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January 17

Arunachal lifters bag 2 Golds and 4 Silvers

Yamuna Nagar, Jan 16: Arunachal weightlifting team today clinched 2 Golds and 4 Silvers at the 10th National Youth (Sub-Junior Boys & Girls) Weightlifting Championships being held at Railway Indoor Auditorium, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana.

Tang Devi won 3 Silver medal by lifting Snatch 46 Kg, Clean & Jerk 62 Kg and Total of 108 Kg under 44 Kg girls weight category. Weightlifter Gungte Yangfo became the National Youth Champion by clinching 2 Golds and 1 Silver Medal in the boys Under 50 Kg body weight category. He lifted 82 Kg in Snatch, 98 Kgs in Clean & Jerk and total of 180 Kg.

Son of Kejik and Yadik Yangfo of Karsingsa under Papum-Pare, Gungte was ranked 4th in the recently concluded Asian Youth Championship in Doha, Qatar.

A total of 192 participants and 40 technical officials are participating in the 10th National Youth Weightlifting Championships which started today.

 

APDA apprise HM

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: The Arunachal Pradesh Doctors’ Association (APDA) called on the Health Minister to appraise him on various issues pertaining to welfare of the service doctors and the department.

After a patient hearing to the APDA delegates, he assured to take up the issues of establishing the first medical college in the state, streamlining of the promotional avenues of the serving doctors and appointment of regular Medical Superintendents in General and District Hospitals as per the provision of APHS Rule 2000.

 

Governor  seeks upgradation of DDK, AIR

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: The Governor of Arunachal has emphasized on up-gradation of Doordarshan and Radio Stations in the State to reach out to the people in far-flung areas in the borders.

Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma said this during a meeting with the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at New Delhi on Jan 16. During the meeting, he also stressed on improving the quality of the programme and for more mobile TV vans in the state.

The Governor reiterated for Direct to Home (DTH) sets to the people in border areas on the line that it was done in the past. He also suggested for setting up of more Very Low Power Transmitters (VLPT) in less accessible places. PRO to Governor

 

Ban on narcotics and dendrite

Doimukh, Jan 16: The Doimukh Sub divisional Magistrate has banned the selling of dendrite and other substances/drugs used as narcotic and illegal selling of IMFL in gumties and tea stalls vide office order within Doimukh administrative jurisdiction.

In this connection a board of officers, PRI members , GBs, PIs have been constituted in order to conduct checking of illegal marketing of IMFL and selling of substance of abuse in open market and use of such substance in public places. Rigorous checking in and around Doimukh Township especially along the length of Dikrong riverside and Railway line will be carried out regularly. DIPRO

 

Accident claims one

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: A student died in a Tata Sumo vehicle accident near Pangin, East Siang District this evening. The unfortunate incident happened when the vehicle reportedly carrying ten women delegates of Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), who were coming back from Yingkiong, Upper Siang District skidded of the road near Pangin, informed sources.

The sources further informed that, two other students and driver of the vehicle are seriously injured while rest escaped with minor injuries. The detailed report is awaited.

 

Chanda makes it to Mumbai

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Nangbia Chanda, popularly known as poping girl Chanda has qualified for the Mumbai round of India's Got Talents.

Daughter of Nangbia Rima and Nangbia Tada, Chanda is a student of class 12, studying in Women’s College Shillong and is a member of a famous Hip-hop dance crew of Arunachal Pradesh-Dancing Devils.

She is the winner of 7 to smoke all style dance category, Shillong and the only female participant that represented the state in 18 degree dance competition organised by Dept of Art and culture, Meghalaya.

 

Disaster management prog

ANINI, Jan, 16: A local NGO, Athupopo Social Foundation has conducted a day long Disaster management awareness programme at Government Higher Secondary, Anini in collaboration with District Administration.

Kabang Apum, CO briefed the importance and necessity about disaster preparedness and how to response during natural calamities.

Resource persons Dr. Muchu Mihu and Jakam Laham highlighted the importance of first aids and advised the students to keep a first aids box to be used during emergency. DIPRO

 

Consumer awareness campaign held

BOMDILA, Jan 16: The Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs organized a consumer awareness camp at Santi Deva Vidyalaya at Bomdila recently.

LM&CA Assistant Controller Tasso Guro, highlighted in details about the importance and salient features of Consumer Affairs including quality of commodities, consumer rights and grievances redressal court.

