may16 11

May 11

2011

2016

Two Arunachalee girls clear UPSC exam

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, May 10: Two Arunachalee girls have cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examination 2015. The brilliant girls are Duyu Kampu(25) of Ziro and Chajat Lowang(27) of Khonsa. Duyu Kampu secured 1034 all India rank while Chajat Lowang got 1039 rank. Both the girls are alumni of Ramakrishna Sarada Mission School, Khonsa.

Duyu Kampu is daughter of Duyu Kojee and Duyu Yakang of Reru Village, Ziro under Lower Subansiri district. After her schooling from Ramakrishna Sarada Mission School, Khonsa, Kampu did her graduation from NERIST, Nirjuli. She had opted Geography as optional subject in UPSC.

Speaking to The Arunachal Times, delighted Kampu credited her success to family members; friends and well-wishers saying that without their support it would not possible. She further adds, “Believe in yourself; whatever you do, do it sincerely and with devotion” while giving tips to UPSC aspirants.

Chajat Lowang, daughter of Wangliam Lowang and Nyalian Lowang from Khonsa under Tirap district also did schooling from Ramakrishna Sarada Mission School, Khonsa and graduation from Lady Sri Ram College, New Delhi with English Honours and Post Graduation in Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University New-Delhi. She had opted Political Science and International Relation in UPSC exam. When enquired about her success, Lowang said, “it is doable, if you work hard and learn to enjoy the study”

A total of 1,078 candidates cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. Among them 499 from the general category, 314 from the other backward classes, 176 from the scheduled castes and 89 from the scheduled tribes. Delhi girl Tina Dabi has topped the 2015 civil services examination, while railway officer Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan from Jammu and Kashmir has got second rank in the results which were declared today. Besides them, Delhi-based Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, an Indian Revenue Service officer, has secured third position.

No ‘border haats’ with China in Arunachal: Govt

New Delhi, May 10: India today ruled out setting up trading centres along its border with China in Arunachal Pradesh saying such an initiative could be taken only when Beijing agrees to it.

"China has to agree. We can't enforce anyone. There has to be mutual consent, then only 'border haats' can be set up," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in Lok Sabha during the Question Hour.

Rijiju's statement came when Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh Ninong Ering asked why India can't set up 'border haats' along the Sino-Indian border in the state.

The Minister said without cooperation from the other country, no trade can take place in any 'border haat'.

Currently, India has a border trading post with China at Nathu La in Sikkim.

Rijiju said India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up six more 'border haats' soon for promotion of trade along the international borders.

At present, four 'border haats' -- two in Meghalaya and two in Tripura -- are functional along Indo-Bangladesh border and the four new 'border haats' -- two in Tripura and four in Meghalaya --will be set up soon.

"The establishment of 'border haats' is expected to promote the well being of the people in areas across the borders of the two countries, which in turn will maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions," he said.

Replying a supplementary question, Rijiju said the Home Ministry facilitates safety and security of border areas so that proper trading could take place between the people of two nations.

"We are not here to do business but to ensure safety and security of people and facilitate that proper trade could take place in border haats," he said.

The Minister said during two years of the Modi government, various efforts were taken for promotion of trade along the international borders.

"But we are not satisfied with whatever we have done so far and want to do more. We are committed to do more," he said.

Rijiju said government has adopted multi-pronged strategy to secure effective management of Indian borders, curb insurgency as well as to maintain peace and security in the border regions.

Adequate steps are taken to curb human trafficking like issuing advisories to state governments and sensitizing law enforcement agencies, he said. (PTI)

Lessons from Tawang

[ Tongam Rina ]

Following the May 2 Tawang Police shooting that claimed two lives, Amnesty International has said that State govt must conduct a prompt, impartial and independent criminal investigation.

The same demand has been placed by All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union as well as several other organizations from the state and elsewhere. The state govt, which has instituted a one man committee to probe the firing, has chosen to maintain stoic silence on these demands.

It remains to be seen how prompt, impartial or independent the state sponsored investigations will be.

While we wait for the reports, there are lessons to be learnt from Tawang firing episode.

In 2011, eight students were injured by police firing in Roing during Durga Puja celebrations when students stopped them from entering the premises. The police retaliated by indiscriminate firing as it had suspected Maoists infiltration into the festival ground. The paranoid police did not find any Maoists but scarred the students for a life time.

This was around the time when people of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley were heavily opposed to the development of thousands of Megawatt of hydro power in the districts. It was not a mere coincidence that firing happened around the time when govt said that Maoists had entered into Arunachal to protest against the hydel.

