wpecfd3a33.png

January 30

wpb96db862.png
wp171ac0c1.png
wp9b1a9b49.png
wp708c905d.png

Cross-border terror along Indo-Bhutan border controlled: SSB

Kalaktang (Arunachal Pradesh), Jan 29: Cross border terrorism on the Indo-Bhutan border along Arunachal Pradesh has been controlled after SSB Tezpur Frontier set up its three Border Out Posts (BOPs) in Arunachal, a senior officer said.

SSB Tezpur Frontier Inspector General Sarwan Kumar told PTI that there was no movement of terrorists along the international border area following the BOPs.

On earlier reports of militant outfits, specially National Democratic Front of Boroland Songbijit faction NDFB(S), taking shelter in the dense forests bordering Bhutan, Kumar said after setting up of the BOPs in Arunachal Pradesh towards Kalaktang no movement of insurgents have been detected.

He said Bhutan has also set up permanent border outposts manned to ensure full security cover.

Arunachal Pradesh shares about 700 km border with Bhutan and out of this 217 km area is manned by the SSB.

Stating that huge quantities of narcotics substances like cannabis and others totalling 1,300 kg worth Rs 11 crore were seized, Kumar said the SSB Tezpur Frontier also conducted operations in various areas and seized Rs 1.12 lakh fake currency notes, Rs 6.71 crore worth timber and above Rs 15 lakh worth wild life materials, besides destroying 31 acres of cannabis plantation at Kalaktang.

According to SSB officers, the force was also working to increase the number of women in its combat force.

The force has 67 battalions on ground at present (about 67,000 personnel) and in the next two years it would raise more such contingents to increase its number to 73 battalions, they added. PTI

 

 

 

One dead in Daporijo fire, CM concerned at repeated fire mishaps

[ Karda Natam ]

Daporijo, Jan 29: Fire has taken two lives in Upper Subansiri within a span of 24 hours.  

One Dumsa Motu, who was around 60 years of age, was burnt to death in a devastating fire accident which broke out at Bokpin colony near Polo colony on Saturday afternoon. Two kutcha houses were gutted down during the accident. All household items were destroyed.

CRPF personnel along with public were seen rescuing the fire victims during the accident. However, fire tender could not reach the spot on time.

The cause of the fire accident is yet to be ascertained.

Earlier in Dumporijo, a child was burnt to death.

Chief Minister has expressed concern over repeated fire mishaps being reported from various corners of the state, the latest being the incident at Dumporijo in Upper Subansiri district.

Khandu appealed the people to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures to avoid such mishaps.

"We need to be extra cautious, especially in the villages where we mostly live in thatched houses and use fire extensively during the winters. I appeal all stakeholders to spread awareness on fire mishaps and prevent loss of lives and properties," he added.

Khandu has mourned the death of Chayir Naji (9) who lost her life while her uncle Mopak Laigi sustained severe burns.

Condoling the death of the girl, Khandu assured ex-gratia as per norms and gave directions to the department concerned and the Upper Subansiri administration to expedite the same.

 

 

 

‘Willing to strengthen health facilities’: Governor

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Newly appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh PB Acharya has expressed his willingness to strengthen the health facilities in the State.  

"I want to see my beloved people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the younger generation, healthier and stronger," the Governor said during his visit to RK Mission Hospital on Sunday.

The Governor interacted with Swamijis Swami Pradipananda, Swami Vedavidyananda and Swami Naravirananda and requested them to expand their services to different corners of the State and set up more centers.

Earlier in the day, the Governor visited the Hoolock Gibbon Conservation & Breeding Centre in the Biological Park and the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Itanagar.

Pleased to see the primates for the first time at the biological park, he christened the male primate as 'Jayesh' and female as 'Jaya'. He appreciated the forest officials for taking proper care of the zoo.

The Governor suggested for introduction of transport system in the ring road to ferry people during their visits and also suggested for improvement of the road to the facility within the zoo. The Governor expressed his concern for better drinking provision for the animals.

Earlier, PCCFs Omkar Singh, GN Sinha and Dr. Rabindra Kumar along with Zoo in-charge Rayak Flago welcomed the Governor on his arrival at the Park.

At State Museum, the Governor said, he was impressed by the arrangements in the museum.

Observing that there were only 600 visitors last month, the Governor said efforts should be made to encourage the young people, particularly students, to visit the museum. PRO to Raj Bhawan

 

 

 

Year’s first phase IPPI campaign launched across state

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: The State joined the nationwide campaign against polio virus by launching the year's first phase of Intensive Pulse Polio immunization (IPPI) across the State on Sunday.

Director Health Service Dr. Moji Jini launched the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Prgramme (IPPI) -2017 at RK Mission Hospital.

