jan16 08

Establish plea’s maintainability, SC to Rebia

NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The Supreme Court today asked Nabam Rebia, removed by 14 rebel Congress and BJP MLAs from the post of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker, to establish the maintainability of his petition challenging dismissal of one of his pleas by the Gauhati High Court.

Rebia, who has challenged in Gauhati High Court various decisions of the Governor and Deputy Speaker including his removal from the Speaker's post, alleged the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court "erroneously rejected" his plea, filed on judicial side, in administrative capacity. He had sought recusal of Justice B K Sharma from hearing his plea.

A battery of senior lawyers including A K Desai, L Nageshwar Rao and Vikas Singh, representing Deputy Speaker and political opponents of Rebia, opposed it.

They said nobody was alleging anything against the judge concerned and setting up of a new bench cannot be done as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court was the "master of the roaster" who was well within his rights to assign judicial work to a particular bench.

The bench suggested to both parties that it may "request" the Acting Chief Justice to set up a division bench to hear the matter and the two judges, mentioned in the petition, will not be part of the new bench.

Rebia was removed from the post of the Speaker by 14 rebel Congress MLAs, disqualified by the Speaker, and BJP MLAs on December 16 in an assembly session presided over by the Deputy Speaker in a Community Hall in Itanagar.

The Deputy Speaker, before removing Rebia from Speaker's post, had also quashed the disqualification of the rebel Congress legislators.

Later, various decisions of the Governor and the Deputy Speaker were challenged by Rebia in Gauhati High Court which passed an interim order keeping in abeyance the decisions of Governor and Deputy Speaker till February one.

Rebia has now moved the apex court alleging that he had filed an interim application on the judicial side by seeking recusal of Justice B K Sharma from hearing his plea in the High Court.

However, the Acting Chief Justice, on January 4, "has erroneously rejected the Petitioner's recusal application" which should have been decided by Justice B K Sharma whose recusal was sought, Rebia said in his petition. PTI

Governor trying to destabilize the democratically elected govt: Minister

PANGIN, Jan 7: Education Minister Tapang Taloh today blamed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa for the present political turmoil.

In a meeting held today at Lokpeng village, Siang district, he said that the present governor has a single agenda to destabilize the democratically elected government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The governor had moved forward the Legislative Assembly session murdering the democracy and to encourage a section of legislators to revolt against the democratically elected government, Taloh said adding that the Governor has been doing it at the behest of the BJP government at the Centre.

Taloh further added that the Governor is encroaching in executive businesses on regular basis, hampering the state’s development activities.

Governor has been trying to set up an alternative government in the state just to retain his chair, the minister alleged. It is unruly and unconstitutional, asserted Taloh in his address. Rule of law should be established and unconstitutional act should be stopped immediately bringing back the dignity and respect to the constitutional chair, he said, adding that the unconstitutional practice of the governor would paralyze the democratic rights of the elected government. DIPRO

Swachh Bharat Mission at Sekong

SEPPA, Jan 7: An awareness meeting on water and sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) organized by the Seppa PHED Division was held at remote Sekong Village under Lada Circle of East Kameng district on Wednesday. Sekong has been selected as one among the three villages as model village under Swachh Bharat Mission in the district.

While addressing the people of Sekong, Jarkam and Rajo village at community Hall in Sekong, DC Sandeep Kumar Singh lauded the villagers for maintaining cleanliness in the village and urged them to continue it to do away with various diseases. He also directed the teachers and Anganwadi workers to regularly teach children to practice sanitation in order to inculcate the habit of cleanliness among them. He further advocated for voluntary contribution in addition to the allotted government funds under individual household latrine scheme for construction of permanent toilet. He suggested construction of toilets using one septic tank for group of families to cut cost.

The DC also visited and interacted with teachers of Government M E School Sekong and asked the villagers to monitor proper functioning of the school and implementation of Mid-Day-Meal.

PHED EE, Marter Riba in his address also informed that the target of open defecation free village with each house having a toilet will be completed by 2019 and urged the people to desist from open defection.