In the backdrop of such unsettling and unproven claims by the government, the anti hydro power uprising in both the districts were effectively crushed by the Congress govt in the state and the centre.

With the recent turn of events, it appears that Tawang will be turned into another Roing. Politicians from the district, state or the centre might try to find Maoists from among the tourists that flock the district or come up with stranger theories like foreign funding to crush those voices opposing the construction of hydro power in the district.

The state and centre has to accept that violence was an offshoot of hydro power debate and not an isolated incidence of differences between two groups of a religion which led to the violence. It must find ways to engage with the local communities before violence becomes the norm to express resentment against forceful construction of hydro power projects, which is spread across the state. Govt statistics say that during the last one decade, MoUs and MoAs were signed with 159 companies, including central PSUs and private companies, to execute power projects in the state with installed capacity of 46,938.02 megawatt. The money received and to be made is enticing. Between 2005 and 2015, Arunachal Pradesh received Rs 1,495.62 crore as upfront money and processing fees from various power developers. A whopping amount of Rs 1276.98 crores was received between 2007-2011, when Late Dorjee Khandu was the Chief Minister. It is a strange coincidence that one of the loudest voices of protest against hydro power has come from his own district.

The state has already been sold out to hydro power companies but there has to be renewed debate on what to do next, if at all these projects has to take off.

AAPSU flays CM, demands to redress grievances of SSA teachers

ITANAGAR, May 10: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has come under sharp criticism from All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) for ‘threatening’ the agitating contractual SSA teachers of the State and terming their agitation as ‘politically motivated’.

While coming out in support of the SSA teachers, who have been demanding for regularization of their services, timely payment of salary and proper implementation of RTE rules, among others, AAPSU demanded the CM to immediately fulfill the demands instead of indulging in ‘false propaganda’.

“People in a democratic country like ours use protest or strike as a last resort, when their demands are not heard. The Chief Minister, instead of hearing their woes and addressing the genuine demands, is indulging in issuing threats to the agitating teachers, which is very unfortunate, said AAPSU president Kamta Lapung in a press statement.

“Everyone in the state is well aware of the plight of SSA teachers and other contractual staffs working in various government departments. One should have minimum respect for the teachers, who are often called as nation builders. But, in our state, teachers have to come out to the streets for their salary and other basic rights,” lamented the AAPSU president.

State Govt. says the SSA and other contractual staffs are receiving their salaries regularly, which is flatly denied by the SSA teachers.

AAPSU also expressed concern over non-filing of curative petition in the Supreme Court against its verdict granting citizenship rights to Chakma and Hajong refugees settled in the State.

“The present State Government under Chief Minister Pul shall solely be responsible for any judgment that goes against the people of the State due to non-filing of the curative petition,” it said.

The apex students’ body of the state also strongly condemned the attempts made by the present chief minister to ‘strangulate’ the local media house(s) and curtail the rights of media persons.

“Media is often termed as the fourth pillar of democracy and media persons have every right to express their views and opinions on every matter of public interest. Neither the CM nor any individual, organization etc have any right to threaten and dictate the media, as has been witnessed over the past few days,” said AAPSU.

“Such antics are witnessed only in an authoritarian or lawless state,” AAPSU said and urged the CM to desist himself from such antics and let the media houses function freely.

Governor reviews law and order, security scenario in State

ITANAGAR, May 10: Governor JP Rajkhowa reviewed the overall security scenario of the State, including law and order and insurgency related issues, in a high level meeting attended by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo, DGP (i/c) and top bureaucrats at Raj Bhawan on Tuesday.

While reviewing the security arrangement in Capital Complex and elsewhere in the State, the Governor advised the State Government to evolve suitable mechanism involving general public, the civil society and security forces to address any major law and order problem. He suggested for augmentation of State Intelligence apparatus for collection, collation and communication of real time intelligence in order to have regular and timely feedback of any unlawful activities.

Expressing his concern over recent incident of firing at Tawang and arrest on militants in eastern District of Longding, the Governor called for foolproof security arrangement in the State. The Governor appreciated the timely actions taken by the State Government for defusing the tension and maintaining the public peace and order post May 2 firing incident. He expressed the view that the Magisterial and Commissioner level enquiry committees should conduct inquiry into the happenings that ultimately led to the unfortunate firing incident, in a free, fair and independent manner.

A timeline should also be drawn for completion of the enquiry and submission of the findings to the State Government along with recommendations for preventing such incidents in future.

He also emphasized on restoring normalcy in Tawang and adjacent districts for enabling the people to have normal activities at the earliest.

