jul16 10

July 10

2011

2016

Nirjuli road caves in, building cracks

CM terms Nirjuli incident man-made, DA appeals all to be alert

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Heavy rain on Saturday morning has caused serious damages to approch road of the bridge over Nyirub River on NH 415 in Nirjuli Township. The road has caved in on its sides creating major traffic hassles. Meanwhile, a three-storey Likha Sera Complex at market area, Nirjuli, built on river bed developed major cracks on the backside following heavy rain.

Eight flats on first and second floor of the building have been damaged beyond repair while three shops on the ground floor were partially damaged. However, there has been no report of casualties. Eight affected families have vacated the rooms.

According to the tenants of the building, it is for the third time that the building has developed crack, first being in the mid 2000 and the second 2014.

“Those times, the damage wasn’t that big. But now, it has gone way too far,” said a tenant who occupies flat just adjacent to the damaged ones.

It is pertinent to mention here that the disaster management department has been conducting mock drills on disaster preparedness in various parts of the state, yet the administration and concern department has failed to notify about the safety of the disastrous buildings risking lives, not once but thrice.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Saturday visited Nirjuli, where the shopping complex has developed cracks and the approach roads to Nirjuli RCC Bridge over NH 415 got partially damaged. Heavy rains since last 24 hours pounded capital region leaving a trail of destruction along the over-flooded Nyirub River in Nirjuli.

Terming it as man-made disaster, Pul ordered the occupants to vacate the building immediately and to cut off all the electricity lines to prevent any further accidents. He called for NDRF and SDRF personnel to dismantle the cracked building portion.

The CM also met the owner of the building and assured him of all possible support and relief from the government. He sought cooperation from him to carry out the dismantling work and the construction work for protection walls.

He advised the people to build structures keeping in mind the safety of the environment.

Pul asked the accompanying WRD Minister Kamlung Mossang to immediately conduct survey for construction of three-layer protection wall near the cracked building and the Nirjuli bridge.

While inspecting the damaged approach roads of the RCC Bridge, the Chief Minister called up Highway Chief Engineer Bora Ete and instructed him for immediate restoration of the approach roads. The Chief Minister also asked the WRD Department to carry out survey of further damage along the Nyirub River upstream in Ania village. He assured the villagers that a cement culvert bridge over river will be constructed within this year.

The Chief Minister was also accompanied by Parliamentary Secretaries Zingnu Namchoom, Tsering Tashi and MLAs Jarkar Gamlin, Markio Tado and Tamar Murtem.

Meanwhile, the DC Capital Complex, Sandeep Kumar Singh accompanied by EAC Naharlagun, EEPWD, EEPHED, AEWRD, JE Electrical and other officers inspected the damaged building and other damaged spots and also diverted the traffic from Bage Tinali and Banderdewa via Doimukh.

The residents of the block of the building were asked to evacuate with materials and the owner was directed to disconnect the damaged blocks with other blocks immediately as the building was found to exist in three blocks joined with the help of beam and encompassing structures. The EEPWD highways had deployed JCB to divert the flow of water by placing boulders to save the bridge. A gabion caging structure will also be erected by the EE WRD to mitigate any kind of diversion of water towards the river bank where building structures exist.

The DC informed that a technical committee has also been constituted to assess the future of the building blocks either for bringing down or retrofitting. In Aniya village also, a team has been formed to assess the damage and also to prepare a topographical map indicating the area in river bed where no any human structure should be constructed. The DC has further requested all the citizens to remain alert and have patience and to cooperate with the District Administration during such crisis. The civil police, NDRF and SDRF are in ready position for any eventualities, the DC said.

In Naharlagun also the PWD team and labourers were deployed to remove the debris, silt, tress etc which had fallen down due to the heavy rainfall.

Earlier in the morning, local MLA Techi Kaso accompanied by the Chief Councillor Kipa Kaku, DC, Tarh Nachung, Councillor cum President Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), Pradeep Kumar, Chief Advisor(ACCI), Councillors and a host of officials visited and inspected all the spots at various locations in the Capital Complex where damages were caused today by the incessant rain .

Further, the DDMO Thutan Wanchu informed that no loss of human lives and injuries were reported. DIPRO

Speaker dismisses Tacho Petition, terms it intra-party struggle between two leaders

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Wangki Lowang has dismissed MLA Rajesh Tacho’s petition seeking disqualification of Pema Khandu, MLA and 13 other MLAs from Membership of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly under (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1987 read with the Tenth Schedule and other Rules made there under.