After administering the polio drops, Dr Jini said that though India has been declared as polio free nation in 2014, however, the threat remains as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria still have cases of the virus.

Informing even sick and new-born children are to be given polio drops, Director Family Welfare Dr. M Lego informed that the polio eradication efforts will continue till polio is globally eradicated.

He added these drops are completely safe and in addition to routine immunization doses where repeated doses provide additional protection.

NHM Nodal Officer Dr, Dimong Padung informed that the department had arranged polio booth in every districts of the state where many villages and towns are benefiting from it in the first day, adding the department officials shall visit house to house in the second and third day so that no children are left out from the programme.

Informing around 28 polio booths have been opened in capital complex alone, Dr Padung told that extensive arrangements have been made for the programme where their officials have reached through helicopter and foot march even in the remote area like Vijaynagar, Tali etc.

The second round of IPPI will be held on April 2nd where it targets 2, 32, 464 houses, 1, 79, 767 children (0 to 5 years) and 2895 IPPI booths under the programme.

At Namsai, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom launched IPPI campaign at Government ANM School Namsai by administering polio drops to the new-born and other infants.

Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma, DMO Dr Nani Rika, ZPC Chow Kyasing Mounglang, DRDA (PD) Vijay Talukdar, ZPM Mahajin Chowpoo, MO (in charge) Chow Lot Manchey,  other officers from CHC and various departments, ANM trainees and ASHA workers were present on the occasion.

Mein along with the MLA inspected maternity ward, neonatal intensive care unit, operation theatre of the district hospital and also visited few patients and enquired about their well-being.

Later, Mein also inspected the newly established Government Nursing School.

While assuring all necessary equipments and instruments for the hospital as well as Nursing School, DCM asked the health authority to submit a comprehensive proposal mentioning all requirements such as medicines, manpower, equipment and machineries including all renovation works and new constructions if need be.

The DCM asked the authority to prepare proposal purely on need base, and said that the government would fund for a complete proposal rather than for piecemeal requirements.

Earlier, Mein and Namchoom flagged-off highly equipped ambulance for Namsai District hospital and School Bus for Government ANM School.

The District Health Society of Papum Pare (Yupia) launched its programme at CHC Doimukh. Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Tai Kaye inaugurated the programme by administering polio drops to a child of below five years

While launching the programme, the Deputy Commissioner advise the supervisors, vaccinators and health workers to carry out their assigned duties sincerely with responsibility  keeping close coordination with other stake holders.

"IPPI programme is the key intervention to reduce infant mortality rate. Therefore, everyone must discharge duties with utmost responsibilities," the Deputy Commissioner said.

DRCHO Dr. J Ado informed that the IPPI programme will in the district will cover approximately 29,680 children.

Doimukh SDO Ibom Tao, DMO Dr. Tasso Kampu, DANO Dr. Tania Raju, DVBDCPO Dr. Tana Aruna, Medical officer in-charge Dr. L. Chuki, MOs, Nurses and other medical staff were present on the launching programme.

At Anjaw, the programme was launched at Hawai CHC in presence of Deputy Commissioner Mamata Riba.

Deputy Commissioner Riba said that though the country has completely eradicated polio with no report of new polio cases since 2011, we should not become complacent because there is still risk of re-emergence of polio. She instructed the health workers to leave no stone unturned and show any negligence in administering Polio drops to the targeted age group.

Anjaw DMO Dr. K Perme congratulated the health workers in contributing the Nation's en devour to keep the country polio free for the last five years.

At Aalo, MLA and APEDA Chairman Jarkar Gamlin administered the first dose of polio drop to a child at General Hospital, Aalo.

Around 10, 500 children under 0 to 5 years will be covered under the programee in the district.

While visiting the under-construction Blood Bank building, the site for proposed construction of two OT buildings under SPA and site for drilling underground water, Gamlin advised medical fraternity to ensure quality of works.

DMO Dr. Marbom Basar, DFWO Dr. Kengo Ori and host of doctors were present on the occasion.

Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin launched the first round of Pulse Polio Immunization drive at Tawang by administering polio drops to a child at a booth set up at Old Market.

Tawang, DC, SP, ZPC  Tawang and veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman, who accompanied the Chief Secretary, also administered drops to children.

In total, 3754 children were administered polio drops during the day in the district. The report from Zemithang circle is awaited.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Tawang made elaborated arrangements to bring the service to the doorsteps of the people. 110 Polio booths were set up in the entire district besides door-to-door administration of drops.

The drive saw active participation from SSB, Army, PRI leaders, GBs, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.  

Earlier, a booth was also set up outside the Torgya festival venue mainly focusing on the children hailing from border villages.

