Project affected people flays NEEPCO for job deprivation
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: The Pare Project Land Affected Welfare Committee (PPLAWC) on Wednesday staged a sit-on dharna in front of the Project Head Office at Doimukh in protest against its failure to give job opportunities to the youths belonging to the area.
A large number of project affected people from Rose and Dakte Hoj Panchayat under Papum Pare district along with those 50 trained students of the area, who were sent by NEEPCO for ITI with an assurance of jobs, staged the dharna holding banners and shouting slogans against NEEPCO authority from morning till afternoon.
Committee Chairman Gyamar Kuka flayed the NEEPCO for playing with the sentiments of the project affected people by not absorbing the trained youths by the project authority even after several rounds of agreements with the State Government and local people.
"We are not against the development; we have never objected to the national developmental project," he said, and lambasted the NEEPCO authority for its indifferent attitude and showing disregard to the project affected people and their demand.
Secretary Bengia Tada also criticized the NEEPCO authority for breach of agreement.
"As per the agreement, the NEEPCO was to appoint all those 50 youths after their passing out. But, after their passing out from Roing and Tezpur ITIs, NEEPCO took a U-turn and refused to absorb them saying that GOI (MOP) has 'banned' further appointments.
But in contradiction to the NEEPCO claim, there was a notification in Employment Exchange for appointment in NEEPCO, specially for ST/SC/OBC candidates, he said.
Tada threatened to launch a series of democratic movement, including bandh in the project site involving like-minded organizations/civil society until its demand is fulfilled.
Local MLA Nabam Rebia said that the demand of the local and project affected people are genuine. They are entitled for employment under NEEPCO, he opined and urged the NEEPCO authority to fulfil its assurance.
"They (NEEPCO) trained 50 youths with an assurance to absorb them. But, it is very sad that they are now refusing to employ them," Rebia said, and called upon NEEPCO authority to understand the sentiment of the local people.
Later, a meeting was held between the Committee and NEEPCO authority from Shillong under the chairmanship of General Manager (HR) HQ Anil Kumar, but without any positive outcome.
The meeting was attended by Doimukh MLA Nabam Rebia, Doimukh ZPM Tana Yayu, ASM Rose Techi Rakap, ASM Dakte Hoj Panchayat Taba Tabang GBs and senior leaders of the area, SDO Doimukh Ibom Taw, SP Papum Pare T Karga, DSP Rural Yupia, Neelam Nega, OC PS Doimukh Techi Rukh, among others.
Ultimatum to institute CBI probe into Tawang firing
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: The Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF) and the 302 Action Committee of Tawang have demanded immediate institution of CBI probe into the brutal May 2 Tawang firing incident which claimed two lives.
Both SMRF and the Action Committee have served the Tawang Deputy Commissioner a month's ultimatum, which expires on July 2, to get the incident investigated by CBI, failing which they threatened to demonstrate before the UNO Office in New Delhi as well as at Itanagar and Tawang.
Stating that the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes, Govt. of India, has recommended to provide government jobs to next of kin of the deceased and also to those injured in the firing incident, they demanded the DC to do the needful for immediate appointments.
They further demanded to provide them with the copies of the orders suspending the DC and DSP of Tawang, who have since been transferred, enquiry reports by ADC Jang as well as One-man Committee report, declaration of May 2 as Shahid Diwas and allotment of a plot of land for construction of memorial house in form of Rest House and "mani" near Buddha statue, Tawang.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of 302 Action Committee LT Khom has strongly criticized the Tawang district administration for preventing them from constructing a memorial rest house at a government plot.
"In a district with countless incidence of encroachment of government land, the act of singling out the committee and preventing it from constructing the memorial by the district administration deserves condemnation," Khom said, and demanded the district administration to evict all the encroachers og govt land in the district within 30 days.
Tripura Governor gets additional charge of Arunachal
NEW DELHI, Jun 29: Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy was given additional charge of Arunachal Pradesh during J P Rajkhowa's absence on leave.