The pronouncement of the Speaker came 7 months after Tacho filed the petition on Dec 7, 2015 in relation to 14 MLAs namely, Pema Khandu, Kumar Waii, Kameng Dolo, Markio Tado, Jarkar Gamlin, PD Sona, Mutchu Mithi, Kamlung Mossang, Phosum Khimhun, Wanglin Lowangdong, Thangwang Wangham, Lombo Tayeng, Kalikho Pul and TN Thongdok.

While citing the order on Saturday at the Nokmey Namati Hall, the Speaker said, ‘this entire episode is about the intra-party struggle between two leaders within the Congress Legislature party. It is not about ‘party hopping’. None of the Respondents changed their party affiliation in the entire episode. They remained in the Congress and enabled one of the leaders, win by majority, the position of Chief Minister as well as the position of CLP leader as aforesaid. The end of the struggle did not result in Congress party being ousted from power, but resulted in an alternate Congress leader taking over from Nabam Tuki. This can hardly be called ‘defection’. The Tenth Schedule can be invoked to punish party hoppers i.e. defectors and not against those who are engaged in intra-party struggles’.

The Speaker maintained that the petition is about intra-party squabbles between two Congress leaders within the legislature party which went on for months until the Congress leader who commanded majority both in the House and the CLP trounced the other.

‘These intra-party squabbles have no solution in law and without such squabbles also politics will be an utter monotony. In democracy, a leader who commands majority in the House and in the legislature party always succeeds. Obstructions to his success can be put only in the form of party-driven measures, like disciplinary measures, suspensions and expulsions within the framework of the Constitution of the political party with which I am not concerned. Certainly, the activities concerning the race between two or more contending leaders within the legislature party is not actionable under the Anti-Defection law’, he added.

Regarding the allegation of the Petitioner and CLP leaders that the respondents have been taking the assistance of the BJP and Independent MLAs, the Speaker said that Indian National politics has been operating since 1989 under the banner of ‘coalition politics’. Alliances of political parties are the order of the day. Ideologically opposite parties also break and make new alliances. Alliances are not statutory recognized formations. It is done on the basis of expediency and electoral calculations. Therefore, for becoming the leader of the House, if Kalikho Pul had taken the assistance of BJP and Independent MLAs, it should be deemed as an act political expediency and not misconstrued as defection. As long as the Respondents changed their leader, by majority, in the House and in the CLP, within the bounds of Congress Party, I would like to deem that they had not voluntarily given up the membership of the party, as alleged by the Petitioner and the CLP leader’, he stated.

‘Here in the instant case, all the 14 Respondents were within the Congress Party and chose an alternate leader for the positions of Chief Minister and CLP leader, by majority, within the Congress Party. This is nowhere defection. I, therefore, dismiss these citations as inappropriate and irrelevant to the case in hand’, he concluded.

The Speaker further said that he had endeavored to do justice to all parties without fear or favour towards any party and complied with the principles of natural justice.

The Gauhati High Court had earlier directed the Speaker to constitute a Committee and decide the petition within a period of three and a half months. Consequent upon which a committee was formed on Apr 10, 2016 and on Jun 10 the committee presented its report. On Jun 28 and 29 the Speaker heard the parties through their counsels and on July 2 the counsels filed their written submissions.

Rain water floods G-extension, Nlg

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Torrential rain on Saturday morning caused extensive damage to government quarters, private houses and business establishment in G-Extension, Naharlagun.

Rain water flooded many shops and houses and damaged valuable items. Water logging on the road bereft of drainage system coupled with mud and stones made not only life of residents and shopkeepers of the area hell but also caused great incontinence to the commuters, stated ESC member of IMC Tarh Kunia in a complaint letter to Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner.

The water logging is mainly due to narrow culvert and drainage system, particularly near the State Bank of India branch as it can not release all the waters causing overflow.

Construction of permanent culvert with proper drainage system is the only solution to this recurring problem, the ESC member said, and appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to instruct the concern departments to prepare necessary estimate and work out remedial measures to prevent the recurring problem.

He also urged the DC to assess the properties lost or damaged by flash flood and provide adequate relief to the victims enabling them to tide over the situation.

Dolo flags of 65 PCR vans

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo flagged off 65 Police Control Room (PCR) vans fitted with all necessary equipments, including first aid box, wireless set etc., to boost the efficiency of the police forces.

