The Arunachal Times - Archives

Centre wants CPSU to set up Siang Upper HEP

Itanagar, July 23: It seems that the centre is anxious about ensuring that that the country retains rights over the waters of the Brahmaputra, which is in grave danger of being diverted by China, to India's detriment. To this end, it has asked the government of Arunachal Pradesh, which is keen to allot the Siang Upper project, in the state, to a private player, to reconsider its stance. The union government feels that massive amounts of investment, which only it is capable of deploying unilaterally would be required, to fast track the project, which also contains a significant irrigation component. The Ministry of Power feels that in this background, the obviously longer time that would be required for any other developer to tie up needed funds would hurt India's chances of establishing first rights on the river. While the central government would be able to fund the irrigation component of the project, implying rapid financial closure, if the Siang Upper is implemented by a PSU, this would not be possible in case a private player is roped in. The power ministry's disposition lends support to NTPC's quest to be alloted both the stages of the Siang Upper hydroelectric project (HEP).

Pertinently, in February 2009, the GoAP had roped in NTPC to only prepare the preliminary feasibility report (PFR) for the Upper Siang project. Accordingly, NTPC prepared the PFR, which called for the cascade development of the project in two stages, the 6,000 MW Stage-I and 3,750 MW Stage-II, in an integrated manner, by developing and utilizing common infrastructure.

Gauging the tremendous importance of effective and expeditious exploitation of the hydropower potential of the Subansiri river, in Arunachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Power (MoP) has called on the state government to without delay award the six remaining hydroelectric projects (HEP) proposed in the basin. While the preliminary feasibility reports (PFR) for all these projects have already been prepared, the government is still to take a call on the allotment of these ventures. These yet-to-be-awarded projects are the 700 MW Oju-I, 1,000 MW Oju-II, 800 MW Niare, 1,000 MW Naba, 552 MW Dengser and the 360 MW Nalo HEPs.

The GoAP has, so far, awarded only three HEPs, worth a capacity of 5,600 MW, on this river. Of these, the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower HEP is being constructed by the hydropower major, NHPC, with likely commissioning between 2012-14, while the 1,600 MW Subansiri Middle HEP has been awarded to a joint venture of Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited and Jindal Power Limited. Similarly, the state government has allotted the 2,000 MW Subansiri Upper HEP to Hyderabad-based KSK Energy Ventures in March 2010.Courtesy: www.energylineindia.com

Haider vies for HI general secretary

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, July 23: Embarking a new challenge, former AAPSU general secretary and present NESO general secretary Gumjum Haider has filed nomination for the post of general secretary and treasure of Hockey India. The election for various posts of Hockey India will be held on 28th of this month at New Delhi.

While talking to this reporter, Gumjum said, “Am quite confident about securing victory. I hope all my fellow north-east friends will support me in my endeavour.” He said just like way people of north-east region came together in the past to support singer like Debojit Saha in a reality show, similar wave of support may ensure his victory. He is fighting for the post of secretary general against Narendra Batra, who is representing Jammu and Kashmir hockey association.

While expressing confidence about his victory, he further said “ It does not matter whether I win or not. Am trying to forge united North-East and fight this election. I want to convey a message that an Arunachalee and even to that extent a north-eastern can also aspire to occupy various important national level post. Also people have to remember that our region has given some of the best hockey players to national team in both men and women section.”

Yazali film now at CCRD's Saturday Cinemaghar

Itanagar, July 23: After a successful and well attended premier at the Rajiv Gandhi University, Yazali; Ballad Of Existence, a film that seeks to reflect Yazali as a window to the mind and heart of the Nyishi community finds its way to another sought after destination for film and idea lovers- the Saturday Cinemaghar curated by the Centre for Cultural Research & Documentation (CCRD) at the E&K's Cafe in Naharlagun.

