July 27
2016
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Irom Sharmila to end fast, Amnesty seeks release
IMPHAL, Jul 26: Sixteen years after starting her path-setting hunger strike demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Manipur’s "Iron Lady" Irom Chanu Sharmila has decided to end her fast on August 9 and contest Assembly elections as an Independent candidate.
The 44-year-old iconic rights activist, who has been forcibly fed through a nasal tube since 2000, said she would join politics as she no longer believes that her fast will lead to the repeal of the "draconian" AFSPA.
"I will end my fast on August 9 and contest elections on an independent ticket," Sharmila told the media after coming out of a local court here where she is facing a trial for attempting suicide.
"I will join politics and my fight will continue," Sharmila, who has refused to eat or drink anything since November, 2000 and is forcibly fed through a nasal tube in Imphal’s Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital, a special ward of which acts as her prison.
Assembly elections in Manipur are scheduled early next year.
In the past, many political leaders have met Sharmila and tried to cajole her into joining politics but she has rejected all offers.
On the charge of attempting suicide by means of a fast unto death in 2006 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, she has been arrested, released and then re-arrested from time to time.
The maximum punishment under Section 309 of IPC is a one-year jail term, reports PTI.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International India called on the Manipur government to immediately and unconditionally release the 44-year-old activist and to drop all charges against her.
“Sharmila’s iconic fight against AFSPA is bound to take a new course.
This also comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered 1528 cases of alleged extrajudicial execution in Manipur over the last two decades to be investigated. Now the government needs to do its part to pave the way for the repeal of AFSPA,” said Arijit Sen, Project Manager at Amnesty International India.
Wall collapses, terrorizes nearby residents
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: In yet another glaring example of poor quality works executed by firms and clean chit given by the authorities, a RCC retaining wall collapsed near the Accountant General office site at MOWB-II, Itanagar on Monday evening.
A nearby resident, Meming Bengia informed that the RCC protection wall collapsed due to the incessant rain and the damage was massive. Some children playing near the wall narrowly escaped the collapsing wall. The collapsed wall has destroyed the parking lot and a small portion of the adjacent building.
During the construction of the wall, the nearby residents had made complaints against the contractor for low quality material which would endanger the lives of nearby residents. The complaints were never taken seriously although one of the RCC retaining wall had collapsed due to bad construction, added the resident.
On the contrary, the executing agency had issued a quality certificate cum assurance certificate to us stating that the wall was constructed with full security and safety to carry the load in all types of weather, added Bengia.
The wall work was awarded by CPWD to one M/S Tana Hali Construction.
Accordingly the matter has been informed to Itanagar OC, and Additional Magistrate, Talo Potom and DC Capital Complex. No efforts to clear the debris are being made even after informing the Accountant General office, rued Bengia.
CM reviews flood situation, calls for emergency mitigation plan
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Emphasizing the need for preparedness to tackle flood situation in an effective way, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday asked all the line departments to coordinate and work out for a State Emergency Mitigation Plan under the supervision of the Chief Secretary.
Convening an urgent high-level meeting here to review the flood situation in the state soon after his arrival from New Delhi, he directed the Disaster Management Department to issue instructions to all the District Administrations to provide sufficient relief materials, essential ration commodities and basic requirements like drinking water to the flood affected people. The CM said that if necessary, Defence sortie would be put into service for air dropping of ration commodities to the areas where surface communication has been disrupted.
He further directed to provide assistance of Medical Team and Medicines to the flood victims. Issuing strict directives to district administration and disaster management department, CM said "no human life should be lost for which extra precautionary measures and care should be taken. He hinted for optimal utilization of NDRF & SDRF, available police and Paramilitary Forces for rescue and evacuation of the flood affected people.
He also said to carry out the restoration works of basic amenities like water supply, electricity and roads to the flood affected areas as and when the weather conditions improve. He directed the Finance Department to immediately place additional funds to the Disaster Management Department for mitigating the crisis situation.
Chief Minister is slated to make aerial survey of the flood hit districts of Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai and Changlang as soon as the weather clears.
Khandu while expressing sorrow on the report of a missing person in a stream at Yealing Village under Sunpura today, he asked the DDM to involve NDRF & SDRF in the search and rescue operations and prayed that the missing person is rescued immediately and safely.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein while giving the first hand information of the flood scenario at Namsai and Mahadevpur, said that the flood situation in Namsai district is severe due to change of river course of Nao-Dihing which has diverted some 2000 metre towards the Mahadevpur town. He said that if the changed course of the river is not redirected to its original course, a natural catastrophe may occur in Mahadevpur and Namsai. He called for immediate plugging of the Nao-Dihing River in order to avert the disastrous threat. Mein also suggested for taming of the rivers in low lying areas so as to prevent re-occurence of such kind of flood in future.
