Modi assures support to Arunachal
NEW DELHI, Jul 24: Prime Minister has assured wholehearted support from the Central Government for development of Arunachal. He gave this assurance when Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's 7 Race Course residence on Sunday.
In a fruitful discussion for over 30 minutes, the Prime Minister further emphasized on the importance of connectivity through road, rail and air to usher all-round development in the State. Cutting across party lines, he underscored that development of the state should not suffer at any cost.
Modi advised that the new Government must work towards making Arunachal Pradesh an Organic State and focus on prominent sectors of Tourism and Hydro Power that need to be harnessed sustainably. The Prime Minister also laid emphasis on Digital Governance.
Drawing attention of the PM towards the current issue of floods creating havoc in the region, the Chief Minister elaborated on the grim situation in more than 24 villages severely affected covering four districts of Arunachal Pradesh - Changlang, Lohit, Namsai and Lower Dibang Valley. He requested the Prime Minister to depute an inter-ministerial team for immediate assessment of flood damages for further necessary action.
Pema, meanwhile, extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Arunachal Pradesh possibly in the month of October or November next, which Modi accepted. (PRO, CMO)
Flood situation worsens in Arunachal, Lohit DA declares holiday for schools
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: Flood situation in several places worsened further on Sunday with all the major rivers of eastern part of the state swelling, inundating fresh areas forcing people to evacuate.
Rain waters created havoc in residential areas in Pasighat town flooding low-lying areas including, Lower Banskata, Muriline, Electric colony, Police line, Gumin Nagar.
Siang is flowing above the danger level in Pasighat submerging low-lying areas at its left bank in Mebo area. However, there was no report of disruption in road communication till filing of this report.
Ruksin town and rural roads in the area were also inundated by rain water.
East Siang district administration conducted meeting with the Pasighat Municipal Council and other government departments and instructed the officials to constantly monitor the situation.
The Noa-Dehing River has flooded the entire Lekang circle while the entire Namsai Township and its adjoining villages, mostly under Piyong circle are still reeling under flood water.
The water level of Noa-Dehing and Jengthu rivers are flowing above the danger level.
The flood situation under Chongkham circle also remains grim as the water level of the Lohit, Kamlang, Berreng, Tengapani rivers and its tributaries are rapidly increasing.
The worst affected areas are Gunanagar, Alubari, Injo, Insa, Pangkhao and Kherem.
The floods have also caused massive erosion of the river banks and damaged the cultivated lands,
paddy fields, tea gardens, horticultural fields, livestock.
At Jairampur, Namchick River is still flowing above the danger level posing threat to many areas.
MLA Laisam Simai took stock of the flood affected areas in 16th miles, Khamdu area, Check gate area, Shanti Nagar and Prem Nagar Jairampur sub-division on Sunday.
While visiting the flood relief camps, Simai assured all the possible help to the affected people. He also distributed relief materials, like blanket, mosquito nets etc to the flood victims in the relief camps.
Meanwhile, Lohit district administration has declared holiday for schools in the district due to flood in many places triggered by heavy rains.
Lohit Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf convened an emergency meeting to discuss the prevailing situation, plan and measures to tackle it.
The Deputy Commissioner sought cooperation from the officials and para-military forces and BRTF personnel to tackle any disastrous situation.
He also took stock of the food stocks, water supply and machineries, like earth movers, dumpers etc available with ITBP and BRTF so that the civil administration can take necessary help from them as and when required.
He instructed the Sunpura CO to supervise and look after the entire flood situation along with the Sunpura OC and ITBP personnel.
The meeting was attended by the administrative officers, SP, OC of Tezu, HoDs, ITBP and BRTP personnel.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein visited the flood-affected Dirak Miri, Rajabeel , Silatoo, Eraloni and Mahadevpur- IV and interacted with the people to know their grievances.
District administration has stopped movement of vehicles on NH 52 in Namsai after the highway was submerged by flood water.
Later, Mein convened an emergency meeting with DC and directed him to continue the relief operation until water recedes. Also, he insisted on regular supply of safe drinking water and providing medical aid and assistance to both human and domestic animals in affected areas.
