February 22
NE neglected for decades: Rajnath Singh
* CM seek central assistance
* Don’t play politics with religion: Kiren
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Development of the North East is essential for the country's economic development, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said while criticising the previous UPA regime at the Centre for neglecting the region for years.
Singh, who was addressing a function to mark the 31st Arunachal Pradesh statehood day at Indira Gandhi Park here, called the North East a "holy place" and one of the richest in the country. "But no one had taken care of it even after several decades since Independence," he said.
"In 2001, the NDA government under Prime Minister A B Vajpayee created the Ministry of Department of North Eastern Region as an independent one. After this, the region got a momentum in terms of development," he told the gathering.
"And now Prime Minister Narendra Modi had rechristened the 'Look East Policy' as 'Act East Policy' to fast track development in the region after years of negligence," he said.
The senior BJP leader said the Centre was keen on development of Arunachal Pradesh which is "strategically located sharing international borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar", and assured full support to the state for its all round development.
Referring to the border dispute between India and China, Singh said the relations between the Asian giants had improved and they were involved in bilateral trade worth USD 70 billion.
Singh, who was accompanied by Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and BJP national secretary Ram Madhab, said, "Arunachal Pradesh is in its full youthfulness and interestingly the Chief Minister is also the youngest in the country. He has the vision and will power to lead the state to the zenith of development."
"I am confident that under Pema Khandu, Arunachal Pradesh will shine among developed states of the country," he said.
Addressing the statehood celebrations, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged the Centre for a development package for the border areas of the state.
"The state shares three international borders and the state government is focusing on development of the border areas to provide people with all basic amenities to lead a better life so that the tendency of migration can be checked," he said.
Despite having huge natural resources, the state was lagging behind due to lack of policies to tap the resources, Khandu said urging the Centre to help the state in that direction with a development package for border areas.
The Chief Minister also submitted a memorandum in this regard to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning several schemes for the state in the last two years, Khandu assured of implementing all central projects with transparency.
"We are here for public service and my efforts will be to minimise corruption as per the directives of the Prime Minister," he said.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh not to play politics with religion. "If we try to divide the state on communal lines, the dreams for a developed Arunachal will remain elusive," the Minister said in his address.
"There are divisive forces trying to divide us on communal lines. We should keep a strict vigil on their conspiracy," he said.
He said the Centre was preparing plans and policies for Arunachal keeping in view the rough terrain and territory. Referring to the insurgency problems in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts of the state, the Union Minister claimed that outside forces were trying to destabilise peace in the state and appealed all youths to return to the mainstream for a peaceful life. Stating that no development was possible without peace, Rijiju said insurgent activities in any form would not be tolerated by the Centre.
Huge poppy plantation destroyed in Lazu
KHONSA, Feb 21: Poppy (opium) plantations were destroyed by Tirap District Administration and Narcotics Control Bureau, Guwahati Zonal unit with help of district police, army and paramilitary forces in Lazu circle.
The poppy plantations were spread over 191 acres in Lazu, Sanliam, Pongkong, Sinnu, Lonyan, Noglo, Lower Chinhan, Upper Chinhan (Horu Chinhan).
The destruction of plantations was carried out by separate teams constituted by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha from February 14 to 18.
Prior to carrying out the drive, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha briefed the teams that destroying illicit poppy cultivation was very important to make the drugs growers choose alternative crop cultivation.
Informing that poppy cultivation is prohibited under section 8(b) of the NDPS Act, 1985, the Deputy Commissioner urged the people of Lazu to go for alternative cash crops like large cardamom, large ginger and large chilly for which Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, NERCORMP etc. extend support through various schemes.
The silver line was that few people have started cardamom cultivation in some pockets of Lazu circle which was witnessed during the operation, the team members informed the deputy commissioner.
However, most of the people are still dependant on poppy plantation for their livelihood. Some people had approached the teams for compensation against the destroyed plants, they said. DIPRO
Statehood Day celebrated across Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The 31st statehood day was celebrated across the state. The main function was organized at IG Park, Itanagar which was marred by chaos and rain during the inauguration.
Various departments have put up exhibition stalls while the food festival and cultural events are crowd pullers.
Seppa: The Statehood Day was celebrated at various places of East Kameng District.
At District Headquarters Seppa, Parliamentary Secretary (Tax & Excise) Tapuk Taku
highlighted about major upcoming projects in the district, which included drinking
water supply for Seppa Township, Power Grid Sub-
He asked the people and govt. officials to cooperate and work in tandem for all round development of the district.
Further, Taku appealed the people to shun criminal practices in order to make a better society.
Meanwhile, eight govt. officials of the district were selected for commendation certificate for their excellent service in governance.
DC Rajeev Takuk, HoDs, PRI leaders, public, school children and host of govt. officials were present in the programme.
The day was celebrated at Seijosa, Chayangtajo and Bameng.
Namsai: Deputy Commissioner, Namsai DC R.K. Sharma emphasizing the need of Aadhaar and bank accounting seeding in all subsidize schemes advised the citizens to get themselves enrolled the district. To achieve 100 percent purification of existing Electoral roll, he requested for completion of coloured electoral cards for the electors. Colorful cultural display from various communities, educational institutions, NGOs of Namsai district enthralled the crowd.
A skit on the sacrifice of Martyr Hav Hangpan Dada, Ashok Chakra (posthumous) , presented by the students of Ven. Uktara Bethany College was applauded. A Self Help group Mela under Micro Finance Vision was also organised. Among others, DIG (East)Apur Bitin and retired IAS officer Tape Bagra witnessed of the ceremony.
The day was observed at Chowkham, Lekang, 2-
Ziro: MLA 17 Ziro Hapoli Tage Taki unfurled the tri-
Dwelling on various developments initiated, MLA Tage Taki called for concerted effort from all the officers in bridging infrastructural gaps effectively.
The Potin-
He further informed that approach roads to Hari and Bulla villages will be completed by this March. In the health care sector besides facilitating the hospital with medical equipments and an ambulance, free mass blood pressure check up has been initiated in the entire valley in wake of many stroke cases recorded in the district.
Yachang Tacho, journalist and a social activist was appointed as goan bura taking in account record of his philanthropic activities. Driver of DC office Ziro, A Poon was also awarded commendation certificate from the District Administration for his dedicated services.
A colourful cultural program by various communities and school children also marked the celebrations. Exhibition stalls by SHG under Micro Finance Vision sponsored by ICDS cell Ziro was earlier inaugurated by the MLA.
