February  07

13th session of LA to begin from March 4

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The 13th session of fifth state legislative assembly will be held on March 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10th next.

 

SUMA meets CM and submits joint memorandum

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: Confirming the age old saying valid that ‘team effort is the best effort’, in a major accomplishment, various students’ and youth organizations from both states came to an agreement that economic blockade against Arunachal by Assam will be lifted today for a period of one month. The decision was made after a joint meeting of unions from both states at Gohpur, Assam on February 5 last. The joint meeting at Gohpur was attended by Students' Union Movement of Arunachal (SUMA), All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU), Arunachal Law Students' Union (ALSU), All Papum Pare District Youth Association (APPDYA), Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), All Assam Gurkha Student Union (AAGSU), Assam Minorities Students Union (AMSU), All Adivasi Student Association of Assam (AASAA), All Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (AATTSA).

During the meeting, they adopted certain joint resolution and drafted memorandum which are to be submitted to both Assam and Arunachal chief ministers. Meanwhile, the SUMA president Biring Tabing today submitted the joint memorandum by the student and youth organizations of both the state to Chief Minister M Nabam Tuki in his office.  In the memorandum the unions and the organizations of both the states demanded a thorough inquiry of the entire episode of Tarasso and Chaulduwa incidents and that the cases be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) immediately including the incident that happened on February 4 last at Borjharani-Behali, Assam.

Other points in the memorandum are, immediate tracing of the missing person of Tarasso- Chaulduwa incident aftermath, immediate compensation to the victim which has been killed as well as seriously injured, including the victim of February 4 last incident at Borjharani-Behali, Assam, and to immediately solve the standing boundary dispute by both the state governments as soon as possible. SUMA further informed that if their grievances are not met, both states’ organizations will go for agitation and, even reaching upto Delhi. In response, Chief Minister assured to fulfill every demand as mentioned according to the joint memorandum. Political Secretary to CM Bamang Tago was also present in the meeting.

 

NE students march, demand anti-racism law

NEW DELHI, Feb 06: Scores of Northeast students today marched towards Parliament from Jantar Mantar, demanding an anti-racism law in wake of the death of Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Tania after being allegedly beaten up by some shopkeepers in South Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area.

As the students tried to walk towards Parliament, police stopped them at Parliament Street police station after which the protestors courted arrest. "We want that a strong anti-racism law be enacted by Parliament for the country so that not just people from the Northeast but anybody who faces any kind of discrimination anywhere in India get justice," a protester said.

19-year-old Tania died last week after he was allegedly beaten up by some shopkeepers following an altercation sparked by their taunts on his hairstyle.

 

ACS writes to Kejriwal

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has written letter to the New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanding death sentence to those responsible for the death of the young boy Nido Tania.

In its letter, apprising of the situation that people from the North Eastern region face in Delhi on the basis of their looks, it asked him to direct the public prosecutor taking up the case of late Nido Tania to seek capital punishment, death sentence, for the culprits responsible for his death.

 

Rally on sanitation and health held

ROING, Feb 06: The District Water & Sanitation Committee under PHE & WS Department, Lower Dibang, Roing organised a School Rally on drinking water, sanitation and health at Mayu Secondary School, Roing under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan on February 4 last.

The Rally was participated by teachers and students.

On the occasion, Er. S Pertin, EE, PHED-Cum-Member Secretary, DWSC,Lower Dibang Valley, Roing briefed about the linkage between  drinking water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health. He informed that more than 80% of dead and illness are caused due to water-borne and sanitary related diseases like Dysentery, Diarrhoea, Typhoid, Cholera, Malaria, Dengue, Tetanus, Plague etc.  He appealed the gathering to keep their surrounding and drinking water clean and hygienic.

B Saring, Headmaster Mayu Secondary School and Er PP Singh, JE, PHED, Roing. Also spoke on the occasion.

Later, a poem on “Proper Hands Washing” was recited by Anon Wangsu, DIPRO

 

EK orgs seek CM intervention

ITANAGAR, Feb 06:  With the wave of repercussion of Tarasso incident catches East Kameng district, the East Kameng Social Welfare & Culture Organization (EKSWCO) and All East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU) sought Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s intervention in taking up preventive measures in the district.

A team of members from both organizations, led by EKSWCO chairman Dr Tachi Taku along with AEKSU president Karbia Sonam and EKSWCO chief advisor Katung Waghe today called on the chief minister at his office and submitted six points memorandum while briefing the current vulnerable situation of the district.

The organizations demanded for immediate deployment of paramilitary forces at affected areas in the district such as Seijosa, Dissing Passo and Nomara claiming that the repercussion could possibly take place in these areas. It also sought financial assistance and relief to Ratan Bagang, who is currently battling for life at Guwahati after being assaulted at Longi in Assam.  Further they also sought deployment of sufficient medical staffs to the district saying many places are facing epidemic like situation.  Both organizations also stressed on maintenance of Seppa-to Doimukh road terming it as only life line under present situation.

It also sought extra allocation of fund for protection works at Pakke point in Chayang Tajo road and allocation of fund for the construction of internal road in government college Seppa.

 

DPDTC distributes relief materials to Fire Victims

AALO, Feb 06:  Donyi Polo Dere Trust Committee, Aalo headed by its President Pakjum Ete along with executive members visited the fire accident site at Gemo Tali village recently and distributed Blankets, pots, buckets mugs and essential utensils to each household of the fire victims. DIPRO

 

Preliminary meeting for Lok-Sabha election held

SEPPA, Feb 06: The DC cum DEO East Kameng Tarin Dakpe had taken a preliminary round of meeting with administrative officers and police for preparatory works and conduct of Lok-Sabha Election 2014 at DC’s Chamber, Seppa yesterday.DC directed the administrative officers to be fully prepared in every aspects of the conduct of ensuing Lok Sabha Election and sincerely discharge their duties as per election conduct and rules.