The Governor appealed to all, including, general public, spiritual and public leaders and the youth to cooperate with the Administration to maintain public peace and tranquillity and restore peace in Tawang.

Participating in the discussion, the Chief Minister Pul said that security of every citizen of the State has always been the top priority of the State Government and he is personally monitoring it. He further informed that the Government would not tolerate any unlawful activities in the state and firmly deal with it as per law.

The Chief Minister also informed that he would be personally assessing the situation by visiting Tawang on 11th May 2016.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Dolo, who is also the minister in-charge for Home, and the senior officers briefed the Governor on various security issues.

Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister informed that all the vacant posts in Police Department will be filled up on priority basis.

State Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin, Principal Secretary Home, Satya Gopal, in-charge Director General of Police Nabin Payeng, Secretary to Governor Dr. Joram Beda, Additional Secretary to Governor Bharat Singh Hada and senior Police Officers were present in the meeting. (PRO to Raj Bhawan)

Media objects to Verma's claim, to take legal action

ITANAGAR, May 10: Reacting to the reported claim of one Rahul Verma, who was reportedly arrested by police in Dibrugarh, that he was working as journalist with The Dawnlit Post, the authorities of the media house dismissed his claim and threatened legal action against him.

Dakter Esse, Editor of The Dawnlit Post, in a written statement said,. "It has come to the notice of this daily through Assam-based TV news channels that one Rahul Verma, purportedly a journalist of The Dawnlit Post, Itanagar, has been arrested by police in Dibrugarh, for possession of drugs. Verma is not, and was never associated with The Dawnlit Post in any manner. This daily has never issued any identity card to Rahul Verma - or for that matter to anyone who is not an employee of this daily - at any time, in any shape or form," Esse in a statement said.

The media house further said that it will initiate legal action against Verma "for bringing disrepute to the daily by misusing its reputation for nefarious purposes".

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Press Club too has reacted strongly against the claim of Verma.

"We strongly object to his claim, he is not a member of the Arunachal Press Club, or the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist, or the Arunachal Electronic Media Association," the Press Club president Chopa Cheda said.

Cheda was also critical of the manner in which the incident was reported by some TV news channels in Assam.

"The Assam-based news channels should have confirmed with the Arunachal Press Club or The Dawnlit Post to verify his claims. The emergency mobile number and the registration number of the identity card should also have been verified before projecting him as reporter from Itanagar," he said.

The Press Club also said it would file a legal suit against Verma for "misusing the Press tag and putting the Arunachal media in bad light".

Meanwhile, The Dawnlit Post has filed an FIR against Verma.

According to PTI report, Rahul Verma was arrested today along with a sizable quantity of banned brown sugar from Assam's Dibrugarh town. The report further said "Dibrugarh Superintendent of Police Bir Bikram Gogoi said that Rahul Verma, confessed before the police that he regularly smuggled brown sugar to Arunachal Pradesh.

CM turns savior for ailing patients

ITANAGAR, May 10: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul turns savior for atleast four ailing patients, who would be flown outside the state for further treatment at his directive.

Pul, who on Monday announced to bear from his salaries the journey expenses of 14-year-old Lammuarsang Simte for his treatment at Institute of Liver and Biliary Science (ILBS), New Delhi, ordered for airlfting of the patients to New Delhi.

The Chief Minister gave this order after visiting the patients during his brief stopover at Tomo Riba State Hospital on Tuesday.

As committed, Pul handed over Rs 2 lakhs to Simte’s mother at his office later in the day. The patient is suffering from chronic liver disease and the doctors have referred the case to be treated at ILBS.

He also visited other patients in the hospital and enquired about their well being. For those critical patients referred for further treatment outside the state, the Chief Minister also ordered for their immediate evacuation.

Three more patients will be flown on Wednesday on chopper from Itanagar to Guwahati for their further treatment.

Minyum Potom, a serious patient and Giabu Poda, a heart patient suffering from multiple ailments have been referred to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong. The third patient Nogen Biswas suffering from asthma has been referred to CMC, Vellore.

The Chief Minister will accompany Simte and the three other patients during their Chopper journey from Itanagar to Guwahati.

Further, the CM informed that all expenditures for the boy’s treatment at ILBS, including medical expenses of the other three patients would be borne by the state government from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Making use of the opportunity during the visit, a youth approached to the Chief Minister for financial help for treatment of his father admitted at the State Hospital, to which the CM directed his officials to process Rs 1 lakh for the medical expenses.