The flood situation deteriorated in Diyun circle after Buri Dihing River has opened a new tributary of Noa Dehing criss-crossing the Dharmapur comprising three villages. The new channel has eroded entire paddy plantations in its course. Several dwelling houses are also on the verge of complete erosion.
Rains is also threatening M-pen village in Miao Circle.
The M-pen Part I village with more than 600 populations is under constant threat of being washed away if the rain continues, said the Village Headman.
Flood situation in Dumpani and Udaipur remains un-changed on Sunday while several families have dismantled their dwelling houses in Udaipur village.
On Wednesday, a boat ferrying students met with an accident while crossing the Buri Dihing River. Five bi-cycles were lost in the accident. Fortunately, there was no causality.
The villagers are seeking help from the administration, but there was no response from the local administration, the village man alleged.
The Judgment tells the tale
[ Dodum Yangfo ]
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: Apprehension is growing by the day about the fate of the 14 Congress legislators who were disqualified by the then speaker, Nabam Rebia, on December 15 last year. Among the 14 are Pema Khandu - who is now the chief minister - and Kalikho Pul.
On July 20 - a day after stepping down as the legislative assembly speaker - Rebia moved the Supreme Court (SC), seeking reconsideration of the court's July 13 verdict questioning speaker's authority to disqualify the MLAs.
Without going into a debate over the confusion occasioned by Rebia's review petition, a thorough reading of the judgment itself would give one an insight into the position of the disqualified MLAs.
‘A speaker should refrain from deciding the disqualification of MLAs for defection under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution if he himself is facing the prospect of removal,’ the SC has held in its judgment.
A constitution bench led by Justice JS Khehar observed that the ruling was a safeguard against a speaker using the disqualification proceedings of legislators for his own political ends.
A speaker, under the threat of losing his position, may choose to disqualify the MLAs to alter the composition of the House in his favour.
'We hereby hold that it would be constitutionally impermissible for a speaker to adjudicate upon disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule, while a notice of resolution for his own removal from the office of speaker is pending,' Justice Khehar's Bench interpreted Article 179 of the Constitution in a 331-page judgment on the Arunachal Pradesh crisis.
If a speaker truly enjoys the support of the House's majority, there would be no difficulty whatsoever to demonstrate the confidence which the members of the state legislature repose in him, the judgment said.
The court was discussing speaker Nabam Rebia's disqualification of the 14 legislators when a resolution against his own removal was pending.
It refrained from going into Rebia's actions, merely saying that the Gauhati High Court had already stayed the disqualification. Instead, the judgment interprets Article 179, which deals with the 'vacation and resignation of, and removal from, the offices of speaker and deputy speaker.'
Article 179 (c) provides that a speaker (or deputy speaker) 'may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Assembly passed by a majority of all the then members of the Assembly.'
The judgment points to the phrase 'all the then members of the Assembly' to conclude that the composition of legislators should remain the very same while deciding whether a majority in the House wants the Speaker to continue or not.
'The words "all the then members" demonstrate an expression of definiteness. Any change in the strength and composition of the Assembly, by disqualifying sitting MLAs, for the period during which the notice of resolution for the removal of the speaker (or the deputy speaker) is pending, would conflict with the express mandate of Article 179(c), requiring all "the then members" to determine the right of the speaker to continue,' the court held.
Further, the court said MLAs so disqualified by the speaker would be subsequently deprived of the opportunity to participate in the motion against the speaker himself under Article 179(c).
Even a court judgment later overturning their disqualification would be of no help to them as the opportunity to participate in the motion against the speaker would have passed.
'The office of speaker, with which the Constitution vests the authority to deal with disqualification petitions against MLAs, must surely be a speaker who enjoys the confidence of the Assembly,' the court said.
The 14 MLAs who were disqualified by the speaker had challenged their disqualification before the Gauhati High Court, not on the ground that the speaker was himself disqualified to decide the issue of defection, but on the ground that the principles of natural justice were violated by the speaker while disqualifying the MLAs, since the notices were not served upon the MLAs, the apex court observed in its judgment.
