May 05
2016
NAPM demands Commission of enquiry into Tawang police firing, moratorium on dams in Arunachal
NEW DELHI, May 04: National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) has demanded Arunachal Pradesh Government to constitute an independent judicial commission under the Commission of Enquiry Act, headed by a sitting or retired judge, to investigate the Monday’s Tawang firing incident, including role of police officials, local MLA and other politicians.
Alleging political involvement and misuse of police forces in the whole episode, the NAPM also demanded to put a moratorium on all the planned hydro power projects until a complete scientific review is conducted, opinion of the communities concerned taken and consent achieved.
“This must take a comprehensive look at the serious risk of environmental disasters and geological instability,” NAPM stated in a release.
It further demanded suspension of the involved police officers along with SP, Deputy Commissioner and others until completion of the enquiry.
Condemning the firing incident in their strongest term, NAPM said that in Tawang Valley, police forces made complete mockery of the rule of law and opened fire at mere gathering of 200 people who were demanding release of their leader and killed two of them. All these events suggest a dangerous political motivation to strike down the people’s voices and provide a free hand of destruction to corporate through hydro power projects planned in the state, it said.
In an ugly turn of event, two people were killed and many injured while protesting against the arrest of Lama Lobsang Gyatso in Tawang including a young Buddhist Lama on Monday.
The victims were protesting for the release of Lama Lobsang Gyatso, one of the most vocal opponents of hydropower projects in the Tawang region and secretary of Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF).
Criticizing the State Government for its apathetic attitude shown to the whole situation, the Alliance stated that, “Even as Tawang continues to reel under the shock of police firing, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul at ASSOCHAM forum in New Delhi in a complete insensitive statement has advocated for fast-tracking environmental clearances for hydropower projects and suggested single window clearance to the hydro project developers”.
“This only shows complete contempt for the sufferings of the people and environmental destruction and concern for corporate profiteering,” it said.
“Our experiences from struggles against the big dams have shown that when world over the big dams are being done away with, it is extremely unfortunate that we are still trying to harness the hydro power in the most environmentally sensitive regions, or in densely populated areas, displacing massive populations.”
Around 250 hydro-power projects are in pipeline in Arunachal Pradesh only, which would prove fatal for the whole north east and Himalayan region, the release said.
For long, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) have been opposed to the Lower Subansri Hydroelectric Project, which would threaten the livelihood of more than 5 lakhs of fish workers, farmers and others dependent downstream. It needs to be noted that even though an eight member expert committee report is awaited the construction of dam has started once again, facing challenge from people.
This remains the case for many of the dams in North East where public hearings have been a complete hogwash and based on half-baked and unscientifically conducted Environmental Impact Assessment keeping communities often in dark. The overall planning of hydro development in the State and Himalyan region needs a thorough examination keeping in mind the people’s interest first, until then put a moratorium on the planned projects.
“ In the process of building big dams, we have destroyed rivers, villages, townships, lives and livelihood of millions. The people are still suffering from the impact on agriculture, livelihoods and the cultural disconnect along with ecological disasters like frequent landslides and loss of forest cover in the areas. It is time we stopped damming the mountains and bringing ecological destruction. Everywhere these dams and hydropower projects are facing resistance and protests from communities and often govt. has resorted to violence and arrests. This must stop now!”
Reportedly, 13 of the over 150 hydel projects planned by the state since 2005 are in Tawang. To stall this spree of dam construction and upcoming ecological devastation, the people from the Monpa Community joined hands with local Buddhist monks in 2011 to form the Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF).
Under Lobsang Gyatso's leadership, SMRF has been advocating socio-culturally and ecologically sensitive development in the Mon-Tawang region. The group has protested against ecologically destructive hydropower projects, demanded accountability in the execution of government schemes and development projects, and exposed corruption.
Their work has been bearing fruit as on April 7, the SMRF saw its first significant achievement.
In response to its petition filed in 2012, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) suspended the environment clearance granted by the Union environment ministry for the Rs. 6,400 crore Nyamjang Chhu hydropower project in Tawang’s Zemingthang area.
