feb14 23

2014

February 23

Fire engulfs PWD office, functioning to hamper

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: A fire accident today morning in the office premise of Chief Engineer, Central Zone-A, PWD has caused extensive damage to its two blocks; housing works branch, establishment branch and Accounts Branch resulting in loss of office records, equipments, furniture etc, informed an official statement from the office.

Electrical short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the accident. Fearing that it will hamper normal functioning of the office, the office has further appealed all concern to bear with the inconvenience till normalcy is restored.

Pre Nyokum celebrated at NERIST

NIRJULI, Feb 22: Pre-Nyokum Yullo celebration was organized today at NERIST compound by its students and faculties with traditional and religious fervour.

Director NERIST, Professor Depankar Paul and Dr Joram Beda, Special Secretary to Health attended the celebration as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion as special guest, Asst Prof, Department of Botany (RGU) Dr Hui Tak stressed on the breeding and conservation of Mithun in the eastern Himalayan regions. Stating Mithun as an animal of both cultural and economic importance for Tani groups, he suggested its “conservation for sustainable utilization”.

Tak further expressed concern over the excessive slaughtering of Mithuns during festive occasions and informed that Mithun is now under venerable category. Tak opined that in order to sustain Mithun population, extensive breeding can be adopted and identification of community conservation reserve of around 70 to 80 square km can be adopted.

“As Mithun is associated culturally so there should be customary laws to protect it, no laws framed by the government can check and balance the Mithun population”, Tak added.

In other activities, several cultural troupes performed on traditional beats and earlier, discourse on mythology of NyokumYullo celebration was also given.

NSUI burns Modi’s effigy

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) State Unit staged protest dharna against Narendra Modi for, what it said, “suspension of five students at Vadodara for not attending political rally.” Terming the suspension of students as unconstitutional act, the volunteers of NSUI state unit burnt the effigy of BJP prime ministerial candidate here at IG Park today. Condemning the act, NSUI unit also demanded unconditional apology from Narendra Modi and urged him to revoke the suspension of students. “No civilized and mature political party with national character should resort to such step which is totally uncalled for” stated NSUI Unit. This is total violation of constitutional norm, murder of human ethic and dictatorial attitude of BJP government, said NSUI in a release.

Book released

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: A new religious book, Holy Land an Impeccable Memoir, authored by former home minister Nyelam Taram was released by Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong at a simple function at author’s Pappu Hills residence, Naharlagun on February 19.

Reverends Halli Likha and Tar Choya consecrated the book.

NYP 2014 & Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan launched

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The National Youth Policy (NYP) 2014 & Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan was launched at APRB-R-SETI, Doimukh yesterday by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Itanagar in collaboration with NN Charitable Society, Doimukh and in association with Town Catholic Church Sports Club, Doimukh.

On the occasion, a rally was organized where hundreds of youths marched from NN Charitable Society office at Huto village to APRB-R-SET, Doimukh office displaying banners, posters depicting the launch of the programme.

Attending the programme as chief guest, ZPM Doimukh-II Tana Yayo underlined importance of youths in the field of games and sports, education and other civic activities. She further urged upon the youths to refrain from indulging in activities that would rather spoil their valuable time.

Various members of Mahila Mandal also participated in the programme.

Meet to check unfair means in exam hall

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: East Kameng district unit of Arunachal Teachers Association convened a meeting to ensure smooth conduct of the ensuing CBSE examination in the district.

The meeting attended by representatives of All East Kameng Students’ Union (AEKSU), EKSWCO and NES district unit, Principal BRCCs, CRCs, SMC chairman unanimously resolved to request the district administer to impose 144 within the restricted areas of CBSE examination centre to check unfair means in examination hall.

The meeting also discouraged carrying of mobile phones and calculators in the examination hall by students.

The meeting also appealed to the district administration and DDSE to take stern action against those who will be found involved in such unfair means and also those who refuse to perform examination duty without any valid reason, informed an AEKSU release.