Conceptualised by Souparna Lahiri and directed by Tapos Mazumdar and Indrajit, the 26 minute documentary centres around a small town Yazali in Lower Subansiri District primarily inhabited by the Nyishi community. Referred to as the gateway of world to the Nyishis, the film depicts today’s Yazali and reflects the opinion and voices of the people in the aftermath of the Ranganadi HEP. The film also tries to bring in diverse facets of the concept of development. The film is an attempt to reflect Yazali and its contributions to the Nyishi community through extensive interaction with the people of Yazali, depicting their daily lives and linkages that the valley forges with their culture, social organization, economy and livelihood. The film also reflects thinking and opinion of the people of Yazali of what lies ahead in their future. It may be mentioned that the Saturday Cinema-ghar, into its 3rd year, stands as a fine example of Corporate Social Responsibility where the management of the cafe supports the event, fulfilling its promise made at the Cafestival film festival held here 2 years back.

Todays’s event will see the attendance of regulars, activists and people who are following the entire culture-development debate. The filmmakers will also be present to introduce the film and take questions post-screening.

Appeal to call off bandh

ITANAGAR, July 23: Former MLA Nani Rebia has appealed the 32 KM NLCPR Contractor Association, Ziro to call off their proposed 12-hr Ziro-Hapoli bandh on July 27.

Describing the demand of the contractors for release of pending bills as genuine and justified, Ribia said that the matter has been brought to the notice of the PWD Minister. He further said, the minister after patient hearing has issued necessary directive to chief engineer, PWD (C/Z) for appropriate action as per actual works done and fund provision.

BIM ends with ‘breakfast with butterflies’

MIAO, July 23: The Butterfly India Meet, Namdapha 2010 ended with a Conservation program named, “Breakfast with Butterflies” here at Miao yesterday. The five-day assembly of Natures mates finally comes to an end with around 183 findings of flying beauties and innumerous Moths apart from the sightings of some glittering beetles like Golden Tortoise Beetle.

Twenty numbers of selected school children from five schools around the Miao attended the program --“Breakfast with Butterflies,” a unique program on awareness with the theme ‘Lets Create a Flutter’. Experts took the children to nearby fields as rain God restricted the movement to distant areas, to give them some basic information about the beautiful creatures living around us. Some senior photographers provided opportunity to school children to try their tiny hands on their long zooms and describe the shooting techniques. Children had never imagined believing their luck when they got the chance to actually shooting with cameras which they were only watching in TV Channels. “This was an encouraging indicator for existence of many other species of the butterflies in the core area and beyond that when type of forests and profile of hill changes, if count touches a figure of 183 in the buffer area” explained Dr. Alfred, Former Director, Zoological Survey of India. J. M. Garg who is an Indian icon in Wikipedia for his submission of more than 8000 pictures of different Nature categories was amazed to see the diversity of Arunachal Pradesh. “For sure I am taking another trip to this wonderland soon where ecology appears still intact while people from other part of the country struggling to breathe in fresh air in polluted environment” he added.

While speaking on the occasion of ‘Lets Create a Flutter’ Mrs. J. Jugli, Chairperson, Changlang Zila Parishad expressed the need of carrying the conservation awareness to deep inside the villages with help of Anchal members. “More programs like this should be organized in future on regular intervals to educate the ignorant masses” she added. Lauding the spirit of participants and initiations of organizers of the meet, Mrs. Jugli said, ‘We were not aware of our rich biodiversity which have been highlighted’

“The event was held for the thirteenth time at the various locations of India and this is the second time we have got the opportunity to explore Arunachal Pradesh in North East” explained Butterfly India Group Moderator Vijay Barve in his introductory speech. He thanked Arif Siddiqui, program coordinator whose butterflies’ pictures draw the attention of Nature Enthusiast towards the Arunachal Pradesh worldwide. “Still people are desperate to come to Arunachal Pradesh for its wonderful wildlife but we could not entertain many due to limitations in accommodation” he added.