Legislators CT Mein, Gum Tayeng, Zingnu Namchoo, Nikh Kamin and Laisam Simai also gave first hand information of the flood situation of their respective constituencies.
Director of Disaster Management, Y W Ringu in her presentation informed that the flood has affected 47 villages, out of which 33 villages has been inundated by flood waters affecting 25, 813 inmates so far in the state. She also informed that an area of 3700 hectares of cultivated agricultural/horticultural fields has been damaged with live stocks loss of 250 cattles, 400 pigs, 200 goats, 2000 poultry birds and 115 fish ponds besides disrupting surface communication, water and power supply. She, however, informed that reports from many areas are yet to be received and the figure is likely to increase.
She also informed that the departmental man powers and machineries are placed and rescue and rehabilitation operations are being carried out in full swing with the help of NDRF, SDRF, district administrations and other paramilitary forces.
Hage Khoda, Acting Chief Secretary, Hage Kojeen, Commissioner (Disaster Management), Secretaries and Chief Engineers of Link Departments were also present in the meeting. (CMO)
Game of wait and watch
[ Tongam Rina ]
The swearing-in ceremony of council of ministers, scheduled for Wednesday has reportedly been postponed hours after invitation cards were dispatched and duty passes issued to media people. Though there is no official communication, the programme has reportedly been postponed following cancellation of trip to Itanagar by Governor Tathagata Roy. But there is always a helicopter on a stand by incase BJP changes its mind and choose to become more friendly to pave way for smooth formation of ministry. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and state Congress Chief Padi Richo had met the AICC chief Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi in separate meetings in Delhi on Monday for finalisation of council of ministry but it appears that ministry formation has to wait till Roy, who is the governor in-charge makes up his mind regarding the trip to Itanagar.
The probable list of ministers are reported to include Honchun Ngandam, Wangki Lowang, Kamlung Mossang, Rajesh Tacho, Kumar Waii, Tanga Byaling, Takam Pario, Jomde Kena and Nabam Rebia. Gum Tayeng is also in the race but insiders say that Padi Richo is adamant on having Tapang Taloh instead. Taloh has been in news in recent times for blotching up the education department by effecting transfers mid sessions. A school in his constituency scored zero percentage in CBSC exams. Congress could already be in trouble if he is inducted as Gum Tayeng, Alo Libang, Lombo Tayeng are a team. Gum Tayeng could emerge as consensus candidate, said an insider as even the chief minister is apparently not too keen on inclusion of Taloh in the ministry following his not so friendly reputation.
Meanwhile, Congress team has already seen unpleasant scene regarding the appointment of Speaker as the AICC felt that it was kept in dark regarding the appointment of T N Thongdok to the chair. According to an insider, there were ugly scene between the AICC observers and Congress MLAs, belonging to Pema camp as they indulged in verbal dual at the home of former chief minister Nabam tuki. While the Congress high command seems to have not learnt any lesson from what happened in the past, BJP NE in-charge Ram Madhav has already said that BJP is not done yet in Arunachal.
If Congress has to survive, there has to be major overhaul in current state team as it's the same team which had written to the AICC not to entertain the rebel team led by Kalikho Pul and Co while it was at the peak of dissident movement against Tuki resulting in major political crisis in the state. At the end it was the BJP and governor J P Rajkhowa who made use of the opportunity, though short lived by bringing in a PPA govt.
AICC, it appears is yet to learn any lesson. It took more than five days for the Gandhis to respond to the request of the chief minister for an appointment while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the time to meet Chief Minister merely 12 hours after the request was sent. Is the Congress government angry with the AICC? That's an understatement.
City Police busts gang of looters
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Capital Police busted a gang of looters and burglars with arrest of four of its members, who were operating both in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
The arrested members of the gang, who were actively involved in various looting and burglary activities since last one month in Capital Complex, have been identified as Bharat Das alias Gwala (30), Shiva Singh @ Aashiq (19), Ranbhir Singh (19) and Abhishek Singh (19), all from Bihar.
The gang was carrying out their activities in both the neighboring states using Banderdewa as their base.
They committed the crimes by adopting the tactics of rubbing itching leaves of shrub (tree) on the body of their prey, especially in banks and busy market places, and snatched away the money purses or hand bags.
City Police, after registering several complaints from victims of such crimes, launched operation under the close supervision of SP Devender Arya and Officer In-Charge of Naharlagun Police Station Inspector N Riba.
The police team led by SI K Dev, which was following the gang for weeks, laid a trap at Central Bank of India, Takar Complex, Naharlagun, and finally succeeded to arrest one of the gang members Shiva Singh alias Aashiq on July 25 around 11.30 am. The team nabbed other members of the gang after a brief chase from Nirjuli near the cinema hall.
