Five dead, four injured near Roing
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: Five people died and four were injured after falling from a cliff near Tiwarigaon GREF camp, under Lower Dibang Valley on Jan 2.
Reportedly, the picnickers from Assam were coming back after visiting Mayudia pass situated on the route to Anini. A survivor informed that the incident happened when the driver of the vehicle misjudged the space between the road and cliff while trying to park his car. The dead has been identified as Secretary of Dibrugarh Dist Congress Committee Rajib Bharali, Biman Phukan, Manjurima Phukan, Sasanka Saikia and Arpita Phukan.
Those injured are Jyoti Aditya Bharali and Ishan Aditya Bharali, sons of Rajib Bharali and Ankita Phukan, daughter of Biman Phukan as well as Jiten Kachari, the driver.
The incident happened at around 3 PM.
Two local hunters, passing by area came to the rescue after they heard the cries of the survivors.
Accordingly, the hunters and the GREF personnel stationed nearby rescued the four survivors and informed the police.
The ill fated vehicle was a Toyota Innova bearing registration number AS01AE5151.
The dead bodies were lifted today from the spot and handed over to the relatives after postmortem, informed Police.
Meanwhile, a person died and one sustained grievous injuries after the Tata Mobile they were travelling fell from a cliff near Hunli on Jan 1.
CS calls for quality work as well as drainage
NAHARLAGUN, Jan 3: Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi asked the contractor(s) repairing the roads to maintain quality of work as well as provision of drainage system on both sides of the road to save the roads from premature damage.
He asked the Highways officers and the contractors to complete the works within the
stipulated time. Accompanied by Highways engineers, Chief Secretary inspected the
stretch of the highway from G-
The Chief Secretary directed the officials of the department to start similar repairing work on Zoo Road.
While briefing about the periodic maintenance of road to the Chief Secretary, Debia Takam, AE, said that all expertise, including heavy machineries, skilled man power have been employed to ensure quality of work. He lamented the lack of Quality Control Laboratory to ensure and check the percentage of DBM mix. Experts from NERIST are carrying out the quality checking due to absence of such facility, he said.
He urged the Chief Secretary to deploy extra police force at the working site to control and ensure free flow of vehicular movement.
PWD start EMRS hostel and playground construction amidst investigation
Org questions SIC integrity
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: In a dramatic unfolding, there is some activity at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Bana as the PWD has started building the discarded 50 bedded girls’ hostel and play ground, amidst investigation following allegation of misuse of funds. The project has been lying incomplete since 2012.
Talking to media persons at Press Club this afternoon, Chairman Arunachal RTI Activist Forum (ARTIAF) Kasung Cheda informed that construction of the hostel is in full swing and is slated to be completed by March this year. The forum had visited the site on December 24 last.
“Only after we raised the issue, the incomplete project is now being taken up which clearly indicate that department has been wrong,” he said.
The ARTIAF has been on logger heads with the PWD alleging huge misappropriation of fund amounting to Rs 200 lakhs meant for the school. They have demanded suspension EE Nabam Tado, AE Sunil Degio and JE Rajesh Kumar alleging their involvement. The case is now under investigation by SIC.
The forum has demanded that the role of the Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer also be investigated saying that they should also be held responsible.
General Secretary of the forum S D Loda, meanwhile, expressed doubt over the integrity of the SIC saying that the case was registered only after it was directed by the High Court.
“They were reluctant to register the case. We had written our complaint on October 2 last, but the case could only be registered on December 14,” he said.
He further urged that the final report of the case should be heard by District and session judge, Yupia for immediate trial.
Tuki Govt using public fund for ‘People’s Rally’: JAC
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: The Jan Andolan Committee (JAC) of Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged Tuki led Congress government of siphoning off huge amount of public fund to be used in proposed Peoples’ rally scheduled for Monday.
Chairman Tame Phassang alleged that PHE and Disaster Management Minister Takam Pario and Parliamentary Secretary, Home Likha Saaya forcibly took away the files from the concern officers and made payments of more than Rs 200 crore pending PDS HTS bill which is subjudice in the court.
“The payments are being used to pay people brought in from the districts to participate
in the rally. They are being paid 10-
It also questioned the credibility of Congress government to conduct the rally calling the move uncalled for.
“How can a minority government conduct people’s rally when they have already lost their ground,” he stated.
He further informed that it would soon launch ‘Jan Sailaab’ against the entire official machineries of the Tuki led Congress government if payments of bills are not stopped.
“We are against payment of any bills and misuse of the public fund,” he declared.
PPA opposes Arunachal People's Rally
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has strongly opposed the Arunachal People's Rally – 2016 on Monday and said the rally was unwanted at this juncture and should have been avoided.
“The proposed rally is nothing short of a big joke and a great insult to the very essence and spirit of rule of law,” said PPA president Kahfa Bengia at a party meeting today.
"When the entire public of the state are anxiously waiting for the Gauhati High Court
to pronounce its judgment on Monday over the continuing political tussle between
the Congress (I) legislators and intervention of the Governor of the state following
the move made by the BJP legislators for impeachment of the Speaker for his alleged
anti-
"And the very organizing committee of the rally is a part of the same team that knocked the door of the Gauhati High court for a stay,” he added.