PHED EE, Taring Mompak and consultant (water & Sanitation), Karo Liyak were also present on the occasion. (DIPRO)

16th span of Bogibeel Bridge launched

ITANAGAR, Jan 7: Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction) has successfully launched the 16th girder of 125 meter span of Bogibeel Bridge on January 2. Earlier, the launching of 15th girder was completed on Dec 29. 2015.

The Bogibeel Bridge comprising of 39 girders of 125 meter and 2 girders of 33 meter spans is being fabricated and assembled with state of the art welding technology as per European standards. The project is progressing as per schedule with 2100 workers, welders and engineers of HCC-DSD-VNR Consortium and launching of all 39 spans is likely to be completed by March 2017.

The Bogibeel Bridge near Dibrugarh with a total length of 4.940 km is the longest Rail cum Road Bridge in India. The project with a total cost of around Rs. 5000 crores incorporates, apart from the main bridge, Guide bunds on the north and south banks, dykes, road network of 30 Km, rail network of 74 kms and 6 new stations including New Dibrugarh. The project is targeted for commissioning by June 2017, according to an official release.

Awareness on Protection of Plant and Farmers’ Right held

KHONSA, Jan 7: Members of various SHGs and NGOs from 55-Khonsa East took part in a Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tirap district conducted day-long awareness-cum-training programme on Protection of Plant varieties and Farmers’ Right at NBF Hall here today.

Addressing the trainees and resource persons, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha said that Tirap is endowed with a diverse agricultural and non-agricultural plant variety and registering them has been given as a right to the farmers. Lauding the KVK and Agriculture department for conducting the training, the DC further urged all the trainees to benefit from such registration of plant variety which in effect serves as a patent.

Deputy Registrar, Protection of plant varieties and farmers’ right authority NE Region, Dr. AC Sharma, who was one of the resource persons explained about the importance of creating awareness on various facets of agricultural activities. (DIPRO)

Scouts & Guides celebrate Cub-bul-bul Utsav

ITANAGAR, Jan 7: Over 64 scouts and guides from GHSS Jairampur, Nampong, GSS Kovin and Manmao attended the 4-day long Cub-bul-bul Utsav, which began at GHSS Manmao on Monday.

As part of the celebrations a Rajya Purushkar preparatory camp was also organized by the DTO Changlang at the same venue for the students which aimed at imparting discipline, leadership and punctuality among them.

Advance Scout Master AK Rai and TK Das and HWB BP Kurmi attended the camps.

Medium intensity quake hits Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Jan 7: A medium intensity earthquake, measuring 4.5 on the Richter Scale, today hit Arunachal Pradesh, four days after a powerful tremor shook the northeastern state of Manipur.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the quake hit Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh at 7:12 PM at a depth of 23 kms. There were no immediate reports of loss of life or property.

On Monday, a strong quake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale hit Temelgong in Manipur. This was followed by many small and medium aftershocks.

Scientists, however, ruled out that the earthquake was an aftershock, a major phenomenon observed after major jolts.

“This was a fresh earthquake and not related to the one in Manipur,” said J L Gautam, Head (operation), National Centre for Seismology, a unit of MoES.

The Northeast region is known to be a high-seismic zone and often witnesses tremors.

Minor girl working as domestic helper rescued

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 7: An eight year old girl, working as a domestic helper, was rescued from the house of one Talom Taloh of Mirsam, Pasighat on January 5 last. The girl was found in a critical condition outside the house.

The rescue mission was carried out jointly by East Siang district administration and members of Women Against Social Evils.

The girl is now admitted at General Hospital, Pasighat and monitored by child specialist Dr Gagam Dai.

Accused Talom Taloh has been arrested and is placed under seven days police remand while his wife, Osi Paron Taloh, is absconding.

A case is registered with Pasighat Police Station under section 367/34 IPC R/W section 14 of Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act 1986.