Childline Advisory Board meeting held

ITANAGAR, May 10: The meeting of the Childline Advisory Board (CAB) was held on Tuesday to review the functioning of the Childline at Itanagar Capital Complex.

During the meeting, various issues pertaining to the functioning of the Childline, Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board (JJBs) etc. were discussed by the members of the CAB. The members advocated for the setting up of Care and Protection home and Juvenile home, CWCs office, JJB etc., to which the DC cum Chairman CAB directed the DD, ICDS to pursue for land for the establishment of the home.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Capital Complex, Hirendra Kashyap, also advocated for the same and highlighted that at present there are 32 cases pending in his court due to unavailability of infrastructure. He also informed that more than fifty percent of the population have child labours at their home in Itanagar. As there is no Care and Protection Home, the rescued children are being sent to Oju Welfare Association which provides shelter to such rescued children and destitute.

The Chairperson of the CWC also pointed out the shortcomings that the committee face whenever they take up any case of child abuse or child labour.

Principal Magistrate JJB informed that under section 190 of CrPC, which deals with cognizance of offences by magistrates, the magistrate may take cognizance of any offence upon receiving a complaint of facts which constitutes such offence or upon a police report of such facts or upon information received from any person other than a police officer upon his knowledge that such offence has been committed. But he asked the CWC to ensure that the complainant takes the responsibility of the case and to take legal aid for such cases. He further asked them to write a letter to the District Legal Services Authority to depute a lawyer to take up the cases of CWC.

Itanagar Capital Complex, DC, Sandeep Kumar Singh informed that a temporary office would be set up in his office for the setting up of JJB and CWC Office but the equipments and stationeries has to be provided by the nodal department. He also informed that CDPOs would be designated as Protection Officers till notification comes from the State Government and further directed the DD to direct the respective CDPOs of Itanagar, Naharlagun and Banderdewa to monitor the cases taken up by the CWC. The DC also assured that the district administration would provide all out support from its side and asked all the stakeholders to work together as a team.

The DC also directed that a team be formed headed by the Chairman, CWC and the CDPO and Labour Officer to register any case of bonded labour. As suggested by all, the DC assured that an orientation programme for all the stakeholders including the Police would be held to sensitize them who in turn can sensitize others as many people are not aware of Childline. The DC further assured that he would direct the District Medical Officer to give priority medical assistance to every case referred by Childline and to give training to the Doctors and nurses on Child Rights and Protection.

Father Cyriac of Don Bosco Youth Centre informed that free classes are being organized by the DBYC for the age group of 4 to 14 years and asked all the members to create awareness regarding the same which would help lessen child labour. He also requested the DC to check the influx of rag pickers and the people who are engaged in employing children in such jobs. He also requested for a District Level orientation programme for all the stakeholders regarding child rights.

Coordinator of the Childline Itanagar, J Tangjang explained in detail about Childine, its functioning and structure, it’s nodal agency that is the Childline India Foundation and more specifically about Childline Itanagar.

Among others, the meeting was attended by EAC Talom Dupak, Chairperson OWA, Ratan Anya, Chairperson CWC, Mepung Tadar, DD(ICDS), Dani Yami , CDPO Itanagar, SC Tok, , OC Itanagar PS, N Sora.

The Childline service was initiated in June 1996 in Mumbai as a field action project of Tata institute of Social Sciences and during 2011 in Itanagar. In Itanagar Don Bosco School is working as a Collaborative Organization for Childline. The Childline Itanagar has attended 506 cases till March 2016 mostly from children seeking medical assistance, rescue, restoration, sponsorship etc.

Childline is India’s first 24-hour, free emergency phone and outreach service for children in need of care and protection and that any child or concerned adult can dial 1098 to avail its emergency assistance. Childline reaches out to children from 0-18years of age and in extreme condition to young adults upto 25 years. The concept evolved as a response to children’s need for assistance especially when other day care services were not available. DIPRO

BJP observers meet PMC councilors, collects opinions

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, May 10: A team of observers from State BJP following removal of the Chief Councilor of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Denong Tamuk, visited Pasighat and met the councilors and Pasighat Mandal BJP leaders on Tuesday.

The three-member observer team led by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Tage Taki collected opinions from the Municipal Councilors and active BJP workers on the issue. The team members also sat in a meeting with Pasighat Mandal BJP committee to discuss the issue.

MLA Taki informed this correspondent that his team would submit its report to the state BJP committee for finding a solution to the problem.

The BJP’s observer team includes former Pasighat West MLA Tangor Tapak and former Dambuk MLA Roding Pertin.