The program was attended by DC Kemo Lollen, SP T Habung, ZPC Hage Kobin, Ex-
TAWANG: Statehood Day was celebrated in a befitting manner in the entire Tawang district. At Tawang Headquarter Deputy Commissioner Sang Phuntsok unfurled the flag at Parade Ground. Speaking on the occassion, he called upon the people to maintain peace and tranquility in the region and be equal partners in development front. Further he asked everyone to adopt digital mode while making day to day transactions and to ensure opening of bank accounts. Highlight of the day was mesmerising performance from Cultural team comprising of members from Gyanghar and Snowlion troupe that had won them the Best Tableau during Republic Day Celebration at New Delhi this year. Statehood Day Volleyball Tournament also came to an end with Medical Team and Humanity group winning in the male and female category respectively.
TEZU: DC Danish Ashraf after unfurling the National Flag said that Arunachal's diverse tribes symbolized unity in diversity and exhorted the youth to know one's history.
He opined that United Nation's millennium developmental plan and India Vision 2020 would not be possible without generation of employment for the vast number of educated youth. He also stressed on plantation of trees to minimise issues of deforestation.
Further, he specifically urged the PGCIL to complete the 132 KV line at the earliest possible so that the recurring voltage problem would be solved for one and all.
Students of VKV Tafragam presented a band display followed by a mixed group dance and Mishmi dance. Sport games were conducted for school students who participated enthusiastically. Stalls put up by various SHGs from Tezu and Wakro circle were selling organic food products as well traditional items and were found to be doing a brisk business.
Roing: Sipi Elapara, ZPC Roing unfurled the beautiful tri colour flag amidst host of dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering Elapara, she called upon all to co-
A memento was given to Sr. Teacher, GHSS, Roing R.D Desmukh, and Cash prizes to the Police team (FIRE Department) Roing.
The programme was attended by DC Deepak Shinde, MP Mukut Mithi, MLA Mutchu Mithi, ADC Chesta Yadav among others.
Self Help Groups from Kera Ati village were adjudged the best amongst the SHGs from around the district that participated in the Self Help Group Mela 2017, organised by the ICDS Roing, as part of the Statehood Day Celebration.
Sirundi SHG and Kera-
Besides various cultural presentations from various schools of the district, there was also a very beautiful Yoga demonstration presented by the students of JNV Roing. The Fire Department Roing also recieved a lot of appreciation for their demonstration of improved fire fighting techniques, creating awareness on the subject while also giving fire safety tips.
PALIN: The Kra Daadi District Administration joined the rest of the State in celebrating the Statehood Day in Palin with great pomp and gaiety.
Two Scouts and Guide Masters-
Addressing the gathering, DC Habung Donyi appealed for preservation of the rich and prestine tribal cultural heritage of the State while remaining open minded in embracing the best of other cultures in an era of scientific advancement. He also exhorted for the need of ecological conservation alongside the pace of rapid all round development.
The celebration marked with eclectic march past, band drill, cultural display, and
mega dance from children of various Govt. and Private schools of Palin. Sporting
events, exhibition stalls on handloom & handicraft and agri-
Anini: The statehood day was celebrated in Anini, Dibang Valley district with much pomp and gaiety with HGB Buli Tacho as the chief guest. Food stalls, vegetable stalls & exhibition stalls were organised by various NGOs. The stall by ICDS department on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao attracted large crowds.
BOMDILA: The 31st Statehood Day was celebrated at district headquarters Bomdila with the traditional fervor and gaiety.
Dwelling on the various landmark developments that the district witnessed in the
recent past, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop said that projects like Trans Arunachal
Highway, Balipara-
Terming peace as the pre-
Pipe Band display by the Army, Cultural programmes and the exhibition football match between DC XI versus MLA XI were some of the highlights of the celebration.
KHONSA: While greeting the gathering EAC Techu Aran highlighted the development activities taking place in Tirap district. He said that along with rest of the country , Tirap has started implementing Digital India Campaign.
To improve the traffic movement, roadside garages have been closed and direction has been issued to shift it to outskirts of the town as per the direction of the Supreme Court.
He said that the township will have CC roads before the onset of monsoon. While encouraging the students, he said that the district administration has provided cooks to the boarders of Govt. HS School during the ongoing examinations.
He further said that efforts are being put to address the shortage of teachers in the district.
He warned the opium cultivators not to indulge in Opium cultivation and said that it is an offence punishable under the NDPS Act. He said that only collective effort can keep the district drug free, violence free and free from all hatred.
Colourful traditional dance were performed by Nocte, Wancho and Tutsa groups while SHGs put up stalls. Games and Sports were also organized as part of the day including a tug of war.
PASIGHAT: East Siang celebrated the 31st Statehood Day with enthusiasm at the IGJ
playground, Pasighat. The national tri-
Addressing on the occasion, DC Tatak appealed the citizens to extend full cooperation to the administration in making East Siang a smart district in all fronts. The DC also urged the citizens to take part in "Citizen Consultation Campaign" wholeheartedly adding that maximum citizen participations would help achieve Smart City Project in the third round.
Other highlights of the day were cultural presentation by different tribes showcasing
the state's rich cultural diversity. Dr. Jhony Tamuk on behalf of Bilat PHC received
Kayakalp Award for the year 2016-
PANGIN: ZPC Opung Jerang unfurled the national tricolor at Pangin General Ground.
Opubng Jerang urged the people to take up progressive farming as a source of livelihood.
As a part of Kaayakalp Award, a cheque worth 2 lakhs was handed over to PHC, Riga and ADC Pangin, Tamik Talom was given special recognition for his sincerity and dedication in the field of administration.
YUPIA: At mini ground Yupia, Deputy Commissioner Papum Pare Tai Kaye unfurled the national flag amidst the gathering of Head of Departments, officers from ITBP, staffs, school children and general public.
Kaye said that the day beckoned all to rededicate to the service of the people and to work for peace, prosperity and progress of the state. He further appealed all the officers and officials to maintain work culture an.
Kaye presented People's Awards Silver Medal to EAC (Hq) Mabi Taipodia, EAC Kapter Ringu, District Transport Officer Techi Tukap, and Assistant Director Agriculture Tare Kahi and Commendation certificates to LDC H.S.Nabam and Peon, DC office Yupia Amar Chetry.
To mark the day, exhibition stalls were also put up by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture, Horticulture and Textile and Handicrafts. Health Department conducted free BMI, RBS test and malaria test for all visitors at their stall and IEC material were distributed.
31st ITBP also conducted awareness on fire accidents and earthquakes. Patriotic song by Donyi Polo Mission School for Hearing and Visually Impaired, band display by VKV Nirjuli, colourful and cultural programme by Bom Kakir Mission School, Midpu, Girls Residential School, Yupia, Upper Primary School, Yupia and cultural troupes of Yupia village, games and sport, prize distribution and guard of honour by 31st ITBP personnel were main attractions of the day.
