January 16
BJP acts tough against Ziro -
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Ziro -
This was decided during an emergency meeting of State Core Group, Disciplinary Committee members and State Office Bearers at the BJP State Office on Sunday.
"The gross violation of discipline has been noted very seriously at the highest level of BJP. Very clear instruction has been given from the highest echelon of the Party to take strict action against the Party workers for desecration of the sanctity of the party office and for maligning the image of the Party", a party statement further read.
The meeting condemned the ransacking of the office of the State party President in
the strongest terms and unanimously resolved to suspend the 17-
Further Disciplinary Committee of State BJP Unit headed by its Chairman has been entrusted to look into the involvement of other party office bearers and decide the future course of disciplinary proceeding in the said event.
The meeting further resolved to further adopt a zero-
In the meanwhile, FIR has been filed in Itanagar Police Station and the case is being investigated by the city police.
The meeting was presided over by President, BJP, Arunachal Pradesh, Tapir Gao.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Minister, Textile & Handicraft Tamiyo Taga were also present in the meeting.
Tage appeals for peace
Meanwhile, MLA Tage Taki has appealed to all sections of the party workers and the
people of his area to maintain peace and continue to promote progress of the state.
We all have to constantly remind ourselves that BJP is a party with a difference
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He further said "that the disappointment and frustration among the dedicated party cadres after the cabinet expansion on Saturday is understandable. However, we have to remember that choice of members for induction in the cabinet is sole discretion of the Chief Minister and we all have to have faith on him. With faith comes the humble acceptance of his decision".
Marijuana cultivation destroyed at East Siang
PASIGHAT, Jan 15: Adi Baane Kebang, Women Wing, East Siang unit destroyed Marijuana field at Tulap area here on Saturday. The team of ABKWW East Siang was led by President Yalem Taga Burang and advisers Binggo Dai Perme and Yater Ering Taloh along with ABK executive members Tangiat Taggu, Olom Pertin and Adul Siram.
After manually destroying the one hectare stretched marijuana field, a tractor was hired to mow down the entire remaining plantation. The uprooted marijuana plantation was later burnt down.
Market election; Realities of taxation and extortion in Longding
Monday Musing
[ Amar Sangno ]
Tax collection and extortion are two words that everyone is scared to broach in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts popularly known as TCL. These two words which are synonymous with ultras have become forbidden words. Whoever dares to spell out may face dire ramification. Ironically, neither the successive governments in the state nor the centre has ever acknowledged the menacing reality, in any forum. Perhaps it would reflect the gap in their armour in fighting the insurgency groups.
The disquieting silence maintained by the authority over the years have don't nothing to help the innocent villagers, the business community as well as government officials serving in TCL areas, as the ultras levy tax and extort money from these three vulnerable sectors.
The truth of levying taxes and extortion by the ultras is no longer a forbidden topic or treated as a 'holy cow' at Longding town as it has become a bond of contention between Market Welfare Committee, Longding(MWCL) and the Armed Force.
Longding district curved out from Tirap was officially inaugurated by then Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on 19th March 2012. Perched on a hillock, the newly created district is considered to be worst ultras affected district as it shares porous border with Myanmar and Nagaland.
With alleged interference in Market Welfare Committee Longding(MWCL) election by introducing None of the above (NOTA) on December 17, 2016, the moral battle to contain the UGs from extortion and tax collection by the armed forces that has been insidiously smouldering since decades has came out in open.
It was alleged that 4th Sikh Regiment of Indian Army based in Longding town attempted to invalidate MWCL by introducing NOTA during election. Two of its personnel oversaw the polling process. As a result, Presidential Candidate Tolong Wangsu got 44 votes while Secretary Abo Manpan got 148 and NOTA backed by the Army got 146 votes respectively.
When contacted by The Arunachal Times, Colonel Sheoran of 4th Sikh Regiment denied any involvement and interference in the civilian conduct. However, it was clearly reflected in MWCL minutes which were prepared on January, 7th 2017 seeking the Deputy Commissioner's intervention and revocation of NOTA.
Deputy Commissioner Longding Himanshu Gupta confirmed that MWCL had submitted a representation and accordingly, he gave permission to form the committee with the condition that the committee should not involve in illegal activities.
The MWCL argued that disbanding the committee is not the solution to endemic tax levying and extortion. The security forces should ensure security to the citizens who defy extortion demands by the ultras.
"Disbanding Market Welfare Committee will worsen the situation and makes us more vulnerable to the demands of the ultras" said Tolong Wangsu, Presidential candidate, MWCL.
At least, we negotiate through the welfare committee and bargain if any extortion notice is served to the business community. However, after the market welfare committee has been made dysfunctional, UGs collects from individuals which costs more" Wangsu added.