Deputy Commissioner A.K. Singh briefed about Consumers court for redressal of grievances and emphasized on the need to know about our duty as consumers.

He opined that involvement of large numbers of schools and business communities will bring fruitful results of such programme.

School Teacher Prem Chetry and student Tenzin Dawa also spoke about consumer rights and do’s and don’t of consumers.

Later, Deputy Commissioner, AK Singh, Abbot GRLM Ven. Thupten Khumpal and Buddhist Cultural Preservation Society Secretary Dorjee Norbu, gave away the prizes to winners of quiz, essay, drawing competition held earlier in the day. DIPRO

 

Geo Enpro donates under CSR activities

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) today got a shot in the arm when the Geo Enpro Petroleum Limited that operates the Kharsang Oil Field in Arunachal Pradesh donated a sum of Rs 25 lakhs under CSR activities. Chief Executive Officer, Ajay Kumar Ray and Chief Financial Officer, Sandeep Khamesra of the company, while calling on Chief Minister Nabam Tuki this morning, handed over the cheque.

Expressing gratitude to the company on behalf of the people of the state, Tuki assured that the amount would be judiciously utilized for the poor and needy as and when required.

Tuki, while citing that major portion of the CMRF is utilized for medical purposes of the poor, directed that henceforth critical diseases like cancer, kidney failure, etc that need high end and sophisticated treatment will only be considered for grant of relief from the fund. He pointed that for treatment of other diseases and accidents the State Government has launched the Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme and appealed the people to avail the same instead of applying for relief from CMRF.

“CMRF is not only meant for treatment purposes but has to cover other unforeseen calamities and disasters,” he said.

It may be mentioned here that recently, another petroleum giant, the Oil India Limited had also donated Rs 25 lakhs to the state CMRF under CSR policy. (CMO)

 

Energy Club

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Under the initiative of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Govt. of India and Arunachal Pradesh Energy development Agency (APEDA), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh an “Energy Club” has been formed at Govt. Higher Secondary School Doimukh, Papum Pare on Jan 16th. More than 100 students enrolled themselves as member of the newly formed Energy club.

J. Mishra, Teacher-in charge of the Energy Club, said that the main objective of the Energy Club is “To Create Awareness on Energy Conservation and efficient use of Energy”.

DDSE, Papum Pare, Tana Tagu Tara who inaugurated the Energy Club urged the students to pass the message of Energy conservation and Efficient use of energy to their parents, friends, relatives for mass participation.

Project Officer, APEDA, Papum Pare District Er. Hina Ajan Nabam was present on the occasion.

 

ALSDSU submits memo to DC

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: The All Lower Subansiri District Student Union(ALSDSU) in a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner today appealed him to start eviction drive against unauthorized construction and illegal encroachment  of Govt land throughout the district.

Expressing concern over the unauthorized construction of infrastructure/building by private individuals in Govt properties in and around Ziro-Hapoli and other parts of the district, the Union said that such kind of illegal activities not only destroy the serene beauty of Ziro valley but also become obstacle in the way of development activities.

Pointing out the acute shortage of teachers in various schools of the district, the Union further urged the authorities to call back all the teachers who are attached to DDSE office as BRC, CRC members, coordinator under SSA, RMSA etc in order to mitigate teacher shortage problem at the earliest.

Claiming that it has received a number of complaints from NGOs and students regarding dereliction of duties by the teacher community, the ALSDSU urged the administration to take appropriate action against the irregular teachers. Absenteeism by the teachers badly hampers the student community, it said.

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News Impact

State to prepare Arunachal Vision – 2030

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: The State Cabinet which held its meeting today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has decided to prepare Arunachal Vision - 2030 which would detail medium and long term development vision for the state encompassing six broad areas like enabling infrastructure, economic potential, social sectors, social harmony, border development, resource mobilisation.