Thomas takes charge as Upper Siang DC

YINGKIONG Feb, 22: Dr. Tariq Thomas has taken over the charge of Deputy Commissioner, Upper Siang District today. DIPRO

ATSU organizes awareness campaign

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, Feb 22: All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) organized a mass awareness campaign on various issues like wild life protection, sanitation, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse on the eve of Statehood Day.

A procession was taken out from Hr. Secondary school ground to Rijo ground where more than five hundred students from various schools participated.

Public including business community, staffs from different department also participated in the awareness campaign.

Attending the awareness campaign, local MLA Tapen Siga, appreciated the Union for this noble initiative and encouraged them to continue their awareness campaign to create awareness among public about importance of wild life protection, proper sanitation practices.

ATSU also distributed relief materials like food items to the victims of fire accident of Polo colony, Daporijo, in which five houses were reduced to ashes in a devastating fire accident. ATSU appealed to the district administration to provide immediate relief to fire victims.

Forest Festival to be organized at Aalo

AALO, Feb 22: Aalo Forest Division is contemplating to organize Aalo forest festival 2014 on February 28 at Gumin Kiin, Aalo.

The festival envisages to highlight the activities and functions of the forest Department , in addition to, create awareness about the importance of the Environment and Forests, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, etc and enhancing the interface between the common people and the forest department.

It is expected that the various agencies, power developers, local NGOs, Civil Society Organizations would also participate by putting up exhibition stalls.

Aalo Forest Division Nyali Ete has appealed one and all to provide logistic support and help for making the festival a success.

Sanitation week concludes

TAWANG. Feb 22: The department of PHE &WS Subdivision Jang observed “Sanitation week” from February 14-20 to commemorate the 27th Statehood Day Celebration.

The weeklong program was kicked off with a Workshop at Lhou Circle under Jang –Thingbu Block on February 14 where Dr. N Zorgsan attended as resource person. The workshop was attended by hosts of PRIs, general public and officials. A power point presentation was presented wherein roles of PRIs and other related topics were shown.

In Mukto-Bongkhar block, the workshop was conducted at Mukto circle on February 17 where Dr. Namgey Rakpa as resource person. The workshop was actively participated by Lobsang Tsetim CO Mukto all PRIs under the block.

The weeklong program concluded with a School Rally on Sanitation on February 20 at Mukto.

News Impact

China should shed expansionist mindset: Modi

Staff Reporter

PASIGHAT, Feb 22: Wading into a foreign policy issue for the first time, Narendra Modi on Saturday asked China to shed its "expansionist mindset", making it clear that no power on earth can snatch Arunachal Pradesh from India.

"China should shed its expansionist policy and forge bilateral ties with India for peace, progress and prosperity of both the nations," the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said addressing a rally here in his current election campaign.

"Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will always remain so. No power can snatch it from us. People of Arunachal Pradesh didn't come under pressure or fear of China," he said.

"I swear in the name of this soil that I will never allow the state to disappear...breakdown and to bow down," Modi said to a thunderous applause from people gathered near the mighty Siang River.

He said China should shed its expansionist mindset because the world of today does not accept it. The entire world is moving towards development, he said.

"China needs to change its stand. China should shed its expansionist mindset and adopt the plank of development. Focus is on the development all over the world," the Gujarat Chief Minister said.

Lauding the patriotic nature of the people, Modi said that because of the people, who were guarding the state as well as the country as sentinels, Arunachal remained an integral part of the country.

"The people here are real patriots as they salute their counterparts with 'Jai Hind' and are zealously protecting the state's territory..... They gave a befitting reply to the advancing Chinese army during 1962 and the British and several army personnel from the state also fought with Pakistan during the Kargil war," he said. “Arunachalees are very proud Indians and had always stood up against Chinese. During 1962 war, Arunachalee solider Neelam Tabe sacrificed his life fighting against Chinese. Arunachalee soldier have fought valiantly during Kargil war too,” Modi continued.