The NGT noted that the project – promoted by the Noida-based steel conglomerate LNJ Bhilwara Group – did not consider its impact on the habitat of the endangered black-necked crane, which is endemic to the region. The bird is rated “vulnerable” in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of endangered species and is listed in schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Prohibition) Act 1972 and also considered sacred to the Buddhist Monpa community, who consider it an embodiment of the 6th Dalai Lama, who was from Tawang and wrote about the bird in his poetry.
Lobsang Gyatso and SMRF have been supporting villagers in recording their objections against other destructive hydropower projects in Tawang too, including Tawang II HEP. However Lobsang Gyatso’s success seems to have made him a target for the local police authorities. Following the events, he was arrested twice last month on charges of disrupting peace in the Gongkhar Village and for alleged critical comments against Guru Rinpoche, the Abbot of Tawang Monastery, in reply of that the Abbot has appealed to find a peaceful solution to the volatile situation [Appeal attached] but the politicians exploited the issue and filed an FIR against the leader Lobsang Gyatso after which the protests erupted in the region for his release.
The political motivation is also clear as the SMRF is preparing to file public interest litigation in the Supreme Court against the Mukto Shakangchu hydel project said by Lobsang in an interview given to The Wire.
Even though over Rs 90 crores were officially spent by the state govt. on the project, most of what was constructed has been washed away by the river waters within three and a half months of completion of work due to use of sub-standard material, the NAPM said in its release.
The signatories of the NAPM release included Medha Patkar - Narmada Bachao Andolan and the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM); Prafulla Samantara - Lok Shakti Abhiyan &Lingraj Azad - Samajwadi Jan Parishad - Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti, NAPM, Odisha; Dr. Sunilam, Aradhna Bhargava - Kisan Sangharsh Samiti &Meera - Narmada Bachao Andolan, NAPM, MP; Suniti SR, Suhas Kolhekar, Prasad Bagwe - NAPM, Maharashtra; Gabriele Dietrich, Geetha Ramakrishnan - Unorganised Sector Workers Federation, NAPM, TN; C R Neelkandan - NAPM Kerala; P Chennaiah&Ramakrishnam Raju - NAPM Andhra Pradesh, Arundhati Dhuru, Richa Singh, Nandlal Master- NAPM, UP; Sister Celia - Domestic Workers Union &Rukmini V P, Garment Labour Union, NAPM, Karnataka; Vimal Bhai - Matu Jan sangathan &Jabar Singh, NAPM, Uttarakhand; Anand Mazgaonkar, Krishnakant - Paryavaran Suraksh Samiti, NAPM Gujarat; Kamayani Swami, Ashish Ranjan - Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan &Mahendra Yadav - Kosi Navnirman Manch, NAPM Bihar; Faisal Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar, J S Walia, NAPM Haryana; Kailash Meena, NAPM Rajasthan; Amitava Mitra&Avik Saha, NAPM West Bengal; Bhupender Singh Rawat - Jan Sangharsh Vahini &Rajendra Ravi, Madhuresh Kumar and Shabnam Shaikh- NAPM, Delhi.
Tawang DC, SP, OC suspended
ITANAGAR, May 04: Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo, who also hold the Home Department, on Wednesday suspended Tawang Deputy Commissioner Duly Kamduk, Superintendent of Police (SP) Anto Alphanse and Officer In Charge (OC) Lam Dondhup for their ‘inept’ handling of the tense situation in Tawang.
Kasish Mittal, who has been deputed to Tawang to monitor the prevailing situation as OSD will take over the charge as Deputy Commissioner replacing the present incumbent.
These officers have failed to assess the tense situation and no preventive measures were adopted to diffuse the tense situation, Dolo added.
Speaking to media persons, Dolo said prompt action has been initiated to instill confidence in the minds of people and restore peace in Tawang.
Dolo informed that the State Government has appointed one-man magisterial enquiry committee to be headed by Hage Khoda, Commissioner (Agri) as Executive Magistrate to conduct enquiry into the police firing at Tawang on May 2.
The committee will submit the report within 4 weeks, Dolo added.
Replying to queries raised by the media persons, Parliamentary Secretary (Home), Paknga Bage said further action will be initiated to those who are found guilty, after the receipt of detailed enquiry report.