The new PCR vans would also be used to provide first aids to the injured persons and also to evacuate accident victims to near by hospital.

Before flagging off the PRC vans at Ganga Market, Dolo said that those trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the state would not be spared and strict action would be initiated against them.

Extortionists, underground militants and drug abused are nuisance to the society, Peace must be maintained for overall growth of a society, Dolo said.

Urging people to cooperate with police to contain crimes, Dolo said sharing information with police is vital for the people’s safety and security.

He said onus of individual’s safety and security is at the hands of individuals by remaining alert and vigilant as criminals are always on prowl to commit heinous crime.

Expressing his grave concern over growing incidents of bike accidents involving deaths, Dolo appealed to the people to use helmets while riding.

Dolo also urged the drivers to avoid rash and drunk driving, which may lead to fatal accidents.

He also advised the police jawans to perform their duty sincerely; otherwise people will lose faith and confidence on you, Dolo said and sternly warned to take disciplinary action against those found performing under alcoholic influence.

Dolo disclosed that the present state government has given top priority to police modernization, training, uniform and other welfare measures required for police personnel.

He advised the people to use toll free number 100 for police assistance which would also be available in all district HQs besides, Itanagar and Naharlagun police station.

Giving a chronology of crime rates of the state, DGP, S. Nithiananda said crime rate in the state capital has come down due to patrolling and vigilant services provided by the police personnel. DGP, however, informed that there is sharp rise in the crime against women in the state.

The flagging off ceremony was also attended by the IGP (Law and Order), Nabin Payeng, IPS, AIGP, Take Ringu, SPs, Anto Alphonso, Ved Prakash Surya, Tojo Karga and other host of executive members of Itanagar Market Welfare Association and Itanagar Municipal Council, Councilors.

Vishal Mega Mart opens with competitive price promise

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Vishal Retail Limited on Saturday opened its retail store Vishal Mega Mart at C Sector here with a promise of competitive price.

Touted as the one of the leading one-stop destinations in the country for all shopping needs,

the retail shop is expected to give some respite to all sections of the people from exorbitant market prices in Itanagar they have been experiencing.

Vishal has all kinds of fashion items, home products, kitchen items, baby suits, men and women's wear, grocery items, footwear which is readily available for sale at 'competitive' prices.

Local MLA Techi Kaso inaugurated the retail shop in presence of sizeable enthusiastic buyers.

CM attends more than 300 visitors in Janata Darbar

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has heard the grievances and problems of at least 300 people at the fourth Janata Darbar which started since Saturday morning.

Several medical related cases came whose applications have been put up for further action. On urgent medication attentions, the CM has asked the officials to speed up fund sanctions for meeting their medical treatment on time.

The other visitors include group of unemployed doctors, widows of state police force, handicapped association members etc.

For paucity of time, the CM has assured to meet all these groups separately on another occasion to address their grievances fully.

The CM also met several severely handicapped patients.

Till filing of the report, another 300 people are waiting outside the bungalow to meet the Chief Minister since early morning. (PRO, CM)

Tirap youth wins equestrian world cup: brings laurels to the country

[ Denhang Bosai ]

KHONSA, Jul 9: Tirap has always been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Little wonder then the image of the district and its people has been tarnished greatly over the years. To add salt to the wounds some elites from other districts of the state find delight in highlighting the backwardness of the district in education, road connectivity and other sectors without trying to understand the plethora of problems and predicaments the innocent people face.

These Tirap district-bashers derive sadistic pleasure by watching the district and its people suffer mainly due to insurgency instead of extending their helping hands. However, close on the heels of the supreme sacrifice made by Hav. Hangpan Dada in Jammu and Kashmir, another Jawan from Tirap district serving in the 31st Assam Rifles Wangtham Lammaty brought laurels to the country, state and the district by being a member of the India's Equestrian Team that won the World Cup held from 11th to 18th April-2016 in Cairo City, Egypt. The other Team members of the 5-member squad were 2 from Haryana Police, 1 from BSF and 1 from Army 61 Cavalry. They won the World Cup and 1 Gold Medal each. Earlier, the Indian Equestrian Team won 2 Gold Medals and 1 Bronze Medal in the Asian Tent Pegging. In the World Cup qualifying event held in Abu Dhabi, UAE in 2015 the Team won 1 Gold and 1 Silver in Tent Pegging. The champion player Wangtham Lammaty was accorded a rousing reception at Khonsa on July 8 by the members of Nocte Apex Body, students leaders, PRI leaders, Bazar Welfare Committee and public leaders from Kheti and its neighbouring villages. On the same day Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha while congratulating Wangtham Lammaty, wished him all the best and urged him to continue to inspire the restive youth of Tirap district. The Deputy Commissioner assured him all possible help and support from the District Administration.