Colonel Sandeep Chaudhury of 18 Assam Rifles, Jairampur speaking to the gathering urged for controlling hunting of animals and birds in the area. “Poachers should be suing for the killing animals in the similar manner as the murderer are treated in civil societies” he added. S.J. Jongsam Namdapha national park filed director, cherished the efforts of participants and regret for the bad weather since last three month which restricted the movement of visiting experts to the inner areas of Park. He also assured to provide all support and help to any research scholars and teams coming for studies in the park in future also.

“Despite belonging to a completely different profession, Col Choudhury has shown his appreciation for nature and affection for the people of this area,” said Nimbong Sena. Assam Rifle was one of the main supporters in organizing the Butterfly India Meet. All the participants were extremely happy and expressed their gratitude to the peoples of Arunachal Pradesh for the hospitality they received here. “This will be an inerasable moment of our life and we are much thankful to organizing NGO NSEWC and SEACOW” said Siddarth Edake of Madhya Pradesh.

The event was witnessed by officials of various departments including department of Forest and Environment, GeoEnpro, Assam Rifles, local administration and local leaders.

AdiSU condemn ‘assault’

ITANAGAR, July 23: Few days after the Late Tachi Nguso’s incident, this time Adi Students Union alleged misconduct of Police officer of Pasighat Police station.

The AdiSU said that on July 18 last near Latbong hall Pasighat, the vehicle of the union’s Vice President Tanong Tamuk, who is also spearheading the Quit Siang Movement met with a mechanical problem, meanwhile a passerby (a policeman) passed an ironic comments on the situation which later arose into a misunderstanding and confrontation between the two. However, with the intervention of investigating Officer ASI MI Ansari, who arrested and brought Tamuk to Police station, Pasighat insisted both the policeman and Tamuk to solve the case on mutual understanding, the Union said.

But at that movement, the Union claimed, SI PK Chatterjee of Police station Pasighat in civil dress entered into the police control room and started beating Tamuk without any valid reason in front of IO and others. As a result Tamuk got severe injury on left ear drum, the union added.

AdiSu condemned the physical assault on its vice president and decided to launch strike, if the district administration fails to book SI PK Chatterjee immediately.

It also termed the assault as an inducement from the higher authority to suppress the union’s Quit Siang Dam movement.

RRS to fight against crime & corruption: Mugli

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, July 23: Starting a new chapter in his decade old political career, former minister Talo Mugli has taken up the post of vice-president of All India Rashtriya Rajiv Sena(RRS). Disclosing this in a press meet today, Mugli informed that he has been given additional charge of North-East region too.

Further Mugli informed that the basic objectives, envisaged under the RRS organization was to fight against crime, casteism and corruption in the country, which was also the dream of former Prime Minister of India, late Rajiv Gandhi to make the country free of such evils. Besides that the endeavor would be the upliftment of poor and downtrodden section of society in various parts of our state and the promotion of other curricular activities such as sports, culture and arts to bind the society, added Mugli. Further he added all India level RRS meet would be held in the month of August and after that new office bearer will be selected. The appointment would be both district and state level.

Prospect of medicinal plant cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh

Nyodek Yonggam,

Ex-Tea Planter.

We know that various kind of diseases are being treated and cured by allopathic, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines. We laymen hardly bother to know how medicines are being prepared and raw materials meant for Ayurvedic and Homeopathic drug are cultivated. I am also one of the laymen.

Though I am not a doctor or an expert in medicinal line I would like to send a message to the interested farmers through this small article regarding the prospect of medicinal plant cultivation and production of raw materials in Arunachal Pradesh for Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines.