SP, Apang Tamut also shared past experiences and suggested on various for successful conduct of election. Elaborated discussion and action plan were made on status of polling station, transportation plan, law and order, security arrangement, training of polling personal etc.   There were 43,000 plus voters with 167 polling stations over five assembly constituency in East Kameng District. DIPRO

 

DA gives directives to close wine shops after 5 PM.

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The Capital Complex District Administration today gave directives to all wine shops, bars, beer-bars and club   owners to close their shop after 5PM.  It directed them not to sell and serve liquor after mentioned time. The directives came in the view of prevailing law and order situation in the Capital Complex, DA added.  It also notified that staging dharnas and organizing rallies at Raj Bhawan, CM Bungalow, DC Office has been prohibited and the Tennis Court ground IG Park is temporarily identified as site for procession and dharnas in the Capital Complex. Further DA directed the people to remove building construction materials, such as rod, cements, bamboos and boulders from the National Highway saying that it makes road congested and difficult for many pedestrians.  The district administration said that defaulter will be strictly viewed as the appropriate law.

 

Staff of education department conducts social service

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: In view of the coming statehood day and in order to give a new look to the Education Department of Arunachal Pradesh, today a social service was conducted by the staff and officer of Education Department under the leadership of its new Secretary R K Mishra.

During the social service, participants cleaned all the choked channels, gathered all the plastics and litters and burned it. Each and every corner of the surrounding was cleaned. Dr Joram Begi Director Higher and Technical education welcoming the new secretary said that with his coming a new era in the education sector is expected. The new secretary RK Mishra said that he expect wholehearted cooperation from all quarter. He said that with team effort without any ego, education department can achieve new heights in all sector. The programme was attended by the directors including Tapang Taloh, B Yirang, deputy SPD Likha Sampu, deputy secretary SC Debnath, Likha Tejji under secretary education and all the officers and staffs of Education department.

 

Society distributes fruits to patient

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The Halo Society, a NGO of ex-VKV students distributed supplementary nutritional packets and fruits in the wards of the Arunachal Pradesh State Hospital Naharlagun today. The noble step was initiated by the society in presence of Special Secretary Health & Family Affairs Dr. Joram Beda who is also chief patron of the society and Dr. K Nishing Director Health Service and Dr RD Khrimey.

News Impact

State govt. gears up to tackle any eventuality

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: Even as the week-long economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh has been reportedly lifted today, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki issued specific directives to senior officers to end the agonies of Arunachalees stranded in different parts of the country. According to the press release issued by Chief Minister’s Office, a 150-strong team of Arunachalees, who took part in Republic Day celebration in New Delhi, was provided with food and lodging facilities under the care of deputy resident commissioners at Delhi and Guwahati. The team’s return is being worked out by the state government.

Planning and Tourism Secretary Sonam Chombay and Art & Culture Director Mamata Riba are deputed at Guwahati to coordinate the crisis management, while State Transport GM Abu Tayeng based at Dibrugarh is looking after those stranded in eastern part to transport them to Itanagar.

In all 104 students studying at Shillong have been sent back to their respective schools and colleges with escort, while 80 boxers who took part in the maiden State Level Boxing championship at Khonsa have returned here this evening. Helicopter passenger sorties have been increased three times and every day about 66 passengers are being ferried from Guwahati in Pawan Hans and Indian Air Force helicopters. The Government is also in touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence for further increasing the sorties.       In tune with the urgent need, the Capital Complex district administration has set up helplines under the direct supervision of Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki. These mobile numbers are 9436068124 (Judicial SDP A C Boruah) and 9436046333 (EAC M Padung).   Meanwhile, the CMO has released Rs 1 lakh as interim relief for Ratan Bagang, who is undergoing treatment at Guwahati Medical College after being critically injured by miscreants in Assam yesterday. Guwhati DRC has been directed to attend the patient and keep the CMO constantly posted. The Assam government, meanwhile, has announced to bear all medical expenses of the young boy at the request of Arunachal Pradesh government.  Discussion in all levels between the two states to normalize the situation is being held.

 

 

Governor and CM attends the seminar organized by ITBP

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: Arunachal Pradesh governor Lt. Gen (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has exhorted the ITBP to win the confidence of local people to ensure effective border management.

Inaugurating a seminar on the topic “Synergy among various agencies -critical for development and effective border management” organized by ITBP at Banquet Hall here today, the Governor said that the security agencies have to win the confidence of these people as they know the terrain and their people, they can be of great help in identifying intruders and other anti-national elements, as also be a force multiplier during hostilities/ war.  

Praising the ITBP for organizing the seminar, the governor hoped that this seminar will certainly help in developing better mechanism in ensuring development. Lt Gen Sharma further said that this seminar will provide us an excellent opportunity to understand, analyze, and discuss, the importance of development in the frontier areas and effective border management in the Arunachal Pradesh. Indo Tibetan Border Police Force, which was raised in 1962 has completed 51 glorious years in the service of the Nation. The Units of the force were inducted in the North East region in 2004 and today, eight battalions have been deployed in Arunachal Pradesh along the Sino Indian international border. Many of the border habitations require multiple days of foot-march to reach. It has therefore been the consistent policy of the State and Central Government to provide basic administrative and civic services to the residents of these habitations so that they do not migrate to better developed areas, leaving these strategic border areas un-populated. It can only be done, when we ensure that development reaches to these areas. For that the Central Government, State Government, District Administration and Security agencies must work as a team and create basic infrastructure for health care, education and other socio economic necessities, the governor added.