Wangtham Lammaty was born to late W. Lammaty and Chathan Lammaty on 13th June in 1984 at Kheti village. He joined the 31st Assam Rifles on 7th July-2002. Lammaty is now attached to Director General, Assam Rifles Equestrian Team, New Delhi. Of late, the youth of Kheti village are doing exceedingly well in their chosen fields. Ranphoa Ngowa and Chazat Lowang cracked the prestigious UPSC in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The other youth of the district should emulate their shining examples. The Champion international player Wangtham Lammaty is a quintessence of unwavering resolve, grit and tenacity who has fought against all odds and emerged like a bright star in sporting firmament. With his sterling achievement he has become a youth icon. Tirap district badly affected by insurgency badly needs a role model like Wangtham Lammaty to derive inspiration and emulate his success. Needless to say that the morale and spirit of the youth of Tirap district are at its nadir due to the nagging insurgency problem. During such a trying time the stupendous achievement of one of the Tirap youth Wangtham Lammaty comes like a breath of fresh air and appears like a silver-lining in the otherwise dark clouds hovering over the skies of Tirap district. It is fervently hoped that the state government recognized the achievement of Lammaty and encouraged him by giving some incentives to him. In the meantime, the Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Wangki Lowang, Education Minister Wanglin Lowangdong and MLAs Tirong Aboh and Wanglam Sawin and Tirap ZPC Sontung Bangsia have congratulated Lammaty on winning the world cup. (The writer is DIPRO,Tirap and can be reached at denhangbosai@yahoo.co.in)

Elephant calf rescued

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: A wild elephant calf has been rescued from near Chessa stream/Nallah on Saturday.

On being informed by the villagers of Chessa that an elephant calf was found stranded near the Chessa nallah, at team of officials of Banderdewa Forest Division rushed to the spot and rescued the baby elephant. The calf was shifted to Itanagar Zoological Park after giving first aid.

The rescue team included ACF Mito Rumi, RFO Tanga Murtem, RFO Chukhu Tania, Veterinary Officer Dr. Sorang Tadap and other forest staff.

Earlier in a similar incident, the officials of Banderdewa Forest Division rescued an elephant calf from the same area last month.

Meanwhile, DFO Banderdewa Division Neelam Nedo assured due recognition and reward to the informers of such wildlife cases.

Tage Dollo laid to rest

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: The mortal remains of Tage Dollo, one of the prominent personalities of Apatani Community was laid to rest on Saturday at his native Mudang Tage village. He died of old age.

The fifth son of Lt. Tage Khoda, born in 1926, Tage Dollo was one of the oldest living Goan Buras in Apatani plateau.

He was instrumental in setting up Subansiri Large sized multipurpose cooperative society and founded the Mudang Tage Micha Pelo, presently the apex body of Mudang Tage village.

During sixties he was a member of the delegation that flew to New Delhi to meet the then Prime Minister Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Using his experience and exposure he was the first to set up dairy farms and piggeries and guided others in setting up commercially viable ventures.

He also served the community in the capacity of Goan Bura from 26th May, 1971. He received many commendation certificates from the district administration for his effective discharge of duties as a Goan Bura.

A good orator and a negotiator he was held in high esteem not just by the Apatanis but also neighbouring Nyishi areas. The Bure Hale case of Chumku village is still retold and remembered by all.

He has left behind three sons, two daughters, 15 grandchildren, 25 great-great children.

Among others MLA Tage Taki, APCC President Padi Richo, Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen , Former MLA Nani Rebia also paid tribute to the departed soul. DIPRO

Is Arunachal being neglected?

Flights Of Fantasy...

