June 16
AR personnel kill innocent villager
[ Junroi Mamai ]
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: In what can be termed as a gross violation of human rights perpetrated by the Assam Rifles, one Thingtu Ngemu (35) of Kongsa village, under Changlang district was killed on Wednesday, when army personnel opened fired at him and eight other men, allegedly mistaking them to be ultras.
According to the villagers, Thingtua, a father of two sons was shot dead by the Assam Rifles personnel at about 10 pm when he, along with eight other men from his village were frantically searching for Thingtu's old uncle who had earlier went out to pluck betel leaves in the nearby forest but unbeknownst to them, had been detained by the Assam Rifles.
The villagers allege that about 18 Assam Rifles paratroopers, who were under the command of a Major Rank Officer blindly fired upon them, killing Thingtu and injuring the other men who tried to escape the firing.
Irate villagers have meanwhile, registered an FIR against the Assam Rifles personnel with the police on Thursday, and a case has also been registered under section 302/34 IPC and 27 Arms Act, in this connection.
The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Changlang could not be reached for any input.
However, as per the statement released by the Indian Army, Thingtu was killed because the AR personnel mistook him for being an ultra.
Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjit Konwer statement had claimed, 'based on specific intelligence regarding movement of a hardcore terrorist group, the army personnel challenged the person when he arrived at the spot. The person identified as Thingtu Ngemu made "very suspicious movements" and rushed towards the troop, following which the army opened fire, resulting in his death'.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has also vehemently condemned the killing of Thingtu by army personnel and blamed the incumbent state government, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs for having failed in all fronts to contain the prevailing law and order problem.
In a release, the APCC stated that the deceased, innocent Thingtu became a victim of the army's unwanted ambush due to procedural lapses. As per convention, it is mandatory for the army to coordinate with civil police before starting any operation in civilian areas in order to avoid any untoward happenings, said the APCC.
"People of Arunachal Pradesh are peace loving but any attempt to harass physically or mentally shall not be tolerated under any circumstance. The people of Tirap and Changlang districts are sleeping giants and their endurance and tolerance should not be treated as weakness by the government or any other forces", it said, adding that the "murder" of an innocent villager is beyond the ethics of the disciplined Indian Army.
Also saying that Arunachal should not be equated with Jammu & Kashmir, the APCC said that such provocation by the army is uncalled for and demeaned the hard earned image of the Indian army.
The APCC has demanded that the state government pay an ex-
The party also conveyed its condolences to the members of the bereaved family.
The Arunachal Law Students Union also condemned the killing of Thingtu by the army in Changlang district and sought the intervention of the state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs, and demanded an inquiry into the tragic incident.
The Union also demanded adequate compensation from the Indian Army to the family of the deceased and said that this sort of unexpected incident must not take place in coming days.
For 12 hours, BSNL goes out of service
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) lines waned at around 7 PM on Wednesday and returned in the morning hours of Thursday, disrupting telecommunication lines across the state.
Almost all authorised officials of the BSNL were out of town to comment on the issue. However, one official claimed that the glitch was caused by a disruption in the Optical Fibre Cable in Assam, and refrained from making any further comments. Some from the department said that the satellite server was down causing broadband services to black out.
While the cause of BSNL services disappearing unexpectedly is not a new phenomenon, it certainly is a cause of worry with the Union Ministry of Telecommunications in January assuring to provide a special package to improve telecommunications in the North East region with the BSNL entrusted to take over the work of connecting over 8000 villages and setting up 6000 towers.
The BSNL also boasted of awarding the work of installing 1893 mobile towers in Arunachal Pradesh to Vihaan Networks in April.
The BSNL lags poorly behind in performance when compared to other telecom giants like Airtel, Vodafone and new entrant Jio, who not only offer cheaper rates on calls and data, but also provide better coverage.
In March this year, Member of Parliament Ninong Ering, in a letter to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, also alleged officers of the Department of Telecommunications, the
BSNL and the Universal Service Obligation Fund of going out of the way to allow a
private firm -
"This is not only against the BSNL's established process, but also against the CVC guidelines," Ering had said.