I had an opportunity to attend a workshop on " Production and Marketing and Management of Medicinal Plants in North Eastern India" jointly organized by National Institute of Agriculture Marketing, Joipur, State Medicinal Board, Govt. of Assam, Guwahati in collaboration with National Institute of Rural Development, North Eastern Region, Guwahati and Patkai Herbs & Species Pvt. Ltd., Guwahati from May 17 to 21, 2004. 37 numbers of participants from all over North Eastern States attended the workshop. I got wonderful inspiration from speeches of resource persons of Guwahati University, Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat, Govt. Vetenary College, Guwahati, Govt. Ayurvadic College, Guwahati, Member Secretary, Assam State Medicinal Plant Board, Director of National Institute of Agriculture Marketing, Joipur, Director of Rural Development, NE Region, Guwahati, Senior Scientist of North East Region Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi), Guwahati, Chairman of Kangla Agro Farmeing, Imphal and many other NGOs and private farmers who spoke on cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants and herbs in North Eastern states.

Visits of Govt. Ayurvedic College campus, Guwahati NEDFI’s RD centre at Khetri, Nowgaon and Boishistha a NGO ashram where medicinal plants are being cultivated and manufactured enhances our knowledge. Medicinal plants & herbs which are planted in these places are available in all parts of Arunachal Pradesh. But due to lack of knowledge in identification and medicinal values these plants and herbs are systematically being destroyed in the field. We were told that 15,000 species of medicinal plants are available in India out of which more than 3,200 medicinal plants are identified. Presently, 500 species are used for manufacturing of medicines. In Arunachal Pradesh 500 species of medicinal plants and herbs has been identified by State Forest Research Institute (SFRI), Itanagar. Unfortunately, commercial cultivation is done only on 32 Species which has been recognized by National Medicinal Plant Board, Govt. of India. New Delhi.

From the ancient days people knew the importance of medicinal plants. Even today in our tribal region like Arunachal Pradesh some herbs and medicinal plants are used as first aid treatment in emergency cases. But we nev never bother how to develop and cultivate these herbs in large scale for our daily use.

Horticulture products which includes fruits and vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushroom, honey, floriculture medicines -- all these have their own medicinal properties and some of these plants are also used in allopathic medicines. In the eye of Ayurvedic doctor all the plants and herbs can be term as medicinal plants. Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines are nothing but a mixture of many parts of medicinal plants and herbals. These medicines have no side effects and as a result these medicines have gaining popularity all over the world. Due to increase cost of treatment, medicines and hazardous side effects of allopathic medicine, the importance of Ayurvedic and Homoepathic treatment are increasing day by day

Medicinal plants cultivation is an agro-based highly profitable industry. Medicinal Plants are cultivated according to their suitable climatic conditions. Medicinal Plants cultivation project comes under horticulture. Therefore, educated unemployed youths both boys and girls can avail financial assistance under centrally sponsored schemes and from National Medicinal Plants Board, Govt. of India, New Delhi for medicinal plant cultivation and marketing. There are hundreds and thousands of dealers and manufacturers of medicinal plant all over India.

While selecting the cultivation of medicinal plants and herbal crops most commercially viable species should be selected and cultivated. List of such plants are available at the office of the State Medicinal Plant Board, Itanagar. As per duration, commercial cultivation of medicinal plants from sowing to harvesting it can be classified into three categories i.e. as short, within 3-8 months, second within 8-20 months and third categories which last 20-40 months.

Expert says that North Eastern State is treasure house of medicinal plants and herbals crops. In Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura medicinal and aromatic plants are cultivated in large scale. In Arunachal Pradesh, some NGOs have started cultivation of medicinal plants at Changlang, Jairampur, Roing, Itanagar, Ziro, Dirang and Tawang.

From the above mentioned discussion it has been seen that the Ayurvadic and Homeopathic doctors used to cure various diseases by using the parts of different herbal and medicinal plants. When we suffer from dysentery, we take guava leave, we also take leaves of manimuni and bhedailata leaves for digestive system and liver function. Mehandi leaves are used for colouring of hairs. If these plants are cultivated in large scale one can earn huge amount of money regularly from buyers and manufacturers of medicinal plants and herbs since these plants are perennial by nature of mother earth.

