July 14
Second shooting in a fortnight, two narrowly escape eight bullets
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: In yet another shooting incident, two youths narrowly escaped death after an unknown assailant pumped eight bullets into their vehicle on Thursday morning around 1 AM.
The incident took place at Naharlagun near Hotel Tossum. The victims have been named as Yowa Karda and Nikh Vicky, both residents of Naharlagun.
Reportedly, one of the bullet hit Karda and he will undergo an operation to remove it. However, his condition is currently reported to be stable.
Karda is the son of retired senior bureaucrat Yowa Takar, while Vicky is son of Bordumsa MLA, Nikh Kamin.
According to police source, the two youths were returning home in their car when a scooter with two riders started riding dangerously in front of their vehicle.
"The youths overtook the scooter and were going ahead, when the scooter suddenly intercepted their vehicle and forced them to stop. After that, a heated argument broke out, followed by a physical fight. One of the riders took out a pistol from the scooter’s locker and indiscriminately started firing," informed Naharlagun OC Nikom Riba.
The scooter was not registered and the duo immediately fled from the scene after committing the crime. According to the cartridge recovered from the scene, the gun used for firing is believed to be a 9 MM pistol.
"This pistol is only issued to security personnel and ordinary citizens are prohibited from using it," added the OC Naharlagun.
One of the assailant reportedly boasted that he serves in the state police. When asked about it, OC Riba said, "We do not rule anything at this juncture. Our senior police officers have taken note of the allegation and we are working hard to crack the case."
This is the second major shooting incident to have rocked the state capital in the recent days. Earlier this month, a student received a grievous bullet injury in a shooting incident which took place at Ganga Market in Itanagar.
Meanwhile, the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has said that the law and order problem in the state capital had become a matter of serious concern for ordinary citizens.
Of late, there have been numerous cases of physical attack on ordinary citizens by miscreants and in many of these cases, lethal weapons were used.
The involvement of police personnel in these crimes have also been reported which have completely demoralized the public faith in the police, said a PPA statement.
While referring to latest episode of violence in Naharlagun where suspected police personnel is said to have fired at a vehicle, the PPA said it was a sign of lawlessness in the state capital.
Further, the Durum Welfare Society has strongly condemned the incident and sought immediate arrest of the shooters. They have sought strong punishment for the criminals involved in such heinous crime. They also expressed concern over worsening law and order situation in the Capital Complex.
PWD, RWD, Power employees missing from flood ravaged Bameng
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Though weather condition has improved significantly in the last two days, restoration work in flood and landslide ravaged Bameng, East Kameng district is likely to get delayed due to absence of departmental officials.
"There are one PWD, RWD and Power Sub-
The ADC informed that all the officials of the three departments are currently staying either in the state capital or district headquarters Seppa in sheer negligence of their duties.
Stating that people of Bameng were happy to hear the news of the Chief Minister directing the authorities to supply food items to the flood affected people, the ADC said that supply of ration items could be possible only when there is road connectivity and departmental officials.
The Bameng ADC headquarters remained cut off from the rest of the state for more than 20 days. Electricity supply too has been disrupted since June 23, causing great inconvenience to the residents.
The ADC informed that he had borrowed five quintals rice from ITBP, besides other help from his own staff members and some other officials.
"There will be acute shortage of ration items if the roads are not cleared for traffic within three days", he said, adding that air dropping is the only option left to make rations available in Bameng in the present condition.
GSU seeks assistance
Meanwhile, the Galo Students' Union (GSU) appealed to the state government to provide sufficient fund and necessary assistance to West Siang District Administration to effectively carry out restoration work.
Stating that the district was badly affected by recent flooding and landslide causing innumerable losses to public and private properties, the GSU in a representation to the Chief Secretary cum Chief Vigilance Commissioner, appealed for early initiative from her end to provide relief to the affected people as well as fund for restoration works.
Apart from district headquarters Aalo, where major devastations to road, crop fields, dwelling houses, water supply etc were reported, Kamla and Yomcha administrations also suffered similar damages due to floods and landslides.
Yomcha Administrative circle is completely cut off from the district headquarter Aalo for the past several days due to road blocked caused by the landslides in between Yomcha to Taba Sora.
Saga of apathetic govt employees
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Desertion of posting places by government employees, more so in remote areas in Arunachal Pradesh on grounds of poor infrastructure and shortage of food grains has become an old story.
However, reports of officials being absent in the hour of crisis, especially after natural calamities leaving trails of destruction is astonishing.
Many remote administrative headquarters were reportedly deserted by officers, including medical officers; leaving residents at the mercy of god.
There are examples galore.
One Balo Talom (46) was hit by a rolling stone on Wednesday around 6 AM when he
was walking with his 14-
The Balak stream located between Surya village and Raga town (half kilometer away from Raga) is said to be the only drinking water source for some part of Raga ADC headquarter when water supply line is disrupted.
The impact was so much so that Talom fell unconscious until his relatives resuscitated him and brought him to a pharmacy at Raga town, where he received first aid. With no medical officers found at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) of Raga, he was immediately transported till Kamrak Attum (blockade point), seven kilometers off Raga in an ambulance.
Later, he was evacuated by the Raga PWD Sub-
Talom, a widower, has eight children and is the lone bread winner; now battling for life in the state hospital.
It is also reported that no medical officers were stationed at PHC Raga since the last one week. When contacted, ADC Millo Kojen confirmed that all medical officers are currently absent for unknown reasons. ADC Kojen, who was also away from the town for a couple of days, informed The Arunachal Times that he would seek an explanation letter from all medical officers.
"I don't know why even a single medical officer is not in town. I will seek an explanation letter from each MO, asking reasons for their absenteeism", said ADC Kojen.
He also added that reports of affected people including Talom's accident case and damages of the areas during weeklong downpour would be sent to the Ziro Deputy Commissioner for further action.
However, he further informed that he is awaiting detailed reports of destruction and affected people from the circle officers.
The Raga Sub-
Chakma political figure of Tripura on visit to Arunachal
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The ongoing visit of Sandhya Rani Chakma, executive member of The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to Chakma inhabited districts, like Changlang, Namsai and Lohit comes at a time when Chakma and Hajong refugees settled in Arunachal are claiming for citizenship rights.
She reportedly arrived in a Chakma settlement village near Diyun two days ago. During her tour, she is expected to visit places like Miao, Tezu, Bordumsa etc.
Also, it is not clear whether she obtained an Inner Line Permit to enter the state. "She did not apply for ILP with our office, though she first arrived in Diyun as part of her tour," informed an official of Diyun administration.
The purpose of her visit is also not clear and it raises serious concern. "Local officials do not seem to have much clue about the purpose of her visit. By virtue of being executive member of TTAADC, she is a cabinet rank holder. Her visit should have been intimidated to the state government and she should have properly applied for ILP. The government needs to seriously look into her activities," said a local resident of Bordumsa.
Her visit is taking place at a time when indigenous people of Arunachal and Chakmas are engaged in bitter court battles over claims for citizenship rights by the refugees.
Public Service Rules 2017 soon: Cabinet
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Chief Minister Pema Khandu's cabinet has decided to frame the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Rules, 2017.
The Arunachal Pradesh Right to Public Services Act, 2016, which guarantees timely and transparent delivery of services to the citizens in a time bound manner by the public offices was passed earlier.
The designated officer shall provide service within the prescribed time limit fixed
in the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Rules, 2017. If the public officer fails
to deliver the services in the prescribed time frame, he/she shall be liable to be
levied penalty for the delay in delivery of services. Two layers of appellate authorities
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The cabinet further decided to enhance the ration money to Rs 1,000 per month for the Fire & Emergency Services and Prison Department employees.
Rijiju takes stock of flood situation in Capital Complex
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Union Minister of Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, visited various flood affected areas of the Capital Complex to assess and take stock of the situation.
The Union Minister first visited the Barapani Bridge, where Capital Complex Deputy
Commissioner Prince Dhawan briefed him about the precautionary measures that have
been taken for the safety of the bridge. Rijiju enquired about the possibility of
the construction of a new bridge, to which the DC informed that the proposal for
the same has been placed in the second phase of the four-
Rijiju asked the DC to prioritise and put up the proposal for the same in the first phase itself considering its importance as it is the only lifeline connecting Itanagar directly to Naharlagun.
Highway EE Nani Tath informed that specialists have been called to study and assess the condition of the bridge. The EE also informed that all the blockades have been cleared and the labourers are engaged 24x7 in the restoration work.
At Borum, where a bridge had fallen down through which the main water pipeline to Naharlagun used to pass, the MoS directed for the restoration of the same at the earliest.
The DC informed that as a temporary measure, around 80 water tankers have been engaged to supply water to the residents of Naharlagun, while four water tankers have been placed to supply water to Tomo Riba State Hospital only.
The PHED EE, Tadar Mangku informed that since it is not possible to construct a new bridge owing to monsoon season, he informed that alternative ways are being worked out to facilitate supply of water to Naharlagun.
On a visit to upper colony of Chandranagar, where the river water had crossed the danger level a few days back, the DC informed that most of the dwelling houses along the river banks have been evacuated to safer locations.
Rijiju also visited the lobby Panchali, Police Check Point Niti Vihar, etc.
Earlier, during a meeting with the MoS, the DC briefed him on the precautionary measures that have been taken by the District Administration, following incessant rain since the last few days.
The DC informed that relief camps have been identified at all the vulnerable locations, toll free number 1077 has been issued by the District Disaster Management Authority, and schools have been directed to close down for a week. He also informed that the Director Health Services has been directed to take adequate measure to prevent water borne diseases.
Further, the DC informed that only one-
Later, Rijiju asked the DC to submit a consolidated report on the damages caused to infrastructure in and around the Capital Complex by Friday.
The MoS was accompanied by local MLA Techi Kaso, Ravi Joseph IG NDRF, Prakash, Joint Secretary, Administration, MHA, Vikram Singh Gaur, Joint Secretary, Niti Aayog, Gopi Chandra Chhawaniya, Director, Disaster Management, MHA and a host of other officials. (DIPRO)
Complaint against illegal encroachment by govt employees, contract work
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: A complaint has been lodged with the Chief Secretary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh seeking action against government employees for illegal encroachment of government quarters in Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa.
The Voice of North East in a complaint to the Chief Secretary, armed with the list containing the names of the encroachers said that 176 government quarters and bungalows have been dismantled in Capital Complex, ltanagar to make way for construction of hotels, malls, shops, private building and many business establishments. The organization further said that many buildings have been erected without land allotment certificate. It called for verification of all the government land in the state.
The list contains name of ministers, former and present, APCS officers and other government employees.
The same organization has said that government employees and elected representatives
have obtained class-
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the organization sought thorough investigation against those officers and elected members found misusing their positions.
Giving a list of the names of the contractors, the organization said that many firms
have been registered as Class-
It further alleged that all central schemes are being executed by the relatives of the elected representatives and officers.
PM announces ex gratia
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned an ex-
The Prime Minister also announced Rs 50,000 for those injured. In a communiqué sent to the Chief Secretary, the PMO has asked for the details of those deceased and injured.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu thanked PM Narendra Modi for announcing of ex-
Meanwhile, a case has been registered in Sagalee Police station under section 304 (A) IPC, causing death by negligence.
Sushee Infra is carrying out earth cutting work in Laptap area.
Further, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has called on the Sushee/IVCRL for rehabilitation of affected family members of the Laptap landslide.
The Union also appealed to the state government to aid the family as per government's policy.
The team visited Laptap village to take stock of the situation after a tragic landslide took 14 lives. The AAPSU also met the villagers and bereaved family members.
APCC seeks fresh dates
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee said that the Chief Electoral
Officer should have called for an all-
A team of the APCC has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer, Arunachal
Pradesh regarding the rescinding of notification dated 5th July, 2017 for the bye-
The APCC in its memorandum mentioned that "APCC is perturbed with this sudden rescinding
order, when the last date for filing nomination is 12th July, 2017 at 3 PM. APCC
is aggrieved by the report of Chief Secretary In-
All the candidates had already reached Seppa on July 10 and some candidates had already
filed their nominations. The road blockade has occurred only at Laptap under Papum
Pare district, which is second alternative lifeline to Seppa and Pakke-
Initiate establishment of Agriculture University: Org
BASAR, Jul 13: The executive members of Lego Lemgo Welfare Society led by its President Tojo Bam recently called on Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at his official residence in New Delhi and urged him to initiate expediting establishment of the proposed Agriculture University.
During discussion, Rijiju informed the delegation that the matter is being discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The delegation informed that a plot of land, measuring over 700 hectares was donated by the people for establishment of the Horticulture College, and later shifted to Pasighat, but remains unused at Basar.
The Society members further discussed the activity taken up by the Gumin Rego Kilaju, such as catchment area protection and creation of numerous artificial water tank(s) in hilltop for rain water harvesting, environmental protection and introduction of organic cultivation system as well as riverine protection with community participation.
The Lego Lemgo Welfare Society also expressed willingness of Bam villagers to provide land free of compensation for establishment of defence cum civilian airport at Himi Pobdi, as it is located strategically for easy access to the people of West Siang, Upper Siang, Siang, Lower Siang and Upper Subansiri districts.
The Society further informed that the Minister has committed to create a symbolic structure at Bam to attract tourists.
APPTF appeals to govt for manpower in Transport Dept
ITANGAR, Jul 13: The Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (APPTF) has appealed to the state government to provide sufficient manpower and infrastructure for smooth functioning of the Transport Department.
In a memorandum to the Chief Minister, the APPTF stated that the Directorate of Transport fell short of manpower, including officials like DTOs, MVIs, peon and clerks.
It said that there are only 19 staff members in the Transport Directorate, out of
which, only eight are regular and 11 contingency staff. On the other hand, all the
staff members of the DTO's office are non-
Of the 21 districts, there were regular DTOs for 10 districts only and EACs or CO (TPT) have been looking after the affairs of DTOs in rest of the districts, the memorandum said.
It also demanded recruitment of MVIs and three Deputy Directors, promotion of regular employees and regularization of contingency staff of the department, who have been working for more than 10 to 20 years.
Further saying that the government has miserably failed to provide regular structure for DTO offices or any government quarter, the APPTF questioned on how the respective encumbrances would work enthusiastically if such is the situation of an essential department.
"Although being the highest revenue earner, this department is being constantly neglected by all the previous governments", it claimed.
It further appealed to the Chief Minister to enhance the fund sanctioned to the Directorate of Transport from meager Rs 1 crore to at least Rs 6 or Rs 7 crore for smooth functioning, and create separate and independent Traffic Department in view of the ever growing traffic.
Down Town Hospital holds free health camp
PASIGHAT, Jul 13: Over 200 patients benefitted from a day-
A team of specialists comprising of Cancer Specialist, Dr Dignata Kumar Das, Gastro Surgeon, Dr Arnab Barua, Medicine Specialist, Dr Swapnav Borthakur, Diabetologist, Dr Yuvraj Bhuyan and ENT, Dr Roshan Bonde held consultations and screened patients for various ailments.
Blood pressure and Random Blood Sugar tests were also conducted during the camp.
Bandh postponed
ZIRO, Jul 13: The All Lower Subansiri Youth Association (ALSYA) has postponed its
proposed bandh from July 15 to August 7 to facilitate the Lower Subansiri Administration
to make preparation for payment of compensation to land-
In a release, the ALSYA informed that Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner is seeking time for payment of compensation to the land affected people and responding to his appeal, the Association has decided to postpone the proposed bandh.
It, however, demanded the Deputy Commissioner for immediate payment of compensation
to the land affected people and acquisition of land for construction of road from
Potin to Bopi on or before August 4, failing which, the Association will go ahead
with the proposed 12-
Meanwhile, Lower Subansiri Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Hage Kobing urged the Deputy Commissioner to display the list of names of land affected people and owners, and the amounts sanctioned per owner.
The ZPC also urged the Deputy Commissioner for early disbursement of compensation
to the affected people in order to speed up the process and immediate commencement
of the Trans-
Action sought against Guwahati CBSE
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: In a complaint letter addressed to the Chairman and Secretary Shiksha Kendra, New Delhi, the All Arunachal Pradesh Government Employees Welfare Association (AAPGEWA) has on Wednesday, sought strict action against the Regional Office (RO), CBSE Guwahati, Assam alleging them of not responding to the grievances of various center superintendents engaged in CBSE duty.
'The headmasters/vice principals engaged as center superintendents during CBSE duty had to manage the transportation, accommodation, food charges, besides other expenses from their own pockets. Though Regional Office, Guwahati is functioning only for the state of Arunachal Pradesh as other North Eastern states have their own board, the entire office staffs of the RO do not cooperate with us whenever we seek our TA bill to compensate the amount incurred by us while performing our duties', the association alleged and demanded transfer of the entire staff of the RO, Guwahati at the earliest.
School observes Vanamahotsava
TEZU, Jul 13: The Vanamahotsava was celebrated in Lohit district with awareness cum tree plantation programmes at VKV School, Sunpura by Lohit Forest Division, in collaboration with VKV School Sunpura on July 12.
Lohit Forest Division, Divisional Forest Officer S Manyu and the Principal of VKV School Sunpura led the plantation programme, where over 300 saplings of various species, including medicinal plants were planted inside the school campus and many saplings were distributed.
In his address, the DFO highlighted the importance of tree plantation for a clean and green environment. He advised the students and the public to inculcate habit of tree plantation to save the Mother Earth.
Addressing students, ACF G Padu urged the students to plant saplings at their homes, school and public places to make the environment green. He further urged the students to keep the school campus plastic free and create a pollution free environment to maintain the quality of life.
In another event on the same day, the Lohit Forest Division distributed over 1000 saplings of various species to the general public free of cost, and a plantation drive was carried out in Tezu Upper Market Area. (DIPRO)
DC urged to alert deptts at E/Kameng
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The East Kameng unit of District Youth Congress has appealed to the East Kameng Deputy Commissioner to alert all departments to take precautionary measures in the wake of heavy rainfall in the district.
In a letter addressed to the DC, East Kameng unit DYC President, Karbia Tungi further
appealed to all heads of departments to remain in the district headquarters. He also
urged the engineering divisions of Seppa/Chayang Tajo, Bameng, Sawa, Pipu-
The East Kameng unit DYC further urged M/S Sushee Pvt Ltd, which is taking up the
Seppa-
Rashtriya Gaurav Award
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Taba Yall Nabam has been conferred the Rashtriya Gaurav Award by India International Friendship Society. The award will be presented to her on August 24 in New Delhi.
Prohibitory order
YINGKIONG, Jul 13: Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki has issued an order prohibiting encroachment on roads, drains and river beds within Upper Siang district with immediate effect. The order further restricted human settlement in disaster prone or low lying areas for safety of the people. (DIPRO)
Block level training on GPDP for Aalo West
AALO, Jul 13: One day block level training on Preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan on Participatory Planning Process under 14 FC Grant 'My Village My Development Plan' for entire Anchal Segments for Aalo West blocks concluded at July 12.
Altogether, 150 participants attended the training programme.
Additional Deputy Commissioner cum District Panchayat Development Officer, Swetika
Sachan gave focus on prioritization and preparation of perspective Plan (2017-
CO cum member secretaries of Ubu-
APCC questions censor board
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has expressed its annoyance at the Central Board of Film Certification for its refusal to release 'The Argumentative Indian', a documentary film on Amartya Kumar Sen by economist Suman Ghosh.
'The censor board must allow public screening of the documentary film with license, or cite the reason of its objection rationally', the APCC said.
There is no harm in discoursing on intellectual pluralism and acknowledging public debate on the same, a statement read. Instead of promoting ignited minds, the ruling government is endorsing intolerance and devastating lynching practise, it added.
Outgoing DC donates sports gear
KHONSA, Jul 13: Outgoing Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha provided sports goods and gears to Khonsa Town Club and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Khonsa on July 12 last.
He provided two table tennis tables, eight pads with balls and basketball equipment to KV, Khonsa before he handed over the charge of Deputy Commissioner to ADC, T Aran.
Jha joined as Tirap Deputy Commissioner in 2015 after the demise of Kamlesh Joshi in a chopper crash on August 4 in the same year. (DIPRO)
'Conduct special supplementary examination soon'
DOIMUKH, Jul 13: The Government College Doimukh Students' Union (GCDSU) has in a letter to the Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University on Wednesday sought early conduct of special supplementary examination for the students who had had back papers in the VIth semester of respective departments.
The union, while claiming that the university had last year allowed those students who had no chance to clear their back papers, urged the Vice Chancellor to give a similar chance to the VIth semester students of respective departments as well.
Landslide victims mourned
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Messages condoling the death of 14 people in the landslide at Laptap of Papum Pare district are still pouring in from various organizations.
Expressing deep sense of condolences to the bereaved family members of those buried alive in the horrific incident, the Central Executive Council Nyedar Namfo (CECNN) prayed to the almighty to rest the departed souls in eternal peace.
On behalf of CECNN, Nabam Atum appealed to all to remain alert and take necessary precautions to avoid such incidents in future.
The Arunachal Baptist Church Council also deeply mourned the death of the 14 people in the incident and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls.
The Church Council appealed to the government agencies as well as non-
"We also appeal to all the churches to provide relief to the victims as much as possible and organize special prayer services to save our state from further losses from such natural calamities."
While expressing profound grief and sorrow over loss of so many precious lives in the tragic incident, the Galo Students’ Union appealed to the government to provide necessary help and immediate relief to the families of the victims and also those injured for their quick rehabilitation.
Supply textbooks, lab equipments to govt schools: Union urges GoAP
ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students' Union (AAPBSU) has in a release on Wednesday claimed that various government schools of the state have not been supplied textbooks and laboratory equipment for the past three years.
Consequently, the Union has appealed to the state government to immediately provide new books for the current academic session in all the government schools of the state.
The AAPBSU also termed shortage of subject teachers as the reason behind the poor performance of government schools in the CBSE.
Further, it strongly condemned the state government's recent decision to regularize and recruit SSA teachers through APTET and CTET, terming it against the interest of the teachers.
'Cancel transfer of EE'
LONGDING, Jul 13: Claiming that frequent transfer and posting of officers in charge of Longding Water Project has resulted in inordinate delay in completion of the project, the Longding District Students' Union (LDSU) has in a representation to the Commissioner of Public Health Engineering Department appealed to him to cancel the transfer order of Longding PHED Executive Engineer, T Taki.
'Frequent transfer and posting of officers in charge of Longding Water Project and subsequent misuse of funds by the officials have delayed its completion since many years', the Union said.
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Tale of neglect
The monsoon fury has battered the whole North East region. Worst affected states are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. 85 people have lost lives and 58 districts have been badly affected. Even though region have been battling extreme weather condition for the last one month, the rest of India opted to simple ignore. National media as well as central government has shown indifferent attitude towards the region. None of the national news channel properly covered the tragic situation.
Few years ago when natural disaster struck Chennai, Kashmir and Uttarakhand news channel were giving 24/7 update and gave wide coverage. But this time even as people of NE region was struggling to survive; national media choose to completely ignore their plight. The government of India also responded very lately. If they had reacted quickly and helped the state government, casualty could have been minimized. No top level central minister or officials has so far visited the region. Only when people started making hue and cry, Prime Minister’s Office intervened. PM Narendra Modi spent time at Kashmir when flood hit the state. But PM has no time to visit NE region to listen to the grievances of the people. Only junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju who is an MP from Arunachal has been assigned to visit the flood affected areas. Union Minister for development of North East region Jitendra Singh also did not visited the flood affected areas. He is the nodal minister for the region but has no time to visit the region.
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Our Arunachal and price of development
Dear Editor,
We can't always blame nature. We humans are also to be blamed. Every natural calamity
in Arunachal is partly man-
Esteemed readers, probably you are not aware of the history of Laptap village. It is such a serene, calm and a lovely village. The setting of the village almost reminds one of countryside Switzerland.
With river Pare flowing beside it, the hills and vales just adds majesty to this typical Arunachal village. The valley itself is one of the most fertile regions of whole Arunachal with fresh verdant flowing streams and evergreen forests throughout the year. One can throw any sapling on its land anywhere, and it'll surely sprout out with dozen saplings. It has a perfect rural settlement with not more than fifty houses and with ever pious and peace loving denizens.
During the bygone days, the Pare valley was the most prized destination of Nyishi tribe for making matrimonial alliances. It was the favorite sojourn of every bride. Partly because the bridegroom of this region was always accommodating, peace loving and calm and also because it was one of the most fertile land in the central part of Arunachal. Unlike other Nyishi belts, here in Pare, one didn't need so much toil or sweat by the brows. Here the lands produced on its own enough and abundantly. The land and the people of the region were also very much part of folk songs/myths/legends of Nyishi culture.
The PARE belt, especially the villages such as TORU/LAPTAP/TASHI/BWELAPU is the best part of the Toru circle in sale constituency, in fact more productive than our barren and unproductive Arunachal as a whole.
Its history is much older than that of the history of Arunachal. Recently a man named Tana Muj, one of those few visionary people of Arunachal who left for netherworld just few months back lived for more than hundred years; his name is in oblivion just because he was not educated/a politician; instead he wished to live his life as a country gentleman.
Unlike the bygone days, the present Arunachal is behaving as if a very developed
society. But instead of showing our development and maturity; we are always emulating
others and just being a copycat. We Arunachalee-
Our people always want to flow with the current and never against it. If someone tells them that Chinese language instead of English is the need of hour; then, I'm sure, without a second thought all our English medium schools would adopt themselves as Chinese medium schools without a second thought. This is the trend in our state. We always want the good, better and the best for ourselves without taking into consideration its consequences.
Come on people, no child was ever born from its mother's womb that could straight away walk and talk.
Similarly, Arunachal to would reach nowhere with its present trend.
We should instead accept some hard facts like we are a primitive race and that our
interaction with the world outside started just few decades ago, that our history
& civilization is only 50-
If the hard facts dawned upon every Arunachalee, our state would be in better state
of affairs. A state where we are not in race with other states but with ourselves;
to adopt an attitude where we don't compare with others but does everything for our
own cause. Where our people would say, we don't want two/four lanes but we'd like
a road that is motorable throughout the season though how narrow it may be/we don't
need a govt school in every village but we want at least a well maintained govt school
with all basic facilities in every administrative town. How great it would be when
our people acknowledge the fact that, our prized twin capital is just a small colony
as compared to other towns and cities of mainland India. How heavenly it would be
if our people could just say that-
Our ostentatious nature and the greed for best/biggest/finest/first etc, has already wrecked much trouble to our peaceful way of life. It’s time that we, the citizens of the state focuses on what is most essential for our development instead of comparing our under developed state with other states or those states in developed countries.
Those developed states/countries have developed because they have a long history and tradition behind them. In contrast, how long is our history/tradition/civilization?
I don't think it's more than 50-
Isn't it surprising that in 2017, all the major tribes of Arunachal-
Then, assuming this, would it be wrong if I say that our state is just 35-
Same is the case with the tragedy at Laptap village. Yes, it was nature that did it. It was a landslide that took 14 precious lives. But we can't always blame nature. We people are partly responsible for augmenting nature's fury. If it weren't for the Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) and earth cutting at such steep slopes, the tragic accident and the loss of such precious lives would not have happened. That's the price of development we pay.
The said village existed before Arunachal was Arunachal, it was there before BRO came with its road project to Sagalee some 40 years ago, it thrived even before the coming of Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH), and sadly enough this ambitious highway project has destroyed the calm and ever shy village atmosphere as the face of national fame in terms of one of the worst natural tragedy in Arunachal's history.
The recent tragedy in various parts of our state and especially in the twin capital
because of the monsoon rains was just the tip of iceberg. If we don't take precautions
or implement proper steps in executing our beloved projects, then, all our endeavors
would lead us to our death-
Yours,
Naya
Banderdewa
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