February 14
Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi greetings
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma has conveyed festival greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi. He wished that the festival of the Singpho brethren further strengthens the cultural heritage and traditions of the state.
In his message the Governor said that with its ritualistic ceremony and dances, Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi reflects the treasured cultural assets of the state. It offers a window to the ancient Singpho folk culture. The rituals during the celebration have always helped in building warm social relations, which lead to unity in the community. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has extended warm greetings on the occasion of Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi festival of Singphos.
“Festivals indeed strengthen the emotional integration and foster the feelings of brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst citizens” CM said. He prayed almighty God to bless all for peace, prosperity and happiness in the society.
Poppy plantations destroyed
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A joint operation of IRN, CRPF along with district administration and officials from Narcotics Control Bureau and Customs of Guwahati against opium cultivation was held at Khonsa on 10th and 11th February last. The destruction of poppy was carried out in the villages such as Lazu, Noglo, Sinu, Raho, Pongkong and Sanliam, said SP Khonsa in a release.
Lightening kills one at Changlang
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: In an unfortunate incident, this early morning around 2 AM lightening strike killed one Themcha Kanglom of Jongphohate Village under Yatdam Circle of Changlang district. The husband of deceased, named Lomrap Kanglom also received severe injury. The incident took place while the duo was in deep sleep in their dwelling house. Lomrap who was immediately rushed to the district medical Changlang was referred to AMC, Dibrugarh after a brief treatment. The villagers on noticing the house under fire immediately rushed to douse the fire where they found Lomrap in unconscious state and managed to pull him out. (DIPRO)
CYO urges CS to evict unauthorized structures
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Capital Youth Organization (CYO) in its representation to the chief secretary urged the government to evict unauthorised structures from the government quarters at Capital Complex. Seeking eviction of structures including extension room and kitchen, CYO expressed concern over the diminishing government quarters. It also stated that government official may face critical situation in seeking accommodation.
Three arrested for attempt to loot bank
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: In an abortive bid to loot the State Bank of India at New Market, Aalo miscreants broke into the office from the ventilator on the night of 11th February last. Finding no cash in the bank, the criminals took away few computer accessories. After receiving information from Bank Manager following morning around 9.30 am, the police team headed by officer in charge Olik Tamut swung into the action.
Police arrested Lijum Bagra, Prem Lama and Veer Singh who were allegedly involved in the burglary incident within three hours with the help of CCTV footage installed in the bank. The culprits have been sent to judicial custody and a case has been registered under appropriate section of law. (DIPRO)
Building materials seized, labourers arrested
ZIRO, Feb 13: In its efforts to stop illegal construction along the ROW of TAH and
double lanning of highway roads within Lower Subansiri, the district administration
carried out a two-
During the operation, the Yazali CO Likha Radh along with police personnel arrested more than 15 labourers and seized building materials like cement, spade and wooden frames .
At 20 KM to 40 KM Joram-
Earlier a notice was severed to the public that no claims for compensation will be entertained for any new constructions/structures along the mentioned stretch.
The Deputy Commissioner has also appealed to all the denizens of the district to facilitate the government in early completion of the TAH as better road connectivity would improve the economic conditions of the area. DIPRO
Polling ends peacefully at Liromoba
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The by-
Five candidates namely Bai Gadi (BJP), Nyamar Karbak (Congress), Lijum Ronya, Raksap
Yomcha and Jhony Tali (All independent) are in the fray. The by-
Marathon Race
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, is organizing a marathon race for both men and women with the theme “Run for Mission 2030 together we will do it” on February 21 as part of the 29th Statehood Day celebration.
The race will start at 6.15 am at IG Park Gate No. 1 here and proceed to Papu Nalah
and return via Papu Nalah -
Medical check up of participants will be held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium Naharlagun, on February 20 at 4.30 pm.
The first, second and third position holders will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 25,000, 15,000, Rs. 10,000 each
Consolation prizes of 3000 each will be given to 4th to 10th position holders.
Interested athletes may contact Papum Pare District Sports Officer at his office at RG Stadium Naharlagun.
There will also be demonstration of indigenous games like, Bamboo Skills exercise, Wrist Gripping Competition, Stick Wrestling/stick race held in the afternoon at 3.30 pm.
Rubber Board of India to help boost rubber cultivation in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Rubber Board of India is committed to taking steps to boost rubber cultivation in the state.
This was stated by the Board's North Eastern Zonal Additional Production Commissioner
Anil Kumar, who along with Deputy Production Commissioner K A Grijamoni, arrived
on a two-
Kumar told PTI today that he had a threadbare discussion with state Trade and Commerce Director Tokong Pertin for promotion of rubber cultivation in the state.
"I took stock of the present status of rubber cultivation and the steps taken by the state government for encouraging rubber growers from Pertin, the nodal officer from the state government," Kumar said.
"As promised by our commissioner during her visit to the state in March 2013, the opening of RBI regional office here and posting of development officer besides a field officer at Namsai office reflected the Board's commitment to help grow rubber production in the state, Kumar said.
Posting of field officers to potential rubber growing areas of the state was in the offing, he said. PTI
DLMC meeting held at Khonsa
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The 10th district level monitoring committee meeting of Tirap district was held today at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, in which the HoDs and representatives from line departments and PRI leaders attended.
In his keynote address, Tirap DC Kamlesh Kumar Joshi told the executing agencies
to ensure that projects be completed within the time-
Org draws PCCF attention
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The All Nyishi Unemployed Youth Organization has drawn the attention of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) over illegal encroachment of forest land at district forest office and range office premise at Banderdewa. In a letter addressed to the PCCF, it claimed that rampant encroachment is allegedly going on in the said areas reducing the government lands. The organization sought the PCCF intervention to check the menace.
Fare reduction demanded
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) today demanded reduction of fares by public transport operators operating Tracker, Tempo, Night Service Bus and Sumo etc. In its representation to the DC Capital Complex, ASF stated that petrol and diesel prices have decreased from 72 to 57 and 55 to 45 per liter respectively and fare should also be minimized. Further ASF demanded removal of boards and hoarding written in Assamese script from the Naharlagun Railways Station and instead use local dialect to promote the indigenous language.
School building gutted down
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A MIBT school building of government Residential School Totpu under
Sagalee Sub-
Violation of DPR alleged
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The All Pipu Gyawepurang Youth Welfare Association today alleged that there is a gross violation of detail project report (DPR) at C/O Pachi to Rigam road via Fachang, Tabri, Lochung and Bokar. In a complaint letter submitted with the executive engineer PWD Chayang Tajo Division, the association claimed that formation cutting of the said road is not feasible for the vehicles. The road near Pakusu stream is too steep that vehicles won’t be able to carry load, the association claimed. It urged the executing department to strictly maintain the guidelines and detail project report to ensure quality work in the ongoing project.
News Impact
Preparation afoot for statehood day celebration
NAHARLAGUN, Feb 13: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi and IPR
secretary Dani Salu who is also Chairman of the Celebration Organizing Committee
of the Arunachal Festival 2015 along with a high-
The team of high-
State not submitting UC on time: Central Minister
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: A union minister has accused the state government of not submitting Utilization Certificates on time.
According to a press statement from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Nihal Chand Meghwal told a party meeting here yesterday that “the central Govt. provides fund directly to the state but the problem with the State Govt. is that the Utilization Certificates of the fund has not been submitted timely.” No UCs have been submitted for many projects yet, Minister said adding submission of UC is needed for release of further fund installment for the project which have already been sanctioned.
The minister also assured to sanction fund for training programme of panchayat functionaries and implementation of projects at district and block levels.
During the party meeting and interaction session, the state BJP leaders appealed
to the Union Minister for enhancement of central fund to the local self-
The BJP leaders, highlighting the sorry state of affairs of the Panchayat leaders,
also sought intervention of the Union ministry to bail out the PRIs from the present
condition. They further called upon the minister to ensure proper and realistic devolution
of function, functionaries and fund (3Fs) and power to panchayat bodies. The party
urged the Union Ministry to bring more districts under Backward Region Grants Fund
(BRGF) which is only implemented in Upper Subansiri district. While responding to
the demand, the Minister informed that his ministry is covering three more districts
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“There is an urgent need of proper monitoring of Indira Awaz Yojana (IAY), which have been continuously misused by the party in power for their vote bank politics” the party said while alleging discrimination in selection of beneficiaries for the scheme.
Large number of BJP leaders including Party president Tai Tagak and the Leader of the Opposition Tamiyo Taga, party MLAs, heads of frontal wings, Panchayat leaders, Municipality Councilors and senior leaders were present during the interaction meeting.
Political will & commitment needed to ensure heritage tag for Ziro valley
ZIRO, Feb 13: “A strong political will and commitment from all the stakeholders would be the primary requirement for winning the world heritage site tag for Ziro valley,” said Conservation Architect Ratish Nanda from Agha Khan Foundation, New Delhi during a meeting with the local consultative committee for world heritage site and the PRI members of the Ziro plateau at Hapoli circuit house today. The meeting was held particularly to educate all the stakeholders about the World Heritage Recognition from UNESCO and the road map to achieve the award.
This rare tag would be a tribute to the vision and the intelligence of the ancestors
of the plateau, he said and suggested creation of environment and eco-
In his address, Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang also felt the need of mass awareness on WHS campaign.
The people of the plateau has to continue living in harmony with the nature and stop felling trees around as the rain fed plateau depends upon its scared grooves and trees for water retention which feeds the natural springs, said AYA president Taku Chatung.
In the interaction session the PRI members cleared their doubts regarding WHS and extended their cooperation to the consultative committee. The Consultative Committee constituted by the District Administration in its efforts to win this award would spearhead the movement to protect and preserve the Apatani Cultural landscape and to give overall direction to the movement.
The District Magistrate has also issued a prohibitory order under section 133 Cr P C banning all construction activities including construction of houses, buildings and towers and filling up soil in the paddy fields(WRC) within the Apatani Valley in rural areas. As the paddy fields have been recognized as the core value of the Apatani Cultural Landscape and such activities would affect the chance of getting WHS and also threatens the fabrics of cultures of Apatani Community.
Among others, B. Pertin, Deputy Director of Research, and members from several NGOs including Future generations took part. DIPRO
Re-
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: All Sagalee Youth Federation (ASYF) has demanded immediate re-
In its complaint letter to Papum Pare Superintendent of Police, ASYF alleged negligence
in duty by Sagalee police as the driver ran away from the hands of the police team
while he was being brought from Toru to Sagalee. Alleging that the team of police
let the culprit without handcuff run away from the vehicle, ASYF demanded the Papum
Pare SP to instruct Sagalee OC to re-
Gibbons battle to survive following human onslaught
[ Amar Sangno ]
The Biological Park Itanagar is woken up every morning not by the roosters or tiger’s
roar, but by the high decibel Hoolock Gibbon howl that blares out from the six enclosures.
The lesser-
Sensing the vulnerability of Gibbon in already fragmented habitation, Dr Panor sent an SOS to then Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) for relocation and conservation. Subsequently, five pairs of Hoolocks were rescued from Dello and brought here after obtaining clearance from the PCCF (Wildlife), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Biological Park shot to fame, especially after a baby Gibbon named Anga was born in captivity to father Lagder and mother Rukmini on 5th August 2008. It is said that this is only the conservation center in the World, where Gibbons are being bred successfully.
However, not much information is available on Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys ) a Hylobatidae family other than the fact that endangered species has nudged aside Mithun as the state animal. There is also an ongoing inconclusive debate over its identification, as some term it as Western Hoolock Gibbon while some calls it Eastern.
Hoolock Gibbon is often found in mountainous region in Assam and Arunachal. The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon is confined to Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit and Changlang in the eastern Arunachal.
The nature seems little bit unkind to this endangered species as their high pitch howling for territorial defense some time makes them more exposed to poachers and wild beasts. This species is facing existential threat by losing habitat fast in form of human encroachment (cultivation and tea plantation) and forest degradation.
In its endeavor to con-
serve the endangered species from being extinct, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) government of India came up with a five year plan and funded the Hoolock Gibbon Conservation Breeding Center at Biological Park Itanagar in 2007. So far 13 babies have been successfully bred including an unnamed baby which was born on 13th November 2014, taking the total population of Gibbon to18 at Biological Park.
However, inadequate space (enclosures) and increasing population of the families as they live together in monogamous pairs is not making it any easier for the department of forest and wild life. The department is mulling relocation of these animals but as per the conservation rules; the Gibbons are to be sent back to their original place after breeding. But this is not possible with Dello as its habitation was totally damaged due to tea plantation and forest clearance.
Sources informed that the Namdhpha Wild Life Sanctuary and Pakke-
“The department is yet to conduct research to find out the suitable canopy and climatic condition for existential support” informed Joram Dopum, Director Biological Park Itanagar.
Adding to the problem is rapid advancement of human settlement and the infrastructural development near Biological Park areas, which is causing significant threat to Gibbon, as these species are believed to be highly vulnerable from human and domestic animal contact.
Unlike, other monkeys the Gibbon are less active on the ground; it rarely puts their feet on the ground instead swinging from branch to branch with their long arms.
As their temporary habitation at Biological Park Itanagar is shrinking every year, the endangered species may have to howl for more years until the department finds a suitable site where they can leap from branch to branch endlessly, without fear.
(The Biological Park shot to fame, especially after a baby Gibbon named Anga was born in captivity to father Lagder and mother Rukmini on 5th August 2008. It is said that this is only the conservation center in the World, where Gibbons are being bred successfully).
CM’s Trophy tournament results
ITANAGAR, Feb 13: The day-
Football Men’s
East Kameng District beat West Kameng 4-
Football Women’s:
Anjaw beat Dibang Valley 2-
Volleyball Men’s:
Kurung Kumey beat Tirap (25-
Volleyball Women’s:
Lower Subansiri beat Papum Pare (25-
The volleyball match was officially kicked off by DK Dinglow, Director, Sports & Youth Affairs at new volleyball court of SLSA Sports Complex today morning.
6th Edition of ‘discover North-
Promote unique culture of sub-
BOMDILA, Feb 13: The three days ‘Discover North-
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Japu Deru opined that such activities and events at
regular intervals go a long way in bringing together the people of different culture
and tradition and create an atmosphere of bonhomie, amity and oneness. He thanked
and credited the North East Zonal Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur for providing
the much needed platform which facilitates showcasing of the rich and diversified
culture of the north-
MLA Japu appealed the NEZCC authorities to consider bringing into limelight the unique
culture and practices of the around 110 sub-
All the eight north-
The programme was jointly organized by the North East Zonal Cultural Centre, Dimapur, Department of Arts & Culture, GoAP and District administration West Kameng.
Among others, DC AK Singh, SP Dr A Koan and Jt. Director NEZCC T Nokcha attended the programme. DIPRO
RBI conducts financial literacy campaign
ROING, Feb 13: A financial literacy campaign (FLC) was organized by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Guwahati in collaboration with AMYAA NGO at Koronu village here on Tuesday.
The campaign aimed at creating awareness among general public, students and various organizations about banking and financial institutions, facilities and opportunities offered by them to bring about financial literacy to every nook and corner of the country.
Assistant General Manager RBI, Guwahati, BM Kori, who attended the campaign said, “It is very important to inculcate the habit of saving among the students of the country. Students are the future generation of our country so it is very important that we educate them about the importance of developing good financial habit.” He exhorted every citizen to open their bank accounts to avail Government subsidized schemes from time to time.
Later, Assistant General Manager, RBI Guwahati, AK Mishra explained in detail on how to identify fake currency through PowerPoint.
Interactive sessions with the participants, quiz on banking, presentation of small
gifts to active participants, exhibition of stalls by various local banks formed
part of the campaign besides on-
Secretary of AMYAA, RK Paul Chawang, who was the coordinator of the campaign, briefed the activities of his NGO with special focus on activities related to SHGs in the district.
This first ever campaign of its kind in the Koronu block level was attended by Branch Managers and representatives from SBI, BOI, HDFC, APEX Bank, APRB, ASM Denlo Monty Linggi,GB Koronu Pitu Mepo, ASMs, GPCs, GPMs of Koronu Block, Public Leaders, Students, SHGs and the general Public.
RBI is targeting that at least one member in every family in the country should have a bank account by 2016 and it has directed all Banks to encourage people to open bank accounts.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Startling revelation
As per the report published today in various local dailies, PRATHAM, a non-
The report has totally exposed the tall claim of the state government. Most of the government run schools of Arunachal are in pathetic condition. Especially the schools located at interior areas are in dismal condition. Besides battling the poor infrastructure problem, the government schools also face serious issue of the teacher shortage, especially those of the subject teachers. The teacher absenteeism is another major issue concerning the government schools of state. Due to these factors, most of the parents are forced to send their children to private schools in order to get better education. However, the poor children whose parents cannot afford private school education, still depends on govt. school. This latest report by NGO PRATHAM provides fresh challenges to the state government in particularly to the education department. Hopefully they will take the report seriously and work towards making life better for the young students.
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An open to Chief Secretary
Dear Editor,
Through your esteem daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of our Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi. It was really very assuring to read the Govt. Order/ Notification regarding the beacon rights/ protocol issued by the CS in the name of the Governor in compliance with the Order of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in local dailies of the state.
While we welcome the steps taken, it was very disheartening to note that the vehicle
of the Deputy Commissioner of Capital/ Itanagar was openly defying the said Order
by flashing a Red Beacon (Instead of Blue) which was noticed in '0' Point Tin-
I am shocked over such blatant and open defiance of Govt, Order by the very same
person who is actually suppose to implement the Order on the ground in letter and
spirit with strict compliance from every quarter. I don't see any excuse since the
Govt. Order is dated 10th feb 2015 (Three full days before) and the same was published
in the media on 12th Feb 2015 (One full Day) prior to the said offence. It was also
noticed today (13th Feb 2015) that some MLAs and some Chairman of State Boards (Non-
It is requested that CS may kindly take cognizance of such violation and specially reprimand/ take action against Govt. servants who violates such Orders since they are suppose to be the custodian of Law and Public Order. Not doing so will amount to mockery of administration and such Govt. Orders.
I shall try to be a watchdog and inform the CS of such violations from time to time through this esteem daily since I personally have high regards and lot of expectation from our Chief Secretary.
Yours'
Common Man Sepoy
Time for better quality of life
Dear Editor,
The recent visit of the Union Water Resource Minister, Uma Bharti to Itanagar shows the care and wish of GoI to see AP as a developed state. But, as I was reading through the list of funds being requested from her by our CM for various projects in AP, I felt awkward and pitiful at the poor economic condition of our beautiful home state. And it is a bitter truth that by Indian or global standards, our home state is one of the most poor and backward states. Since, most of our brothers and sisters of AP have not travelled outside AP or India; they think they are economically healthy according to their own standards. The news about our leaders requesting the central government for funds is not new, but at this point in time of my life when I have travelled through many states and cities of India and some few other countries through scholarships, I think how long will our leaders continue to beg from central government to implement state projects and how long will our home state remain in poverty and misery? Roads, electricity, schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stations, office buildings in our home state have almost remained the same. From the very beginning of our statehood, we have been dependent on GoI to meet 75 percent of our financial needs till present time. The present condition of roads, schools, colleges, hospitals, transportation, telecommunication, electricity is the living proof of some very serious weaknesses in our policies and projects. Not to blame any of our leaders, our people should wake up like the recently elected CM of Delhi, Mr. A. Kejriwal, to transform our poor state into a progressive one. As I am living in Delhi for my studies, I have witnessed how the youths, elders, labourers and middle class people and even many rich officers and business men campaigned voluntarily for free water, cheap electricity, good schools, hospitals, houses and corruption free officers and offices. The people of Delhi were very frustrated with their present miserable condition. They did not have any interest for any religion, caste, regionalism, money, drinks, political party or political leader. They were just obsessed with development and employment. They voted for those who were of such spirit.
Most of the candidates of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were unknown, but people voted them
to victory because they were just a part of common people who wanted corruption free
Delhi. The recent Delhi campaign and election was a spectacular movement of the common
people who understood and realized that it is the common people themselves who can
bring development in the state they live and not the so called leaders. The Delhi
election just made me dream, when will we, the common and ordinary people of Arunachal,
rise with such sublime desire and hope, and transform our beautiful and backward
state into a beautiful and developed state. The common people of Arunachal have blamed
our leaders and officers enough for lack of development and excused ourselves, but
the recent Delhi election-
Yours,
Takam Tadar,
Delhi University, Delhi
In the name of compensation
Dear Editor,
Majority of us in Arunachal are in the habit of raising issues when it directly concerns us.
But in your edition of 12th February'2015, the ACS has rightly raised the issue about
fake construction of Fish Ponds, Retaining Walls, Ghosts Houses all along Ziro-
Yours,
Ronya .R
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