[ Group Captain Mohonto Panging, VM (Retd) ]

Arunachal Pradesh, the 25th State of India and the largest State in North East India is a strategically important state because it shares boundaries with three countries; China, Myanmar and Bhutan. The hydropower potential of Arunachal Pradesh is estimated to be 50,000 MW, enough to supply electricity to entire north India. However, as per Arunachal Pradesh Annual Planning document of 2011-12, Arunachal Pradesh continues to remain poorest of the poor State with inadequate basic infrastructure and low economic growth. The State is lagging far behind even in comparison to other North Eastern States in most of the indices of socio-economic development.

In the education sector, there are no medical colleges in Arunachal. A small state like Puducherry has 9 Medical Colleges. Neighbouring Assam has 6 Medical Colleges and Tripura 2 Medical Colleges. There are very few engineering, management, media studies and hospitality colleges in the state. There are no IITs, IIMs, AIIMS etc. Students have to go outside the state for further studies in most fields.

In the absence of Medical Colleges, there is a lack of medical specialists, super specialists and special test equipment in the state. Most people travel outside the state for specialist medical treatment.

In infrastructure, the state is lagging behind in all fields. Only two towns, Naharlagun and Bhalukpong are connected by railways. Regarding roadways, as per the same document, the State has the lowest road development index in the country with road density of 25.16 Km per 100 sq. km only. The condition of roads leading to most district head quarters and even capital Itanagar are dilapidated.

Despite tremendous hydro power potential, the electricity supply in most towns and villages is erratic with low voltages and frequent load shedding. Due to non availability of three phase electricity, there are negligible industries in the state.

There are no operational airports in the state. A few helicopter flights connect few towns. Seven Advanced Landing Grounds at Ziro, Aalo, Mechuka, Pasighat, Tuting, Walong, Vijaynagar and the airport at Tezu are under construction, but operation of civil flights is still a distant dream. All these runways are not long enough to sustain regular flights.

There are no permanent Air Bases in Arunachal, with many in Assam. Even for Army there is only one Division Headquarter in entire Arunachal Pradesh, with many in Assam. Are the authorities avoiding major military stations in Arunachal Pradesh? A major army or air force base provides many employment and job opportunities to local people.

Since in a democracy, power is based on population, with a population of about 14 lakh only, Arunachal Pradesh is represented by only 2 Lok Sabha and 1 Rajya Sabha MPs. With these meagre numbers, political pressure cannot be applied for major projects and funds.

The central government has tried to help by putting Arunachal as a Special Category State. A special category state gets preferential treatment in central assistance and tax breaks. Apart from that, 30% of the Centre's gross budgetary support for Plan expenditure goes to special-category states. Therefore, a large portion of Arunachal's budget plan depends on central funds. However, it appears that only a minor portion of these central funds trickles down to the public or as actual works on the ground. Is there Lack of Funds or Lack of Will?

The Chinese debacle occurred in 1962. Since then 54 years have passed. The nation can ignore development of Arunachal Pradesh at its own peril. Do the National and State leadership realise this?

Water supply restored at Bhalukpong

BOMDILA, Jul 9: The drinking water supply that had been completely disrupted at Bhalukpong and Tippi since July 1 has been temporarily restored.

The restoration works took a full week. The credit goes to the field staffs of the PHE & WS who put in extra long hours even on holidays and completed the work.

The local administration and people of the area have conveyed their gratitude to the PHE & WS EE Likha Tekhi, AE Nani Tade and especially JE Kipa Raju for personally camping at the sites and supervising the restoration works in spite of the harsh and inclement weather.

The department had incurred a loss of rupees 49, 03,700/- as a result of the calamity on that fateful day.

On July 4 last, CM Kalikho Pul after inspecting the sites and the quantum of damages, had directed the department to restore the drinking water supply on priority. Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop had sanctioned an amount of rupees 6.32 lacs from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) as an immediate measure to take up the water supply restoration work.

As per departmental sources, the temporary restoration of the drinking water supply could be possible after making adjustments from the ongoing schemes and the fund sanctioned by the Deputy Commissioner. DIPRO

CoSAAP unit calls for punishment to extortionist

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Jul 9: The CoSAAP East Siang unit has called for taking serious action against the recent extortion accused.

In a memorandum to the East Siang DC, the CoSAAP unit stated that if extortionists are let out on bail easily, they will always create nuisance and discourage the sincere and hard working officers.

Hence, the CoSAAP has requested for stringent punishment for the accused and his accomplices.

Earlier, taking serious note of the recent extortion incident, the CoSAAP unit in a meeting held on Friday resolved to stay united against any such extortion attempts from any quarter.