At Daporijo, more than 2000 children were given polio drops during the day-long programme in the township.

Parents were seen responding overwhelmingly as they stood in queue before the polio booths to give their child the life saving drops.

Polio booths were set up in every health facility at village and circle level. Door-to-door vaccinations were also carried out in every colony in Daporijo town.

At Ziro, Pulse polio immunization was carried out in across Lower Subansiri district in 133 polio booths.

Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen visited all the polio booths in Ziro-I block. He interacted with the medical staff, health workers and parents and urged them to religiously follow immunization routines.

By the time of filing this report, of the total target of 5176 children 4903 (94.72) children were immunized on day-1.

The left out children will be immunized through house to house visits on January 30 and 31.

At Seppa, the IPPI programme was kicked off formally by administering polio drops to a child by Seppa ADC D J Borah at Govt. Middle School Pacha, Seppa.

DMO Dr. C Lowang Mallo requested the people to come forward and bring all children of age below five years to their nearest health centre to administer polio drops.

Besides ADC and DMO, DRCHO Dr. K Lapung, DANO Dr. S K Suman, SMO Dr. K Sopin, MS K. Gyadi, and other health fraternities were present and witnessed the event.

The second round of the IPPI 2017 is scheduled to be launched in entire district on April 2 in order to cover all eligible children.

 

 

 

Governor calls for unity for vibrant democracy

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Governor PB Acharya has said that for a successful and vibrant democracy, ruling and opposition parties play an important role.

He said when a delegation consisting of BJP, PPA and INC met him at Raj Bhawan on Sunday. BJP state party president Tapir Gao, former Deputy Chief Minister and PPA MLA Kameng Dolo and former Chief Minister and INC MLA Nabam Tuki called on him.

"The ruling party should not hamper the development of opposition MLAs' constituencies. This is against the principle of matured democracy," the Governor further advised.

Governor said that all should work for the development of the state as he advised the political representatives to work for overall development of the State and said that they should reach out to people in every corner of the State.

He further said that the  strategic border area have to be united and work for the nation.

 

 

 

Armed Forces top the state awards list

Taba Ajum gets state gold medal

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 29:  Armed force has topped the state award medal lists with six gold medalists- HQ Recruiting Zone NE States Shillong Brigadier I M Lamba, former Commander 42, Infantry Birgade C/O 99 APO Brig D S Saini,   HQ Recruiting Zone, Jorhat Colonel S Martin, HQ Recruiting Zone NE States Shillong Colonel Amar Singh, 6 Maratha Light Infantry C/O 56 APO Lt Colonel Karma Wangchuk and Lt. Colonel Dilwar Singh.

The state award was announced by the state government on 68th Republic Day Celebration which will be handed out on the Statehood Day celebration on February 20, 2017.  

Three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officers - Special Secretary Personnel Ravi Dhawan, East Siang DC Isha Khosla and Lower Dibang Valley DC Deepak Shinde are on the award list along with two APCS officers- ADC Dirang West Kameng Dagbom Riba and CO Roing DC Office Rakesh Tacho.  

Surprisingly, the police department has just one gold medalist-SP Capital Complex Dr A Koan.

The Arunachal Times's Assistant Editor and former Arunachal Press Club President Taba Ajum will be conferred the Gold Medal.

Renu Bengde of Kampu Hollen Orphanage Seppa and Nabam Runghki, Gaon Bura, one of pioneers to help establish Itanagar as Capital  will get the Gold Medal.

The state government also announced gold medal for nine years old late Tarh Peeju who was also awarded National Bravery Award posthumously.

The school girl died while saving two of her friends in Pachin River last year.

Former Minister Techi Takar will also be awarded a gold medal posthumously.

Indian Idol 10 finalist Jeli Kayi and Tsanpa Norbu of Tawang will also get the gold medal.

SE Hydro Power Gumken Bagra and AE PWD Highway BOT Aalo Gemar Padu are among the gold medalists.

Weight lifters Jimjang Deru and Kojum Taba will also get gold medal for their achievements in various national and international competitions.

 

 

 

Turning Kamal into Brahma Kamal

[ Nani Bath ]

The continuation of political instability in this tiny himalayan frontier was anticipated way back in 2011, when the Congress government headed by Jarbom Gamlin was being toppled. Also, the road to the BJP, for Pema and his supporters, was visibly clear when Desanglu Pul, wife of late Kalikho Pul (former chief minister who was unseated by the Supreme Court) was fielded as BJP candidate in Hayuliang Bye-election.

What, however, was not anticipated was another round of political drama in the beginning of 2017, after Pema Khandu took over as the chief minister. The drama that unfolded ended abruptly as it began. It paved the way for young Pema to hold the lotus firmly with the help of, what people say, ‘Congress hand’.

