Hazardous Itanagar-Jote road
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, July 3: Due to recent incessant rainfall, the Itanagar-Jote road has deteriorated to a dangerous level.
Already dilapidated road is now almost turning into a quarry and is a nightmare for motorists. The Itanagar-Jote road is lifeline for people of Sangdupota circle. People of Jote, Poma, Baat, Moin, Bassernello, Khamyir and other nearby villages totally depend on this road as well as the tourists.
Tourists visiting Gyekar Sinyi Lake is also facing tough time due to it. “The road is really bad. We have come from Lakhimpur, Assam just to visit this famous lake. But road condition is quite pathetic and it scared us,” shared a visitor while talking to this reporter.
National Institute of Technology (NIT) has shifted some of the engineering departments to its permanent site at Jote from present temporary site, Yupia as such hundreds of students from across the country will be stationed at Jote. It is a punishment to these students for no fault of theirs.
Minor repairing work was carried out in 2014 but otherwise the PWD has neglected the road for decades now.
BJP’s Deadline and Pul’s Predicament
[ Nani Bath ]
The June 30 deadline, set by the BJP leadership for Chief Minister Kalikho Pul to merge his regional People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) with the BJP, has triggered a series of political churnings.
The state BJP president, Tapir Gao, has made the party’s position extremely clear by two of his unambiguous statements: “Arunachal Pradesh to have BJP-led government soon”, and that he “had conveyed the direction of party president Amit Shah to CM Pul”.
An interesting twist in the political drama has been the statement of APCC president Padi Richo. Describing the ‘deadline’ set by the BJP as “shameful” and an “attempt to form a government through the backdoor”, Richo comes to the rescue of PPA, although tacitly. He says, “The PPA being the lone regional party in the state should not succumb to the pressure and tactics of BJP and keep its own identity and dignity intact”.
Till recently, the APCC had maintained that Pul-led PPA government, comprising of defectors Congress MLAs, is unconstitutional, and the de jure chief minister is NabamTuki.
“The power of regional party”, an academically appreciable article by one Rillang Chege, looks to be a ‘political’ answer to the BJP’s ‘deadline’. A former Youth President (PPA) would not have written such academically and politically significant article without the knowledge and consent of PPA’s high-command.
My academic mind has given me to understand that the said article, which may actually have been written by a top PPA leader, throws a challenge to the BJP and its leadership. It reminds the party to recognise the growing popularity of regional parties across the nation. It says that the BJP would not be able to run the government alone because of multiple factors, such as, Arunachal Pradesh being a “cent per cent beep-eating state with hostile and imperialist neighbour”, and the BJP’s inability to fulfil its election promises.
Kiren’s victory in 2014 elections was not because of the love for BJP or its hindutva ideology but because of factional politics within Congress party. Partying away from the PPA can only be possible at the cost of “the bright career of Kiren Rijiju, who at the moment, is facing a “huge anti-incumbency risks coupled with the blame game of masterminding the ouster of Tuki-led government”, the article adds.
Chief minister Kalikho Pul, although slightly ‘excited’ and impulsive, is seen as a man of action. He has the ability to turn adversaries to his advantages. His ability to draw attention towards the state and his constituency proves his political acumen and experiences. Once out of the ministry, he had skilfully portrayed Nabam Tuki, then chief minister, as a man responsible for financial mess in the state.
People would faintly remember his “Kargil-like situation” statement when he was the state’s health minister. His primary target was Centre’s population-based funding pattern. On becoming chief minister, he changed his tactics slightly, and warned that China may claim the land in border areas vacated by villagers because of lack of development.
Pul knows when to make his next political move. He knows that he needs resources to keep state’s development agenda going, and make his supporters happy and intact. Chief minister is well aware of impending implementation of 7th Pay Commission Recommendations. He knows well that he will be fooling himself if he thinks that he could survive longer than expected without New Delhi’s blessings.