Addressing the concluding function of seminar, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki highlighted the rising internal and external security threats confronting the nation vis-à-vis the planned development of the other side of the 1080 km border in China. He called for synergic efforts by the state and central governments along with all security forces engaged in the state to ensure the safety of the border as well the people living there.

Tuki informed that after taking stock of the ground realities and harsh living condition of most of the border areas he visited during the last two years he had appraised the defence and home ministers stressing the need for expeditious development of minimum basic necessities along the border.   Patrolling in the snow-fed high altitude mountainous region was not possible without adequate footpaths, porter tracks and suspension bridges, he said, and called for doubling the funds under the border area development programmes to meet the vast gap.

The state government and forces guarding the border should be provided with adequate number of helicopters till the communication was developed besides surveillance facilities for securing the border, the CM said.

As our people in these areas are living in harshest conditions devoid of basics necessities of life and the Army and para-military forces, like ITBP, Assam Riffles and SSB manning these borders by somehow managing with their limited resources, the state government has attached top priority to strategic development, particularly to reverse the de-population of border areas.

Over 60% population of remote Pip-Sorang in Kurung Kumey has migrated; he said to drive home his point for reversing the trend.

The chief minister also highlighted numerous central initiatives to improve road and air connectivity which would take few years but would serve as a boon for this sensitive border state.

Pointing out that outside contractors would find it difficult to take up border projects; he suggested engaging efficient local contractors for timely completion and to improve the public-forces relation.

Appreciating the Army and Air Force for conducting recruitment rallies in different parts of the state, the CM said the endeavour did not yield the desired result as the local youth could not qualify for various reasons. He suggested for a policy to engage the retired security personnel for conducting pre-recruitment training for the locals to get recruited as they would prove to be best suited in the border areas. He also suggested recruitment rallies in border areas like Tawang, Anini, Tuting, Mechuka etc for providing opportunities to the local youths.

The border infrastructures being created should be treated as national requirement instead of for the forces, NEC member M P Bezbaruah said and stressed on synergy, critical and effective border development in the hostile region. The development criteria for other parts of the country cannot be applied to Arunachal Pradesh, he said, and advocated making all ongoing airports and bridges functional for making communication thorough. The Itanagar-Lilabari-Tezpur should be developed as an air hub for facilitating speedy air communication, he added.   

Bezbaruah also suggested improving social infrastructure to motivate the forces to work in border areas and the people to not migrate.

While giving a genesis of the threadbare discussions on various critical areas during the technical sessions and the advice of the state governor, ITBP Director General Subhas Goswami hoped that the recommendations of the seminar would leapfrog state’s border development to a desired level. He also suggested a cell under the chief secretary for monitoring all projects.   ITBG IG R K Saini also spoke on the occasion.

The programme was attended by senior officers of Indian Army, ITBP, SSB, IAF, BRO, CPWD etc. Major general Sunil Srivastava, GOC 56 division, KK Maheswari, DG, Arunachal Pradesh Police and Arun Choudhary, DG, SSB were also present.

 

 

Late Nido Tania, a symbol to fight

racism in India

Amar Sangno

India seemed awoke bit late from its slumber to acquaint “racism” when there is hullabaloo over the term created by students from North-East India in its own backyard, whereas year’s back same India was shouting from the rooftop to the world community against racial attack on Indians in Australia.

It takes five days for Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi to express his solidarity and give assurances to aggrieved family and agitating students at Jantar Mantar. Six days for New-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the champion of taking the issues to streets, to deliver promissory note speech, although it was mostly focusing on his newly found-theory of full-control over Delhi Police.  The BJP prime ministerial hopeful Narendra Modi better known as “Modified” set the tone by condemning the racial killing from the grand podium of Meerut during BJP’s rally. Since then there has been heated debate over issue in the Parliament led by leader of opposition Sushma Sawaraj and later it found full rhythm.

“Shame on you….India! We had to lost our beloved brother late Nido Tania to wake you up on racism” shouted by an angry protester marching towards the Parliament house from Jantar Mantar( their base camp) demanding to enact racial discrimination law in India.

Nido Tania, better be called, “Martyr of racial discrimination”, who was allegedly thrashed to death by Shopkeepers at Lajpath Nagar New-Delhi on 29 January 2014 for reacting against racial slur and has become symbolic figure to fight against racism in India. Thanks to the national media for making it national issue in pursuit of justice to slain young boy from Arunachal.

For many North-East youths who have been to India’s national capital in search of better education and greener pasture, late Tania is new hope for the entire region to fight against racism and get rid of  day  to day racial and abusive comments by casual passerby. The people from the region are outraged over the alleged ill-treatment meted out to them and abusive comments such as Nepali, Chinky, Chowmin and Chinese being thrown at them at their work places, schools, colleges, universities and in streets by the fellow mainland Indians.  They don’t want to be mocked and laughed at their physical features anymore rather want to make fellow Indians to realize that they too are Indians.

Perhaps their angst was inexplicable till 29th January, however now it exploded with intensity of national anger over racism though many of Indian bigwigs are reluctant to accept the incident as racial attack rather they termed it as usual altercation.“We are being outcast and exiled in own country and our own land” said a student from Manipur.