A huge quantity of itching substances, breaking devices/tools and Rs 35000 were recovered from their possession.
During interrogation, they admitted that they were operating such crimes in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, said SP Devender Arya.
At least 12 cases of such incidents were registered in both Itanagar and Nahalagun Police Stations.
In one of such cases of Naharlagun Police Station, the looters looted Rs. two lakh from a person adopting the same tactic.
The victim in his complaint letter stated that the gang members had followed him for some days before committing the crime. According to him, one of the gang members rubbed the itching tree leaves on his body while others snatched away his money bag containing Rs. two Lakh while he was busy attending the intolerable itching, the SP said.
Meanwhile, the City SP has commended the team of police led by SI K Dev for busting the gang.
Youth found dead
[ Karda Natam ]
DAPORIJO, Jul 26: Daporijo Police recovered a body of a youth identified as Raju Doyom (26) from a roadside near circuit house here on Tuesday morning.
Police, on being informed of the incident, arrived on the spot immediately and found the blood-stained body of Doyom wrapped up with electric wire around his neck.
After completing the post mortem and other necessary legal formalities, police handed the body over to his relatives at Abotani Colony as the parents of the deceased were out of the station.
The person had reportedly made a suicide attempt with sharp object at Powergrid Colony the previous day (Monday), which was informed to Police by the colony dwellers, told Sub-Inspector T Dubi. He was rushed to local hospital to receive medical treatment and later, handed over to his relatives at Abotani Colony around 11 am on Monday, informed the police sub-inspector.
The actual cause of the death can be ascertained only after the post mortem report is out, police said.
Speaker seeks fund for LA secretariat
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Legislative Assembly speaker T Norbu Thongdok on Tuesday stressed on the need to make necessary fund provision during this financial year for early construction of Assembly Secretariat buildings. He said this during inspection to the construction site of the new Legislative Assembly Secretariat. He was accompanied by Secretary LA, Additional Secretary LA and officials from Chief Engineer, PWD, Western Zone.
Observing that since March 2016, no allocation and LoC has been issued to the PWD Western Zone Department;
he called for early issuance of LoC to the Chief Engineer PWD Western Zone to complete the work which is targeted on or before December 2016. “Unless immediate allocation and LoC are issued the progress of work may be affected,” he said.
He viewed that though the construction is going on smoothly it is being impeded by incessant rain. He advised PWD engineers to construct critical bar chart to monitor the progress and if necessary construction work has to be taken up in two to three shifts to maintain the schedule of completion. He further pointed out some minor changes required and directed them to consult Senior Architect and rectify.
Pema seeks funds from Niti Aayog to restore infrastructure
NEW DELHI, Jul 26: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has appealed to the Niti Aayog to grant fund under a Special Window of funding for reconstruction and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as highway damaged by floods, landslides and other natural calamities. He stated that the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force does not cover funds for reconstruction and major maintenance of damaged public and private properties as per the laid down norms.
Pema, who called on the Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman, Dr. Arvind Panagariya here on Monday, also raised several important issues pertaining to the state’s development. He apprised Niti Aayog’s Vice Chairman about the state’s recurring problem of heavy rain-triggered flood causing huge damage to property, infrastructure and livestock every year during the monsoon.
‘Due to the turbulent nature of rivers triggered by torrential rainfall, flood water created havoc in entire parts of the state. He informed that the floods has affected more than 47 villages in the state and rendered thousands of people homeless besides damaging public and private properties’, he informed.
Stressing on the need for a long term strategy, the CM requested the Niti Aayog to intervene at policy level to adopt a specific and special international design for roads and drainage system specific to the northeastern region so that it could withstand heavy rain every monsoon. Citing the example of recently constructed Hoj-Potin Road under Trans-Arunachal Highway which has been badly damaged due to continuous downpour, he urged the Niti Aayog to design a system to deal with such catastrophe which is a regular phenomenon in the hilly state.
He also asserted that many important ongoing schemes under SPA has been forced to stop due to lack of fund as SPA has been de-linked by GoI. Pema also sought early release of pending funds against the ongoing SPA projects so that the infrastructure development in the frontier state sees the light of the day.
While assuring to take up all the aforementioned issues, the Vice Chairman further asked the state government to submit the Utilization Certificate on time. Khandu on his part assured that he would ensure that the departments submit UCs timely. (CMO)
Flood-hit Lohit limping back to normalcy
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Flood-ravaged Lohit district is slowly limping back to normalcy as water level of several rivers in the district showed a receding trend with an improvement in weather condition on Tuesday.