While directly referring to the January 29 murder of Arunachal Pradesh youth Nido Tania in Delhi, Modi cautioned the UPA government against underestimating the people of the state and added that it was the duty of the entire nation to protect the people and the state's territorial integrity.

He termed killing of young Arunachalee students Nido Tania as national shame and promised that he will try his every best to ensure justice for the departed soul.

Modi also spoke about emotional hydropower issue. “Arunachal has been gifted with abundant natural resources, of which water is the biggest asset. The rivers of state if tapped properly can become source of income. However I respect the sentiment of those Arunachalees who are opposed to big hydropower projects. We can still construct small hydro projects and can become powerhouse of the country,” said Modi.

Expressing his concern over slow pace of development in the state, BJP PM in waiting stated that real development will heal all the pain of Arunachalee. “Herbal, horticulture and handicraft will be important sector of development in the state. These three sectors have immense potential and if tapped properly will provide employment opportunities to many Arunachalees,” said Modi. Setting tone for coming Lokh Sabha election, Modi while addressing the Vijay Sankalp Abhiyan rally also tried his best to touch emotion of people of Arunachal.

In the rally, prominent personalities of the state including former Arunachal Chief Minister Gegong Apang, first member of Lok Sabha R K Khrimey, Former Home Minister L Wanglet, Sanchoom Numu, former Minister, retired Colonel Remo Karbak, first military commissioned officer and also the first colonel of the state Gumke Riba, among others were officially accepted in the BJP by state BJP president Tai Tagak in the presence of Narender Modi.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Techi Necha said that thousands of Modi fans could not join the rally due to unexpected restrictions imposed by the state police on the pretext of security reason. (With inputs from PTI)

NES & other orgs resolve to cap ANSU election expenditure

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and other prominent organizations and personalities of Nyishi community in a joint meeting held at Nyikum Nyia Hall, Nyirubjolli on February 15 last unanimously resolved to cap All Nyishi Student Union’s (ANSU) election expenditures.

While expressing concern over the involvement of money in the student politics vis-a-vis donations/funding from various quarters, the house unanimously resolved to cap ANSU election expenditures.

The house further appealed all the esteemed members of the community and all concerned as well, for strict enforcement of the resolutions which stated that (i) no politicians, businessmen, officers, parents and guardians and relatives shall directly or indirectly lend financial, physical, morale or any form of logistic support including donation in any form to the candidates in the ANSU Election, (ii) that no forceful donations in cash or kind from any individuals or organizations which may affect the name & fame and reputation of the Nyishi community by any individuals, parties/groups including the ANSU executive members, election commission of the ANSU election shall be allowed at any cost and (iii) that the house unanimously endorsed the NES to take appropriate stringent social action as deemed fit and proper against such individuals or parties”.

The executive meeting was attended by members of various Nyishi community based organizations including Nyishi Elite Society (NES), Central Nyokum Committee (CNC), All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), Nyishi Nyem Acham (NNA), Nyishi Service Engineering forum(NSEF), Nyishi Agri-Allied Extension Society (NAAES), East Kameng Socio-Cultural Welfare Organization(EKSCWO), XII Pakke Kessang Intellectual Forum(XII-PIF), Rajiv Gandhi University Nyishi Employees Association (RGUNEA), District Students’ Unions (DSUs), Block Students’ Unions(BSUs), and MLAs/HPS/HMs/Chairmen, former ministers / MLAs, former presidents and general secretaries of NES-ANSU, PR leaders, councillors, senior citizen and social workers.

The NES implores upon its constituent members and all concerned to carry out the social dictum in letter and spirit.

Musical extravaganza marks end of ‘Festival of Arunachal’

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The three-day Festival of Arunachal came to an end here at I G park this evening with the distribution of prizes to winners of various events by the Chief Guest MP Takam Sanjoy, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Advisor to Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, Parliamentary Secretary Nabam Rebia, MLA and Chairman Sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh Tapuk Taku.