On other hand, the army has its own argument; it wants to snap the long trend of illegal tax collection by the ultras.
"For an effective operation to end the endemic extortion and rampant tax levying, the citizens must come forwards openly and share information" the army official argued.
"The armed force cannot shy away from the fact that they have failed to protect and ensure security to common people, or else why would people pay tax to UGs. Even the government official pay taxes, this an open fact" said Manlem Wangsu, President Longding District Students Union.
"Living under constant fear, the citizens has no choice but to give in to the demands of the ultras" said Abo Manam Secretary MWCL.
It is said four ultra groups -
AAPSU dares CoSAAP, APCSOA
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has condemned the press statement issued by the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) and the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers' Associations (APCSOA) regarding an officer who was allegedly forced to apologise.
The AAPSU is ready to sit with the CoSAAP and the APSCOA and discuss the issue at any given time and any given place, it said.
"We are also ready to discuss a wide range of topics, including disproportionate assets of government employees, misuse of official assets by government officers, corruption charges against government employees" said a press release.
"The organizations should have used their wisdom and learned both sides of the story before going to the press with the intention of tarnishing the AAPSU's image", it said.
Neither of the organizations tried to contact the AAPSU to resolve the impasse and
instead preferred going to the press. The issue could have been easily sorted out
across the table. Such vanity will only engender ill-
The AAPSU gave its side of the story.
"The main problem of the issue at hand started with the Facebook post of Nyabin Ete, Director, Art and Culture, wherein he alleged that AAPSU Convenor, Tatung Taga, visited his residence, threatened him and used unparliamentary words.
The post was shared by many Facebook users, and everyone hurled abuses at the AAPSU.
When we came to know about it, we immediately convened a meeting and obtained from Taga the details of what had transpired.
The union said "Our Convenor, Tatung Taga, did not visit Ete at his residence in an official capacity. He never introduced himself as the AAPSU Convenor. This was corroborated by Ete himself when the Central Executive Members of the AAPSU had a meeting with him on January 10 at his office".
When Taga and his relative entered the house, "Ete got worked up and started hurling abuses at the AAPSU and another student union".
"Our Convenor did not go to Mr Ete for any official work of the AAPSU. However, Mr Ete projected the Union in the wrong light on Facebook. A senior officer like him should have contacted the AAPSU's President or the General Secretary if any of our executive members troubled him. He played the victim card for his own interests", the Union said.
The AAPSU said that it welcomes an impartial inquiry into this episode.
Itanagar-
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: The condition of Itanagar-
Many dignitaries visiting the area promised big things but the condition of road
remains the same. Late Chief Minister Kalikho Pul during his visit to NIT Jote in
May 2016 had assured to sanction fund for the repairing of the Itanagar-
The people of area along with students of NIT are hoping that Chief Minister Pema
Khandu will stay true to his words and take early initiative to start the process
for construction of 2-
Road construction agency refutes allegations
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Reacting to recent allegation made by Aalo Town Public Welfare
and Development Society and Memo Ao Youth Association alleging non-
In a release they clarified that work has been slowed down due to compensation issue.
"We would like to appreciate NGOs like Memo Aao Welfare Society, Pushi Banggo Welfare
Society and Aalo Town Public Welfare and Development Society for expressing concern
over Tai to Gabu and Aalo-
This has created huge obstacle for us," the construction agency stated in a release.
Further they added, "Though the tender process got completed in 2010, the land was officially handed over to executing agency only on 27th December, 2016 by Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. The Ministry has handed over land for Tai to Gabu Stream. In many stretches land affected people are refusing to cooperate and constantly disturb the work. In absence of compensation list, we are not able to effectively address the local people in regards to compensation issue." They also clarified that utility shifting has done by concern departments. "There is also issue of utility shifting by various departments. We have written to district administration on several occasions to carry out utility shifting of departments like PHE, Power and others. However, till date utility shifting has not been properly done. This is huge hindrance for the construction of road," the agency added. They went on to add, "We are truly committed to construct best road and accordingly has been putting our paramount effort to start work in Tai to Gabu stretch. Despite several hindrances, we have already carried out formation cutting for 8 KM in Aalo to Bagra and another 2 KM in Bame to Tai stretch. We have also already set up crusher and BM plant at Aalo and have deployed huge number of machinery. More than 700 people are in the ground readying to start the work."
Further they added, "We would also like to share that we had mobilized manpower and other resources for several time in the last 3 years with the motive of starting the work. However, every time some problem cropped up leading to the stopping of work. Company has incurred massive loss but has never claimed any compensation. We have tried our best to maintain the said stretch of road and have carried out repairing work time to time. We have not received any payment from the government for the repairing work done by us."
