dec16 25

December 25

2011

2016

Assam Rifles blamed for Wakka fire disaster

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has blamed Assam Rifles (AR) for the fire devastation at Wakka village in Longding district that rendered more than 100 families homeless on Thursday. It claimed that the youths from the village were engaged in clearing the jungle alongside the BRTF road on the faithful day.

"Had the boys been in the village and not engaged by the Assam Rifles, they could have atleast saved some of the houses. The disaster would not have been this large scale," said AAPSU vice president Meje Taku addressing media persons at Press Club on Saturday.

Calling it an illegal arrangement by the AR, the union has demanded state government's intervention into the matter.

"It must be investigated properly so that such incident is not repeated again," said Longding District Students' Union (LDSU) president Manlem Wangsu.

The union also sought immediate disbursement of relief package for the fire victims and ex-gratia for the deceased Late Bangman Gangsa and demanded that it should be distributed directly to the affected families.

"After the fire disaster that happened in Wakka village in 2014, the compensation was paid after much persuasion one and a half years later," claimed Wangsu insisting that the compensation and ex-gratia amounts be paid directly to the affected family on the spot.

AAPSU demanded that the minister for disaster management and chief minister must visit Wakka village for spot verification.

Meanwhile, the union informed that it will conduct donation drive for the fire victims.

AR nabs two NSCN(K) cadres

JAIRAMPUR, Dec 24: Two armed active cadres of NSCN(K) namely SS Corporal Rangtang Mungrey and SS Pvt Roshon Rai, both residents of Nampong, Changlang district have been apprehended by the Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of Dao Division, here on Friday last.

The cadres were nabbed during an operation launched by the Assam Rifles after it received specific inputs about presence of armed UG cadres in Khamkhai, Nampong.

One 9 mm Pistol along with magazine, 4 live rounds, a fired case and extortion notes were also recovered from their possession. The cadres were actively involved in extortion from traders in Nampong area, informed a source. It has also been revealed that SS Corporal Rangtang Mungrey was recruited in 2011 and had been trained in NSCN (K) camp across the border in Myanmar for 10 months while, SS Pvt Roshon Rai was recruited this year in the banned organization.

With the nabbing of the cadres the extortion activities of the UG organization would drastically reduce and bring relief to the locals who constantly succumbed to the extortion demands, stated an AR release.

Modi should come clean on corruption allegation: Seva Dal

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: State Congress Seva Dal Chief Organiser, Kipa Kaha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come clean on the corruption allegations by refuting the charges with evidence.

In a press conference held at Arunachal Press Club, Kaha while reiterating on the allegations of AICC Vice-President against PM Modi, alleged that the incumbent PM was paid a total of Rs 40.1 Crores of unaccounted money during his time as the Gujarat Chief Minister on nine separate occasions between 30th October, 2013 and 22nd February, 2014.

The revelations, according to the Congress, came into light through the documents seized by Income tax Department when its officials raided the corporate giants, Sahara group and the Aditya Birla Group.

Accordingly, raising concerns as to why there has been no inquiry in the matter so far, Kaha demanded that the Prime Minister should come clean on the matter by initiating an inquiry 'If he is serious about restoring the nation's faith in his leadership.'

"The Prime Minister should stop hiding behind his party spokesperson or Ministers and explain to the nation directly with regards to the payments made to him."

In this connection, the Seva Dal Chief Organiser, while terming the BJP as a party with corrupt leaders and highlighting therein, the recent allegations of corruption charges against Union Minister of State (Home), Kiren Rijiju, also demanded that he (Rijiju) be sacked from his post for a fair investigation.

Also lashing out on the Prime Minister and his party-the BJP, for the demonetisation programme, Kipa Kaha remarked that, "Prime Minister Modi is running the government like a dictator and the evidence of the same has been amply visible in his sudden announcement of demonetising the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes without any proper plan."

"The flip-flops and the varying and conflicting statements made by himself (PM), his Finance Minister and also the RBI, in matters of implementations and related regulations, highlight the lack of clarity on the PM's part and all that at the cost of common man's aspirations," Kaha noted.

Alleging that the PM is reluctant to participate in the parliament, Kaha further stated that, "Modi has no respect for Parliamentary dignity, its norms and traditions."

Felix puts emphasis on holistic development vision

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: A holistic development vision plan has to be evolved to ensure all round development of the state", said Government Spokesperson and Parliamentary Secretary Education Bamang Felix while addressing a mammoth gathering at Phassang circle recently.