However, the Food Festival has been extended for another day.

Among others Belatee Pertin, Secretary Land Management, Political Secretary to CM, Bamang Tago, Parliamentary secretary IPR, Thangwang Wangham, Chairman APFC Ltd. Tani Loffa and Chairman AP State Medical Plants Board Bamang Felix also were present in the closing ceremony.

The department of Horticulture, GoAP won the prize for best exhibition stall while the Jukum Deppa SHG, Itanagar was declared as Best Food Stall. The evening cultural programme included ATO-PIILO Dance of Apatani Tribe, Nepali Dance, Khamba dance of Upper Siang while known singers of the state Mibi Nyodu Taring and Bamang Loram also performed. Earlier, Jomnya Siram, one of the most respected singer of Arunachal Pradesh presented an indigenous melody on ‘Tador Tapu’ which is similar to the flute.

Later, the stage was set on fire and the venue reverberated with the stirring and spectacular performances of the bands like Arunachal Fusion Band, Adil and Vasundhara, Takatrio, Mayunk Hazarika and Luit Tides with a NE Pop icon Lou Majaw and friends.

GSU demands shifting of ALG

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: Galo Students’ Union (GSU) in a representation to the Chief Secretary has demanded immediate shifting of ALG from Aalo to a more suitable location (Tarmoba).

While objecting to the ongoing renovation and proposed extension of the ALG, the representation claimed that there was no sufficient free land for expansion of the ALG as many official and business establishments have come up within the vicinity of the ALG land. The entire old Market, New Market, area comes up within the 100M radius of the parapet of the ALG. “If the Govt. is determined to go ahead with the proposed expansion work, then it should first shift the people to a more suitable place or shift the ALG out of Aalo town,” it said.

“As per Government report, the existing runaway is suitable for intended IFA operations only. But it is insufficient for fixed wing operations intended for civilian purpose.”

“Also, there is no sufficient land for development for civil terminal building (civil enclave) which is mandatory as clearly reflected in point No-3,3.9 of the MoU signed between the state Government and the Ministry of Defense, Government of India,” the representation said.

“The renovation work of the ALG is still going in spite of the successive DCs and land management department have expressed their inability to provide additional land which indicates that the constructing agency is trying to build the ALG for defense purpose only which is a clear violation of the MoU,” it claimed.

Informing that the local people of Aalo have already offered a suitable alternative site free of cost for development of the ALG at Tarmoba located some 10-15 km from Aalo between Kombo and Nigmoi, the Union demanded immediate stoppage of all ongoing works at ALG by until the concerns raised by are addressed.

It further demanded immediate publication of white paper regarding the initiative to be undertaken by the government on rehabilitation and shifting of the existing 224 permanent structures and the re-alignment of Aalo-Yinkiong BRTF road in case the ALG is extended at the present location.

The union gave authority three months to address the concerns raised by it failing which the union threatened to launch democratic movement for fulfillment of the demands.

AAPSU, AASU appeal to maintain status quo

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: A joint team of All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) led by its Spokesperson Tanya Agu, along with the office bearers of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) headed by its Finance Secretary Tularam Gogoi, All Dhemaji District Students’ Union General Secretary Junti Raidongia and Assam Unnate Sabha President Jitu Borah visited the Durpai village under West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh yesterday to take stock of the prevailing situation and had a discussion with the panchayat leaders and Goan Burahs of the village.

Later, they held a joint marathon meeting at Gogamukh and requested the people living in the boundary areas of both the states to maintain status-quo till Supreme Court gives its verdict.

Both the apex students’ body also urged state governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to come out with concrete policy to permanently settle the long-pending boundary disputes, failing which both AASU and AAPSU threatened to launch series of massive democratic movements in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The meeting also decided to conduct a joint survey in all the disputed bordering areas of Assam-Arunachal Pradesh by AAPSU, AASU along with the administrative officers of both the states.