It should not be mere announcements: AACWA
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Welcoming the various developmental schemes announced by Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari, the All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association (AACWA) has however said that it should not be mere announcements.
The 500 bedded hospital and green field airport failed to materialize due to lack of funding from central government and proper policy by state govt, it lamented.
Regarding Gadkari's statement on giving opportunity to local contractors, organisation said that the state government, particularly PWD Minister, should pursue with the central government to bifurcate some projects to state PWD saying that numbers of local contractors are not eligible for tendering under NHIDCL.
The political crisis became a hurdle in the development process of the state with contractors being the major sufferer; it said hoping that the state government will now function smoothly.
AACWA further urged the state government to abolish civil deposit and authorization system for LOC and other government payments to contractor's Bill.
Para legal volunteer training
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Altogether 25 para legal volunteers participated in a day long Para legal Volunteer Training organized at Hapoli on Sunday by Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority along with Lower Subansiri District Legal Services Authority.
Addressing the participants, member secretary APSLSA Budi Habung highlighted the importance of the role of the State Authority and that of the Para Legal Volunteer in giving access to justice to the needy and poor.
Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ziro Komjum Tasso spoke on provisions of Maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1925.
Advocate Hibu Usha shared information on sexual Harassment at Work Place and Domestic Violence and its provisions while project coordinator, Dept of Justice Rosy Taba gave away information on Victim Compensation and the duties of the Para Legal Volunteers.
Lummer Dai Memorial Poem recitation competition
PASIGHAT, Jan 15: The first Late Lummer Dai Memorial Poem Recitation Competition
for Lower Primary and Upper Primary classes under Mebo Sub-
Speaking on the occasion, DDSE, East Siang appreciated the initiative of 39 Mebo Intellectual Forum (39MIF) for organizing the competition among the students.
Advisor, 39MIF Dr. Dangi Perme, proposed an annual event for the students under Mebo
Sub-
President, Adi Agom Kebang Kaling Borang also suggested for making the day as an annual event in Mebo and proposed for a Lummer Dai statue.
Chief Patron, 39MIF Bodong Yirang, who sponsored and conceptualized the programme said that it was a maiden attempt to encourage the students to learn more about literary works.
President, 39MIF Osu Borang and son of Late Dai, Mibom Dai also spoke during the event. Those who attended the event included ADC Yemling Tayeng, President while Adi Baane Kebang Women Wing, East Siang Yalem Taga Burang, Girin Tamuli, NS Yadav and Mohonto Pangging were the judges of the event.
Aalo Military Station celebrates Army Day
AALO, Jan 15: Army Day was celebrated at General Football Ground here by different ranks and files of Indian Army with great pomp and enthusiasm on Sunday.
A Mini Marathon Race participated by Army and Civilian was flagged off by Deputy Commander of Aalo Military Station.
Army Day is celebrated on Jan15 every year in India in reorganization of Lieutenant
General K. M. Cariappa's taking over as the 1st Commander-
Deputy Commander Aalo Military Station felicitated all ex-
Handloom, handicraft training
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Atleast 50 young trainees of Anjaw district are participating in
a two-
Beginning on Friday, it is being organized by National Youth Project (NYP) under
its component DAY-
Road Safety Week gets underway
PASIGHAT, Jan 15: Pasighat Traffic Cell is back with another round of Road Safety Week. Led by SP Pranav Tayal, Pasighat Police has been organizing various activities in creating awareness on the road hazards and traffic congestion.
The actual aim is also to create awareness amongst pedestrians as well as drivers on traffic discipline to avoid road accidents, stated SP Tayal. He informed that the department is conducting several programmes with emphasis on school children. Official sources informed that the department would continue its efforts beyond the scheduled period.
Meanwhile, a drawing competition was conducted as part of road safety week where
students from class VI to XII of different schools of Pasighat participated. In Junior
group Geni Gao (Class-
Longding football tournament
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Longding District Inter Village Football Tournament was organized
by Indian Army at Longding General Ground from Jan 10-
Niaunu village team secured the first position by defeating Pumao village team by a goal.
Individual prizes for best defender, striker, mid fielder, goalkeeper were also distributed. The program witnessed an overwhelming response from villagers and civil administration who expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army, read a statement from the Army.
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All rights reserved.
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Citizen’s role is crucial
Much to the joy of people of Arunachal, the Union Minister for Road, Transport and
Highway Nitin Gadkari on Saturday assured to provide fund for the construction of
East-
It is a serious issue which has been hampering progress of major infrastructure projects in the state. Several stretch of Trans Arunachal Highway along with green field airport has not been constructed till date due to compensation problem. The high compensation claim has become biggest obstacle towards developed Arunachal. Also the hostile attitude of local towards the construction agencies involved in road construction does not augur well for the state. The regional office of Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway was shifted out from Itanagar to Tezpur due to law and order problem. The officials of RO office was allegedly threatened on regular basis by members of various associations and unions demanding work. If Arunachal has to truly develop the people of state will have to shun such negative attitude. Everybody will have to contribute their bit for the development of Arunachal. Only blaming government for every wrong thing will not solve the problem. The citizens need to introspect themselves and play a crucial role in the development of state.
