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June 08

Illegal timber operation in Namsai

ITANAGAR, June 7: All Namsai District Students’ Union (ANDSU) has demanded the authorities concerned of the state government to stop illegal timber operation that has been going on unabated in Namsai.

The students union in a release said that wanton destruction of forests by cutting down trees is reported to have had adverse affect on the environment and eco system.

“We have lodged several complaints with the CCF, DFO regarding illegal timber operation but now no action has been taken yet,” the students union said.

 

Meeting on MGNREGA Social Audit

ITANAGAR, June 7: The Directorate of Rural Development has organized a meeting on MGNREGA social audit at SIRD conference hall here on June 5. Core issues like timely conduct of social audit through Gram Sabha by institutionalizing social audit unit (SAU) in the state and working of private consultancy were reviewed during the meeting.

Attending the meeting Tahang Taggu, Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj hinted the possibilities of bottleneck if the government authorized any NGO and Private agency to conduct Social Audit. However, he felt that independent social Audit Unit in the state is required with cabinet approval and  funding support from the Centre.

Director (RD) T Dakpe highlighted the importance of social audit for smooth implementation of poverty alleviation programs such as MGNREGA and IAY. He also suggested that SIRD sources can be utilized initially to run SAU under guidance of Secretary RD.

 

Training on cloth weaving

ITANAGAR, June 7: The 21-day capacity building training programme on cloth weaving under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) concluded at New Yanman village under Khagam block of Changlang district yesterday.

40 women of Kharsang circle attended the training which was organized by Amik Matai Society as training provider with support from Directorate of Skill Development and Employment Generation, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Social activist dies

ITANAGAR, June 7: The Tamin Elite Society (TES) has mourned the demise of Taji Dugi @ Tokji Tamin who passed away yesterday at District hospital, Daporijo after brief illness. Late Taji Dugi, aged 47, was a fishery officer at Daporijo. He was the founder member of TES. He is survived by his wife, two sons, daughters and 2 granddaughters.

Referring to him as a man of great heart, a social activist, a good orator, having good command over customary traditional practice as well as legal system of Tagin community, the society said that sudden passing away of Taji is a great loss to the society.

His contribution towards the society cannot be expressed in words, it said.

The society further offered condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

 

AHYA food festival

ITANAGAR, June 7:  Food Festival of All Hija Youth Association (AHYA), a federal body of Apatani Youth Association (AYA) began at Dree Ground, Ziro yesterday. The festival will continue till July 6 next.

AYA president Taku Chatung, who inaugurated the food festival, appreciated AHYA for its effort for promotion of local food and dishes through such programme. He suggested them not to sell food items at exorbitant price. He also cautioned them from using plastic carry bag or disposable serving materials which are banned in Ziro Valley.

 

Dree football tournament begins

ITANAGAR, June 7: Defending champion Sojang Lapang Sports Club (SLSC) beat All Hija Sports Association (AHSA) 2-1 in the inaugural match of the 48th Dree Football Tournament-2015 at Dree ground, Ziro yesterday.

Rubu Tari and Rubu Tachang scored one goal each for SLSC team while the consolation goal for AHSA was scored by Kago Lampung.

Twelve teams are taking part in this year’s tournament which has been divided into four groups of three.

Group A comprises Sojang Lapang Sports Club, All Hija Sports Association and Hari Sports Club while Group B comprises Diibo Sports Club, Zamra Club Siiro and Kensang Football Club.

All Salang Sports Association, Python Club Hija and Laji Bogia Sporting Club are in in Group-C while Nenchalyan Sports Association, Diibo Football Club and High Definition Football Club have been clubbed together in Group-D.

The tournament was inaugurated by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang.

Sukhwinder Singh Daliwal, Commandant (CCD) 54th BN ITBP also attended the inauguration programme.

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News Impact

Suspected NSCN (K) militants fire at Assam Rifles camp

ITANAGAR, June 7: Suspected NSCN (K) militants today fired at an Assam Rifles (AR) camp in remote Lazu area in Tirap district, three days after the group ambushed an army convoy killing 18 soldiers.

A group of 35 NSCN (Khaplang) rebels attacked the camp in the Indo-Myanmar border region at around 2.30 am, Tirap SP Ajit Kumar Singla said.

However, there was no report of any casualty, he said.

"The AR personnel, who were on alert as per prior intelligence report, retaliated which compelled the militants to flee under cover of darkness," Singla said adding, cross firing from both the sides lasted for about ten minutes.

Around 70 empty cartridges of AK-47 rifle, along with unexploded bombs, were recovered from the site, he said.

A massive search operation was underway in the area after the incident.

This is the second incident after NSCN (K) claimed responsibility for killing 18 personnel of 6 Dogra infantry regiment in an ambush in Manipur's Chandel district on June 4.

NSCN-K had in March abrogated a 14-year-old ceasefire with the Centre. PTI

 

 

Rains play havoc in several parts of Arunachal

Banderdewa-Itanagar-Hollongi road cut off

ITANAGAR, June 7: Road communications between Itanagar and Banderdewa via Karsingsa has been disrupted following washing away of a large portion of the NH-415 (formerly NH-52A) and culverts at sinking zone near Karsingsa.

Traffic has been diverted to Nirjuli- -Gumto-Harmoty road to take the NH-52 in Assam.

Hollongi-Itanagar road is also cut off due to heavy and incessant rain. Landslides triggered by rains also damaged roads in various locations.

“We have been working round-the-clock to throw the road open but continuous rainfall is hampering the restoration work,” said Hage Appa, Chief Engineer (Highways), Western Zone, PWD. He, however, said that restoration work at Karsingsa block point will take some time.

He requested commuters to use the Nirjuli-Doimukh-Harmuty road to take NH-52 at Assam until the block point is restored.

Surface communication between Banderdewa and the state capital was disrupted for more than a month last year from August 15 due to washing away of a large portion of the road by Dikrong River. The road was reopened for traffic just eight months ago in October last year.

Meanwhile, Karsingsa ASM Taniang Kipa, who visited the block-point today, alleged that poor quality of work by the executing agency/department and non-initiation of protective measures to stop erosion led to washing away of the road portion.

He urged the department concerned to make an inquiry into the quality of work executed at block-point, Karsingsa.

While expressing grave concern over snapping of road communication, the ASM said “There will be sharp rise in prices of all essential commodities in Capital Complex due to disruption in the road communication causing hardship to poor and daily wage earners. Moreover, students appearing for various examinations and poor patients will be the worst sufferers, he said.

The ASM also urged the Highway Department to start the 4-lane road project from Banderdewa to Itanagar as early as possible to avoid such situation.

Normal life affected in Siang valley

Our Pasighat correspondent adds: Heavy down pour paralyzed normal life in four Siang districts.

Heavy showers submerged low lying areas and disrupted road communication along Pasighat-Ledum-Tene road in Pasighat and Mebo-Dhola road in Mebo sub-division linking district headquarters and rural areas. Clogged rainwater on Mirem-Mikong-Ruksin (MMR) and Pasighat-Ledum-Tene (PLT) road caused problems for the motorists as well as the pedestrians.  Overflowing water of Poglek River locally known as Pagla Korong between Yangrung and Pasighat snapped road communication.

Heavy rain in the upper reaches of Mebo hill site is causing constant rise of water level in Siku and Kadang, and Ngopok rivers. Turbulent Siku River like previous years eroded right abutment posing serious threat to the RCC bridge over it.

Meanwhile, East Siang Deputy Commissioner today visited Siku bridge and took stock of the situation. The Border Road Task Force is facing problem to repair the eroded portion due to incessant rain. The bridge on the highway is vital as the road connects entire Mebo Sub-division and parts of Lower Dibang Valley district with district headquarters.

According to Water Resource department, Siang and other tributaries of Brahmaputra rivers are flowing above danger level.

Our Roing Correspondent adds: Swelling Eze River (Deopani) cut off Hunli-Desali block of Lower Dibang Valley district and the whole of Dibang Valley district from the rest of the country.

According to witnesses, the Tata Sumos plying to Anini have somehow managed to cross the river at around 7 am today. Thereafter, no vehicle could proceed further due to alarmingly rising river water. A narrow hanging bridge remains the only means to travel across the river at this moment.

The uninterrupted rainfall also resulted in complete disruption in power supply since Friday. The lone hydel project in the district has the capacity of supplying electricity to only a small area. Majority of power consumers are solely dependent on electricity supply from neighbouring Assam.

A source from the electrical department informed that the electricity supply has been disrupted because of some unknown technical fault at Kalikola near Namsai. The source also said that they are still unable to make any contact with the officials of electrical department of Kalikola.

 

 

Governor J P Rajkhowa pained by Behali incident

ITANAGAR, June 7: Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa said he was pained by the recent Behali incident in which two vehicles from Arunachal Pradesh were set ablaze and commuters attacked by an irate mob where two sustained burn injuries.

The Governor said that he had spoken to his Assam counterpart, Assam Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and DGP and requested for their intervention so that all the culprits involved in the attack on Arunachalees and torching of the vehicles can be apprehended at the earliest.

The Governor Immediately after learning the news of the incident spoken to the Arunachal DGP and asked him to keep in touch with his Assam counterpart and also to instruct the SP, Papum Pare to take necessary measures in coordination with Sonitpur SP so that, travelers from Arunachal Pradesh using NH-52, would not face any harassment or attack.

The Governor informed that normalcy was fast returning in the bordering areas and the economic blockade, which was launched by some organizations in Assam, was lifted due to intervention by the authorities of Papum Pare and Sonitpur districts.

The Governor was informed by DGP, Assam that both the SPs of Papum Pare and Sonitpur districts were working in tandem to maintain peace, ensure security of the commuters on NH-52 even by providing escorts.

A criminal case was registered at the Behali Police Station in this connection and massive joint search operation launched to nab the attackers on Arunachalees.

Rajkhowa appealed to the people of the state as well as Assam to maintain the age-old friendly relations between the two states and not be swayed by baseless rumours.

The governor termed the attacks on three Arunachalees and torching of their vehicles by a mob at Serelia village in Assam's Sonitpur district on June 5 last as "cowardly acts" and condemned it in strongest terms.

He also condemned the "unfortunate" killing of Kolai Orang, an adivasi, and conveyed his deep condolences to the family of the deceased, according to a Raj Bhawan communique.

Rajkhowa also appealed both electronic and print media to exercise their restraint so that communal harmony and peace could be maintained and the law could take its own course.

The governor also volunteered to take up the matter with the Centre for any additional assistance, should the state chief minister so required, based on realistic assessment of law and order situation.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) has vehemently condemned the attack on Arunachal vehicles and people at Behali.

Terming the incident unjustified and inhumane, Seva Dal appealed to the people of both the sisterly states to maintain their age-old cordial relationships.

While appealing to all to refrain from such incidents, the Seva Dal demanded early arrest of the perpetrators of the incident. It prayed for early recovery of the two persons, who suffered injury in the incident.

 

Governor assures free treatment

ITANAGAR, June 7: Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa today assured free treatment for Tadung Tachang and Chalen Natung who sustained injuries in Behali incident.

The Governor, who visited the injured persons at RKMH today and interacted with them and their relatives, also readily agreed to provide assistance for their improved treatment outside the State, if required.

At the request of the patients, the Governor assured to felicitate those persons from Assam, who rescued them from the mob attack and took them to the Police Station for their protection.

Meanwhile, the Governor advised the State Government to initiate appropriate action to instill confidence and amity among the people living along the inter-state boundary. PRO to Raj Bhawan.

 

 

‘No Confidence Motion unconstitutional’

ITANAGAR, June 7: Aruni Higio, who lost a confidence motion yesterday, termed the move and her ouster from the post of IMC chief as illegal and unconstitutional.

“As per section 25(3) of the Arunachal Pradesh Municipal Act 2007, no further ‘No Confidence Motion (NCM)’ can be moved before expiry of six months from losing a similar move,” said Higio in a press statement.

Moving again a’ No Confidence Motion’ on June 6, 2015 on same resolution (dated 21.5.2015) is arbitrary and out of established Acts and Rules. Therefore, there is no question of ousting the sitting Chief Councilor, the press statement added.  According to an official release, Higio lost the vote of no confidence conducted through secret ballot by 23-1 votes.

The vote of no confidence was conducted by Talom Dupak, Incharge Deputy Commissioner, ICC.

 [N.B. It is regretted that the designation of Talom Dupak was wrongly mentioned as Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner in –charge instead of Incharge Deputy Commissioner, ICC in yesterday’s news item under heading “IMC chief losses…” ]

 

 

EKSWCO demands action, threatens to impose social boycott

ITANAGAR, June 7: East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) today threatened to impose social boycott on people of Assam if the concerned authority and the state government fail to initiate strong action against all perpetrators involved in setting two Arunachalees (Tadung Tachang and Chaling Natung from East Kameng district) of fire at Serelia village, Behali in Assam on June 5 last. However, EKSWCO did not specify what form of social boycott it would impose against people.

Taking serious note on the incident which happened with people from East Kameng, EKSWCO team led by its Chairman Khya Safar Pao and General Secretary Nikam Tallang called on Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today.  East Kameng district parental organisation informed the Chief Minister that people from the district are being soft targeted by the some anti-social elements whenever any untoward incidents happen along Assam-Arunachal boundary.

The organization has condemned the barbaric act of few miscreants with strongest words saying that such act jeopardizes the Assam-Arunachal relation. Further it warned the Assam counterpart that tolerance of East Kameng district people should not be taken as weakness. EKSWCO further urged the state government to hammer out permanent mechanism and  chalk out strategy to reduce unnecessary harassment being caused to the people of Arunachal in neighbouring state. It further sought financial assistance for the victims for medical treatment.

In a separate memorandum, EKSWCO also appealed to the Chief Minister to depute the administrative officers in administrative circles like Bameng, Seijosa, Chayang Tajo, Gawepurang and Sawa etc. In its letter, EKSWCO stated that working system of district administration is in a sorry state due to acute shortage of administrative officers in the entire district. Many officers were transferred without relievers within a year causing great hardship  to common people, the  release added.

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Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Secure national highway

The unfortunate attack on Arunachalee citizens at Bihali few days ago, once again exposes the vulnerability of Arunachalees while travelling through Assam.  On Friday group of miscreants believed to be Adivasi youth tried to set ablaze three people from Arunachal alive along the national highway at Behali. Two persons received serious burn injuries and the vehicle in which they were travelling was burnt down by the mob.

As per the report, tension flared up in the area after a dead body of Assamese citizen was found on Assam-Arunachal boundary.   The attack on Arunachalees and Arunachal registration vehicles was believe to be an act of retaliation for the dead person. Last year also due to boundary clash at Tarasso area, an economic blockade was imposed against Arunachal in the same Bihali area. Such kind of repeated atrocities on Arunachalee citizens who travels through Assam is unfortunate. Government of Assam should ensure that national highway is secure to travel. Also the people of Assam should not take law into their own hand and harass the innocent citizens. If they keep on harassing people just on the basis of hearsay and rumour, the relation between two states will only get worsened.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

Beef and tribes

Dear Editor,

Senior Journalist Tongam Rina’s comments (Beefing it up, Arunachal Times, June 3, 2015) made an interesting read. The debate has truly reached its feverish peak. Unfortunately, Kiren Rijiju seems to be in the centre of controversy with his own saffron party frowning upon him for his reported comments on beef consumption while APCC & APYC workers dubbing him as ambiguous with alleged twisting of his own comments later.

It’s all politics but one thing is clear that Mijis who now call themselves Sajolang tribe which  Kiren Rijiju belongs to generally do not relish upon beef.  Here beef refers to flesh of ox, bull and cow.

Traditionally, the Mijis, the Akas & some Nyishis clans were also quite averse to beef, mutton, flesh of monkey, langur, cat family, bear, certain body parts like head, leg, intestine and heart of pig, deer & fowls and other delicacies  like rat, rodent, frogs & toads. And such aversions & taboos are still adhered to by the Mijis (Sajolangs) especially by the womenfolk. Hence, Rijiju’s reported claim that he don’t take beef must be right and there should not be any ambiguities in it.

Yours,

Bengia Maph

Pachin Colony

Naharlagun

 

 

Fake and Unrecognized Institutions

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily,  I would alert those parents as well students who are searching for colleges or universities for admission across the country. Be aware of the fake and unrecognized colleges or Universities. Now there are many fake and unrecognized Colleges/Universities who give misleading advertisement in the various local newspapers and social media.

If one recalls, many students suffered after getting their degrees from CMJ University,  Shillong, a University which was not recognised. There are many such institutions in the state as well so it is better to avoid such institution and stay safe before we end up as victims.

Therefore it is my sincere appeal to the department of Higher and Technical Education, GoAP, all the local newspapers and social Medias to look into the matter seriously and find out whether those colleges/Universities are recognized or not. Parents as well students who are seeking admissions are requested to check properly before getting admission in any colleges/universities across the country.

Yours,

Obang Mize

Niti Vihar

 

 

A warning to prospective law breakers

Dear Editor,

A big applaud to the magistrate of capital complex for giving a big example to all the goons and extortionist by putting one of extortionist in a jail for 5 years RI .This kind of example will bring a positive impact on the public of Arunachal Pradesh as it will demoralise the upcoming anti social elements. We hope all the criminal cases are disposed off quickly in similar manner with fair judgement. Last but not the least hats of to those police officers and their associates without whom this kind of anti social elements cannot be caught. Hope to see land of peace once again.

Yours,

Sanju Dari

CMR law School, Bangalore

 

 

A bitter experience at Downtown hospital

Dear Editor,

I would like to share my bitter experience which I had come across during my recent stay at Downtown Hospital, Guwahati.

My mother was suffering from a major stomach ailment and was referred to Downtown Hospital from RK Mission hospital for further treatment.

The hospital authorities agreed to deduct medical expenses from the APCMUHI card itself since my mother is a card holder. But within 3-4 days after admitting her at the hospital, the real lacklustre attitude of the hospital staff & authorities started and even the nurses would not attend my sick mother on time. Hospital staff started asking me to pay the medical bills including laboratory test & medicines more in cash than from the APCMUHIs card as agreed earlier. On hearing this, I asked them to show the cash memo but they said that it is not permitted to show the cash memo under APCMUHIs policy.

In the mean time,  I also met some Arunachalee patients in the hospital who told me that the medical authorities have completely deducted their two lakhs money from the card while the actual expense was around Rupees Ninety five thousand only.

The above incidents clearly indicate that the Downtown hospital is a money looting and laundering Institute from the poor patients especially Arunachalees.

Therefore, I appeal the concern department to make aware to its citizens about the APCMUHIs policy in detail.

And I request fellow citizens to please inquire about the Empanelled list of hospital under this scheme from the concerned department/authorities and then go for it.  Otherwise you may be the next victim of such hospitals

Yours,

Durga welly,

Naharlagun

 

 

Let true knowledge be awarded

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to suggest the APPSC to introduce negative marking in the G.K paper of all recruitment exams conducted by it.

As per the current prevailing system in any written exam of the commission there is a compulsory GK paper of objective nature but without carrying negative marking except in the APPSC prelim. In this backdrop, the chances of some candidates getting a good score in this paper by sheer luck (guess work) can’t be ruled out. As such, there is every likelihood of some deserving candidates getting eliminated or missing the final list of successful candidates by narrow marks for merely being unlucky.

So, in order to minimize the luck factor and provide a level playing field to all candidates the APPSC should introduce negative marking system in the G.K paper for all exams like A.E, ADO, ACF, FAO, TO etc. This would ensure that only the true knowledge is awarded and not the guess ones.

Yours,

Y.Raju

Hapoli, Lower Subansiri

 

 

 

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----Editor