Over 1305 mm of rainfall was recorded in Lohit over the past 9 days which led to overflowing of Tezu nala, Durranala, Balizan, Sukhanala and Denning nala submerging many villages destroying standing crops, embankment for controlling flood .
District Administration has launched post flood restoration work at Changliang, Tezu nala, Dangku area along with other essential services on improvement of the weather condition.
Temporary flood restoration works are jointly carried out by WRD, District Administration with help of ITBP and volunteers at Dangku area near Balizan river at Sunpura to plug the overflowing of Balizan river.
A team of WRD officials along with villagers of Changliang also carried out immediate flood rectification work at Changliang village at Durra river.
Heavy machineries like JCB were also pressed into service to divert the river course in all vulnerable and flood affected areas in the district.
BRTF authorities also pressed in men and machinery in war footing to restore surface communication of the district.
Meanwhile, the first incident of man drowning in the current phase of flood has been reported from Sunpura.
One person, namely Gorailum Kora, aged about 45 year, has been drowned in a stream near Yealiang village under Sunpura on Tuesday, informed Sunpura CO Vekhelum Bellai.
Search operation has been launched after receiving information with the help of ITBP, Civil Police and Villagers but the person is still untraceable. Search operation will be resumed on Wednesday.
DC for prior permission before work execution
YUPIA, Jul 26: Papum Pare DC Sandeep Kumar Singh has emphasised for obtaining prior permission from competent authorities before executing any works in the district and to maintain proper coordination with the District Administration and all the line departments.
The DC was speaking in a meeting to know the status and issues pertaining to Optic Fibre Cable (OFC) laying in the district under Digital India e-Governance programme by Rail Tel Corporation of India Ltd. at DC office, Yupia on Tuesday.
DC Sandeep Kumar Singh said that permissions from line departments including PWD, RWD, Power, Highway and BRTF should be taken that are looking after the stretch of the road where OFC work has to be executed to avoid any future differences.
Further, the DC asked the Railtel Project engineer to identify the roads falling under various line departments with the help of Circle Officer (e-Governance) before August 5 and also directed the Power Department to ensure electrification within ten days where electrification is required by the company. Any threat or precautions in smooth executing of work was also asked to be informed to the district administration from the OC 119 RCC.
Executive Engineer (Highway) Bini Pelen also stressed that executing company must maintain proper coordination with district administration and all line departments for proper execution of works.
The DC assured to look into the grievances of BSNL when Naharlagun BSNL SDOT, Teli Pinji placed the grievances of frequent disruption of OFC of BSNL in Naharlagun and Itanagar.
The Railtel Corporation of India Ltd is doing the OFC laying work under Govt of India Digital India USOF (Universal Services Obligation Fund) and NOFN (National Optical Fibre Network) projects.
Earlier, Project Engineer Raj Kumar, presented an overview of the projects executed in Papum Pare District by Railtel India and informed the DC about various shortcomings.
Among others Executive Engineer (PWD) Doimukh, Nabam Tado, OC 119RCC Chandrama Prasad, Power AE, P.Hinda, DIO H. Bharali, DDM R.Tako, JTO (BSNL) attended the meeting. DIPRO
Independence Cup Football Tournament begins in Miao
[ Indrajit Tingwa ]
MIAO, Jul 26: Songking B and Miao Bum Football Club won their respective matches on the second day of the Independence Cup Football Tournament, 2016 at General Ground here on Tuesday.
Songking B beat Miao Police 4-3 in a keenly contested match while Miao Bum Football Club thrashed Reaper's Football Club 8-0 and advanced into the second round.
Upper Miao Football Club thrashed Plone Young Boys 6-0 in the opening match on Monday.
Miao ADC T Mara, who kicked off the annual event, appealed to the players to maintain sportsman spirit throughout the tournament. He lauded Maio Sub-Division Youth Organization (MSYO) for organising the tournament every year, which is encouraging the youths to involve in games and sports instead of wasting their times in unproductive activities.
Altogether, 28 teams have registered for the tournament, which is being played on knock-out basis.
The final will be played on the Independence Day.
Tadak Dulom Memorial District Badminton Championship ends
Correspondent
DAPORIJO, Jul 26: The first Tadak Dulom Memorial District Badminton Championship-2016 ended with the men's double final match at Singhik Hall here on Tuesday.
Tai Doyom and Domo Padu won the men's double title defeating the pair of Talin Raji and Takam Yolu.
Tania Dobin defeated Tai Doyom in the final to win the men's single title.
In Girls Single under 15 years category, Reri Dinus Dulom beat Nyaty Dobin in the final to win the title while the double title in this category was won by the pair of Nyaty Dobin and Adam Doyom. They defeated the pair of Kajak Gamnu and Abhina Gamnu in the final.
