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2011

December -  27

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MLA  and DC visit remote villages

YINGKIONG, Dec 26: With an objective of getting first hand information regarding various problems and grievances of the villagers living in remote and far flung areas, Yingkiong-Tuting MLA Alo Libang conducted a week-long foot march to reach remote and backward villages including Zido, Angging, Singging, Palling, Likor and Pugging and Gette from December 17 to 23. The DC was accompanied by senior public leaders, deputy commissioner and development officers and officials.

The MLA interacted with village heads and panchayat leaders and assured to fulfill all the demands and basic requirements of the villagers.

Responding to a memorandum submitted to him by the panchayat leaders, the MLA said that he would consult with the authorities concerned and experts before taking up major development projects like construction of road from Likor to Zido and Ngamying to Singga. He appealed to one and all to extend their cooperation for rapid development of his constituency in the field of education, health, road connectivity and power sector.

Other demands of the memorandum included construction and extension of the Dere, school  buildings, CC steps, medical centre, water supply connection, school infra-structure, hanging bridges etc.

The Secretary, PHE Er. Tomi Ete stressed on his one-point agenda of focusing on total sanitation campaign,  health and hygiene for the people living in rural areas during his tour.

Deputy commissioner Borang informed the people that the road from Zido to Ngamying would be completed soon and the reconstructed Nubo bridge over Siang River connecting the left and right bank would be commissioned as well. He asked the people to cooperate the Goan Buras for solving petty problems and further informed that the state Govt. has temporarily stopped  appointment of new Gaon Buras and also encouraged villagers in agriculture and horticulture sector.

Senior public leader Gemin Jiji highlighted on all the major development projects initiated and achieved by the present MLA. DIPRO

 

Backyard poultry units under RKVY

MAHADEVPUR, Dec 26: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary; Lohit district launched  Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojna (RKVY) in Lohit today.

The department distributed inputs to 50 farmers under RKVY-Backyard Poultry Units in Mahadevpur and Namsai area.

Altogether 100 units of Backyard Poultry, 10 units of Piggery and 8 Dairy units are being implemented in the district under RKVY this year,  District Veterinary Officer informed. He sought co-operation, especially from PRIs and farmers to bring a tangible change in animal husbandry sector.

 

Org demands

ITANAGAR 26: Tirbin Unemployed Youth Association (TUYA) of West Siang appealed to the General Manager of State Bank of India (SBI) Arunachal Pradesh to look into the banking problems of the area.

It said that there is feasibility for establishment of a branch in the circle as there are more than 8000 people in the area.

The association also appealed to the local MLA of the constituency to look into the problem due to non-existence of a bank branch.

 

AAPBPA reiterates demands

ITANAGAR, Dec 26:  Reiterating its previous demands All Arunachal Pradesh Border Peace Association (AAPBPA) today demanded installation of CCTV cameras at check gates and other important places. The association also demanded the government to create Village Defence Police (VDP) to look after the law and order problem in border areas.  

Meanwhile, the  association condemned the organizations that raised border issues without its acknowledgment.

 

Apex bank mourns Dastidar Dada

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: The employees of the Arunachal Pradesh State Coop.Apex Bank Ltd. deeply mourned the demise of Bidyut  Kumar Ghosh Dastidar, one of the pioneers in setting up of the Apex Bank in 1977. He  served in different capacities in the Cooperative Sector for more than 40 years.

The staff of HO and Capital Complex branches of the Bank observed 2 minutes silence and prayed for the peace of departed soul.

 

AAPYO supports UAEA

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: Ahead of  Unemployed Arunachalee Engineers’ Association (UAEA) proposed peaceful dharna at Raj Bhawan road here on Tuesday to press for its demands,  All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) today expressed its solidarity to the association and  urged the authority concerned to re-conduct the Assistant Engineer (civil) Examination at earliest.

Earlier UAEA demanded APPSC chairman’s resignation and re-conduct of the examination.

 

Restore power supply

ITANAGAR, Dec26:  Irked with irregular power supply, Pee Valley Youth Welfare Association of Pania circle under Kurung Kumey district today demanded immediate restoration of power supply in the area. The Association claimed that electricity which is supplied from Palin to Pania ADC headquarter was snapped since 2002 for which the government officials are reluctance to stay at Pania, it claimed.

 

PhD for Rima Taipodia

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: Rima Taipodia, sub treasury officer Koloriang, has qualified for  Ph. D degree for his thesis – “Ecological effect of planting time, fertility levels, and PSB on growth and yield of winter maize (Zea mays L.) after harvesting rice”.

He conducted his research under the guidance of  Dr. A.K.Shukla, Head department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University.

Taipodia is the first among Galos to get Ph.D in Botany from RGU.  

He is the son of Tari Taipodia, retired teacher and late Dakbom Karbak. Dr. Taipodia completed his schooling from Ramakrishna Mission school Aalo and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Jairampur.

His degree will be conferred at the next convocation of the University.

 

Upgraded school inaugurated

DAPORIJO, Dec 26: Parliamentary Secretary, Health and Family Nido Pavitro inaugurated the upgraded Niji Govt. Middle school  during his recent visit to the village.