Kamen Ringu, Chairman CWC PPA, stated "We must realize the fact that when the state has been pushed into a situation of extreme chaos and disorder, it is but natural for Governor of the State to intervene as per the provisions given in Article 371H.
He appealed to all sane citizens to avoid such rallies.
He further criticized the Nabam Tuki Government for its alleged negligence towards the refugee issue and failing to take up it successfully.
Such rallies should have been organized on the Chakma-
Take precaution against fire: Tuki
Governor expresses sympathy for Lazu fire victims
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: Taking strong note of repeated fire mishaps, the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki appealed to the masses to take precautionary measures as this being dry season, such incidents could occur because of negligence.
The CM also directed all the DC to create mass awareness to take preventive measures to prevent such mishaps.
Expressing deep concern over the fire mishap at Lazu village near Myanmar border on 31st December that reduced 38 dwelling houses to ashes, Tuki directed Tirap district administration to assess the losses incurred by the villagers and submit the report soon for releasing the relief.
Governor JP Rajkhowa has expressed deep sympathy for the people of Lazu village, who were rendered homeless in a devastating fire on December 31.
The Governor expressed the hope that the state government will provide all necessary help and assistance to fire victims for their relief and quick rehabilitation. He also expressed his deep concerns about the women and children’s well being due to harsh winter chill.
The Governor urged upon the people to rise to the occasion and extend helping hand to them in this hours of need.
Learning about immediate assistance provided by the District Administration and Assam
Rifles, the Governor conveyed his appreciation and hoped they will continue the good
work, until the people are re-
He also appealed to the affected people to be cautious while handling fire at home and outside as well to avoid such tragedy in future. (PRO, CMO Raj Bhavan)
The mighty and petty
Monday Musing
[ Azing Pertin ]
Here we are in the year 2016 and hoping for a better year ahead. The hangover of the past year is not going to easily pass over considering the doings we have indulged in.
While many concerned will be tuned into Monday’s Gauhati High Court hearing, the
larger part will be busy with their usual day to day duties. We have been witness
to allegations, counter allegations in the recent past, everything related to the
state political tussle and crisis. But all sane people know that it is matter of
money and the power to control it. The rhetoric of mis-
Admittedly the Governor had put a spanner in the works for one side, but then resorting to the High Court remedy was the much needed refuge and breather. Courting the Courts will be a chewing gummy thing and will go on for some time.
The mudslinging by both the Congress factions against each other with BJP on one side had been brute and strong. It is almost impossible to deduce which allegation and demand is right or wrong. And with the Governor coming into the arena, a Mexican standoff like situation had prevailed. The standoff has to break and should be in the coming days with the Courts playing spoil sport from time to time.
Meanwhile, conspiracy theories are flying thick and fast. If the High Court hearing
favours one side, the would-
The Arunachal People’s Rally to be held would be a nice diversion from the High Court hearing considering the reports of around 3000 people from districts descending in the State capital. Sources inform that hotels are full with the rally sympathisers/volunteers and the going rate for a person is Rs.15000. Some are lucky to make money during a crisis.
All know that the power mongers have never let the majority stay in silence and peace. History ought to repeat itself, and which side the axe will fall is in nobody’s knowledge as it swings like the Sword of Damocles.
The calm before the storm has almost stopped and the storm slowly gathering in will down many, all mighty and petty involved.
Traffic diversion
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: The National Highway (NH-
Alternative arrangements have been made for all incoming and outgoing traffic.
Vehicles coming from Itanagar will be diverted at ASH tri-
Similarly, vehicles coming from Nirjuli will be diverted at Chandni Hotel tri-
Tuki commends Lhakpa’s achievement
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has congratulated Lhakpa Tsering for winning
the 17th Raid-
His repeated attempts are testimony to the hard work required to reach the top, CM viewed. While praising Tsering, Tuki said that he has already become a role model for the youth. He pinned high hopes that Tsering would bring more laurels to the state and make all proud with his success stories.
Arun Dairy milk
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary will resume supply of Arun Dairy pasteurized milk to the consumers of Capital Complex from tomorrow.
The milk will be available in 500 ml poly pack priced at Rs.25, informed Dr. Migo Riba, Managing Director of Intensive Dairy Development Programme, Nirjuli.
“Life miserable under Tuki govt”
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: A group of public leaders from the state alleged that life of common people under Nabam Tuki led Government have become miserable while law and order has deteriorated and development have came to a complete halt.
“Tuki is leading the general public and the state machineries to a path of complete destruction. The race for the Chief Minister’s chair had an adverse impact on the state, its people and development,” said a joint press statement by former chairman of APB& OCWWB Jalley Sonam, former ANYA general secretary Kumar Tajo and two other former panchayat.
Jalley, Kumar and others, who held a joint conference in Guwahati today, also accused the Chief Minister of creating a lawlessness with his alleged dictatorial activities and involvement of youths in questionable activities.