In boys under-15 doubles, Gamto Mengnia and Kiakap Mengnia defeated the duo of Nyado Rigia and Tapik Piya in the final.
Yumsi Doyom won the women's single title beating Yaro Leriak in the final while the doubles title in this category was won by Titer Maling and Yarak Sikom Gongo. They defeated Minu Mara and Yumsi Doyom in the final match.
In total, 91 players participated in the three days tournament, which was started on July 24.
EAC Manek Bui attended the closing ceremony.
In his brief speech, Bui recalled the contribution of former minister late Dulom in various fields for the betterment of the society. He also informed the gathering about the role played by the former minister in creation of Upper Subansiri district.
DFP outreach prog at Dumporijo
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: As part of its ongoing special outreach programme, the Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Daporijo unit organized an awareness campaign on various centrally sponsored schemes of the NDA government at Dumporijo on July 26.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Otem Jamoh highlighted the activities of DFP in organizing such informative programmes in every nook and corner of the state.
Taking the opportunity, he also spoke on the importance of education, especially for women, to build a literate society. He explained the role of teachers in molding the future of children and said that teachers should be respected by all.
Resource persons from different implementing agencies of centrally sponsored schemes attended the programme and explained the villagers about the benefits of those schemes.
Speaking as a resource person, Chief Manager of SBI Daporijo branch PK Doley informed about various schemes being launched by the bank. He also distributed forms for opening Personal Accidental Insurance (PAI) among large numbers of people who attended meeting.
Dumporijo CDPO Dr. N.Gussar spoke on gender equality, education of girl child and empowerment of women. He appealed parents to treat their boys and girl child equally.
He also requested all to avail the facilities being provided by the government for benefit of the girl child, such as Sukanya Samridhi Yojana.
A large number of villagers, teachers, students and 10th Bn. ITBP, Daporijo thronged the awareness campaign despite unfavourable weather condition.
Awareness rally, quiz competitions and colorful cultural programmes organized by the artistes of Song & Drama Division, Guwahati were the other highlights of the day long programme.
Attractive prizes were given to the winners of quiz competition.
An essay competition was also organized on the previous day among the senior students of higher secondary school, Dumporijo wherein 50 students took part.
Earlier, FPO P Sonowal explained the aim of organizing the awareness programme.
DC reviews performance of Seppa DH
SEPPA, Jul 26: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner in a meeting of Rogi Kalyan Samiti /Hospital Management Society on Tuesday reviewed the performance and present status of the District Hospital regarding facilities, man power etc.
Enquiring about the causes for rejection and delay in settlement of cases under APCMUHIS, he requested the DMO to write to the concern authority. He enquired about the facilities available in the District Hospital and polio cases and the causes of infant death.
According top priority to health, he has assured to provide a DG Set from the untied fund to the hospital.
Regarding shortage of manpower, he suggested for preparation of a detailed report separately for MOs, health staffs and infrastructure and furnish the same immediately for necessary onward action.
Dr. Kopi Gyadi informed about the APCMUHIS and its achievement and performance.
Briefing about the performance of various health services, he informed that almost all health indicators are displaying good results. He illustrated the comparative analysis of various health indicators, such as OPD, IPD, ANC, institutional delivery, MTP, immunization, IUCD, PPIUCD, IMR, maternal death, etc. He informed about the services available under JSY and JSSK, present status of the DH, and works undertaken under RKS and IMR fund.
He also highlighted about the proposed launching of Jan Aushadhi Scheme/Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushidhi Yojana in the DH. He also briefed about its aims & objectives, salient features and genesis of JAS.
Earlier in the day, the In-charges of various health programs have informed about the achievements made so far under their respective field of activities through power-point presentation in a review meeting of the District Level Vigilance cum Monitoring Committee.
UD reacts
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Reacting to a news published in this daily on July 26 regarding dumping of garbage at common burial cum cremation ground in Pasighat, the Urban Development Department on Tuesday clarified that the task of sanitation and solid waste management, including management of the burial ground, has been transferred/ handed over to Pasighat Municipality on December 13, 2013.
“Since then, the Pasighat Municipal Council has been managing the affairs of municipal solid waste and burial ground, Pasighat,” informed the Chief Engineer cum Director of Urban Development Department and Housing in a release.
Hence, the allegation of dumping garbage in the burial ground by the Urban Development Department does not arise, the release added.
Romi Meitei wins 4th BV Short Film Contest
GUWAHATI, Jul 26: The 4th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival (BVFF) concluded on a high note with the presence of acclaimed director Imtiaz Ali.
Also, the much anticipated results of the BVFF Short Film Competition, 2016 were declared.