Then what stops the Hawai Man from merging his regional PPA to BJP or defecting from it? Is it his ideological commitment for a new-found love for a regional party with ‘indigenous moorings’?
Is it his personal convictions and commitments? Or, is it in the interests of the state and its people? None of these, I believe.
The BJP still remains a cadre-based party. Its general secretary (Organisation), without exception, is a person having Nagpur (RSS Headquarters) connection. What will be the future prospects (in terms of BJP tickets in 2019 elections) of the likes of Mutchu Mithi, Kumar Waii, Wanglin Lowangdong, Tatung Jamoh, Likha Saaya, et.al? Mutchu Mithi has asked the BJP to “stop making stupid comments”.
Kalikho Pul may have had his own compulsions in having ‘topple-Tuki’ understanding with the BJP. If Pul is to become a BJP chief minister now, he will be under the control the party’s big bosses, and he will have to deal with thousands of BJP karyakartas. In short, he would effectively be under the control of Nagpur (RSS Hqs.), 11, Akbar Road, New Delhi (BJP Hqs.) and H-Sector, Itanagar (State BJP Hqs.).
In the present moment, CM Pul has to deal with some MLAs, a few of his supporters, and a maximum of 3 Ks (Kamen Ringu, Kahfa Bengia and Kaling Jerang) from the party.
Party insiders have indicated that it is a time for the BJP leadership to take a decisive call. The BJP is equally aware of the fact that it has to be compensated for so much of ‘hard works’ the party had invested in the toppling game. The Mission 2019, to have its own government, looks impossible without BJP government in place before the elections.
In the midst of huge anti-incumbency wave for Kiren Rijiju, and with no grassroots level political experiences for Tapir Gao, their return in the parliament could be a difficult task without active support of government machineries. As such, they would be the ones who would need the BJP government in the state the most.
In 2003, Gegong Apang joined BJP not because of his personal choice. If not Gegong, BJP would have accepted the joining of leaders like Lijum Ronya and many others. The PPA was merged with Janata Dal in 1990 much against the wishes of Bakin Pertin, its founder. He was isolated and left alone. The party (BJP) might be happily reading a phrase, “History repeats itself”.
There were reports indicative of political crisis in the state involving deputy chief minister, Chowna Mein and MLAs Pema Khandu, Markio Tado and Pasang D Sona. Pro-active role of a deputy chief minister, Kameng Dolo and administrative actions against police personnel in connection with Tawang firing have the potential to give credence to the news reports of political infightings.
It is either because of luck factor or his manoeuvring capability that CM Pul’s political career so far so has been smooth. He could easily put entire blame for financial mess in the state to Nabam Tuki, although he was the man responsible for management/mismanagement of state’s finances (being in the Finance Ministry for many years). His resolution to the ‘deadline’ of BJP would prove his political maturity or otherwise.
It may not be feasible for the BJP to take any drastic actions till final outcome of the Supreme Court’s verdict. Nor will it release sufficient funds for the state. This would only add to political uncertainties and instability, which serve no good to the state and society.
The BJP’s deadline will remain another political rhetoric so long as the party remains divided- Gao camp and Kiren group. An urgent note by the central leadership of the party may be necessary. Otherwise, it is “Advantage: Pul”.
Given a fact that the game of political defection is nothing new in Arunanchal Pradesh, nobody would be surprised even if the president and secretary general of the PPA join the saffron party. After all, they were also a part of this game once or more. (The author can be contacted- nanibath@rediffmail.com)
Wushu players bring laurels to State
ITANAGAR, July 3: Three Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh brought laurels to the state and the country by winning medals in the 9th International Wushu Championship 2016, which was held at Tbilisi, Georgia from June 24 to 28.
The medal winners are Paya Taku, Mepung Lamgu and Onilu Tega.
While Paya won a Silver medal in below 48 kg category Mepung Lamgu and Onilu Tega bagged a bronze medal each
All the medal winners are students of Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Chimpu.