The CoSAAP members also met SP and DIGP and apprised them about the case and how the govt officer was harassed.

Further the CoSAAP unit also appealed the concern authority to let law take its own course without any manipulation or interference from any quarter.

Meanwhile, SE, PWD, T. Darang also added that, any kind of extortion has to be stopped, even local student organizations also often create such harassment and is like extortion from the local officers which should be also checked.

Anti-drug campaign ends with a call to eradicate drug menace

[ Indrajit Tingwa ]

MIAO, Jul 9: The two weeks long anti-drug awareness campaign came to an end with a call to eradicate drug menace from Miao area and distribution of prizes to the winners of various competitions at Community Hall, Miao on Saturday.

Addressing the valedictory function of the campaign, Miao Additional Deputy Commissioner T. Mara said that there is an urgent need to address the drug menace in the Miao-sub-division, which is, one of the most drug affected region. He also lauded the student community, particularly the Inter Collegiate Youth Association (ICYA) for their endeavour to create awareness against drugs abuse.

Speaking on the occasion, ICYA president Komli Jeni and general secretary Ahuntang Tikhak expressed happiness over the overwhelming support of the people in organizing such programme to bring awareness against drug abuse.

Light of the World School, Miao scored the 156 overall points and won the Best School award, while Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Kharsang bagged the Discipline School award. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Miao won the Most Punctual School award and the Best Participating School Award was won by Town Middle School, Miao. Prizes were also distributed to the individual winners of literary, sports and games and cultural competitions. A musical programme was also organized at general ground, Miao to mark the conclusion of campaign.

Earlier on Friday, addressing the motivational rally held in Miao township, Changlang ZPC Jowkhong Singpho encouraged the students to carry forward the good works for betterment of the society better.

During the week-long campaign with the theme "Team Up To Stop Drug Abuse" which was organized by the Inter Collegiate Youth Association (ICYA) with the support of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) Miao Unit and Arunachal Pradesh Police, the organizers including police personnel visited around 12 schools of the area and made the students aware of harmful effect of drug abuse and also explained in details on narcotic acts.

Cultural exchange programme among primary students

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

RUKSIN, Jul 9: A day-long ‘Block Level Inter Tribal Cultural Exchange’ was conducted at Ruksin on Saturday by the Elementary Education department.

A total of 12 cultural troupes from six Upper Primary Schools under the block participated in the programme. Ruksin block has three clusters- Sille, Rayang and and Mirem in East Siang district.

The troupes competed in competition of folk dance and group dance(modern). The young artiste showcased the living traditions of different tribal groups through their cultural presentations.

Inaugurating the cultural programme, Ruksin Block Resource Person, Omir Tatin said that the government has designed the programme for promotion and preservation of rich traditional cultures of different tribal communities of the country. He said that present education policy is not confined to academic activities, but it has extended to games & sports and cultural practices for their physical and mental development.

Ruksin Block Cluster Coordinator, Takir Taloh advised the youngsters to perform with discipline and true cultural enthusiasm.

The first prize of both Folk Dance and Group Song-dance competitions were bagged by Rayang Upper Primary School, while Mirem UPS bagged the second prize.

Ruksin Anchal Chairperson, Aruni Jamoh, suggested the young artistes to try hard to achieve better performances in the future.

Among others, Sille-Oyan block Anchal chairperson, Oni Ering and PRI leaders besides block level elementary education officials and headmasters concerned also attended the day-long programme.

This was the first ever programme of Inter Tribal Cultural Exchange under SC/ST intervention for Ruksin block. The programme is sponsored by Government of India under its flagship programme- ‘Unity in Diversity’.

Traffic Advisory

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: In view of the damage caused to the bridge over Nyirup River at Nirjuli due to torrential rain followed by flash flood, the District Administration has issued advisory for smooth flow of traffic.

Heavy vehicles going from Itanagar-Naharlagun to Banderdewa have been diverted at Bage Tinali towards Gumto gate via Doimukh. Similarly, heavy vehicles coming from Banderdewa will take the same route to reach Itanagar and Naharlaun. DIPRO

Roy to take charge as Governor

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Governor of Tripura Tathagata Roy will take charge as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh in absence of JP Rajkhowa, who is currently on leave on health ground.

He will be sworn-in as the Governor of the State in the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan here on July 10 at 12 noon. PRO to Raj Bhawan

CCDFCC donates food at Mother’s Home

ITANAGAR, Jun 9: The Capital Complex Dree Festival Celebration Committee-2016 (CCDFCC) led by the Chairman Narang Tani and Secretary Nani Tath, Saturday visited the Mother’s Home and donated some essential commodities for the inmates.

A total of 15 bags of rice with other materials like Dal, Mustard Oil, Sugar, Salt, Biscuits, Tea-Bags etc were donated.

Tailyang Loder on behalf of the Mother’s Home received the donation and thanked the CCDFCC members for their kind gesture. While expressing his happiness he also informed that the Mother’s Home totally runs on such philanthropic donations from few individuals and organizations.

10 students get scholarships

TAWANG, Jul 9: Ten academically qualified low-income scholars of Lumla sub-division were awarded college scholarships.

Reverend Rikya Rimpoche, Abbot of Jamyang Choekorling Monastery and Lumla ADC Mika Nyori presented the scholarships to the children and their guardians during the 81st birthday celebration of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama at Dolma Lhakhang in Lumla.

Sponsored by His Eminence Ugyen Choepel Rinpoche of Mindrolling monastery in Dehradun and in association with a local NGO 'Monyul Vision', the scholarship programme is targeted to ensure the students to persue their educational goals.

Reverend Ugyen Rimpoche had announced the scholarships to backward and down trodden school children in an school event during his visit to the district in October last. (Tawang Vigilance)

DFC Aalo and DFCC Pasighat organise sports meet

PASIGHAT, Jul 9: Dree Football Celebration Committee, Aalo and Dree Football Celebration Committee, Pasighat drew 2-2 goals in a toughly contested match played at JNC ground, Pasighat on Saturday.

The goal scorers were Koj Chobing and Puna Tapa from DFCC Pasighat, while Hage Mobing and Mudang Yapa scored one goal each for DFC Aalo.

In the volleyball match, DFCC Pasighat defeated DFC Aalo by 2-0 sets.

The games and sports were conducted as part of Dree Festival celebration.

DFCC, Pasighat, Millo Tago called on the players to poster unity and integrity among them in particular and community as a whole. Nada Apa, Secretary, K. P. Tago, Adviser to DFCC, Pasighat and Dani Uja, Secretary DFC Aalo also spoke in the function.

Animal health camp

ITANAGAR, Jul 09: The ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang organized an awareness cum animal health camp on July 7 at Chug village under Dirang circle of West Kameng to educate the farmers about some common diseases in farm animals and their control measures.

The scientists explained many aspects of livestock management during the programme, wherein 66 tribal livestock farmers Sagar, Chug and Champa of Chug area attended along with their domestic animals affected by various diseases, injuries.

Besides, some affected animals were also treated for different ailments like injuries, diarrhea, wart, general weakness etc.

Some basic veterinary medicines were also distributed amongst the participants.

The Gaon Burha and ASM, Chug village praised the efforts of Dr S M Deb, Director, ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang for conducting such programme for the wellbeing of the farmers.

The programme was organized Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of the institute.

NEFIS welcomes SC judgment condemning killings in Manipur

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: The North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) welcomed the judgment of Supreme Court condemning the large scale killings in Manipur by armed forces in the guise of self defence while dealing with insurgency or militants as unacceptable.

"If members of the armed forces are deployed and employed to kill citizens of the country on the mere allegation or suspicion then they are the 'enemy," NEFIS stated in a release quoting the SC judgment.

This ruling is a vindication of democratic movement against AFSPA, NEFIS said adding, "one has to see what more can be achieved on the ground."

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gives soldiers sweeping powers to arrest or interrogate people in "disturbed areas" or states dealing with separatists or insurgents. This law has been used by the army to use draconian measures against Indian people.

NEFIS stated that by denying the right to rule of law, the Indian state has kept North-East people relegated to the status of second class citizen within their own country.

APSLSA organize Legal awareness

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) organized a five days legal awareness camp and free legal counselling in the sideline of Dree celebration at Papu Nallah from July 1 to 5.

Apart from creating legal awareness among people by legal aid advocates and para legal volunteers pamphlets containing verities of legal topics were distributed to around 551 people.

Further, APSLSA in collaboration with Capital Complex Dree Festival Celebration Committee 2016 also organized a debate competition on the topic "Drug Addiction; Has the Society Fail to Curve the Menace" for the students from Classes XII to university level.