Felix was on a weeklong tour of Kurung Kumey district starting on December 15 to gather first hand information on developmental needs of the district besides taking stock of the ongoing CSS and State sponsored programmes.

Admitting that due to polarization of politics in the recent past resulting the developmental activities taking back stage, Felix asserted that the present government headed by young and energetic leader Pema Khandu is stable and is strongly committed for all round development of the state.

"True to Chief Minister Pema's commitment to usher in all round development of the state, the 19thNyapin Assembly Constituency has received almost Rs 200 Crore package which includes PMGSY, RIDF, SIDF, SDC, NEC, NLCPR etc, revealed Felix.

He exhorted the accompanying district head of offices to bring realistic development by making judicious use of the development funds. He clearly indicated that no misuse of development fund by executing agencies, officers or contractors would be tolerated. He hinted at taking stringent action against those found guilty of playing with public funds.

Felix further gave a clarion call to not mix politics with development.

The Government Spokesperson called upon the district officers to remain in their respective posting place.

"Erring officers or officials would be taken to task according to the laid down rules of the government," he warned.

According top priority to social sectors, like health and education, Felix said that teachers and doctors have prime role to play in far-flung inaccessible areas. In order to make sure that the students and patients in those areas have access to good education and good health services, Felix called for their dedicated and selfless service.

Parliamentary Secretary (Sports and Youth Affairs) Nyamar Karbak, who accompanied Felix during the tour informed that the State Government has been giving special emphasis on sports. Various sports infrastructure for numerous disciplines are being developed in the state to facilitate budding sportspersons to take up sports as profession and bring laurels to the state and the country, he said.

Felix who had started his tour from Longsa under Phassang circle laid foundation stone of PWD Circuit house at Longsa and at Langrh. At Nyapin, Felix laid the foundation stone for establishment of T T Government Degree College in the permanent site, while Nyamar inaugurated a Badminton indoor hall. Felix also laid the foundation stone of primary Health Centre at Hiya.

Parliamentary secretary Home Pani Taram, who joined Felix on day five, laid the foundation stone for establishment of RWD Division office at Laying.

Felix distributed barbed wires to farmers and blanket to all GBs and old age group in Nyapin, Nyobia, Sangram and phassang administrative areas throughout the tour. Apart from district HODs, Director Sport, TadarAppa, Under Secretary Education, LikhaTeji, Executive members of Nyapin-Nyobia-Sangram-Phassang Students Union also accompanied Felix during the tour.

In order to encourage people to adopt kitchen garden practice, Felix constituted a sudden search committee to find out people who have been doing kitchen gardening. Accordingly, a teacher namely Gyamar Niaw bagged the award which was given away during the public meeting at Nyapin.

Similar process was adopted to facilitate persons/households who maintained cleanliness. BamangTapang a villager from Langrh was adjudged the winner for cleanliness who was accordingly awarded by Felix.

13 villages under Tuting to be covered under Rurban Project

YINGKIONG, Dec 24: Thirteen villages of 6 Gram Panchayat Segments under Tuting Circle shall be covered under Rurban Project with a funding pattern of 70% fund from line departments in the form of convergence and 30% fund as critical gap fund from the Ministry of Rural Development, GoI within 3 years amounting to Rs. 15 crore in the first installment.

This was announced during the launch of Rurban Project at Community Hall, Tuting on Wednesday last.

Launching the project, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Tanga Byaling said that the Rurban project being implemented at Tuting aims at facilitating urban facilities in rural areas and directed the nodal department to cooperate with the line department to make it a success.

Minister, PHED Takam Pario in his address, appealed to the people to make the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a reality by making the country open defecation free with latrines in each and every household.

State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, Alo Libang also assured to look into the three-point memorandum submitted by the ZPM Nyokgon Nitik which included release of second installment of Rurban Scheme, fund for Panchayat office and Community Hall at Bazaar line, Tuting. Lok Sabha Member, Ninong Ering was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, Minister, RD and PR, Tanga Byaling while addressing the public of Singa briefed about the schemes of the Rural Development department and urged them to plan according to the requirement of the area with bottom to top planning policy.