The top politicians of the country may be looking for extra-miles in their political course while taking cue on Nido Tania’s issue, as they formed beeline to console the protesting students. Many of the protesters also questioned the manner in which Rahul and Kejriwal made their entry to join the sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar as they both were at helm of affairs in terms of governance.  But their solidarity to the people of region itself is morale boosting and has drawn more national media attention to the incident.   Though Rahul & Kejriwal were quick in their actions by passing the bucks on one another, the demand for justice of late Tania has already found the rhythm as many of fellow countrymen also joined in chorus and is demanding vociferously to enact anti-racial discrimination law.

“We don’t want to be only consoled nor need their lip services, we want culprits to be booked and awarded exemplary punishment and enact strong anti-racial discrimination law,” said aggrieved friend of late Tania.

Along with anti-racial discrimination law, NE people are clamouring equal place in the history of country as they claimed that the region’s history has been totally left out in the country schools syllabus. They are also demanding for guaranteed unalienable rights of freedom, liberty and equality.

The manacles of segregation and chains of discrimination in United States could only able to unshackle after Martin Luther King Jr delivered a historic “I have a dream” speech. Similarly late Nido Tania has become a symbolic figure to fight against racism in India. He gave his precious today for our better tomorrow! This message he wanted his fellow brethrens from the region to carry when they go home. On the other hand his friends, sisters and brothers of eight sisters stand bolder with firm oath to continue the fight till justice is delivered and anti-racial law enacted.  With a vow they firmly asserted the fight is just beginning. Now all eyes are on India to walk to new life and freedom, on Tania’s name. Can we NE people now start dreaming?

 

 

Economic blockade lifted due to efforts of AAPSU and AASU says NESO Adviser

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The North East Students Organization (NESO) adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya informed that economic blockade against Arunachal has been lifted for the period of one month. Crediting effort of All Assam Students Union (AASU) and All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union(AAPSU), NESO Adviser stated that it is due to the tireless efforts of premier student organizations of two state the economic blockade could be lifted.

“AAPSU and AASU will continue to hold dialogue to maintain age old relation between two peace loving neighbours. Today a meeting was held at Biswanath Chariali, where representatives of NESO, AASU and various other student organizations attended. The meeting held under the guidance of Sonitpur district administration, decided to lift blockade keeping in view the good relation shared by two states. In the meanwhile, we appeal both Congress ruled states of Assam and Arunachal government to find solution to the imbroglio,” said Samujjal.   He further added, “It is duty of Assam government to ensure that people of Arunachal feel safe and secure in Assam. Similarly Arunachal government should give justice to Bihali victim. The two state governments should create healthy atmosphere so that people of Arunachal and Assam continue to live peacefully.”  He also informed that on 10th February AASU and AAPSU under the guidance of NESO will hold peace meeting at AASU office, Guwahati in this regard. Strongly condemning the barbaric attack on young Arunachalee boy Ratan Bagang by unknown miscreants at Longi in Assam, he urged local administration to give justice to young boy. “Such act is not acceptable at all. But we would like to inform our Arunachalee brother and sister that, injured victim was saved by Assam police and Assamese citizen. Some of the local Assamese citizen escorted him till he was brought to Guwahati Medical College. The members of NESO, AASU and All Assam Gorkha Students Union immediately went to GMC and meet senior hospital authorities. We asked GMC authorities to provide best treatment so that young boy recovers at the earliest,” said Samujjal. Meanwhile AAPSU President Kamta Lapung expressed grateful to NESO Adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya for his relentless effort in ensuing lifting of economic blockade against Arunachal. “We remember contribution of every individual and civil society organizations of both Assam and Arunachal who worked tirelessly to broker peace. Especially the role of All Papum Pare District Students Union and All Papum Poma Students Union is really appreciable. After bilateral meeting with AASU at Guwahati, we will conduct joint visit of affected area to speak to the villager and get actual information. We will continue to work with AASU and strengthened the relation with our Assam brothers,” said Kamta Lapung. He also appealed to Arunachal government to give proper compensation to Ratan Bagang and stated that AAPSU will fight for his justice. Meanwhile AAPSU lead by its General Secretary Biru Nasi helped more than 400 stranded students to leave Arunachal by using Lakhimpur-Dibrugarh route. NESO Coordinator Pritam Sonam also informed that apex student organizations of North East have appealed to all the parliamentarians to pass anti-racial law in present session of parliament.

AAPSU lead by its finance secretary Suraj Tayam will organize protest march on 12th February starting from Legi complex to Rajbhawan seeking justice for Nido Tania.

 

 

PPA stages massive rally, demands white papers and justice for NidoTania

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The People’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) today took out massive rally  demanding justice for Nido Tania, a victim of racial attack who was brutally killed at New-Delhi on 29th January last. PPA also demanded early lifting of economic blockade against Arunachal, white papers on hydro power & dams, current financial status of state government, prevailing law and order situation and unaccounted private universities.

Hundreds of people voluntarily participated in the rally. The rally started from RK Mission helipad ground and culminated at Raj Bhawan helipad. Addressing the huge gathering PPA working President Nikh Kamin informed participants about objective of the protest rally. Kamin also added that party is demanding for devolution of power to Panchayat Raj Institution. He further asserted that PPA is an alternative party to fight for its own people’s right unlike Congress who he alleged of plundering the state. PPA new member Jalley Sonam called upon the youths to shoulder the responsibilities for change Arunachal. He called upon youths to choose right leaders from own state, instead of choosing Rahul and Modi to change the state. “Now time has come we should ponder over the future of our state” Sonam said. Taking dig at people representatives of the state, Sonam questioned why MPs of Arunachal took so long to raise the racial attack and economic blockade issues in Delhi.

He also castigated few self style leaders of Assam based organization that resorted economic blockade, he termed them anti-national element saying the no individual has right to called blockade on particular state.