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An appeal to APPSC
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to request the APPSC to declare the result of written exam of AE (Civil) which was conducted during the month of September 2016.
The candidates are eagerly waiting for early completion of recruitment of this batch so that the next recruitment of AE(Civil) can be advertised. In the meantime we also expect the Commission to upkeep its motto of "Talent Search" while declaring the result.
Yours,
An Aspiring Candidate
Declare results
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of concerned authority of Tax and Excise towards much delay in declaring the results of 6 posts of Assistant Inspectors.
The written exam was held on 4th July 2015 but till today there is no news about the result.
The delay in declaration of result will surely lead to the debate on transparency in selection process.
So I appeal the concerned authority to declare the results as soon as possible.
Yours,
Frustrated candidate
Itanagar
Unenviable status
Dear Editor,
No kudos is enough for Mr.Salil Gewali for his brilliant letter titled “Sexual perverts having a field day”(January 12).
The suicidal mindset of attaining "modernity" by sporting "bold" dresses and displaying
of "assets", films bordering on pornography, brute culture of lewd dancing and drinking
at night clubs are some of the main reasons behind invocation of the beast in man
resulting in increasing incidents of rape and violence against women. With each
passing day India is briskly marching towards the unenviable status of being the
worst place for women in the world. The society which mercilessly exploits the female
body in the commercial mainstream films and also accords social sanction to those
dirty pictures in the name of "art", treats sexually-
During the commercial breaks between cartoon programmes or cricket matches, innocent
children are made to view the sexually-
Thanks to the lumpenisation of Indian society by large section of the media, Bollywood
and advertising agencies; the whole country has got fully degraded morally. Suburbs
to city centres, urban to rural, Kashmir to Kanya Kumari, Kutch to Kohima -
And all norms of double standards should also be immediately made to an end. The “collective conscience” of the country gets “shaken” only when girls of privileged class, burning money in the Bangalore night clubs on New Year eve, get mass molested. But when the same crime gets committed on a villager, illiterate, tribal possessing no "social status" or on a resident of other parts of India just like in Williamnagar(Meghalaya) or Barasat(West Bengal); urban Indians, far from protesting, remain engaged in blatant consumerism, Bollywood, Kohli, IPL and philistine culture of night clubs, pubs and discos! The politicians, Bollywood superstars, intellectuals and common citizens of India simply don't care to protest or feel ashamed unless the incident of rape happens in "glamorous" cities and the victim happens to be of privileged background ! Thus protests which occur by taking into account the class or geographical status of the victims possess no moral strength and sincerity.
Instead of engaging in "fashion parades" by organising candle-
Also life imprisonment should necessarily be implemented in the case of rape as well
as molestation. And if she is also murdered or the victim succumbs to injuries, death
penalty is the only answer. Else it would get proved that only if a poor caretaker
of rural background gets accused of raping and murdering an upper-
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
Overseas Citizens of India
Dear Editor,
The Government of India must be sincerely appreciated for the current consideration to issue Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards that serve as lifetime visas to 5th generation and older Indian migrants; if their current country of citizenship certifies their Indian ancestry. This could be a game changer if successful; as this will bring a huge numbers of Indian Diasporas members who has never seen India but has strong regard for their ancient motherland. Several of the 5th generation diasporas currently hold important political, administrative, legislative, defense, policy making, academic, scientific and technical research positions.
Several others are also leading industrialists, intellectuals, lawyers and sports
personnel of their respective nations. This could help India in bringing these countries
into stronger diplomatic, defense as well as socio-
Most of these countries have detailed records of the indented labour force brought
to them by the colonial masters of the time, mostly English and French. There is
genuine concern reading influx of Gen-
Thanks to the Modi Government for kind consideration of this plan as this will help
many who want to visit and build socio-
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada
Offices without facilities
Dear Editor,
No supporting clerical staffs.
No vehicle.
No driver.
No computer, printer, paper.
No Xerox facility.
What a joke and sheer negligence with lower administrative offices in the state.
A kind of curse to be administrative officer in Arunachal Pradesh?
Public expects office to function; law & order and development to be set right.
Rightly though!
Dear public, please tell the government & higher authorities to equip administrative circles with sufficient resources so that officer & office can function efficiently and serve you all effectively.
Yours,
Tagam Mibang
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