“The girl could not even walk. She had burnt and cut marks all over her body,” informed Joya Tasung Moyong, a member of the rescue team.

Arunachal to generate 710 MW by year end

Itanagar, Jan 7: Arunachal Pradesh is set to generate 710 MW power by the year end, courtesy 600 MW Kameng HEP in West Kameng and 110 MW Pare HEP in Papum Pare.

This was informed by the officials of the power projects at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi during a review meet today in Itanagar. Both the projects are under North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO).

Later, Negi also reviewed the progress of the 132 KV transmission line.

In another meeting, the CS reviewed the status of the Film Northeast 2016 Festival which is scheduled to be held from Feb 17-20 in Itanagar.

The Film Northeast 2016 is being organised by the Department of IPR in collaboration with the Arunachal Film Federation.

Moji Riba, Co Director of the Festival presented a brief overview of the Festival and also projected the requirements of logistics support from the department.

CS asked all the concerned departments to coordinate so that the Festival could be celebrated in a grand way. The meeting was attended by Sonam Chombey, Secretary IPR, Dani Salu, Secretary Art and Culture, Mige Kamki DC Capital Complex, SP Capital Complex, Pill Topo, General Secretary of Arunachal Film Federation and officials from Forest, Power and PHED. (DIPRO)

J&K CM Mufti Mohammed Sayeed passes away

Arunachal Governor, CM mourn

NEW DELHI, ITANAGAR, Jan 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed died this morning at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where he was admitted for the past 15 days.

The Chief Minister breathed his last around 7.30 AM, Education Minister and spokesman for Government Nayeem Akhter said here, reports PTI

Sayeed, 79, is survived by his wife, four children including PDP President Mehbooba Mufti.

Sayeed took over as chief minister of PDP-BJP coalition on March 1 last year.

President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the death of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and said his contribution to public service will always be remembered.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Sayeed, the President said, "Contribution of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to Jammu and Kashmir and India through long years of public service will always be remembered".

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply pained to learn of Sayeed's demise. "He was known for his love for common people, especially the underprivileged."

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J P Rajkhowa and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have deeply mourned the sudden demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

In his condolence message to Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, daughter of Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Governor said that the demise of Sayeed is a huge loss for the Nation, particularly for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Governor further said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was a great nationalist, who worked selflessly for peace, progress and development of the Country and the State of Jammu & Kashmir in particular. He made immense contribution to the Nation, as Union Minister and also as Chief Minister. Such instances of dedicated, patriotic and selfless service, are rare and this makes him stand tall among his peers.

In his condolence message Tuki said that the country has lost an eminent personality and a veteran politician. His demise is loss to not only Jammu and Kashmir but entire India and he will be remembered for his services.

Earlier today, CM paid his last respect to the departed leader at AIIMS in New Delhi.

Provide Fire station at Nirjuli: AAPLU

ITANAGAR, Jan 7: The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has urged for provision of a fire station at Nirjuli saying that the fire incident of January 5 last that gutted down two MIBT structures at Rayo Village to ashes could have been averted if fire tender was available at Nirjuli. The union has submitted a memorandum to the home minister in this regard.

Society smells foul over eviction drive

ITANAGR, Jan 7: The Ramle Banggo Welfare Society today castigated the East Siang district administration for conducting eviction drive demolishing a building of DFDO Marngu Kadu at B sector, Pasighat on January 4.

The Society smells foul play over the eviction drive with ‘ulterior motive and at the behest of vested interests’ saying that despite more than 500 illegal structures/encroachment in A, B, C sectors, only the building of Kadu has been targeted.

Terming the eviction drive carried out by the administration as illegal, arbitrary, the Society said although a seven days notice was served, the Notice was actually handed over to Kadu on January 31, thereby giving no chance to the building owner to place his grievances.

While condemning the act of demolition, the Society further appealed the district administration to compensate the building owner.

Training conducted for APPSCE aspirants

BOMDILA, Jan 7: A free training programme for the aspirants of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Exam commenced on Jan 6 at Government College Bomdila. The eight days long training is being organised by Seva Bharati.

Addressing the training, West Kameng, Deputy Commissioner, A.K.Singh said, there is no shortcut to success and hard work is the only key.

A resource person from the Jnana Prabodhini Competitive Examination Centre, Pune, Dr. Samadhan Patil also shared his views in the inaugural session.

Seva Bharati district unit general secretary, Tashi Tsering informed that the training is conducted every year for eight days.

January 08

2016

Editorial

Stop fooling around

Even as state is witnessing serious political turmoil, it is the bureaucrats which are giving ray of hope to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The political classes are busy in pulling each other's leg, thereby, seriously hampering the developmental process. For the last four month Arunachal has been witnessing political crisis due to infighting in the ruling government. Unfortunately no one seems to be worried about state.

However bureaucrats led by Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi have taken up the cudgel of ensuring that focus of government remains on developmental issue. Negi recently himself stayed till midnight to monitor the re-carpeting of national highway at Naharlagun. Yesterday also he inspected the progress of the construction of 360-bed ward segment of Arunachal State Hospital (ASH), Naharlagun and also reviewed the progress of construction of office building of Soochna Bhawan in Papu Nallah. Dissident Congress and BJP MLAs have been camping at Delhi since October last year. Due to the absence of MLAs in some district the officers are running the show. The government officials have been performing their duty with utmost sincerity. They have ensured that absence of MLAs does not affect the developmental process. However in the greater interest of state, the political turmoil should end at the earliest. The politicians should understand that people are suffering due to their wrong action. They should not forget that one day they have to go back to people's court and face the judgment. Therefore they should stop fooling people and perform the duty assigned to them with sincerity.

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Readers’ Forum

Online advertisement is need of hour

Dear Editor,

No doubt that Arunachal Times is the best among all the papers till now. It would be great if advertisements too is made available online. People aren’t interested in going through the appointments made by some random unions but at least govt. notifications of new recruitment or tendering notices. This will be very helpful for the unemployed students and business community. In some place newspaper does not reach and people somehow manage to read it using internet.

Yours,

Er M Tasar

Nepal’s covert attempt of sidelining India may come back to haunt them

Dear Editor,

Nepal’s pro-communist regime has been trying their level best to find solution to the current socio-economic and political crisis in the Himalayan nation bypassing the major issue of a non-inclusive constitution to secure power permanently for the upper caste hill elites of Kat hmandu valley irrespective of political parties. One of the quick fix to the problem according to the current regime is to do away with India and set up stronger relations with China to be independent of Indian influence and secure their power with Chinese help. China has been notorious for supporting any regime that suits their cause irrespective of any constitution or gross human right abuse and that which they could exploit best for their long term strategic and military interests. They did the same in Myanmar and Vietnam in the past and now they have somewhat antagonistic relationships with their once favoured nations as the current regimes in these countries are not catering directly to Chinese interests. China’s dubious role has been observed by a large number of Asian countries in South and East China Sea region.

Hence whether one can depend on China for long is an important political debate. Whether India has placed an unofficial blockade across Nepal or whether this is an appropriate diplomatic approach is a separate question. However, the interesting question is that the pro-communist regime in Nepal is not giving careful attention to the fact that whether it would be possible to rule a country with over 50% of the population being not given proper constitutional representation in their national politics along the entire southern plains that borders a mighty neighbour in the south; and for a population sharing strong socio-ethnic ties with India. The Nepali government is actually playing with fire of putting two mighty neighbours against one another for their short term benefits. Nepal’s approach of quick fix for a serious political problem without wanting to solve the core issue of addressing lack of inclusiveness of her constitution will carry the risk of splitting the nation in the not so distant future into a northern pro-China and southern Pro-India parts adding further devastation to the national economy and promoting ethnic violence within the nation. Nepal’s covert attempt of sidelining India may come back to haunt the nation with the pain of partition.

Yours,

Saikat Kumar Basu