"The President of India has been pleased to appoint Roy to discharge the functions of the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to his own duties, during the absence, on leave, of Rajkhowa, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh," a press release issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
It did not, however, mention the period of leave of 72-year old Rajkhowa, who was yesterday admitted to a private hospital in Coimbatore for treatment, reports PTI.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul met Roy.
The CM apprised the Governor about the difficult terrain of the state and the developmental challenges being faced by it.
He also briefed about the current development initiatives being taken by the state government on improving road, air and rail communication and requested the Governor to pay a visit to the state.
The Chief Minister further requested the Governor on improving the resource pool of DONER under NLCPR scheme.
Governor Roy enquired on the health condition of Rajkhowa, who reportedly is admitted in a private hospital in Coimbatore.
He informed that he would be visiting the state by second week of July, and expressed keen to visit places in Arunachal other than the state capital. (PRO, CMO)
Pollution Control Board calls for strict checking of vehicular emission
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: A coordination meeting of the District Administration, Department of Transport, authorized vehicle emission testing agency and State Pollution Control Board was held at the Office of the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board at Naharlagun in order to discuss issues relating to vehicular emission in the State Capital and measures for its effective prevention, control and abatement.
Chairman APSPCB Techi Tagi Tara informed that the matter of vehicle emission is becoming a concern for all of us especially for those residing in the Capital due to the increasing number of vehicles. He informed the DTO, Naharlagun that there has to be a proper coordination amongst all the authorities in order to successfully monitor, implement and execute the various provisions of Acts and Rules related to vehicle emission.
The Chairman, lamented the fact that, there has been some gaps in coordination and communication between the Department of Transport and the SPCB. Whereas, the Department of Transport has to submit regular status report on vehicle emission tests being carried out by the authorized agency to SPCB. However, the Department of Transport has not submitted such reports till date. In this regard SPCB does not have any information or records of such vehicle emission tests being conducted in the Capital city. Whereas, SPCB, being the monitoring agency has to collect and compile reports and data relating to vehicle emission and forward it to the Central Pollution Control Board. He also stressed that there are number of impending cases in the National Green Tribunal relating to Air pollution due to vehicles for which regular reports have to be sent for compliance.
He further highlighted the fact that, due to such communication gap between the Departments, there has been a huge misunderstanding amongst the general public also. The general public is of the opinion that vehicle emission test are being done by SPCB, whereas SPCB itself, like the general public is devoid of any such knowledge, due to non-submission of necessary reports from the Department of Transport. He therefore, requested the Department of Transport and the agency authorized to work in coordination with each other.
He requested the Department of Transport to submit vehicle emission tests and other status reports to SPCB on regular basis hereon.
The DTO (HQ), Naharlagun informed that vehicle emission testing in Capital complex has been authorized to a private agency as the Department is unable to execute it on their own due to shortage of technical manpower. He further said that the agency has been following all the necessary guidelines like periodical submission of revenue and test reports to the Department of Transport.
EAC, Itanagar Capital Complex (ICC), Naharlagun Hento Karga said that the rules notified on vehicle emission by the Central Government is very broad and therefore, sensitization from experts is necessary. He exhorted support from all the concerned Departments to successfully execute and implement the rules in the State.
Kipa Paji, Managing Director, M/s NEEC, the agency authorized by the State Government appraised that all necessary guidelines have been followed while conducting vehicular emission tests. Other relevant test reports are also submitted to the Department of Transport on timely basis. He also added that despite of having a suitable vehicle emission testing centre, located at Papu Nallah, a very few vehicles come up voluntarily for emission test. Therefore, with prior intimation to the administration such vehicle emission checking is conducted on road side with the help of MVI and Police Department.
Moyong decries poor power service, calls for uninterrupted supply
PASIGHAT, Jun 29: Lamenting the poor service of the power department, Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong on Wednesday asked the departmental engineers to provide uninterrupted power supply to Pasighat and East Siang district with efficient management and distribution system.
Addressing a coordination meeting convened at the Siang Guest House to discuss the current power scenario as well as the latest status of the ongoing construction works of 132 KV tower line from Aalo to Pasighat, the MLA also asked the engineers to complete the 132 KV Aalo-Pasighat transmission line within December 2016 as announced by the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.