The Gauhati High Court in its judgment set aside the disqualification of the 14 MLAs on the ground that the speaker had violated the principles of natural justice by not ensuring service of the notice upon the MLAs. The MLAs had been denied an opportunity of fair hearing by the speaker, the judgment said.
The Gauhati High Court was not concerned with whether the speaker could exercise his power of disqualification when a motion for his removal was already pending. Since the disqualified MLAs had not raised this issue, there was no reason for the high court to decide the same, the judgement added.
'The disqualification of the MLAs was set aside by the high court on the ground that the principles of natural justice were not followed. It is for this reason that Justice Lokur, a judge of the Constitution Bench, has held at para 159 (page 125) that the question of the disqualification of the 14 members of the Arunachal legislative assembly did not arise for consideration before the Supreme Court since the Gauhati High Court has already decided the issue.
To find a peaceful solution sans AFSPA
Monday Musing
[ Junroi Mamai ]
Of late there have been reports of extensive army clampdown on insurgent groups in the districts of Changlang and Tirap. The army has increased its operations against the NSCN (K) and the NSCN (R) resulting in many arrests of cadres in the recent months. Most recent of such an army operation against the insurgents was on July 7 last, at Kheti, a village 7 Kms from Khonsa in Tirap district wherein the Assam Rifles had killed four cadres of the NSCN (R) at their hideout.
As the turf war between the security forces and insurgent groups continue to intensify, the possibility of peace and stability returning to the three insurgency-torn districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding seem all the more remote. The people of the districts, which have been declared 'disturbed areas' by the GoI, have been living under the shadows of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 for too long. The AFSPA has been in force for nearly a decade in the districts. And with the peace process between the GoI and the insurgent groups showing no signs of development any time soon, the struggle will continue between the security forces and the various insurgent groups and undoubtedly also drag the common people into the milieu. Not only has the absence of peace and stability deeply marred the society but has also hampered the developmental process in the three districts. The youths are battling drugs and opium addiction while, education scenario of the districts has deteriorated to the lowest point since the past decade.
In Arunachal, which shares 1,126 Kms of its border with China and 520 Kms with Myanmar, the AFSPA still remains in force in 12 districts. As per the gazette notification issued by the Home Ministry in May this year, the Act will remain in force in the districts for six more months, on the grounds of continuous violence, extortion and intimidation by insurgent groups. The Home Ministry has stated that the security scenario in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts along with areas falling under 16 police stations in nine other districts of the state dubbed as 'disturbed area' remains vitiated due to spill over of Naga insurgency.
Naga groups including NSCN K, IM, R along with ULFA I and NDFB S continue to indulge in extortion, area domination, inter-factional rivalries in these areas.
The government of Arunachal Pradesh had earlier strongly opposed the center's decision on March 27 last year to declare all districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam as disturbed area under AFSPA. Following the strong opposition, the center was forced to revise the notification.
The much debated issue has been sidelined by successive governments of the country over territorial integrity, even though there have been strong demands from the people to lift the AFSPA from our state. What people want is more political will on the part of the GoI to find a peaceful solution to the issue. It is now up to both center and the state government to take the call on the contentious issue keeping in view the people's welfare.
Sadiya Ghat opens for vehicular movement
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: Sadiya Ghat, which was closed since yesterday because of rising water level of the Brahmaputra River, has been opened for vehicular movement. This was confirmed by Lower Dibang Valley (LDV) DC Ravi Dhawan, IAS. A source confirmed that public transport system would resume its services from Monday.
Deopani River, locally Eze, on the way to Hunli-Desali road is also steadily increasing because of the incessant rain that has been pouring in for the past one week. The DC, however, said that as of now there is no flood threat to Roing Township and that the district administration is constantly monitoring the situation.
Road connectivity has also been snapped across Hunli-Desali road at multiple locations cutting off Hunli-Desali block of Lower Dibang Valley district and Dibang Valley district from rest of the state. LDV DC informed that GREF is working on war footing to improve the road condition.