Earlier, the team was received at Naharlgun train station on their arrival to the capital.
While informing this, All Arunachal Pradesh Wushu Association President Toko Teki have expressed his immense happiness at the brilliant performance of the State Wushu players abroad.
Will he, won’t he?
[ Appu Gapak ]
"Will he, won't he?” has been the million dollar question associated with Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. The question obviously is about his PPA government merging with BJP.
It has been a topic of discussion ever since the Pul government was formed on February 19, a day before the 30th statehood day celebration, and then its consequent merger with PPA, the lone regional party of the state. And then came the reported claim of the state BJP chief Tapir Gao that Pul led PPA government has been asked to merge with the saffron party by the BJP high command which gave a seal of confirmation to the speculations.
No, it doesn’t come as a surprise. It has been inevitable. After all state government has always replicated the government at the Centre. And BJP has been claiming its major role in toppling the Nabam Tuki led Congress government. Many had already assumed that the PPA led state government would sooner or later merge with BJP. Critics even went ahead saying that the Pul government was using PPA as a rest house.
The claim by the BJP state chief, however, has been denied by the chief minister saying that he has not received any letter from the BJP, reducing it to just a rumour. Though he may have denied, admiration for Modi had been evident in his speech during PPA’s 39th foundation day when he had said ‘the idea of federalism is very much reflected in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to give more flexibility to the states in terms of managing its resources.’
And in the meantime while the game of claim and counter claim is on, we know that none of this is new as hunger for power has been the reason then and it is the reason now. It is to be seen whether Pul and his four month old government will colour itself saffron or will it cross someone in the process creating another political crisis in the state as it is being feared by some. Added pressure is the Supreme Court verdict that may come up anytime soon.
As for common people, they will always remain mere spectators. For ours is a system that exists purely to reinforce the power of the powerful. And while we outpour our angst on the ever changing chameleon like government that had known stability just about four months back after a long hiatus, let us delve on the fact. Are we angry? Yes. Will it matter for the government? Probably not.
Roing celebrates Intl Plastic Carry Bag Free Day
ROING, July 3: International Plastic Bag Free Day was celebrated in Roing by distributing paper bags to vendors and shopkeepers.
Over 7000 carry bags made of paper were distributed among the shopkeepers on the occasion by the Scouts and Guides, Volunteers and the Market Committee led by its president Rajkumar Linggi.
Of the 7000 paper bags, 3000 were made by the students of Govt. Secondary school, Abali and Intaya Public School, Roing.
The students also stopped the people, who were carrying plastic bags and replaced the plastic bags with paper bags.
The Market Secretary went to all shopkeepers and requested them to avoid using plastic bags.
Huge quantities of plastic carry bags were recovered from the shopkeepers and vendors within an hour by the team.
“My restaurant uses average 800 plastic bags a day. It is a huge quantity indeed. With your campaign, I am ready to discard plastic bags,” said a restaurant owner.
Recently, the district administration along with RIWATCH and others organized a four-day workshop to draw up action plan to manage solid waste and make Roing town plastic free wherein RIWATCH voluntarily came forward to spearhead the campaign against plastic carry bag in the district.
RIWATCH took the lead role in creating awareness about the health hazards associated with usage of plastic bags among public. Voice mail and SMSs appealing people not to use plastic carry bags were sent to large numbers public on the day.
Plastic bags remain in the world for anywhere from 100-500 years before finally decaying completely, and have a profound impact upon our environment as a result, said Executive Director of RIWATCH Vijay Swami while addressing the Scouts and Guides.
Pubic leaders, women groups, NGOs, market committee members actively participated in the celebration.
Marathon race to spread message on good sanitation practice
ZIRO, July 3: To spread the message to entire villages in Apatani plateau on the importance of good sanitation practice, the Central Dree Festival Committee (CDFC) in collaboration with Apatani Youth Association (AYA) and PHE Department organized a marathon race with theme “Mission Open Defecation Free and Adopt Sanitary Toilet” (MODFAST) under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin on Sunday morning.