It is pertaining to mention that four BJP councilors (rebel group) in the PMC triggered ‘No confidence motion’ against their Chief Denong Tamuk on April 28 and removed him from the post with support of three independent councilors.

Aggrieved Tamuk, later, moved in Itanagar Permanent bench of Gauhati High Court challenging the legality of his impeachment.

Document traditional priest chants: Pul

ITANAGAR, May 10: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul called for documentation of the traditional priest chanting to preserve it for the future generations.

Pul was attending the conference of All Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Abo Taru Nibu, Nijik Boos (Priest) Welfare Association (AAPANWA) at Solung Mopin ground on Tuesday.

Underscoring the significance of the traditional priests in guarding and preserving the identity of tribal society, he said, “The traditional priests are the storehouse of our traditional knowledge and indigenous beliefs as we don’t have written records of our ancient history. And it is only through the oral chanting of the traditional priests that we come to know about the myths of origin, ancient histories of tribes, the routes of migration as well as the basis of our various rituals”.

He expressed sadness that the traditional priest chanting is diminishing day by day in our society and is being sidelined with the changing time and modernization. He pressed for the proper documentation of the traditional priest chanting and imparting it to the younger generation citing it as unique identity of the tribal society.

The CM further called upon the priests to maintain originality of the priest chants and not to be diluted with modernization. He exhorted them not to lose heart but continue to serve the society by performing rituals for the needy people for their overall wellbeing.

The Chief Minister suggested for bringing some modifications in observing taboos which makes it difficult for the people to follow in this fast changing lifestyle.

Pul stated of looking into the demand of honorarium at Rs.2000 per month for the senior/head priests. He, however, requested the priests to serve the people wilfully without demanding from them but to accept whatever is offered to them in return for their services. He also requested them to be united and to come under one platform, to stay away from the politics and to remain concentrated in their service to the people for the cause of the society.

Pul also assured to construct Community Hall in every district headquarter for performing traditional priests as well as for imparting traditional and indigenous knowledge and also for preserving and learning of puja articles.

He informed that Rs. 4 Crore was sanctioned by the govt during the last financial year for the completion of Multipurpose Community Hall for the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh at Itanagar. He said that the same hall can also be used by the priests for organizing such functions.

Regarding the land dispute at Jammi-Jaate at Itanagar, the Chief Minister said that the Deputy Commissioner will be asked to verify and settle the issue.

Attending the function, Chairman of the People’s Party of Arunachal, Kamen Ringu said that the need of the hour is to codify practice of customs and traditions in the state. He urged upon the govt to get it codified in the state assembly for enforcement.

Former MLA, Lokam Tassar suggested for constitution of a Core Committee to deal with issues confronting the traditional priests in the state. He also said that the priests of different tribes must come together and work in congregation for better understanding and coordination.

Earlier, AAPANWA president, Hari Taro read out and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister on the occasion.

Large numbers of priests from various districts of the state participated in the conference. Multi-cultural items were also presented on the occasion. (PRO to CM)

Governor suggests for taking up ‘Orphan Roads’

ITANAGAR, May 10: Emphasizing for better connectivity in the State, Governor JP Rajkhowa has called for taking up ‘Orphan Roads’ as it benefits both Arunachal Pradesh and its neighbouring states.

The Governor was interacting with North Eastern Council, Secretary, Ram Muivah, who had called on at Raj Bhavan, here on Tuesday.

The discussions were on various NEC Schemes and projects in the State.

The Governor also asked him to develop the Advance Landing Grounds at Ziro, Pasighat and Aalo in the line of Lilabari, Tezpur and Umroi Airports, where there are regular air services and is funded by NEC.

Inspite of road connectivity problem in the State and region, there is not even a single institute for road research and designing, the Governor said. The Governor suggested that an institute for road research and designing must be set up by the NEC and as Arunachal Pradesh has variant topography and climatic condition, the State is most suitable for it. He also suggested for setting up ‘Centres for Excellence’ for architect, skill development, tourism etc. which will be beneficial for all the States of the region as students will come from every corner of the North East.

The Governor emphasised on regular visits and monitoring by NEC officials of the NEC funded North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Projects (NERCORMP) in the State. With regular monitoring, social auditing and proper selection of schemes, it will bring good results, he opined.

Highlighting on the abundant Kiwi, Orange and other horticultural produces, the Governor requested the Secretary NEC to assist the entrepreneurs of the State in setting up of Food Processing Units and wineries.