I would like to advise the interested farmers and educated unemployed youths of Arunachal Pradesh to take up medicinal plant cultivation as one of their professions which is an everlasting business. They are also advised to contact Medicinal Plant Board, Itanagar for detail information. Presently writer of this article is cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants in small scale at Oyan village, East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh.

VIPs and their kins

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, July 23: Death of late Jumchi Nguso on 15th July has finally exposed ugly side of our police force and Arunachal’s VIPs. It’s a tragedy that it needed the death of a loving father of four children to open the eyes of sleeping citizen of this state. Often in the past state police forces especially IRBn jawans has been seen committing human right violation blatantly without being reprimanded. Time and again in capital complex and various district headquarters, we see VIP vehicles zooming past us with siren making noises like Vuvuzelas.

Poor citizen in bikes, cycles and those walking on the road has to bear brunt of such VIP vehicle moment. Drivers and escort police officers reserve choices of abusive words for those who disturb their way. It’s tough to understand what makes them so angry and abusive. Is it pressure of duty or they have fight with their wives before leaving for work in the morning? Also it is tough to understand why our VIPs need police escort as long as tail of lord Hanuman for their security. This development of new VIP culture in the state is unprecedented and very dangerous too. Arunachal is one of the most peaceful states, where threat to the life of ministers and MLAs are minimum. There is no logic in having such long queue of escort team. In fact our dear VIPs are wasting public money for their security and also mis-using police force. If they really care for ordinary citizen, they should reduce wasteful spending on their personal security and invest that money for the welfare of poor citizens.

Another aspect which often goes unnoticed is mis-use of VIP vehicles by their relatives and kins. Many times we gave way for VIP vehicle thinking they are on for some important meetings. But usually it is their relatives who are seen moving in these vehicles with headlights on and siren blowing. Their wives or families going for shopping and in some case there has been report of VIPs kids zooming past in their parents official car along with their girl friends and boy friends respectively while getting cozy in the back seats. These spoilt brats who can’t achieve something of their own in life without their parents blessing, has no shame in using official vehicles for their illicit act and thereby endangering the life of ordinary citizens.

Our state government which claim itself to be ‘people’s first government’, need to demonstrate their real intent now. Leaders should show us a way by dumping their VIP attitudes and live like ordinary citizen of this underdeveloped state. After all every VIP has to remember that sooner or later they also will have to live the life of ordinary citizens like rest of us. In the meanwhile citizen of this state who has even little sense of responsibilities has to make sure that sacrifice of late Jumchi Nguso does not go waste. We can pay tribute to him by making sure that no more citizen meet end like him because of the negligence of our dear VIPs. Time for some real action!

Use Hindi but pledge to keep

the roots of tribal language alive

Dear Editor,

This is in response to both Mr. Dabi and Mr Chatterjee letters on langaue. I am not here to justify as to who is right and who is not. Both of them seem to have done a thorough research on the dominance and expedience part of the usage of Hindi as a language. And I am overwhelmed with both on their take on the subject. Just to add on to what Mr. Dabi has conveyed through his 18th July article, is undoubtedly practical and true, why to castigate the most convenient language? Why to haul over something that makes work simple and less complex in this fast speeding life. In order to have a common ground for understanding the not understood communication and use Hindi as the medium there is nothing erroneous. To craft Hindi as the focal point to bind all the four directions north, south, east and west I strongly deem there is nothing to whine over the convention of Hindi as a language. When compared to other parts of the north east people of Arunachal Pradesh speak better Hindi. And the most beautiful part of knowing Hindi as a language makes life easier for people residing outside their state. It makes us complement with people from other parts of the nation. Not everyone understands English more than Hindi in India. The brighter part is you can never get lost in a city you have never been to if you understand and speak Hindi. I use this example as a metaphor to the commonness we share being an Indian. Hindi is the official language and using it for academic and official purpose is rightly reserved. While talking about the brighter aspects of using the convenient language, I come to the other point to what Mr Chatterjee has highlighted in the letter to the editor on the 22nd July, I agree to her point that Hindi language has been a dominant paradigm of communication over the years in India. And using it because its convenient to decode the message what the sender has send and pay no heed to the beauty of the Tani language that the people of Arunachal Pradesh speaks is approximating to suicide. I believe one should not overlook the culture and identity by identifying oneself with an alien identity rather one should save one’s culture and language and learn to value them before it extinct. It is true that most of the youths in Arunachal Pradesh hardly know their own language or dialects. One thing for sure is they are well versed with Hindi and English but not their own dialects. Whom to blame? My personal stand here is speak and respect Hindi as a language while you still pledge to keep the roots of tribal language alive. For every setback there is a solution, and the only solution I see is that of a parental role, from the early days of a child itself parents should make sure they encourage their children to converse with them in their own dialect and languages. While formulate Hindi to its stature as an official language not personal. Open to suggestion.

