June 12
Arunachal to cancel registration of buses not operating in state
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to cancel the permit of all tourist buses registered with them, but not operating in the state, according to reports.
The decision is likely to affect private travel agencies operating vehicles in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana that acquire national permits from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
According to The Hindu, Arunachal Pradesh Transport Commissioner in a letter addressed to all the District Transport Officers in that state, has asked them to cancel the registration of tourist buses/sleeper coaches in Arunachal Pradesh that are operating their vehicles in other states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) in violation of the Central Motor Vehicle (CMV) Act, 1986 and Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989.
In a second letter, he has also ordered the cancellation of national permits to such vehicles.
The registration of the vehicles had been done without physical inspection as mandated under Section 44 of the CMV Act, 1988 besides violation of the norm that insisted on verification of the address as required under Section 40 of the CMV Act, 1988 and Rule 47 of the CMV Rules, 1989, and prescribed dimensions of the motor vehicles under Rule 93 and Rule 128 of the CMV Rule, 1989, the Hindu report adds.
The District Transport Officers have been directed to immediately cancel the registrations of such tourist/sleeper vehicles in their jurisdictions and direct their owners to report these vehicles to the nearest police stations.
According to thenewsminute.com, the debate on registration of buses in Arunachal and other North Eastern states that run in two southern states came to the fore when a bus, registered under the Arunachal Pradesh Transport Department, being operated by a private operator met with an accident near Visakhapatnam.
Meanwhile, the big question is whether the Arunachal Government will take action against its own employees who have issued permits to more than 900 buses, plying in Southern India, without physical verification, in violation of mandate under CMV Act.
Prime Minister's Ujjwala Scheme launched in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: The Prime Minister's Ujjwala Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) was launched in the state on Sunday by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and state's Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Kamlung Mossang in a function at the State Banquet Hall here.
The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2016, is a welfare scheme of the central government to provide clean cooking fuel to the women belonging to 'Below Poverty Line' (BPL) families across the country.
The scheme aims to provide LPG connection to five crore BPL households by 2019 across the country and offers assistance of Rs 1600 for one connection.
"The scheme would benefit Arunachal Pradesh immensely as more than half of the population, especially in the rural areas, still use firewood for cooking purposes and hence it indirectly impacts the state's rich forest cover", Pema said.
Pema also announced that the state government would add to the assistance provided under the scheme and offer additional Rs 1000 to each beneficiary.
With this announcement, a beneficiary of the state would avail a total of Rs 2600 as assistance for one connection that includes security deposit, pressure regulator, safety hose, consumer card and installation charges.
Presently, the state has 54 LPG distributors and in view of the expected surge of LPG demand in the state post launch of the scheme, another 21 distributors are likely to be added in the future, the Chief Minister said.
On June 2, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a meeting with Pema and Rijiju at New Delhi, had assured that each and every household in Arunachal Pradesh would get LPG connection by 2019.
He had suggested the Chief Minister and MoS Home to launch the scheme in the state immediately and implement it on a mission mode in all the districts.
"Prime Minister Modi has taken several big decisions and launched more than 90 schemes,
catering to every section of the society. It is now our responsibility to take these
schemes to the genuine beneficiaries in a transparent and judicious manner," he said,
while reiterating his call for change of mind-
He informed that the state government has also come up with several welfare schemes
and programs as announced in the budget 2016-
Informing that highest cases of lung cancer are reported from the North East, Rijiju blamed it on use of firewood for cooking in almost all households of the region. He said the Ujjwala scheme will now change this scenario, and in the process, provide a clean environment and preserve forests.
The Union MoS asserted that it was the responsibility of each in the state government to successfully implement all schemes launched by the center.
Rijiju observed that Arunachal Pradesh under the leadership of Pema is doing its
best in implementing central government flagship programmes and called for accountability
by each -
As a symbolic launch of PMUY in the state, 24 beneficiaries were handed over LPG connections on the occasion.
As per oil industry records, Arunachal Pradesh, as on May 1st, 2017, has around 3.04 lakh households with LPG coverage of 64 percent. In order to achieve 100 percent penetration in days to come, the oil marketing companies will be organizing 'Melas' and camps at various locations for releasing LPG connections to BPL families. Besides, seven new LPG distributors are in the pipeline to meet the surge in LPG demand in the state.