Over 700 people from all walks of life, including students, para-military forces, general public and representatives from various NGOs ran together for the cause of making Apatani Plateau free from open defecation.
The race flagged off by PHED chief engineer Toko Jyoti started from Dree Ground and passed through Tajang, Kalung-Reru, Hari, Biirii, Hong, Bamin-Michi, Mudang-Tage, Dutta, Hiija villages and back covering a total distance of 18 km. The distance to be covered by the women participants was 10 km.
Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen and Superintendent of Police Tage Habung also participated in the race.
Chiging Novin won the race in men’s category with a time of 59.47 minutes. Mudang Mali (01.02.00 hr) came second while the third position was won by Yachang Kani (1:03:31 hrs).
In women’s category, Taku Yami, who completed the distance in 40:41 minutes, came first while Tailyang Anu (44.35 min) and Mudang Kania (45.44 min) secured the second and third place respectively.
The winners were awarded trophies, certificates and cash prizes.
YWS condemns alleged extortion
ITANAGAR, July 3: The Yangfo Welfare Society (YWS) on Sunday strongly condemned the alleged extortion carried out by two of its members in Pasighat recently, and demanded punishment for both of them under appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code, if they are found guilty.
Police arrested Pranab Yangfo and Sama Yangfo on Friday, following an FIR lodged by Pasighat PWD division executive engineer Tameng Jomoh. The two are currently lodged in the Pasighat Police Station.
"We condemn such criminal activities. A crime is a crime, irrespective of which clan or community the extortionist is affiliated with.
Our society never endorsed such crimes, and will never do so in the future; rather, stern action will be initiated against the two," YWS chairman Hano (Jotin) Yangfo said.
He appealed to people not to give the issue a communal colour, and assured the YWS' assistance in the investigation of the matter.
"Admittedly, the actions of some people in our society lead others to think negatively of us. But it must also be admitted that at times like this, communal forces work overtime to foment hatred among communities for personal gains. Please remain vigilant against such nefarious forces," Yangfo pleaded.
NEEPCO asked to fulfill demands of project affected people
ITANAGAR, July 3: The All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) has urged the NEEPCO authorities to address the two point demands of the Pare Project Land Affected Welfare Committee (PPLAWC) before the situation turns volatile at the project site.
The union also appealed the state government to intervene in the matter for early appointment of 50 ITI trainees as per the agreement made between PPLAWC and NEEPCO Ltd.
In a release, APPDSU stated that the PPLAWC has declared 12 hrs Pare Hydro Electric Project (PHEP), bandh call on July 5 demanding appointment of 50 ITI trainees and immediate cancellation of special recruitment drive for STs/SCs/OBCs. If the NEEPCO management had made the agreement, then why is it backtracking from it, questioned the union. The state government and general public should not sign any MoU/MoA with NEEPCO if the attitude of betrayal continues, added the release.
National Integration Camp at DNGC
ITANAGAR, July 3: More than 500 youths, including women from 29 states, three union territories and Bhutan are arriving here on Monday to take part in the six-day national integration camp at Dera Natung Govt College from July 5.
The camp has been proposed by Gandhian and National Youth Project (NYP) chairman Dr S N Subba Rao deeply concerned by the racial discrimination of North East people in mainland India.
Resource persons from different parts of the country and within the state have been invited, state NYP president H P Biswas said.
Appreciating the noble venture of the NYP including Bharat Jodo andolan, Sadbhabana Rail Yatra, Gandhi Darshan train etc., the GoI has allowed 50% railway concession for the participants of NYP camps, Biswas added.
Arunachal NYP, having 52 functional units in the state, has been entrusted with the responsibility of accommodation, fooding, local transportation and site seeing of the campers, said vice president Pradeep Kumar.