Moyong also put emphasis on intensified checking drive against illegal and unauthorized power connections.
He informed the house that Pasighat has been selected for IPDS (Integrated Power Development Scheme) and it would be implemented in the township to ensure 24x7 power supply to the consumers. He further instructed the concerned departments to ensure quality of works as per the guidelines framed by the government.
Earlier, SE (Power) D Tacho, EE (Power) J Lali and EE (Transmission) O Takseng highlighted the works undertaken by them. They however said that incessant rain is causing problem in smooth progress of the work even as the department is putting its best efforts to complete the works within the scheduled time fixed by the government.
The Pasighat Public Welfare Committee (PPWC), which is leading the consumer movement against the erratic power supply, has expressed its resentment at the repeated failure of power department to improve power supply in and around Pasighat town.
PPWC President Okom Yosung and Secretary Oyin Moyong alleged that altough officials promised to complete the ongoing 132 KV Aalo- Pasighat tower line within March this year, they have miserably failed during the last ten years to complete the said project even after spending huge fund.
The duo threatened to launch non-cooperation and democratic movement against the department(s) if the said project is not completed on or before Dec-31, 2016.
ZPC Kaling Dai and PMC Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk also raised grievances of the public and suggested measures for improved power supply.
The meeting was also attended by councilors, members of ABBSU and PMA and senior citizens of Pasighat. DIPRO
BRO poised to improve roads in Tawang and Bomdila
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: The BRO has in the last couple of months taken up a lot of road development work at Dirang and Bomdila town besides, Sela Pass and Jung.
Under the initiative of 42 BRTF Commander, R S Rao, road construction has also been taken up at Senge while, black-topping of 10 Km long highway has been completed. Re-carpeting of Sela Pass road has also recently begun.
Earlier on Jun 13 last, the BRO took up re-carpeting works from Sela Mandir along with construction work of highway from Sela to Jaswanth Garh. As part of the road project, the 5 Km long approach road to Jung has been developed into a two-lane highway.
Meanwhile, the district administrations of Bomdila and Tawang have also been lending support to BRO by dismantling unauthorised constructions and encroachments on townships roads.
Black topping works of roads in Dirang town have been completed in two weeks' time bringing much relief to people of Dirang.
Dismantling of encroachments of Jythi Nagar area of Dirang town has had great impact on movement of traffic and relief to students of Kendriya Vidyalaya. Commander Rao took personal intervention in widening of the area in close coordination with district administration.
DC Tawang Kashish Mittal flagged off the re-carpeting wroks from Sela Mandir on Jun 13. Approach road to Jung town which is nearly 5 Kms has been upgraded to Two lane highway. Highway work from Sela to Jaswanth Garh is going on full swing. With the present pace of work the road from Sela to Jaswanth Garh is expected to be blacktopped by end of March next year.
Meanwhile, DC Bomdila, Dr Sonal Swaroop has ordered a board to look into the encroachments of land along the road way in Bomdila Township as people have encroached on road side drains blocking the drainage system.
Meanwhile, improvement of road in Bomdila town area is going to be taken up by 42 BRTF after removal of roadside encroachments.
Undue intervention behind delay in airport project: ACS
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has drawn attention of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Kalikho Pul over construction of the proposed Greenfield Airport at Hollongi, which according to the NGO, is getting delayed not because of the compensation issue but due to undue interventions of some associations/unions/or groups of people with vested interests.
"The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airport Authority of India are not saying anything on the compensation issue. But, they became confused by intervention made by some person(s) or group of people on the matter. Whom do they believe," ACS stated in a release.
Not only the proposed Greenfield Airport Project but also many developmental activities could not take place in the state because of such undue intervention, the society claimed.
The ACS strongly urged Rijiju and Chief Minister Pul to immediately sort out the differences that has posed as stumbling block to the construction of the vital project.
ACS further informed quoting 'reliable' sources that the owners of the lands have reportedly expressed their unwillingness to spare their lands for the project adding another burden on the state government.
The NGO also urged the State Government to early resolve the issue of those land owners, who are claiming compensation for acquisition of their agricultural lands which are not being allowed to cultivate.