"Hunli-Desali-Anini road should improve by the next 48 hours provided this continuous rain gives us some respite," said the DC.
As this report is being filed, there is continuous rain in Roing and its adjacent areas.
AAPSU flood relief campaign continues
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) led by its president Kamta Lapung along with District Student Unions from eight districts and All Tai Khampti Singpho Students' Union are constantly monitoring the flood situation and helping the administrations in the rescue and relief operation.
Under the initiatives of AAPSU, a 7-day health camp also started on Sunday to help the flood victims which is being supervised by AAPSU vice chairman (vigilance) Jango Hallai.
"We will continue the rescue and relief work till the time there is some respite from the flood. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep on helping the victims with all possible means that we can," Lapung said in a statement.
Lapung also said that the physical presence of deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, who is monitoring the situation constantly, is boosting morale of the union members and the relief and rescue workers, who are working day and night to make sure that the people are safe.
AAPSU has decided to conduct a series of donation camps at various places of the Capital Complex from August 4 to 7 in aid of the flood affected people.
The camps which would be organized under the supervision of AAPSU finance secretary Suraj Tayam would sit at Aakashdeep, NERIST, Rajiv Gandhi University and at Takar Complex, Naharalagun on August 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively.
The union urged the entire citizens of Capital Complex to come forward and donate generously in order to help the victims.
AAPSU appealed to all the DSUs of the state to organize at least one donation camp in all the district headquarters to help the flood victims.
Tadak Dulom Memorial District Badminton C'ship begins
[ Karda Natam ]
DAPORIJO, Jul 24: The first Tadak Dulom Memorial District Badminton Championship began at Singik Hall here on Sunday.
The opening match was played between Bingio Natam and Tama Doyom in men's open single. Natam defeated his opponent by 21-19 and 23-21 sets.
As many as 34 matches of men's single were played in the first day.
Altogether, 91 players in both men and women are participating in men and women open singles and doubles, U-15 boys' and girls' singles and doubles events.
Sports Authority of Arunachal vice chairman Gechi Doke, who inaugurated the championship, advised the players to maintain discipline and practice hard to become a good sportsperson.
While highlighting the various programmes and policies of the government for sportspersons, including job reservation, Doke assured all possible assistance to organizing committee to promote badminton in the district.
The championship is organized in memory of former minister Tadak Dulom by his relatives under the aegis of Upper Subansiri Badminton Association.
Water supply snapped
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: Water supply line was damaged at Rillo in Poma village near youth gate here on Sunday, PHED EE Tadar Manku said, adding that he has deployed 50 labourers to restore the line. But the pipeline below the spot got damaged again causing minor injuries to few labourers.
The water supply to the state capital here will be badly affected for around next five days as retention fencing wall has to be built, Mangku said.
Student leaders' training held
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: The three days' residential leadership training programme, Group Leaders' Orientation Workshop (GLOW) for representative student leaders of the various private schools concluded at Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) on Sunday.
The training an initiative of All Arunachal Private Schools' Association (AAPSA) is a yearly programme for the representative student leaders of classes IX to XII and is aimed at developing positive leadership qualities in students.
Speaking at the function, SLO, NSS, Dr. V. N. Sharma appreciated AAPSA for taking up such innovative initiative for the welfare of the student community. He called upon the participants to make the training a part and parcel of their life and translate the knowledge learnt in all aspects of daily living.
Speaking on the importance of having good leaders in the state, Fr. C.D. Mathai, Parish Priest Catholic Church, Itanagar said that the state needs lot of good and sacrificing leaders.
GLOW-2016 centered on sessions such as Self-Knowledge, Joe-Hari Window, Goal-Setting, Study Methods, Time Management, Leadership Skills, Team Work, Addictive Habits, Communication Skills, and Flag Test of Personality. Resource persons included Kholi George and Robert Makhri from Shillong, DBYC trainers Manjuna Sangma, Petekhrienuo Rame and Veinai Romai. The training, a mix of theory and practical activities, was greatly appreciated by the 86 young leaders from the various private schools of Capital Complex.