AAPSU spokesperson Tanya Agu, urged both the Congress-led state Governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh not to be a mute spectators to this vexed boundary issue. He also said that because of this lackadaisical attitude of the government the people living in the boundary region are facing immense problems.

“We should encourage people to people dialogue”, he said and quoted, “Well fenced makes a good neighbor”. He also opined that resorting to economic blockade will garner no benefits to the people of both the states.

He was accompanied by Koj Tachang, Chairman RTI Cell AAPSU, Temi Pabo, Vice President Arunachal Law Students’ Union and Taba Pol, IPR Secretary All Lower Subansiri Students’ Union.

Research publication stall gets overwhelming response

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The stall of Research publications put up by Directorate of Research, GoAP at I G Park here as part of the three-day Festival of Arunachal witnessed a capacity crowd with visitors particularly students, academicians, dignitaries and common people which surely depicted the passion for books and reading habits of the tribal communities who are passing through an era of transition.

Book lover Er B Bagra said, “It was nice to see the whole Arunachal Pradesh in the form of books under one roof.”

Former ministers and Rumgong MLA commented, “Stall of Research department has displayed some rare reference books” while Editor State Gazetteer Shokhep Kri stated, “Research department is the academic ambassador of the region. Officers & staff are really working hard and maintaining their activities efficiently.”

Scientist (SFRI), Dr A Borang said, “The department really deserves weighty appreciation” while I Pertin, Programme Executive, AIR Itanagar also hailed the department for its praiseworthy efforts.

A student from Rajiv Gandhi University, Adu Khamang put forward his views saying “it was a good collection for researchers.”

The exhibition stall was aesthetically one of the best stalls decorated on the theme “A land of enigmatic beauty and unique cultural heritage”.

In an interaction with the media, Dr Tage Tada, Director of Research said, “It is really a matter of sheer pleasure that the number of book lovers particularly serious readers is increasing day by day. It is the index of social and psychological development of tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. We are displaying 173 numbers of books to showcase the window view of cultural heritage of the people. Al these volumes are output of empirical research and innumerable contributions made by scholars and research personnel of multidimensional fields. The sale proceed is also encouraging.”

In search of adventures: A trip to Chaglagam

S. Mundayoor

Recently a group of young cyclists from Maharashtra came on an expedition to Arunachal, riding from Tinsukia to Walong and then to Pangsau Pass, to pay their respects to the martyrs, who laid down their lives in defending our borders. This was an enthusiastic group, keen on experiencing the challenges of an adventurous trip across Arunachal. Such visitors seek out little-visited valleys and higher locations of the state, depending on minimal facilities, and trying to adapt to local conditions. The Chaglagam sector of Anjaw too is one such route, all temptingly inviting adventure-loving visitors. Especially since this region has been in the limelight, after the recent reports of intrusion of Chinese soldiers into the Indian side.

Let us too make a trip to this enchanting valley. Leaving the good BRO road from Tezu to Walong, just after Huyuliang town, we start climbing a narrow road. Just 5 years back this entire road was cut off for long and it was an arduous 4 days foot-march from Hayuliang to Chaglagam. Wildlife Researcher Ambika Aiyadurai from Tamil Nadu, who is very much at home in remote Mishmi hills, vividly remembers her challenging trek to Chaglagam, in the chilly weather.

Soon, we leave behind the green tropical vegetation, and the heavens open up before us, with awe-inspiring snow-peaks in the background of clear blue skies. Stunning waterfalls seem to come down from the heavens, and a scattering of tiny huts on distant hills leave you all admiration for the enduring human spirit. Here nature salutes the hardworking local Mishmi villagers, who create magic by growing cardamom on the vertically stiff cliffs. Scenes all set to transport you into a world beyond. The narrow winding, uneven, largely muddy BRTF road can just accommodate a small vehicle. It unendingly weaves through land-slide points, water-drippings and steep rock-faces, generously providing the eyes a feast of the mountain scenery. No one could grudge the road, as the widening work is still on.

As we reach the gently sloping land of Metengliang, the road winds up, and you see neatly built Digaru Mishmi houses surrounded by extensive orange and cardamom plots. Before independence, this was an important British administrative HQ with a large lake and a big settlement of villagers. If you wish, you can stop a few minutes at the roadside Govt. middle school, to have the warm hospitality of the Headmaster A. Kalam and his team. The friendly young local teacher Khoki Chiba would tell you that the entire settlement and the lake were washed away in 1945 when an earthquake and resultant landslides hit Metengliang. No trace of that tragedy or settlement can be seen today. Several villagers lost their lives in the calamity, including the British Assistant Political Officer (APO) Campbell and one of Khoki’s great-grandfathers. If you like a bit of historical nosing around, you can locate the poorly maintained memorial to Campbell in Tezu town, near the Tezu Nallah, covered up in scrub bushes. The brass name-plate that once adorned the memorial is missing. No brochure on Arunachal or Lohit valley mentions the Metenglaing tragedy or the Tezu memorial. Such is human memory!

As you drive along, most vehicles you cross are over-crowded Tata-mobiles, bikes or small ITBP trucks. Suddenly the road vanishes, and in front is a track more like a water- channel. There emerge before us closely packed huts and Mishmi houses, all along. The vehicle comes to a stop near the ITBP camp. We’re at Chaglagam at last! Around us are rows of hills and mountains, topped with glittering snow. There’s a nip in the air. ‘It’s terribly cold in Chagla!’, you remember the umpteen warnings that you heard, before starting from Tezu.

Chaglagam, we’re told, is one of the oldest circle HQs in Lohit, probably in Arunachal. And one of the least visited by outsiders. The army is now constructing a camp in Taflagam, the last civilian hamlet 2 kms beyond Chaglagam. Facing the ITBP camp is another hillock, with rows of dusty brown huts of civilians and old wooden quarters. This is the Chagla ‘township’, with a Circle office and a Govt. Primary Health Centre. Making a sheer contrast amongst this, is the new green-painted Circuit House, reachable by a flight of steps. Thank God, you can rejoice, such a nice retreat even in this remote border!

Soon the ‘CO office- babu’ appears welcoming you and saying, ‘Yes, sure you can stay.’ As the chowkidar opens the locked up building, you look appreciating at the nice walls, neat floors, modern electric fittings and the excellent beds. The attached bath, with a row of stylish fittings wrap you in a pleasing mood. How wonderful we thought of this trip!

‘Could we now have a cup of tea as we settle down?’ ‘Sorry, sir, we don’t have any stove or cooking arrangements here’, replies the chowkidar. ‘Ok, then let’s use our mini-immersion heater and use our dip-tea bags.’ The man replies, ‘No electricity, Sir. Hope it’d come soon, by next year.’ It is getting dusk, and we look almost jealously, at the bright lights shining in the opposite hill, across the ITBP camp. ‘No, Chagla has no power supply from a diesel gen-set. A few have solar lamps.’

‘Ok, let’s manage with candles’, we console ourselves, and plan to go down to the market for tea. Then you walk into the bathroom. The taps turn, but nothing comes out. Everything’s dry. ‘No sir, Chagla has no water-problem’, assures the Mishmi chowkidar. ‘Here there is no water. But there’s a public tap outside, near the foot-track. For now, I shall get you two buckets.’ As you start dreading the thought of going out at night for water, you realise: the adventure’s begun!

We walk down the steps to the market and ask a few. The assured answer comes: ‘oh, no. there’s no tea-shops here’. How do we manage then?

As we get back to the dark circuit house, we decide philosophically, ‘Yes, let’s practise a bit of fasting. Of course, there are biscuits and chips to fall back upon when the temptation becomes too strong; but let’s keep them for the break-fast’.

Suddenly the ‘babu’ appears again. “Sir, please come over to my quarters.’ He says with a smile. ‘We can sit near the fire, and have tea. And you’ll have your dinner and breakfast tomorrow with me.’ We’re speechless! Are we listening correctly? ‘My quarters is just above’, he points.

We almost follow him. An old SP-type building (probably of the CPWD days), but it is clean. And in Sri Soden Yun’s warm chaang-ghar in the glowing warmth of a fire, we gulp glasses of tea, chat along about life in Chagla, cardamom cultivation and the threats of the Chinese intrusion. We find Yun, the perfect host: so caring, in spite of his personal hardships, living alone here for the last 6 years, and managing the office, in the absence of the local Circle Officer.

We spend the next two days on the strength of his hospitality. We discover new friends in the local schools, where the students treat us to a delicious lunch. We eagerly visit the tiny hamlet Taflagam, thrilled to be at the last village on the Chagla border! Luckily, a new PMGSY road in the making saves us the steep walk that our old friend in the IB used to describe so often. A Nepali lady graciously provides us tea and breakfast on the last day, from her own kitchen!

As we return with a deep joy within, we wonder: Should we pray that Sri Yun babu should always be at Chagla as a host to tourists in the coming years? Or that the state govt. may announce a Statehood Day boon, providing water, light and a cook for the Chaglagam circuit House ??

Readers, Happy visits to Chaglagam! [The writer is the Coordinator of the Lohit Youth Libraries Network. e-mail: lohit.libraries @gmail.com]

Workshop on sanitation action plan for Itanagar

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The second workshop of City Sanitation Plan of Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) was organized under the chairmanship of the Chief Municipal Councillor Higio Aruni in the conference hall of IMC on February 21.

The main objective of the 2nd workshop was to explain the status of sanitation activities in the town to participants along with the process and means of conducting 100 per cent sanitation campaign. Delhi based Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd (ICT Pvt. Ltd) presented the status of sanitation services and process of generating awareness in public.

The Chief Municipal Executive Officer (CMEO) IMC, as member secretary of CSTF conducted the proceedings of the workshop and briefed all participants about the sanitation plan project. The Chief Councilor explained the participants about the importance of preparing City Sanitation Plan (CSP). The Chief Councilor also emphasized the interlinking of sanitation with health and how CSP can help in improving the health and environment of the town.

The ICT representatives gave a power-point presentation on the existing sanitation status, options for septage management, sanitation vision of town, best sanitation practices and process and means for sanitation awareness campaign. The CSP is being prepared for the horizon year 2038 and the current project will be completed by the end of April 2014. After that the project will be submitted to Central Government for funding.

After the presentation and discussion in the workshop, a sanitation campaign led by Chief Councillor Higio Aruni was organized at Naharlagun market.

Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso also attended the workshop as special invitee. Around 40 participants including municipal councilors and members of City Sanitation Task Force (CSTF) attended the workshop.

Tribal music album released

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: Amidst the festival of Arunachal Pradesh and celebration of the 28th Statehood Day, an Arunachal tribal music album, titled, ‘Enchantation’ was released at IG Park here last evening by Padi Richo, Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Parliament, Town Planning and Land Management in presence of Bamang Tago, Political Secretary to CM beside other dignitaries.

‘Enchantation’ is the pet project of Dr. Hatobin Mai and his Trust ‘Living Dreams’. It is the first step in making the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh accessible to the contemporary global palate. The album features the music of six of the tribes in Arunachal interpreted by composer Sankarshan Kini and Donn Bhatt.

The six song experiment explores idioms of blues, jazz, RnB, African, Chinese and Indian music juxtaposed with the tribal singers’ stark vocal chants.

Boyitaki Omengo (Galo), Pemin-Nyam Nanam (Nyishi), Jahe Chole (Nocte), Yanlok Duanpa (Monpa), Tanko Nyone (Adi) and Tham Thuth (Wancho) reverberates in this fusion album.