Also attending the meeting, State Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin emphasised and suggested floriculture and orchid cultivation as thrust avenues.

The Governor called for enhancing the annual budget of the Council so that larger projects can be taken up. He suggested that NEC should entertain schemes or projects of less than Rs.20 lakhs, when approached directly by the needy people.

The Governor called for special attention by NEC towards philanthropic institutes like Oju Welfare Association and Donyi Polo Mission. Suggesting him to visit the institutes, the Governor said that these centres are doing wonderful work for the poor and the society and they need to be supported.

NEC Secretary Muivah briefed the Governor on the ensuing Plenary Meeting of NEC at Shillong on May 27. He also briefed the Governor on the challenges of the Council.

Secretary to Governor cum Secretary Planning, Dr. Joram Beda and Additional Secretary to Governor Bharat Singh Hada were also present in the meeting. (PRO to Governor)

DA concerned over rampant land encroachment in Tezu

TEZU, May 10: Expressing serious concern over rampant encroachment of government lands by individuals in Tezu, Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf has cautioned them to refrain from such illegal and anti-development activities.

The Deputy Commissioner, who chaired a meeting of various HoDs to discuss the issue, said that strict action would be taken against all the government land encroachers with help of police.

He suggested the HoDs to remain alert and maintain strict vigil against land encroachment and also take necessary measures to save lands from being encroached.

The DC feared that if the trend continues unabated, it would not only destroy the existence of the entire Tezu town but also government establishments leaving no place to work in.

He asked all the affected departments to act fast and take prompt action against the encroachers before they can erect concrete structure.

He also said that if there were any cases of government land encroachment in two other circles of Sunpura and Wakro then it should immediately be brought to the notice of the District Administration.

The DC has asked the Estate Officer, EAC Judicial and DLRSO to work into full swing to save Government land.

Earlier, District Heads of Offices apprised the DC about the encroachments of their respective Government lands by individuals.

The DLRSO informed the DC that a list of encroachments have been submitted to the higher authorities.

The DC also inspected some ongoing construction sites in the district headquarters here, including the SP Office, Indira Gandhi College Library etc, ADR, District Sessions Court buildings, Medical OPD and Working Women Hostel.

He also surveyed the proposed land for AYUSH Medical College. DIPRO

Officials visit Nyorak-Nikte road for alternate route

AALO, May 10: A team of government officials under the direction of the West Siang Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu on Tuesday visited Nyorak-Nikte road passing through the new circle of Kodum for an alternate route to Likabali.

The team of officers comprising Deputy Director Urban Development, Marconi Potom, DDMO, Nima Dorjee and DIPRO Gijum Tali took stock of the road condition and identified stretches which needed assistance for minor repairing works.

During the visit at Nyorak Raakte, the people from Pushi Nyorak, Nyorak Raakte and Pidi Rime were carrying out social service on the road. JCBs, road rollers, tractors and trucks were hired by the people to carry out five days of social service from May 10.

DC Ligu has assured of financial assistance for the maintenance of the road. This road is better and shorter than Aalo-Bame road if maintained properly and serves people of ten circles and subdivisions like Mechuka, Monigong, Kaying, Payum, Tato, Pidi, Kamba, Darak, Yomcha and Kodum. The maintenance of this road has been necessitated due to deteriorating road condition at Aalo-Bame road and starting of the works for Trans-Arunachal Highway. DIPRO

DC calls for concerted efforts for development

ROING, May 10: Deputy Commissioner, Lower Dibang Valley, Ravi Dhawan called for concerted effort in bringing development in rural areas of the district.

DC Dhawan was speaking at the District Level Monitoring Committee meeting at Roing on Tuesday.

Citing problems faced by the Panchayati Raj members regarding schemes and programmes, the DC urged upon the district heads of department to provide adequate information of different schemes and programmes.

The physical and financial progress report of all the schemes under ACA, SPA, PM’s Package, NEC, NLCPR, RIDF, BADP, PMGSY etc and other major state sponsored schemes being implemented in the district were updated in the meeting. The DC directed the DLMC members and executing agencies to appraise technical details of all schemes in the next meeting.

Responding to a panchayati raj member’s plea, the DC directed the executing agencies to halt all construction work in Anpum-Paglam areas and informed that the funds will retracted for development in evacuated and safer areas, and also to mitigate recent flood like situation and disaster preparedness plan. In view of the non-feasibility of the road from Jia to Bizari as claimed by PRI members, DC Dhawan also directed the E.E PWD to halt the work in progress and sought factual reports.