Alleging the state government has gone of signing MoUs and MoAs discreetly with various power developers, PPA general secretary Gumjum Haider said that the state government cannot keep on signing MoUs and MoAs without disclosing its own people. “Congress Govt is meant for picnic and rally” remarked Haider. The PPA general secretary further vehemently condemned at Delhi Police for allegedly taking money from late Tania. He said that centre and Delhi government should ensure the safety of every North-easterner living in the city.

Other PPA leaders present during the rally were Naksang Tsering, Toko Sheetal, and Kenya Rigu

 

 

CM assures young student delegate of strong action in Nido Tania case

RGUSU takes out protest rally

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: Nido Tania symbolises the causes of North East people and his sacrifice has brought never seen before national momentum against racism, said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Lok Sabha member Takam Sanjoy and few MLAs today.

Addressing a group of youth who have conscientiously taken up the cause of Tania in the conference hall of CM’s bungalow here, Tuki enlisted the steps taken by him right from the moment of receipt of the unfortunate news on January 29 last and has been constantly monitoring since then despite in shock and mourning his unfortunate death, who was the young son of MLA Nido Paivtra and Arunachal Pradesh Social Welfare Board chairperson Marina Nido, both dear colleagues.  

The group without any affiliation what so ever which had organised a candlelight rally to demand justice for Tania from Akashdeep Complex to CM’s bungalow last evening, highlighted the reforms needed for mainstreaming the NE people with their mainland counterparts and suggested steps to the CM to move the Centre to achieve the goal.

The steps to safeguard future of the NE people and end racism against them included death penalty for Tania’s murders, enactment of anti-racial law, setting up of a special cell for NE students in Delhi, inclusion of history and culture of NE in national textbooks,  inclusion of Arunachal in national anthem, setting up of higher institutes of education, particularly engineering and medial in Arunachal, conducting seminar in different parts of the country to bring mass awareness on NE, particularly Arunachal.

Enlisting steps taken to end racism, Tuki termed Tania, a family member, a symbol of NE causes and said: “We would ensure that an independent agency conducts the probe, the guilty are brought to book soon and a strong anti-racial law is enacted. I along with the MP have repeatedly spoken to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Sushil Ku Shinde and AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi which gave the momentum to the issue. All sections of people and political parties throughout the nation have joined the demand for an anti-racial law. Tania’s sacrifice has given strength to our cause and this is the opportune moment to ensure he becomes immortal by taking the issue to its logical conclusion.”

Memorials for those who have sacrificed their lives for Arunachal, including Tania would be built, Tuki announced, adding that the January 29 Tarasso incident occurred simultaneously which has to the tackled with utmost care.

Referring to the decades-long inter-state boundary problem cropped up since NEFA days, Tuki said that his initiatives expedited the process for the Supreme Court-constituted single man Local Boundary Commission to submit its preliminary report which according to media report was favourable to Arunachal.

 “Assam and Arunachal are sisterly states and we cannot survive without Assam,” Tuki said and hinted his numerous steps to find a lasting solution to the boundary row and lift the economic blockade at the earliest.

Realising problem of the land-locked Arunachal, “I have urged the Centre to open road connectivity through Bhutan (Tasigaon-Bleting-Lumla), West Bengal (Bhairabkund-Chicken Neck) and South East Asia (Jairampur-Pangsau Pass-Kunming) to end Arunachal’s dependence,” Tuki informed.

“I have been constantly working with my Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi to get the economic blockade lifted but some anti-social elements, particularly the involvement of CPI (ML) had complicated the issue. But, I sincerely appeal to every Arunachalee to not act emotionally on both issues lest things go out of our hand,” Tuki said without mincing any words.

“We the lawmakers led by the CM joined the last rites of Tania. We still are in deep shock but are working for our cause. Tania, who always spent his holidays with my family in Delhi, has been made a sacrificial lamb but I’m confident that his sacrifice would bring solace and end racism against the NE people,” an emotionally charged Sanjoy said.

Though Delhi Police have arrested three to four persons, but we have demanded a fast track court to try the case for the guilty including the cops to be awarded  exemplary punishment. Even today Rajya Sabha member Mukut Mithi led a delegation to meet Rahul Gandhi on the issue,” the MP disclosed.

Giving a genesis of racism against Arunachalees, PWD Parliamentary Secretary T Norbu Thongdok said besides the isolated location, geographical barrier, unique features and life styles, the NE tribals carry with them their fierce independent attitude which obstructs them from assimilating with their mainland counterparts.

“When Tania has turned the voice of our cause, we have to realise the truth and propagate ourselves in right perspective for the rest of India to accept us. Let us forward one step for other to emulate. We have to decide conscientiously steps to bring national awareness about us,” he added. Once the Nido couple returns from their native village Tamen, a group of MLAs led by the CM would go to Delhi on February 9 to ensure that our demands are met, Power (Electrical) Parliamentary Secretary Gojen Gadi said. Lawmakers Thangwang Wangham & Kimsi Sidisow, IPR secretary Dani Salu and political secretary to CM Bamang Tago were also present. This evening a candle march was organized by the Rajiv Gandhi University Students' Union (RGUSU) to condole the death of Lt. Nido Tania. The university family with all the students, staffs, administration, faculty members, research scholars’ residents and teachers and students of Govt. higher sec. school Doimukh marched against racial discrimination. The RGUSU condemned the incident and appealed for the highest punishment for such heinous crime. The people of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast have always been subjected to racial discrimination in the mainland. Are these the price one should pay for having mongoloid features?  The people from the mainland should change their attitude and their outlook.

In the condolence message Dr. RK Singh, President of Teachers' Association RGU consoled the family of Nido Tania and expressed sadness over the brutal murder of the boy. He stated that, "If this is the price for a facial feature and colour of skin or dress. This is the high time to fight against such inhuman activities in a democratic country like India"

Abhishek Yadav faculty of Hindi Department and former Vice-President in Jawarharlal Nehru University briefed that students from NE state often faces discrimination because of physical feature. While condemning it he said that we should continue the fight until and unless the people change their concept of Indians of other states.

Joining the protest against the racial attack and justice for Lt. Nido Tania, RGUSU also appealed the higher authority of the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for early solution of Tarrasso incident and lift the road blockade. The Students are the sufferers as many of the students who are supposed to reach back for their academic session have been gravely affected.

 

 

Assam-Arunachal border peace committee formed in Balijan

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: In view of the tensions arising out of the January 29 incident along the Arunachal-Assam boundary near Tarasso in Papum Pare district, a team of delegates comprising of members of All Papum Pare District Students’ Union and All Papum Poma Students’ Union along with the local Gaon Buras and other Panchayat members convened a meeting with various Assam-based organizations at Balijan today.

After much discussion and debate with members from All Assam Students’ Union, All Assam Minority Students’ Union, All Assam Adivasi Students’ Union, police, ITBP personnels and Panchayati Raj members from both states, it was decided to form the Arunachal-Assam Interstate Border Peace Committee to ensure that such incidents do not flare up again. The committee will be headed by Helem ASM Sumit Tanti with Vice-president Tana Tath, general secretary T G Taba and joint secretaries Arhlague Ahmed and M Basar. They will work together in cohesion to maintain peace along the border areas and to avoid any further recurrences of such incident. The members from both the states shall be in constant touch with each other. The committee has asked people of the area to contact them in case of any misunderstandings that may arise along the border. It was also decided in the meeting that the team will conduct a field survey soon to get a clearer picture of ground realities. The members also appealed to the public at large to refrain from spreading rumours of violent incidents without ascertaining the truth.

 

 

1st company of SDRF ready to serve state

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The one company of State Disaster Response Force of Arunachal Pradesh yesterday completed their disaster management training in the premises of 1st AAP BN Chimpu, Itanagar. The 1st National Disaster Response Force based at Guwahati, under the guidance of National Disaster Management Authority imparted training to SDRF members of the state. The raising of SDRF in Arunachal Pradesh has been long due after the enactment of National Disaster Management Act in 2005. This initiative is first step of Arunachal Pradesh to develop self sustaining disaster response mechanism at the state level to reduce casualty in times of mishap and disasters. The persistent persuasion, guidance and endeavors of K M Singh, Member of National Disaster Management Authority has enabled the state to achieve its milestone by raising SDRF. The state of Arunachal Pradesh is vulnerable to various disasters i.e. flash flood, cloud burst, landslide and earthquake as it falls in seismic zone-V. Most of the time districts like Dibang Valley, Anjaw, West Siang, and Upper Siang remains cut off due to heavy rainfall and frequent landslide. SDRF will be instrumental in initial response and at the recovery phase by reaching to inaccessible areas and assisting people who fall prey to various natural and man-made disasters.

Police department of Arunachal Pradesh for the last few months has played an active role in allocating the manpower and procurement of disaster management equipment so that the state response force could be functional. Under the guidance of NDMA and with the help of 1st NDRF, training infrastructure was developed at Chimpu location to facilitate the trainees. The commandant 1st BN AAP and his team have put in extra hard work to make SDRF training a success.

The newly raised SDRF were imparted intensive training for four weeks in each batch by the master trainers of 1st NDRF. The trainees were given first hand exposure of disciplines like medical first response, collapsed structure search & rescue, fire fighting, flood & water rescue, psycho-social care of disaster victims, dead -body & carcass management. They were imparted practical training on each subject and practiced with latest disaster response equipments.

After the completion of training, Tojo Karga Commandant 1st AAP stated, "SDRF is an important chain in managing disasters at state level. The effective and accountable response of SDRF can instill confidence in the local population. SDRF can also play its vital role in generating mass awareness and imparting training down to village level when there are no operational engagements." The best trainees out of the two disaster management course will also undergo Trainers' training (ToT) to develop the pool of trainers to impart Disaster Management training to all the stake holders of Arunachal Pradesh. Yesterday during closing ceremony of training S K Sastri, second-in-command of 1st NDRF stated, “Initial training is just the initiation, SDRF must develop a culture of training and practices round the clock and take part in mock drills and exercises to develop accountable and effective response mechanism.”

 

 

NES asks Assam & Arunachal govt. to intervene, says trade route to China and Myanmar be opened

Staff reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) has called upon the governments of Assam and Arunachal to come up with solution for peaceful coexistence following economic blockade imposed against Arunachal after the incident at Tarasso.

In a press conference, NES president Bengia Tolum, while demanding independent organizations to investigate into the matter, preferably the CBI or SIT under direct supervision of Guwahati High Court, said that by imposing economic blockade, the organizations in Assam are not only taking law in their hands but it is also complete violation of human rights.

According to official sources from Assam, economic blockade has been lifted however there are still reports of some random organizations picking on Arunachalee people.

“We have always lived in peaceful co-existence with our neighbouring states but not with empty stomach. And it has not even been proved that Arunachalee people were involved in the killing,” he said while hinting at the Ministry of Home Affairs claim that NDFB might have a hand in the killing of January 29 at Tarasso.

“If this is not stopped, we will be compelled to seek the help of human rights organization”, he said.