Romi Meitei of Manipur won the first prize for his movie 'Colours of Water'. He received a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a scholarship of Rs 50,000 from Brahmaputra Foundation.
Badeimon Kharshing and Badap K Lyngdoh of Meghalaya were the 1st Runners Up for their movie 'U Thlen' and received Rs 30,000 as cash prize and Rs 50,000 as scholarship while Manas Sagra of Assam was the 2nd Runner Up for his movie 'Little Hearts'. He received cash award of Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 as scholarship.
The short film contest was organised as a part of the 4th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival 2016.
Entries from all over northeast were invited and over 100 films received for the contest.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who attended the award giving function said, "Northeast India is one of the most mystic regions in the world. The government is always trying to keep the environment in the region peaceful so that filmmaking can prosper without any hindrance.
17th Kargil Vijay Diwas observed by state BJP
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The 17th Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed at the BJP state unit office at Itanagar on Tuesday.
Floral tributes were paid to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the war with lighting of a lamp and singing of Vande Mataram.
BJP state unit, president, Tapir Gao, MLAs Tamiyo Taga, Tesam Pongte, party general secretary, Dominic Tadar, Dr. Nirmali Taba spoke in the function.
Recalling the circumstances leading to the Kargil War in 1999, Gao stated that the day is observed in memory of the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives in taking back and defending Kargil which was occupied by the Pakistan.
District-level meeting-cum-training prog under NFSA-13 held
TAWANG, Jul 26: A district-level meeting-cum-training programme under NFSA-13 was convened by the District Food and Civil Supplies Office, Tawang district at the Zomkang Hall, with all the managing directors, executive officers of cooperative societies, Sub-Divisional Food & Civil Supplies Officers, FPS manager/in-charge both cooperative and private and the district PDS nominee.
Training was also imparted to the FPS Managers/in-charge and to the district PDS Nominee on the process and paper works on FPS margin claim w.e.f April 2016 under NFSA-13. They were further directed to submit the respective claim under NFSA-13 to the office of the DFCSO, Tawang along with prescribed documents for further perusal.
Further, the FPS managers have sought early and timely release of FPS Margin on submission of reports as it becomes difficult to run the FPS with miscellaneous expenses on a monthly basis. The house also suggested stationing of funds of FPS and PDS Nominee margin with the DC, Tawang by the GoAP as this would facilitate early release of fund and smooth functioning of regular transaction for drawal and timely deposit of cost value of food grains allotted.
Issues like Aadhaar and bank account seeding of beneficiaries under NFSA-13 at FPS level, Sub-Division, Circle and FPS Level Vigilance progress status, maintaining of FPS level records on drawal and distribution of foodgrains under NFSA-13 and grievance redressal of beneficiaries at FPS level were also discussed at length.
Tirap DLVMC cum IDCF meeting held
KHONSA, July 26: The district level vigilance monitoring committee meeting-cum-IDCF steering committee meeting was held on Tuesday in the DC's conference hall at DC office Khonsa.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha said that the healthcare schemes launched by both the state government and GOI must be carried out in letter and spirit to ensure that people benefited from it.
The DC asked the DMO and DRCHO to work in close coordination with PHED while initiating preventive measures and programmes against water-borne diseases like diarrhea. He assured to provide antiseptic soap from the district administration during the hand washing demonstration to be held in schools and anganwadi centres.
Giving a presentation, DRCHO Dr. TD Namsa said that 0-5 years of children would be administered Zinc Sulphate tablets and ORS during the diarrhoea control fortnight from July 29th to August 11th. He said that depending upon the severity of the dehydration of children the supplementation of ORS and IV fluids would be made available in the health facilities for which 92 villages have been identified and 16 camps set up in the district with the targeted children of 8360 from 0-5 years of age.
Youth body demands subject teachers
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The United Youth Front of Mechukha Sub-Division (UYFMS) has demanded the State Govt. particularly Education Department to immediately post subject teachers at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Mechukha.
The youth body, in a representation to the Director Secondary Education, claimed that the lone Higher Secondary School in the entire sub-division has been facing acute shortage of subject teachers.
Stating that Mechukha sub-division was one of the highly populated ADC administrative circles in the entire district with a total population of about 14,310 (as per 2011 census), UYFMS said, Govt. Higher Secondary School Mechukha was only school where students of Class IX to XII from entire sub-division come to study with full of hope and expectation of quality education.
However, ironically, the school was running without subject teachers for the last many years causing serious problems to the students in their studies, it added. The students especially of class IX, X, XI and XII were facing lots of problem due to unavailability of subject teachers such as English, Mathematics and Science, it added.
It is said that the school is currently run by 15 teachers out of which eight are SSA teachers, two senior and five junior teachers.