Minister PHED, Takam Pario also announced Rs. 20 Lakhs for water supply at Singa and assured to provide proper water supply in all the border blocks soon while, Deputy Speaker, Alo Libang informed that the PMGSY road from Zido to Singa shall be completed before 2019.(DIPRO)

Director visits Anganwadi centres, orchard project

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

PASIGHAT, Dec 24: Director of Woman & Child Development R T Riba during her three-day official tour of East Siang district visited Anganwadi centres under all Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) projects in the district and took stock of the ongoing projects and activities.

She visited remote villages of Ramle Bango (Nari-Koyu) area and inspected the rural Anganwadi centres there.

Sources from Women & Child Development Department informed that the director during her visit interacted with Gaon Burahs, panchayat leaders, Anganwadi worker and other stakeholders and urged them to work for proper functioning of the Anganwadi centres.

The Director also met the Deputy Director of ICDS and concerning Child Development Project Officers (CDPO) at Siang guest house on December 22, wherein she reviewed all ongoing schemes and activities run under the department. She exhorted the officers to work on mission mode for achieving their target.

Director Riba later inspected Juvenile Home at Pasighat two-mile and met the staffs with inmates. She directed the District Child protection Officer and Superintendent of Juvenile Home to run the home maintaining close coordination with the bodies constituted in the district as per provisions & guidelines of Juvenile Justice Act and Integrated Child Protection Scheme.

The Director further visited orchard gardens at Mebo implemented by Jonyong Olung Welfare Society (NGO). The orchard garden developed with pine apple and improved variety of banana covers an area of 8 hectares. The project worth Rs 1.10 crore was funded by Ministry of Woman & Child Development, GOI during fiscal year 2014-15, according to department sources.

The Director satisfied with the progress of the orchard developed by the NGO assured that she would take initiative for early release of the remaining installment of fund under the project.

There are a total 256 Anganwadi centres running in East Siang, spreading in four ICDS projects namely-Pasighat, Mebo, Nari-Koyu and Ruksin.

Libang directs executing agency to maintain quality of works

YINGKIONG, Dec 24: State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, Alo Libang has directed the work executing agency of various project to maintain quality of works and create assets of permanent nature for future generation.

The Deputy Speaker said this while addressing a public meeting held during his recent visit to remote villages of his constituency including; Likor, Palling, Singing, Anging, Zido, Norbuling, Ningging, Panggo and Mosing. As part of his week-long tour from Dec 16 to 23 last, he also inspected major projects like Angong Hydro-electric project, Gandhi Bridge etc.

Libang also stressed on the need to have proper co-ordination and co-operation among the officers and general public for proper implementation of the schemes for the development of the said areas.

While responding to a demand regarding road connectivity from Pugging to Palling and from Palling to Zido, he informed that tenders have been already floated for construction of bridges from Pugging to Palling and survey works from Palling to Zido were also completed.

Speaking about electricity problem from Janbo to Ningging village, he informed that the transmission line for 132 KV line from Yingkiong to Tuting will be taken up soon.

ZPM, Nyokgon Nitik also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

Mass cleanliness drive by colony youth

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: A mass social service was conducted in entire area of Abotani Colony, Itanagar including the Apex Bank residential area by All Abotani Colony Youth Welfare Association (AACYWA) members.

Considering pre- Christmas cleanliness and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, all the dwellers of Abotani Colony, including shopkeepers, family members and well wishers participated whole heartedly from 6am onwards.

During the social service Itanagar Municipal Corporation, provided tippers and JCBs for lifting garbage.

Meanwhile, the colony youths have donated 12 dustbins to be placed in the locality from where Itanagar Municipal Corporation team will collect the garbage every morning.

The colony ground, streets, drainage and the VIP road from National Highway near the ANSU office up to Abotani Colony RCC bridge point have been covered during the cleanliness drive which was appreciated by one and all.

The members of Colony Youth Association under the leadership of President Nade Tanti and General Secretary Maga Sanjay have committed to carry out such social service activities and cleanliness drive in future also.

They appealed to all the public of the area to keep their respective areas garbage free to make Itanagar one of the cleanest cities in the country.

Massive awareness campaign on cashless transactions launched at Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Dec 24: The East Siang district administration in collaboration with bankers and market association has organized an awareness cum demonstration camp on digital transactions for the denizens of Pasighat at the Gandhi Chowk Rostrum, here on Friday.