This is the 12th national camp after similar camps held at Tawang, Namsai, Pasighat, Itanagar, Tezu, Chongkham, Nampong and Naharlagun, Kumar said.
NYP dance director Narendra Bhai, who arrived here on Saturday, has already started rehearsal for Bharat Ki Santan involving school children and local youth. The skit, for which Bhaiji was conferred with national award, would be part of daily cultural events.
Netrapal Singh, one of former dreaded dacoits of Chambal Valley, who had joined the national mainstream at the call of Jai Prakash Narayan and persuasion of Bhaiji, would be arriving on July 5.
BJP meet chalks out strategies to strengthen party organization
ITANAGAR, July 3: The Dibang Valley district unit of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in its executive committee meeting held on July one chalked out strategies for further strengthening the party organization at grassroots level.
District BJP president Bailo Mele, who presided over the meeting, exhorted the party workers and cadres to work with committeemen and dedication and disseminate the ideologies, policies and programmes of BJP led NDA Govt. to the common people.
“Sooner or later the BJP will form government in the state,” he asserted.
On the other hand, PPA district unit president Jagri Mipi informed about continuation of PPA -BJP coalition government in the state.
Senior BJP leader Eri Tayu has suggested immediate formation of booth level committees, to identify genuine social and developmental issues, grievances of the common people, and redress the problems to gain people’s confidence.
Yuva Morcha president Ram Mipi highlighted the aims and objectives of the meeting.
Study table and beds distributed
ITANAGAR, July 3: The members of All Lohit District Students Union (ALDSU) organised a social service at boys and girls hostels at Govt Secondary School, Wakro on June 30 last. Later, the members also distributed table and beds to both hostels.
Police station flooded by rain waters
ITANAGAR, July 3: The Doimukh Police Station is reportedly totally flooded by rain water forcing the police/officials to perform duty in a very unhygienic condition.
“This is due to absence of proper drainage system,” said Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA), which visited the police station on Sunday.
The association urged the State Government to look into the problem and take immediate step to solve it.
Editorial
Bangladesh needs to act fast
The deadly terror attack at Dhaka is a frightening reminder of how situation is going
out of control in the India’s immediate neighbour. Terrorist attack on a cafe in
Dhaka left 28 people dead, including 20 hostages, most of whom were killed with sharp
weapons. While ISIS laid claim over it, the Bangladesh government has blamed homegrown
Islamist terrorists and Pakistan's spy agency ISI for the incident. What is worrying
is that all the attackers were well-educated and came from wealthy families. This
shows that educated Bangladeshi’s are increasingly getting radicalized. However
this is not for the first time that Islamist has made their presence felt in the
country.
Over the past three years, more than 40 people have been killed in Bangladesh by
suspected Islamists. But the attacks were mostly targeting individuals - secular
bloggers, writers, activists, academics and members of religious minorities. The
attack on the cafe was on a different scale. It seems to have been well planned and
well coordinated. This incident has come as rude shock for everyone. Often in the
past Bangladeshi government has come under criticism for what many experts describe
as a "state of denial" on the presence of increasingly assertive Islamist groups
in the country. The government argues the attacks are sporadic and that it is very
much in control. It points out that the powerful Bangladeshi army is well trained
and well-equipped to face any threats. But the increasing violence is likely to cause
significant damage to the country's image and, more importantly, trigger insecurity
among religious minorities in the country. Even though Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority
nation, often it is seen as a model Muslim country because of its secular values
and its development-oriented policies. After years of political violence, it has
been enjoying some sort of stability. The country's economy has been growing consistently
at a rate of 6-7% for several years. The stability has also attracted many foreign
investors, and the global garments industry looks up to Bangladesh. Therefore it
is important that Sheikh Hasina led government come down hard on Islamist terrorists
and root it out before it further damages the country. The international community
including India should also extend support to Bangladesh at this juncture.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Shift exam
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of
the Superintending Engineer (co-ord), RWD about the timing of the upcoming Junior
Engineer exam that collides with the tentative schedule of online SBI PO exam.