Yours,

Dakter Esse, M.A Mass communication

University of Hyderabad

I feel the pain of Arunachal

Dear Editor,

Apropos Mr. Tajen Dabi's letter "Where is your ethical journalism?" (23 July), neither do I possess monetary strength nor can I spare time to pursue Court cases. Mr. Dabi can also accuse me of indulging in the "fashion" of quoting Court verdicts, but the fact still remains that neither Constitution nor the Court of Law has designated Hindi as the "national language". The "national language" status of Hindi is nothing but the brainchild of the linguistic zealots of North India.

Mr. Dabi questions why this letter writer is not re-adopting "her"(actually this "merchant of hatred" happens to be of male species) non-anglicised surname of Chattopadhyay instead of Chatterjee. Let me tell Mr. Dabi that I will continue to hold the Anglicised surname of Chatterjee just because I will continue to read Arunachal Times! After all, I hold utmost respect for English alongwith Bengali and all languages of the world.

And far from asking to discard English from India because of its "foreign" origin, I will firmly demand that English be accorded the "national language" status because it is the only language that can link an Assamese with a Malyalee, Gujarati with an Oriya. And since it is not the tongue of any particular state, it will act as the perfect neutral language; unlike the present situation where the Hindi-speakers get undue privilege because of their language's forced "national language" status.

And if protest against Hindi-imperialism gets dubbed as "incitement of hatred against a particular language", then so be it. Mr.Dabi may feel extreme pride in viewing Hindi's dominance over the indigenous tongues in Arunachal Pradesh, but I will definitely not feel overjoyed when I see how the language of Bihar and UP is being imposed in all sectors of West Bengal, that too by displacing Bengali right from its own backyard.

Just because I love my mother tongue and culture to the highest degree, I feel the same emotion towards all languages and cultures of India and the world. Thus I feel extreme pain on reading the reports how the indigenous tongues of Arunachal Pradesh are meeting its death. But if such feelings towards the fate of the Arunachal languages is a "sin" and I am advised to " leave the people of Arunachal alone to solve family exigencies", then I will definitely not raise my voice for the state; provided I am sure that most indigenous people of Arunachal support Mr. Dabi's point.

And Arunachal Times is not a space for "trading personal egos", as alleged by Mr. Dabi. That is a healthy daily which respects democratic right of the readers to express their opinions and encourages debates pertaining to any issue and Arunachal Times has passed the litmus test with heads held high.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata

Suggestion

Dear Editor,

The Arunachal Time website is a very informative. It would be much more absorbing for the visitors if it could provide audio visual information /moments of some important occasions as it is not very difficult in doing the same via internet.

Yours,

Songio Taw

Pappu Nallah, Naharlagun

Looking for messiahs of quality education

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the attention of all and sundry to the plight of the much viled, criticized and vilified SSA teachers of Arunachal Pradesh.