He reiterated there will be no compromise on this issue. He also appealed to all NGOS, students’ organizations and general public to cooperate with the State Government for maintaining peace and tranquility in the state.
He also appealed for extending cooperation to the enquiry team for conducting free and fair investigation of the firing incident.
AAPSU conducts candle light rally for solidarity with Tawang firing victims
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 04: Thousands took part in a peaceful candle light rally to express solidarity with the May 2 Tawang police firing victims, which was organized by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) here this evening.
The peace rally began at Akashdeep and culminated at Tennis Court, IG Park.
While addressing the gathering at Tennis Court, AAPSU General Secretary Biru Nasi reiterated the Union’s demand for CBI inquiry into the incident and sought strict punishment to the culprits involved as per the law.
‘The way in which the whole incident was handled was totally atrocious and unacceptable, he said adding that shooting on innocent people cannot be justified’.
While expressing solidarity with the victims, Nasi further appealed to the people of Tawang to maintain peace. General Secretary of Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society who was also present on the occasion termed the incident as a complete failure of the administration and demanded justice for the people of Tawang.
Ering raises Tawang incident in Parliament
ITANAGAR, May 04: Member of Parliament from the State Ninong Ering on Wednesday raised the issue of police firing in Tawang in the Parliament and requested the Home Minister for a special investigation into the incident.
While raising the issue during zero hour, Ering informed that two persons were killed and several injured in the police firing. They were protesting against the arrest of Lama Lobsang Gyatso, who is agitating against mega dams at Tawang.
Ering sought immediate intervention of the Home Minister to bring back normalcy in Tawang and deliver justice to the victims as well.
Meanwhile, condemnations over the unfortunate Tawang incident are pouring in from across the State.
Siang People’s Forum (SPF) termed the killing of innocent protestors as inhumane and barbaric.
While condemning the incident in its strongest term, the Forum demanded that the perpetrators of the incident must not only be terminated from their services but also be booked and taken to task.
The Forum demanded constitution of a Supreme Court or High Court monitored Enquiry Committee to unearth the truth as CBI has already been declared as a ‘caged parrot’ by the Apex Court of the Country.
The immediate seizure of the communication devices and decoding of the call records of the people at the helm of affairs (both Centre and State) will certainly uncover the truth, the Forum suggested.
Unless this is done, nothing will move forward accept few symbolic suspension orders or a magisterial enquiry followed by constitution of a series of peace committees, it said.
What is more to be added by any enquiry committee is to find out who actually gave the firing order? The Forum said
“In democracy a peaceful protest is a Constitutional Rights of individuals to highlight their points of view. The inhuman method adopted by the unseen people in power to silence the voice of the opposition is nothing but murder of democracy and against the preachings of Lord Buddha and His Holiness Dalai Lama, who always preached for a Compassionate, Non-violent and Peaceful social order with the guiding principle of live and let others too live,” the Forum added.
The members of Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum of Upper Siang/Siang district, all Siang mega dam affected land owners, senior citizens have also strongly condemned the police brutality on innocent protesters in Tawang.
The Forum demanded an independent judicial probe into the entire chain of process that led loss of two precious lives. It also demanded immediate suspension of the DC and SP of Tawang and book the culprit who gave the firing order.
“We SIFF and people of Upper Siang/ Siang districts will always extend our support to Lama Lobsang, General Secretary of Save Mon Region Federation and the NGO’s movement against mega dams in the years to come, the release said.
The members observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to those killed in the police firing and also early recovery of all the injured persons.
Meanwhile, Thrizino-Buragoan MLA Kumsi Sidisow appealed to the people of the state, particularly Buddhist community and people of Mon area to stay in calm and maintain peace and tranquility which is the need of the hour.
Expressing shock over Tawang incident, the MLA said that everything can be solved though dialogue and discussion. He appealed to the State Government to immediately conduct free and fair enquiry into incident. Strong action should be initiated against the wrong doer(s) and person(s) responsible for the incident which led to violence and unrest in peaceful Tawang district.
While, strongly condemning the police firing on protestors, the All Tawang Youth Association (ATYA) today appealed to the Governor JP Rajkhowa and CM Kalikho Pul to immediately initiate CBI inquiry into the incident.