Therefore kindly look into our concern and possibly postpone the departmental exam
anytime after July 9
Yours,
Yura Nachung
The leaking roof
Dear Editor,
This is apropos to picture of leaking roof at the newly constructed building of Mass
Communication Department published in your esteemed daily of July 1.
In this regard, the said building is planned for G+1 but only Ground floor has been
constructed so far and 1st floor is yet to come up. Due to its heavy structure and
large plan, the building is separated into three equal parts by providing expansion
joint. As such, water is leaking from expansion joint of the building. In building
construction, an expansion joint is a mid-structure separation designed to relieve
stress on building materials caused by building movement induced by: 1) thermal expansion
and contraction caused by temperature changes, 2) sway caused by wind, and 3) seismic
events, etc. Hence, the leakage problem will absolutely be solved after coming up
of first floor.
Yours,
Concern Engineer,
RGU, Rono Hills
Road turned stream
Dear Editor,
You might want to visit P Sector, Nirjuli ( NEEPCO road) currently, the colony road
has been turned into stream by diverting the natural course of drain to save the
private property and they won't listen to anyone.
It's pity to inform you this but if the leader(s) choose this course, what should
be expected from the commoners.
It's my sincerest request that you visit this place as you are the eye and voice
of this state.
Yours,
A Dweller of P sector
Nirjuli
Transferred teachers
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteem daily, I would like to request Deputy Commissioner,
Capital Complex to impartially look into matter of recently issued mass transfer
and posting order of teachers serving in Capital Complex. In connection, I would
also want to inform the authority that my sister-in-law is one of the transferred
teachers who tried her best to get retention at her posting place on children’s education
ground but instead of helping her, she was threaten by the staff of Deputy Commissioner,
Capital Complex that if she do not join in the recently posted place, then she will
be transferred to far flung remote schools. And then she requested for change of
posting place but that too has not been entertained. Ultimately, she was released
from her previous school by the principal. What I wanted to highlight here is that
why my sister-in-law has been released so early?
From a confirmed source, I came to know that some Headmasters and Principals of Capital
Complex are involving in pick and choice method in transfer and posting cases, in
other words, they practice favoritism in releasing teaching staff of their schools.
For instant, many teachers have been transferred from Government Hr. Sec. School
(GHSS) Naharlagun as per recent mass transfer and posting order, but even after passing
of 1 month, the principal has not yet released 6 to 7 teachers from the school. It
is also learned that those teachers who flatter the principal, are not released by
him. Such head of the institutes accept joining of teachers to their schools but
reluctant to release their flatterers by directly challenging the higher authorities.
So, in my view, these head of the institutes also equally deserves suspension because
these people create shortage of teachers in other schools which hampers in the teaching-learning
processes.
Therefore, I request the authority, specially, Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex
to equally treat the transferred teachers and take action against those head of the
institutes who are involving themselves in pick and choice method in releasing teachers.
Yours,
T. Talar, Naharlagun
Artificial scarcity
Dear Editor,
If shortage of doctors is one problem, their unwillingness to work in the rural hinterland
is another, which creates artificial scarcity in certain remote areas and high concentration
in cities.
Despite the efforts of our government in form of incentives, some doctors are not
showing interest in their work.
Through this column I want to bring into attention the incident that happened to
me at Basar Government Hospital.
I went to government hospital Basar at around 7.30 PM as my uncle was severely ill
but, to my shock, no emergency doctor was available.
What would have happened had an emergency case came up at that hour? Their ignorance
for their duties may sometime take someone’s valuable and precious life.
I am not blaming the whole doctor community but to the doctors who are not dedicated
towards their duties at Basar Government Hospital. I want this article to act as
an eye opener for the public, authorities and the concerned department to look into
this matter and initiate the necessary required actions before its too late.
Yours,
Pinku Basar