"Rijiju and Pul have to mount pressure on the central government as we need the Airport at any cost," it added.
CT Mein calls for quality education in schools
CHONGKHAM, June 29: Expressing concern over the poor performance of the students in exams under Chongkham CD Block, Parliamentary Secretary, Environment and Forest, Chow Tewa Mein has asked the teachers to be regular, sincere and punctual in their duties and concentrate in imparting quality education to the students.
Addressing the block level co-ordination meeting held at the auditorium of Govt. Hr. Sec. School Chongkham regarding the improvement of education scenario in Chongkham block on Wednesday, Mein, who is also Chongkham MLA, stressed on coordinated efforts and called upon the teachers, parents and guardians to work together to ensure the smooth functioning of the schools under the Chongkham Block.
In his address Namsai DDSE Talom Pabin explained the CCE system in details. Expressing concern over the absence of teachers in their duty, indifferent attitude of parents and guardians and lack of proper co-operation, he suggested various techniques to be adopted by the teachers for the improvement of education.
Presiding over the meeting, EAC Chongkham, Oling Lego also appealed to the teachers to perform their duties properly and called upon them to rise to the expectation of the society.
GHSS Chongkham Principal Ganpang Megu, BEO Chongkham, Chow Suwinwai Longkan, BEO Namsai, B. Saikia, SMDC Chairman, GHSS Chongkham Chow Patan Namchoom, and various teacher In-Charges of different schools of Congkham circle also spoke on the occasion and exchanged their ideas for the betterment of the teaching-learning environment.
Among others, staff of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Chongkham, SMDC Chairmen, members and GBs participated in the meeting.
Students urged to join fight against drug abuse
ROING, Jun 29: Lower Dibang Valley (LDV) police urged students of the district to join the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drug.
Addressing the students at a drug awareness programme at VKV School here on Wednesday, SP Sanjay Kr. Sain stated that students can be a powerful force in the fight for eradication of drug problem and urged them to disseminate information to friends, family members and public about drug abuse and its adverse effects on users' body and mind, their families and the society.
There should be continuous efforts in this direction in order to bring about attitude change of student addicts, he said, and assured his all help and cooperation in the fight for eradication of the social problem.
While briefing on current scenario of drugs use in the district, DSP Habung Hailyang explained how drugs abuse can create impact on the body and mind, personality and attitude and can ruin the life of an individual and the society as well
He appealed to the students and public of Roing to abstain themselves from using drugs in any form.
Later, the SP distributed prizes to the winners of Extempore Speech, Essay and Slogan competitions conducted among the students of the school on topic Drug Abuse/ Illicit Trafficking.
Teachers, students and officials were present during the day-long programme which was organized by Lower Dibang Valley District Police authority under "Together We Can" awareness campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. DIPRO
Govt. doctors protest pay disparity
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: The government doctors of the state under the banner of Arunachal Pradesh Doctors' Association (APDA) along with the All India Federation of Government Doctors' Association (AIFGDA) are protesting disparity of pay structure of doctors across the country.
The AIFGDA is also demanding the GoI to fulfill its three point demands which include; pay parity,
redressal of anomaly in 7th Central Pay Commission and provision for secure and conducive working environment. It has also appealed to the GoI to enact stringent law to protect the health care workers in the country.
DC prohibits driving practice, gambling in IG Park
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner through an executive order prohibited driving practice, gambling of any kind, earth cutting, deforestation activities etc. within I.G. Park here.
The order further prohibited private functions of any kind, including picnic, and consumption of alcohol, drugs etc. within the park.
The Capital Administration has promulgated the order after it was observed that some people are indulging in such illegal and anti-social activities creating nuisance in the park which is meant for human enjoyment and recreational purposes.
The park will remain open from 4 am to 8 pm only. DIPRO
SSA teachers seek early release of pending salary
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: The Central Executive Committee of All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers' Association on Wednesday appealed to the state government to release remaining two months-pending salary. In a representation submitted to Chief Secretary, the teacher association informed that serving SSA teachers are yet to receive their salary for the month of February and March. It further informed that salary for the month of April and May have already been credited. "New academic session has been started, but we are yet to receive these two months pending salary" stated the association while demanding for early release.
Alleged NSCN (K) cadres apprehended
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: As per the report, Assam Rifles based at Changlang in a major success in Counter Insurgency operations apprehended two suspected NSCN (K) cadres from a village in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The personnel of Assam Rifles acting on intelligence inputs apprehended Prashanta Gogoi of Manmao village and Moni Singh, a resident of Changlang village from Changlang town in the wee hours on Tuesday. Two pistols, six live rounds and incriminating documents including extortion notes of GPRN - NSCN (K) were recovered from their possession.
They were allegedly involved in supporting NSCN (K) by abetting and aiding extortion and intelligence against security force personnel. The duo has been handed over to the Changlang police station and a case has been registered against them.
Capacity building training prog
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: The two-day capacity building training programme on Co-Scholastic Aspects of CCE, conducted by the Centre of Excellence, CBSE, at Royal International School concluded on Wednesday.
The two-day programme included sessions on building life skills, gender sensitization, value education, bullying, health and physical well-being and methods of recording and documenting co-scholastic aspects of CCE.
Venue director A K Palit lauded the endeavour of CBSE and hoped that more such programmes are held to equip teachers with necessary knowledge to handle various aspects of the CCE.
A participant, Romila Waikhombi said, "I hope such programmes are held in other districts of the state as well, where most teachers are still not versed with the very concept of CCE."
The programme saw the participation of 30 teachers, including principals of premier secondary and senior secondary government and private schools, like DPS, VKVs, Don Bosco, Holy Cross and RIS.
United Brother Deomali lift Summer Cup
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: United Brother Deomali lifted the Summer Cup Football tournament-2016 trophy defeating Lucky Sixteen Deomali 1-0 at Deomali on Wednesday.
Organised collectively by all the unemployed youths of Deomali, the tournament that started on June 18 saw the participation of 10 teams.
Assistant Conservation of Forest incharge mobile and enforcement squad, Southern Arunachal circle, Deomali, Dobin Lendo, who witnessed final match, exhorted the youths to participate in games and sports, while informing that the state government has initiated 10% job reservation for sportspersons.
He congratulated the organizers for successfully conducting the tournament and also lauded the administration and police personnel for looking at the security needs.
He further assured to assist such events in the near future.
Association demands transfer of CO
ITANAGAR, June 29: All Mengio Market Welfare Association on Wednesday demanded immediate transfer of Mengio circle officer (CO) for his alleged dereliction of duty.
In a letter to Chief Secretary the association alleged that the officer remains absent from his duty and has been neglecting his duty since his joining as CO. It further said the CO, who is also holding the charge of block development officer, is not discharging his duties efficiently.
Ex-ASM alleges withdrawal of payment without project work
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: Alleging withdrawal of payment without completion of Dignium Village RGGVY project work in Upper Subansiri district, former Anchal Samity Member (ASM) of Menga Dignium on Wednesday requested the Chief Secretary to initiate action against the concern department.
In its complaint letter, the former ASM alleged that project work completion certificate which was submitted on November, 01, 2012 was totally false and his signature and seal was also forged to withdraw the payment.
Ambulance flagged off
Tawang, Jun 29: Parliamentary Secretary for education, Tsering Tashi, flagged off two ambulances procured under BADP in a simple event held at Khando Drowa Zangmo district hospital on Wednesday.
Afterwards local MLA inspected the hospital along with the entourage.
Tashi pledged all assistance on his behalf with the quest of improving healthcare in the district during a brief meeting at the hospital conference hall. The two well equipped Tata Travera ambulances will be stationed at Kitpi Primary Health centre and Manjushree Vidyapeeth.
Tawang DC Kasish Mittal, ZPC Jambey Tsering, DoKAA chairman Jambey Wangdi, ZPM Tsering Dorjee and Padmashree Lama Thupten Phintsok also attended the event. (Tawang Vigilance)
SAMARTHYA technical training begins
ITANAGAR, Jun 29: In all, 30 technical persons including BDO, EO (RE), PTAs, APOs are undergoing a four days technical training programme being conducted by SAMARTHYA under MGNREGA in collaboration with state Technical Resource Team (STRT) at the State Institute of Rural Development here on Tuesday.
In his inaugural address, RD director T Taggu said that the objective of the training is to train the technical persons from all over the districts (blocks) who are directly and indirectly involved with the MGNREGA programme. He further asserted that funding support from the concern Ministry will be based on the performance report and timely uploading of activities performed at the ground level.
Issues like, structures suitable to schemes to be taken up under MGNREGA, treatment at arable and non-arable land, watershed treatment, command area treatment, rural infra structure, agriculture infrastructure and its drawing, designing, estimation etc. will be covered through subject matter specialists during the training.
Programme Officer MGNREGA, Sanjiv Das also spoke on the occasion.
Editorial
Ugly side of sport administration
The controversy over Ravi Shastri's snub as India head coach has deepened with Sourav
Ganguly, one of the members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Cricket
Advisory Committee, expressing disappointment with his remarks. Earlier Shastri in
an interview to a media house created a flutter when he said that, Ganguly, part
of the three-member high-powered Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was not present
during his interview which he found to be "disrespectful".
Ganguly today hit back and instead questioned Shastri's seriousness about coaching
job. He claimed that Shastri gave interview via video conference from Bangkok while
on holiday and said he should have appeared in person if he was really interested.
This full blown war of words between two great personalities of Indian cricket does
not augur well for the game of cricket. It also exposes the dark side of Indian sports
administration. Often allegation of favouritism has rocked Indian sports in the past.
Shastri hinted some kind of politics from Sourav Ganguly while selecting the Indian
cricket team's coach. While it's too early to make a comment in this regard but such
kind of controversy surrounding sports sends out wrong signal to the budding sportspersons.
Last year Olympic medal winner MC Mary Kom had made startling revelation of how athlete
from North Eastern states often face discrimination in the selection process. Due
to favoritism and discrimination culture, India is still struggling in the field
of sports. Sports ministry should look into these kind of allegation.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Sentinels of the nation – the neglected people of inaccessible border
Dear Editor,
Vijaynagar is a very remote circle in Changlang District. It is a narrow mountain
valley nestled in the Kaching Hills of Myanmar; surrounded on three sides (Northeast,
South and West) by Myanmar while the Northwestern part is flanked by the expanses
of the Namdapha National Park. Often termed as ‘Kalapani’ and ‘Prison of Geography’,
the area has no surface road connection and other means of communication being totally
cut-off from rest of the world. The nearest road-head in the Indian side is Miao
at 157 km, whereas Putao (Fort Hertz), a town of North Myanmar, lies within the radius
of only 40 km. Once it was purely an air-fed area for supply of goods, passengers
and other basic services. Presently, people of Vijaynagar have no other option but
to rely largely on six days of foot march covering 157 km stretch through thick jungles
of Namdapha National Park, along rugged topography and across several mountain streams
in order to fetch their essentials and meet other basic needs. Vijaynagar is inhabited
by Ex-Assam Rifles and Yobins with about 7000 population.
In the aftermath of Chinese aggression (1962) a Settlement Scheme of Assam Rifles
personnel was carried out by Government of India (GoI) in Vijaynagar, near tri-junction
of India, Myanmar and China, then lying un-demarcated, during last part of 1960s
(vide GoI Letter No 210(11)/63 NI dated 22nd January 1964). Assam Rifle personnel
were sent to Vijaynagar ‘on line of duty’ and forced to settle during 1960s followed
by demarcation of Indo-Myanmar International Border in 1971-72 in that sector. Until
1972 no settlers were allowed to move out from Vijaynagar and afterwards no settlement
of this nature was made in that area or elsewhere in Arunachal. Moreover, settlement
at Vijaynagar being very exceptional, unprecedented and unparalleled both by its
design and location clearly suggests that it was part of planned strategy to have
Indian stake over that part of the un-demarcated territory. In the absence of which,
the Myanmar counterpart would have certainly made their legitimate claim on the area
as a contiguous territory of Kachin State. Moreover, the valley penetrating completely
into Myanmar’s territory was already being used for forage, browsing and stray hunting,
from the other side. It, therefore, goes without saying that the area is integral
part of India (Arunachal Pradesh) by virtue of our settlement prior to the demarcation
of International Boundary in 1971-72. This strategic importance has been clearly
outlined at the very outset of Settlement Proposal submitted by NEFA Administration
to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (1963), quote “With this
progressive execution of various development Scheme throughout NEFA, the need for
evolving some scheme for populating and simultaneously developing those pockets that
are lying unused and unoccupied by the tribal population has been under consideration
of this administration for some time. It has been the feeling that this constitutes
a necessary complementary step forward towards the development of self-sufficient
and self-sustaining economy in NEFA. Besides, the presence of such vast stretches
of vacant land also has a strategic aspect, which cannot be lost sight off. Recent
emergency highlighted this problem and has confirmed our earlier feeling on this
question. It has been decided, therefore, to seek the approval of Government of India
to two sets of model schemes to serve as the pattern for planning and execution of
specific scheme……” unquote (L B Tangha, Secretary, Development, NEFA, Shillong Letter
No. PC 42/63 dated 16/17 August 1963). The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its Order on
Writ Petition No. 8227 of 1982 also upholds, quote “…we are of the prima facie view
that habitation in this area should be encouraged. Territories of China and Burma
abut the area in question. It is contended that if the area is suitably inhabited
by Indian citizen and is developed it would be in the interest of the country” unquote).
During 1964-65 several rounds of Inter-Ministerial meetings were held between Assam
Rifles and NEFA administration to finalise settlement scheme and discuss terms and
conditions. The prospective settlers were not given to know the actually transpired
in the meetings. Instead, officers made promises and assured bright prospects in
order to allure and entice settlers. Acting on the tall promises and assurances made
by their officers, 200 strong Assam Rifles Jawans (mainly General Duty rank) of different
battalions were compelled to sacrifice their job, prospect in services, and even
pension etc. The then IGAR, A.S. Guraya, who carried out whole settlement process,
himself several times in corresponding and in his petition to Supreme Court admits
the fact, quote “Assam Rifle settlers were induced and encouraged to settle into
the area with promises and assurances. Settlers were induced to come to the area
and they were officially given promises and assurances that the title deeds in respect
of land allotted to them would be given to them in due course. They were made to
understand that the areas allotted to them would be demarcated. Volunteer settlers
sacrificed their existing avocations prospects and opportunities in different part
of country acting on the basis of promises, assurances and inducements held out to
them officially as indicated herein. These promises, assurances were the very basis
on which the volunteer settlers opted to migrate in the inaccessible area where life
is extremely hard, lonely and full of struggles and damages”, unquote (vide Para
23 of the Civil WP No.8227 of 1982). The Hon’ble Apex Court too in its order on Writ
Petition No. 8227 of 1982 has referred the mention of such promises and assurances,
quote “it is maintained that about 200 personnel with their families came to inhabit
the area on the basis of a scheme approved by the government of India. The schemes
assured, as alleged, allotment of land, grant of title deeds in respect of land allotted,
facility for movement by air to and fro from Mohanbari, freedom to develop the allotted
areas, grant of advances by way of loan, provisions of marketing facility for disposal
of surplus produce, granting supply of essential commodities, provision of basic
requirements of life and extension of adequate encouragement for an all round economic
development of the area” unquote.
The subsequent Director Generals of Assam Rifles (DGARs) also reiterate this fact,
quote “They did not go Vijaynagar on their own but were inducted and encouraged to
go there by the Government of India as major security measure of the country”, unquote
(vide DGAR, ARESA/2/83-84, dated 22nd June 1983, J. K. Puri, DGAR). DGAR, P.E. Menon
too in his report to Supreme Court reaffirms by concluding, quote “The ultimate aim
of colonising this remote area in Tirap (now Changlang district), where China, Burma
and India meet was to give security and stability to the country in this strategic
NE corner. Hence, Assam Rifles ex-servicemen were induced to settle down in this
remote and virgin area and were given promises and hopes”, unquote.