Till date, within a span of one year of launch of the scheme, more than 2.2crore connections have been released throughout the country.
Also present in the function were Parliamentary Secretaries TageTaki and Techi Kaso, Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin, Indian Oil Chief General Manager K KHandique, D K Ray from HPCL and Pankaj Das from BPCL.
An indirect ban
Monday Musing
[ M Doley ]
After demonetization, imposition of nationwide ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, including cow, of course, is the major decision taken by the Central Government, ruled by the Hindu Nationalist Party.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules states,
"No person shall bring a cattle to an animal market unless upon arrival he has furnished
a written declaration signed by the owner of the cattle-
Many say this tricky and complicated rule, in fact, is an indirect ban on beef and it has been framed by the central government to impose the political agenda of RSS.
APCC President Takam Sanjoy says, the central government should not dictate one's food choices.
Conflicts over cow slaughter triggering religious riot in India is not a new thing. At least eight people died in a riot outside the Parliament in Delhi in 1966, while demanding national ban on cow slaughter.
If we go through the recent developments, cow has become a political animal rather than a sacred social animal.
Some critics say that the reasons to consider cow as holy animal in Hinduism is purely religious, and historical background has nothing to do with the utilitarian value of cow. However, it is a matter of debate.
It is sad to see that the sacred cows are not always treated with respect and kindness.
Cows are overexploited, beaten and frequently left half-
But, the so-
Many typical Indians prefer to milk a cow as long as they can, thereby overexploiting the "Gau Maata", whereas in western countries, they find it better to convert it to meat.
Traditionally, many Indians own animals like goat, chicken, ducks, buffalos etc. But these animals, in spite of providing milk, meat and eggs are never regarded as sacred.
The impacts of the ban will be far reaching. It will greatly impact on overall health of beef eating communities because the meat will no more be available in the market after the slaughter ban. Moreover, lakhs of people, mostly small vendors, who were involved in beef trade, will become jobless after the ban.
It is still not known whether the government has arranged any alternative source of income for those likely to be affected by the nationwide ban.
APCC flays BJP for removing Congress posters and hoardings
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: Claiming that BJP workers have dismantled or removed all Congress posters and hoardings put along the national highway, right from Banderdewa to Itanagar and Hollongi, in view of the proposed visit of the BJP president Amit Shah, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday said that the action of BJP workers aptly proves that there is no place for any other party in the BJP defined democracy.
"Such arrogance and disrespect for any other national party gives enough proof about
the ill-
Sanjoy claimed that around 47 posters and hoardings were either torn off, or removed
and dismantled along the NH-
"The ill-
GAF urges BJP president to solve pressing issues of the state
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: Expressing strong reservations about the visit of central leaders to the state sans any proper packages for developmental activities, the Green Arunachal Foundation (GAF) has urged BJP President Amit Shah to take positive steps for solutions to some pressing issues that Arunachal has been facing for a long time.
The GAF demanded establishment of a central jail in the state to accommodate Arunachalee inmates who have been languishing in various jails at Dibrugarh, Tezpur and North Lakhimpur.
Reminding of the frequent traffic jams in the state capital, the Foundation also urged the ruling BJP for construction of ring road around the capital to ease over the traffic congestion.
"Another important factor that quivers the people of the state is that the Likabali
police check-
It is questionable why the state government is turning a blind eye to the matter. The day to day border scuffle with Assam must not be overlooked,' the Foundation said.
Considering the strategic location of the state of Arunachal Pradesh which shares international border with China, the Foundation further advocated that the Centre should appoint a regular Governor for Arunachal Pradesh at the earliest.
It further said that the central government should make the recent agreement signed with the NSCN (IM) public, for it would reflect the policy making of the three eastern districts of Tirap, Longding and Changlang.
Despite holding an important portfolio of Union Home Ministry, Arunachal MP Kiren Rijiju has failed in fulfilling people's aspiration in the state, the GAF said and urged the BJP President to direct Rijiju to look into the problems of the state.
Meanwhile, sources informed that BJP National President Amit Shah has put off his tour of Arunachal Pradesh, scheduled from Monday amid heightened political activity around the Presidential polls. The poll time table was announced by the Election Commission last week.