It further appealed to the Abbot of Tawang Monastery and General Secretary of Save Mon Region Federation, Lobsang Gyatso to initiate constructive steps to ensure peace prevails within the Mon Region.
While appealing to the political leaders of the region not to create any propaganda and to make efforts to bring normalcy in Tawang, the association further strongly demanded immediate suspension of the police personnel responsible for the incident besides, DC, SP, DSP, Magistrate, OC of Tawang Police Station within two weeks. It also sought ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs each to the injured person.
The ATYA further threatened to resort to democratic action in case its demands are not met within stipulated time.
The Arunachal Anti-Corruption Union (AACU) and the Rho Jangda Tsochu Land Affected Forum have in separate representations to the Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Minister Home, RD, Panchayat Raj, Textile & Handicrafts also condemned the incident in the strongest terms and sought capital punishment to the culprits involved.
Union RD Minister agrees to relax PMGSY norms to boost road network in Arunachal
NEW DELHI, May 04: Union Rural Development Minister Birender Singh has agreed to relax PMGSY norms to boost the rural road network in Arunachal Pradesh. The Union Minister gave his node for relaxation on population norm for faster road connectivity when Chief Minister Kalikho Pul along with Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju called on him and discussed various issues related to road connectivity in the state under the flagship programme “Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana” (PMGSY).
The CM in his comprehensive presentation explained to the RD Minister for special exemption on population norms for faster connectivity in the state of Arunachal Pradesh being strategically located with hostile terrain and difficult geographical conditions.
The Union Minister for Home Affairs also pushed for the demand of special dispensation in PMGSY to the state along with the CM.
The RD Ministry agreed to relax the existing norms on population from 250+ to 100+ in a cluster mode, for which the notification will be issued soon by the GOI. On the demand of long span bridges upto 200 metres on the rivers of Siang, Subansiri, Kameng, Lohit and Dibang, the Minister RD agreed to consider the same for which a technical team from the Ministry will visit these areas to assess the actual requirement and suggest appropriate technology for construction of such long span bridges in forward areas.
The CM during the discussion with RD Minister pushed for border area connectivity within 50 kms from international border and the latter agreed to consider one-time relaxation in the population norms under PMGSY to provide connectivity to the villages in the border areas (Indo-China) situated at aerial distance of 20 kms. The state government accordingly will submit a proposal soon. The RD Minister also asked the state to use the roads being constructed by the MHA in border areas for border guarding force as take-off point for connectivity to the habitations located on international borders.
The Minister RD agreed to enhance the allocation under PMGSY during RE stage on the request of CM from Rs 468 crore to 1100 crore, during the current year, in view of the enhanced target of the state for construction of 1000 km of road works and based on the performance.
The CM also apprised the RD Minister about the higher construction cost in remote areas with difficult and complex terrain. For qualitative construction, there should not be any comparison in cost with other states in view of the existing site conditions here. The Minister agreed to the proposal of the CM.
The RD Minister on request of CM also agreed to visit the state during September-October to have firsthand information of the remote and border areas. (PRO to CM)
Pul calls on PM and HM
NEW DELHI, May 04: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to follow up on the report of the central team that had visited Arunachal recently at the behest of the PMO. The PM assured his continued support and said that the government of India would stand by the people of Arunachal in this difficult time.
The CM also met with union Minister of Home Rajnath Singh to discuss the law and order situation in the state and also to seek support of the home minister in deployment of forces as well as initiating welfare measures for the police personnel. Both the Prime Minister and Home Minister have requested for detailed proposals on the issues raised, to which the CM assured of early submission.
Rly Minister urged for rail link to foot-hills of Arunachal
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul also today called on Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu to discuss on enhancing rail connectivity in the state.
The chief minister in his submission urged for rail connectivity to foot-hill towns of Arunachal such as Seijosa, Likabali, Kimin, Parsuram Kund, Roing, Miao, Nampong, Deomali, Kanubari.
He said it was essential to have access for the passengers and freight from a single connecting point of that area where the railhead would be available. The railways may initiate feasibility study for rail link of the above locations and later connectivity for the technically feasible projects, urged the CM.