16 reach 4th round of Nyishi Idol
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: The third elimination round of Nyishi Idol 2016 was held on Saturday at Nyikum Niya hall, Nirjuli and 16 contestants out of 22 have reached the fourth round which will be held on July 29.
MLA Tapuk Taku and Deputy Director (Department of Printing) Heri Maring, who witnessed the contest, encouraged the budding singers to make best use of the platform and advised them to practice hard to become a good singer.
Bolero pick-up van stolen from Ruksin
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Jul 24: A new Bolero pick-up van was stolen from Ruksin, East Siang district.
The Bolero pick up van (Chasis No. MA12 U2GHKG1D41995 and Engine No. GHG1D28847) of one Atek Jongkey was stolen on July 21.
The owner of the vehicle has filed a complaint regarding the stolen vehicle at Ruksin Police Station.
Proud Hindu College delegation calls on Pema
NEW DELHI, Jul 24: To the surprise of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is on a visit to the national capital, a delegation of top IAS, IPS, IFS Officers and eminent social workers under the banner of Hindu College Educational Trust and Alumni Association of Hindu College, New Delhi, called on him here on Sunday and felicitated him on his elevation to the coveted post of Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. The organizations were led by the Principal of Hindu College and Honorary Secretary of the Hindu Educational Trust.
Khandu, an alumnus of the prestigious Hindu College of Delhi University, had graduated from this College in the year 2000.
Various issues of mutual interest were discussed during the felicitation and interaction. The Principal invited the Chief Minister for a felicitation programme in the College campus tentatively being scheduled in the last week of August next, which shall be followed by a felicitation function of All India Hindu College Alumni Association. (PRO, CMO)
Bharat Sevashram Sangha celebrates centenary
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jul 24: The Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) is celebrating its centenary at Kalibari, D-sector, Itanagar.
Attending the celebrations, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, President, Techi Lala called on the Swamijis to maintain their spirit of humanitarian service.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu in a message lauded the BSS for its valuable services in the state, for running a school at Pakke Kesang in East Kameng offering free education to 100 tribal girl students since last five years. The CM also appreciated its humanitarian contributions under the guidance of Swami Biswatmananda Maharaj in supplementing the GoAP efforts to educate the needy and poor and assured all possible support and assistance of his GoAP.
The BSS, founded by Yogacharya Shrimat Swami Pranabananda Maharaj in 1917, completed a century while extending humanitarian services across the globe, said NE in-charge Swami Sadananada Maharaj. Informing about the 'Dharma Rath Yatra' from Lower to Upper Assam as part of the celebration, he added that a grand celebration has been proposed at Lumding on November 19 next.
The BSS has been extending its services at many places in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura.
Editorial
Monsoon fury
As the monsoon fury intensifies the flood situation is also getting out of control
in various parts of state. While plains and foot hill areas are battling flood, the
hilly parts of state is facing wrath of landslides. Flood is creating havoc in districts
like East Siang, Namsai, Lohit, Changlang, Lower Dibang Valley and Papum Pare. Many
areas have been inundated and residents have been forced to migrate to safer places.
Most of these places are flood prone and every year state government pumps in huge
amount of money for various flood related schemes.
But the situation has not changed and is only going from bad to worse. The question
is where does the money go? For many MLAs flood has become means for earning. In
the name of flood protection they gobble up huge fund without actually doing any
work at ground level. Most of the relief money does not reach to the actual sufferers.
Therefore government should be careful while distributing funds in the name of flood.
They should ensure that fund is not misused. Also it is well known that during monsoon
landslides causes' road blockade across the state. Government should keep separate
fund to deal with road blockades. It is seen that in many places PWD are not able
to hire machines to clear road blockade due to lack of fund.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
What mask will you wear in 2019?
Dear Editor,
The sorry episodes in Arunachal that has seen in last 6 months due to greedy, selfish
and power hunger politicians has left a indelible marks in the heart of entire state
population. Never in the history of state was such tugs of war seen. This time the
elected leaders have cross all limits. They were so blinded by lure of chair that
they have forgotten it was their people who voted them to the prestigious Legislative
Assembly as a member, so that they works for welfare of the people, progress and
development of the state. So sadly, our elected has shown their hidden characters
by fighting like wild dogs (as in discovery channel for piece of meat) for power.
The political party, whether they are Cong, BJP or PPA should have been secondary
things rather the individual as a MLA should have been their identity to serve the
people. In doing so, they have jumped from one party to another shamelessly, than
to another party even overnight. May be they dont even realize this but people of
the state has developed deep mistrust on all 60 MLAs this time. They thought, pleasing
the central party leadership is all that matters for being in power, is complete
misnomers. I dont know what mask you will wear when you goes door to door begging
for vote in 2019 Election? What issue or manifesto you will show to the people in
next election? God save our Arunachal.
Yours,
L.R Takam, Itanagar
A lesson for all
Dear Editor,
The Supreme Court verdict to restore the Congress (I) government in Arunachal Pradesh
is observed by many as timely and necessary interference to restore the spirit of
the constitution. The judgment has further restored the faith of the people in democracy
and its constitution. Truly, we can call this as a triumph of the democracy.
While, obviously it is a win for democracy, but the judgment also raises many fundamental
questions with regard to the role of the Governor and the use and misuse of the president
rule by the centre.
First, the unnecessary interference by the Central government amounts to violation
of the principles Cooperative Federalism which envisages both the central & State
governments to functions in cooperative manner in every aspects of governance. Second,
what is the role of the state governor? Yes, no doubt there was an internal defection
within the Nabam Tuki lead Congress government in our state. It is true, that many
of the state lawmakers and peoples were not very happy with Tuki’s style of governance.
But, the pertinent questions are, what was the urgency of the governor to interfere
in the state politics? If than, whether or not it was as per the provisions written
in the constitution of India? The whole dramatic political crisis started when the
governor issued an order pre-poning the legislative assembly and subsequently the
central government imposing the President rule in the State. It seems that the role
of the speaker was completely sidelined. The speaker who was dully elected by the
members, his role and power has been encroached by the appointed Governor. Is it
the job of the state governor to see whether or not there is any internal fight within
any political party? His primary role is to ensure and protect the spirit of the
constitution. In case, if there is any such political crisis, the governor can call
for a proper floor test on aid and advice of the council of Minister. Why did the
governor called for a session and fixed the agenda of the house? Where is the role
of the speaker than?
Third, if AFSPA is considered as a draconian law for the civilian’s right than the
President rule (Article 356) is same for the political rights. Article 356 has become
a tool to de-establish the opposition state government by the ruling central government.
In case of Arunachal Pradesh, the recently imposed president rule seems to be more
like” fishing in trouble water” than following the constitution principles itself.
Fourth, so at the end what did the BJP gained out of this political drama? The state
BJP has 11 MLAs, as exactly it was after the result declaration of the last assembly
election. BJP was an opposition party and still they continue to play same role.
I think now BJP must have learned the lesson that trying to topple a majority elected
government is not an easy job. Even if there was a political defection within the
Congress party, the main issue is whether the modus operand adopted by the BJP and
to form a backdoor government rather than going through a constitutional manner for
a floor test is justified one. Let the BJP decide on this. BJP as a respectable political
party must try to build its own empire than trying to adopt jigsaw puzzle model to
form a government. “Garwapsi” was a theory of Hindu organizations and now the Congress
in AP has just adopted it.
The SC verdict must be seen as a lesson for all the political parties, Governor of
the states and the central ruling government. Whatever politics you play, there is
always a holy book called constitution which cannot be violated at any means. Every
act must fit within this holy book or else shall be quashed. So, now the state has
come to witness a new face of government under the leadership of Pema Khandu, we
hope the government will remain stable and both the ruling and oppositions shall
work together for the development of our state. After all, Arunachal Hamara Hai.
Yours,
Pangngam Wangnam
Good governance and ministerial berth
Dear Editor,
While many MLAs are demanding for Ministerial post on the basis of various reasons
which are self-serving, it is often seen that leader's performance, past record and
knowledge are never considered a criterias in selecting them as Minister. It is not
necessary that best policy in paper will always be transmitted to the masses. Good
governance depend upon leaders ability, knowledge and their intentions. Minister's
morality, their sincerity and fair and just dealings will make a far reaching effect,
if made criterion. It has always been a government of select few in our state in
the past and repeat of that can be done away only by inducting selfless and fully
dedicated leaders as minister.
Most of the names currently circulating around as probable Minister are already tested
one and have their share in prevailing mess of corruption and nepotism in our state.
So, making them minister again has no meaning. Government is not a prize of powers
to be distributed among the MLAs. It's a responsibility to serve and an opportunity
of lifetime to leave one's footprint in history of mankind. Hence, this time is not
a challenge but an opportunity for our new Chief Minister Pema Khandu to bring positive
changes in the life of common people by selecting right persons to be his Ministers.
Yours,
Jummo Loyi
Vivek Vihar, Itanagar
SC verdict and its aftermath
Dear Editor,
Through your daily, I would like to say few lines on the Honble Supreme court’s
verdict and its aftermath. We are nobody to criticise verdict of Supreme Court, however
it seems that the judges took serious note of the pre-poning of assembly session
by governor and declare it as illegal. The court said that governor cannot pre-pone
the session which was already summoned, even under his discretionary power. On this
ground, the Tuki lead Congress government in the state of Arunachal Pradesh was restored
by hon'ble Apex court.
On the other hand, it is quite confusing that the hon'ble court simply said that
the fight between the 21 rebel MLAs and 26 MLAs who run the government as only internal
conflict. The congress legislatures were divided into two hostile camps, first lead
by Nabam Tuki the then Chief minister and other led by Khaliko Pul the rebel leader.
Central congress high command failed to handle the situation which led to defection
in the party. According to the people of Arunachal Pradesh it is quite unprecedented
that a minority government with only 26 MLAs in 60 members house run the government
for nearly one year was not looked into by the Apex court. Even if it is not illegal
the country's popular anti defection law needs to be amended. Why 2/3 majority is
sought for defection to pull down a government. There should be no member limitation
for defection to overthrow a corrupted government. The anti defection law was enacted
to prevent floor crossing or horse trading of vested interest person and it should
not be a weapon to defend the corrupted government. It is also to be noted that many
people mistook the governor as BJP agent. Off course, he was appointed by BJP led
central government, but it is fact that he interfered only after mounting so much
pressure from all section of society that the government was reduced to minority.
Governor acted for common people but his action hurt the high profile peoples. Justice
were delivered to common peoples but common peoples could not defend him in the legal
fight and hence his action for preponing the assembly session was declared illegal
and Tuki govt restored. But in a dramatic turn, Nabam Tuki resigned and Pema Khandu
elected as CLP leader and became the CM. Pul by not joining BJP pulled down himself
and Khandu succeeded at wrong time may face the same fate if not join the BJP early.
Yours,
Take Yubi
Against back door entry
Dear Editor,
Your editorial, "Shun back door entry" (TAT, July 20, 2016) , rightly advised the
ruling party at the centre to immediately shelve their policy of back door entry
that had, unfortunately, been adopted by them in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh
Assemblies. The Supreme Court of India has, recently, criticised the government at
the centre for engineering the ouster of a democratically elected Congress Party
government in Arunachal Pradesh. However, this move of the ruling party is very much
in line with their declared goal to have a "Congress-mukt Bharat". Unfortunately,
this slogan sounds like opposition-mukt Bharat which is an insult to parliamentary
democracy. The Parliament and State Assemblies act as a bridge between the government
and the electorate. This fundamental democratic bridge will collapse without the
presence of strong opposition. It must not be forgotten that the treasury bench even
though it has a brute majority enjoys the support of only less than half of the popular
mandate. Therefore, such 'mukt' slogan humiliates a very large section of electorates
who have given their mandates in favour of an opposition party in particular and
the constitution of India in general. A democratic party is supposed to win power
by political hook and not by administrative crook.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