KAKOI: The day was celebrated at Kakoi circle under Kimin Sub -
Aalo: The rain could not dampen the spirit of the people as they celebrated the Statehood Day at General Ground Aalo. Srimat Swami Purnajnanananda, Secretary Rama Krishna Mission School Aalo unfurled the tricolour and took salute from the APP contingents.
Giving his goodwill message to the people of West Siang, Swamiji said that multi-
The West Siang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu gave away the prizes for Volleyball match, Musical Chair and arrow shooting event held on the occasion.
SHILLONG: Arunachal Student's Union Shillong (ASUS) celebrated statehood day by organizing social service and tree plantations program. The theme was clean Arunachal, green Arunachal. Premises of Arunachal Bhawan and Circuit House were cleaned and 100 saplings planted. More than hundreds of students participated in the event.
Ruksin: ZPM Tonggeng Panyang hoisted national flag in presence of Ruksin ADC Tapyam Pada and other government officials, leaders and village heads. He requested all section to work for peace and tranquility in the society.
Friendly football match, arrow shooting, tag of war and race competition among the
senior citizens marked the day-
Mebo and Nari ADC headquarters and other Circle HQs in the district also celebrated the day.
Rashtriya Yuva Morcha, Arunachal unit celebrated Statehood Day in a different manner at Govt. ME School, Papunallah by cleaning the school premises and planting trees.
The team also interacted with the Headmaster of the school Minge Kamki, who expressed his disappointment over the dilapidated condition of the school.
According to a release from the Morcha, the school situated in Capital Complex is
still lacking basic facilities like, boundary walls, bench-
AAPSU seeks appointment of regular governor, solution to refugee imbroglio
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has submitted a representation to the Home Minister seeking appointment of a Regular Governor for the state.
The recent glaring example of succeeding governors in the state whereby one was
severely reprimanded by the Supreme court of India for his constitutional faux pas
while the other one landed himself in a trouble that was unbecoming of a person holding
such a high constitutional post, it said while seeking the central govt to act on
its demands. It said that by not appointing a governor, the centre was showing its
slackness and non-
It further asked the centre to come up with a solution to the Chakma Hajong refugee issue.
AAPSU informed the minister that the Chakma Hajong refugees in the state have started forming armed groups with the recent arrest of many cadres from the community. The Chakma and Hajong refugees are also actively involved in many illegalities like drug trafficking, however in the eyes of international community, they have painted the Arunachalees as oppressors, suppressors of their rights whereas the reality at the ground depicts altogether a different story, it said.
The students also sought early solution to Assam-
In spite of the committee set up by the Hon'ble Supreme Court for hammering out a permanent solution to the issue and to uphold Status Quo, we have been witnessed to number of conflicts, skirmishes and violence in the inter state boundary area between Assam and Arunachal, thus hampering the peace and tranquility of people living along the boundary, the AAPSU said. The students asked for a new impetus to the boundary issue to bring a permanent solution more so when all the three governments in the two states and center is being run by Bharatiya Janata Party.
RGU qualifies for the National Research Convention
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The young researchers of Rajiv Gandhi University have proved their mettle again by qualifying for the national level Students' Research Convention.
Two researchers-
It was held from February 20 to 21 in the combined stream of Commerce and Social
Science. A total of four students were shortlisted to represent RGU after an intra-
Sharing the result of the competition, an ecstatic Deputy Registrar (Academic & Conference)
of RGU Dr. David Pertin informed that the two zonal winners from RGU along with 13
others selected from the east zone and 60 more students from other zones will compete
in the national level Anveshan to be held at Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu from
March 27-
He expressed hope that the two budding researchers from RGU will bring laurels for the university as well as the state in the upcoming competitions too.
The winners in the National Student Research Convention shall be awarded with cash prizes besides certificates and mementos apart from the overall scope of commercialization of the selected projects as an additional merit.
Upset Tuki seek apology after being made to run for seat
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: In what appeared to be a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) function, assisted and coordinated by state administration, the organizing committee of the 31st statehood day function allegedly insulted former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki by making him run from one place to the other to find a seat at IG Park.
It was reported that former Chief Minister was invited by Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh on dais who had arranged a plastic chair for him. However, as soon as Chief Guest, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's cavalcade arrived; the former Chief Minister was informed that his seat was arranged at VIP row on the ground and not on the dais.
The BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav was accommodated in the front row and State BJP President Tapir Gao in second row respectively at the dais.
When contacted by this daily, former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki confirmed that he was insulted by the organizing committee who made him run from one place to the other.
"I didn't ask for a seat on the dais, I was told by DC himself that my seat was there" said former CM.
I was asked to leave the dais to take my seat at the allocated place in the VIP area. But when I reached there, I could not find any unoccupied chair so I left the ground" Tuki added.
The former CM stated that State Festival should not be politicized and made as party function.
Tuki termed the incident as wrong precedent and has demanded written apology from the Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioner for insulting him.
According to a senior IAS officer as per the protocol, the former Chief Minister should be accommodated in second row as the first row is for the Speaker, Council of Ministers and Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, BJP President Tapir Gao refuted the allegation that BJP members were behind the seat arrangement row. It was a serious communication gap between organizing committee and the former chief minister, he said. Gao further said that government regrets that the incident happened.
The members of organizing committee also clarified that it occurred due to communication gap and lack of coordination. They also regretted the inconvenience caused to former Chief Minister.
While reacting the incident, the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress has demanded an apology from Chief Secretary and DC, capital for allegedly insulting former chief minister. There was no seat for Tuki in dais and the VIP arena whereas BJP President Tapir Gao was seated in VVIP dais, said APYC president Jikke Tako.
4th Film Fest gets off to a grand start
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Thirty-
This is a four-
The festival began with screening of short film/play 'Parampara ke Naam me Balatkar', written and directed by Tai Tugung.
The film depicts the sad and true story of girl children, who are still sold off to older men in the name of marriage.
Two prominent film makers from Manipur Sonia Nephram, the director of award winning film 'Guns and A God' and Vice President of Manipur Film Society Rajesh Salam, are attending the film festival.
Minister for Industries, Textiles & Handicrafts Tamiyo Taga attending inaugural ceremony underscored the importance of film being most effective medium of communication. Films depict the social situation of a particular time of a particular society thereby, having a direct impact on the society, the minister said.
"It is, therefore, very important that the film makers realize this and shoulder the responsibility," Taga said.
In her welcome address, IPR Special Secretary Mitali Namchoom encouraged all the upcoming film makers of the state to take full advantage of this film festival that aims to encourage the local artists and film makers and others involved in this industry towards filmmaking, which is still at nascent stage in Arunachal.