He also asked for extension of rail link from Murkongselek to Pasighat. The Pasighat Township, which is one of the important towns of Arunachal Pradesh, should be connected by the nearest Murkongselek railhead, the CM urged and informed that railway had already done the feasibility study and construction has to be started.
In addition, the chief minister asked for new Connectivity to Parshuram Kund as the place being famous for Hindu pilgrimage. He appealed for feasibility study for the project to be initiated on priority by the Ministry of Railways.
The CM also urged for completion of Bogibeel bridge within the stipulated time period as the rail cum road bridge would serve as a life line for connecting east of Arunachal Pradesh to the western part.
In view of the bulk production of the horticulture fruits in the vicinity of Itanagar and being the main market in the State Capital, the CM urged that the transportation of perishable fruits by freezer container service of railways would greatly help the producers for transporting it to Guwahati and other cities in the eastern part of the country at much lesser rates than the road transport.
He also requested for a regular goods service in between Bhalukpong, Tezpur and Guwahati, which would help the transportation of goods both for civilian and armed forces deployed in the western part of the Arunachal Pradesh.
Further, the CM appealed for improvement in the quality of existing coaches on intercity trains between Guwahati and Naharlagun and for a day intercity train with AC Chair car. (PRO to CM)
Aggrieved family seeks capital punishment to accused
Pachin Colony murder case
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 04: Aggrieved family members of late Radhi Tallang who was allegedly murdered by three accused namely Bengia Taluk, Riya Chabuk and Hilang Talo at Pachin Colony, Naharlagun on April 29, sought the law enforcing agency to award capital punishment to the alleged accused.
In a press conference held here at Press Club this morning, All Tallang Welfare Society (ATWS) Chairman Dr. Dari Tallang sought immediate disposal of the murder case so that accused get capital punishment.
Terming it cold-blooded murder, ATWS chairman said, “Murderer trio should be rewarded with exemplary punishment by treating the case as rarest of rare to give justice to victim.”
Stating that such antisocial element (accused) do not belong to any community and religion, ATWS appealed respective societies of the accused not to interfere in the judicial proceeding saying that such inhuman murderers cannot be good father, brother, son and husband. The society further stated in case of interference from any individual ATWS would compel to take own course of action as per the customary law.
However, at the same time the society clarified that it does not believe in ‘revenge- killing’ and stated that this practice should be condemned with strongest term from all quarters.
ATWS Chief Advisor Mara Kocho Tallang in his remark appealed to the civil societies and NGOs and likeminded people of the state to stand by them at the hours of grief so that accused get maximum punishment as per the law. The society has pleaded the authority to set an example in awarding punishment to culprits so that no one dares to commit such crime.
ATWS claimed that gruesome murder was a pre-planned revenge killing over mere altercation that occurred with one of the accused in years back.
SSA teachers reacts to Pul’s remark, threatens stir
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 04: Reacting at Chief Minister Kalikho Pul’s accusation that peaceful rally staged by SSA teachers on April 28 was politically motivated, All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association (AASSATA) on Wednesday refuted the allegation stating that rally was organised after repeated representations to address the genuine demands of the contractual teachers.
Speaking to media persons at Press Club here, AASSATA President Tagru Kasha clarified that the rally was not at all politically motivated, rather it was a genuine rally. AASSATA President further exhorted that SSA teachers would go ahead with 2nd phase of peaceful agitation which is slated to be held from 23rd to 25th May 2016, if the Chief Minister refuses to fulfil their demands.
AASSATA further condemned the Chief Minister’s statement wherein he threatened to initiate stringent action amounting to termination of service if any SSA teacher resorts to dharna against his government. “Instead of addressing our problem, Chief Minister is warning us to terminate from the service. Protest is our democratic right” said Techi Tagar AASSATA IPR secy. He further stated that SSA teachers are no longer contractual teachers as per RTE Act 2009, however the state government is yet to implement RTE Act specially revised teachers norms thus depriving SSA teachers with many basic facilities, Tagar added.
AASSATA has been demanding the state government for one go regularization (batch wise) in a year, implementation of RTE Act as per revised norms and enhancement of salary besides regular payment of salary on monthly basis.