The first, second and third prize winners Hillang Barot, Keyom Doni and Yomlee Bam were awarded Rs 7,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively.

The Authority also screened its maiden documentary film ''Apne Ajnabee", a film on racial discrimination of the North-Eastern people in the mainland India during the festival.

House gutted

ZIRO, Jul 9: The dwelling house and the granary of one Tage Tallang of Supyu village were completely gutted in a fire accident on Friday night.

Nothing could be saved from the house as all the family members were away attending a programme when the fire broke out around 9 pm. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen, who along with Circle Officers Olak Apang Jonkey and Pooza Sonam Natung visited the incident site, handed over Rs.3800 to the victim as an immediate relief as per government norms.

The DC further assured to provide relief/assistance as per norms after complotting all necessary formalities, like assessment of properties lost or damaged, by the Disaster Management Officials. DIPRO

Tree plantation in Bomdila

ITANAGAR, Jul 09: Around 100 seedlings were planted by the members of Seva Bharati at the sinking zones of Bomdila town near Power House on Saturday morning to mark the one year of yoga programme by Seva Bharati in Bomdila. Town Magistrate Toni Mitkong also took part in the plantation.

“It is a great achievement that yoga has been for a year in Bomdila,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner P Sora while lauding Seva Bharati during an interaction programme at Multi Sports Indoor Club later in the evening.

Further encouraging the participants, ADC Sora said that yoga benefits people but need a great deal of patience, and it is only through continuous process that one can achieve the ultimate benefits.

The yoga programme which initially began as a ten days event on July 8, 2015 at Multi Sports Indoor Club went on to continue for a year, informed Secretary Seva Bharati, Tashi Tsering.

The seedlings were provided by forest department.

IPS probationers visit Tawang

TAWANG, Jul 9: A total of 15 IPS probationers and a lady probationer from Royal Bhutan Police visited Tawang for last two days as part of study cum cultural tour under the guidance of Deputy Director, National Police Academy, S.Raveendran.

The probationers visited various places of tourist interest and cultural/historical importance which included Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Gompa, Sangetsar Lake, War Memorial etc. They also interacted with the Tawang, SP Tumme Amo and other govt officers. A cultural programme was also organised at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang on July 8.

The District Police and Snow Lion Cultural Society were presented with mementos by the visiting team on behalf of the National Police Academy, Hyderabad as a token of appreciation for their services. DIPRO

LDSU demands preference to native candidate

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: Longding District Students' Union (LDSU), in a memorandum, has demanded the Longding Deputy Commissioner to give preference to bonafide native candidates of the district in the recruitment/appointment of contractual employees under various central and state programmes/schemes.

Claiming that many contractual employees under NHM, SSA, NRLM etc. are reluctant to stay in Longding district, the students’ union stated that many of them, particularly the non-locals after getting selection under Longding district quotas immediately get transferred to some other places causing great inconveniences to the citizens of the Longding district.

As per the government recruitment norms, contractual employees are non-transferable excepting some rare cases, it said.

LDSU also appealed to the DC to initiate by writing to the Secretary/Commissioner/Director of the NRHM, SSA-Rajya Mission and Rural Development, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh requesting them to decentralize the recruitment/appointment process instead of doing direct appointment from the headquarter.

“This will not only solve the problem of irregularities and negligence of the duty by the contractual employees but also help effective and efficient administration in the district, the memorandum added.

Social service in Ziro Valley

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: All Hija Youth Association (AHYA), a federal body of Apatani Youth Association (AYA) and All Hija Student Union (AHSU) conducted its 22nd social service at Hija village, Ziro on June 9.

Both AHYA and AHSU have been regularly conducting social service on every Saturday since September 2014 on self-help basis and contribution from well-wishers.

While exhorting the members of both AHYA and AHSU maintain the same spirit, president of Apatani Youth Association Taku Chatung, who also is the chief advisor of AHYA urged the villagers of Apatani valley to maintain their village surroundings neat and clean. He also informed about starting segregation of bio degradable from non biodegradable waste shortly.

Social service conducted

ITANAGAR, Jul 9: The Amji Panchayat members under Palin circle of Kra-Daadi district conducted social service at Block point between Bokam Amji and Pongte village, RWD road on Friday. Government employees, GBs and public also participated in it.

To mark its 6th Youth foundation day on Saturday, CRC Youth Chandranagar in Capital Complexalso organized social service on DC office approach road and its periphery.