A.E, PWD, A.E, PHED, Dy. Director DUDA, E.E (Elect) and PD, DRDA made presentations on the physical achievements and financial progress of various schemes of their respective departments.

All heads of executing agencies, PRI members and administrative officers were present in the meeting.

Power shutdown

ITANAGAR, May 10: As the protection CT of NDTL (RHEP-Nirjuli) transmission line got severely damaged due to a burst in unit-3 Circuit breaker, the power supply to the Capital Complex is now being routed through transmission system of Assam through GITL (Gohpur-Itanagar Transmission Line). This was informed by Executive engineer (E) State Load Despatch Centre & TD-II, Itanagar Nangkong Perme in an official release. The NEEPCO authorities have already started working on replacing the damaged protection CT which will take two more days, he said adding that during peak hours, power supply to Capital Complex may be affected in the form of local sector/feeder shutdowns.

SABLA vocational training conclude

DIRANG, May 10: In all, 10 girls from Dirang, Kalakthang, Singchung, Nafra and Bomdila underwent a 15 day-long vocational training programme on computer fundamentals under SABLA Scheme for girls which concluded at Industrial Training Institute at Dirang on Tuesday.

During the training, the girls were trained on computer fundamentals, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and internet concepts. The training is an extension of the Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, also popularly known as SABLA in Hindi.

Resource persons from Industrial Training Institute, Dirang imparted the training and provided the equipments.

NSS Special camp at Galu village

ITANAGAR, May 10: The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Tomi Polytechnic College organized a three days special camp in its adopted Galu village, Basar by organizing tree plantation prorgamme, cleanliness drive, awareness programme on health and hygiene, education etc. from May 7 to 9.

The NSS volunteers conducted door-to-door campaign to create awareness among the villagers on the importance of cleanliness in daily life, maintaining eco friendly environment, judicious use of electricity, water harvesting and the importance of ground water for existence of human being etc.

In his speech, NSS Programme Officer of the Polytechnic V. Arul Kumar expressed deep concern over how youths are being misguided by vested interest groups. He appealed to the youth to keep themselves away from these groups and work for unity, communal harmony and common good of the country.

The inaugural programme was attended by Joint Director, ICAR, Basar,

Dr. R. Bhagawati, Scientist Dr. Anup Chandra, villagers, panchayat and public leaders and GB of the village.

A total of 87 volunteers attended the camp.

National seminar on issues and trend in nursing

ITANAGAR, May 10: North East Nursing College of Health Science Itanagar organised one-day National Seminar on topic, “Issues and Trends in Nursing:Nurses as Change Agents” under the auspices of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) New Delhi at the conference hall of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar on Tuesday.

The seminar which was attended by Joint Director Medical Education and Research Dr R Doye, ADM cum chief estate officer Talo Potom, Fellow of Union international Cancer Control, (UICC) Geneva, Radha Saini mainly discussed on Euthanasia, surrogacy, medical tourism, translational nursing, evidence based nursing care, and culturally competent care.

It also focused on ever increasing brain drain of nurses to western countries, migration issues and ethical and legal issues in nursing profession, along with pay scales and working environment in various private nursing colleges and hospitals of the state.

Students from various nursing college and schools took participated in the seminar.

‘Take action against defaulters’

ITANAGAR, May 10: Claiming that some individuals are indulging in illegal trespassing into the notational boundaries within Ganga, Chimi and Bath villages in the form of jhum cultivation, firewood collection and illegal hunting and fishing, the Bath-Ganga Panchayat and village authorities have appealed to the Capital DC to take action against the trespassers.

Also calling upon the people involved to abstain from doing so, they have warned of evicting them with the help of the district administration.

D C visits proposed location for district Hqtrs

AALO, May 10: Siang DC, Rahul Singh along with HoDs visited Perang, the proposed site for establishment of district headquarters for newly created Siang district on May 9 last. Strategic location for district hospital, sports stadium, general parade ground and other important establishments were also inspected to bring out a comprehensive blueprint for the newly created district.

The DC further urged all the HoDs to be very particular about the planning process to avoid unwanted growth of the headquarter in future. He also visited Sangam, the confluence of Siang and Siyom River known for its scenic beauty to develop it into a tourist hotspot. (DIPRO)

Mass plantation drive conducted

PASIGHAT, May 10: A mass plantation drive was jointly conducted by the department of Forest and Environment, Pasighat Division and Friends of Eighties, a social group from Medical Charali to Sibo Korong bridge, here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, DFO, Tabang Jamoh appealed to all to select a site for carrying out plantation in and around the township. Expressing hope that organizing such plantation drive will inspire others to take up tree plantation in a massive manner, he further informed that the department of forest will be providing free saplings to support the initiative.