They also condemned the slaughtering of Mithun in front of the Raj Bhawan during
a demonstration. By doing so the ‘incompetent’ Tuki-
“Government servants are not being paid their salaries on time while the genuine
contractors have been deprived from their due payments,” the press statement said
while highlighting the state government’s alleged misrule and mis-
The public leaders also claimed that the freedom of speech too have been curtailed in the state, and those who raise voice against its interest are taken to task.
Start Potin-
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: The Potin Area Development Committee (PADC) has demanded early start
of Potin-
In its memorandum to the Chief Engineer, PWD Highway, Western Zone, it expressed disappointment that not a single metre of the road has been executed till now.
The committee said that execution of the road will give solace to the people of Upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, West Siang and Kra Daadi districts.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
January 04
Editorial
Intelligence mess up
Just a week after Prime Minister Modi met up with Nawaz Sharif, his Pakistani counter,
Indian Air Force Station at Pathankot is under attack by Jaish-
On Saturday, the day terrorists stormed the base; it was believed that all the terrorists were dead and area contained but on Sunday, firing started again. The terrorists obviously managed to stay inside the air base without being detected.
On early Friday, a vehicle belonging to an SP was hijacked by the same militants that stormed the Air Force base soon after. Security should have been tightened following the incident but there seems to be many loose ends.
A clearer picture will emerge soon but nonetheless, many questions remain unanswered.
Many vital defence establishments were put on high alert following intelligence report of possible attacks around New Year in the Country.
The big question is how did the terrorists gained access to the vital defence station even though the Intelligence Inputs had clearly pointed out to the danger of a terrorist attack. What led to abysmal failure in intelligence sharing and follow up action by the central as well as state agencies?
Blame game among the central agencies, centre and the Punjab state govt will soon start but this particular incident should be a wakeup call for all concerned. There need to be coordinated efforts to ensure that such attacks do not happen again.
That can only happen when information is shared and acted upon by all agencies.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
JE exam should be conducted by APPSC
Dear Editor,
The atmosphere of the recently conducted JE EXAM departmentally by PWD and RWD was very unhealthy. In fact the exam was not fair. The use of mobile phone and other unfair means was still prevailing.
The department conducting the exam should adopt zero tolerance policy towards the use of mobile phone and other unfair means. But what could be the worst case scenario when the invigilators themselves are being threatened by the candidates. In such case, the exam should be handed over to APPSC. Commission being the state’s highest recruiting body will be more competent in conducting the exam and in dealing with such uncivilized act of the candidates. All the vacant JE post of various departments should be conducted in one go by APPSC and based on the order of merit of a candidate, he/she should be allowed to choose department of choice. Several aspirants have already appealed to the concerned authority in the past to look into the matter but no response has been shown so far. The concern authority should look into the matter at the earliest, the sooner the better in the greater interest of the aspirants.
Yours,
An aspirant
A thought for the New Year
Dear Editor,
A new year brings with it many hopes and aspirations. As people of Arunachal anxiously awaits for January 4, 2016 to know the political fate of the state there is uneasiness amongst the political divides in the state. Come January 4th, 2016 the wisdom of the Guwahati High Court will prevail over all interests.
Away in the hill top of Itanagar, the first citizen of Arunachal Pradesh will be easily the most nervous entity involved in the entire episode. His Excellency the Governor will be dubbed either as hero or a villain come January 4th, 2015 for he knows that the doings thus far has been the result of his over activism and alleged partisan approach. His Excellency should come out of the cocoon that he lives in since every sane person, not necessarily educated, knows the reason and the compulsion for his acts, as widely believed.
A political matter, especially an inter-
As for the BJP led government at the center, it has a lot of explanations to do for
appointing a person from a neighboring state of Assam especially when there are unsettled
boundary disputes between Assam and Arunachal. Sometimes it’s not just the personality
and mettle of the incumbent of an office that matters but the circumstances too.
Despite the healthy and historical relationship that the people of these two states
share and enjoy, disturbances have been witnessed in the Assam-
After the dust settles down, people of Arunachal hope that, sense prevails and the center appoints a new Governor who would not be susceptible to localism and parochialism so as to ensure that the age old relationship between Assam and Arunachal are maintained and the constitutional sanctity of constitutional head in Arunachal is reinstalled.
Yours,
S Yang
Ruksin
Engaging with historically non-
Dear Editor,
New international economic corridors are always great news (China reconnects with
India at Stilwel Road; AT, Dec 30) with significant economic opportunity not just
for India or China; but the entire subcontinent as well as the entire SE Asia. The
rapid engagement of the SAARC platform under Indian leadership acting as a pivotal
link for connecting SE Asia through ASEAN on the eastern front and with Iran-
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge AB
Canada
Unusual delay
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to know the reason behind unusual delay in conducting the examination for the post of JIC /JAC by RCS office, Naharlagun.
Why the concern department is taking such a long time, as it was advertised in 2014? Department’s sluggish attitude will only increase the growth of unemployment in our state.
It is also learnt from the sources that the department is faced with serious agitation
from some non-
So it is our sincere appeal or request to the incumbent registrar to kindly let us know whether we should wait for the examination to be conducted or forget it like one cherished dream.
Yours,
An applicant