Meanwhile, reacting to the recent statement of CM Kalikho Pul warning the agitating SSA teachers of terminating them from their jobs, the All Arunachal Pradesh Contractual Employees’ Association (AAPCEA) has on Monday said such statement that too, coming from the CM has further demoralized the state government employees.
The SSA teachers have rendered their services for the development of the state’s education sector for over a decade, their services cannot be ignored. There are thousands of other employees along with agitating teachers and warning them will not solve the issue, it claimed and appealed to the GoAP to instead initiate appropriate steps to mitigate the agitating employees’ grievances.
‘Big cat creating panic, kills over 50 mithuns’
ITANAGAR, May 04: More than 50 Mithuns have been reportedly killed by an adult tiger in areas of Model village, Sichir village, Taramjuli, Durpang and Karsingsa incurring heavy losses to the villagers.
Reportedly, the big cat is preying on domestic animals in those areas since January this year not only incurring heavy losses to the mithun owners but also creating panic among the villagers, informed chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Board Taki Taba.
While informing this to the Divisional Forest Officer {Wildlife), Naharlagun, Taki Taba appealed to the concern department to immediately trap the tiger and shift it to Zoo or release it into any of the tiger reserves in the state.
CBN team arrives in Namsai
ITANAGAR, May 04: A team of officials from Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Gwalior has arrived in Namsai for destruction of illegal poppy cultivation in the entire district.
The Superintendent, Tax & Excise cum Nodal Officer, Narcotics will be leading the team, informed Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma.
Centre for prevention of women trafficking opens at Roing
ITANAGAR, May 04: The Centre for Prevention, Rescue and Re-Integration for Women and Child Trafficking under Ujjawla scheme was inaugurated by Deputy Director (DD), ICDS, Roing, Savitri Khamti at Bolung on May 2 in presence of CDPO Jika Doye, chairman of Social Welfare Management and Promotional Organisation Nato Pertin, ZPMs of Bolung and Bukkong ZPM.
The centre is managed by the ‘Social welfare Management and Promotional Organization”, Parbuk under Ministry of Women & Child Development, Govt of India.
Panchayat leaders of Meka block, Gaon Bura, public leaders, Aganwadi workers also attended the inaugural function.
Rajkhowa conferred doctorate degree
ITANAGAR, May 04: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa on Wednesday was conferred the Doctorate of Literature in the special convocation of Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, Jhunjhunu at Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor complimented the JJT University for establishing the University into a centre for excellence. He expressed hope that JJT University will make the transition towards being known not only for their quality graduates, but as new knowledge creators and technology developers in the manner of the great research universities around the world.
Commending the university fraternity, the Governor urged them to join hands with people of Arunachal Pradesh in spreading the light of education-in the field of higher education in particular in Science, management, engineering and technology. He suggested for students and faculty exchange programmes. He said such programme will help students know about North East region and also help Arunachal’s children to the traditions and practices of other states.
The Governor said that unity of the Nation should not only start from Kashmir to Kanyakumari but also from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat. The people of mainland India should welcome the people of North East region as their own. The Governor also highlighted on the developmental progress of Arunachal Pradesh, with special focus on connectivity, tourism, hydropower and its flora and fauna. Along with the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor of Haryana Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma, the Governor of Tripura, Tathagata Roy, former Governor of Bihar, Dr. D. Y. Patil and Padmashree Awardee and Flautist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia also received the doctorate of literature degree.(PRO to Governor)
DC flags off sanitation vehicle
SEPPA, May 04: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Deepak Shinde on Wednesday flagged off a truck (tipper) to be used for lifting garbage in the Office Compound of UD & Housing, Seppa Division.
DD, UD & Housing has informed that with the addition of this vehicle now garbage collection and disposal from all the sectors under Seppa Township can be attended daily.
The tipper was procured after the approval from the District Development Committee under Swachch Bharat Mission (SBM). It will cater to the needs of much needed garbage collection work in the Township.
DD, UD & Housing T. Tachang, DDMO Moromi Sonam, DPO T. Perme, and other officers and officials of UD and Housing were present on the occasion. DIPRO
Capacity building workshop
AALO, May 04: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department organized a workshop to build capacity and enhance skills of farmers and youth on scientific and commercial rearing of livestock and poultry at Gumin Kiin on Wednesday.
Attending workshop, Kamba ADC Nyiken Lollen advised the progressive farmers and youth to take up animal harvesting in a scientific and commercial manner for high income generation.
Resource persons, Dr. T. Kamchi, Dr Yike Angu, Dr Kejom Pal and Dr Sidik Raksap dwelt at length on scientific and commercial rearing of livestock for the general interest of farmers and youth.
DAH&VO Dr. Pagi Kamki Basar, DDI Gomar Angu, DPO Jumdo Diyum and DHO (i/c) Henbom Dirchi also attended the programme and gave valuable advice to the farmers and youths. DIPRO
Committees constituted
ITANAGAR, May 04: State Legislative Assembly Speaker constituted 12 Assembly Standing Committees for a period of one year with effect from May 2 last.
The six-member 12 committees headed by a chairman each are; Business Advisory Committee, Rules Committee and General Purposes Committee headed by Speaker Wangki Lowang as chairman, Privilege Committee and Budget Committee headed by Deputy Speaker Tumke Bagra, Library Committee headed by Kento Rina, Subordinate Legislation headed by MLA PD Sona, Government Assurance Committee headed by MLA Tamar Murtem, Committee on Petition headed by MLA Tamiyo Taga, House Committee headed by MLA Japu Deru, Committee on Absence of members from the sitting of the House headed by MLA Gojen Gadi and Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes headed by MLA Mohesh Chai , informed an official release.
CLP meet on May 9
ITANAGAR, May 04: Congress Legislator Party (CLP) Leader and former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has called a CLP meeting on May 9 at 10.30 am to be convened at his private residence near the old MLA cottage.
Incidentally, this would be the first CLP meeting after majority of Congress legislators unceremoniously defected from the party and joined PPA.
Major issues for discussion lined up for the meeting are the financial mess allegedly created by the present government, deteriorating law and order situation across the state and party affairs.
All the Congress legislators are expected to attend the meeting and offer their valuable suggestions and comments to revive and strengthen the party right from the grassroots level. Further, the meet would set the tone for future course of party activities while keeping the interest of the people on top priority.
Houses destroyed by storm in Wakka
ITANAGAR, May 04: Three dwelling houses were completely damaged and 45 partially in a massive storm that hit Wakka village on April 28, according a delayed report from the ZPM of Wakka anchal block.
Landslides triggered by heavy rains have also occurred in atleast six places cutting off the village from rest of the state. It also destroyed water supply pipelines. However, restoration works were going on.
The storm also uprooted nine electric poles causing total disruption in power supply. Many standing crops and vegetables were also totally damaged by the following hailstones. More over, many livestock, including a Mithun were killed by the storm.
Deputy Commissioner H. Mishra accompanied by CO, Wakka the ZPM visited the affected village and met the victims.
The calamity is reported to be one of the rare that have hit the village. The storm was followed heavy rainfall causing landslide at 6 places cutting Wakka and surrounding villages from the rest of the world.
The ZPM convened an emergency meeting of the Panchayat members wherein he appealed to the villagers to help rehabilitate the affected families. He also gave some amounts to the affected families as immediate relief.
He also assured the villagers to take the grievances of the village with the State Government through the local MLA for relief and assistance.
Skill development training
ITANAGAR, May 04: A month-long skill development training on ornament designing on local beads jointly organized by Action Aid Society, an NGO and SIDBI Itanagar will begin on May 5 at Naharlagun.
Social activist no more
ITANAGAR, May 04: The Tagin Welfare Society (TWS) has deeply mourned the demise of Tater Uli who breathed his last on Wednesday at Tomo Riba State Hospital, Naharlagun after prolonged illness.
He was undergoing treatment at B Borua Cancer Institute Guwahati. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
Popularly known as Kokia Uli, he served as UDC at NEFA office Shillong in 1972 but later quit his job and got appointed as Upper Subansiri DCC(I) district unit president in 1982. He also contested for MLA as independent candidate in 1984. He was also the first graduate student of Tani Tator, Karga Kara area of Upper Subansiri district.