Coming down heavily on the state government for announcing ex-gratia for the deceased of Tarasso incident, Tolum charged, “What message does the Arunachal government wants to give by announcing the ex-gratia. Is it an acceptance for the crime when the local people of the area are denying the charges?”

“If at all the ex-gratia has to be paid, pay ex-gratia to the boy Nido Tania who was killed in the heart of New Delhi. Pay compensation to the boy Ratan Bagang who was brutalized by miscreants at Longi village in Assam on February 4 and to those people whose houses were evicted by the forest officials of Assam in Tarasso,” he said.

Reacting to the biased news reports being carried by some of the Assam based electronic media’s, he suggested that the Arunachal government should write to the regulating authority for the inflammatory news reports that some of the Assam based media houses are broadcasting.

He said, “Assam media is trying to infuse anger into the people of Assam against Arunachal.”

Expressing frustration over the Central government’s stoic silence over the whole issue, he said, “The entire population of the country India also includes the people of Arunachal. They should intervene into the case.”

Saying that organizations in Assam have time and again imposed blockades against Arunachal, he called on Arunachal government to pursue the government at the Centre to open up trade route with China and Myanmar.

The NES lastly called on people from Assam living in Arunachal to form committees and have a talk with the agitating organizations for early lifting of the blockade.

 

 

Dist level CM’s Trophy tournament held

ITANAGAR, Feb 06: Papum Pare district level rounds of the Chief Minister’s Trophy tournament for football and volleyball (both men and women) concluded at Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) complex, Chimpu near here today.

Doimukh and Sagalee constituencies were the winners in football men’s and women’s category respectively while in volleyball Sagalee and Doimukh constituencies were the winners in men and women’s category respectively.

Nguri Abin of Doimukh constituency and Nabam Natang of Sagalee constituency were adjudged the best men and woman football players respectively.

Techi Tayo of Sagalee constituency and Tasar Yanium of Doimukh Constituency were declared as best man and woman volleyball players respectively.

The complete result:

Football Women Winner: Sagalee Constituency; Football Women Runners up: Doimukh Constituency; Football Men Winner: Doimukh Constituency; Football Men Runners up: Sagalee Constituency; Volleyball Women Winner: Doimukh Constituency; Volleyball Women Runners up: Sagalee Constituency; Volleyball Men Winner: Sagalee Constituency; Volleyball Men Runners up: Doimukh Constituency; Best Player Football (Men): Nguri Abin, Doimukh Constituency; Best Player Football (Women): Nabam Natang, Sagalee Constituency; Best Player Volleyball (Men): Techi Tayo, Sagalee Constituency; Best Player Volleyball (Women): Tasar Yanium, Doimukh Constituency.

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Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

We are Chinky, so what?

Dear Editor,

The killing of Nido Tania in the capital has once again shaken us deeply with anguished and anger, not so long ago Dana Sangma a student of MBA from Meghalaya committed suicide at Delhi due to alleged discrimination meted out to her by the university authorities for whatever reasons. Another precious life lost and who could be the next is an uncomfortable question that haunts us. There have been numerous cases of racial discrimination and insults melted out on northeast youths in almost all the metro cities in the country, whether it is in the campus, work place or in the market place maybe just because we happened to be different from them. Many of our students from the region continue to face such humiliations and some of them have succumbed to this kind of behavior. It is high time to broaden the perspective and find ways and means to put an end to this kind of attacks whether you want to call it racial discrimination or mainstream chauvinism.

As we witness spontaneous outpouring of protest and resentment across the northeastern states.  It is saddening to hear many of our students helplessly reinforcing the stereotype ‘we are also Indians’. One wonders whether we need a certificate to consider ourselves as Indians or are we at someone’s mercy to be an Indian. The answer is simply no, and that is what exactly one important lesson that Nido Tania has taught us, that he wouldn’t budge to such racial abuse and insults rather he had the guts to fight back which many wouldn’t have done. Though he is no more but his courage will always be remembered. We need to send out a strong message that we are indeed different from them in our culture, life style, food habits and physical appearance and that does not necessarily make us less Indian. They must learn to accept and respect the difference for that is how we represent the pluralistic character and nature of India. Ignorance, arrogance, chauvinism or racial discrimination this kind of behavior is unacceptable and need to be fought at all levels by every right thinking citizens of this country.

As we demand for justice let’s also realize that no amount of strong condemnation or punishment of the guilty alone will not help suffice this problem. We need to think of a broader long term practical solutions to address this issue. One of the ways perhaps, is for our government to provide more educational institutions such as good schools and colleges with professional and technical courses in the region so that our students don’t have to go out to places where they are not respected or welcome. This in fact will also save the huge amount of capital that goes out of our coffer. Universities in the region can also play an important role by introducing more courses and creating more seats so that even the average students are not left out. The problem with our education system is that we have become so obsessed with competition and merit because of which many of the average students go out of the region to seek admission elsewhere and they end up paying huge donation for seats. Let’s not forget the greatest challenge for a teacher is to educate and equip the dullest student. Merit alone is fine in a country where there is equal ability and accessibility to quality education but not in a country like India where huge disparities exist within our social structure.

Another prospect that could be given a serious thought is to create scope and opportunity for our students to pursue their higher education in neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Korea and even China. These countries have much better universities and would provide them better atmosphere to learn and explore besides there is strong cultural homogeneity that exist in these countries where our students can easily assimilate and feel much safer and homely. To prove this point take the classic example of many of youngsters of the northeast today are influence by Korean movies and music. We can notice many boys and girls imitating the hairstyle and dresses of Korean stars. The Ministry of Development of Northeast region can play an important role not only in facilitating this proposal but also by providing scholarship and educational loan facilities for our students to study in these countries rather than building separate hostel for northeast students in the Delhi or Bangalore which might only isolate them from others. Perhaps this initiative can also help push the so called Look East Policy into action from being a mere paper policy and in the long run yield better results not only in terms of sharing knowledge and ideas, it can open up avenues in commerce and business as well as employment opportunities for our  youths. Moreover this can also help in building and sharing better cultural ties and relation with our immediate neighboring countries.

The government has always been too obsessed with national security at our cause, for how long can we keep ourselves closed?  Good leadership is also about taking a well calculated risk, the problem with our regional political leaders and policy makers is that, they are so weak to take any major decision, instead at a drop of a hat they run to Delhi for solution; no doubt this is also one of the reason why every state government in the region is bulldogged by anybody in the name of some over-ground or underground organization.  Let this incident be a wake up called for our all of us. Time has come to fight back but in a more creative and practical manner.

A small anecdote to end with, a student from Manipur was once warned by the hostel warden in one of the premier university in Delhi, to stop burning dry fermented fish (locally known as ngari) in the campus because it smells bad to others. The student simply asked the warden, sir please define what is bad smell? If I am satisfied with your definition I will definitely stop burning. The warden left speechless.

Yours,

Dr Kh. Kabi

 

 

 

Some things to remember when you are in alien land

Dear editor,

I graduated from Maharashtra few years ago. Numerous junior students from Arunachal will travel to different parts of the country for the first time in the months after March. Out of concern for their safety, I take the liberty to present them guidelines on surviving racist attacks.

Racism is real. Make sure you are well-connected to members of the Arunachalee student community active in the city where you intend to study. Far away from home our Arunachalee and NE student communities are family and true support. Though second or first AC are not guaranteed ‘racism free zones’ while traveling in train, in comparison they are safer. Avoid the general coaches. Once there in the city, acquaint yourself with the cultural traits, customs, and mannerisms of the locals. Look, listen, understand and learn how they approach another person, begin and end a conversation, how they change their body language in specific settings such as in company of elders, senior citizens, women, etc. Respect their language, traditions, the way they are. Don’t lose your temper and throw back a challenge when the brute mocks or taunts you. There is a high probability of such person being a registered criminal. Never initiate arguments with strangers. In a crowded country of more than a billion you meet every imaginable mentality; bad people, good people, racists, bullies, pundits, communists, elitists, eunuchs and what not. Appreciate diversity, ignore the stupidity, and move on with humility. My personal understanding is that an average Arunachalee student comes from a background of fewer means and materials. Unlike scions of the so-called elites, he/she cannot bypass third rate localities or be airborne each time she travels. Adapt to the immediate environment, focus on the goal you left Arunachal for, develop from new experiences, and remember that ‘what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.’ The world outside the proverbial well may appear wild but the rewards are hidden in the struggle. For now, we can hope and pray that our troll giants start beating their puffed out chests at others for a change, scare away the blockade like they do domestic dissenters. In solidarity,

Yours,

Tai Taram,

Globotech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.,

Pune, Maharashtra.

 

 

 

Style is personal choice

Dear Editor,

Considering the “Nido Tania” murder case, I think one of the major reasons along with “Racism” is been attributed to something called “STYLE.” The conflict between Late Tania and shopkeeper started when later mocked about his hair colour in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. Recalling an incident, I too had faced a similar kind of problem while pursuing my Master degree in JNU, Delhi.

Conversely, style I believe is personal, why do people have to have a problem on that???

Eventually, I have met people with weird and creepy sense of styles, the way they put in themselves.

Here word like creepy or weird is denoted by my sight and not necessarily everyone.

I didn’t like the sense of wearing Salwar with sport shoes, I didn’t like the sense of wearing Dhotis like those of miniskirts, pulling it way to short and I didn’t like the big guys wearing Superman T- Shirts. Though my eyes didn’t find favour, I don’t like to make any comment on them because I knew it’s all personal.

We clearly know the fact that while shaping the nation after partition of India or the creation of Pakistan, critic believed that such a diversity could not remain for long as India was seen with different Cultures, Languages, Religion and in particular- ‘PEOPLE.’ Are we giving boost to these beliefs??? Let’s falsify it together. Why don’t you come to my house and taste rice with samboo shoots? Why wasn’t I invited to your house to have Daal with Chapati together? Diversity is the greatest richness of India, let’s preserve it.

Yours,

Geyin Boli

Yingkiong,

 

 

 

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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

---- Editorial ----

 

Delay in Rafale fighter jet acquisition, a major concern

What could be termed as major setback, defense minister AK Anthony today told that deal to buy Rafale fighter jet can only be possible in the next financial year as ministry is left with no money left. New Delhi had picked the Rafale fighters for exclusive negotiations in January 2012 and had been expected to finalise the deal, estimated at $15 billion, by the end of March. India is in the midst of a $100 billion defence modernization programme to replace Soviet-era planes and tanks to narrow the gap with China, with which it fought a war in 1962. A border dispute lingers and Indian Air force is deeply worried with depleting fleet of ageing fighter jets.

The air force believes that further delay in acquisition of Rafale jet will severely affect the fleet strength of the force. The defence upgrade programme has moved slowly like other major projects under the current government and is partly because of Antony's insistence on transparency and integrity in the defence procurement process, long dogged by allegations of kickbacks. Last month, Antony's office cancelled a $560 million euro deal with AgustaWestland for 12 helicopters after allegations were made that bribes had been paid to middlemen to secure the contract. With neighbors like China and Pakistan upping hostility against India, can it afford more delay in major defense procurements?