As the largest telecom service provider in India, BSNL does cover the remotest villages in the country, but most of the time, it fails to deliver on its services in Arunachal Pradesh.
Y D Thongchi to be conferred 5th Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2017
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: Eminent writer Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi has been selected for the
'5th Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2017' by Pune-
This was informed by founder, President of Sarhad, Sanjay Nahar in a release on Thursday.
Thongchi will be conferred the award at a ceremony to be held in Srinagar in September this year.
Thongchi started his literary pursuit from his childhood days. Although his dialect
is Sherdukpen, a language hardly spoken by 6,000 people, he started writing in Assamese
because it was then the medium of instruction in schools in North-
While his first poem called Jonbaai (The Moon) appeared in an Assamese children's magazine by the same name in 1967, he tried his hand at various genres, including plays, short stories and novels, excelling in all of them.
Sarhad had instituted the said award in 2012 and has been honouring a person from North East, who has rendered an outstanding work at the national and international level every year. The award consists of Rs 51,000 cash, a memento and a certificate.
The other recipients of the award include well-
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) have congratulated eminent writer Thongchi for being selected for the prestigious 5th Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2017.
In his congratulation letter, the CM said, "It is a proud moment for every Arunachalee and people of Northeast in particular that a retired bureaucrat, former Chairman and an eminent writer of all times has been unanimously selected for the prestigious award. A well deserved achievement, Khandu said that this will definitely inspire all the young writers of the state and Northeast and will instil new zeal and passion amongst the members of the literary society so that they are encouraged to continue their indispensable contribution towards building stronger, healthier and more peaceful societies through their creative writings, fictions and so on.
APLS Vice President, Tokong Pertin, General Secretary Batem Pertin and Editor R N Koley, while congratulating Thongchi for being selected for the national award, said that the award will boost the morale of all the members of APLS, and give a dimension to the literary movement in the state.
RGUSU decides to boycott new admission process in protest
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: After expiry of its 10 days ultimatum served to the state government
for renovation of road from Emchi Road Junction to RGU Main Gate, the Rajiv Gandhi
University Students' Union (RGUSU) in a meeting with the other unions and associations
of the RGU, held on Wednesday, unanimously decided to boycott the official admission
procedure of the academic session 2017-
The boycott may last for an indefinite period and shall continue until the road is repaired, RGUSU General Secretary Prem Taba said. He further requested the various unions of RGU to cooperate for success of the movement. It further said that boycott process will start on the admission day as per RGU notification. The RGUSU also decided to take up the matter with the Ministry of Human Resource Development, according to a release.
During the meeting, various students' union of RGU assured to play a supportive role in the boycott process, the release said.
CFSI’s children film bonanza concludes
Namsai, Jun 15: The month-
The children had an enriching experience with workshops, film screenings, quizzing with gifts for participation.
The Children's Film Bonanza was also organized at various schools of Pasighat in East Siang district and Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district.
"We have been very active in bringing high-
We have seen many creative personnel from North East involved in various film making
projects," said Shravan Kumar, CEO, CFSI, on successful completion of month-
The CFSI is committed to strengthening the children's film movement within India
and promoting Indian-
DCM calls for sharing of knowledge among NE states
KOHIMA, Jun 15: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has emphasized on sharing of resource
and research among the North Eastern states during his interaction with the team
of Nagaland Bio-
Mein said that agro-
Agriculture Production Commissioner of Nagaland, T Imkonglemba Ao said that North
Eastern states are rich in bio-
Dr Kuruolalie Tshuro, Team Leader of Nagaland Bio-
It was also informed that the Nagaland Bio Resource Mission was launched by the Government of Nagaland on 26th July, 2007 with a view to harness the rich potential biological resources of the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister also visited Nagaland Bamboo Mission Centre and Nagaland
Beekeeping & Honey Mission, Multi-
90% tourism schemes left unproductive: Sona
AALO, Jun 15: At least 90 percent of the government sponsored tourism schemes are left unproductive either due to haphazard constructions, land ownership problem or defective site selection by the contractors, said Parliamentary Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation, P D Sona on Thursday.