Every other day we come to hear and read about our negligence, misdeeds and blah blah- from the respected PRI members to our honourable legislators. Now, to criticize and condemn a duty neglected that too of such a vital importance is laudable and justified in democratic set up like ours, but should not one try to look behind the causes of such conducts from the highly qualified (in most cases) and lowly paid SSA teachers.

You would probably say it is an oft repeated load of excuses -- agreed, but where do all the doomsday soothsayers and the self-proclaimed messiahs of quality education go when the same establishment that had hired us to impart quality education failed to pay us our salary for the last four months at a stretch? Imagine us and our dependents enjoying a happy vacation on empty stomachs!

This letter is not an accusation nor a gauntlet thrown to everybody concerned, but a plea for timely redressal of our grievances. Now, would the same persons who had questioned our ability and integrity be kind enough to point their fingers at the government?

In essence, the Right to timely salary should also be interpreted in parallel to the Right to Life, Right to livelihood and Right to Education.

Yours,

Dilip Jomoh

A humble SSA teacher

Seppa

The fee is too high

Dear Editor,

This is regarding complaint by some students on the huge fee for getting admission in homeo college Itanagar (On July 22 in this daily). If it is private college then the complaint raised by student is baseless but if it is run by or affiliated to state govt, then, I am surprised to see the article. How come such a huge amount should be charged to those students who are getting the seats after appearing J.E.E conducted by govt of Arunachal Pradesh.

Therefore, in support of the student I appeal authority concerned to look into matter. I also appeal and request authority for giving first preference to the A.P.S.T candidates for recruitment of M.O.(H) under N.R.H.M as well as in the state Govt.

Yours,

Dr T.Tamuk

Mahadevpur,

Lohit District

Assam not an isolated case

Dear Editor,

Till the other day I and my friends were least bothered about the Bangladeshi influx in Assam. But the recent incidents where the Nagas blocked the National Highways 39 and 53 to Manipur has sent alarm bells ringing for us.

Tomorrow if Assam is dominated by Bangladeshis and they block the national highway to Meghalaya, our state would face famine and will be cut off from the outside world. Assam is our state of origin and the heartland of North-east. The neighbouring hill states should learn from the Nagaland-Manipur blockade. All the political leaders, student organizations and civil society groups should counter Bangladeshis influx. The turmoil in Assam is not an isolated one. It might be a bit late but the hills will also face problems later. Tactics like blackmail through road blockade might be resorted to by the illegal migrants to further their territories in the hilly parts of the region. What Assam faces today, entire North-East will face tomorrow.

Yours,

Neil Lyngdoh

Laitumkhrah, Shillong

*******************************

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

Committee formed

ITANAGAR, July 23: In order to look into complaint regarding non-allotment of BPL and AAY ration items at Tali, Pipsoram, Sarli, Damin, Parsi Parlo and Chambang areas, a 11-member committee headed by Parliamentary secretary, FCS Lokam Tassar and Commissioner FCS Y D Thongchi as member secretary was formed. The committee will discuss and resolve problem once for all and expected to submit its report on or before August 2, before finalizing the allotment of August.

Independence Day Cup Football Tournament kicks off at Nampong

NAMPONG, Jul, 23: Independence Day Football Cup Tournament initiated by Still Well Club Nampong began at General Ground here yesterday with colorful note.

Attending the inaugural function as chief guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jairampur M. Roy stressed on the need of such tournament to promote games and sports among the youths. He appreciated the Still Well Club for initiating such activities thereby keeping the youths active and encouraged the committee members to take up more such activities in coming days.

While assuring full cooperation from the administration in creating a secure, peaceful and conducive environment for all round development of the area, the ADC exhorted all the youths to help in this endeavour. He hoped that the tournament will definitely help in motivating the youths in particular and all the people of the district in general towards constructive activities.

The committee members expressed their satisfaction over the response of the participating teams and assured all the sports lovers of more such activities in days to come. The committee further urged the participating teams to play with true sportsman spirit as a mark of honor to the great souls who sacrificed their lives for our motherland.