"Film making in Arunachal is still at a nascent stage which need support and encouragement," Namchoom said and expressed the hope that the festival would go on to become a revenue generating programme in the years to come.
Organising Secretary, FFA Shambo Flago reminded the audience that the film festival has indeed increased by leaps and bounds from what it was in its first chapter. Flago also encouraged the upcoming talents to make good films saying that film too is a way of social service.
IPR Director Obang Tayeng said that he was encouraged by large number of audience thronging the festival ground braving rain.
The film festival is organised annually, starting from 2013. In 2016, a regional level film festival was held in which film makers from entire North East region and few from other states participated. DIPR
Students develop low cost paddy harvester
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The final year automobile engineering students of Rajiv Gandhi
Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar have developed low cost-
Unlike conventional paddy harvesters that require fossil fuel, MOSPH utilizes abundantly available solar energy to produce the required electrical energy to operate the paddy harvester.
"The entire power source is compactly packed and placed inside a bag.
The harvester can be operated easily with power source unit carried on shoulder. The added advantage of the system is that it can also be used for domestic lighting when not being used for harvesting. The overall cost of the developed model is approximately Rs. 14000," informed HoD Devarasiddappa.
The model will be displayed at National Innovation Talent Contest for Polytechnics (NITCP) at NITTTR, Kolkata and is being sponsored by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai. A team of four students accompanied by Vinay Kumar, STA will participate in the event.
Govt to increase pension for differently abled
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday announced to increase pension/ honorarium for differently abled people under Chief Minister's Disability Pension Scheme and also said that the ensuing budget will see substantial increase in funds for their welfare.
The Chief Minister disclosed it after inaugurating the Composite Regional Centre for Persons with Disabilities in presence of Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot and Union Minister for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar.
The centre is established under the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India.
The Centre has announced Rs 20 crore for establishment of the centre and also 17 numbers of posts have been created to fill various vacancies to run the institute. Pema asked Parliamentary Secretary for Social Justice Gojen Gadi to identify 2 acres of land for immediate start of the project.
Expressing regret over government department's failure to fully implement the 5% job quota for the disabled, the Chief Minister asked them to strictly follow it. Also for the benefit of disabled person, he announced that a good amount of fund will be placed for organizing Paralympics in the state in the coming budget.
Earlier speaking on the occasion, Rijiju appealed to the people to change their mindset towards differently abled people as they too have equal rights to live a respectable life.
He urged people to encourage them and make them believed that they are too normal human being capable of living an independent life.
The Union Minister lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving official recognition to disabled persons as 'Divyangjan' from their earlier nomenclature of 'viklang'.
Later, disability equipments were distributed to the differently ables persons by the Chief Minister, Union Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and Gadi.
Also present on the occasion were legislators Paknga Bage, Laisam Simai, Dasanglu Pul and State BJP President Tapir Gao. Parliamentary Secretary Social Justice delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks by Secretary Planning Dr Joram Beda.
Nationalism is in the hearts of Arunachalees: Pema
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: "Nationalism and patriotism is unbelievably high in the hearts of Arunachalees," said Chief Minister Pema Khandu here today while attending a reception programme of students from various states of the country visiting the state at Dera Natung Government College.
At least 60 students from various states like Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Uttaranchal, etc are on a three-
"Majority of the people in mainland India do not have much knowledge about the North East and Arunachal Pradesh. Now that you have gained firsthand experience and lived the Arunachalee life for three days, you are ambassadors of Arunachal Pradesh in your respective states and universities," Khandu said.
Explaining about the diverse culture and traditions of the communities inhabiting Arunachal Pradesh, he however pointed that 'three days' is not enough to know Arunachal Pradesh. Khandu opined that visiting students need to be taken to districts for their stay so that they get the real 'feel' of Arunachalee culture. He appealed ABVP to continue the programme which is a silent revolution working as a catalyst in national integration by bridging the gap between the North East and mainland India.
Explaining the objective of the programme, ABVP National Joint Organizing Secretary G Laxman said that SEIL was conceived in the year 1965 to motivate 'emotional integration' in the 'distant regions' of the country.
Earlier, several visiting students as well as members of the host families shared their respective experiences.
Also present in the civic reception programme were Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung, Legislator Laisam Simai, BJP state unit President Tapir Gao, office bearers of state unit ABVP, members of the SEIL reception committee, officials and students of Dera Natung Govt College.
Act East Policy is beneficial for Arunachal Pradesh: A Survey
[ Dr. Jajati K. Pattnaik ]
The ‘Look East Policy’ (LEP) which was initiated by the Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha
Rao has been transformed into‘Act East Policy’ (AEP) under the present political
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This Government has called for a robust
and result-
The data for the survey was collected from the local stakeholders through purposive random sampling method selecting 25 each from six categories viz; academia, bureaucrats, media, public leaders, entrepreneurs and youth of the state. Out of 150 respondents, 69.3 %of them opined that the Act East policy is beneficial for Arunachal Pradesh, whereas 30% of them responded their answer as ‘cannot say’. On the other, 0.7% said that the Act East policy would not be beneficial for Arunachal Pradesh.
The opinions derived from the survey are:
Arunachal Pradesh shares international boundaries with Bhutan, Myanmar and China. So, the state needs special attention from the centre for its all round development and the AEP would be a positive step toward economic and other infrastructural developments.
The policy is relevant because Arunachal Pradesh will act as the gateway to Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) through the Stilwell road.
It will pave the way to establish its trade links with the ASEAN countries and accelerate the economic growth of the region as well.
It will create opportunities to open up relationship with the people of neighbouring countries in the field of culture, trade and commerce.
AP may be turned into an international market. The state can have a self-
It will facilitate cross border trade which in turn will boost economic development and create employment opportunities in AP. It will dissuade the unemployed youth from joining the militancy. It will also integrate the people of AP with the people outside enabling them to explore international market.
Arunachal Pradesh is rich in natural resources. But the difficulty is that the people do not know how to harness them. Thus, there is an urgent need of such a policy to avail better opportunities of capital, knowledge and technology.
The state has no source of its own income. So, it has to harness its untapped resources in hydro, herbal, agriculture, horticulture and tourism for cross border trading. Later, the policy will strengthen the pace of development and will bring the state economy at par with the national economy.
The state has the potential to produce 50000 MW of electricity which could be traded with the south/ East Asian countries. The revenues generated from such cross border trading can be utilized for the welfare of the people.
There will be greater strategic partnership with the ASEAN and other East Asian countries. Due to its geo strategic location, the North East will answer the longer economic and strategic cooperation for the country as a whole.