Terming Uli as an excellent orator, an expert in Tagin folk tale and a man of honesty and simplicity, the TWS further termed his death as an irreparable loss to the society and the state as a whole.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Home, Paknga Bage in his condolence message also recalled Uli as a compassionate and a good human being and said that his death created a vacuum in the society which cannot be filled.
Stating that the yeoman services rendered by Uli would be always remembered by the people of the district, Bage extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Awareness campaign on disaster management
ZIRO, May 04: An awareness campaign on disaster management and preparations was held at circuit house Raga in the wake of recent storms at Raga where several houses were damaged.
Besides deliberations on disaster management plan, activation and up gradation of communication equipment, mock drills also conducted to educate the public on do’s and don'ts during fire and earthquakes. Besides public, staffs, and panchayat members, Gyati Taji, ADC Raga, Tap Tapuk, ZPM Kamporijo II and Maga Apo, Ex ZPM attended the awareness campaign. DIPRO
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Editorial
Take action against willful defaulters
Ever since Vijay Mallya issue came to forefront, banks and government agencies across
the country are working hard to recover money from the loan defaulters. Several steps
have been initiated to recover money as well as ensure punishment to the willful
defaulters like Mr Mallya. Today Minister of state for Finance Jayant Sinha informed
that there were 7,686 willful defaulters owing Rs 66,190 crore to state-
The total outstanding amount in top 100 non-
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Encourage Tiger conservation
Dear Editor,
The recent release of global tiger census has indicated significant rise in tiger population across Asia and Russia.
India is the home to 70% of the global tiger population represented by the majestic
sub species, the Bengal tiger. While some tiger habitats in SE Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia
and Laos PDR) and South China has been showing serious decline in the Indochinese
sub species of tiger numbers close to becoming extinct in the wild. The Indian subcontinent
(India-
The success of tiger conservation should encourage all the countries to move ahead with conservation plans for other endangered species in the region such as the elephants, rhinos, leopards, clouded leopards, Red panda, several species of primates, bears and birds to mention only a handful. If the SAARC and ASEAN nations, along with China move into a formal agreement for a Joint Conservation Initiative (JCI) for protecting the indigenous wildlife and forests across the region it could provide a serious conservation boost and protect the rich biodiversity of the region. Furthermore, awareness for protecting wildlife and forests among the public across China, South and SE Asia through such joint initiatives can spearhead successful conservation.
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada
Stop exploitation
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authority
concern of Upper Subansiri district, towards the grievances of public of Upper Subansiri
district. That, these days the public of Daporijo are facing lots of difficulties
from the staffs of E-
That, the enrolling agencies are vehemently demanding the fees for enrolling Aadhar Card from the public at the rate of Rs. 50 (Fifty) to Rs. 100 (one hundred) per head, for just as a cost of a black and white Xerox copy of form, whereas, a Xerox copy costs Rs. 5 (Five) in the market. But staffs are charging Rs. 50 (Fifty) for a form which is 360 degree opposite. According to the guideline of the Govt of India a citizen can avail Aadhar Card free of cost without paying any charges; whether it is Governmental or Tendered Enterprises. Moreover, enrolling agency’s staff giving no money receipt after taking fees from public. In this way, the enrolling agencies are fooling the helpless public of Daporijo by demanding fees and discriminating and violating the right to equality of opportunity of the innocent citizen of India, which is enshrined in the constitution of India under Article 16.
Furthermore, most of the public are from remote areas of Taliha, Siyum, Nacho, Limeking, Taksing, Giba, Baririjo, Chetam and Puchigeko, while there are no proper network connection such as Telephone network and Broadband system, for which they compelled to travel kilometers to reach Daporijo H.Q. for enrolling Aadhar Card by spending their hard earned money.
Therefore, I on behalf of general public of Upper Subansiri District would like to
fervently request the authority concern and public leaders kindly take necessary
action against such agencies as early as possible to bar them from exploiting public’s
hard earned money and also prayed to refund the amount charged during Aadhar Card
e-
Yours,
Babu Mosu
Daporijo,
Upper Subansiri District