He was accompanied by Marina Nido, Chairperson APSSWB, DC, SP and other officers.

Addressing the public on the occasion, he announced to sanction fund for extension of two classrooms and toilet for the school. He also assured black topping of the road from Ligu to Niji, separate administrative center for Sigin-II, Primary Health Centre at Hangkar village. He distributed 900 mosquito nets to the villagers.

Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for GNM Nursing School at Daporijo to be constructed with a cost is Rs.5 crore  and executed by RWD Daporijo division.

Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner, A Abhyankar informed public that a separate Jansubhida branch is being opened in the DC’s office for the public convenience from where public could collect all kinds of certificates such as PRS, ST certificates and other necessary documents. He also informed that mobile DC office camp will be conducted at Niji village during the second week of January, 2012. He donated 15 pairs of desks and benches for the said school. DIPRO

 

Bandhs on Tamar Yorpen suicide case

ITANAGAR, Dec 26:  In a dramatic development in Tamar Yorpen suicide case, Galo Students Union (GSU) and West Siang District Students Union (WSDSU) jointly called 12 hours Aalo bandh on  December 29 reacting against All Kombo Welfare and Development Society’s (AKWDS) demand to arrest GSU president for allegedly manhandling vice principal Jomdo Lona on Tamar Yorpen suicide case on October 24 last.

Meanwhile, All Kombo Youth Association (AKYA) and All Kombo Students’ Association (AKSA) also declared 12 hours Aalo bandh on January 4 reacting against the district administration’s alleged failure to arrest Galo Students Union (GSU) president for allegedly manhandling Lona and demanding revocation of the suspension of Lona.

In a joint mailed press statements, the associations further claimed that Aalo Police had revealed Tamar Yorpen suicidal note was fabricated.  Further, the associations maintained that their agitation would be in phase wise manner till their demands are met.

It later resented over the statements of various organizations condemning the AKWDS demand for arrest of GSU president.

Basar Ao Welfare Association has also condemned AKWDS demand for arrest of GSU president.  

 

Make way for IAS/APCS officer: APCSOA

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: In a representation to the Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officer’s Association (APCSOA) had called for assigning the Director Elementary Education (DEE) post to an IAS/APCS officer.

While informing that during the cabinet meeting on Dec 27, creation of DEE post would be one of the agendas, it called on the Chief Minister to adhere by the government of India’s notification and accordingly assign the post of DEE if approved, be marked for IAS/APCS cadre.

Directorate of School Education in the state has been bifurcated into Secondary (DSE) and Elementary (DEE), and a departmental candidate has already been appointed as DSE, it said while adding that it is the moral responsibility of the government to assign the DEE post to a Civil Service Cadre (IAS/APCS).

It argued that once a person from the same department gets into a Director’s chair, there is no way to remove him/her in case he/she is found to be inefficient. If an IAS/APCS officer is posted to the Director post, the government can make changes any time basing on the performance; thus extracting the best out of a Civil Servant, the association added.

 

KVK training

ITANAGAR, Dec 26:  Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap organized a 3 days training programme on recent advances in field crop cultivation for the agriculture development officers and field level workers of Kanubari and Deomali sub division at Kanubari recently.

The training was conducted by Dr. Simanta Kumar Kalita, SMS (Agronomy) KVK, Tirap for increase in production and productivity of field crops in Tirap district. SRI (System of Rice Intensification) cultivation methods of paddy, vermicompost preparation and its advantage in agriculture and cultivation of quality protein maize and baby corn were also demonstrated through power point presentation.

They also visited the front line demonstration plot on Toria (Variety TS-38).

Altogether 14 staff members have participated in the training programme.

 

20-Twenty cricket tourney

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: The second district level 20-Twenty cricket tournament organised by All West Kameng Youth Association (AWKYA) began at Bomdila today.

The inaugural match was played between Tanga Yankees Club and New Bomdila Cricket Club in which the former defeated the latter by 10 runs.

Bittu Das of Tanga Yankees was adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’.

The inaugural match was witnessed by Tsering Wange, president of Arunachal Mountaineering & Adventure Sports Association, Shambu Siongju, district BJP president and Dorjee Tsering, president of Bomdila Co-operative Society, according to organizing committee release.

 

Dr Puri’s new responsibility

ITANAGAR, Dec 26:  Dr S. N. Puri, Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur has been nominated as President of Association of Indian Universities for 2012-13.

The decision was made at Annual General Body Meeting  of the Association held at Kochi on December 17.

He will assume the office of President, Association of Indian Universities on July 1, 2012.

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News Impact

State celebrates Christmas

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: Along with the rest of the world, Arunachal also celebrated Christmas with prayers for peace and feasts.

The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) organized a grand joint Christmas celebration at the State Banquet Hall here yesterday night.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki along with a host of ministers and  MLAs also joined the celebration besides leaders and members of different churches of the capital complex.

The Chief Minister in his speech said that there can be no development without peace and no peace without development and since Christmas is all about peace he hoped that the state would witness peace and development in years to come. Hoping that through Christmas celebration the bond of brotherhood and feeling of harmony  would be strengthened, Tuki wished that this Christmas would bring showers of happiness, prosperity and peace in the state as a whole.

In his message, the Bishop of Itanagar, Rev. Dr. John Thomas said that Jesus, the Prince of peace, was born on this day to bring peace and happiness for the whole of mankind. He hoped and prayed that peace would prevail in the state and all fellow beings would live in happiness and prosper through His blessings.

Evan. Tai Ete, general secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Churches and Rev. Likha Ama, general secretary of Nyishi Baptist Churches’ Council led the congregation in prayers.

ACF general secretary Toko Teki also spoke on the occasion.

All the participants at the packed Banquet Hall held the lighted candles and  prayed while the Chief Minister cut the Christmas cake. Soon after members of different Churches and school children presented colourful songs and dances, and the Santa Claus distributed gifts to the special guests.

Earlier, the band of the Holy Cross School ushered the Chief Minister and his  colleagues to the hall and the youthful ACF prayer band led the prayer and worship  service.

Christmas was also celebrated at Christian Revival Church (CRC) New Palin, Kurung Kumey with pomp and gaiety from December 23 to 25.

APCRCC vice-president Dr. David Pertin while attending as the main speaker, spoke on the essence of Christmas and stressed that Christmas is a time of searching Christ and giving room to Lord Jesus in ones hearts and souls. He emphasized on living a life of a true Christian by upholding the virtues of total forgiveness, reconciliation and harmony that God has shown in the birth of Christ to all humankind.

MLA Palin-Chambang Takam Tagar (Pario) said, “Christmas is a time of sharing”. He appreciated the efforts of the churches in bringing positive changes to an individual in particular and the society in general and urged the gathering to act as a messenger of the people with the good news of Christmas.

Christmas was also celebrated at Ruksin in East Siang district with great enthusiasm and fanfare.

 

BJP takes pledge of good governance

Itanagar, Dec 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh yesterday celebrated the 87th birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as  “National Good Governance Day” at State BJP headquarters here.

On the occasion, the senior party leaders, frontal wings functionaries, elected representatives and party workers took pledge to follow the principles of accountability, transparency, responsibility, coordination and sensitivity in work and make every possible effort to establish good governance.

“We will remain committed to achieve the goal of making India a powerful, prosperous and respected nation through Good Governance.”

BJP vice president, BR Wahge administered the good governance pledge at state BJP headquarter here.

The state vice presidents Padmeswari Jamoh and Kabak Yabii, General Secretary  Tai Tagak and Dominic Tadar spoke on the life, sacrifices and contributions of Bajpayee to the motherland.

Bajpayee’s birthday was also celebrated in several district party offices across the state in the presence of senior party leaders, frontal wings functionaries, elected representatives and party workers.

Meanwhile, a collection of the bills presented by Vajpayee in Parliament “A Constructive Parliamentarian” was released by his close associate and senior BJP leader and former deputy prime minister LK Advani during the day in New Delhi in presence of senior party leaders Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Sharad Yadav, Manohar Joshi.

 

Tuki emphasizes on speedy completion of projects

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki took out time to visit the construction sites of the State Civil Secretariat and the State Legislative Assembly building this morning. While the Secretariat is coming up at a satisfactory pace, the building of the State Assembly is moving ahead comparatively slow due to several unforeseen circumstances.

Interacting with officials at the project sites, Tuki emphasized on speedy completion of the projects. He said all eyes were upon the government with regard to the two important offices and it was up to the executing agencies and the contractors to live up to the expectations of the people.

“We have to give results. People are keenly looking at us. We cannot fail them,” he asserted.

Going around the premises of the two sites, the chief minister sought to know the detailed plan for parking space, particularly in and around the Civil Secretariat, which will be the nerve center of the state government. Pointing out that local people give less importance to parking space while constructing buildings, he directed the officials to plan and keep space for parking well in advance

Funded by the DoNER Ministry under NLCPR the Civil Secretariat will cover an area of 39,133 square meters at the site of the old secretariat area. An amount of Rs 91.86 crore has been sanctioned for the project of which, till September 30, 2011, Rs 66.14 crore has been released. Executed by the Kolkata based MS Simplex Projects Limited under the supervision of state PWD, the project is targeted to be completed within next year.

The Secretariat complex, which will also have the high-security office of the Chief Minister, has four blocks. While Block 1 and 2 will have five and seven stories respectively, Block 3 and 4 will have six stories each. As per official sources 47 percent of physical work has been completed of the project that started on April 1, 2010.

The Assembly complex has also been planned to come up as a state-of-art infrastructure complete with a library, conference room, research wing and enough space for security personnel. (Media Cell, CM)

 

3 ULFA cadres killed in Lohit

ITANAGAR, Dec 26:  Three United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) cadres were shot dead in an encounter with security forces at Namsai in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The ultras were killed in an encounter with personnel of 26 Maratha Light Infantry regiment near Noa Dihing Bridge at Namsai in Assam-Arunachal boundary at around 10.15 pm last night, sources said.

Based on input received from SIB Arunachal Pradesh about suspected ULFA cadres coming to Namsai for extortion, Army alongwith Arunachal Police placed mobile check posts at various locations on road between Namsai and Maha-devpur and interior areas.  

On December 25 at around 10.15 pm, three persons were  seen approaching from Namsai side moving towards Mahadevpur on a motorcycle. As soon as the motorcycle came near the mobile check post placed near Noa Dihing bridge, the army troops tried to stop the motorcycle for check. But the motorcyclist dodged the first stop party troops and continued moving forward. The second stop of army challenged the ultras and tried to stop them. At this point one of the terrorists, who was riding pillion, jumped from the bike and  started firing on troops and tried to flee.  The troops retaliated immediately with fire and killed all the three without suffering any casualties.

The slain  ultras were identified as Dheeraj Dauwara of Hatijan village, Makum, Tinsukia, Shiva Moran (26), son of Lileshwar Moran, of Digalkhate village, Makum, Tnisukia and Janak Moran of Motapang village, Makum, Tinsukia.  

Two pistols with ammunition, one hand grenade and blank extortion notes of ULFA alongwith mobile phone and other incrementing documents were recovered from the slain ultras.  

The elimination of these cadres will hopefully reduce the ULFA activities drastically in upper Assam and Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh and the traders and business in the area will surely get some relief in extortion demands, said sources said in a release.

 

SECC in capital complex begins

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: The socio-economic and caste based census (SECC) commenced in Itanagar Capital Complex this morning.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Chief Secretary Tabom Bam were the first to be enumerated to kick start the SECC campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Tuki asked the SECC functionaries to conduct the census in letter and spirit following the guidelines. No one should be left out and duplication should be avoided, he added.

Capital Complex deputy commissioner Onit Panyang, district SECC officer Gyamar Tachung,  SECC charge officer AC Maru, supervisor, enumerator, data entry operator were present on the occasion.

Altogether, 40 supervisors and 286 enumerators have been engaged for the campaign. Besides, the ITI Ltd will provide IT services in this campaign, according to an official release.

 

Police fires at anti dam protestors, AAPSU questions Assam, AP govt

One injured in stone pelting,

FSD seeks release

GOGAMUKH, Dec 26: Police resorted to lathicharge and fired in the air here today to disperse anti-dam protesters who blocked NH-52 on the border of Lakhimpur-Dhemaji districts in Assam and pelted stones at security force and public vehicles.

The administration of the twin districts earlier appealed to the protesters to withdraw their 10-day long agitation to allow movement of vehicles between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh through National Highway-52, the sources said.

When they did not heed to the appeal, the security forces attempted to physically remove the agitationists protesting against the construction of the 2000-MW Subansiri Lower hydro-electric project near Lakhimpur on the border of Assam and Arunachal, they said.

The demonstrators then pelted stones at the vehicles belonging to the CRPF, police and public, besides oil tankers damaging several of them.

In a bid to control the situation, police resorted to lathicharge and fired in the air to disperse the mob, the sources said.

The police also dispersed the protesters at Pohumara, Boginadi and Gogamukh in both the districts and arrested over 200 picketers along with their leaders.

The blockade in Assam has severely disrupted supply of essential items in three Siang districts of Arunachal.

Meanwhile, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has questioned the indifferent attitude of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Centre on the whole matter. The state government must immediately initiate dialogue with its Assam counterpart for a tangible solution and see to it that the people of three districts of Siang belt do not have to bear the brunt of blockade for their no fault.

AAPSU appealed to the various agitating organizations to see reason. The union also appealed to the Assamese community of the state to impress upon the leaders of agitating organization to end the unpleasant imbroglio, while stating that continued misdemeanour by agitators may have far reaching consequences.

In order to find respite for the three districts of Siang belt namely, East Siang, West Siang, and upper Siang badly hit by the indefinite economic blockade sponsored by KMSS, TMPK, & AJYCP, AAPSU had delegated a student delegation led by union spokesperson Tobom Dai and student leaders from the three districts on Dec 22 last. Accordingly the agitating organization in a joint declaration communicated their decision to lift the blockade for the greater interest of the common masses. However in a sudden turn of event this organizations have once again imposed indefinite blockade without any valid reason from last evening, said AAPSU president Takam Tatung.

The apex students’ body of the state is disheartened by the conduct of agitating organization, namely KMSS led by Akhil Gogoi, whom the students’ delegation has personally met, TMPK, and AJYCP, he said.

Subjecting common masses to untold miseries by blocking supplies of essential commodities does not augur well for the age old friendly relation between the two neighboring states and may instead ferment mistrust and bad blood, it said. The recurring international boundary problem with China and the anti social activities going on in Myanmar boundary and such repeated sponsored blockades by one or the other organization of Assam is having a deep negative impact on the minds of the people of the state, it added.

Meanwhile, one Biri Tanya travelling to Pasighat has been severely injured, when a stone thrown by an agitator hit him. He was reportedly being treated at Dhemaji.

Meanwhile, Forum for Siang Dialogue (FSD) condemned the arrest and harassment of anti dam protesters in Assam.

FSD stands in solidarity with KMSS and other students groups of the region who have been consistently opposed to the Big dams in highly sensitive seismic zones of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, it said while adding that it condemns the sustained action and harassment of KMSS and their activists and targeting of Akhil Gogoi for constantly opposing the destructive development policies and corruption of the government machinery.

FSD appealed to the authorities concerned to release innocent and poor students and farmers,  who have been arrested.

 

Roing police firing: citizens seek justice

Correspondent

ROING, Dec 26: More than three months after the Roing police firing on students of October 5 that left nine injured, people are still waiting for justice. The state government had constituted an inquiry committee consisting of Home commissioner T Taloh and DIGP Robin Hibu to probe into the incident. But the citizens in state of shock because of unprecedented level of police repression want much more.

A seven-member team from All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) and Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS) supported by funds raised through public donations, met Chief Minister Nabam Tuki here at his official residence on Wednesday.

In a meeting that lasted for half and hour, the community representative apprised him on people’s demand and the sentiments arising due to police firing. "We fear that if justice is not delivered, police will resort to firing on slightest pretext setting a dangerous precedent, making the native communities vulnerable to police atrocities in future."

In a petition submitted to chief minister, the organization demanded investigation report of the inquiry team be made public. It also demanded suspension of magistrate on duty M Tato, officer in charge SK Lenka for inept handling of the situation.

The petition holding responsible Lower Dibang Valley deputy commissioner Garima Gupta and superintendent of police Veenu Bansal for administrative lapses and police provocations, demanded immediate transfer and suspension of the duo. The organization in its submission said non delivery of timely justice has deeply hurt the community sentiment which is rapidly gaining momentum.

“We place before you our grievances before resorting to any democratic means of agitations/protest”, the community representative said.

Meanwhile, the physical condition of two injured is still said to be serious. One Asati Linggi who was shot at in right elbow underwent operation recently. Another injured is still to recuperate from the pellet injury in lower abdomen.

 

A Slow Awakening

Tom Simai

On December 22 last,an extraordinary episode transpired on the sleepy street of historic town, Nampong. On that wintery dawn, history smiled, when the emerald valley reverberated with the slogan - ' we want peace, we want security and we want development’. Perhaps, it's the mighty roar of 'change' that has awakened the slumbering precinct. Though, it’s premature to predict the eventuality but by sensing the mood of the public, it can be assumed that 'change’ has gradually agreed to sojourn on this elusive destination.

For the first time, the restless Changlang district straightforwardly demonstrated their anguishes against the 'gun atrocities.' The verity of this ravaged region is that no matter who holds the trigger, the barrel is always pointed on the head of the poor villagers or civilians. Yes, suffering is not a stranger to this region and it has only been intensifying with every collateral damages (aftermath of turf war in public places). Finally, driven by the craving for peace, security and development, people of all walks of life took the street to elongate their message. The peace parade revealed the reality of people being petrified of NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM) ongoing turf war in public domains. It also reflected the inability of the security forces and civil administration to secure the rural habitations as well as the inefficiency of the state government to address the insurgency issue.

With the immunity granted through ‘Cease Fire Treaty’ and ‘Armed Force Special Power Act,’ its understood that the public plea’s or protest will not change anything but at least now the world knows, how in pretence of 'security and liberty,' over the years, the pain and suffering of poor people has aggravated.  For instance, revering the cease fire decree, the counter offensive of the security forces has been on suspension that naturally has intensified the insurgent movements across the Patkai region for turf domination. Apparently, the possibility of regular confrontation in public domain and inking the perimeter of their turfs with innocent bloods has also multiplied manifold. Adding fuel to the fire, the State Government’s incompetence to directly deal or address the insurgency issue has created more space for internal turmoil and with turmoil on the backdrop, peace, security and development is a distant dream.

In conclusion, the region will be stepping into the New Year 2012, with the message that it also has a sensitive heart that wails, when hurt. Though, the peace rally is a diminutive step but it truthfully narrates the aspiration of the common people. Their message is crystal clear and the audacity they have shown by speaking their heart is exemplary. Hopefully, the heartfelt endeavor has begun so that peace can reign again. Though a slow awakening, thankfully, the silent suffering has a voice now – voice of the people. (simaitom@gmail.com)

 

A small act of men but

giant leap for conservation

Tamo Dadda

A biologist friend working with Wildlife Trust of India, a premier organization working for the conservation of wildlife in India, told me about the plight of Hoolock gibbons of Delow area in Lower Dibang valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. Delow was once a beautiful and dense lowland sub-tropical rainforest, dominated by Deptrocarpus and numerous ficus species of trees, an ideal forests for the gibbons. But with influx of people from upper reaches of Dibang valley, these forests were gradually removed for agriculture. But luck was on the side of the gibbons and for the people so migrated was generally from Idu Mishmi tribe who revere these gibbons as a great source of power and called them ‘Amelo’ and it is a taboo to harm them. Such cultural beliefs which is still prevalent strongly has help the gibbons to survive, had it been other tribes that had migrated to Delow, the story would have been totally different.

I have a long association with the hoolock gibbons, the credit for my venture in wildlife conservation can be attributed to the gibbons.

As a school boy growing up in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, I was always smitten by the loud “hookoo-hookoo-hookoo” call of the gibbons but never got the chance to see them. The chance came in the year 1999, as a part of tiger census in Namdhapa National Park. The loud “hookoo-hookoo-hookoo” call of the gibbons was so smitten that with a friend, we followed the call. The spell broke only after we had located the callers, a group of gibbons on a tree top but it was late to realize that we had lost our bearings. Somehow we managed to reach our camp` bulbulia’. But was glad and had had the feeling of content, from that day my love affair with the gibbons began.

Biology:

Hoolock gibbons are one of the most endangered primates of the world and are also the only know ape of India with its distinctive loud “hookoo-hookoo-hookoo” call echoing whole across the low land evergreen forests of North-eastern states of India to South East Asian countries. In Arunachal Pradesh, the gibbons were historically distributed till eastern side of river Siang but sadly populations of gibbons in Siang districts are more or less wiped out.  So now we find gibbons only in the eastern side of river Dibang and are found battling out for their survival in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, Lohit and in both the Dibang valley districts. There are two distinct sub-species or species of gibbons with minor morphological differences known as Eastern Hoolock gibbon and Western Hoolock gibbon. The gibbon of Delow belongs to group of Eastern hoolock gibbons.

The sex of gibbons can be distinguished on the basis of their body colourations. The males are fully black in appearance with silvery white brows, which is also the colouration of young females but the adult females gradually turns in to golden blonde which is also the sign of sexual maturity of the animals. Young hoolocks are born after a seven month of gestation, with a milky white or buff colored hair. After about six months the hair of males will darken and turn black, while the female hair remains buff colored throughout her life. After 8 to 9 years they are fully matured and their fur reaches its final coloration. Their life expectancy in the wild is about 25 years. The gibbons are known to be monogamous in relationships and are known to pair for life and their sexual acts are quite similar to that of humans. The gibbons are very territorial animals and defend their territory by visual and vocal displays. So it becomes pertained that whenever any translocation of gibbons is being carried this basic facts should be kept in mind. Such that, every individuals of the family should be identified and trans-located and released in the same place together.

The small step:

A primatologist from Wildlife Trust of India had been monitoring these Delow gibbons for months and had identified around 25 numbers of families of gibbons living in scattered trees, each marking their own territories. A family of 3 individuals were identified to be trans-located first but before the personnel’s and equipment’s could be assembled. The female gibbon went missing and could not be traced till date. She could have fallen victim to numerous threats that were present, ranging from domestic dogs to aerial predators. But her lost provided the urgency to trans-locate the father and daughter earlier than anticipated.

The methodology that was devised and operated to capture these two gibbons has gone in the annals of scientific world as one of the best protocol to capture these arboreal animals. One of the most touching sights of the whole operation that still linger in my mind is the scene when the  father gibbon cried as  he was  being separated from his daughter during capture and the calm and soothing effects that his presence was radiating to the bewildered female cub caught in another cage. And the happiest moments were when both father and daughter were released safely in a designated site within the protection of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.

Future conservation:

There are still around 24 families of gibbons left in the Delow area with average family size of 3-4 individuals. The future conservation and safety of these animals depends on us. The following steps can be undertaken for their conservation;

• Immediate steps should be undertaken to identify the most vulnerable families and they should be trans-located within Mehao wildlife Sanctuary immediately.

• Since Gibbons are territorial in nature and a good population of gibbons already exist there, not all families of Delow may find suitable site for release within Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.  So where ever there are still sufficient canopy cover available in Delow, such areas should be immediately brought under some legal protections and the gibbons can be conserved in-situ by conserving whatever trees are left in the area.

• One of most potential threat to the gibbons of Delow is from the domestic dogs kept by the farmers. These dogs should be removed immediately.

• Though local tribes like Idu-Mishmi do not hunt gibbons but still there are threats of hunting from others and one of the potential threat is from across the border from Assam, where there are instances where gibbons were caught for pet trades.

• Massive awareness programs should be under taken to spread the plight of gibbons of Delow and the need for their survival and conservation and protection of their habitats.

• All the trees within the territory of gibbons should be immediately marked and protected till a definite plan is in place for their conservation. If needed these trees can be bought in rent from the farm owner’s.

• If nothing works, farm land on which they are residing should be bought and should be declared as conservation reserve.

At the turn of new year lets resolve to protect and conserve our wildlife and pray that gibbons of Delow will survive and prosper for ever, for their presence in our midst always bring joy and happiness and with great hope, let their “hookoo-hookoo-hookoo”call always resonate in our forest. (The writer is a Wildlife Biologist and can be reached at tamodadda@gmail.com)

 

WRD minister visits home constituency

ITANAGAR, Dec 26: Newlai Tingkhatra, Minister WRD, SW &WCD inspected the Anganwadi centre at Longnakshi village under Kanubari assembly constituency during his recent visit to the village.