While concluding, it can be said this is not the final point of the undertaken survey. This is an uninterrupted process, the contours of which can be constantly derived/reinvented in order to find the benefits for Arunachal Pradesh in the context of Act East policy. Moreover, at this stage, Arunachal urgently needs a Vision Document to steer its trajectory of development. Otherwise, it would remain a hyperbolein any intellectual/political discourse.
(The writer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, Government Model Degree College, Jemi Notko, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. He was formerly a Visiting Scholar at the Gulf Studies Programme, School of International studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.)
Namti-
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The realigned portion of Namti-
The 20.307 km Namti-
Due to incessant rains during February, 2013, the road stretch between Km 14.750
to Km 16.250 got washed away. Road communication was subsequently restored by 48
BRTF on temporarily basis at that time. The realignment of Lankhar for 4.50 Km length
was approved by Army during December 2014 to avoid unstable/problematic portion between
Km 14.750 to Km 16.250 on Namti-
Accordingly, the formation cutting work on this stretch was started immediately in spite of extreme difficult working conditions and unexpected obstacles under command and guidance of Commander, Col C Rajashekar, the release added.
Meanwhile, the construction of realigned Brahamkund to Arrowa road (24.810 km) in Lohit district is expected to complete in two years.
The permanent and surfacing works are under progress, BRO informed,
If completed, the road will provide logistic support to armed forces deployed in Anjaw district, besides linking Lohit and Anjaw district, the BRO release said.
GREF Commandant indicates fresh recruitment
YINGKIONG, Feb' 21: Commandant of General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Recruitment
& Training Centre, Pune NM Chandarana, VSM, indicated that more trained people will
be inducted into 1448 BCC, 105 RCC of 761 BRTF in view of the massive double-
The GREF Commanded disclosed it during an interaction with the GREF personnel deployed
on infrastructure development in Siang valley during his two-
He informed that recruitment to various posts in BRO would soon commence and exhorted the youth of Arunachal Pradesh to participate in recruitment process.
To improve availability of JEs for core works of BRO, he encouraged educated Group-
The visit of Centre Commandant was very well received by the GREF Personnel as it dispelled many myths regarding posting policy, policy on foreign deputation and transparency in recruitment procedures. Commandant NM Chandarana informed that a policy decision has been taken to do away with interview for Group C posts and also proficiency tests for drivers, electrician, mechanic etc.
Commandant GREF Centre, Pune is responsible for recruitment, training, posting and transfer of more than 30000 GREF employees deployed in 18 BRO projects in 14 states.
His recent visit to Siang valley soon after the DGBR's visit on January 15 this year speaks volume about the priority given to infrastructure development in Siang valley and likely reinforcement of trained manpower to expedite road construction, BRTF reported. DIPRO
Mother Tongue, once lost, will never come back
[ Prof. Tomo Riba ]
Mahatma Gandhi said “Knowing more others language is good but not at the cost of own mother tongue” One who knows many languages of others and do not know own mother tongue is like wearing other’s beautiful clothes. It is like, knowing other’s mother better than own mother. It resembles a tree with huge crown with weak root and stem.
Knowing more language of others certainly benefits one in learning other’s culture, have a better friendship, broaden general outlook and helps better expressions. But not at the cost of own mother tongue; which is also equally important among many. Emotions and sentiments can be expressed better in own language, which will helps in effective translation into other languages.
Today’s elders always blame children for being ignorant about their own mother tongue. The major part of the blame goes to parents, especially to mother. A child, in its initial stage of learning, acquires most of the first learning from mother. One day, a child was asked, “why it is called mother tongue”? “Because mother who speaks more”. The child replied. Mother is compelled to speak more at home to monitor the whole family. Mother should speak more but in own mother tongue. Today, in many tribal families, Hindi has become mother tongue and family language. To cover ourselves, we always blame children for not trying to speak in own language. A small child is like a raw material, will adapt to any language which is repeatedly used in the family.
Again, today’s children should not also solely blame their parents for their own inability to speak mother tongue. If they can learn other’s language, why cannot they learn own language? A language can be learnt at any age. They should start learning and speaking, and break the ice with initial mistakes. Most of them understand mother tongue. Start with singing local songs and talking with small children who know mother tongue.
Today, the rural depopulation is a serious concern. Children, after passing out from their village primary school are leaving the village at young age for further studies and finally don’t return to village leaving aged parents helpless in the village. Even the uneducated youths are also leaving the village for unskilled jobs. This will lead to disappearance of some of the interior villages along with natural death of our traditions and culture. The problem is also serious in urban areas, the language is concerned. In urban areas, small children get more time to interact with baby sitters and caretakers in the day care centers. For working parents, the option is to leave the child in the day care center or with baby sitters when it is the prime time to give maximum parental cares to child. These children acquire more characters from those persons other than the parents.
On International Mother Tongue Day, let us affirm that we will not allow our language to die and shall preserve it by speaking and writing whenever we are with people of same community. If we can learn others, let us teach other also to learn ours language. Today, many societies have lost their language mainly due to discontinuation of its use and death of last speaker. But in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, many tribes have realized the danger of its being extinction and have developed own scripts and introduced them in lower class as third language. Those who have not yet started writing their own script should also start as early as possible. For us, modified Roman script meets our requirement which can be easily learnt by the learners and convenient to write. (Prof Riba teaches at Rajiv Gandhi University)
Culture is our strength, says Ngandam
12th day of Golden Jubilee Nyokum Yullo
JORAM, Feb 21: "Culture is our strength, emotion and it unites us," said Education Minister Honchun Ngandam while participating on the 12th Day of Golden Jubilee Nyokum Yullo celebration today. He was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary, Home Pani Taram and MLA Tage Taki.
"Every tribe of state needs to preserve and maintain one's own cultural identity with necessary rectifications if required. We should not forget traditional practise of forefathers and ancestors," he added.
Ngandam while congratulating the organizing committee, also said through this Nyokum people from Eastern and Western part of Arunachal Pradesh are getting an opportunity to interact and celebrate the day together.
The minister praised the Art Gallery set up by the celebration committee which depicted and showcased the extinct Photos, Arts and crafts of the Nyishi Society.
Giving utmost priority to education, the minister took note of the persisting shortage of teacher and infrastructures of Govt Secondary school Joram
Chairman GJNYCC Dr. Joram Begi spoke about the cultural similarities between Wancho and Nyishi tribe while welcoming the gathering of the day.
Parliamentary Secretary Home Pani Taram appealed to the people to educate the younger generation about the importance of culture and also appealed Nyishi Elite Society to come out with a script for Nyishi dialect.
MLA Tage Taki also spoke on the occasion. Former MLA Talo Mugli and Tapi Bath too graced the day as special invitees.
Despite rainfall people from Talo and nearby villages thronged to the Jubilee Hall to witness the cultural performances by Nyishi Art and Cultural Welfare Society, Buya and Rope Sonam Competition (War Dance).
A cultural fusion dance comprising of Adi, Galo, Apatani, Khampti and Nyishi tribe performed by Yazali Dance Troupe enthralled the people present in the Jubilee Hall.
In sports, Capital Complex FC lifted Nyokum Football Trophy men category by defeating
19th Nyapin-
Likha Ona from Lower Subansiri won the Voice of Nyokum Singing competition, Bakhe Joseph from Kurung Kumey secured 1st runners up and Nikam Lamnio from East Kameng was 2nd Runners Up.
Handbook on Rubber Cultivation & Maintenance in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Minister for Trade and Commerce Wangki Lowang on Tuesday released a Handbook on Rubber Cultivation and Maintenance in Arunachal Pradesh at Exhibition Stall, I G Park, Itanagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Lowang told that State Govt. is encouraging the rubber cultivation in the state under Chief Minister's Mission Mode Project which is being implemented by Trade and Commerce department. He said the release of handbook on scientific cultivation of Rubber in Arunachal Context will boost the rubber cultivation in the state. He also requested the visiting Rubber Board Officers to extend every possible technical help to the Rubber farmers of the State for accelerating growth of rubber cultivation in the State. The Minister also advised to Manimalayan Rubber Pvt. Ltd. to establish a collection centre for raw rubber in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate suffering of marketing of raw rubber by the farmers and avoid middle man in marketing. In response to request Dr. B Rajeevan, Managing Director, Manimalayan Rubber Pvt. Ltd. has agreed to start a collection centre at Ruksin at first stage for the benefit of rubber farmers of Arunachal Pradesh.
Minister Lowang also visited the exhibition stall put up by the Regional Tea Board Office, Itanagar and Organic Tea farmers stall put up by Taben Nyitan, Boleng, East Siang District and Taper Gongo, Upper Subansiri District.
Director Trade & Commerce Tokong Pertin in his address, gave a brief on the Handbook citing that it was compiled and edited by officials of Rubber Board of India and published by the Department of Trade & Commerce keeping in view the growing demands of the progressive farmers of the State after implementation of the Mission Mode Project on Rubber Plantation in the State.
Also present on the occasion were K S Raja Gopalan Nair, Additional Rubber Production Commissioner, Zonal Office, North Eastern Region, Guwahati, Dr. B. Rajeevan, Managing Director, Manimalayar Rubbers Pvt. Ltd and host of officers from Rubber Board of India Guwahati Zonal Office, Regional Office, Itanagar and Field Office Roing, Namsai, Ruksin, Silapathar and Itanagar and officers & staff of Department of Trade and Commerce, Govt. of Arunachal.
RGU observes International Mother Language Day
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: On the eve of the of International Mother Language Day, two special lectures on Status of Script development by Tribal Literary Societies/Language Development committees of Arunachal Pradesh were organized by Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), and Centre For Endangered Languages (CFEL), Rajiv Gandhi University keeping in view the broad theme of this year's IMLD celebration, "Towards Sustainable Futures Through Multilingual Education".
Dr. Takop Zirdo who is the Chairman, Galo Language Development Committee, Galo Welfare Society deliberated on the Galoo Ennam (Galo Script) highlighting the orthographic principles behind the representation of Galo language phonemes using Roman alphabets. He also highlighted the achievements of GLDC in promoting Galo language as Third language in the School education especially in the districts where Galo is spoken as mother tongue.
Dr. Tage Kano, Member, Apatani Language Development Committee (ALDC), Ziro deliberated on the present status of Apatani Script development through the years and highlighted on the recent innovations and challenges of the implementation of script.
Vice Chancellor, RGU Prof. Tamo Mibang appealed to the members for working towards developing of Common script for Tani languages in future and to preserve dying oral literatures.
Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad deliberated on the relationship between language and script and how devnagari lipi and Hindi language would be instrumental in bringing alive the oral literature of the Tribals of Arunachal Pradesh. The members also presented various technological innovations like language learning apps and gave valuable suggestions regarding framing policies for development of tribal languages.
ArSRLM participates in Writeshop on DAY NRLM
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: State Mission Management Unit (SMMU) of Arunachal State Rural
Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) led by ArSRLM CEO-
Organized by the DAY NRLM Resource Cell at NIRD&PR NERC and the National Mission Management Unit (NMMU) of Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) GoI, the Writeshop was also attended by Secretary MoRD Atal Dulloo and DAY NRLM Director, Nita Kejriwal.
The DAY NRLM Writeshop is conducted annually before the respective State Missions commence their exercise of drafting of respective Annual Action Plans for the forthcoming year. The Writeshop provides an opportunity for the State Missions to benefit through cross learning from interaction with other Missions on implementation during the year and to reflect on implementation strategy for the forthcoming year.
SMMU Teams from the North Eastern States including Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura also participated in the Writeshop.
Mother & Child Health campaign held
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: A special awareness campaign on the theme 'Mother and Child Health' and 'Mission Indradhanush' was organized by the Directorate of Field Publicity, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Daporijo and Bomdila Unit at Bora Ropuk village, Upper Subansiri district on Monday last.
The programme was aimed at educating and sensitizing the rural populace about the various schemes launched by the Government of India specially, for the well being of Mother and Child across the nation.
Commanding Officer, Ram S. also provided medicines for the health camp which was organized jointly by DFP and Indian Army.
Speaking on the occasion as resource person, Maro MO, Dr. Millo Apo requested the villagers to register every pregnant woman and avail the benefit of institutional delivery. He also urged the villagers to get their child immunized.
Dumporijo CDPO, Dr. N Gusar, spoke at length about adolescent health education.
A photo exhibition, baby show competition-
Sange Dorjee gets Woodpecker Film awards
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The Nest directed by National Award winning Arunachalee film maker Sange Dorjee was adjudged the Best Northeast film at the Woodpecker International Film Festival besides winning the Best Film and Cinematography Awards at National Documentary and Short Film Festival at Thrissur recently.
A graduate of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Sange Dorjee is son of Speaker, Arunachal Legislative Assembly Tenzing Norbu Thongdok and Dorjee Dema Thungon.
He ventured into filmdom with his first feature film Crossing Bridges, a feature film in Shertukpen language. The film got a Rajat Kamal in the 63rd National Film Award.
He is also the first filmmaker from the state to be selected for the prestigious Berlin talent campus 2016, at the Berlin International film festival.
Currently, he is working on post production of his next feature film River Song with Mumbai based JAR Pictures.