If Takam Pario had a majority, what went wrong with him and his party (PPA)? There could be multiple factors, but two of them may be politically significant.

In anticipation of Pema’s undercurrent move to switch his loyalty from PPA to BJP, ‘K Cube’ (Kameng, Kahfa and Kaling) tried to act smarter and suspended the chief minister (Pema Khandu) and some of his close aides. The suspension of the chief minister Pema Khandu was the last-ditch attempt by the PPA leadership to pre-empt Pema and his team from joining the BJP. It did not work, as, firstly, BJP came to the rescue of the chief minister. Second, rumours have it that Pario did not have the ‘blessings’ of Nabam Tuki, the former chief minister.

This adds to another question. Did Tuki have political or other compulsions in not helping the formation of Pario-led PPA government? There was an assumption that had there been PPA government headed by Takam Pario, Takam Sanjoy (Pario’s brother) would have taken a centre-stage. And, this scenario would have sidelined Tuki completely in any political circles. A statement of a gentleman, “Pema aur Tuki ka bich mein kuch len dhen baki hain kya?”, closely reflects relationships surrounding Tuki and Pema.

BJP’s office in Itanagar was teeming with activities once the news of BJP government formation in the state poured in. Its karyakartas were over jubilant, thinking that they would not be sidelined now, and the present government was going to be durable unlike 2003 Apang government.

Pema Khandu was declared as the BJP chief minister even before he was formally admitted into the party. He replaced Tamiyo Taga as the leader of the BJP legislature party without being actually elected. These happenings only reflected the nervousness of the BJP leadership. The karyakartas were still rejoicing! For the new comers, it was just a matter of replacing Gandhi cap with saffron muffler.

By the time the BJP karyakartas regained their consciousness it was too late. In the State Executive Committee Meeting, the BJP state president, Tapir Gao, had made it categorically clear that there would be no distinction in the name of ‘Old’ and ‘New’ BJP members in the party affairs.

Prior to this statement of the party president, Pema Khandu expanded his Cabinet by inducting only Mahesh Chai from the ‘original’ BJP MLAs besides Tamiyo Taga, who was inducted when PPA government was in place. There are twelve MLAs who were elected as the party nominees in the general elections. The BJP old timers expected at least three ministers.  

In a significant turn of the events, office chamber of the state BJP president was vandalised allegedly by some members of Ziro-Hapoli Mandal. Many of the old BJP workers and leaders were forceful in their opinion regarding under-representation of ‘Old’ members in the Ministry. A leader not unwilling to be identified says, “It was but natural for us to expect induction of leaders like Tage Taki (MLA, 17 Ziro-Hapoli AC) in the Cabinet. Taki ji has been a force behind the indigenous movement in the state besides being the treasurer and Chief Whip of the party”.

A young and agitated karyakarta questioned, “Is the discipline only for lower-level karyakartas?” He looked at me in askance, as if saying, “Taki episode is an indication of what is going to happen to the dedicated party workers in the days to come”.

Unanimous mood within the party karyakartas has been that We planted the Kamal in the hills; nurtured it with love and dedication, but a guest visited our house; took away the Kamal, and turned it into Brahma Kamal. Only he knows where it is hidden. Our party president may have some idea but it would not be possible for him to travel the treacherous Himalayan road alone. Hemanta Biswa Sharma, chairman NEDA, may also have some clues.  

Brahma Kamal, named after Brahma, the God of Creation, probably blooms only for one night in the entire year. A myth goes that when Shiva attached the head of an elephant on Ganesha’s body, he was bathed with water that was sprinkled from a Brahma Kamal.

By including Alo Libang in his Ministry, Pema appears to have targeted three kills with a stone: Kiren Rijiju, Gegong Apang and Tage Taki.  

Almost immediately after joining of Pema in BJP, there were reports indicating that he was going to be replaced by Kiren Rijiju as the chief minister. Given his personality, mass support and standing in the party, Kiren throws a direct challenge to Pema’s leadership. Moreover, Kiren being in the national limelight could be a danger to the party president, Tapir Gao. So it is safe to assume that Alo Libang’s induction has got tacit support from the party president. How?

Alo Libang belongs to Eastern Parliamentary Constituency from where Tapir Gao contested unsuccessfully in the last general elections. As such, Alo’s induction is a political capital for him. Within and outside the party circle, there were talks about Tage Taki’s possible induction in place of Alo Libang. Taki is from Western Parliamentary Constituency, the one represented by Kiren Rijiju.