The committee expressed gratitude to Siang Engineering and Construction Pvt. Ltd for sponsoring the tournament and encouraging the youths of the area in the field of sports.

The inaugural match was held between Khamkhai Village and Ko-Han-Tai in which the former defeated the latter.

Eighteen teams from different comers of the district are participating in the tournament. The final will be played on August 15 next, according to organizing committee.

Ph.D degree

Itanagar, July 23: Bomchak Riba has been qualified for the Ph. D Degree in the topic, “Relevance of Indigenous Knowledge System of the Galo of Arunachal Pradesh in Sustainable Development of Forest Resources” under the supervision of Dr. Tomo Riba, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University.

He is son of Nyabom Riba and Late Retu Riba of Dari village, West Siang District and is the first Galo to be obtained Ph. D Degree in Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS). His degree will be conferred at the next Convocation of University.

Awareness meet

ITANAGAR, July 23: N N Charitable Society, Langper, (Sagalee) will organize an awareness camp on formation of farmers Club at Saking under Mengio circle on July 30. Panchayat leaders, head gaon buras, goan burahs and general public of Mengio circle and Govt and NABARD officials are expected to attend the programme sponsored by NABARD, Itangar.

APPDSU supported

ITANAGAR, July 23: While supporting the teachers’ drive being carried out by All Papum Pare District Students Union, All Sagalee Students Union (ASSU) has appealed the school authorities to cooperate with APPDSU and also appealed the teachers joint their posting places.

BJP appointment

ITANAGAR, July 23: State BJP Mahila Morcha vice president Kenjum Pangkam has been promoted to the post of president, according to a party release.

Awareness camp

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: All Sagalee Students’ Union (ASSU) will conduct a social service cum educational awareness campaign highlighting the values of education in modern society at Govt Middle School Balapu on July 31. The president and executive members of All Papum Pare District Students’ Union, Panchayat leaders, head gaon burha, gaon burha, students and general public of the area are expected to participate both the programs.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, July 23: Duyu Hinda, Toko Tapa and Millo Kobin have been appointed as president, vice president and general secretary of All Lower Subansiri Youth Organization.

Appeal to Capital admn.

ITANAGAR, July 23: Despite confirmation from the capital administration, one Nabam Tate, selected by Hero Honda for participation in Queen’s Baton relay was denied participation in the relay last hour without any reason, the proprietor of Brother’s Enterprise, an authorized dealer of Hero Honda, Naharlagun in a letter to Capital DC said. The letter also appealed the Capital DC to clarify the matter.

Arunachal’s Santosh trophy campaign virtually over

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh’s Santosh Trophy campaign at Kolkata virtually over with the team losing their second group level match to Madhya Pradesh by 1-3 goals at Howrah stadium today.

The consolation goal for Arunachal Pradesh was scored by Rallo Raj Kumar. Arunachal Pradesh will complete their group assignment with a match against Uttar Pradesh on July 25.

SAI selection trial

ITANAGAR: A selection trial to induct students at Sports Authority of India, Special Area Game Centre Naharalgun will be held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun on July 19 and 20 next. The selection trial will be held for both Boys and Girls of age between 12-14 years in Boxing Taekwondo, Karate and Weightlifting, according to an official release.

Tuki chief guest

ITANAGAR: PWD Minister Nabam Tuki will attend the inaugural function of the Mid-term council meeting of Indian Engineer’s Federation, North East region at Banquet Hall here tomorrow as chief guest. Delegates from all the seven Northeastern states including Sikkim and Bihar are expected to participate. Engineering fraternities from various works departments of the state Govt are also attend the meet.

138 BN CRPF Raising day

ITANAGAR, July 23: 138Bn CRPF is organizing a welfare Mela at its Sinkiview camp on July 24 on the occasion of the 10th Raising day celebration of the battalion.