Electricity supply disrupted
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Electricity supply to Gohpur Tinali, Sanglo Puttung and Zoo Road
Colony remained disrupted since February 18 after the 400 KVA transformer at Gohpur
Tinali was severely damaged due to short-
The consumers, particularly students appearing in various examinations, have been facing lot of problem due to power disruption, the ESC member said, and strongly appealed to the Power Department to restore power supply replacing the damaged transformer.
Strike by DRDA staffs
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Responding to the strike call made by All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association, Arunachal Pradesh unit, various district units are observing the first phase of pen and tool down strike from February 20 to 25.
Reports of observing the strike have been received from All India DRDA Staff Welfare Associations of Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and Lohit.
The demands are immediate absorption of DRDA staffs in line department, regular disbursement and drawal of DRDA staff salary through Treasury bill.
SHG Mela organized
YINGKIONG, Feb 21: An exhibition-
The event was organized by the District ICDS Cell Upper Siang district under ICDS Deputy Director.(DIPRO)
Free health camp organized
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: A large number of laborers along with general public turned benefitted from a free health camp conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Worker Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) at Bameng PHC for registered laborers and general public here recently.
Medicines were also distributed free of cost to them. Hepatitis B vaccination, blood test for Hepatitis B & C and blood sugar were also conducted during the camp.
Ali Aye Ligang celebrated
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Ali-
Traditional dance and singing around the altar, invoking the almighty for bumper harvest was one of the the main attractions of the celebration.
The significance and importance of celebrating the festival was highlighted by festival celebration committee General Secretary Biswajeet Doley.
60 participate in skill development training under CSIR-
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Altogether 60 beneficiaries from different part of the state participated
in a skill development training under CSIR-
Speaking on the occasion, Sc In Charge, NEIST Itanagar branch Dr Jagat C Bora assured to provide all technical support necessary for implementing these technologies.
Resource person, Principal Scientist, NEIST Jorhat Dr Tridip Goswami delivered lecture on 'Some potential rural technologies for Arunachal Pradesh'.
Scientist, NEIST Jorhat Dr Dipul Kalita provided relevant information, support and help during the training programme.
Pallav Saikia and Pulin Bharali demonstrated process and technique to the entrepreneurs.
Pul's wife meets Assam CM
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Former Chief Minister Late Kalikho Pul's wife Dangwimsai Pul and their son Ojingso Pul accompanied by Green Arunachal Foundation (GAF) Chairman Takam Tatung met the Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal at Assam Bhavan, New Delhi to seek help and advice related to Lt. Pul's case.
The Assam Chief Minister is reported to have assured his full support and assistance for initiating a fair investigation into the matter.
He also assured the team that he would arrange an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi so as to enable the team to present the case to the PM in person.
Governor greets all on International Mother Tongue Day
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya has greeted the people of the state on the special occasion of the 'International Mother Tongue Day'. Exhorting all to promote and preserve their respective mother language to keep tradition and heritage alive, the Governor said that Mother language plays a very important role not only in developing initial understanding of a child but also as his first identity.
'All our Folklore and proverbs are in our mother tongue. Hence, we should promote and preserve our mother language in order to keep our tradition and heritage alive', the Governor said.
Reminding people that India has rich diversity of culture, languages and dialects, the Governor further emphasised that all must respect the diversity. (PRO to Governor)
Group help build houses
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The Langth Loth Youth Generation Group (LLYGG) distributed utensils and helped build houses of Tadar Kagung and Tadar Yamak whose houses at Prem Nagar, Naharlagun were destroyed during a fire accident on Feb 16 last.
The group further asked likeminded people and organizations to come forward and help the fire victims.
Better BSNL service sought at Hawai
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Informing that Hawai, the district headquarters of Anjaw district, has been reeling under poor telecommunication for the past 10 days, the All Mishmi Students Union (AMSU) has demanded better BSNL service with 3G network.
In a press release while expressing disappointment that its representation to the DC and BSNL authority in this regard have not received positive response, it said that people of the district are facing lots of problems due to lack of communication facilities.
Legal Aid Clinic inaugurated
YINGKIONG, Feb 21: A legal Aid Clinic was inaugurated by State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) member Secretary, Budi Habung here on Saturday last in presence of lawyers, GBs, PRI members, officers and general public.
A legal awareness programme was also conducted at the DC's conference Hall on the same day wherein, Habung briefed on functions of legal services authority and importance of legal clinics. He said that the legal services authority is to provide free and competent legal services to the needy and poor people. He further stressed on the need to conduct legal awareness on basics of law in the district and also provisions like victims compensation schemes.
DLSA Member Secretary, Habung Tangu also explained about principle of Civil & Criminal trial while, Advocate, Akoying Tekseng briefed on protection of women from Domestic Violence Act.(DIPRO)
GSS, Rijo wins district-
DAPORIJO, Feb 21: Government Secondary School, Rijo won first prize of Rs.50,000 along with trophy and certificate while, VKV Kuporijo and Government BN Middle School won second and third prize respectively in the second District Level Painting Competition held at Mel Bottom Tourist Lodge, Daporijo on Friday last.
In all twenty schools participated in the competition which was organized with the aim to promote Swachch Bhrarat Abhiyan and tourism. (DIPRO)
Former ASM no more
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Former ASM of Puyu Panchayat, Nabam Changriang has died on Feb 5 last at Niba Hospital, Naharlagun following a brief illness. He was 76.
A resident of Pilla village, Changriang was elected Anchal Samity Member from Puyu Panchayat of erstwhile Mengio Circle for five consecutive terms since 1968 to 1983.
Late Changriang is survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters and grandchildren.
Meanwhile, the All Puyu Panchayat Employees Welfare Association (APPEWA) has in a condolence message deeply mourned the demise of the former ASM and termed his death as a great loss to the society.
Agitation temporarily suspended
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: The ongoing agitation demanding proper maintenance and execution of Trans Arunachal Highway from Tai to Gabu has been temporarily suspended for one month. The decision was taken in a public meeting held at Aalo on February 19 following the advice of the Deputy Commissioner to call off the proposed bandh to enable him to liaise with the the Concessionaire and the Govt to expedite the construction/repair of the TAH from Gabu to Tai in public interest. The meeting presided over by Memo Ao Youth Association (MAYA) chairman Kenbom Bagra was attended by the representatives from Nyiko Bango, Pobdi Ete Bango, Ubu, AAPAWS, PAYWA, PBWS, MAYA, West Siang District Students Union and general public of Aalo, informed a MAYA release.
The meeting resolved that the proposed agitation shall be resumed if the authorities
fail to take-
Workshop on travel photography organized at RGGP
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: A three days workshop on travel Photography, travel writing and Career was organized in Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College (RGGP), Itanagar from February 19 to 21. The workshop was organized by Travel and Tourism Management Department of RGGP, which was sponsored under the NEQIP program.