‘The intention here has been to create a vehicle that will reach the indigenous music of this incredibly rich state to music lovers in Arunachal, India and the rest of the world’, Enchantation team shares.

‘Enchantation is just one of the many projects that Living Dreams is embarking on. Everyone has a dream, be they big, small, old, young, blind, deaf, male or female. Living Dreams aspires to breathe life into individuals’ dreams so that they become a part of our beautiful tangible reality’, the teams adds.

The album is conceived and produced by Dr Mai and made possible with the help of project coordinator Bobby Hano, various district coordinators, musicians, singers, lyricists and others.

60 scholarships awarded on SCCZ Annual Day

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: Saint Claret College, Ziro, celebrated its XIth Annual Day with colourful cultural extravaganza and a hoard of awards and scholarships.

Nine Claretine alumni, who secured ranks in the 2013 Rajiv Gandhi University examinations were honoured with “scroll of excellence” certificates and mementos and were formally inducted into the SCCZ Hall of Fame.

Ten students received SCCZ merit awards and another 50 female students were the recipients of the SSF scholarship, instituted since 2010 with the generous support of the Single Step Foundation, USA, in order to facilitate the education and empowerment of women in the state.

The College also brought out a well-researched “Emergency Preparedness Manual” which was released by Rev. Fr. Xavier Mushahary, and the first copy was received by Hage Tachang, program executive of All India Radio, Ziro.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Dr. Pura Tado, professor in the Dept. of Political Science and former Vice Chancellor (i/c) of Rajiv Gandhi University highlighted the difference between knowledge and wisdom and invited the students to grow up with a sense of commitment, personal conviction, and self-respect in order to achieve success.

Giving away the awards, the guest of honor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Vadayaparampil, Administrator of the diocese of Itanagar, reiterated the importance of hard work and collegial and harmonic living with one another. During the event, the Championship trophy and the Most Disciplined Team trophy of Resonance ’13, the College Festival, were awarded to the West Rangers and the East Riders respectively, while the individual championships were won by Tage Tagyung and Pani Renyu.

Felicitating the Champions, Padi Kunya, wife of Padi Richo, MLA, and Guest of Honor, recalled how the idea for a college at Ziro began many years ago and in such a short time, how the college has made a name for itself, much to the joy of every stakeholder.

Hirik Hiru Trophy begins

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The first ever Hirik Hiru Trophy organized by Hirik Hiru Students’ Union (HHSU) in memory of Iyom Noshi, former general secretary of HHSU and Nyado Karga, who was a prominent sportsperson of Kamba circle, began at Kamba today.

Attending in inaugural programme, APBOCWWB chairman Nyamar Karbak paid tribute to both the departed young leaders of the area and recalled their contributions to the society and in the field of sports in the area as well.

He suggested the youths to stay away from using drugs which may ruin their life.

He also highlighted the various initiative of the Nabam Tuki government to minimize the unemployment problem by launching ‘Job Mela’, job reservation for meritorious sportspersons etc.

Responding to a request HHSU president Yomge Karbak for providing ambulance to Kamba hospital, the chairman assured to take up the matter with higher authority for providing the same at earliest.

He also appealed to the workers to get themselves registered with the Board to get certain benefits.

All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) president Dana Tadu urged players to maintain discipline and sportsman spirit to become a good player.

Kamba ADC Nyiken Lollen highlighted the achievement of students from Kamba circle in the recently concluded CM Trophy in district level.

Liken Noshi, elder brother of Lt Iyom Noshi, Kirjom Karga, General Secretary HHSU also spoke on the occasion.

Manoj Chandwat, Commandant 6th Bihar Regiment, Dr Gomo Karbak and prominent public and panchayat leaders, Gaon Buras were also present to witness the inaugural ceremony.

A total of eight teams are taking part in the football and volleyball tournament.

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2012