mar17 07

2017

March 07

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Education, Electricity and Employment; Governor outlines Pema policies

Puroik Welfare Board soon

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: The mantras to develop Arunachal, according to Governor P B Acharya are the three 'E's': Education, Electricity and Employment.

State government will give special emphasis on higher education with skill abilities, harnessing the hydropower potential of the state and empowerment of the youth and women through skill development and employment, said Acharya in his address to the budget session of the Legislative Assembly in Naharlagun on Monday.

"The rivers of Arunachal have so much potential that they could light up the whole of India. Yet, our hydropower potential has remained untapped so far. This year, the Kameng Hydropower Project and the Pare Hydropower Project will start producing electricity and this will inspire the confidence of the people".

He further expressed the confident that Assam, Arunachal and the Union Government will find a solution to restart the work on the stalled 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydro-Electric Project, which will be the biggest such project in India.

He further said that "State Government will be giving a fresh look to the hydro power policy and identify key projects which can be given a fresh push through innovative institutional and financing mechanisms. The possibilities of revenue generation through these projects are so immense that Arunachal Pradesh will become a financially self-reliant state".

He went on to say that there will be "concerted thrust on small, mini and micro hydel units".

"The streams of development undoubtedly will grow into rivers of change in the coming years. But in our quest for development we must not forget the inextricable link of the tribal way of life with the forests.

The centuries old tribal traditions, which considered forest as sacred, must not be allowed to die. It is the forests, which have sustained life and nurtured the people for ages. All the tribal traditions, culture and customs are woven around the forests. The pursuit of growth must follow a sustainable path and our government shall strive to ensure that whenever there is a tree cut for development, a hundred are planted in return", he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction, he said that Arunachal Pradesh has one of the highest numbers of un-electrified villages in the country.

"My government will be ensuring that within this year we are able to cover 100 percent of villages for electrification under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and thereafter embark upon a 100 percent household electrification plan. The strategy of our government will be based on a mix of solar, micro hydel and decentralized grid solutions to ensure 100 percent coverage", he said.

The Governor also spoke about the welfare of the Puroik community in the state.

"My Government will with strong political will rehabilitate all the members of the Puroik community and make them equal to any other citizen of our country. After studying both the High Power Committee reports regarding the Puroik, we will see that an autonomous Puroik Welfare Board is constituted. The agony and physical and mental suffering, the Puroiks have gone through earlier as bonded labours should open our hearts and minds for their welfare and equity in life" he said.

He further informed that the government is sensitive to the needs of the 27,000 physically challenged people in the state and will provide adequate social security cover to the physically challenged. Equally, those poor people who are old and infirm, or those widows who have no means to live a dignified life, our government will be taking specific policy measures, he added.

Acharya further said that the government will focus on investing in institutions of higher learning with a balanced regional spread, so that students of all parts of the state are able to receive quality higher education.

"The focus on science education and commerce must be enhanced, even if we have to get quality teachers from outside the state", he said.

"Our education system, each year, churns out several youth equipped with degrees, but without skills, which guarantee jobs in the job market. This is an area where our government shall take corrective measures" the Governor added.

Mrs Pul accuses political interference and high handedness in Kalikho case

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Claiming that the state government did not take former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul's death seriously, Dangwimsai Pul, wife of the Late Chief Minister, on Monday alleged that there was political interference and high handedness in the gamut of events leading up to Pul's death.

Accompanied by her son, Ojingso Pul and Arunachal Green Foundation Chairman Takam Tatung at the Press Club, a dejected Dangwimsai also claimed that even her First Information Report (FIR) on the late CM's death was not entertained by the authority of Itanagar Police Station.

"Despite repeatedly imploring, the state government did not even care to make way for an independent investigation team to probe the matter in a fair manner," Dangwimsai alleged.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu's Cabinet had resolved to forward the original notes to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for further investigation on February 18, last.

Late Pul's widow, who has been rigorously campaigning along with the Green Arunachal Foundation to obtain justice for her husband, questioned the integrity of Chief Justice of India, Justice J S Khehar's role in the case.

"I wrote to CJI Khehar to issue an order so that an FIR could be registered against those whose names are mentioned in 'Mere Vichaar'. Through the letter, I also requested the CJI to only pass administrative order, but to everyone's surprise, the CJI directed the letter to be converted into a writ petition" she claimed, before going on to allege that the CJI tried to bury the matter and is planning to avoid initiation of investigation into it.

Dangwimsai also further said that she suspected MoS Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju of stalling her meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, while adding that the MoS has not made a single comment on the issue.

Without divulging names, she alleged that the state leaders tried every possible move to sabotage her campaign in delivering justice to her late husband.

However, she was clear in her demand to the Prime Minister to suspend top politicians, which include Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretary Tourism P D Sona, who were named in late Pul's purported 60-page suicide note.

Late Pul's widow maintained that her campaign was not politically motivated.

Meanwhile, MoS Rijiju refuted the allegation and clarified that Dangwimsai did not come to him regarding the issue of her husband's death. "Mrs Dangwimsai Pul came to seek a BJP ticket, but once they got compromised within her own family, she never came back to meet me again" Rijiju said.

"People from Arunachal Pradesh can meet me anytime without any problem. As a people's representative, my doors are always open for every common person" Rijiju added.

The Supreme Court had earlier refused to grant an urgent hearing on fresh PIL seeking independent probe into the alleged suicide of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.

Tuki moves resolution on wage enhancement of workers

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki moved a private resolution urging the state government to consider and enhance wages of casual/contingency workers from existing to Rs 600 per day or Rs 18000 per month considering prices of essential commodities and inflation.

Supporting the resolution, Palin MLA Takam Pario stated that the resolution is genuine and the welfare government should also consider welfare of workers.

Pointing out that workers, especially of the Power and PHE departments require more physical activity, BJP MLA Japu Deru however suggested that enhancement of wages should be based on categories such as skilled and non-skilled.

Dumporijo MLA Pakgna Bage cautioned that the government's 'quantum jump' in enhancement of wage may create financial burden on the government.

Bage and Ziro MLA Tage Taki suggested that the government constitute a committee to study the impact of enhancement before resolving to enhance wages. Kanubari MLA Gabriel D Wangsu also voiced the same opinion.

Meanwhile, five bills were introduced today. The Arunachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions (Regulatory Commission) Bill, Arunachal Pradesh Anatomy Bill, Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, Kameng Professional and Technical University Arunachal Pradesh Bill and Arunachal Pradesh Protection of Interest of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Bill.

There were also presentations of two reports. Chairman, committee on public accounts Kaling Moyong presented the Reports of Committee on Public Accounts of Sixth Legislative Assembly, while Minister Tamiyo Taga presented the Report on the Salary, Allowances and other facilities of Ministers, Presiding Officers, Leader of Opposition, Advisors, Chairmen, Parliamentary Secretaries and other MLAs and Pension for Ex-MLAs.

Quotes of the day

"Un logon ka baje se hum sab chalta hai, un logon ka subida ko phele hum dhekna chahiye" -Takam Pario seconding the private resolution moved by former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to revise the minimum wages of Casual/Contingency workers.

"Labourer ka bina toh kuch bi kaam nai hota, aaj kaal toh aurat log bi khana nai banata"- Nikh Kamin

"Wage revise toh thik hai, per quantum jump wage ka kya effect hoga? Dusra sector mein usko dhyan dene seh thik hai" -Pakgna Bage

"Labour wage, diesel prices jaisa hai" -Tage Taki suggesting that before enhancing wages, the government needs to study its impact on other sections.

China opens Tibet’s 2nd largest airport terminal

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: China on Monday operationalised the second-largest airport terminal in Tibet, close to the Indian border, which will be able to handle 750,000 passengers and 3,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2020.

The new terminal, the sixth to be opened in Tibet, is part of the Nyingchi Mainling Airport, which is located close to Arunachal Pradesh.

China's extensive development road, rail and air infrastructure in Tibet has sparked concerns in India as it also provides major advantage to the Chinese military.

India too has initiated border infrastructure development in the recent years.

The airport covers an area of 10,300 square metres and will be able to handle 750,000 passengers and 3,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2020, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The Nyingchi airport will open new air routes to Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, resume routes to Beijing and increase more round trip flights to Lhasa, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chongqing and Shenzhen after the new terminal comes into service, said Liu Wei, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China in Tibet.

The airport has seen year-on-year increases in passenger flow since it was put into service in 2006. Passenger volume hit 390,000 in 2016, bringing the total passenger numbers to two million in the past years, Liu said, adding that the new terminal will effectively alleviate pressure brought by the growing number of passengers.

Nyingchi is located in southeast Tibet at an average elevation of 2,950 metres above sea-level. The city has attracted more visitors in the recent years due to tourist attractions such as its peach blossom festival, the report said. (PTI)

Rain water damages township roads

AALO, Mar 6: The major roads in and around Aalo Township in West Kameng district were completely damaged by rain over the last couple of days.

Informing this, AAPSU leader Marli Kamki blamed lack of 'seriousness' on part of the authority for the deplorable condition of most of the township roads.

According to the AAPSU leaders, the old market area of Aalo virtually turned into a 'large nallah' after few spells of showers in the last couple of days.

While demanding that the state government and the PWD authorities repair all the roads before onset of monsoon, the AAPSU leaders urged granting one-time maintenance fund for all the major roads under Aalo PWD Division.

PHE&WS reviews Swachh Bharat Mission

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: PHE & WS Minister Bamang Felix, along with PHE & WS Parliamentary Secretary Kumsi Sidisow on Monday reviewed the progress of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) in the state.

It was attended by field level officers from the district, including executive engineers, assistant engineers and consultants.

The Minister gave a clarion call to the field level officers to remain prepared with a holistic plan to achieve the objective of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) to make the state Open Defecation Free (ODF), a year ahead of the national target of October 2, 2019.

Felix also stressed on assessing the ground status of all the Gram Panchayats and blocks within two weeks' time, including reassessment of additional households and non-existent/ defunct toilets to make it ODF in true sense.

Since the flagship programme is directly monitored by the Prime Minister's Office regularly and is one of the priority sectors of the present state government, and under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the implementing agency has to dedicate all-out efforts for timely achievement of the programme, Felix added.

He further assured to take up the issues concerning left out habitations and defunct/non-existent toilets which has been a bottleneck with the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, GoI for additional support for ensuring ODF status in the state.

Summing up the review meeting, PHE & WS Commissioner H K Shalla expressed happiness over improvement of performance of field level officers in execution of various components of SBM-(G). He further reiterated for preparedness of all field functionaries to facilitate effective implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer from April 1 onwards in all payments to beneficiaries under SBM-(G).

Earlier, PHE & WS Chief Engineer (Sanitation), Toko Jyoti briefed on the objective of the meeting to the gathering.

Make grammar compulsory from class- III to IX:AdiSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: The Adi Students' Union (AdiSU) has come up with few proposals and suggestions for consideration by the government, which according to the students' union, may go a long way in overhauling and improving the state's poor education system and scenario.

Highlighting the recent survey reports conducted by the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2016, where some startling facts regarding the state's elementary education were reflected, the AdiSU in a representation to Secretary Educatoin, demanded introduction of compulsory grammar classes in all government schools from class III to class IX from the next academic session.

As per the report, among children in class III, 2 percent cannot read letters, 34.2 percent can read letters but not certain words, 36.3 percent can read words but not class I level text or higher, 15.7 percent can read class I level text but not class II level text, and 11.8 percent can read class II level text.

In English reading, 1.6 percent children in class III cannot even read capital letters, 3.5 percent can read capital letters but not small letters, 38.8 percent can read small letters but not all words, 39 percent can read words but not sentences, and 17.1 percent can read sentences.

Further, the AdiSU demanded recruitment of additional 2020 regular teachers in state's Education Department in phase manner within three financial years.

Currently, several schools in the state are functioning without sufficient teachers, it said.

Stating that political and mid-session transfer of teachers affect the students greatly, the AdiSU appealed to the state government to refrain from this practice. "Rather, the government should give priority to rationalization of teachers in entire state as per RTE norms", the students' union said.

Demanding introduction of solar based bio-metric attendance system for staff in government schools across the state, the AdiSU also urged the government to give independent charges to the deputy commissioners for initiating disciplinary action against unpunctual/ irregular teachers.

The students union also opposed central procurement of students' uniforms.

It claimed that the central purchase has been the main reason for shortage and low quality dress, and demanded procurement of uniform and textbooks through tender.

Also, the Union suggested abolition of CCE in the state and setting question papers with slight variation in mark distribution (in English and Hindi) from classes III to IX, where the mark distribution should be 70:30 instead of 80:20 in case of literature and grammar.

Other demands included timely disbursement of OE/OC fund, allocating sufficient and regular fund for extra -curricular activities in government schools, and regular and timely disbursement of Chief Minister's Talent Awards to all qualifying students.

JWCAPTU distributes relief to fire victims, announces 4th phase agitation

AALO, Mar 6: The Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Trade Unions (JWCAPTU) on March 4 distributed relief items to the fire victims of Gour Hill, Aalo.

A team led by JWCAPTU Chairman, Changma Tajo distributed blankets, buckets and other household items to nine affected families.

Later in the day, a mass meeting was held at Aalo Club, attended by more than 300 casual, contingency, W/c and contract employees from various departments of Aalo and its adjoining circles.

Giving a clarion call to the working community to be ready for rigorous agitation ahead, Tajo made it clear that the fight was not against any political party or the present government.

Clarifying that JWCAPTU is not affiliated to any political party, Tajo said that the agitation will continue until the demands were met by the state government.

He claimed that the state government was not ready to address or even ready for talks even after submission of memoranda on several occasions.

"We are left with no option but to resort to state-wide democratic movement in support of our genuine demands," he said.

JWCAPTU Secretary General Kenkar Yomcha also appealed to the workers to be united and stand firm.

He informed that the fourth phase of agitation is scheduled for March 29 and 30 next.

During "Taal March cum Mass Rally" all the workers from districts would actively participate and conclude in the premises of their respective Deputy Commissioners, ADCs, EACs and submit charter of demands, he informed.

"If GoAP still fails to address our demands then we shall go ahead with fifth and sixth phase of agitations," he said.

APPHEWU President Kipa Tukyang, AAPFDWU President Lindom Bagap, AAPEDWU Secretary General Chera Tabi, AAPUSLU General Secretary Kipa Tamey and APPMU President Gollo Yapung, AAPMU President Rinto Ete, and other block presidents and secretaries also spoke on the occasion.

Informant accuses Police dept of withholding reward

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: In what could be termed humiliating for the state Police Department, one Tanyet Pangu claimed that he is yet to receive the reward amount of Rs 2 lakhs for providing information in connection to the alleged murder of two sisters in June 13, 2008 at Itanagar.

In a press statement, Pangu, who claimed to be the informant, alleged that police authorities are yet to reward him for his information. Then Superintendent of Police Hibu Tamang had made a public announcement through local dailies that anybody giving vital information or clue about the real criminal involved in the murder case would be rewarded Rs 2 lakhs.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Pangu said, "Since nine years I have been patiently waiting for the amount announced by the Police Department".

The case of the gruesome murder of the two sisters is registered in Itanagar PS case no 108/08 U/S 376/302/457/380/34 IPC.

Chakka Bandh in Pangin

PANGIN, Mar 6: The Siang District Headquarter Welfare Committee (SDHWC), Pangin has declared seven days 'chakka bandh' within Pangin from March 15, starting at 5 am, in protest against the alleged move to shift the district headquarters of Siang from its notified permanent headquarters Nyobo (Perang-Lampang).

In a release, the SDHWC claimed that the High Court (HC) has neither given any verdict against construction of permanent structure at Nyobo nor has it directed the state government to constitute any committee to assess the ground realities.

The SDHWC stated that the Power Minister had recently given a press statement to a daily that the HC has given verdict for not constructing any infrastructure either at Nyobo or Boleng.

"We will fight tooth and nail against any move or attempt to shift the district headquarters from Nyobo," the SDHWC said, and demanded early development of infrastructure at Nyobo while also opposing shifting of any district heads of departments from the notified permanent district headquarters.

Informing that Nyobo (Perang-Lampang) was notified as permanent headquarters of Siang on November 24, 2014, the SDHWC in its release expressed dismay over the Chief Minister's speech at Pangin on December 9, 2016, where he reportedly said that the headquarters of the district will be finalized within two months.

ICAR-KVK, W/Siang receives first prize at exhibition on 'Traditional farming and Indigenous food of North East'

SHILLONG, Mar 6: The ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Siang district secured first position in a three-day long exhibition-cum-workshop on 'Traditional farming and Indigenous food of North East' held at ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Meghalaya from February 25 to 27 last.

ICAR- KVK, West Siang showcased traditional farming and indigenous foods of Arunachal Pradesh with 11 participants, including nine progressive farmers and two officials; Senior Scientist & Head, Dr CS Raghav, and KVK-West Siang SMS (Agriculture Extension), Debashis Datta.

The participants showcased local vegetables like joko, raro, oik. Oyin and fruits like pake, kukcho lelo,tali bebo, etc. They also displayed handicrafts like gale and chuchak, chugri and ochi. Over 70 exhibit items were showcased.

‘Free school lands from encroachers’, APPDSSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: The All Pakke-Kessang Pijerang Dissing-Passo Seijosa Students' Union (APPDSSU) demanded that the East Kameng Deputy Commissioner send sufficient paramilitary forces to Pakke-Kessang to reinforce the local administration to evict school land encroachers.

The Union, which has been demanding eviction of all school land encroachers in the constituency, in a representation to the Deputy Commissioner, informed that the Circle Officer of Pakke-Kessang had carried out eviction drive recently after constant persuasion by the Union, but the CO was unable to evict all the land grabbers due to 'external 'and 'internal' pressure put on the official by the encroachers.

Encroachments were rampant in Government Secondary School Pakke-Kessang, Government Middle School Rilloh, Pakro Middle School, Government Primary School Keko etc, the APPDSSU said.

Moreover, permanent structures were erected illegally in those encroached lands, leaving little or no free space for future infrastructural development, the Union said.

Complaints were lodged with the concerned local administration against the land grabbers but no action has been taken yet to free the encroached lands, lamented the APPDSSU.

It also threatened to launch a democratic movement, if all the land encroachers of Government Secondary School, Pakke-Kessang are not evicted within a week's time.

Training on empowerment of rural women

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Mar 6: A two-day long training on empowerment of rural women was organized by Giba ICDS Project on Monday, which saw over fifty members representing various villages of Upper Subansiri district, including Anganwadi workers.

During the programme, resource persons from Pleiades, a Self Help Group imparted training to women on mushroom cultivation.

Bandana Nasi of Pleiades spoke on various methods of mushroom cultivation and briefed on scopes and opportunities for women to earn their livelihood. The resource persons also gave demonstrations on the process of mushroom cultivation.

Speaking on the occasion, ICDS Deputy Director, Jaya Jawal Singh said that education is vital for women empowerment in the society and highlighted the importance of conducting training on horticulture and agriculture which help upgrade their economic condition.

Training on e-Governance begins

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: In all, 50 participants are taking part in a three-day training on e-Governance conducted by the Department of Personnel & Training, GoI, in two batches simultaneously -one for Capital Complex and other for district administration officials, which began at ATI on Monday.

The first batch consists of 27 participants from various departments like ministerial staff, engineers, lecturer, stenography and draughtsman, etc, while the second batch consists of 23 officers/officials from different districts comprising of ministerial staff, circle officers, district transport officers, tourism information officers and FSE.

In his inaugural address, ATI Director, Pate Marik informed that the basic purpose of the programme is to sensitize the officials on e-Governance initiatives of the GoI towards efficient administration in public delivery service. He advised the officials to perform their respective duties with utmost sincerity.

Assistant Director-cum-Course Coordinator, Nani Khambo and Assistant Director (Training), Bamin Tarang also spoke on the occasion.

Swachh Shakti Saptah celebrated

YINGKIONG, Mar 6: The Swachh Shakti Saptah was celebrated at Simong Gram Panchayat of Upper Siang district on Friday last.

Speaking on the occasion, Yingkiong AE (PHE & WS), L K Srivastava focused on the importance of Swachh Shakti Saptah to make cleanliness a part of daily life and urged all to dedicate the entire week up to International Women's Day to make Upper Siang district open-defecation free by October 2, 2019.

On the occasion, AE G Burang, AE R Taying, JE A K Dutta, JE B Perme, JE C G B Nair, WWS President Mekem Nopi, ASHA workers and PRI members also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

Over 100 children immunized

ROING, Mar 6: In all, 122 children of the targeted 126 have been vaccinated so far in the MI-Phase IV- first round and 20 children have been immunized under the MI drive.

This was informed by Roing District RCH officer, Dr R Mena during the third District Task Force on immunization meeting, held under the chairmanship of Lower Dibang Valley DC, Deepak Shinde at DC's conference hall on Monday to review the progress of Mission Indradhanush Phase-IV-first round.

The DC expressed dissatisfaction on the report submitted by the health workers of some blocks and urged the medical team to properly maintain data under both MI & RI drives. While exhorting them to submit due list and micro plan well in advance, he directed them to submit all relevant reports by March 31 next. He also emphasized on tracking left out children in every block and in order to ensure complete immunization.

DMO, Dr D Wange, DRCHO, Dr R Mena, medical superintendents of District Hospital, MO, PHC/CHC, Deputy Director (ICDS) and other officials were present in the meeting. (DIPRO)

Principal, teaching staff sought

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Drawing the attention of the Anjaw MLA towards the shortage of teaching staffs in government schools of the area, the All Mishmi Students' Union (AMSU) of Lohit and Anjaw districts in a release on Monday, appealed to her to initiate early steps to ensure early posting of principal for Government Higher Secondary School, Hawai, besides quality subject teachers for Government Higher Secondary School at Hayuliang and Hawai. The union has also demanded early establishment of district library at Hawai.

Seminar on wildlife

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Students of the Department of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University conducted a seminar on wildlife as a part of World Wildlife Day celebration on March 6.

In total, 12 papers on various topics on wildlife, such as wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh, role of an individual in conservation of wildlife and its importance, threat to wildlife, various causes of wildlife extinctions, aesthetic value of wildlife, and traditional hunting techniques were presented and discussed during the seminar.

APBOCWWB medical camps benefit thousands

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: The Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Building Workers Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) conducted series of medical camps at various places of the state.

The camps were conducted at Mariyang, Yingkiong and Pangin, and more than 1000 people have benefitted, according to a Board release.

Eye check up, screening for Hepatitis-B, C and vaccination, blood sugar test for diabetes and general health checkups were conducted among the registered workers and their family members by a team of doctors, which included Dr A Rukbo, Dr Lige Lollen, Dr T Kamki, Dr Mongoli Tatin (Eye specialist).

Many patients were diagnosed with Hepatitis-B and Diabetes, the release said.

Association seeks enquiry on renovation and maintenance of road

Ziro, Mar 6: Claiming that the road from Potin to Bopi is in deplorable condition, plagued with potholes, the All Lower Subansiri Youth Association on Monday sought that the state Governor constitute an inquiry committee on renovation and maintenance of the said road.

Informing that the Ministry of MoRTH, GoI has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for maintenance of the said road, the Association alleged that the contractor is renovating the work without using sand, stone chips, boulders and bitumen. It further alleged that the implementing agency is not monitoring the work properly, and demanded that the inquiry committee should be headed by an officer not below the rank of Commissioner.

---- Editorial ----

All eye on UP

The campaigning for the crucial Uttar Pradesh election ended on Monday evening. It's a three way fight between SP-Congress, BJP and BSP. Campaigning has been bitter and personal. Leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati extensively campaigned across the state. At times they have made harsh personal attack on each other. Unfortunately leaders from all the parties tried to polarize the election. Worryingly Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has been accused of trying to polarize election by accusing UP government of not providing electricity during Diwali. Modi's kabristan-shamshan statement was seen in the communal angle.

BSP Chief Mayawati also openly wooed Muslim and Dalit to vote for the party. The result of UP as well as Punjab, Goa and Manipur election will be declared on March 11. However all eye will be on UP. It is the largest state and sends highest number of MP to the parliament. Generally it is regarded that whoever wins UP ends up winning general election. If BJP manages to win, it will enhance the image of PM Modi and in all probability party will come back to power in 2019. Modi has put everything at stake for UP election. However if BJP loses it will be huge setback for party and especially for PM Modi. It will take away aura of invincibility from him.

___________________

---- Readers Forum ----

Festival ground turning into business hub

Dear Editor,

These days’ festivals are no longer celebrated for a day or two. It goes on for 7 to 10 days. This in some sense is appreciable as people are much enthusiastic towards protecting the age old traditions and cultures of the state.

But my concern is that of the backstage performances by many folks who have turned festivals into business hub. The sky high prices of various commodities sold in such events are actually a matter of serious concern. This is because if such trend will continue, the day is not far when we see only countable faces observing festivals. For a person like us who don’t earn their own, attending and tasting local cuisines became a distant dream.

In due course of earning money, people became so selfish that they never think about the vulnerability of our age old customs. Also it is the duty of the concern organising committee to check and balance such trend.

Proper laws should be enacted and imposed. This matter is brought up many a times in this daily but it has gone unheard.

A ray of hope exists that these words will bring some wisdom to some. Give us chance to enjoy and share.

Yours,

Concern Arunachalee

Who is burning Kashmir?

Dear Editor,

It was on 29 September, 2016, exactly after the Uri terrorist attack did the Indian Military carried out a surgical strike against the militant launch pads across the Line of Control. Though the army reported to have inflicted heavy causalities at the enemy side, the tremor of thoughts emanated in the Indian side was more terrible than the terrorist attack itself. The political think-tanks had aired their opinions on the surgical strike without even a least little feeling of blemish. To every Indian citizen, as I understand, the surgical strike was a great moment of pride; a battle fought and won over the enemies. The entire military establishment, supported by the patriotic will of the people of this country was questioned and the pride of the people got shattered when the authenticity of the surgical strike on the militants was doubted by the political leaders.

Despite their ideological differences on various issues, parties seemed to have been united spitting venom on an issue which was supposed to have had great impact on every Indian. Neither the politicians nor their negative propagandists across the media did think as to what would be the implications of their comments thrown to gain political mileage. They intended to hamper the morale and valor of a country’s security forces.

The results of such negative trends were seen emerging with more force

in Jammu and Kashmir recently. They were blessings in disguise for

the enemies across the border. An agitational trend sprung up in the state in the last three months banning and barring the security forces from discharging their operations against the terrorists by the local people by pelting stones at the forces and gathering and barricading at the operation site. The new trend was received as a shrill reality in the country. The forces were seen to be in tough situations, unable to gun down the terrorists breaking the human barricades of locals with ladies on the front. The Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat came out in the media with strict warning to the anti-national elements who came face to face with the security forces hindering their operations.

The political parties once again spitefully came down heavily on the army criticizing and ridiculing his statements. Facts reveal that before this new trend of agitational terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces were able to kill at least 10 terrorists while they lost one brave soldier making the ratio 10:1, whereas, the new trend has brought it down to the level of 1:1; to kill one terrorist one security person gets killed.

A simple question that stands out unanswered by anyone as what should be our priority while dealing with the security of this country.

Propagating their negative agenda across the political spectrum in the country by misleading the people, what do the leaders want to achieve.

If it is to counter the charisma of Mr.Modi, they will have all scope for bringing his administrative failures to the public notice. Doing their politics of vengeance on him by scratching the security of the country with fire would only harm the country. It is yet to be seen as to what the results of the elections in the states be counted as in case of them falling in favor of Modi. Will the level of politics go still lower to counter a resurgent Modi? We need to wait and watch the outcome of the elections to predict the tremors. Anyhow, it is a tested fact that the army with its meticulous pragmatic vision would never run on innocent civilians with guns and bombs. The Army Chief’s warning should not be misinterpreted to the common men for petty political gains. While connecting the dots, the picture gets clearer.

The enemy across the border and the divisive forces in the state got a mileage to intensify their destabilizing acts. For the country, it is easy to counter the enemy beyond the borders but dealing with the enemy inside, we need to further ignite the collective positive energy of people towards the country and its security.

Yours,

M.R.Lalu, VKV Sher

Exceptional government

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to know whether the government is exceptional? I am still perplexed by many conflicting situation and unable to confirm whether the government is positively exceptional or negatively exceptional?

Why all the government decission are against the society despite that the government is for the people? Why there is need to remind the department to conduct interview? Why should we remind them for declaration of result? Why not the salary of SSA Teachers debited to their accounts without ultimatum? Why students needs to ask for their stipend/scholarship?

government of Arunachal Pradesh please release our stipend/scholarship. please don't blame us that we student did not remind you?

Yours

A student

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---Editor