In the processes of inhabiting and developing un-demarcated border area some personnel
whose service tenure was not completed for pension benefit, too were sent on the
tiff of assurances. They were given to understand that their remaining period would
be suffixed from their stay in the valley thereby taken into full consideration for
pension. However, they largely remained deceived and forced to struggle in the valley
without pension. It is worth mentioning that no prudent man chooses to sacrifice
his existing avocation, prospect in service and pension for the sake of 11 acres
of land (as provided to settlers) that too putting life at stake in extremely inaccessible
remote border completely devoid of road, communication and other basic necessities.
This rather speaks volume about how the settlers were allured and entrapped for the
reason of national security of colonizing the area and justifying the Indian’s claim
over it.
During the settlement they were also assured 50 acres of land which was later reduced
to 11 acres for the reason best known to the administration. Dr. R.N. Mathur, the
then Additional Agricultural Commissioner, (GoI) who visits the area on 7th February
1963 to examine the viability of settlement proposes, quote “a ceiling of 50 acres
of land in order to attract the settlement in such an area of isolation, rigorous
environment and complete non-existence of communication”, Unquote. Deputy Secretary
(P&D), NEFA in his conveyance letter of Approval of settlement Scheme lays down the
conditions- quote “Each intending settler will be provided with land not exceeding
50 acres for homestead and cultivable land per family”, unquote (No. FOR. 234/64/13
713-43, Dated 27th October 1964). A decision of conferring land rights on the settlers
was also reached in 1984, in the Committee of Secretaries chaired by the Cabinet
Secretary, GoI (vide D.O. Letter No. 14/2/81-AP, dated 8th September 1984).
Nevertheless, our fore-fathers sincerely put hard labour confronting rigorous wilderness
and hostile environment to convert the virgin forest into a human habitation. Due
to the acute remoteness of area, for generations together, we have been enduring
inhuman drudgery and surviving deprivation in many fronts - deprivation from education,
deprivation from basic healthcare, lack of essential services (road, communication,
water supply, electricity, supply of essential commodities, etc), deprivation from
employment and other economic opportunities, non-exposure to modern world of development.
However, till date we are not provided with 50 acre of land, title deeds of land,
road communication, Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), Land Possession Certificate
(LPC), Trade License, etc. Leave aside the fulfilment of promises and assurances
given during settlement but our prolonged sacrifices and hardships for developing
and manning the area too have been completely forgotten and we are now considered
as floating population in the very territory which is part of nation by virtue of
our settlement. In Arunachal Pradesh population, for all policy purposes, is divided
into binary categories – APST (Arunahal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) and Non-APST. Only
APSTs are considered as Arunachalees whereas rest of all Non-APSTs are bunched as
outsiders. Unfortunately, the area we inhabiting is a part of Arunachal Pradesh but
we the inhabitants are not Arunachalees somewhat a similar story of taking away the
dowry and ignoring or not even acknowledging the bride. The whole situation is putting
our identity into question and reducing us into Stateless ‘lesser human beings’ in
our own homeland, which in turn is an integral part of our nation on the pretext
of our settlement.
While calling on Hon’ble MOS Home at North Block, New Delhi, on 27th June 2016, Kiren
Rijiju, assured full moral support to us and acknowledged Ex-Assam Rifles of Vijaynagar
as the ‘Sentinels of the nation’. Through the Readers Forum of your esteemed daily
‘The Arunachal Times’, we express our heartfelt thanks to Hon’ble MOS, Shri Rijuji
and for giving us his valuable time and understanding our genuine grievances. We
also pay gratefulness to Shri Kamlung Mosang, Hon’ble Minister Geology & Mining,
Trade & Commerce a for his untiring efforts toward our problems. We firmly believe
that this Government under the able leadership of Shri Kalikho Paul, Hon’ble Chief
Minister would certainly provide justice to us.
Yours,
Dr. J.S. Rawat,
Bhagat Chetry,
San Pun
Bikram Newar
Vijaynagar