However, he said, "Thrust will be given to those people who are really serious about development of tourism in the near future."
Sona was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the P&PT Tourist Resort on the left bank of Yomgo River in the vicinity of Aalo town.
Saying that Arunachal is emerging as one of the most preferred tourist destinations, he hoped that efforts would be made by creating good avenues and showing hospitality to outsiders to promote tourism in the state.
Sona also exhorted the people to change their mindset about the concept of employment and look beyond dependence syndrome on government.
Responding to a memorandum submitted to him regarding flood protection, road connectivity and issue of bar license at the resort, Sona assured to look into the flood protection works to protect the beautiful asset of the district.
Tourism Deputy Director, Gedo Eshi Ori lamented that though West Siang falls in an important tourist circuit of the state, not a single person from the district has been registered as a tourist operator so far.
Managing Director of P&PT Resort, Topin Ete disclosed that the resort, which was sanctioned back in 2005, took many years to see the light of the day due to multiple problems, like boundary wall, negotiation with land owners for curving out a separate road for Kabu villagers, construction of the road and separate entry gate for the resort.
PWD SE, Tumto Kamchi, ZPM Gedo Kato, RWD EE T Kena and District Tourism Officer, Rita Yorung also spoke on the need to create more such beautiful assets and planned growth in one of the oldest towns, like Aalo.
The resort has a badminton and table tennis court inside the complex. The well-
Arunachal girl found dead in Assam
Staff Reporter
Itanagar, Jun 15: An Arunachalee girl, aged about 17 years was found hanging by the ceiling fan in her friend's house at Bhetapara area of Guwahati on the evening of June 14.
ACP Moushumi Kalita informed that the girl had recently cleared her class 10 examinations from Excel Public School, Itanagar and had been staying at her friend's house in Guwahati for a few days. She was also seeking admissions in Guwahati for further studies.
Reportedly, she has also left a suicide note where she has apologised to her family for committing the act.
The police also said that her relatives in Silapather have been informed, and her parents,who are originally from Aalo, have also arrived at Guwahati.
The body has been sent for post mortem to Guwahati Medical College, Hospital to ascertain the cause of death and a case has been registered with the Basistha Police Station, Assam.
Drug peddlers arrested, 26 grams brown sugar seized
Tezu, Jun 15: Two drug peddlers were arrested with 26 grams of brown sugar in their possession by the Arunachal Pradesh Police, Tezu unit on Wednesday last.
Acting on a tip-
Upon search, the police team found six small plastic pouches weighing 26 grams approximately with suspected contraband brown sugar.
Both the alleged accused had been arrested and a case under NDPS Act has been registered, according to a Lohit DSP release.
Expired food items seized from Kalaktang market
KALAKTANG, Jun 15: Large quantity of expired food items were seized from the market area during a massive search operation conducted by team of officials, led by Kalaktang Circle Officer, T W Thongdok on Thursday.
Thongdok warned the shopkeepers to refrain from keeping expired food items and other commodities in their shops, failing which strict action will be taken against them. He also called upon the consumers to check expiry date before purchasing any consumable items.
Later, the seized items, including expired flour, biscuits, pickles and other consumable items were disposed off at a dumping ground.
The operation team also included police personnel, teachers and students.
CM attends Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sammelan at Meghalaya
SHILLONG, Jun 15: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday attended the 'Sabka Saath
Sabka Vikas Sammelan' for 37-
Speaking at the sammelan to mark the completion of three years of the Modi Government, the Chief Minister said that the PM has special focus on North East region, which is visible from his statement that "India will develop only when the North Eastern states are developed".
He said that since independence, the North Eastern states have always relied on the Congress but in return we have only got unemployment and poverty. But now scenario has changed and in the last three years, the region has seen tremendous change in all BJP ruled states in North East.
He also claimed that the country in the last 70 years did not develop as per its potential under the Congress Government. "The country had then gone with the wrong hand. But everything changed in 2014 when the whole nation united to vote for Narendra Modi," he said and added that Modi has proved himself within three years.
"Demonetization was the bravest thing he could do to fight against black money," said Khandu.
He said the Congress is a party with high command culture with no democratic system,
where the party workers themselves are clueless about the party programmes. "For
BJP, nation comes first, party second and individual last, but in Congress -
Appreciating the work culture of the BJP, he said that under the BJP Government, chief ministers and ministers have to work like bureaucrats. "Every two months, we have to submit our work report and the status of all central flagships programmes," said Khandu.
"The Congress party today is unable to find fault with the BJP, so they have come
with a political conspiracy to paint BJP with the tag of anti-
Fingerlings released at Namchik river
JAIRAMPUR, Jun 14: About 15,000 fingerlings were released to augment the fish stock of Namchik River at Jairampur as part of a Department of Fisheries, Changlang district organized river ranching programme recently.
While appreciating the department for taking up the programme, Jairampur ZPM, Tusam
Longri asked villagers and local fishermen to adopt eco-
Changlang Fishery Officers, Dusu Nobin also spoke on the occasion, which saw the participation of villagers and GBs of Hankap and Kovin villages.
Coordination meeting held to discuss issues related to OFC laying
PANGIN, Jun 15: A coordination meeting was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Siang Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh to discuss various issues regarding laying of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) in the district.
The DC stated that prime importance is being accorded to laying OFC in the entire district to ensure success of the Government of India's initiative of Digital India Mission. Seeking update on the status of work and its progress in different locations from various stakeholders, he sought explanation for any delay in commencement of work and unsatisfactory pace of progress in certain areas. He also sought explanation for the deteriorating quality of BSNL service in the district. An update on utility corridor was also sought from T K Engineering.
Assuring full support and necessary assistance from the side of administration, the DC sought cooperation and dedicated efforts from all stakeholders. He directed Railtel and other firms engaged in laying OFC to seek the requisite NoC from concerned administrative officer and complete other formalities before commencement of work and also give genuine updates on various aspects of work for achieving a more accurate picture of the entire scenario.
A detailed discussion took place on the various problems being faced in field, practical difficulties leading to obstruction of services, damage to cables due to the undergoing work etc. Various suggestions and probable solutions were put forth by the member participants.
The meeting was attended by administrative officers of the concerned areas where cable laying work is underway or will be carried out, including officers from various concerned work departments. (DIPRO)
CCDFT: Tajung Tana FC and Khonghung FC win
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: Tajung Tana FC defeated Service XI FC by 4-
Bullo Hassang of Tajung Tana FC scored two goals for his team scoring one goal in each half, while Nada Tadey scored in the 21st minute and Kime Habung scored in the 55th minute.
'Hero of the Match' went to Bullo Hassang of Tajung Tana FC.
In the veteran category, the match was played between Khonghung FC and Patw FC, wherein
Khonghung FC gave two goals in the first half to win the match 2-
The scorers for Khinghung FC were Budhi Gyati at 14th minute and Habung Nyikang at 29th minute.
The 'Hero of the Match' award went to Habung Nyikang of Khonghung FC.
In the open category on Friday, R T United will take on Kime Pakah FC and in the veteran category Bumer Memorial School Veteran will face off against Ball Tula FC.
A tryst with travel
[ Dr Hage Tabyo ]
Just about everyone could list travel as one of their passions in life. But our daily
lives are so busy and complex that we hardly have time even to take a normal breathing
sometimes. Between our jobs or businesses, commitments, children, and responsibilities,
taking time out for a trip is enough to make us hyperventilate with some kind of
anxiety. So it feels like too much work to get a trip off the ground and ourselves
out of the door. Nonetheless, I am for one, enamoured with the idea of travel -
It all sounds so exciting, but when it comes to actually planning a trip (something more than visiting a maternal uncle or grandma, or so), it is too easy to find a reason not to go, not to make the trip happen.
But, travelling is one of the most life affirming and soul fulfilling things you
can do for yourself. It boosts the system of your whole being. Aside from the obvious
fun involved, travelling can transform you on so many levels. It provides happiness
and satisfaction even long after the trip is over. Saint Augustine had rightly said,
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a single page". For
me, I am now at the stage, where I want to create my life around a few very important
passions-
In its contrast, during the childhood and even in the high school level days of my
life, being a rural farmer's son, a travel through some kind of motor passable road
even to a minimal distant place was out of the question, except that we, the children,
instead enjoyed as often as we ventured out on foot march, on the instruction of
or in the company of parents to the villages of nearby hill-
But, now without a doubt, my passions feature travel, with a particular emphasis on our local Arunachal's ethnicity and adventures in exotic cultures. I think, whatever your passions may be, life is richer when you pursue them with vigour.
Travel as such does not mean you need to be a globe-
I have often found that travelling to new places and meeting new people gives greater perspective in life and widens one's horizons. And sometimes it is that new perspective that solves the problems that were plaguing you before you left. In fact, I find that I am able to attack my work with renewed vigour and vitality once getting back. Not to mention the advantage of being able to apply the added depth and perspective gained.
Adapting to changing situations is a key lesson in life that we often forget. Because we sometimes mistakenly believe that things will last forever, at the risk of forgetting one of life's greatest truths that the only thing constant is change. No matter how well prepared a traveller you may be, there will be things about your destination and journey that will take you by surprise, things won't be as you thought or the internet said they would be. That is when the primal human nature that is hinged on adaptability comes to the fore, the adaptability that we often push into background because we become so rigid in the way we think and behave.
Travel has helped me overcome prejudices too. More often than not, one always has
some preconceived notions about a place, about its people, that are perhaps unfounded
and based on hearsay. To find that there is more to people and places that one thought
is a very humbling experience. It drives home yet another lesson-
But perhaps the greatest thing that travel has taught me is to value and cherish the journey. While the destination is important, it is actually how you got there that makes for a great experience. I think life too is like that journey where the destination is the same for all of us, being turned ultimately to dust, even if Ozymandias is who you were. May be travel has brought out the bits of philosopher in me, but I firmly believe now in loving and living every single moment of life because that is my journey. That of taking on new roads each day, of exploring the unknown, of setting new goals and challenges for myself every day, every week, every month, every year. May be all my life! (The contributor is the former Director of Family Welfare, GoAP, Itanagar)
Yangte-
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: The weeklong heavy rainfall triggered landslide and reportedly disrupted Yangte to Tali road on Tuesday.
This was informed by Anchal Samiti Member of Homi Dogha Panchayat, Lingdum Yaku. The ASM further informed that due to heavy blockade, the area is cut off from the rest of the state. She also informed that communication disruption may hit common people living there, especially during medical emergency.
ALSYA gives ultimatum to govt
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: The All Lower Subansiri Youth Association (ALSYA) has served an ultimatum to the state government for immediate payment of compensation to the affected people and complete land acquisition process without further delay before June 29, 2017.
In a representation to the Chief Secretary, the ALSYA threatened to impose 12 hours
district bandh on June 30 next. The association claimed that the Government of India
has given financial sanction for construction of Trans-
Aadhaar enrolment in East Kameng
SEPPA, Jun 15: Aadhaar enrolment in East Kameng district ends on June 30 next and no more enrolment shall take place thereafter, informed East Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Rajeev Takuk in a release on Thursday.
The DC further urged the people of the district to get enrolled at their respective enrolment centres immediately, that is, all administrative head quarters, office of the PD, DRDA; DDSE, Seppa; DD, ICDS and DFCSO, Seppa.
EE terms allegations as baseless
Sagalee, Jun 15: Sagalee Division PWD Executive Engineer, Techi Ramda has termed the allegations made against him by the All Sagalee Students Union's as totally false and baseless.
The EE clarified that the 5 km road project within Nyoriso at Sagalee near GHSS, Sagalee was implemented as per guidelines and there was no destruction of school property.
Taga visit industrial units at Udalguri
Udalguri, Jun 15: Industry and Power Minister, Tamiyo Taga on Thursday visited the industrial units at Udalguri in the neighbouring Assam to have a detailed study on its successful establishment.
During his visit, the minister interacted with its workers to gain knowledge about working system in industrial units to replicate the same in Arunachal. The minister informed that more delegates from various parts of Arunachal will visit the industrial units to gain knowledge about the industrial sectors.
He was accompanied by officers of Industrial Department.
Death of Batem Pertin's mother mourned
ITANAGAR, Jun 15: The staff and officers of the Arunachal Pradesh Research Department, Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society and Adi Baptist Union have deeply mourned the death of Olung Moyong Pertin, mother of Research Director and APLS General Secretary, Batem Pertin.
Olung Moyong Pertin, a centurion, breathed her last on June 11 at Mebo Village of East Siang district. She is survived by 10 children, 50 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and many other relatives.
Popularly known as "Aying Nane", she was co-
By virtue of her marital tie, she spent a long period of her life in Happy Valley, Shillong, the regimental centre as her husband Lt Omak Pertin (Somak) of Mebo village was the first person from the Adi community to join the 2nd Assam Regiment and participate in World War II. Though she did not receive any formal education, she was inspired and motivated by educationist, late Indira Miri and learned basic knowledge of Assamese and Adi primer and used to educate children.
Lohit DC distributes utensils for MDM
TEZU, Jun 15: Lohit District Deputy Commissioner, Danish Ashraf, along with Deputy
Director of School Education, M Linggi and her team of officials visited different
schools of Tezu area on Wednesday and distributed utensils (Steel plates, bowls and
glasses) and water filters for Mid-
Green board for primary and upper primary schools were also distributed.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC instructed all the teachers and the cook cum helper
group to strictly maintain health and hygiene while preparing and serving mid-
He also stressed on development of reading and writing skill of the students and asked the teachers to remain present and concentrate on their duty for quality education.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Eye on presidential election
The presidential election is nearing and political parties have started hectic parleying in this regard. BJP and its allies which has number to its advantage is expected to ensure victory of its candidate but opposition parties led by Congress is not willing to easily give up. Presidential contests in India are usually tame and predictable, and 2017 does not promise to be any different. To date, the election of V.V. Giri over Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in 1969 remains the only notable exception to the long list of humdrum presidential elections. This year the election of new president will depend on candidates put up by the ruling BJP.
Till now saffron party has not put any name. Opposition parties might wait and take decision after studying the candidate put up by BJP. Much might revolve around the BJP's choice of candidate. There have been instances when allies have switched sides to vote for or against a particular candidate. Regional considerations have weighed with some parties, as in 2007 when the Shiv Sena voted for Pratibha Patil against Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the candidate fielded by its ally, the BJP. The Sena and the Akalis are not entirely happy with the BJP, but they would need a strong reason to break ranks. However if BJP prop up relatively liberal candidate with secular credential like Sushma Swaraj then it may break opposition unity and make things easy for ruling party. Now all eyes will be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is expected that Modi along with his trusted aide cum BJP president Amit Shah and RSS will have major say in deciding the name of the candidate.
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Fight for clean environment
Dear Editor,
Now-
The globe is burning and every year temperature is increasing. Consequently dangerous diseases including cancer are also increasing due environment pollution. Therefore it is better to stop Konkarnalla (Naharlagun) 24 hours smoke producing factory as the wind has no jurisdiction and disease will spread every where. The people of the Capital region right from Banderdewa to Itanagar should wake up from deep slumber and raise voice for clean environment before it is too late.
Fight for clean environment for coming generation and plant more trees too.
Yours’ etc
Techi Anand
Naharlagun
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