Tage Taki’s Assembly Constituency has given Kiren Rijiju the highest votes in the last parliamentary elections, only second to Itanagar.  Votes share of Kiren in Ziro-Hapoli was more than three Assembly Constituencies (Mukto, Dirang and Kalaktang) combined together. In the Mukto Assembly Constituency (represented by Pema Khandu), the BJP candidate (Kiren) secured only 1555 votes as against the Congress candidate (Takam Sanjoy), who polled 3165 votes.

Even by any conservative estimate, Kiren Rijiju’s supporters among the Apatanis would be in the range of 10,000-15,000, which is a significant number in a parliamentary constituency of only 100 thousand plus voters. A senior journalist (now a government employee) writes, “Omission fiasco of Tage Taki smacks of communalism and might prove to be disastrous for Kiren in the run up to 2019 if issue is not handled properly”.

The Apatanis as a community, irrespective of political thinking and affiliations, felt hurt not because Taki was not inducted but more because his candidature was dropped at the last minute. Every minority community has a natural tendency to remain united under any adverse situations.

Community angle gets highlighted again in the action of the Disciplinary Committee of the BJP. Three active members of Ziro-Hapoli Mandal were expelled from the party for a period of six years, and an FIR was lodged compelling them to surrender before the city police. In the past, indiscipline did happen but no disciplinary actions were ever initiated. BJP office was locked down twice: once by Mahila Mandal and second by a District unit.

Gegong Apang, once a powerful chief minister and now a senior BJP member, was defeated by Alo Libang, who did not have previous political experiences. Alo became a visible political force when Sr. Khandu (Dorjee Khandu) was the chief minister. Apang’s defeat could not have been possible without active support (political or financial) of the then chief minister.

Gegong Apang probably posed a threat to Sr. Khandu’s leadership, and is posing a similar threat to Jr. Khandu, though to a lesser amount.  

If there is a ‘policy of containment’ against Kiren Rijiju, Hemanta Biswa Sharma could be a part of it. Kiren’s popularity in the region leaves very little political space for Hemanta. His dream of becoming regional/national leader may not be forthcoming so long as Kiren is in the helm of affairs.

If my sources are to be believed Jr. Khandu is eyeing ‘new faces’ for easy political manoeuvrability, post-2019. It would be interesting to see what kind of contingency plan the party (BJP) has in place if such misadventures of Pema continue. An unconfirmed source suggests that the BJP leadership had readied a third person as the chief minister of Assam when Sonowal and Hemanta were pulling each other’s leg.

There are talks in some corners that Takam Pario’s failed attempt to become chief minister was actually motivated by their resentment against political domination by leaders of a particular religious group. Incidentally, the chief minister, his deputy, and the speaker- all are Buddhist by religion. It may also be noted that there are significant presence of Buddhist population in Tuting-Yingkong, Alo Libang’s Assembly Constituency.  (Prof Nani Bath teaches Political Science at Rajiv Gandhi University)

 

 

 

Film on Hangpan Dada gets over 8L hits in three days

New Delhi, Jan 29: A documentary film on this year's Ashok Chakra awardee Hangpan Dada has taken the internet by storm with over eight lakh views within three days of its release, a tribute to the valiant soldier who killed three infiltrators single-handedly in Jammu and Kashmir before being martyred.

One of the makers of the 12-minute film --Warriors of India-- is 27-year-old Somesh Saha could closely relate to the supreme sacrifice made by the soldier from Arunachal Pradesh as his father also belongs to Assam Regiment like Dada.

 "My father, who happens to be the Colonel of Assam Regiment, was tensed over the loss of a soldier. An ordinary Indian would not understand this, but being the son of an Army officer, I have always been inspired by stories of soldiers.

They have been a part of my upbringing," says the young filmmaker.

"I was not aware of the huge response but I wanted the valour of Havaldar Dada to go into the annals of history and these days history is internet. I talked to my two other friends and the result is extremely wonderful. The comment of one soldier, 'the film made me cry and smile at the same time', is etched on my mind and will remain my most treasured memory," says Somesh, who is a jingle expert in advertisement industry.

The other two -- Soumil Shetty, 27, and Rohan Sharma, 29 -- were more than willing to join Saha in the venture. "I knew it was a story waiting to be told. The first thing we requested the Army was to allow us meet Havaldar Dada’s comrades. After meeting them, we felt that his story needs to be told by those who were actually a part of Dada’s life," Saha says.

"Dada’s presence was an inspiration for all those who were associated with him including his colleagues, friends and family. He was a hero since birth. As a kid he used to be the first one to accpet a challenge. His honesty made a huge impact on those around him. This was our motivation to make the film," he says.

Along with writer-director Shetty, and Sharma, who works with a production house, Saha went to Dada’s native village Borduria in Arunachal Pradesh.