The preparation of Arunachal Vision 2030 would base on identifying challenges, setting targets and working out a detailed development strategy. For this, three committees would be constituted - the Cabinet Committee, the Committee of Secretaries and the Committee of Experts. These committees will firm up framework and prepare draft vision document within 6 months after consultations, field visits and also by seeking public opinion at the village level, block level, district level and the state level. The committees will also propose a comprehensive institutional mechanism to achieve the targets assigned in the vision document. A dedicated website shall be hosted soon for gathering comprehensive inputs from individuals, stakeholders, civil societies, PRIs, Urban Local Bodies, academicians, experts etc. to make the Vision document 2030 more realistic, inclusive and practical. (Media Cell, CMO)

 

 

ABK (WW) and Police discuss drug addiction in ES

PASIGHAT, Jan 16: In a meeting with the women activists of Adi Bane Kebang of East Siang on Thursday evening, the DIG Central Range L.H. Shanliana said that activists could play a vital role to control drug addiction.

Shanliana praised the women force for their courage and spirit in fight against the drug menace. There is a need to introspect and awareness is the only option to tackle this problem, he said.

Earlier, the ABK Women Wing informed the DIG about activities regarding addiction.

They were particularly concerned for those who were vulnerable to alcoholism and drug abuse. In their presentation, the members said that use of alcohol and narcotics in youths was increasing alarmingly and responsible for social, physical and legal problems in the district.

They also put forward their recommendations for checking the availability of drugs and its eradication in the district. Couple of years back people were unaware of drug dependence, but today drug addicts could be seen everywhere in huge numbers, they said. The wing assured the DIG to continue to share evidence based information to police authorities. The activists further said that sometimes police inactions encourage the wrong doers.

We have a direct role in addressing crime in the society through collaborative partnerships among government agencies, NGOs and various welfare associations to implement effective public safety strategies, DIG said. Shanliana has revealed that the police department is facing acute shortage of staff in the district but emphasis would be given on people-friendly policing in coordination with all segments of the society. DIPRO.

 

 

State level prog on SAGY

CS calls for completion of base line survey by Jan 21

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: State Level Orientation Programme on Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) was held with participation of the members of empower committee and State Heads of offices, District Coordinators and charge officers (GP) at Banquet Hall here yesterday.

Presiding over the meeting, Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, who is also Chairman, State Level Empower Committee of SAGY advised the Nodal Officer (Deputy Commissioners) and the Charge Officers of the identified Gram Panchayat to strictly abide by guidelines and time frame given for various activities. He said that SAGY is a scheme without its own fund. The various schemes implemented by the central government as well as state government has to be utilized by drawing a village level Development Plan through conducting base line survey, he added.

“We have to keep in mind resource survey of the Gram Panchayats, their availabilities like land, water, energy and capital resources, Social factors etc as available in the identified villages and proper utilization of such resources to make the village a model one and an example for others. Resource survey will make a village help to develop itself.” The CS directed appointment of either District Planning Officer or the Project Director (DRDA) as Charge Officers and complete base line survey by 21st January positively.

Speaking on the occasion, Tahang Taggu, Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department highlighted aims and objectives of conducting orientation programme on SAGY at state level. He informed that State Level Empower Committee on SAGY has been constituted and all Deputy Commissioners are appointed as District Coordinators. He also directed all Deputy Commissioners to appoint a dedicated and experience officer as charge officer of identified villages.

District coordinator, especially, the charge officer (GP) should have direct contact and liaison with the Ministry and the State Nodal Agency for any matter related to SAGY, he added.

The Secretary further informed that Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi has identified Meyu-II Gram Panchayat, Lok Sabha MP and MoS for Home  Kiren Rijiju  identified Yigi Kaum village and LS MP Ninong Ering has identified Taki Lalung village under SAGY.

Health Secretary Indira Mallo also requested to verify health matters while conducting the survey so that benefits of CMs Health Insurance scheme be appropriately reach to the village.

Dr. V.K Sharma, Deputy Director (SIRD)-cum-State Trainees (SAGY) made a power point presentation on guidelines and discussed on issues pertaining to Arunachal Pradesh. It was followed by documentary films on successful model villages.

The Charge Officer (GP) and District Planning Officer, Roing informed that Base Line Survey of Meyu-II has been completed but could not upload as the Ministry has not provided Log in ID so far. The charge Officer of Yigi Kaum also informed conducting of awareness campaign.

Tarin Dakpe, Director-cum-State Nodal Officer (SAGY) sought co-operation from all heads of departments in making the scheme a grand success.

 

 

Pakke Paga Festival begins

SEIJOSA, Jan 16: The maiden Pakke Paga Festival began here today at General Ground, Seijosa in East Kameng.

The festival has been initiated primarily to popularize the role played by the local Nyishi people in conserving hornbills in Pakke and surrounding areas. The festival also seeks to focus on the importance of conservation of hornbills and wildlife in the state as well as to create interest and awareness among urban Indians and foreign visitors about the cultural and wildlife heritage of Arunachal Pradesh especially of Pakke Tiger Reserve and its surrounding areas.

Paga means hornbill in the Nyishi language.

It is also to focus on the importance of conservation of hornbills and wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh (the need to reduce hunting and logging and come up with policies to provide alternative source of income).

Aparajita Dutta of Mysore-based Nature Conservation Foundation which has played a pioneering role in conservation of hornbills in Pakke had earlier said "We hope that through this festival there is increased pride and support for the conservation efforts in and around Pakke tiger reserve"

Today the Boro Students Union, All Assam Students Union, and members of Nyishi Elite Society appreciated the initiative to conserve the precious hornbills and to maintain the brotherhood feelings with the neighbouring state.

Takum Nabam of the Ghora Abhe Society which is working with various organizations to host the event appraised audiences and villagers how the concept of the festival emerged.

Today's inaugural programme also included war dance, play, screening of short films, 10 km race, local games and sports like segia ganam (arrow-shooting), local shot put, stick wrestling, sight-seeing and drawing competition.

Addressing the  gathering at the festival, PHED Minister Takam Pario said "Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with abundant fauna and flora, wildlife and unique species which needs to be globalised". Pario added that "we need to popularize our resources and we should conserve by maintaining peace and brotherhood with Assam".

"Conservation and preservation of natural resources will also boost the economic development of the state and will help the culture and traditions of the state grow globally", he added. The festival will conclude on Sunday.

 

 

Management of Rural Sanitation and Personal Hygiene

AALO Jan 16: A  workhop on “ Management of Rural Sanitation and Personal Hygiene ; Role of PRI” was organised at Darak yesterday by District Water and Sanitation Mission/ PHED Divnsion, Aalo under Swachh Bharat Mission programme.

Chairing the workshop, Retd. ASP, Yido Boje appealed participants to avail benefit from the workshop and asked PRI leaders to ensure proper sanitation at their respective gram panchayat. He also urged  PHED to organise more such awareness programmes in the rural  areas in coming days.

EE(PHED) cum Member Secretary, DWSC Er. Toney Ete  said that implementation of  Swachh Bharat Mission program will success only when people at grassroot level accepts the programme to change ones mind set and  to adopt the programme and added that various awareness programmes needs to be carried out not only by implementing agency but also by PRIs, NGOs and student communities etc.

Consultant (Monitoring & Evaluation) Er. Rimo Taba highlighted the objectives and details of Swachh Bharat Mission programme. While taking the example of  Beye Gram Panchayat  under Aalo East being  enlisted for Nirmal Gram Puraskar by concern Ministry Govt. of India under Nirmal Gram Puraskar award’2013, he revealed that the Darak circle with 4 Gram Panchayat being completed with Individual Household Latrines construction during last year which deserves  to win this prestigious award this year.

Regarding the implementation of the programme, he suggested to adopt the three phases of implementation framework as emphasized in Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines.

Resource persons and CO E Borang appealed to the participants realize their own responsibility towards sanitation and hygiene.

Dr. Dipu Lowang, MO, PHC  Darak, Er. Goba Yomcha, AE Karken Nyorak, Consultant(HRD), Bajo Ori, Consultant (W&S) also spoke on the occasion. DIPRO

 

 

Tuki & INC only option in Arunachal: Karbak

ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Congress is the only party capable of delivering goods and services to the people, said APYC president Nyamar Karbak, while addressing a day-long public rally-cum awareness campaign at Liromoba on Thursday.

Karbak exhorted the people to have trust in the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and APCC president Padi Richo for achieving over all development.

Hinting about the possibility of contesting the February 13 by-elections form the seat if his candidature is approved by the party high command, he announced his commitment to work for all sections of people of the constituency if elected.

The rally was organised by INTUC district unit.

Congress is the only option in Arunachal Pradesh, said INTUC secretary general Kenkar Yomcha and asked the public to stay united.

 

 

District level training on biometric enrollment

PASIGHAT, Jan 16: Two days district level training on Biometric Enrollment (BME) under National Population Register (NPR) concluded here today at the DC’s conference hall. DC Nidhi Srivastava along with the Deputy Director, Census Operations, B Sohtun, DSO (Stat) D Naksang and representatives of WEBX Guwahati trained the officials.

Chairing the training programme, DC Srivastava termed the Biometric Enrollment for NPR to be carried out from Feb 5th onwards in the district as a historic one and anyone involved in the exercise as the privileged ones.

Individuals will have to go to an enrollment center and register for the Unique Identification (UID), while the NPR will carry out part of the enrollment of individuals through door to door canvassing, she said.

In her deliberation, DD Sohtun explained the procedures and relationship between UID, NPR, and National Security. She dealt at length on the various features of the Biometric enrolment and hoped that all the stakeholders would actively participate to make it a success. DIPRO

 

 

Roing, Bordumsa joins India Water Week 2015

ROING, Jan 16: A one day workshop on “Hamara Jal – Hamara Jeevan” was organized at Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Roing as a part of celebration of India Water Week 2015 yesterday. The India Water Week 2015 is being celebrated in Lower Dibang Valley District from 3th to 18th January 2015 with the theme, “Water Management for Sustainable Development” by the Department of Water Resources.

Presiding over the workshop, Rakesh Tacho, Circle Officer shared his experience about how people living in different parts of the country are facing acute shortage of waters and how much pain they take to collect even a mug or bucket of potable water for their daily needs. He cautioned that if we do not learn and start making judicious use of water from now onwards, we may also put ourselves in the same situation in near future. He exhorted the students to be the torch bearer in this effort and advised them to think globally but to act locally.

Er Kago Rubo, Executive Engineer, WRD in his introductory speech informed that the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India is making an effort to raise awareness, conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner. And this IWW-2015 is a platform to elicit ideas and opinions from decision makers, politicians, researchers, Engineers, Agriculturists, Scientists, students, teachers, Public leaders, NGO and entrepreneurs in the field of water resources.

Er Mure Linggi, EE (PHED & WS), Er S Wangpan, EE (TW & GW), Andeng Tayeng, ADO and Payeng, HDO also shared their ideas on water conservation technologies. Er Onit Panyang, AE, Water Resource Sub-Division Roing through power point presentation highlighted about water management technologies.

Students from Govt Higher Secondary School, Divine Word School and Intaya Public School, Roing also participated and were felicitated by the Water Resources Department, Roing on the occasion.  DIPRO

Meanwhile the workshop on “Hamara Jal Hamara Jeevan” was conducted at Bordumsa ADC HQ under Changlang District today.

Er Maga Tasso, Assistant Engineer Water Resources Division Bordumsa, spoke on the need for Water Conservation.

Er K.S Saini Superintending Engineer, Water Resources Circle, Namsai spoke on the need for water conservation and controlling pollution in the state.

The chairman of the Workshop Tamo Riba ADC In - charge highlighted the water requirement and its optimum utilization in the purest form and emphased more on harnessing ground water for irrigation and drinking purpose.

 

 

Sille gets new school

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Jan 16: Parliamentary Secretary, Tatung Jamoh today opened a newly constructed building at Govt Hr Secondary School, Sille in East Siang district.

The new building meant for additional classroom, Integrated Science Laboratory and computer room was funded under Rastriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RAMSA) in the fiscal year 2011-12. The amount of fund for the building was Rs 61.14 lakh Jamoh, who was addressing a ceremony in the school premise urged the School Management Committee to take care of the assets and properties of the institution. He also requested the teachers and students of the school to create “conducive” atmosphere of teaching and learning in the premier institution.

Jamoh, who is a former student of the school has assured to give attention for its infrastructure development and also urged the teaching staff to ensure good result in the science stream, which is being started from this academic session.

Informing that Nabam Tuki led state government has reserved government job for the talented sportspersons, MLA Jamoh suggested the young students to get involved in various sports activities to avail the job opportunity.

Speaking on the occasion, Ruksin SDO, T Pada exhorted the young students to maintain discipline. He also suggested them to give up evil practices such as consumption of alcohol, narcotics and other harmful substances.

Sille-Oyan ZPM, Tajing Taki in his address requested the MLA for posting of adequate senior teachers in the Govt HSS and keep close vigil on the problems faced by the school authority.

 

 

Taloh, DC visits remote village

AALO, Jan 16: Minister Education, Library, Textile, Handloom & Handicraft Tapang Taloh visited remote Damda village yesterday along with Siang District Deputy Commissioner Dr. N Lego, Superintendent of Police Doge Jini and all heads of offices of Siang district.

Responding to a public memorandum for construction of road from Damda to Yeksi and construction of school building and teachers quarter, the Minister announced sanctioning of road under RIDF fund. He urged the villagers to cooperate with the executing agency for early completion of survey and alignment of road. He also asked the villagers to identify a suitable land for construction of permanent school building and teachers’ quarter as the existing location is landslide prone. He assured the people to place funds for construction of two teachers’ quarter and posting of teacher very soon.

While referring to signature campaign launched by groups of people

opposing Pangin as Siang District headquarter, he said that the selection of Pangin as temporary headquarter and Nyobo (Perang-Lampang) as permanent headquarter was a unanimous decision of the people based on feasibility in all fronts. He urged the people not to

give heed to those vested interest groups which is detrimental for the development of the areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. N Lego Deputy Commissioner, Siang District said that in spite of having less govt employees, the district administration is functioning normally. He said that nine administrative circles under the district will henceforth function independently under the district administration. He appealed to the people to cooperate with District Administration for speedy development of the district headquarters. He also informed the gathering, the government clearance and allotment of Head of Account to Siang District for placement of fund. I/CDIPRO

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2012

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

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Fight for justice peacefully

The decision of APPSCCE aspirant Ujum Perying to stage hunger strike demanding re-conduct of mains exam along with resignation of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission chairman Dr Ligu Tacho and member Mamang Dai has finally yielded result. Even though she could not continue her strike due to health concern, it inspired people like Dr Nani Bath, Patey Tayum, Biru Nasi and Mepe Ete to go for fast unto death seeking fulfillment of their demand. Because of their effort the commission has agreed to conduct fresh mains exam in the month of May. Also both Dr Tacho and Mamang Dai have recused themselves from the entire examination process.

The irate state Civil Service aspirants were forced to take up the drastic step after terming the magisterial enquiry report on paper leakage issue inconclusive. The case is currently being investigated by special investigation team of Arunachal police. For the state like Arunachal where unions and associations often harasses public by issuing bandh call while pressing for their demands, this peaceful method of fighting for justice started by APPSCCE consultative committee members have revolutionized the whole state. The consultative committee members have shown that without resorting to violence and bandh call, one can fight for the justice and be victorious too. They have inspired many Arunachalees with their courage and determination. Hopefully this is beginning of new  and a better Arunachal.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Enlightenment through sensible public discourse

Dear Editor,

It seems politics of religion and cultural chauvinism has penetrated into Arunachal Pradesh like never before. Recently, the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), while placing certain positive demands before National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), played into the hands of people who thrive in politics of religious fanaticism and Ethnocentrism. IFCSAP demanded that no person or community should be given double benefit of being a minority as well as a Scheduled Tribe. IFCSAP, however, did not clarify to the people the legality involved and the actual intent/objective of such demand. This has triggered off debates that have only disturbed the peaceful environment of Arunachal.

To my knowledge, the law on Scheduled Tribes in India is wholly free from religious shackles. As per the Constitution and ruling of the Supreme Court, even when a tribal converts to Christianity, his/her status as Scheduled Tribe remains unchanged. This extends to all cases of conversion into any religion including Hinduism or other religious minority communities like Sikhism, Islam and Buddhism. On the other hand, the law on Scheduled Caste is not free from religious identity and therefore, when a Scheduled Caste converts to Islam and Christianity, s/he loses the Scheduled Caste status conferred by the law. Therefore, the demand of IFCSAP for surrender of Scheduled Tribe certificate against minority certificate is unconstitutional and legally untenable. Besides, freedom of religion is a fundamental right of every citizen of India.

If we go by the argument of IFCSAP, the status of a Scheduled Tribe person practising Donyi Poloism have to also be re-examined. Will Donyi Polosim practising community not be a religious and linguistic minority outside Arunachal? If so, will it not be unfair to demand that they either surrender their ST Certificates or give up their religion? As per the Anti-Conversion Law of Arunachal passed in 1978, Buddhism is one of the “Indigenous Faith” which the Law seeks to protect from conversion. As per Government of India notification, Buddhists are a minority community. Therefore, what should be the legal status of a person who is a Scheduled Tribe and a Buddhist? By mixing up Scheduled Tribe status with religion, IFCSAP is only opening a Pandora’s Box.

When there is constant debate within the legal discourse for progressive amendment to law on religion, rights of minorities and fundamental rights of tribal people of India, such unfounded demands and arguments are intellectually regressive. There are many more ways through which indigenous faith and culture can be preserved and promoted. Theaters, street plays, comics, literary works, evolving the doctrines and structure/institutions of the indigenous faith, etc. Wrongful propaganda from either sides is counterproductive to the intellectual growth of the society. Especially when something as sacred and sensitive as religion is involved. Restraint and enlightenment is the way forward. But we can't continue to be indifferent towards the issue since silence sometimes is the greatest threat.

Yours,

Sam Tage

IP University

 

 

Roads are closed

Dear Editor,

If you've seen the condition of the road in ESS-Sector, you will know. Yes, that's where I live. The road here is under construction. After so many years, we would be watching this road build from our very own eyes and that's really a great thing to us public. But you don't have the right to harass us! Our daily routine has been disturbed by the construction. The road that links the places has been cut. It is okay if they are working every day but they aren't and the people living here are stuck. Common people are having so much trouble. Why? Because we were trapped here. We all have to take a walk for travelling long distance. The students have to walk down by the highway to catch their bus. Why? Because the roads are closed. The adults having their own vehicle also have to walk and run to catch a bus or other means of transport to head to their offices. Why? Because the roads are closed.

Closed for more than a month! I don't know why they have stopped working. Half of the work is done and the rest has been left for more than a week. We all have been hoping to see the construction start but they have left in such a state that no work is being done. All of us would be glad if the work starts again and is done as soon as possible.

Before ending my topic, I'd like to ask a question. "Would the contractors and other officers living out of this sector supporting this long term construction take responsibility if an emergency arises and there is no way to go. Give a thought on that. I'm sure no one would want to have that kind of situation.

Yours,

An Aggrieved Student

 

 

Our perishing languages

Dear Editor,

Leaping out of AP , conversing in Hindi becomes my full-on hurdle. Consequently, paves the way for germination of English language in my life. And my Punjabi friends asks , "Do you speak English in your country or your language?"

" We speak Nyishi Language" , I eluded. Damn! Where is this thing coming from? I interrogated my subconscious. Reprieve from shamefaced about my spoken Hindi.

And sort of translation question like Love you, Hate you, rice  etc in Nyishi .

"Ajing nge", an Arunachalee voice from distant opposite direction in the midst of semi-colloquy with Punjabi friends startled me.

Twisted my eluding-lying head to the direction of sound , I turned banana skin when my mind interpreted the boy marching towards me as Galo , Hindi as our medium of chit-chat. How proudly I distributed false fact of knowing Hindi "thoda thoda" a moment ago?

"Adios", I cried at top speed, waved and ended our semi-colloquy heading to my Arunachalee friend escaping deadly mortification. If he comes, we speak in Hindi and I will be caught red-handed, my mind calculated.

And then after years I breathe the air of Arunachal after Flying miles, traversing numerous areas ,covering long-haul distances. Stretching myself to overcome the jet lag thing the next day I step out to  have a grandstand endemic view of my Home ; I hear my neighbourhood kids conversing in Hindi with their mother. Darn it! Where am I?

Irritated by the attitude I pleaded, “Aunty, at least not in Hindi with your kids"

Couples in park conversing in sour Hindi accent, players in ground screaming in Hindi, local shopkeepers handling business in Hindi , friends arguing in Hindi and the most agonizing part is “Hindi as a medium of communication among Family members." Even though I am consciously aware that they are helpless, it hurts witnessing our fate.

Considering the present scenario in the modern day Arunachal ,  language of all tribes are on their way to Abotani's present world. I am not a mathematician but I do know , extinction deadline wouldn't exceed 20 years!

An appeal to Hindi Speaking Parents: Teach your kids not ruin! Education Minister look into the matter, mould a policy and save ailing Arunachal.

Not politically motivated or of hatred against Hindi speaking but concerned about extinction of our kind.

Yours,

Nabam  Kayang

Mengio

 

 

 

 

 

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