May 06
Retired IFS officer Ramson Modi dies
PASIGHAT, May 5: Retired IFS officer Ramson Modi died in his private residence at Mirsam, Pasighat yesterday.
Modi (68) is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Born in 1947 in Namsing village, Ramson studied in Pasighat High School up to tenth
standard, did is Pre-
Late Modi joined in government service as Assistant Conservator of Forest in 1978. He was inducted into IFS on September 26, 1996 and retired as Conservator of Forest in 2007. He also served the community as President of All Millang Welfare Society.
Member of Parliament Ninong Ering, MLA Kaling Moyong and former Education Minister Bosiram Siram conveyed their condolences over the sudden demise of Modi and prayed to almighty for the departed soul. DIPRO
Govt. employees to contribute for Nepal
ITANAGAR, May 5: The state government employees under the banner of Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) have decided to contribute their one day salary for the earthquake victims of Nepal.
Landslide disrupts road communication in Kurung Kumey
KOLORIANG, May 05: A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains in the last few days blocked the BRTF road leading to Sarli, Upper Koloriang and Damin circles in Kurung Kumey district.
The landslide has occurred at Papi Nallah in between Malapu (New Koloriang) and the district headquarters last night causing total disruption in vehicular movement.
There was no report of any loss of life of or injury. However, one Maruti car has been reportedly damaged in the incident.
ADC Deepak Shinde along with other officials of the district visited the spot and is monitoring the road restoration work undertaken by the BRTF. The ADC has directed the officials of BRTF for early restoration of the road by deploying more men power and machinery.
In the meantime, BRTF authority has assured that the restoration work will be completed in two days. DIPRO
AdiSU against prevailing uniform distribution system
ITANAGAR, May 05: Claiming that the present system of distribution of school uniforms is not benefitting most of the students, the Adi Students Union (AdiSU) has urged the State Government to adopt a method or system through which the fund meant for uniforms can be transferred directly to the School Management Committees (SMCs) so that the students can procure their uniforms themselves.
Taking strong exception to the encroachment of school lands in various Adi inhabited areas and districts, AdiSU in a meeting today decided to adopt zero tolerance approach against the land grabbers to free encroached school lands from their illegal occupation. The students union also appealed to the authorities concerned to take up their own course of action against illegal land encroachment.
AdiSU also informed that the hospital in Tuting run by Karuna Trust has fell short on basic infrastructure, doctors, particularly a gynecologist, and other paramedical staff.
The lone doctor of the hospital said, “Since the Tuting-
Highlighting the hardship and various problems faced by the people of the remote border areas due to lack of proper health, education, road and telecommunication facilities, AdiSU urged the state government to pay attention to these problems and mitigate the sufferings of the people.
AASSATA demands lifting of ban on CSS transaction bill
ITANAGAR, May 5: The All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teacher’s association (AASSATA) has asked for lifting of the ban on Centrally sponsored Scheme (CSS) transaction bill by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
In its letter written to the chief secretary, GoAP, it stated that the SSA teachers of the state are yet to receive their three month’s salary for the months of February to April.
Org urges completion of investigation
ITANAGAR, May 5: The All Arunachal Pradesh RTI Activists Youth Forum (AAPRTIAVF) has requested for completing the investigation of SIC (VIG) PS Case No. 08/2014 under Section 120 (B)/409 r/s section 13(1)(e)(d) & 12 (2) PC Act, 1988 as directed by the Gauhati High Court. The RTI forum has wrote a letter to the vigilance secretary of GoAP in this regard.
While claiming that the investigation of the case is still incomplete even after 10 months, while the Gauhati High Court had directed for it to complete within two months, it said it is violation of the court judgment.
AAPRTIAVF president had filed a petition in the high court against fund misappropriation involved in the construction of suspension bridge over Lapabung river connecting Tallo and Rikung village.
Buddha Jayanti celebrated at Pasighat
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, May 05: The Buddhist Society of Pasighat on Monday celebrated 2559th ’Buddha Jayanti’ with religious fervour.
Hundreds of devotees from different communities gathered at Pasighat Gompa in the morning and offered prayers and performed religious rituals for wellbeing of the mankind.
Briefing the objective of the grand celebration, Pasighat Buddhist Society chairman
Shekar Lama stressed on unity and peaceful coexistence. He informed that the society
is all set to open a school to educate the children of poor and destitute besides
a Dharamsala in the form of Ayurvedic Hospital to provide free treatment to the poor
and old-
“We are also planning to develop a museum and amusement park at Pasighat,” he further informed.
Prominent among those who attended the celebration were former Mebo MLA Ralom Borang, Pasighat Municipal chief councilor, Denong Tamuk and the ABK members.
Relief for Nepal earthquake victims
ITANAGAR, May 5: Aiming at helping the earthquake victims of Nepal, a meeting was held under the banner of Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Committee for Nepal Earthquake Relief at 6 Kilo here on Sunday. The meeting was attended by various Gorkha communities.
The house unanimously decided to contribute relief materials to the victims. The All Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Welfare Association president Shyam Ghatani appealed to the people of state to contribute open heartedly for the earthquake victims and provide moral support to them. The house also observed two minutes silence for those who lost their life in the disaster.
ATSU seeks shifting of SBI building Daporijo
ITANAGAR, May 5: The All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) stating that the Daporijo State Bank of India (SBI) building is in a dilapidated condition, it has demanded for immediate shifting of it.
In its three point memorandum submitted to the Assistant General Manager SBI, regional office Itanagar, it also sought immediate establishment of additional branches at Dumporijo, Taliha and Nacho and installation of ATM booths at New Market, District Hospital, Govt Degree College, Old market, Military compound and at Dumporijo town.
ASM writes to SPD SSA
ITANAGAR, May 5: The Anchal Samiti Member of 51-
In his letter submitted to the State Project Director, SSA Rajya Mission, he said that the students and staff of the school are facing lot of problem due to nonpayment of salary and stipend.
Bharat Scouts & Guides Rajya Puraskar Testing Camp
ITANAGAR, May 05: The five days Bharat Scouts & Guides Rajya Puraskar Testing Camp, Tinsukia division began at KV, NHPC, Gerukamukh yesterday.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Executive Director of NHPC’s Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project Rakesh encouraged the Scouts and Guides and emphasised on the relevance of Scouts and Guide camp. These types of events inculcate the values like, cooperation, courage and collectivism among Scout and Guides.
A total of 104 Scouts and Guides from 15 KVs of Tinsukia region are participating in the camp along with their escorts.
The camp is being guided by LOCs SA Aleem and Mary Kerketta and 8 officials of Scouts and Guides under the leadership of KV, NHPC, Gerukamukh Principal Dr. Harjinder Kaur. NHPC has provided all the required help for the camp.
News Impact
Byaling claims law and order situation has improved
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 5: Home Minister Tanga Byaling today claimed that the law and order situation in the state has drastically improved in the last one year with the state police leaving no lapses in its responsibilities. He added that the overall security scenario in the state including Capital complex has vastly improved.
“With limited resources and manpower, our police are doing commendable job, far better than Delhi Police in controlling crime and criminals”, Byaling said while awarding police personnel for their commendable success in solving an extortion case in Tirap district, at police headquarters here today.
Exhorting the cops to do their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication, the Home minister said that a slight mistake would ruin their image as well as that of the state. Byaling once again expressed concern over the bandh culture. “Some of our boys form unions and associations and use bandh culture as weapon to extort. This is a bad habit and should be discouraged by everyone. Poor people are the worst sufferers during bandh calls. I appeal the intellectuals and civil society bodies to come forward and speak out against this menace of bandh culture”, said Byaling.
He also appealed the citizens to allow police to work freely by cooperating with them. “We have adopted zero tolerance against crime. Police is coming down heavily on extortionists. This March we have arrested extortionists from various parts of the state. Citizens should inform police whenever they face such situation and don’t try to compromise with the criminals”, Byaling added. (With inputs from PTI)
Security strengthened in Arunachal
ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh Police have beefed up security measures to maintain law and order in three troubled districts of Changlang, Tirap and Longding following the May 3 ambush by NSCN (K) in Nagaland's Mon district where eight security personnel were killed.
"We have taken all precautionary measures including intelligence sharing, erecting
check posts and deployment of additional forces in all vulnerable areas of the districts
bordering Naga-
On April 2, three Army personnel were killed and four injured when suspected NSCN militants ambushed their vehicle. Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district bordering Nagaland.
The NSCN-
3 arrested for extortion threat to RKM School Deomali
Police team rewarded
Staff reporter
ITANAGAR, May 5: Tirap police arrested three persons involved in issuing of extortion threat to RK Mission School, Deomali. Addressing press persons this evening, Director General of Police (DGP), S Nithianandam informed that three persons have been arrested in this regard.
Sharing details of the case the DGP said, “On 26th April three persons namely Wangchin Wangpan, Nokwang Wangsu and Kokoi Gogoi had trespassed into the RKM School, Narottam Nagar and had robbed Rs. 40,000 cash along with a Apatani sword, mobile handset etc from the Secretary Maharaj. The three claimed to be NSCN (IM) cadres. Further they had demanded another Rs 10 lakhs from the institution with an ultimatum to pay on or before 5th May 2015”.
After this a suo moto case was lodged at Deomali police station. Accordingly a high level police team consisting of DIG Eastern Range Namsai, Apur Bitin and SP Longding, Dheeraj Kumar was pressed into action. A massive man hunt was launched which was extended to several districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The help of SP Dibrugarh and SP Tinsukia was also sought in the tracking and identification of the culprits. In the meantime the state police started tracking calls of the accused and constantly monitored their movement.
On 2nd May, Khonsa police received an intelligence input from reliable sources informing that extortionist are hiding in Tinsukia and that extortion money will be supposedly delivered at the Old Railway Station. Accordingly, a team led by ASP, Khonsa, S. Singpho proceeded to Tinsukia in the early morning and spread out encircling the Old Railway Station. Police blocked all the minor and major escape routes with the help of Assam Police. However, at the last moment the place of delivery was changed by the miscreants to ASTC bus Station, Tinsukia. Immediately the team moved to ASTC bus station to provide backup to the already stationed team at the bus station and the miscreants were apprehended one by one.
Police also recovered mobile handset used for making ransom call to the victim, Rs. 2 lacs in cash, sim cards etc from the accused.
One Wangchin Wangpan, who is considered to be the ring leader of the gang, hails from Mintong village under Longding district. He had joined the NSCN (IM) in 2002. However soon he left the NSCN (IM) as he was allegedly betrayed by a senior commander of the group and later joined NSCN (K). He had surrendered before the 19th Assam Rifles in 2010. Wangpan who is wanted in a rape and kidnapping case was absconding for the last two years. On interrogation, it was revealed that the heist was planned by the three accused as they were badly in need of cash to live a luxurious life. Further investigation in the case is in progress to recover the stolen mobile and the camouflage outfit worn by the accused persons.
All the three accused have been produced before the Judicial Magistrate and have been remanded into police custody. The police team who conducted the whole operation includes SI A. N Singh, SI Duto Bagra, SI Tamer Pabin, SI M Lalying, SI (P) B Pertin, S. Singpho, ASP Khonsa and SDPO Deomali, Dusu Kaling.
Later in the press meet, Home Minister Tanga Byaling who was also present on the occasion, rewarded the call monitoring control unit team of police headquarter Itanagar and the operation team of Deomali for cracking the case within record time. Meanwhile, the DGP made a fervent appeal to the people of state to come forward and help police. “Unfortunately on couple of occasions the victims do not inform us about the case. Such noncooperation will only encourage the criminals. People of the state should trust us as we are capable of taking on the criminals,” DGP added.
MoS Home informs AFSPA to be repealed withstanding 20 kms belt
ITANAGAR, May 5: After the Union Home Minister assured to repeal AFSPA from the nine districts of Arunachal where the Act was extended recently, the MoS for Home has informed that the Act was imposed temporarily.
This was informed to a delegation of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) led by its president Kamta Lapung who had called on the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, at New Delhi on May 3 last.
AAPSU informed that the MoS had positively accepted the demands made by AAPSU and informed them about the temporary imposition of AFSPA in the state.
During the meeting, the AAPSU reminded the MoS of its 15 days ultimatum submitted earlier for complete withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 (AFSPA) from Arunachal Pradesh. While reviewing its demands and holding discussion on various perspectives of the AFSPA, the AAPSU wanted to know the approach of Centre on demand for immediate rollback of AFSPA from the state.
According to AAPSU, Rijiju said that, “AFSPA was extended to another 9 districts of Arunachal Pradesh on 27th March, 2015 only for specified purpose and time”. While considering AAPSU’s demands, the Student Union said, Rijiju has already rolled back the extension of AFSPA from Arunachal.
However, the AFSPA will remain in force in the state as it was since 1990s but with
reduced radius of the operation from 20km to its nearest police station of the border
area against the old one. “AFSPA will remain active in the state with the assistance
of 16 Police stations at the border areas. Instructions have also been given to Para-
DRDA employees to organize pen down strike
ITANAGAR, May 5: The Lohit district unit of All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association (AIDSWA) has decided to organize three days Pen Down & Tool Down strike from May 6 for its long pending demands for absorption of DRDA employees in to the line departments of the state Government and regularization of monthly salaries etc.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner cum CEO DRDA Lohit district, the association unit said that they are compelled to take the path of agitation as the Govt has allegedly failed to fulfill its long pending demands. The Association further said that the DRDA employees are not getting their monthly salaries since last 6 months.
The Association requested the DC to take up the grievances of DRDA employees with the higher authorities for early solution.
Changlang Admn holds meet on disaster preparedness
CHANGLANG, May 05: Changlang Deputy Commissioner Chanchal Yadav convened a meeting involving the HoDs, Panchayat members, NGOs, social activists and other stakeholders on disaster preparedness here today.
She instructed the key departments to take all necessary precautionary measures to act swiftly in case of earthquake and other natural calamities.
Citing the example of recent devastating earthquake in neighbouring country Nepal,
she said such catastrophe may occur in the state anytime as the region falls under
seismic Zone-
Stating that that disruption of road communication may be a major problem during
the time of disaster, she asked the PWD, RWD and Highway department to keep the roads
cleared and be ready to restore it immediately in case of any blockage due to natural
calamity. She also instructed the EE (PWD) to repair the damaged road at a tri-
Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar who is also Nodal Officer, Disaster Management
Changlang, suggested the DMO to keep adequate stock of necessary medicines and the
Power and Hydro-
Chanlang ZPC Marina Kenglang suggested for organising awareness programme on earthquake and other natural calamities in schools and providing First Aid Kits to them.
DDMO Changlang presented the Do’s and Don’ts during natural calamities in the meeting. DIPRO
Mortal remains of former AAPSU president laid to rest, AAPSU mourns
ITANAGAR, May 5: The mortal remains of former AAPSU President Racho Tama was laid to rest today at his native village Gano, Lower Subansiri district. A AAPSU team along with representatives from All Lower Subansiri District Students’ Union (ALSDSU), Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) & Galo Students’ Union (GSU) attended the last rites and paid tributes to the departed student leader.
Meanwhile, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has expressed deep shock at the demise of Racho Tama.
In its condolence message AAPSU said “Late Tama was an able leader, an amiable person with upright character”.
Lt Racho Tama’s contribution to the welfare of the students in particular and the state as a whole as a student leader will not only inspire the society but also motivate the students in various social fields”, said AAPSU president Kamta Lapung.
On behalf of students’ community of the state, AAPSU expressed its deepest commiseration to the bereaved family.
The Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) has also deeply mourned the untimely demise of Late Racho Tama. He leaves behind his wife, one son and three daughters. His contributions towards the people of the state as well as the students community will be remembered forever, the ASU said in a condolence message. The ASU prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
World Vision India team interacts with Childline Itanagar
ITANAGAR, May 05: A 30 member team of World Vision India Subansiri ADP, led by Dempu Pheiga, Programme Manager, interacted with the Childline Itanagar team here today at Don Bosco Youth Center, Vivek Vihar and exchanged views on children’s rights, child protection, child labour and child marriage.
The programme facilitated by Kani Nada Maling, Legal Advisor of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, was the first of its kind for World Vision India, an NGO working for child rights in Arunachal Pradesh.
Jangphun Thangjang, Coordinator, Childline, Itanagar, briefed the visitors about Childline and the toll free 1098 helpline. Thangjang assured all assistance to World Vision in reaching out to children in distress, especially those in rural areas.
Kani Nada Maling, Legal Advisor of APSCW enlightened the gathering about the Commission’s future plans and programmes for the welfare of children.
Childline, Itanagar will be assisting World Vision to train their volunteers and staff of various clusters and the Child Protection Committees already functional in a number of villages under World Vision.
Large cardamom as sustainable livelihood option for Upper Subansiri
Nyatum Doke and Komkar Dulom
Upper Subansiri recently embarked on ambitious of ‘Mission Large Cardamom’ with its very eloquent slogan ‘Kaju Nampom Elakuju Eelaichi Lelaku’ (Lets go back to the village and cultivate cardamom). The slogan has an underlying message for those who have left their villages in search of livelihood opportunities, that now they will find their livelihood in the villages.
The District is grappled with the problem of internal migration. The migration is
basically due to the non-
Upper Subansiri is endowed with potential to grow horticulture crops. Delving deep into the matter and after considering and comparing large cardamom with many other options like tea, rubber, coffee orange etc. Large Cardamom stands out to be the most suitable livelihood options for the Upper Subansiri at the present scenario. Cultivation of cardamom in large scale could amicably solve the livelihood issues of district to a great extent.
Why cardamom? Cardamom is a naturally growing plant in our place with a wild variety called Bebo locally. There are other wild varieties of similar species like Belak, Sebu Lesan and Tali to name a few. So growing Cardamom should not be an issue as it is endemic to our natural setting. Moreover when we look at the suitability of the various other factors like rainfall, climate, temperature, soil etc. about more than 80 percent of the area in Upper Subansiri is suitable for the cultivation of large cardamoms. Except some parts of Limeking Circle and Taksing circle which may not be suitable.
In addition to these, when we look at the income returns, Cardamom is a low input
but high output crop. In comparison with rice it generates three times more income
from the same area of land cultivated. It is a high value crop selling at Rs 800-
Apart from this it helps conserving soil and water, maintain soil fertility and high rate of carbon sequestration than any other land use systems in the region. Therefore, it is ecologically sustainable as well.
But all is not green. Getting into the market is not an easy go, producers must ensure quality. The basic thrust of the District therefore is towards an ‘Organic Cultivation’ and ‘no compromise on quality’. Some skeptics have expressed their concern about lack of market and market linkages which are true only to some extent (point here as mentioned above is we must ensure ‘quality’). Cardamom has a huge market not only in India but in the international markets as well. So there is no dearth of market. Moreover, Spices Board of India has already assured its necessary support in this regards.
Hopefully, within next few years cultivation of cardamom will change the living standards of the people of the Upper Subansiri district by providing a sustainable livelihood options. Nevertheless for the success of the ‘Mission Large Cardamom’ the people of the district must cooperate and support the district administration. This is but just a beginning, the district administration is looking towards tapping other options like cultivation of medicinal plants, tourism etc. Lastly but not the least, ‘Kaju nampom ela kuju eelaichi lelakuju’.(Nyatum Doke is Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellow, MoRD, GOI and Nodal officer for Livelihood Upper Subansiri. Komkar Dulom is the District Commissioner of Upper Subansiri District)
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
-
Address concern of affected states
The Union Cabinet has cleared the Bill to operationalize the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh. It now includes territories in Assam along with those in West Bengal, Tripura and Meghalaya. The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met this morning to clear the Bill that is likely to come up in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow. Report in national media stated that government has already talked to various parties in the Upper House, where an earlier bill in this regard is pending since December 2013.
This move by union government comes in the wake of recent criticism by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for keeping state out of the proposed land agreement by the centre. Gogoi asserted that Centre should have consulted the state before proposing any change to the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), popularly known as land swap deal. Assam CM has a valid point as state will directly get affected by this land swap deal. The government of India should take into confidence the state government of West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam along with its citizen. Before operationalizing the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh the concerns of all the affected states should be taken care of. If not, the move by central government can easily backfire.
___________________
-
Resentment over irregular electricity supply
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my utter dismay over irregular electricity supply in Pasighat. All development activities need electricity and without electricity we can not expect development. In this summer days it is almost impossible to live in without electricity.
On the other hand, ATMs remain closed due to technical problems.
Now the question is why concerned department is not looking into this matter seriously?
Long pending demands of Pasighatians for regular electricity supply is still not
fulfilled. Is this due to the step-
Therefore, it is my sincere request to the Power Minister to look into the matter seriously, otherwise the hope of every Pasighatian will be shattered.
Yours,
G. Ratan, Pasighat
Re-
Dear Editor,
In latest syllabi issued by APPSC, the concerned authority has set the procedure for holding Arunachal Pradesh combined competitive exam Schedule – II, under rule 2001 it is clearly written that APPSC will hold combined competitive exam for the 17 services of which Finance and Account officer / Treasury officer is one of them. And the minimum educational qualification required for appearing the said exam is graduation in any discipline. But in recent advertisement education qualification for the said post is some thing else. So our question is why APPSC is contradicting their own rules and regulation?
We also want to appear in the said exam and compete with the other aspirants, so that only deserving candidate may get the job not because some one posses degree in particular stream. Already we are facing the unemployment problem, therefore, we do not want to miss this job opportunity.
Therefore, we on the behalf of Humanity graduates would like to appeal to the APPSC
to re-
Yours,
Tasaar Apa and Hage Tajung
(Final semester students of RGU)
Age no bar for learning
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Doctor M. A. Bose of Tamil Nadu for completing his M.Ch Neurosurgery at
the age of 71. He has proved that age is no bar for learning. Nowadays it is observed
that more and more people want to pursue their passion post their retirement. The
101-
Yours,
T. S. Karthik
Bhuvaneshwari Nagar
Chennai
************************************
All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.
-