"We travelled from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. We lived for a number of days with the soldiers who fought with him in the operation so that we could understand their feelings on a whole range of issues. It surely was a lifetime experience," Saha recalled. He said he wished to travel once again to Arunachal Pradesh to meet the six-year-old son of Dada.

Shetty, who took time off his routine job to work on the real script, said his aim was not to showcase Dada only as a soldier but someone who belonged to a family whose ties extended beyond the bond of blood.

"When we reached out to all the lives he had touched, the enormousness of his contribution came to fore. All we did was to showcase it as sincerely as possible," Shetty says.

Sharma, who is a post-production and animation man, recalls that when he read the citation of Havaldar Dada, this year's recipient of the highest peacetime gallantry award, his mind was flooded with many questions.

"For once, I wanted to experience what goes behind making of such a warrior. We were motivated to know more about the man, his upbringing, how he imbibed the rare daredevilry...

the reaction of his family on getting the news of his martyrdom....and the motivation which makes a man become so fearless to serve a national cause selflessly..," says Sharma.

Sharma, whose father is an Army veteran, says, "We were inspired to pay a befitting tribute to Dada and his family and the region to which he belonged. I saw it as a golden opportunity to pay tribute to the brave soldier as I could relate with the army atmosphere so well owing to my background. I always regret to have missed the opportunity of following in the footsteps of my father," says Sharma.

On the number of hits on social media and comments, all the three said that they were indebted to the nation and appreciated the response. "The response has been immense. It is an encouragement for us to make many more films on warriors of India," says Saha. PTI

 

 

 

KVK East Kameng conduct SAC meeting

SEPPA, Jan 29: Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducted its Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting under the chairmanship of East Kameng DC Rajeev Takuk at KVK Pampoli here on Saturday.

Speaking during the meeting, DC Rajeev Takuk, while expressing concern over the pest management problem associated with farming in the State, requested KVK to devise some mechanism collectively to resolve this issue once and for all. Enquiring about trial on goat rearing, he informed that the area is very feasible and advocated for goat rearing and simultaneously, suggested to aware others to replicate the same.

Speaking about the type of soil of the district and test conducted so far, DC advised that ground reality and practical aspect should also be considered while conducting any trial or introduction of new variety, besides application of scientific methods.

"Focus should also be given on the effect of introduction of new variety to soil texture and its fertility beforehand," he suggested.

Admitting that a research centre should be well equipped, he opined that at least basic minimum infrastructure should be available in any institution to improve its work culture and progressive outcome. In the infrastructure front, he assured to pursue the matter with the concern authority for basic amenities and accommodation facility for the staffs and to provide financial assistance for arrangement of irrigation facility to FLD fields.

Acknowledging that agriculture and allied sectors are the backbone of this nation, DC urged that farmers should be given importance and supported at the fullest. "All benefits of any relevant schemes should be extended to genuine and needy farmers," he further added.

Earlier, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Dr S Borthakur briefed the house about the progress report of the department till December, 2016. He further presented the Annual Action Plan and highlighted about the upcoming activities to be undertaken by KVK.

Periodic conduct of joint awareness, interaction and training programmes, collective adoption of a village by related agri and allied departments, regular filed visits of experts and specialists are some of the suggestions put forth by the members present. The Annual Action Plan of the KVK for 2017 was also discussed and approved.

Later, the committee led by the DC visited a farm belonging to a progressive farmer Madang Sonam. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Man missing

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: A 28-year-old man is reported to be missing from D. Ering Colony near State Library here since January 28.

A missing report has been lodged at Itanagar Police Station.

In the complaint filed by the mother of the missing man Ravi Tang Jang, it said that  he left home on January 28 around 12.40 pm and have not been since then.

Ravi, said to be 4.9 feet tall, was wearing T-shirt and coffee colour trouser and slippers.

The mother of the missing man has appealed for information. She can be contacted at - 9402698393.

 

 

 

NGO’s should work with devotion: Governor

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Governor PB Acharya said that NGO's and social organizations should work with devotion towards betterment of the society at large, without any prejudice or self agendas. He said this during his meeting with the members of Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) led by its president Pratik Potom at Raj Bhavan here on Sunday.

He also stressed upon the need to promote education, set up hospitals, orphanages across the State, as this would not only empower them but also strengthen the society leading to overall development.

The governor also underscored the need to speak mother tongue, emphasizing on the need to learn, teach and promote mother tongue or regional languages even at university levels and beyond that.

He further suggested AVP to work towards 'Swachh Bharat' and create awareness on policies and programmes of Central and State Governments, particularly Jan Dhan Yojana so that poorest of poor can avail benefits.

 

 

 

Athletic talent hunt organized for children

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Altogether 323 children under the age group of 11-14 and 15- 17 participated in an athletic talent hunt at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy Ground, Chimpu on Saturday.

Aimed at scouting talent for Olympics 2020 and 2024 from the state, the event was organized by Anglian Medal Hunt Company (AMCH) and supported by GAIL (India) Ltd.

The event was flagged off by state's first Everester Tapi Mra.

Of the total 323 participants, seven were selected for north East Zonal level competition which will be held on Feb 1st next at Guwahati.

 

 

 

CM praises Arunachal Pradesh tableau team

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has hailed and congratulated the team members of the tableau of Arunachal Pradesh that won the first position in the 68th Republic Day parade in the New Delhi.

The tableau depicted Yak Dance, a famous pantomime of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and practiced in many parts of the state, particularly in Tawang and West Kameng districts.

"It is indeed a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh. By winning the top position from amongst 23 tableaus including six from various ministries and departments, we have drawn attention of the entire country. This is a rare achievement," Khandu observed.

The Chief Minister particularly congratulated the artistes - all hailing from Tawang - who performed the ritualistic dance during the parade and won the heart of the nation.

He also congratulated and appreciated the efforts put in by the officials of IPR and Art & Culture in preparation of the tableau and its successful performance in the country's highest celebration.

 

 

 

CME on radiology

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Indian Medical Association (IMA) Arunachal unit organized Continuing Medical Education (CME) on Radiology Updates here on Saturday.

Associate Professor Department of Radiology NEIGRHIMS Shillong, Dr Pranjal Pukhan deliberated on Interventional Procedure in Radiology.

Dr Wangju Sumnyan presented a paper on the role of radiologist in Cancer while Dr Taling Mari presented on Radiological perspective of acute abdomen.

All the doctors from Capital Complex actively participated in the academic discussion.

 

 

 

WHL conducts workshop

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: The Arunachal Women Helpline team conducted a workshop on Women's Rights and Women Helpline at Exalt Foundation School recently. The main purpose of the workshop was to make the children aware of concepts and issues related to Women Rights and to develop an understanding of   its significance in day to day life experiences.

The first session of the workshop focused on   giving an orientation to the functions of WHL to the students while in the second, there was a discussion on fundamental rights and women's rights.

By  organising  such workshops  for the students, the school is  trying to cultivate  a culture of equality,   said Yadam Marde,  the chairperson of the school.

 

 

 

KAWS launches ambulance service

ITANAGAR, Jan 29: Karga Ao Welfare Society (KAWS), president Er Tabe Doni and Ranganadi NEEPCO HE project head Er B K Goswami have jointly flagged off the ambulance cum hearse  at Nirjuli  on Saturday.   The vehicle was provided by NEEPCO to the Society  under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Goswami said that  the ambulance cum mortuary van is first of its kind that the NEEPCO has provided to any society.  Doni  has extended sincere gratitude to the NEEPCO for their kind gesture.

The programme was attended, among others, by former minister Takar Doni, senior members of KAWS and NEEPCO officials.

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

All rights reserved.

wp90ecad59.png

---- Editorial ----

 

 

Trump should re-think

The world’s most powerful country, the United States of America, is going through a difficult transition period after swearing in of new president Donald Trump. His action in the first week as president is having turbulent effect. Trump and his team have been going hard on anyone who questions their decision with US media facing the maximum heat. However it is the decision of Trump administration to ban entry of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries to the US for at least next 90 days which is wreaking havoc. The decision which has been granted temporary stay by a New York Federal Judge has been widely criticized across the world.

The executive order signed by Trump recently bars all people hailing from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen -- or at least 134 million people, based on 2013 World Bank census data -- from entering the United States. Democratic Party as well several leaders of Western world has deeply condemned the move.  The decision of President Trump has potential to further alienate Muslim world. It will provide an opportunity to the radical Islamic group to pit US and west as anti-Islam. Barring Iran, there is civil war like situation in the remaining six countries. Iraq and Libya is facing civil war due to American military interventions. Therefore it is morale duty of US to help people of these two countries as they are facing difficult time due to mistake of US government. Also for long US has been beacon of hope for the citizens fleeing persecution. The American dream and its democratic values have continued to inspire people around the world. If they suddenly shut their border, the world will lose that hope. Trump administration should realize this and continue to support the people who see America as leader of democratic world.

 

 

___________________

 

 

---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

Hope for Black-necked cranes in Arunachal

Dear  Editor,

This is regarding Jacob Ngukir’s  letter“Welcome the winter visitor”(January 23).

His immense concern for the safety and dignity of life of Black-necked cranes is highly praiseworthy and has moved my heart. It is also a matter of great joy for me to know that the local people of West Kameng district treat those seasonal visitors from Tibet as highly sacred. However it has not arrived as surprise for me as I have been fortunate enough to receive warm and humble behaviour from the common simple people of that very district right from Bhalukpong to Bomdilla to Dirang just a few months ago. And also Arunachal Times deserves whole-hearted praise for publishing such humanitarian letter. Yes, humanitarian. True human beings are indeed they who work for the benefit and protection of not only their own species; but for the cause of animal, bird and plant lives as well. Human beings and all elements of nature are after all basically the same.

I had read about the Black-necked cranes previously in an article on Phobjikha Valley, located  in Central Bhutan. Perhaps it would not be out of context if I recall it a bit. Those migratory birds are also deemed  extremely sacred in  that exquisite Himalayan Valley. On that valley stands an extremely holy  Buddhist monastery named Gangteng. When the winter sets in, the black-necked cranes fly in from Tibet. But before descending and settling around the lakes in the Valley, the cranes at first circle over the monastery 3 times. The same process gets repeated during their return! After circling around the monastery 3 times, they fly towards Tibet. This unbelievable unexplained gesture of those birds have augmented the feeling of respect of the local people of Phobjikha Valley towards the Black-necked cranes. So to welcome them, the inhabitants of the Valley conduct annual Crane Festival with utmost sincerity and dignity. The upcoming kids and children are made to dress resembling the cranes and the festival goes on. This is to create awareness about the sanctity of the cranes and also to imbibe a feeling of love and respect within the children towards the birds so that the Black-necked cranes can continue to throng the valley through generations. And when the birds settle around the lakes, even local people do not venture too close near it so that the birds do not get disturbed! The area turns into a protected zone and complete silence gets maintained so as to ensure a peaceful and calm environment for the birds. Just imagine the broad-heartedness of those Bhutanese people and their concern for the environment and God-awarded lives!

I hope the respect for those very birds in Arunachal Pradesh also would  get translated into more concrete action. That few cranes have lost their lives in Sangti Valley after getting entangled in electrical wires is unfortunate.  Mr.Ngukir has rightly asked the concerned Departments to see to it that more such tragic deaths do not occur. Else the highly intelligent sensitive species will not grace the state in future.

By drawing inspiration from Bhutan, necessary initiatives can be taken to provide a safe refuge to the birds where they can stay undisturbed. The children and kids can also be taught to admire them so that the birds continue to flock to Sangti Valley and rest of Arunachal Pradesh. Yes, festivals can be organised in the honour of the birds drawing tourists to the region from all over. But that tourism-related activities need to be controlled effectively. While they can be allowed to have glimpse of the Black-necked cranes from vantage points, but close proximity to it should be strict no-no.

Ending my letter with a bit of personal note. I have been to almost all parts of India and two of our neighbouring nations as well. No doubt Kashmir, Goa, Visakapatnam, Odisha, Meghalaya, Nepal  --- all are nice. But in my eyes, no place could  be compared with Bhutan which was not only numero uno, but stood high above the rest. But after visiting Arunachal Pradesh three months ago, at last I discovered a place which can stand on the same pedestal as Bhutan. Serene, calm, beautiful, dignified --- indeed no words exist in my dictionary which can portray the speciality of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh vividly. However this similarity did not surprise me very much. After all I had visited the North-Western corner of Arunachal Pradesh which is physically and culturally contagious to Bhutan. Man-made narrow political factors might have drawn a line between the two regions, but no official border can succeed in fragmenting  God’s gift ie natural beauty, culture and mindset of the indigenous people which is seamless. Now thanks to Mr.Ngukir’s letter, it has arrived as pleasant surprise to me that Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley and Arunachal’s Sangti Valley is connected with another common chord ie the Black-necked cranes which are also considered sacred on both regions. While people of Phobjikha Valley go all-out to welcome the Black-necked cranes, Mr.Jacob Ngukir is penning heart-rending letters to raise concern about the safety of them and Arunachal Times is publishing it prominently! Nice, indeed very nice to see such similarities between my very favourite lands, both very near and dear to my heart.

Not USA or UK, neither Germany or Japan; rather Bhutan, possessing utmost respect and awarding great stress towards all things environment, ecology, social as well as human development and happiness is the only hope for the world if our planet needs to survive. Similarly I think that not Delhi or Bangalore, neither Gujarat or Bengal; rather  it is Arunachal Pradesh, with its ‘Live and Let Live’ philosophy, which remains the beacon of hope in this “dog eat dog” suicidal selfish environment prevalent in this country.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee

Kolkata

 

 

___________________

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor