along with his staff Aseng Perme and Ramesh Kumar Singh attended the programme.

ACLS wins Roing Solung Football Tournament

ROING, Aug 27: ACLS defeated ABK team 3-1 in the final of the Solung Football Tournament played at Meka General Ground on Sunday.

Witnessing the final of the tournament, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner, Deepak Shinde lauded the organizing committee for their team work for success of the ensuing Solung festival 2017.

The Central Solung Celebration Committee, Roing also expressed gratitude to the DC for his support in its endeavor.

Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary (WRD, Art & Culture), Gum Tayeng, inaugurated the arrow shooting competition at Solung Ground, Midland. Aken Jamoh and Kamin Pertin from Bolung Village came in at first and second places respectively, while Tembu Modi of Jia Village got the third position. (DIPRO)

Army to get medium range missile by 2020

NEW DELHI, Aug 27: After years of wait, the Indian Army will finally get an advanced medium-range surface to air missile (MRSAM) system by 2020 which will be able to shoot down ballistic missiles, fighter jets and attack helicopters from a range of around 70 km.

The missile system will be produced by premier defence research organisation DRDO in collaboration with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a senior army official said.

The MRSAM system will be capable of shooting down enemy ballistic missiles, aircraft, helicopters, drones, surveillance aircraft and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) aircraft, the official said on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The current version of MRSAM is operational with the Indian Air Force and the Navy.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Rs 17,000 crore deal with the IAI for the ambitious project.

The MR-SAM, a land-based version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) for the Navy, will have a strike range of up 70 km, the official said. The deal envisages 40 firing units and around 200 missiles.

"The MRSAM for Armys Air Defence is an advanced all weather, 360 degree mobile land based theatre air defence system capable of providing air defence to critical areas against a wide variety of threats in a combat zone," the official said.

The first set of missile system will be ready in the next three years, he said.

The Army has been pressing the government to enhance its aerial attack capability considering the evolving security challenges.

In May, the Army successfully test fired an advanced version of the Brahmos land-attack cruise missile in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Indian Army, which became the first land force in the world to deploy the Brahmos in 2007, has raised several regiments of this formidable weapon.

In May 2015, the Army had inducted the indigenously- developed supersonic surface-to-air missile Akash which is capable of targeting enemy helicopters, aircraft and UAVs from a range of 25 km.

The Army thinks procurement of the MRSAM will mark a paradigm shift in its strike capability. (PTI)

---- Editorial ----

Haryana govt fails

The Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s conviction for rape on Friday resulted in a complete law and order breakdown in and around Panchkula near Chandigarh. More than 30 people died as state government helplessly watched and allowed supporters of Ram Rahim to go on rampage and create absolute mayhem. The utter lack of seriousness on part of the Haryana government in preparing for the verdict despite clear indications of a crowd build-up as early as on Wednesday is questionable. The situation was so bad that it forced the Punjab and Haryana High Court to intervene decisively.

The court came down hard on Haryana government. Chief Minister ML Khattar and his cabinet miserably failed to deal with the situation. But so far no one has been held responsible for the failure which is absolutely shocking. Tomorrow CBI judge will pronounce sentence in the rape case. Hopefully this time government will not allow another round of violence. Also this whole case exposes how these religious leaders manipulate the followers to pressurize police and government. To his millions of supporters - mostly underprivileged, lower caste men and women - Singh is a protean leader of his flock. He mutates effortlessly from spiritual leader to flashy entertainer. Singh is known to use his political clout to influence the decision of government. Both BJP and Congress have been accused of taking his help in the elections.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Forced donations

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem daily, I would like to draw attention on Indirect collection of money in the name of donation from common citizens by Unions and Associations.

On the evening of 26 August 2017, I went to the Market at Naharlagun to buy some NoteBooks. To my surprise, a notebook with MRP 70 /- was being sold at Rs 70 whereas I thought it would be sold at around 60-65/- rupees. When I enquired why it was being charged at MRP rate, the Shopkeeper explained that there are more Unions and Associations than actual population. We have to pay the Unions and Associations. So, thats why we are charging at printed rate. Otherwise, I would have sold this note book at less than Rs 70".

He further claimed that, when somebody is selected from Arunachal at National or International level, then they collect donation from market although the selected one is sponsored by the Govt.

This is illegal and indirect way of collecting donation from common citizens by Unions and Associations.

I refuse to pay a single penny to these Unions and Associations.

I studied outside the state and at every shop, they charged less than printed rate. Some items like Pickles with MRP 110/- is sold out at around 70-80/- And Note book with MRP 110 was sold to us at 75-90/-. Not only this, but almost all the Items in the Market were charged lesser amount from the printed MRP. But in our state, Cold Drinks are being charged above the MRP. The shopkeepers are openly charging extra above the Printed rate.

So i do urge State Govt to look into this matter and take necessary actions.

And dear Citizens of Arunachal, open your eyes and say no to such kind of indirect way of collecting donation from us.

Yours,

Common Citizen

Naharlagun

Arunachal lacks strong opposition parties

Dear Editor,

In my humble opinion, the basic fundamental flaw in our Arunachal politics is the lack of an Opposition on the floor of our Assembly hall. Professor Ian Shapiro points out that, "Democracy is an ideology of Opposition as much as it is one of Government". That's why in every progressive and healthy democracies of the world, we find strong opposition political parties in their law making bodies to check, criticize, scrutinize the govt. actions and policies. At centre we find the INC and BJP led alliances, in the UK they have the Liberals and the Conservatives and in the US, they have the Republicans and the Democrats. We also believe in the principles and ideals of democracy, but practically we find no opposition system or party in our polity. It is always a single party dominance- be it the BJP, the Congress whatever. No wonder, in the end unlike the rest of the world where the financially richest member of a society happens to be either a capitalist entrepreneur or a drug dealer, in Arunachal we have our elected representatives representing them.

With all my compassion for any people seeking asylum in Arunachal, I also believe that adopting the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy would really be the first step towards adopting similar policies for other non-Arunachalee communities, which are numerous. Considering that we ourselves are a "Protected State", it doesn't make much sense to try to shoulder responsibilities of the world on our shoulders when we can't do it for our own. I think it will only lead to more chaos and disorganization. But it doesn't mean that the people of Arunachal do not help them, which they rather willingly do.

But even such a drastic Anti-Arunachalee policy could be adopted so callously by the govt., because of a lack of an effective opposition on the floors of our Assembly hall. No wonder, we have to resort to the AAPSU, which is actually supposed to be a student union body. That's why I request every responsible people of Arunachal to vote and elect for a non-BJP/non-INC party for atleast one term, which I’m going to do (for the birth of an Opposition). It's no use always blaming "the govt." when we are partly responsible for it. I also request the sole indigenous regional party, the PPA to fight tooth and nail against this policy of the govt. and prove to the people of Arunachal that they need not worry or feel so apprehensive about it. BJP led govt. does not seems to be interested to protect the rights and interests of the indigenous people of the state.

Yours,

Dite Pertin

Itanagar

Notify jobs or increase upper age limit

Dear Editor,

Our Chief minister , after increasing retirement age is making announcement of creation of various post , every fortnight . But where is the advertisement of those posts? Only announcement of creation of vacancy is being made without job vacancy notification.

Our beloved chief minister should know that by the end of this year like us many candidates will cross their upper age limit. But had the retirement age not been increased , there would have been many vacancies this year and we could have gotten one last chance to compete with other. Neither vacancies are being created nor government is ready to increase the upper age limit inspite of request from various NGOs and candidates. Without our fault we are going to suffer.

Our young and dynamic chief minister should also comprehend that there are no industries in our state. For every supply and contract work , money, blessing of politician and officers are required and the poor candidates like us has none of any one of these. So government job is our only option.

There fore, we appeal to the Chief minister to try to understand the pain and problem of candidates like us and keep your promise and notify the job vacancies before the end of this year or just increase the upper age limit for few more years.

Yours,

Aspirants

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---Editor