PRYWS appeals PWD to immediately repair Itanagar-
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: The Poma Rillo Youth Welfare Society (PRYWS) has appealed to the
PWD to immediately repair the Itanagar-
In a release, the PRYWS said that the condition of the said road is in pathetic condition and if not repaired immediately, the road may soon vanish.
This road connects Itanagar to institutions like NIT, Government Law College, Government Women College, Film institute, Gyekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake) etc.
"Visitors, along with people of Sangdupota circle are facing harrowing time because
of the horrible condition of Itanagar-
Further they added, "As per our knowledge, tender process for repairing of said stretch
of road has already been completed. We appeal to the PWD and firm owner, who had
won the bidding process, to start repairing work at the earliest. It is becoming
very difficult to travel through Itanagar-
Union Minister, CM moved for graveyard protection
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Jun 11: East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Kaling Dai met Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Chief Minister Pema Khandu during their visit to Pasighat on Saturday and appealed to accord sanction for protection of the community graveyards of East Siang district.
A separate memorandum in this regard was also submitted to the Union Minister and the Chief Minister, wherein the ZPC stated that the community graveyards in various villages were lying unprotected without boundary walls, leading to rampant encroachment.
Highlighting the importance of graveyards and their connection to local villagers and tribes, Dai said that about 60 percent tribal families in the district have been compelled to bury bodies in their own plots due to lack of space for burial in the graveyards.
The ZPC appealed to the Union Minister, Chief Minister and local legislators to accord sanction for construction of boundary wall, shed and water supply connection in the community graveyards.
Earlier, the ZPMs of the district in August last year had submitted a memorandum to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to do the needful for protection of community graveyards in the state.
The ZPMs, who toured the entire state last month, reportedly got feedback and suggestion from prominent citizens for conservation of the community graveyards in the state.
Reversion order yet to take effect: DJEFPWD
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: The Deprived Junior Engineers Forum of Public Works Department (DJEFPWD) claimed that despite repeated cancellation orders issued by the PWD Commissioner against functional Assistant Engineers (AEs), the order is not taking effect on the ground, as executive engineers of various divisions across the states have failed to comply with the directives.
In a press statement on Sunday, the DJEFPWD claimed that executive engineers of various divisions have failed to comply with the PWD Commissioner's directives, wherein the Commissioner withdrew the functional charge of assistant engineers, issued on May 25, 2017, directing EEs to release functional AEs and ASWs immediately and report to SE (Coordination) for further posting.
It further claimed that on 8th March, 2016, PWD Commissioner reverted the JEs holding the charge of AEs in functional capacity to their original posts and directed them to report to the Superintending Engineer (Coord, Trg & Vig) for further posting.
The deprived JEs further claimed that the functional AEs and ASWs, though they are junior in terms of service, are writing the Annual Confidential Report (ACR) of seniors, whereas as per the government service rule, a junior government servant cannot write the ACR of an employee senior to him/her.
It appealed to the EEs to comply with the court orders and the direction of the commissioner and secretary by releasing functional AEs before 15th of June, failing which, it warned that inaction could invite series of agitations.
3rd edition of NEIFW come October
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: Itanagar will host the North East India Fashion Week (NEIFW) from October 27 to 29 next.
The mega fashion carnival, which intends to encourage and motivate the upcoming handicraft artisans and designers of the north east region this time around, would also seek the likes of designers from Philippines and New Zealand participate in it.
This was informed by NEIFW chief executive officer and designer Yana Ngoba, while addressing a news conference at the Press Club here on Sunday.
The theme for this year's NEIFW is 'Khadi Movement' to support the active weavers and designers of the region to promote their products, said Yana, who went on to add that the previous two editions of the fashion extravaganza was a grand success in doing the same as the event saw participation of many weavers from various states, including Arunachal Pradesh.
She, however, added that a few northeastern states are yet to participate in the event due to lack of awareness.
"Other countries are grossly developed in the field of weaving and designing. However, our state is yet to grow in this profession. People are forgetting the fact that, even weaving is a part of our tradition," said Yana, who opined that Arunachal has a lot of potential and if that is tapped properly, the weavers and designers of the state would go a long way in the fashion industry.
She was also of the opinion that, to promote the weaving and designing industry in Arunachal; the government must come up with appealing schemes and policies.
Menty Jamir, a designer from Nagaland asserted that handloom products from North East India are so vibrant that it can rule any market in the world.
Hibu Ollo, a weaver who currently runs two weaving centers in Ziro valley, said that NEIFW has proven to be a blessing in disguise for her as after participating in the event for two consecutive years she has got all the recognition that she ever wanted.
Many other designers and weavers from Karbi Anglong, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh also showcased their designs and spoke during the conference.
Other than Ollo, weavers like Dimonty Basumatary, Uday Dimbeswary and Krishna Sonowal from Assam, and many others would be participating in the fashion week this year.
Designers Menty Jamir (Nagaland), Rohila (Karbi Anglong), along with Dolly Moyong, Nabam Chunkap, Biri Arang and Tasso Lily from Arunachal Pradesh are few of the designers who would showcase their designs at the NEIFW.
As of today, there are more than 150 weavers throughout North East who are working with Yana.
Committee clarifies on allegation
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: The 20th Pentecost Celebration Committee, 2017 has vehemently condemned the General Secretary of Gogar Village Welfare Committee for the allegation leveled against the Likabali Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Range Forest Officer (RFO) that the forest officials duo were involved in illegal tree felling in Dipa Reserved Forest for construction of a temporary local bridge for a church prayer center.
Terming the allegation as totally baseless, the Pentecost Celebration Committee clarified
that repair work along the existing forest road from Jipu village to Likabali has
been a routine activity since the last 20 years, as the road which connects the administrative
headquarters Likabali, has been the lifeline for the villagers of Gogar, Jipu, Sili,
Sili-
The Pentecost Celebration Committee further clarified that it has constructed a temporary bridge over Gogar River for easy movement of the villagers during rainy season in May this year on its own and with the support of nearby villages. "There is no question of involvement of the DFO and RF0 in it," the committee said.
"The Pentecost Celebration Committee has no connection with the allegation of lifting the logs using a truck and excavator," the committee said, and described the allegation a vengeful activity by some people with vested interests to tarnish the image of both the forest officials.
5th Shotokan Karate Champion
SAI emerges overall champion, HQs Naharlagun finishes second
Bhalukpong, Jun 11: The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Special Area Game Centre,
Naharlagun emerged overall champion in the state level fifth Shotokan Karate Champion,
which concluded in Bhalukpong on Sunday. Headquarters (HQs), Naharlagun finished
as runners-
Johny Mangkhiya and Tachi Bagang, both from SAI, were declared best women and men fighters respectively.
West Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Dr Sonal Swaroop, who attended the closing ceremony spoke on benefits of learning karate and its usefulness.
"Karate is a sport played in the entire world, and is one of the best martial art forms for self defence. It can help one stay physically fit, fine and smart", said the Deputy Commissioner.
Distributing prizes, the DC also advised the karatekas to practice hard to further improve their performance.
A total of 147 karate players and 22 officials participated in the event, informed AKA Technical Director, Shihan S Devan Sharma.
On Saturday, Arunachal Karate Do Association (AKA) President, Shihan Likha Tara, while addressing the inaugural function, exhorted the youths of the state to take up sports sincerely and make a career out of it.
"The state government has given priority to sports and its development in the state. There are job reservations for meritorious sportsperson in all state government departments", Tara said, and asked the players to grab the opportunity.
Assuring AKA's support for promotion of Karate in West Kameng district, Tara, who also is the vice president of Karate Association of India, urged the parents to encourage their children to practice karate, besides their academic studies.
He said that karate players of Arunachal have been performing consistently in national and international level competitions and many of them are currently serving in various government departments. They are not only making the state proud but also earning their livelihood through sports, he said.
All Arunachal Pradesh Shotokan Karate-
Organising Committee Chairman, Sheriff Nimasow said the tournament would go a long way in promoting and popularizing karate in the district in particular.
Aka Elite Society Vice President, Labi Dususow; AGS Lama Sidisow; Bhalukpong Circle Officer, Khoda Rakhi and a large crowd of locals and parents of the participants were present during the opening ceremony.
Kumsi inspects ongoing projects
BHALUKPONG, Jun 11: Parliamentary Secretary PHE & WS and local MLA of Thrizino Assembly constituency, Kumsi Sidisow inspected various ongoing projects of his assembly constituency, along with PRI members on Sunday.
He inspected various under construction sites, including storm water drainage system near the police station at Lower Bhalukpong; drainage for model village and adjoining areas; storm water drainage for RWD Colony, bazaar line, drainage for SSB Colony; PCC retaining wall for road connecting DFO Office and St Xavier's School, Bhalukpong and boundary wall for Government Higher Secondary School at Upper Bhalukpong.
Kumsi appealed to all to cooperate and support the PRI members and officers in carrying out the developmental activities in the area.
TSGAP appeals Centre to confer Bharat Ratna on 14th Dalai Lama
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: The Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh (TSGAP) has appealed to the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna Award on Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama for his services to India and humanity.
A delegation of the TSGAP, led by its President Gicho Kabak and Secretary Nima Sange called on Union DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on June 9 and discussed on Tibet issue and conferment of the country's highest civilian award on the 14th Dalai Lama.
A memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also submitted through the Union Minister, urging him to consider the conferment of the award on the spiritual leader.
His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. He has been conferred with more than 150 prestigious awards and honoured by various governmental and other organisations of the world.
"His lifelong contribution in spreading the message of compassion, peace and non-
He also stated that awarding Bharat Ratna to the Dalai Lama would send a strong message to China. It would also be an acknowledgement of the values he holds for India and its people, he added.
Nima informed that the Union Minister has assured to take up the matter with the Prime Minister.
Dree Football in Capital and Ziro
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: Nyime Yaru FC defeated Kime Pakah FC 2-
Duyu Takung scored one goal each in both half (25th, 54th mins) for the winning team, while the solitary goal for Kime Pakah FC was scored by Bamin Taka in 65th minute.
Takung of Nyime Yaru FC was also declared the best player of the match.
In veteran category, senior FC beat Ball Tula FC by a huge margin of 8-
Koj Tajang of senior FC was declared best player.
At Ziro, defending champion Sojang Lapang Sports Club (SLSC) defeated Vintage Football
Club (VFC) 2-
Mihin Pullo and Millo Jilley were the scorers.
The second match of the day was played between Laji Bogia Sporting Club (LBSC) and
Diibo Football Club (DFC), in which the former defeated the latter 2-
Khoda Tam and Habung Nada were the scorers for LBSC and the consolidation goal for DFC came from Mudang Huto.
Vehicle for Mothers Vision to carry out anti-
AALO, Jun 11: A new four wheeler vehicle meant for the NGO, Mothers Vision, was flagged off on June 11 by former minister Doi Ado.
The vehicle was provided after the NGO approached the state Governor in Itanagar
for a vehicle to carry out anti-
Chairman of Mothers Vision, Jumde Gamlin spelt out the activities of the NGO in the last two years and expressed gratitude to the state Governor for helping them to carry forward their task with more commitment.
Ado lauded the efforts of the women in containing drug menace, alcoholism and conducting cleanliness drives in the district, and also expressed his gratitude to the Governor for helping the NGO for such a noble cause. DMO Dr Nyage Geiyi also appreciated the efforts of the NGO and assured all cooperation from his side to take up issues related to drugs and cleanliness in the town. (DIPRO)
Village dev meet
KOMSING, Jun 11: The Nugong Banggo Kebang (NBK) convened an all village development meeting at Komsing Village on June 10, wherein discussions were held on the proposed road from Komsing to Sissen under PMGSY.
The NBK emphasised on the need to engage a reputed and experienced contractor possessing all required machineries and equipment for quality work and completion of the project on time.
The meeting was attended by delegates from all the villages under Nugong Banggo, according to an NBK release.
Clarification
While referring to the statement of IOC authority, the Pasighat DIPRO clarified that "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sammelan" was officially organized by "Indian Oil Corporation", under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (GoI) at Pasighat on Saturday. It was not organized by BJP East Siang as reported by the correspondent of this daily.
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Focus on long term solution
Days after eight farmers was killed in a violent protest in Madhya Pradesh, the Maharashtra government today announced loan waiver for farmers after eleven days of protests in the state. The angry farmers had dumped excess dairy and vegetables on the roads to register their protest against a lack of fair price for their produce. Fearing Madhya Pradesh like situation, government buckled under pressure and agreed to the demands of farmers. This move by Maharasthra government might open up door for other farmers to seek similar concession from their respective governments. At present several parts of India are in the grip of an agrarian crisis.
One of the main reasons for it is cumulative effect of bad monsoons. Farmers in many
parts of India are still dependent on the annual rains which were deficient (by double
digit rates) in both 2014 and 2015; 2016 was a good year, though. In India, agriculture
remains highly regulated, with inadequate linkages to markets, and opaque and unscientific
pricing. And farmers lack access to and expertise in risk management tools and modern
techniques. Many of them are using age old farming technique which is no longer productive.
There is growing chorus for waiver of agricultural loans. Apart from being an effective
political weapon, waivers promise instant relief to farmers. But loan waiver is believed
to be bad idea as it punish farmers who have been diligent with repayments and encourage
all sorts of wrong behaviour-
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Spare IG Park
Dear Editor,
This letter is to draw the attention of concerned authorities towards ill effects of installing melas and other commercial events at IG park.
Indira Gandhi Park is only place in Itanagar which gives us a breathing space. People come here to do regular exercise. In fact, IG PARK is doctor for many. Many diseases are prevented because of activities we do in IG Park. Why the concerned authority is intentionally making us sick for the sake of some penny! The vehicles that ply in IG Park is releasing smoke in a large amount which is very bad for our health.
I request the concerned authorities to refrain from allowing any such commercial events at IG Park. Only selected state and national festival should be allowed. Provide other space for commercial events. Even if commercial events are held, do not allow vehicles to ply inside IG park. There are enough parking spaces outside IG Park.
Although commercial event fetches revenue for the state but it comes at the cost of our health. How come money is above one's health?
Yours,
Rokpen Gali,
Sanglo Putum
Where the mind is without fear
Dear Editor,
This is in response to your editorial, "Media under attack" (June 6). Tagore had aptly given words to people's aspiration to live in a country ~ "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.
It is because of this very aspiration no dictatorship, even the dictatorship of the proletariat, could survive. Now, people all over the world want to have democracy as the lifeblood of their nation. And this life blood needs for its survival, constant supply of free and fresh air in an environment, where knowledge is free.
Yours,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
CBI raids on NDTV
Dear Editor,
In the democracy, everyone is answerable to the Government. For any perceived misdeeds or infringement of laws by any persons or business houses, the Government usually deploys its competent agencies for the right investigation. It comes under the fundamental norms of the constitution that one is not above the laws. So constitutionally laid down rules and regulations are equal for all.
But one is quite surprised why a certain media groups and journalists are going all
out to lambast the government when the CBI recently raided the house of the executive
co-
Yes, this current crackdown against NDTV is pertaining to Rs 48 crore clear default on a loan provided by ICICI bank against which CBI has filed the FIR on the basis of the relentless complaint by Sanjay Dutta who himself was one of the shareholders of this media company. Mr. Dutta alleged that NDTV and its promoters have violated a number of laws. A renowned journalist and former Editor of ‘The Hindu’ Ms. Malini Parthasarathy aptly quipped ‘NDTV should allow a probe & not retreat behind the shield of press freedom which is too weighty a concept to be invoked for personal issues.’
The erstwhile vibrant media that never loses its steam to dress down the Government
and political leaders for any irregularities and that claims that all political leaders
must be subject to a close scrutiny of the media, the fourth pillar of the democracy,
should now fully cooperate the investigating agencies. They should not play the
victim card and blame the government. Or else, this will only set a wrong precedent
that might result in the weakening the governance body by subsequently increasing
the monopoly power of a few corporate giants and the elite groups who well know how
to score their self-
Particularly, in view of the open glorification and warm embraces extended to some
“azadi factions” by NDTV and the like it is too essential that the government should
be extra careful so that the integrity and sovereignty of the country is not disturbed.
Very frankly speaking, is it not pretty hard to trust NDTV which with impunity aided
and abetted a quirky and anarchist -
Yours,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
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