The bank officials demonstrated the methods of cashless transaction using debit cards, credit cards and mobile etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Isha Khosla informed that post demonetization, administration in putting all efforts to bring awareness on cashless transaction. Many people do not have any banking relationship and/or are not aware how to use their mobile phones, debit cards and other digital devices for transfer of funds she observed. The DC encouraged the people to open bank accounts for financial inclusion. She asked the people to avail optimum benefits of the camp for hassle-free financial transactions.

The DC hoped that such initiative would help in successful implementation of digital India campaign.

Khosla also instructed the service providers to reach out to the people and disseminate training modules for using net-banking, mobile banking and e-wallet through WhatsApp and SMS etc. DIPRO

Lower Subansiri survive Tawang scare, secure place in last eight

ITANGAR, Dec 24: Lower Subansiri survived a scare as they managed to salvage a draw against Tawang in their last group match and secured its place in the final eight in the 15th Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament-2016 at RG Stadium, Naharlagun on Saturday.

Needing a win to progress to the quarter-final, Tawang started on positive note and got the important goal in 24th minute scored by Sonam Tashi.

Tawang was leading Lower Subansiri 1-0 at halftime.

Down by a goal, Lower Subansiri went all out for the equalizer in the second half. But Tawang stood firm giving little chance to Lower Subansiri players to make inroads.

When it seemed five time champion were crashing out of the tournament, their prolific striker Mihin Pullo rose to the occasion and headed home the all important 67th minute equalizer breaking the hearts of Tawang players and their supporters.

Lower Subansiri advanced to the quarter-final by virtue of better goal difference over Tawang.

Lower Subansiri will face Capital Complex in the quarterfinal on December 26.

Earlier, Lohit defeated Dibang Valley 3-1 in the first match. However, both teams were eliminated from the tournament.

Kra- Daadi will take on Changlang in the first quarterfinal while West Kameng will face Arunachal Pradesh Police in the second quarterfinal on December 25. West Siang will be up against Upper Subansiri in the third quarterfinal on December 26.

CoSAAP suspends pen down strike

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) has temporarily suspended its proposed third phase of agitation in form of pen and tool strike.

The decision was taken in an executive body meeting of the CoSAAP reciprocating the gestures of state Govt. towards its employees by implementing the 7th CPC recommendation and assurances of the Chief Secretary to address other demands of CoSAAP, especially implementation of FR-56 pertaining to retirement age at 60 years, Transport and Children Education Allowances and etc.

Neurology camp at RKMH

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: Dr. Hitesh Kumar, MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology) will be visiting Ramakrishna Mission Hospital for a Neurology Camp from January 4 to 7, 2017.

Patients may consult with the doctor, seek advice on stroke (Paralysis), headache, seizure/epilepsy, vertigo, nerve and muscle problems (Neuropathy/ Myopathy), back pain, neck pain, dementia etc.

The consultation will begin at 8 A.M. on the first floor of the hospital's OPD.

Byaling calls for proper monitoring of RD schemes

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: Rural Development Minister Tanga Byaliang has called for proper monitoring of rural development schemes. The Minister was addressing at the State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (SLVMC) meeting on CSS programmes, being implemented under Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in the state at SIRD Conference hall here on Thursday. Giving emphasis on submission of summary report of District Vigilance and Monitoring meeting to facilitate successful conduct of the SLVMC meeting, the minister also advised officers for presentation of correct data and information which reflects the ground reality.

Attending the meeting MP Ninong Ering, stressed the need of timely release of fund against programmes. He also called for quality implementation of the schemes.

MLA Gabriel D Wangsu called for proper pre-planning and survey before taking up any projects for maximum socio-economic benefit of the people. He further suggested that the elected representatives of the respective area should be taken into confidence for effective implementation of developmental programme.

The departmental officers made Power Point Presentations on the status of programmes being implemented by the department in the meeting, according to an official release.

Career counseling conducted by Chakma students' body

BORDUMSA, Dec 24: Over 300 school and college students attended a day-long career counseling program organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students Union (APCSU) at Government Secondary School, Bijoypur in Changlang district on Saturday.

The counseling program focused on importance of higher education and career prospect for various courses such as law, business etc, sharing of important tips for upcoming boards exams for secondary/higher secondary level, career prospect in various disciplines/streams. Information was also provided on educational institutes/colleges for the benefit of the students.

National Consumer Day celebrated

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: National Consumer Day was celebrated throughout the State in a befitting manner on Saturday involving the community members, school children and women groups to create awareness on the rights and responsibilities of consumers as enshrined in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Display of banners featuring salient provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, counseling and education programmes for consumers were organized in various places in the State by the Department.

As per reports received from district units of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs Department enthusiastic consumers were found making queries and information on the consumer protection laws, rights and responsibilities of consumers.

In State Capital also, the Department organized a special two-day camp in its office headquarters on December 23 and 24 to give information regarding the process of filing complaints before in consumer forum.

Radio talk and panel discussion were held by officers of the Department on the occasion to disseminate the message of consumerism to grassroots level people living in remote corners of the State.

Association decides not to give donations

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: In a meeting of the Naharlagun Commercial Building Owners Welfare Association (NCBOWA) held at Naharlagun on Friday last, under the chairmanship of its president, Nabam Nikia, it was decided that the NCBOWA members will not give donation to any organization, association, society, committee, students' bodies and individual without prior consultation with the NCBOWA's president and secretary.

Governor, CM, Tuki and Ering extends Xmas greetings

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: Governor V. Shanmuganathan has extended his warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Christmas and Good Governance Day.

In his message to the people, the Governor expressed his hope that the festivity of Christmas will spread love and care and instill the blessed spirit in every individual and community.

The Governor said that the day is also being observed as Good Governance Day commemorating the birth anniversary of one of India's finest leaders and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He expressed confidence that the day will motivate all, particularly the public representatives and government officials to rise to the expectation of the people through efficient and effective Governance.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu also wished people on the eve of Christmas.

"While we gather around the Christmas tree with friends and family, let us give a thought and pray for those who are alone in this world. This Christmas, let us bring joy to others with an act of kindness. As for us in the Government, this is the time to reiterate our devotion and dedication to the welfare of our people. We have to continuously move on towards prosperity and that will be achieved only when every person, every family, every community and every religion of our state prosper. Peace and development go hand in hand. In fact, both these entities are the two sides of a coin. Without one, the other will never be a reality, he said in his message appealing all to move ahead and in hand towards development and a better world" the message added further.

Also conveying Christmas greetings, former chief minister Nabam Tuki while saying that Lord Christ symbolises communal harmony and great sense of humility among all sections of society, made fervent appeal to everyone to conscientiously talk to bring smile in every face and act as a harbinger for making the earth a better place to live in.

MP Ninong Ering also greeted the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Christmas. In his message Ering said, "I convey my greetings and best wishes to the people belonging to Christian community in particular and all the citizens in general. On this occasion, let us all rededicate ourselves to the teachings of Lord Jesus for strengthening universal brotherhood, love and compassion".

Victim's father lodges FIR

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: The father of a class IX girl student, who was found in a state of unconsciousness near Rana Ghat Bridge, Pasighat last month, has lodged an FIR with Pasighat Police against a boy, who had allegedly accompanied the girl, for non-cooperation.

The victim's father in his FIR on Thursday last stated that the boy was allegedly accompanying his daughter when the incident happened; but he is not cooperating in finding the facts that led her into the state of unconsciousness. He did not even visit the girl, the FIR said, and appealed to the Officer-in-Charge of the Pasighat Police Station to conduct a thorough investigation to unearth the truth behind her going to the state of unconsciousness.

The victim is currently undergoing treatment in Aalo. She has not yet recovered consciousness and there was no sign of any improvement in her condition, the victim's father said in his FIR.

Meanwhile, the Kargu Kardi Students' Union (KKSU) also urged police to conduct proper investigation into the case without any further delay.

As per medical examination, KKSU informed, there is no sign of any external injury to her body.

Meeting resolves to keep sector clean

ITANAGAR, Dec 24: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ward No 22 Councillor Tarch Pacho at Hanuman Mandir, Naharlagun on December 22 to discuss various developmental and other issues such as cleanliness and beautification of sector at D-Extension, Naharlagun.

The meeting restricted the number of autorickshaws to be parked at the parking area of the sector to five at a time; and no new autos would be added other than the existing ones, which is around 20 in numbers. Further, the parking area is a totally temporary one, the meeting resolved.

The meeting also resolved not to allow pigs to roam free within the sector.

There should not encroachment in both sides of road of D-Sector, the meeting appealed to the dwellers and urged them to keep the drains free from blockage for free flow of sewage water.

The meeting further resolved to organize a plantation drive in the D-Extension in April next year.