The objective of the workshop was to facilitate the tourism students, travel enthusiastic, Travel photographer and to those who can take up travel related careers. Sanjiv Valsan, a Professional photographer and travel writer from Mumbai was the felicitator of the workshop.
Committee takes initiative to check sale of wild life meat
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: In a joint meeting of the members of Lobi Wild-
It was also resolved in the meeting that any individual, group or organization found violating the order shall be handed over to the concern police station.
APCC says worst managed statehood day celebration
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) described the 31st Statehood Day celebration this year as worst managed ever.
With polythene-
The party said that the statehood day celebration this year was turned into a 'BJP Parv' (festival) rather than a state ceremony, where the presence of veteran Congress leader and former minister chief minister Nabam Tuki and party president Padi Richo, were totally ignored.
Reportedly, the party said, an expenditure of more than Rs 4.5 crore was incurred for the event management.
"The people of the state were thinking that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the celebration and announce his promised Rs25,000 crore development package that enticed INC MLAs and elected PR members to merge into BJP . But, it did not happen, which exposed the tall and false promises of the Prime Minister," the party castigated.
Ors seek disclosure of info
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Custodian of Land and Property West Siang district has demanded that entire government specifications, list of beneficiaries with amount paid and portion occupied within Likabali and Aalo under Trans Arunachal highway project be made public.
In its representation to the chief secretary, it maintained that Mora Sira Owners are the actual land owners of the area but was wrongly claimed by unauthorized individuals.
Public hearing was not done properly. Cheques were issued in the name of second and third parties. Biasness and partiality was meted out to genuine beneficiaries and lions share was given to individuals and influential people who could manipulate the system, it further added.
ALSYA propose Lower Subansiri bandh
ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Tired with the inaction to its demand of early construction of road from Potin to Bopi under Trans Arunachal Highway, the All Lower Subansiri Youth Association (ALSYA) has proposed for 12 hours bandh call on Feb 28 next in Lower Subansiri district.
In its letter to the chief secretary, it resented that its various representations to the concern authority has yielded no result.
The association's other demands include immediate completion of land acquisition for the project, renovation of road from Potin to Bopi as per DPR and action against the engineers involved in the renovation and not to release payment to contractors until roads are renovated as per DPR among others.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Don’t misuse govt. money
Just as whole state was readying to celebrate the statehood day, the news of a suspension bridge collapsing at Tirbin under West Siang district came as a huge shock. Luckily no one lost life in the incident but several people were seriously injured and are currently undergoing treatment. The said bridge has been reportedly completed only this year by the PWD. The incident exposes the poor quality work done by the department. State government should order a thorough investigation into the matter. Those guilty of compromising with the quality should be strongly punished.
This is for the third time that within a span of year newly constructed bridges has
collapsed. In April last year the under construction RCC bridge over Sibut River
near Bodak camp on Pasighat-
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The noise capital of Arunachal
Dear Editor,
With due respect, I would like to express my concern over the excess noise in the
capital city. Now-
This is a serious case of noise pollution and disrespecting others right.
I have been observing this trend for last couple of years and my observation gave me result that every week at least a couple of such events take place in and around capital city. This means people including sick, old age, infant, exams preparing students have to face this nuisance. I doubt in coming years, we will witness such events almost every day and people residing in vicinity will be victimized constantly. I must not forget to include those grand events/celebrations which are conducted every year at I.G park, Itanagar.
Therefore, I would like to ask government and concern authorities to look into the matter seriously and find a solution to overcome this issue by evaluating required steps to minimize the noise. If any such action is taken soon, people will be able to live in peace.
We live in an inclusive society and that itself is a beauty. We must try to keep our city free from any inconveniences. Further let us learn to live together.
Yours,
Concern Citizen
Eradicate our faults and move on
Dear Editor,
There exist many electoral constituencies in India dominated by the people of Scheduled
caste, tribe, Dalit and oppressed background and the posts of MP, MLA and Panchayat
pradhan are reserved for them. Yet in those very areas, the inhabitants of backward
vintage continue to get discriminated or deprived by their very own politically-
In the Maoist belt of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh or Chattisgarh; the vulnerable lot are often brutally tortured or murdered by that very outfit which claims to be the “guardian of the oppressed”!
Female folks are also facing numerous atrocities since times memorial. But it required males like Raja Rammohan Roy or Vidyasagar to dedicate their whole life for the cause of upliftment of women. In contrast India have seen women Chief Ministers and politicians who have uttered insensitive remarks following incidents of sexual atrocities against women and remain indifferent to the woes of the rape victims!
Blacks were definitely victims of barbaric racism in America, but it was the White Abraham Lincoln who had sacrificed his life to free the Blacks from the bondage of slavery. In contrast, just witness the atrocities on innocent Blacks by the rulers of the same skin hue in various dictatorial regime in Africa!
It is high time we learn to appreciate that being good or evil, benevolent or torturous can never be the monopoly of any particular religious, caste, racial, colour or sexual group. Rather it is the individual who is good or bad.
So instead of looking backwards or “paying the erstwhile /current exploiters in their own coin”, the State should adopt strict measures to nip all norms of torture in bud. If we learn to be truly progressive and modern, the practice of “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” and “might is right” need to be replaced with the liberal light of democracy ie absolute equality of all. There should be no discrimination. And no reverse discrimination also which is being unfortunately witnessed in present day India where ineligible persons of certain caste vintage are being “protected” in educational and service sectors at the expense of eligible persons of “unreserved” categories so as to award “justice” for previous atrocities!
Remember it was the practice of Sati which got prohibited, the widowers were not directed to jump upon the pyre of their deceased wives! Again the widows were accorded the right to remarry; no steps were adopted to ban remarriage of widowers! Engagement in vendetta cannot be the solution to address previous wrongs and injustice.
It must be remembered that life marches in the forward direction. There lies no utility
in invoking sins committed in the past. However, we should definitely draw our lessons
from the past, eradicate our faults and move on. Reverse discrimination will merely
give birth to resentment and boost ill-
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
Partial treatment
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to request the state government to eradicate the foolish culture going in the state.
I don't understand why our State Government is happy spending Crores of rupee's to outsiders and celebrities?
Our State too have got many talents and legendary artistes like Jeli Kayi, Nangbia Chanda,Toko Teji, Bamang Loram, Takio Soki and many local band.
Instead of spending crores to outsiders, the government should have used the same
amount judiciously for the artists of the state. Why is our government lagging behind
in promoting our own star-
Bitter truth is that invited artists from outside will get crores of rupees whereas
the artists from the State are being paid meager Rs 50,000/-
Yours,
Taki Gumsar Tamin .
Itanagar
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