Loss of culture is loss of identity: Taloh
Sarok festival of Koro Akas
BANA, Jan 10: “Loss of culture is loss of identity”, said Education and WRD Minister Tapang Taloh while addressing the participants at Sarok festival of Koro Aka community today at Bana under East Kameng district.
Taloh called for preserving one’s culture, tradition and identity and to impart them to the younger generation. On the delay of SSA salary, Taloh informed that due to non receipt of the central share in time, the department was not able to provide the SSA salary.
Announcing Rs.5 crores flood protection scheme for the Nyokum ground Bana and Secondary School through NEC, he informed that the approval was expected soon. He announced that the government has approved the upgradation of Bana Secondary School to a Higher Secondary. Taloh also assured to post more teachers to the school immediately. Calling on the teachers to be sincere and dedicated, the Minister said that actions would be initiated against non functioning teachers.
Addressing the gathering, Parliamentary Secretary PHE & Forest, Kumsi Sidisow informed said that schemes under RIDF for the area have been planned and sent for approval.
Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, Mama Natung said that every community should be equally respected. Our government is working for all round development and will continue withstanding the political turmoil, he added.
Minister of State (Home), Khiren Rijiju would be attending the valedictory function on Jan 11.
Tuki rubbishes NSCN (K) link, files defamation suit against MLAs
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has strongly refuted and rubbished the allegations leveled by MLAs Thangwang Wangham, Honchun Ngandam and Gabriel D Wangsu of using the NSCN (K) to coerce representatives from Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) to support his leadership.
While terming the allegation as baseless, unfounded, wild and made out of utter frustration, Tuki said that such false and fabricated allegations have been intended to tarnish his political and social image.
Out rightly denying his links with any underground elements, the CM Nabam Tuki made it very clear that he has been putting all out efforts to bring normalcy in these three disturbed districts of the state. Apart from enhancing the yearly allocation to DoTCL, there have been many developmental activities undertaken in the area to channelize the youths to come to the mainstream and relentlessly taking the cause of granting Autonomous District Council to three districts with the Union Government, he said.
“Instead of involving into blame games, the misguided legislators should come back to the state and join hands in developmental activities. The people of their respective constituencies are deprived of their leaders to guide them in the process of development” CM emphatically said.
He further revealed that he has filed a defamation suit against the trio and legal notices have been served to them through his counsel for defaming him with such cheap and unfounded allegation which on ground holds no water.
CM further added that he would institute a high level enquiry to unearth the truth so that a clear picture comes out about who is involved in what matter.
Take lie detector test: MLAs tell Aboh
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: War of words between Minister, Food & Civil Supplies, Tirong Aboh and legislators of Longding district has further escalated.
In a joint statement MLAs Thangwang Wangham and Honchun Ngandam challenged Aboh to take a lie detector test to prove his innocence. Earlier, they had alleged of threat and intimidation being issued through NSCN (K) by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Minister Tirong Aboh in coercing the MLAs from the Tirap, Changlang and Longding to support the Tuki leadership.
They also alleged that Panngam Ngandam, nephew of Honchun Ngandam, MLA, Pongchau-
Aboh had termed the allegation as baseless and alleged that rebel legislators is making allegation out of frustration.
“If Tirong Aboh is right in saying that he has no involvement in kidnapping of boy, then why is NSCN (K) cadre coming out in support of Tuki, without being assigned. Johnny himself threatened us through a message, to support Tuki,” stated Thangwang Wangham and Honchun Ngandam.
The rebel Congress leaders also dismissed the allegations that relatives of Honchun Ngandam are members of NSCN (K).
It is interesting to note that all the senior legislators of TCL could feel the heat of deprivation, negligence and betrayal under the leadership of Tuki, whereas Aboh is the only legislator from TCL, who is giving more importance to his personal gains than the common interest of the three districts, the release added.
The rebel legislators further alleged that Johnny was a party worker of Aboh and
both are very close to each other. People of 56-
Bills to curb red tapism and regulate private higher education
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: The state cabinet has approved for enacting of the Arunachal Pradesh Right to Public Service Act (Bill) 2016 to be tabled in the ensuing Assembly Session.
The decision was taken by the state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in its meeting on Jan 9.
Arunachal Pradesh Right to Public Service Act 2016 has been formulated by the state government concerned over the prevailing scenario of public services where the common citizens has to contend with delays and denials at various levels. The Cabinet viewed that the process of governance particularly on public services delivery system has to be overhauled and improved.
State government has taken a firm step for enactment of the Act which intends to guarantee time bound delivery of services for various public services rendered by the Government to citizens and provide mechanism for punishing the errant public servant who is deficient in providing service in stipulated under the statute, added the govt statement.
Another major decision that the cabinet took on the day was to frame necessary regulations for effective and proper monitoring of functioning of the Private Higher Educational Institutions in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Cabinet took serious note on mushrooming of private universities in the state and lack of effective monitoring mechanism with the state government to regulate their activities. Further, the Cabinet approved for framing of regulations for the effective functioning of Pvt. Higher Education Institutions and enactment of Arunachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions (Regulatory Commission) Bill 2016, which will be tabled in the ensuing Assembly Session to be discussed and passed for becoming an Act.
Forgotten in the battle
Monday Musing
[ Appu Gapak ]
The political turmoil of 2015 spilled over to 2016. In the fight for who will dethrone
whom, another serious and much contentious issue is getting sidelined; granting citizenship
to Chakma-
The last information on the issue had been when the Supreme Court had rejected the Arunachal government’s application seeking permission for review petition and to file additional facts and documents regarding the Supreme Court’s verdict granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees. It was then decided by the state government that a curative petition would be filed against the SC’s order.
The issue that had created much unease among the indigenous populace of the state
has been overlapped by the fight for the ‘chair’. And as the issue approached its
deadline-
While the state government and AAPSU is getting ready to file curative petition to address the contentious issue, the ground work towards Supreme Court’s order has already begun.
“All the concern DCs have been instructed to begin with their verification procedures so there is no violation of Supreme Court’s order,” informed an official source also adding that the procedure doesn’t guaranty citizenship right.
“Though the Supreme Court has directed to grant citizenship to Chakma and Hajong Refugees, it is upto us to give them or not,” he says.
It has been revealed that so far, 20 applications have been received by DC Namsai while DC Changlang has received 700. The whole process will be complete by March this year.
While the state government has made it clear that it is opposed to their permanent settlement in the state and is determined to fight against the Apex Court’s judgment, it is expected that a concrete solution emerges. Much time has already been wasted. Serious and sincere efforts have to be made by the government at the Centre and the state to address the issue.
Else the days aren’t far when the fear of many Arunachalees will come true of the state becoming another Tripura.
Refrain from using women as political tool: APWWS
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS), President Gumri Ringu has appealed to all political parties of the state to refrain from using women as a tool to settle political scores.
Speaking at the APWWS central executive meeting which met at Mahila Imdad Bhawan, Naharlagun on Jan 9, Ringu also took a dig on those women who bargain their dignity and cross the limit just to please their political bosses.
The state govt has set up State women Commission and Women Police station in the capital, and in case of any grievance, the women victims should address the issues in the right forum rather than making a mockery of oneself in print and social media, she said. Ringu also appealed for peace and harmonious existence of different communities.
Mid-
[ Karyir Riba ]
ROING, Jan 10: All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) has strongly opposed the mid-
The transfer of subject teachers in the middle of the academic session is totally unnecessary and it adversely affects the study of students, AIMSU said, and threatened to launch democratic movements if the transfers are not revoked until the end of the academic session.
“While the final examinations are knocking at the door and routines are being announced, subject teachers are being transferred unmindfully instead of helping the students in their studies," rued AIMSU. “The ultimate sufferers are the poor students who need the guidance of their teachers at this moment.”
AIMSU claimed that the reasons given by the education department for transfer of these teachers were not convincing.
The union in a letter to the Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner appealed to stop the transfer of teachers immediately.
Meanwhile, the DC has assured that no mid-
Petitioner appeals APIC against PHED officials
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Jan 10: An appeal has been made with Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC), Itanagar against the PIO cum Executive Engineer of Pasighat division of Public Health Engineering & Water Supply Department (PHED), who allegedly has denied to furnish official information sought under the provision of Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Aggrieved petitioner, Orik Moyong of Debing village in East Siang district had sought information about the ongoing works of Water Supply Project (under NRDWP) implemented by PHED at Debing village on Aug 3 last year. But, the PIO allegedly didn’t respond to his application, which compelled the petitioner to make first appeal to the Superintending Engineer of PHED (FAA), Aalo.
However, the petitioner had not received any communication from his end.
The petitioner finally made an appeal before the APIC on January 8 against the PHED officials for not providing information as sought by him thus violating the RTI Act.
Moyong along with a section of local villagers had earlier also lodged complaint before the East Siang Deputy Commissioner and demanded an inquiry against the alleged irregularities and financial corruptions in execution of the water supply project.
The administration, responding to the public demand, passed an order to investigate the alleged irregularities.
FGA organizes field demonstration on organic farming
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: To encourage farmers to adopt organic farming, Future Generations Arunachal (FGA) organized a two days training cum field demonstration on organic farming at Dambuk and Bizari on January 7 and 8.
Resource persons from Navdanya, a network for organic farming and biodiversity conservation, D S Negi, National coordinator and Kaling Moyong, an organic tea practitioner, conducted the training and field demonstration on pest repellent, manure and seed preparation.
The field demonstration was conducted at both agriculture garden and orange orchards.
Over 90 PRI, SGH members and farmers attended the training. Progressive farmer and Orange growers Makpak Perme and Atek Linngi coordinated the training.
The training was aimed at encouraging the local people and the farmers to adopt and practice organic method in cultivation and to discourage the use of harmful chemical pesticide and fertilizers to protect ecology, maintain the bio diversity and to save the degradation of soil and human health.
The FGA in partnership with Navdanya will continue to organize such training and awareness programme to promote the area a part of greater organic region.
Work plan are being prepared by SHG members for furthering the organic movement in the area, informed FGA in a release.
Arunachal literature expanding fast: Negi
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: The high level of literary works by the known and upcoming writers and poets reflect the fast growing and expanding literature in Arunachal Pradesh, said Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi.
Taking note of the level of literature of this nascent state, Negi lauded the endeavours of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS), particularly its president Sahitya Academy awardee Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, while addressing the APLS members at a function here on Friday.
The creative, upcoming and noted poets, writers, artists, social activists and senior bureaucrats, who had gathered at the Banquet Hall made the evening a potpourri of multilingual event to leave an indelible mark in state’s literary history.
Right from bureaucrats BM Mishra, Indra Mallo, Dani Salu, Rajiv Takuk, internationally
reputed poet-
Earlier, APLS General Secretary Batem Pertin highlighted the activities and achievement
since its formation in December 2006. The last event was multilingual recitation
involving noted poets of Assam to strengthen the age-
Melodious voices of singer Bengia Hemanata and Krish Bania, supported by guitarist-
NGO distributes fruits at ASH
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: The members of Tani Foundation, an NGO, distributed fruits to the patients of Arunachal State Hospital Naharlagun today. All together, 150 patients of the hospitals were handed out fruits.
Chief Medical Officer, RK Khrimey, Tani Foundation, president, Likha Tejji along with its executive members interacted with the patients of the Hospital. The NGO has also appealed to the concern authority for early completion of the ongoing infrastructure development and to expedite the construction of Medical College of the state.
Fire devastates 4 dwelling houses in Bana
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Four SPT dwelling houses were devastated in a fire mishap which occurred at Tame village under Bana circle of East Kameng district in the wee hours on Sunday.
The victims have lost all of their possessions in the fire.
All the family members were asleep when the fire broke out. However, there were no reports of any loss of life or injury. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Education and WRD Minister Tapang Taloh, who was on a district tour along with Parliamentary Secretary (Tourism) cum local MLA Mama Natung, Parliamentary Secretary (PHE & Forest) Kumsi Sidisow and Deputy Commissioner East Kameng SK Singh, rushed to the spot after hearing the news of fire incident and took stock of the situation. Taloh provided blankets while parliamentary secretaries Natung and Sidisow provided utensils and some financial assistance to the affected families as immediate relief.
The DC asked the officials to assess the loss and damages for providing relief assistance.
Lazu fire victims in urgent need of food, warm cloth
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: A team of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA), Miao Diocese appealed to the state government to provide immediate relief package like warm cloths and ration to the Lazu fire victims.
The Association said this after distribution of relief materials to the fire victims of Lazu village on January 8. The relief items were sponsored by central APCA president Taw Tebin and Secretary General Pekhi Nabum.Yangli Homtok, Secretary, APCA (Miao Diocese), who along with the village head of Lazu distributed the relief materials to the needy people made this appeal to the govt.
The affected people were especially in urgent need of warm cloths, blankets, ration items, the visiting team observed.
Security tightened around IAF's Chabua airbase
DIBRUGARH, Jan 10: Security has been tightened around Indian Air Force station at Chabua in Assam's Dibrugarh district following intelligence inputs about threats to the air base, a police official said.
Following the Pathankot terror attack, police has received certain inputs which need to be corroborated and confirmed in consultation with various agencies and security forces but security has been tightened around the airbase, Dibrugarh Superintendent of Police Bir Bikram Gogoi said today.
"Security measures are being taken accordingly by the police, Army and IAF so that any unwarranted situation may be avoided," he said. "After receiving the input, the IAF has restricted entry of casual workers in the base. The identity of these workers who are engaged for various works by contractors are cross checked and verified," sources at Chabua airbase said.
Chabua is a key base of the IAF and it has the latest airplanes including the Sukhoi-
Chabua is also known as the 'eastern bastion' of the IAF which was built in 1939 and used through the war by allied forces in support of the Chinese against the invading Japanese forces.
The station has served as a major supply point for the troops deployed in Arunachal Pradesh with various transport aircraft and helicopters operating from the base.
It then took on a training role as MIG-
Governor, CM extends Sarok greetings
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has conveyed greetings to the people of the state and Aka community in particular on the auspicious occasion of Sarok festival.
In his message, the Governor said that festivals are one of the important aspects
of socio-
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in his message said that festivals remind us of our responsibility towards Mother Nature and the need to preserve and protect our rich culture and tradition. He called upon all to pass on the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the state to the younger generation to keep it alive.
Over 100 patients attend free medical camp
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Over 100 patients suffering from various gastrointestinal problems have availed the services of consultant doctors of Hayat Haspital, Guwahati during a free health check up camp organized by Indian Medical Association (IMA), Arunachal Pradesh branch at Arunachal State Hospital, Naharlagun yesterday.
Dr. Amitava Goswami and Dr. Anjan Kumar Saikia, MD, DM (Gastro), Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Hayat Hospital attended to 116 patients.
Later in the evening, IMA Arunachal conducted a CME wherein Dr Amitava Goswami spoke
on recent advances on alcoholic liver diseases and Dr .Mope Loyi on the guidelines
to deal with medico-
Dr. Jego Ori spoke on Coblation-
Sharing information important: Kena
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Minister for Transport, Co-
He said this yesterday while inaugurating the 3rd Kara foundation day celebration at Taramori village, Gensi under West Siang District.
He also appreciated the ongoing construction of PWD road funded by NHPC Ltd. to connect the interior villages of Gensi and Sibe circles. Minister visited the area and informed that six steel bridges of the road have already been completed.
Pigs electrocuted
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Two pigs have died after they came in contact with a live electric wire that was hanging on a boundary fence near the main road of CLF Colony, Nirjuli, Ward No 29 on January 8 morning.
While informing this, All Nirjuli Youth Organization (ANYO) appealed to all not to touch any electrical pole or wire. It further urged all to inform the Power Department in case of any suspicion.
Orgs protest eviction drive
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Jan 10: Several organizations, including Ramle Banggo Welfare Society,
Ramle Banggo Students Union, Seren Youth Organization, have protested the eviction
by East Siang District Administration at Pasighat B-
Terming the drive as “inhumane” and “vindictive,” the organizations in a joint petition to East Siang Deputy Commissioner stated that the authority has destroyed the individual properties owned by District Fishery Development Officer (DFDO), Marngu Kadu without giving him sufficient time to place his statement before the authority.
DFDO Kadu had occupied the site in 1989. Though he applied for regular allotment of land in 2002, his appeal was rejected by the competent authority.
The organizations questioned the district administration as to why it does not conduct such eviction in other sectors of Pasighat town, where there are more than 500 illegal encroachments.
HGB Hillang Tahio passes away
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Hillang Tahio, the first Anchal Samiti Member and Head Gaon Bura of Tumlang Yaki Anchal segment under Sangram circle of Kurung Kumey district, died on January 8 after a prolonged illness.
He was 76 and is survived by two wives.
Tahio served as ASM of 64-
Tahio had amicably solved numerous cases of criminal and civil nature besides other minor cases of the village and nearby areas.
Meanwhile, Atu Hillang Charitable Society (AHCS) has termed Tahio’s death as great loss to the society.
Fire guts 1 house
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: Residence of one Shyam Yangfo of Naharlagun was gutted down on January 8.
According to Rakap Sanglum Village Development Committee, nobody was at home when the accident occurred.
The Village Development Committee appealed to the concern authority to immediately provide relief and assistance for rehabilitation of the fire victims.
Society protests bail petition
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: The Leyu Welfare Society has protested the bail petition filed by one rape accused Martin Bagra.
In a release, the LWS stated that the accused is a habitual offender and many cases are pending against him at various police stations. It stated that the petitioners, CJM and accused would be responsible if any untoward incident happens after the accused is let out on bail.
HGB Koj Hassang passes away
ITANAGAR, Jan 10: The Head Gaon Burah (HGB) of Dutta Village, Lower Subansiri district Koj Hassang died aged 86 years at his Dutta residence on January 9.
Hassang was a very influential social worker, priest, good orator, who solved many social disputes.
He was appointed as Gaon Burah of the village in 1979. He was elevated to Head Gaon Burah in 1993.
Hassang left behind his wife, three sons and three daughters.
Swach Bharat Abhiyaan at Bomdila
BOMDILA, Jan 10: A social service was organized under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to clean the district headquarters on Saturday. People from all walks of life participated in the cleanliness drive which was organized by the District Administration and DUDA. The officers took the lead during social service and motivated the public to keep their houses and surrounding areas neat and clean.
Deputy Commissioner AK Singh along with other officers inspected the day-
January 11
Editorial
Look beyond
The local media recently reported that Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned Rs.49,
76, 59,906 for development of Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Tawang tourist circuit under
North East theme of Swadesh Darshan. The proposal includes infrastructure development
in one of the busiest tourist circuit of the state. Besides, way side amenities for
tourists and cafeterias, eco log huts, trekking trail etc. will be built all along
the Bhalukpong -
First of all everyone will be praying that money is not wasted and project is properly
implemented. Many tourism projects have bitterly failed in the state. It has not
helped anyway in attracting more tourists. Secondly the question also rises over
too much concentration on Bhalukpong-
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Protect endangered flora and fauna of the state
Dear Editor,
Apropos to the article, Wildlife lover hands over endangered bird to Zoo (AT, Jan 9) all the authorities concerned should be commended for their sincere efforts in promoting wildlife conservation and awareness in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, so rich in biodiversity. Kudos to the Arunachal Times for also making this a front page news item demonstrating their long standing commitment towards environment and ecology related issues. The biggest problem to wildlife conservation in developing and under developed nation is the perennial poverty, poor employment opportunity, lack of education and awareness and lack of infrastructure and economic opportunity for advancing in life and moving towards modernization. As a consequence, people living in and around forested areas are heavily dependent on the fragile forest resources for their daily sustenance. Unless this overwhelming dependence on the local forests are reduced through alternate financial and economic pathways meaningful conservation efforts to take shape is always going to be challenging. The economically neglected NE India has been suffering due to this humanitarian crisis and as a consequence impacting the local wildlife and forest. A state wise ban and campaign on use of wild meat need to be also launched to aware communities across the state. Indigenous communities need to be encouraged to raise poultry, piggery and trained in modern practices of animal husbandry to cater to their daily needs rather than being dependent on forest based resources. However, the unfortunate political situation of the state does not even warranty the minimal social wellbeing of the citizens; wildlife priorities therefore are further pushed down the agenda. In spite of the crude realities, everyone should pitch in their best efforts to protect the endangered flora and fauna of the state. Amidst repeated news of daily loss of endangered wildlife and erosion of local biodiversity such news as above warms the heart and kindles the lamp of hope for the defenseless wildlife of the state.
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge AB Canada
Moral duty to stop endless human sufferings
Dear Editor,
Why rational, continuous and progressive engagement with polity is indispensable.
Because, a human group resolves to organise themselves into a nation as well as part of international structure so as to ensure and strive for fulfillment of holistic and paramount common welfare to all its individual members taken collectively;
Because, polity and geopolitics unforgiving and unmistakably influence every moment of life of an individual directly or indirectly and whether one is conscious on unaware about it and that’s the only truth;
Because, polity and geopolitics has become the biggest cause of divisions and confrontations resulting into untold pain and sufferings of the mankind worldwide. In the long history of mankind, 1000,000,000 people already killed worldwide in political and geopolitical fighting, innumerable mass migrations triggered and demographic problems forced upon worldwide, forced famines, etc. The humanity has a fundamental moral duty to reform and innovate our political and geopolitical structure to stop these endless human sufferings for welfare of the present generation and for the upcoming generations;
Because, in the Indian context we have a comprehensively written glorious Constitution fit to be replicated worldwide with certain innovations to arrest these global political and geopolitical turmoil and to achieve global harmony but for the perverted and skewed application of the Constitution and Authorities of power by few unchecked opportunists;
Because, the Constitution and Authorities of power are really not intended to be individual centric to keep few individuals in power all the time, but meant to be absolutely people oriented so that whoever comes into power strives to serve the paramount collective interest and welfare of the people and humanity all the time as their humane and godly duties;
Because, the people and humanity deserves a glorious harmonious existence in the nations and in this greater world, the kingdom of God;
Because, the people and the humanity has rightfully desired and deserves to give themselves a progressive, peaceful and harmonious political and geopolitical structure;
Because, it needs ever vigilant, proactive and constructive engagements by the people to achieve harmonious progress through the tool of political and geopolitical structure;
Because excellence of a single individual and humanity as a whole lies in the persistent endeavour to infuse progressive innovations through potent creativity in the infinite minds of the people to evolve from a state of disharmony towards better one;
Because, every human and the humanity as a whole is fortunately gifted with an infinite intelligence by the God to evolve towards progressiveness and harmony;
Because we all, the humanity can achieve it collectively!
Yours,
Tagam Mibang
Itanagar
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.