He interacted with village heads to take stock of the various problems faced by the villagers. The minister assured to look into the various demands, including  all-weather road connectivity, posting of atleast one more teachers at the lone primary school, provision for sufficient drinking water and power supply in the village.

The minister also visited Banfera village and held a public meeting wherein the GB apprised the minister of their various grievances. The GB urged him to repair Kanubari-Banfera road and solve the acute shortage of teachers at Government Middle School Banfera by posting more teachers. He also inspected the Anganwadi centre of Banfera.

At Sangsatham village, the GB and other prominent leaders have requested the minister for construction of community hall, hume pipe culvert at Sangnu and Sanga Nalla; construction of cement concrete step at Sangsatham village, posting of more teachers at Government Primary School Sangsatham and construction of boundary wall to protect the school from any encroachment.

Meanwhile, Tingkhatra assured the villagers that their genuine demands would be taken up with the authority concerned for consideration on priority basis.

Kanubari ADC, EE (PWD) and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Rongnai Maham accompanied the minister during the visit.

Change but never be at the cost of identity and integrity

Dear Editor,

Apropos Duge Soki’s letter titled ‘Let’s spare the languages’, I feel it my privilege to put forth my agreements. Arunachal Pradesh may be on top of the list of linguistically diverse state in whole of India. There are about 26 major tribes and nearly the equal numbers of sub-tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. These tribes have their own distinct and different dialects. To communicate each other a common language is the need of the hour when the world is shrinking day by day in terms of knowledge. Assamese was once the buffer language of Arunachal Pradesh by which trade in the form of barter carried out between the plains and hills. When the people started venturing out of the state in pursuance of education and other allied activities, Hindi become the means of communications. Both Assamese and Hindi were used on the basis of needs. Arunachal Pradesh needed them in the process of its transformation in the fields of education and business. So, there has never been a question of imposition of the Hindi, or in such cases the Assamese. It was adoption to fight the ignorance and illiteracy.

How do we take the imposition of religious doctrines in Arunachal Pradesh? The religion in Arunachal Pradesh is animist in nature. Animistic as it used to be when the whole world does. Duge Soki writes, ‘It is a fact that Hinduism and Christianity have been fighting their silent wars to gain control over the beliefs and practices of tribal people’. There lies the whole truth. Are we Arunachalese prone to changes without knowing what actually are becoming of? The Christian and Hindu missionaries helped mould Arunachal Pradesh socially and educationally and take away the very foundations of these changes by mitigating the land’s ways of religious practices. Changes are ought to take place, but it should never be at the cost of the identity and integrity.

I do not say that these missionaries plunder the social fabrics of Arunachalese but surely they change the simple and straight mindsets of the people thereby creating confusions, confusion as to whether they continue their own practices or to adopt the other. Confusions are seen looming large amongst the learned.

So, make your home an example and preach!

Yours,

Kada Tabu

Naharlagun

 

 

Empty words and instutionalized corruption

Dear Editor,

Battle line is drawn. Bugle has already been blown. Now it is time to extend our support. Those who can’t be at the war front; at least even morally supporting the cause would suffice. The elite club is trying to divert the issue with wild allegation to the torch bearer of people’s aspiration. The entire political establishments talk of the need to eradicate corruption from society. But when it comes to action, all fail to live up to the expectation.

It is futile to engage in the raging debate on the issue as it is tantamount to undermining the intelligence of the reader. Any news channel worth its TRP rating can update us in case we are behind time. In our place there is no personality or statewide organization to look up to.

It is not that we lack these organizations. Rather we seem to be witnessing mushrooming of organizations with fancy names worth dying for. But these organizations seem to take up corruption matters selectively. Finding source of funding seems to be the bottleneck of these organizations. And most them are community based organizations. It is not unusual to see applications seeking contract work under the letter head of these august organizations. So it would be too much to expect them to fight against corruption.

ALSU seem to be a state wide organization. We had some hope on their sincerity. Especially their drive against unlawful usurping of real estate had given a glimmer of hope. Hope they take up the matter of corruption too with sincerity. They can take the lead in supporting the cause of anticorruption campaign.

We are bereft of a worthy flag bearer of this campaign in our state. In spite of it, as individuals we can stand behind the team Anna. We are fortunate that their fight is for all of us. Leaders whom we elected as our representative have forsaken us. It is time to support the campaign calling for a foolproof legislation to dent the rampaging tentacles of the corruption virus. If we don’t support now another Anna might not take birth in the immediate foreseeable future.

Once we have a foolproof mechanism to keep tab on the systematic and instutionalized corruption, it will not matter much whom we elect as our leader. We can still have them as necessary evil but this piece of legislation should ensure accountability and transparency in governance. Anything less and we will not budge for sure.

Yours,

A citizen

 

 

Solution to the raising disorders in the society

Dear Editor,

Recently, one of our fellow friends wrote about imposition of Christianity on our local people leading to the contraction of our indigenous tradition and culture. Well, I consider this to be a little bit misunderstanding of the reality of Christianity. For me Christianity is the perfect means of sustaining perfect and balanced living. If I talk about our indigenous culture, i feel that the practices, rituals, ceremonies and the lifestyle based on the same culture don't promise a balanced and peaceful state of life much.

Take an example of practice of taking local Opo during every ritual, making sacrifices in every incident of life as a means to pacify the evil spirit, keeping horns and jaws of animals sacrificed as a decoration in house etc. These practices, in real sense, brings a lot of disorder into our family, society and environment. These mar the peace and tranquility everywhere. Our local history is replete with the evident of this disorder in form of murder, enmity, jealousy, suicide, domestic violence, disturbance by evil spirits, suffering from incurable diseases, alcoholic death, disunity, etc. And the reality is that after being fed up with such disorders in life, people opt for better mode and style of life. On the contrary, the spread of Christianity has turned many peoples, families, societies and regions into a lover of peaceful living, brother hood, unity in diversity, cooperation, understanding, fear of sin, act of mercy, forgiveness, etc. In other words, Christianity is the ultimate solution to the raising criminal, behavioural, and other disorders in the society. So, the Christianity has been owned by the people themselves rather than being imposed by any external forces. In fact, for me, like English being universal language which ensure global community, Christianity is a universal religion which ensure global peace, unity and identity.

Yours,

Talo Siga

Daporijo, (on email)

 

 

Divorce gun culture and extortions

Dear Editor,

Your esteemed daily carried the news of protest by peace loving people of Rima Putuk, Nampong and Jairampur demanding an immediate end to factional fight of insurgent groups.

The fight between the two insurgent groups of the neighboring state has turned these districts a battlefield. Innocent people, their live stock and other property have no safety in the region.

The peace rally itself is illustrative that how the people are suffering and their normal life is being disturbed. This gun culture has engulfed the development of the area, though the government of is pouring fund to Tirap and Changlang. The presence of external insurgent groups in these districts of Arunachal Pradesh has left the life of the people insecure.

Until and unless this gun culture and extortions are divorced, the area would not be developed at par with rest of the state.

As a senior citizen of the state, I appreciate the people of Tikhak community of Nampong, Jairampur and Rima Putok circles that they have shown tremendous courage to stand united against the prevailing situation. They should get the support of the administration and the N.G.Os dedicated to the true and genuine development of Arunachal Pradesh.

I also appeal to all the youths of Tirap and Changlang district in particular to stand united to protect the life and property of the people of district and create a congenial atmosphere for the development activities to take place, instead of becoming prey to the trap set up by the insurgent elements.

Yours,

Nabam Atum

Former Chairman,

Arunachal Pradesh

Public Service Commission

 

 

 

Need for legislation to end land grabbing

Dear Editor,

I would like to appraise the govt about the menace of land grabbing in Arunachal Pradesh.

Illegal occupation of govt. land especially in govt. quarters, offices and institution has become a menace in Itanagar and other district headquarters.

It is high time that govt should show some political maturity in dealing with this problem. This menace can be solved only if the politicians show some political will. It is seen that political interference in eviction drive is one of the main hindrance in solving this problem.

Most of the land grabbers are govt. officials. They illegally occupy the garden/lawn of their own quarter and construct RCC structures. It is also learnt that the govt. officials deliberately damage their own quarters and in some instances have burnt down their own quarters to occupy the land.

Arunachal Pradesh should pass a bill prohibiting grabbing of govt land in the same line as that of Karnataka.

All RCC structures constructed without land allotment inside the govt. qtr compound should be evicted. If no immediate action is taken in this line; then time is not far when all the towns of Arunachal Pradesh will turn into slum areas without proper sanitation and drainage system.

Yours,

Johny Takar

Naharlagun

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

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The bill versus the bill

On Dec 27, Anti Corruption crusader Anna Hazare will begin a three-day hunger strike for a strong Lokpal Bill at 11 am, exactly the same time that the Lok Sabha reconvenes to debate and vote on the anti-corruption Bill in an extended Winter Session.

Anna who has rejected the Bill tabled by the government has already said that if the law that is brought is not in consonance with his demands, he will begin a "jail bharo" movement. At last count, over 1.25 lakh people had already signed up online for the jail bharo movement.

On the other hand, the government is adamant that it will not be arm-twisted as it has already said that Parliament will discuss the Lokpal Bill and will have the final word.

Cabinet has tweaked the anti-corrutpiton bill to include Prime Minister under its purview but kept the CBI, the chief investigative agency out of Lokpal's control. Though the Prime Minister will be under the Lokpal, but with safeguards so that matters relating to external affairs, atomic energy and national security are excluded. A complaint against the Prime Minister will be accepted only if three-fourths of the Lokpal committee are party to it; the enquiry will be held in camera and the report will go to Parliament.

However, even after government gave in some of the demands, it is unlikely there would be any truce. Even with passing of the bill, there is bound to be more agitations as Team Anna is adamant that the “weak” bill be replaced. Now it remains to be seen how the government handles the massive agitation with no one willing to make any compromise.

 

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