Further, while claiming that there were 411 AT/A and 241 junior teachers in entire West Siang district which were sufficient enough to cover all the schools of district, the Organization, however, alleged that the Deputy Director of School Education, West Siang District Aalo was not posting teachers at far flung areas like Mechukha sub-division.
In this regard, the youth body has made a fervent appeal to the DSE to look into the matter and post adequate subject teachers at Govt Higher Secondary School, Mechukha.
Training on PMKSY held
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: In all, 50 farmers attended an Agriculture Technology Management Agency, Tawang conducted day-long training programme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in Pamaghar Village of Lumla Sub-Division, Tawang on Tuesday.
During the programme which was attended by officers from Agriculture & allied departments, Tawang ADO, KB Kayastha spoke in detail about PMKSY scheme and judicious use of irrigation water for maximizing crop production while, HDO, K Gyatso elaborated on schemes implemented by the Horticulture department.
Later, an interactive session was held wherein the farmers got their doubts cleared from the resource person.
Continue Governor's order: AYO
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The Arunachal Youth Organization (AYO) has sought continuation of Governor's order for cancellation of all irregular officiating, functional and out of turn promotions in all the government departments.
In its 20 days memorandum served to the chief minister, it also demanded initiation of CBI enquiry into the PDS scam and abduction drama of SP Chauhan at Bhalukpong, immediate eviction drive against illegal encroachment of Government quarters within Capital Complex and all the district headquarters, appointment of only elected legislators for the posts of chairman/vice-chairman in all the government departments and early construction of Greenfield airport at Karsingsa.
The organization has warned of taking up democratic movement if the demands are not fulfilled.
BRCCs, CRCCs imparted training
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: All the Block Resource Center Coordinators (BRCC) and Cluster Resource Center Coordinators (CRCC) of the Kurung Kumey district attended a training programme on household survey on child population, performance indicators for the teachers and learning achievement survey, conducted by the District Project Officer, SSA, on July 22 last.
Addressing the participants on the occasion, DDSE-cum-DPO, Tai Tach emphasized on quality education and advised them to discharge their duties with sincerity while, SSA DPC, Gyamar Main called for time-bound completion of any engagement of SSA activity.
Coordinator Planning, Nangram Kayum and Pedagogy Coordinator, Tai Kaha also spoke on the occasion.
'Do not regularize untrained health assistants'
ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Claiming that the services of many untrained health assistants are going to be regularized soon without following the RR, the All Arunachal Unemployed Health Assistant Association (AAUHAA) has written to the health commissioner against it.
It also alleged that the RR is being modified to absorb them after an advertisement was given for 32 numbers of health assistants junior on April 13 last and has sought nullification of the advertisement.
PGSO felicitates meritorious students
SEPPA, Jul 26: The Pipu-Gyawepurang Social Organisation (PGSO) felicitated the meritorious students of Pipu-Gyawepurang circle for the session 2015-16 in an impressive function held at the Seppa Government Higher Secondary School auditorium here on July 24 last.
The first in the list to be felicitated were the students of Class X which included Esther Flago, Jasmine Cheda and Chim Cheda. Flago scored 10 of 10 in the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), while Jasmine Cheda and Chim Cheda scored 9.8 out of 10 and 9.4 out of 10 respectively in the recently concluded CBSE exams.
For Class XII, Jumshi Gyadi who scored 73.4 percent along with Ruma Cheda and Yano Bokar who scored 69.0 per cent and 67.0 per cent respectively were felicitated while the recently passed out graduates and post graduate students of engineering, medical and others who excelled in their respective chosen fields were also commended by the PGSO on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, PGSO chairman Raya Flago encouraged the students to study well and become a good citizen of the country. Also exhorting the students excel in their chosen fields in order to bring the area at par with other circles of the district, Flago appealed them to stay away from all sorts of negative influences.
Arunachal Press Club president Chopa Cheda, ZPC Meyuk Cheda, Women Welfare Organisation president Veena Waii, Kamphu Holang Orphanage chairperson Renu Bengde, social activist Payi Gyadi, Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena president Serpi Flago, public leaders, intellectuals, government officers and elites, GBs, students, parents and general public of the area attended the programme.
It is pertinent to mention here that, the PGSO is an apex organization of the Pipu-Gyawepurang circle that is spearheading the social movement in the area.
Editorial
Catfight for ministerial berth
As usual the fight for ministerial berth in the Pema Khandu government has started. As per the report intense lobbying is going on for the ministerial berth. Community and area based organizations are reported to be playing active part in this regard. By the end of this month new ministry is expected to take shape. Till then hectic behind the scene parley will continue for the ministerial berth.
This want for ministerial seat is one of the main reasons for political instability in Arunachal Pradesh. Those MLAs who do not make to cabinet list sulks for months. Some of them even have issues with portfolios allocated. These MLAs often indulge in rebellion against Chief Ministers. In recent year Chief Ministers like late Jarbom Gamlin, Nabam Tuki and Kalikho Pul had all faced wrath of MLAs who were unhappy for either not being inducted into cabinet or for not being given choice of their portfolio. It is virtually impossible for a CM to accommodate all the MLAs into cabinet. In Arunachal there are only 12 ministerial slots available. Therefore selection of minister should be left to the wisdom of CM. Putting unnecessary pressure is unfair and should be avoided by everyone. Minister post should be given based on the performance and qualification. Tribe and area wise allocation should be avoided at any cost.
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Readers’ Forum
Harassment in the name of festival
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw attention of Community organisations
regarding the harassment done to the Govt staffs in the name of festivals. Every
year huge amount of money to the tune of Rs.50,000/-
Is it not Extortion? Is it not Harassment? Are you not promoting corruption?
Because nobody will donate such a huge amount for a festival from his own pocket. If he has donated , definitely he will find some way to get back his money.
Let festivals brings joys and happiness and prosperity with the blessing of almighty. If not checked in time, such ill and money minded people will bring disrepute, disrespect and disgrace for tribal communities.
Yours,
A Concerned Citizen
Yingkiong
Frustration of a youth
Dear Editor,
Day by day my frustration is going up seeing the rampant corruption in getting govt jobs. What will become of poor people like me whose parents have exhausted every property to send us to college? I have no political backing and my poor parents have no money left to bribe for a job. Does it mean that one without money and political power will remain unemployed forever? I am only second generation of my family who has seen an educational institute and even at this stage we are facing such corruption. What will become of my children? The state govt can very easily streamline the recruitment process. All they have to do is instruct every department to advertise vacant posts in newspaper. Let there be no walk in interview but written as well as viva voce exam. Let there be no interference from bureaucrats or politicians. Let the selection be purely on merit. I hope that our new, young and energetic CM Pema Khandu will streamline the process and stop corruption immediately, and give fair chance to thousands of poor educated unemployed youths.
Yours,
Frustrated unemployed
Let us have an open competition
Dear Editor,
Being a sportsperson and conscious citizen of the state, I am in favour of selection or recruitment of candidates under meritorious sports quota (MSQ) through Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APSCC) to select the deserving candidates only.
It has become necessary in view of the fact that many of those candidates, who were already recruited under MSQ are not fit for the job for which he/she has been recruited. It is evident from the fact that many of these candidates serving in various departments can’t draft or write even a standard application letter correctly. Their educational qualifications are not beyond doubt.
Having said so, I would also like to clarify that my intention is not to hurt any individual.
I, therefore, appeal to the authorities concerned to hand over the process of recruitment of candidates under meritorious sports quota for Group ‘B’ jobs to APPSC wherein the aspiring candidates will get a chance to compete with each other.
I also appeal to give additional 10% marks to International level achievers as is practiced during university admission and army recruitment under meritorious sports quota.
Let us have an open competition.
Yours,
A meritorious sportsperson
Need necessary and swift action
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of concerned authorities.
Since 18th of July, the Menga-
I request the concerned authorities to take necessary and swift action.
Yours,
Togam Leriak
Upper Subansiri Zilla Chairperson
Quarantine myopia agents
Dear Editor,
This is with reference to your editorial titled, "Dalits at the receiving end" (TAT, July 23, 2016). Some members of a cow protection group namely Gau Rakshak Dal have demonstrated that they are no less criminals than Talibans by mercilessly beating four dalit youths who skin dead animals for a living at a village in Gujarat. They should be given exemplary punishment to emit a clear message for all the fanatics, cutting across religions. On the other hand, the ban on cow slaughter should be lifted for the greater interest of the poor people of India. Cruelty to animals should be banned immediately but not the slaughter of cows. Prohibition of cow slaughter affects the livelihood of the poor and also puts those cows that can no longer produce milk in jeopardy. What needs to be done is to build slaughterhouses where animals can be slaughtered away from the public glare and in a less painful way. It is time to protect animals from their being subjected to abject cruelty in the name of the traditional sports like Jailkattu (bull taming) or Dhiro (bull fight). Cruelty to animals whether it has been practiced as traditional sports, callous practices or for fulfilling sadistic pleasures should, immediately, be banished whereas killing them for food or for saving human beings from their attack must not be prohibited. The former ban is necessary for the survival of humanity and the latter act is a compulsion for the survival of human beings.
It is matter of grave concern that intolarance against anything which is not in conformity
with high-
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata