The Arunachal Times - Archives

Chinese seeks political asylum

Taba Ajum

TEZU, May 25: Guan Liang, a Chinese nationality, who is, at present, under Tezu Police custody has sought political asylum from the Indian government.

The 28 years old Chinese does not want to go back to China fearing he will be persecuted for e-mailing about the killings by the Chinese government and violation of Human Rights to the Shangai state government.

He claimed to have flashed through internet to re-open the case of Lin Zhao, who was killed by the Chinese government way back in 1960.

He informed this reporter that he was working in a French Restaurant in Beijing as a waiter when he sent that allegedly objectionable mail to the Sanghai state Government.

The sleuths managed to come to know about him and his intentions and were after him since then.

On being asked by journalist whether he is Chinese spy, he said, “I came to India because everybody knows that India is a democratic country and respect rights of citizens. I want to work for political freedom of China based in India.”

The most surprising aspect is that Chinese speaks fluent English punctuated with American accent and knows little bit of Hindi too.

Deputy Superintendent of police, Lohit, Manik Gogoi told, “He understands Hindi and knows about local eatable items like Samosa as well. There is every chance that he can be there spy”

Tomorrow the Chinese will be taken Kibitho area. The Police have located some of the places supposedly crossed by him during journey to India. Remaining places is yet to be ascertained.”

The credit for apprehending Chinese goes to one Mishmi boy Bisip Billai, whose alertness helped officials to arrest him on May 18. “At Degaru Gath I saw commotion as people converged on one corner and were talking to a person. I went there too and saw a man with mongoloid feature but bit different from Arunachalees. Soon I started talking him and that’s how I helped police to nab him,” Bisip said.

Meanwhile AAPSU president, Takam Tatung has expressed serious concerned over arrest of alleged Chinese spy in Tezu. “Intrusion of Chinese man easily into Arunachal border shows how porous our border is. Taking note of this incident, union home ministry should come up with proper plan to safeguard our international boundary”, he added.

CM calls for united effort to take the state to a new height

Kalaktang gets ADC Hq

ITANAGAR May 25: Kalaktang, a small town situated along the strategic international border with Bhutan and Assam in West Kameng district gets Additional Headquarter status today as the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu formally inaugurated it amongst host of dignitaries.

It may be mentioned here that Kalaktang circle headquarter is one of the oldest headquarter of the district. It was a long felt demand of the people for an independent ADC headquarters and with their demand coming to reality today has really created a festive mood in the circle.

In his inaugural address the Chief Minister called for unison effort from all corners to take the state into new heights. “We need to become a team- a team Arunachal to overcome the developmental bottleneck which has been hampering the state adversely”, Khandu emphatically said.

Informing about new education policy, Khandu said that no representation would be entertained in case of teachers transfer and posting. In order to boost up the morale of the teachers dedicatedly working in remote areas and in harsh conditions would be provided special incentives, he disclosed.

Taking serious note of the plea made by the locals over the rampant destruction of reserve forest and encroachment made by people of neighbouring state, Khandu said he would take up the matter with his Assam counterpart and would also appraise the case to Union Home Minister.

Later responding to the public memorandum, Khandu assured to look after their demands after discussion with the local MLA. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Power (Elect) Jarbom Gamlin appealed the gathering to give due importance to education and health for ensuring a healthy and progressive society. Under developed Kalaktang need educated people to bring it to the developmental track, Gamlin said.

RWD Minister Kalikho Pul while narrating the achievements of the present government disclosed that under the constant persuasion of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, the centre has relaxed the population criteria in spheres of Arunachal Pradesh under PMGSY schemes and has also increased the length of bridges from the earlier 25 mtrs to 50 mtrs. He further revealed that all villages will be connected by surface communication under the scheme and the state is ensuring all possible means to implement the programme in the expeditious manner.

Pul later inspected an ongoing PMGSY road from Degzi to Shikaridanga during the day.

Local MLA T Norbu and West Kameng DC Rinchin Tashi also spoke on the occasion.

Among others, Parliamentary Secretary Planning, Tsewang Dhondhup, MLAs Phurpa Tsering and Kumsi Sidisow, along with host of officers and public leaders were present. (PRO to CM)

AR scores major success in Khonsa against NSCN (IM), arrest six

KHONSA, May 25: 19 Assam Rifles and the Dist Police apprehended 3 hardcore cadres of NSCN (IM) and four Over Ground Workers in a daring operation in Khonsa.

The apprehended cadres include Self Styled Sgt Maj Athot; the area commander of Khonsa.

On 24 May, the commando platoon assisted by a crack team of the Dist Police cordoned the Khonsa basti on the outskirts of the town and searched the entire village after it received information about the movement of the cadres.

The team managed to apprehend a Athot as he was fleeing the area on a motorcycle. A pistol was recovered from him. Interrogation led to the second search of the basti where two hardcore over ground workers were apprehended. They were actively involved in harbouring and facilitating the cadres operating in the area. Further interrogation led the team to two houses of Khonsa town where two more hardcore cadres were arrested and a pistol each was recovered.

Based on the details gathered during the interrogation, one Roshanlal Meena, a local businessman, was arrested on May 24. A major conduit for the cadres, confessed to collecting taxes on behalf of NSCN (IM). OGW Hongchan Tesia, Jaiby Socia of Khonsa village are others arrested.

A large number of mobile phones were recovered from those arrested which contained phones numbers of the cadres operating in Tirap and bank accounts.

Home Minister Tako Dabi, has appreciated the role of the 19 Assam Rifles and the Arunachal Police led by Col. Naveen, Commandant, 19 Assam Rifles and M. Tiwari, SSP, APP, Khonsa for arrests. Minister strongly condemned their nefarious activities and opined that forces will continue apprehending all those extortionists operating in the guise of different ultras. He further warned the ultras to abstain from such nefarious activities and urged upon the civil society to come forward to thwart the evil design of these fake and self-styled groups.

ACR lauds MoEF on Lower Siang project, questions APSPCB and Hydropower Dept

ITANAGAR, May 25: Arunachal Citizen’s Right (ACR) lauded the recent directive by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) to scrap the Public Hearing announced for the 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydro Project and to direct the project proponent to submit a revised proposal to the Ministry. The main reason for MoEF asking to scrap the public hearing was that TOR for the previous generating capacity was around 2205 MW and not 2700MW as currently claimed.

Once TOR is approved with prior clearance, if the EIA and EMP is completed according to the scope of the project, then only public hearing can be called. In the present case, the developer changed the scope of the project from 2205 MW to 2700 MW and therefore the TOR earlier approved stands cancelled. APSPCB worked at the behest of the developer without checking the facts and not functioning as an independent authority, ACR Chairman Bamang Tago said.

What can the people of the state expect when a responsible mechanism of the government like the APSPCB, which is supposed to be responsible for the environmental aspect of the state, gets indulge into such low profile activities amounting to bluffing the very people whose welfare it claims to look after, he asked?

He further questioned the department of hydro power. Does their responsibility end with the signing of the MOAs and getting upfront and processing money from the developers, he said.

He further called for blacklisting JP associates for trying to cheat people with false claim.

CM is not scheduled to visit Pangin-Boleng

ITANAGAR, May 25: The Chief Minister’s office has denied that Dorjee Khandu is scheduled to visit Pangin –Boleng on May 28 next. The chief minister’s secretariat is not aware of any such tour programme of Chief Minister to Pangin – Boleng on May 28 as appeared in the news item. The reason for CM’s tour to the area as claimed is unfounded and grossly misleading, it added.

This clarification came after Adi Students Union had alleged that high profile team led by the Chief Minister was planning to visit the area. The Union had questioned the timing of the visit just prior to the public hearing on May 30 for Lower Siang Project.

However, it has come to knowledge of this office that all the Adi legislators have convened a meeting at Pangin – Boleng of East Siang District on the schedule date wherein they shall be interacting with the local populace to which the CM’s Office has got nothing to do, the clarification added.

Horizon Series Programme

ITANAGAR, May 25: Tukpen Village Council, Rupa, West Kameng District in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Regional Office Guwahati is organizing a 2 days “Horizon Series Programme” with its paneled Artist-Aji Lhamu Dance Troop on May 27 and 28 at Rupa. Commissioner, Cultural Affairs, Yeshi Dorjee Thongchi, will grace the occasion as Chief Guest and Prosanta Banerjee, Regional Officer, ICCR, Guwahati will also attend the programme as representative of ICCR.

Allegations of booth capture in Thembang

ITANAGAR, May 25: There are reports of booth capture and rigging in Thembang segment in West Kameng district during the PRI elections which was held on May 24.

In Rahung, Cherong, Pangma villages, there are reports of PPA workers obstructing the voting process while in Namshu village votes were precast and voters were asked to sign in their names in a register.

The Congress party has demanded re-poll in these areas and a complaint has been registered with the returning officer.

The election in Thembang segment was held to elect a ZPM after the seat was vacated by Phurpa Tsering who was elected to the Legislative Assembly on PPA ticket.

Rain damages road in Upper Siang

Yingkiong, May 25: Due to torrential and incessant rain in Upper Siang District, the Yingkiong-Gette-Puging- Likor road has been extensively damaged and the road communication has been completely cut off. Many portions of roads have been washed away. The abutment (left) of Siking River was also completely damaged.

MLA Alo Libang with officers of PWD, Yingkiong inspected the damaged and blocked areas on May 22 and. He instructed the PWD to work on war footing to restore the road communication. (DIPRO)

Students apprise DA of problems faced by people of Khatan

TEZU, May 25: A delegation comprising the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union, All Mishmi Students Union (AMSU), All Tai Khampti Singpho Students Union and Lohit District Students Union today met newly posted Lohit Deputy Commissioner R K Sharma and apprised him on the fragile atmosphere prevalent in the remote Khatan village sandwiched between Changlang and Lohit district administrations.

The students union apprised DC on the inter-district complicacy between Lohit and Changlang district. Khatan village administratively comes under Lohit district and the encroached land of the villagers is under the ambit of Changlang district administration.

The DC opined that the impasse` can be solved by a joint meeting with administrative representatives from both the districts along with concerned public.

The student leaders also requested the DC to allot gun licenses to the public of the Wakro circle for self protection to which Sharma informed that in a recent notification the State government has halted issuing of gun licenses for three years. He, however, said that the request of the public to acquire gun license can be put up under special category though, understanding the sensitivity of the area.

Meanwhile, the AMSU president Ajan Pul has appealed members of the Mishmi community not to engage any Chakma refugees in any form of employment. It threatened to take stern action against the one who engages them in any form of work.

Climbers continue to hog limelight

Tene Mina set to scale Mount Shivaling

ITANAGAR, May 25: Climbers in the state have continued to hog the limelight in mountaineering as women climber Tene Mina is all set to climb Mount Shivaling (6543 mts) at the Garhwal Himalayas. She is one of the participating team members of the all India combined mountaineering expedition 2010 which was flagged off yesterday by Col. Chouhan, Secretary, Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi.

Mina, hailing from Lower Dibang Valley district, is the first from the state to participate in such major mountaineering expedition under IMF.

Mina has been also named for the North East Mt. Everest Expedition 2011 under North East Adventure Foundation, Guwahati.

The Mount Shivaling, popularly known as ‘Dream Mountain' is regarded as one of the famous and most beautiful peaks in Himalayan range of mountains, mainly because of its technical difficulties. Although Everest is the highest peak in the world, the challenges of Shivaling are different from the former for which famous mountaineers from all over the world still loving to challenge it.

The Mount Shivaling was successfully scaled by an Italian mountaineer in 1997 in alpine style technique under the liaison officer of KR Meetei, then in-charge, adventure cell of department of sports and youth affairs, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the sports and youth affairs department has appealed to state government, non-governmental organizations and well wishers to contribute Mina for making her dreams come true.

Do they have to mandate to speak for us?

Dear Editor,

In response to the news item, "Differing stands on Lower Siang Project", published in your esteemed daily on May 24, we would like to express our views on the issue. First of all may we ask the so called few selected senior citizens of Pasighat, NGOs, PR members, do they have the mandate of representing the Dam affected people of Adi belt area mainly of East and West Siang districts? Did they have any discussion with the Dam affected people before giving green signal to the Jaypee Power Developer Company to go ahead with survey or investigation works? The so called speakers of the selected few added that it was not the right time to claim compensation, relief and rehabilitation before the real construction gets under way. So, may we ask the few senior citizens of Pasighat what is the right time for claiming compensation, relief and rehabilitation? As per our knowledge, before any construction works begins, it is mandatory that the effected people should be taken into confidence and any agreement regarding claim of compensation, relief and rehabilitation has to be made before any construction work begins. Also when the proposed Public Hearing of the said Dam has no mandatory clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Govt. of India, why the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board and the Jaypee Power Developer Group is going ahead with the proposed Public Hearing? Also, why the Jaypee Power Developer has failed to give clear Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan as demanded by the Dam effected people.

Therefore, we request the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board and the Jaypee Power Developer to postpone the proposed Public Hearing and get the clear mandate from the Dam effected people and from the Ministry of Environment and Forest before going ahead with any survey or construction work. Also it is our ardent request to the people of Adi Belt not to mislead the innocent villagers because just for the sake of development, nobody has the right to snatch away bread and butter of the thousands of innocent villagers.

It is our request to our brethren, let us keep aside all our political ambitions but to find out an amicable solution so that no one suffers and no one's land is taken away.

Yours,

Botum Tasing

K. Mangkeng, Naharlagun, (on email)

Dibang Porject could be our savior!

Dear Editor,

From time immemorial Arunachal Pradesh has been one of the states in nation having plethora of natural assets. It happened to be a state of forests and hills. Mighty rivers flowing through various parts of the state reminds us of the scope of being the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) for the whole Nation. Available hydro potential of more than 50,000 MW differentiates this state from the others. There are about 20 Major tribes with a number of Sub-Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. In-spite of having various tribes, the population density of the state is lowest in the country. It is due to the geographical structure of the whole state. Socioeconomic status of most of the societies is lagging behind. Lack of infrastructure and industries prohibits the development of the indigenous communities of the state.

Young generation is not getting adequate higher education due to unavailability of capable institutions in the state. We are not getting opportunities to work as there is very little industry in our own land. Land of this state is either part of Wild Life or Reserve forests and unclassified state forest. USF land is the only land which is owned by the natives of the state. Our people desperately need uplift of their socio-economic status. Basic requirement of a human being comprises not only of food, cloth and shelter but also we need to have better education and health services and job opportunities which can contribute in our sustainable development.

The only ray of hope of the development arises from the hydropower availability in the districts and state, which further should be harnessed in order to bring prosperity in our land. Dibang Multipurpose Project 3000 MW may prove to be boon for the indigenous community of our place. Education, Health & Infrastructure development is waiting for us next door. We are facing scarcity of opportunities at our place.

Looking at the environmental aspect of this project will clarify many other doubts arising in our minds. Compensatory afforestation shall be done in twice the area required by the project, which signifies that due importance is given to the conservation of biodiversity. Land used for the developmental activities will fetch maximum benefit for our people. They shall be compensated as per the State R&R Policy 2008, which comes to be 1.75 lakhs per hectare. Moreover many other benefits are also likely to be given to our people if this project comes. Students are the one who will be getting maximum benefit of this project as this project shall construct schools and higher education centers at our doorstep.

Above all we the people of this land will get employment for our livelihood which will enhance our socio-economic status. It will open avenues for students like me. So, let’s use our natural resources judiciously in order to bring prosperity to our land.

Yours,

Denlo

Lower Dibang Valley

(on email)

Why is Arunachal silent on Bardekar’s abduction?

Dear Editor,

The Arunachal-Assam boundary problem is probably the oldest and major problem that we are facing with since inception of statehood.

Whenever any confrontation in boundary areas occurs, voices start pouring in newspapers from various sections of the society in the form of condemnation on the state government policy and few suggestions to state government to bring about solution. The issue goes to cold water as and when normalcy prevails there. We forget next day leaving the victims to live in fear psychosis and on the mercy of the state government.

I don't think the state government with its little or no attitude in the matter, has any formulated agenda to solve the problems. There is also Assam-Meghalaya boundary problems but has been in better control with active cooperation from both sides. In recent Langpin boundary entangles in Assam-Meghalaya boundaries, the Meghalaya Home Minister and Assam Health Minister made immediate joint spot visit followed by Meghalaya Chief Minister along with opposition leaders and govt. officials. Governments’ officials also conduct routine visits in the boundaries and initiatives are in process to solve the problems. Reportedly, 16 such areas have been brought under problematic area and a formula with some "give & take" basis has been under active consideration by both the Assam and Meghalaya Governments to avoid any further confrontation in boundary areas. This is due to attitudes and commitment of both the governments to provide security to their people and create atmosphere conducive to live in peace. I do not think our state government can come up with any such ideas. Cannot we take lesson from others?

The recent kidnapping of an IFS officer, Vilash Bardekar from Kamengbari Forest in Doimari area of West Kameng district is very unfortunate. Surprisingly, no voice of concerns has come up on the issue from any quarter. Is it because, the IFS officer is an outsider and we do not see any direct benefit from his butterflies survey activities? Is it not the state governments' duty to provide adequate security to visiting officials or at least the government could brief him about the "security concerns in movement in the NDFB dominated boundary area"? Alternatively, the State Government may not have knowledge, which boundaries areas fall in insurgency-dominated area along with Assam border or has no administrative rule on what to do with IFS personnel visiting our state on research works. Such lackadaisical attitudes and functioning of the state government sends wrong impression to outside visitors, tourists and companies to come to our state which may have adverse impact on our economic in long run.

When we should expect better administration from the State Government?

Yours,

Komjum Riba

D Sector, Naharlagun

37 girl students conferred Pratiba Khoj award

ITANAGAR, Mar 25: Altogether 37 girl students were conferred Pratiba Khoj award at Aalo in West Siang today.

Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak has given away cash award of Rs 5000 each to the awardees selected from among the total of 60 meritorious girl students.

The award is instituted to encourage the girl students to excel in their future academic career too, Tak said while congratulating all the award winners, teachers and parents.

The DC appealed the teachers and parents to pay more attention to the girl students. He also exhorted the students to be sincere in studies and bring name and fame to the district.

District SSA coordinator T Rida said the main objective of the programme is to encourage the girl students from class VI to VII who secured high marks in their school examinations. DIPRO

10-day SSA Teachers’ Training gets underway

Aalo, May 25: The 10-day SSA Teachers’ Training got underway yesterday at Aalo Club.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak, while addressing the trainees said that the role of SSA is of paramount importance in a resource crunch state like Arunachal Pradesh. It is they, who should do a justice to Right to education, he added.

He urged the teachers to serve with missionary Zeal and make SSA, a success.

He cautioned that Administrative officers will submit duty report of teachers in their jurisdictions and any one found to be failing in discharge of duties in teaching and learning process of children will not be tolerated. He also informed that dedicated SSA teachers would be recommended and brought to the knowledge of the Govt. He also urged that training standard should be at par with the training imparted at Delhi and would like to see that power point presentation were put in place during the training, reports DIPRO.

DDSE N.Potom, said training is required as the teacher had a lot of responsibility on their shoulder not only to teach the children but even to guide the illiterates in the right path. He called on the teachers that let SSA be carried out with missionary Zeal with utmost sincerity so that objective of compulsory education of children upto 14 years be implemented in true spirit.

T. Rida, District Co-ordinator, SSA informed that more than 400 SSA teachers were participating in the training and appealed those to be attentive to impart quality education to the childrens. SSA activities plus other intervention programmes are going well and appreciable in West Siang.

Free eye camp conducted

ITANAGAR, May 25: Small Tea growers of Chaiduar, Ghopur, Assam in collaboration with Ramakrishana Mission Hospital, Itanagar and General Hospital Naharlagun has organised free screening eye camp at M.C.D. Higher Secondary School in Borangabari at Sontipur district, Assam on May 22. Altogether 513 people registered for this camp. Out of 513 registered, 444 people including 32 male child and 14 female child were screened. 103 patients were advised surgery.

Ten members to participate in Umpire course

ITANAGAR, May 25: Arunachal Cricket Association has deputed ten members to attend the Level-I Umpire course which will be held at Sikkim from May 26-29. The training is conducted by Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Association extends support to DA

ITANAGAR, May 25: All East Kameng Contractors’ Welfare Association extended supports to Administration and concerned department for executing road extension works and drainage system within Seppa Township and also appreciated the Local MLA Tapuk Taku for initiating the developmental activities.

Rodent Control Management prog

ITANAGAR, may 25: A one day training programme on "Rodent Control Management " was conducted at Daporijo for Agriculture Development Officer and Agriculture Field Assistant under the establishment of DAO Daporijo.

DAO Dusa Lida, in his keynote address asked all the officers and staff to work hard for the development of agriculture sector. He requested the trainees to get maximum knowledge from the training before Rodent becomes a menace.

The technical session was initiated by Yompe Ado ,ADO(HQ) along with Nani Yampi, SMS(PP) and Nyape Bam, Farm Manager, KVK, Upper Subansiri. In the session integrated management of Rodent pest was dealt at length.

AAPPTF’s move to check revenue loss

ITANAGAR, May 25: All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) expressed concern over the large scale hiring of commercial vehicles by Govt and semi-Govt organisations, financial institutions, NGOs and private companies without valid permit. The Federation in a release today claimed that more than 500 hired vehicles are being plied without any valid permit from competent authority which is illegal. The Federation appealed both Govt and private agencies, institutions and organisations to ensure that such hired vehicles are registered under AAPPTF to check the revenue loss of state Govt.

2nd NERIST convocation

ITANAGAR: Former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam would attend as Chief Guest in the 2nd Annual Convocation of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuly on August 4 next.

Forum hails Education dept

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal School Education Vice Principals/Headmasters’ Forum has appreciated the state govt and Education Minister Bosiram Siram on the recent state cabinet decision to create 19 posts of principals/DDSEs and the promotion of 10 regular principals and 14 officiating principals, based on seniority.

These decisions were taken during the state cabinet meeting on May 17 last.

The Forum expressed its gratitude to Siram for taking series of measures to improve the workings of the Education sector.

Buddha Purnima

ITANAGAR: Itanagar Buddha Purnima Celebration Committee 2010 is organising the 2554th Buddha Jayanti at Sidharth Vihar and Theraveda Buddha Vihar, Itanagar on May 27.

On the occasion, religious procession from Theraveda Buddha Vihar to Siddhartha Vihar Gonpa would be taken out along with Sacred chanting by Monks.

APDA welcome decision

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association has thanked the department of Health & Family welfare for notifying the syllabus for recruitment of Medical Officers. The syllabus will help in recruitment of quality doctors through competitive examination to be conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, APDA said in a statement.

Depute veterinary teams

ITANAGAR, May 25: All Papu-Valley Youth Welfare Association appealed the concerned department to depute veterinary teams to take stock of spread of disease in Papu-Valley area, East Kameng District immediately.

Dree festival sports

ITANAGAR, May 25: Capital Complex Dree Festival Celebration Committee 2010 has decided to organise Junior and Senior Football tournament, Traditional Wrestling, Tug of War and Volley Ball competition at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun from June 12.