Forest Range Officer, Jummo Geyi along with his staff supervised the plantation drive. (DIPRO)

VHSNC training begins

ZIRO, May 10: A village health sanitation & nutrition committee (VHSNC) training for PRI members, AWWs, ASHAs and other health workers began here at the G.H seminar hall on Tuesday.

The programme was inaugurated by Lower Subansiri DC, Kemo Lollen amidst the presence of DMO, DRCHO and UNICEF, SO, Dr. Shohdeb Bogani.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC stressed on the participation of AWWs, PRI members, ASHAs and ANMs at community level to strengthen health status at village level. The DC assured all possible assistance in terms of vehicle requisition, minor instruments, repairs etc.

DMO, Dr. Moli Riba also said that the integrated training is based on community needs assessment approach (CNAA) which is very useful for planning and implementation of any government programme to improve services to the people. DRCHO Dr. Derin Likar also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

Fishing prohibited

ZIRO, May 10: The District Magistrate (DM) of Lower Subansiri Kemo Lollen in an executive order has prohibited all forms of fishing in the rivers, streams, reservoirs and all other natural water bodies of Lowr Subansiri district.

The order will remain effect for five months from May, 2016.

Violator would be penalized under Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Act, 2009 and other penal laws.

The order has been issued to save the adult fish stock as well as young and baby fishes from being killed during the breeding period. DIPRO

Lack of knowledge on Zoonoses may pose threat to human health

[ M S. Baruah ]

Zoonoses are defined as diseases and infections that can be directly or indirectly transmitted from wild or domestic animals to humans. Of the 1,461 diseases recognized in humans, approximately 60 per cent are caused by pathogens classified as zoonotic on the basis of their ability to move across species lines. Over the past 30 years, approximately 75 per cent of new emerging infectious diseases have been zoonotic.

In the recent threat of outbreaks of diseases of wildlife and livestock origin to the human being, such as Hendra virus in Australia, Ebola virus in West Africa and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona virus in the Arabian Peninsula forced the researchers and public health workers to rethink whether the information and knowledge available till now on those zoonosis is sufficient to cope with those upcoming diseases or not?

Though the animals are the major source of many emerging diseases but still animal health is not taken so seriously until it creates impacts on human health and by that way we are missing the chance of managing the diseases at its source.

The bionetwork of various infectious organisms of wildlife and livestock are very complex and many new things are yet to be discovered in this field. Numerous emerging disease outbreaks of humans can be managed by preventing these diseases in livestock as well as in wild animals. This approach must also include how the diseases are changed over the time and geographic region. But till now, we know less about many infectious diseases of livestock and wildlife origin.

For instance Hendra virus (HeV) infection is an emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both infected horses and humans. The natural host of the virus has been identified as fruit bats of the pteropodidae family of genuspteropus. Virus is transmitted between bats and horses and factors influencing its transmission are still under doubt among the researchers.

Mild influenza-like illness to fatal respiratory or neurological disease can be observed in Hendra virus infection in humans. This disease is of an important emerging disease as there is no direct vaccine and treatment for either humans or animals except intensive supportive care.

Similarly, the recent threat to human health, the Ebola virus disease (EVD) is thought to be also transmitted by fruit bats of the pteropodidae family, which are later proved to be the natural host of Ebola virus. This virus become zoonotic through close contact of human and animals with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines those were ill or dead in the rainforest. After that it spreads among humans via direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.

Other diseases like, avian influenza (bird flu), swine flu and bovine tuberculosis were also found to have a strong association between animals and human beings. Avian influenza or bird flu refers to influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds. Highly pathogenic strains spread quickly among flocks and can destroy a flock within 28 hours; the less pathogenic strains may affect in egg production.

It is unusual for human being to get these infections directly from animals, but certain avian influenza A viruses can cause sporadic human infections and this may be a result of either handling dead infected birds or from contact with infected fluids and droppings.

There is currently a large threat of this disease in Asia due to unhygienic and close human habited poultry rearing conditions. Although, it is easy for humans to acquire the infection from birds but human-to-human transmission is more difficult without prolonged contact.

Another important disease is swine influenza, which is very common among the swine populations. It is very occasionally reported about the direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans. And, if transmission occurs it does not always lead to human flu, except production of antibodies in the blood. If the transmission occurs at all then it is termed as zoonotic swine flu. But regular exposure to pigs increases the risk of swine flu infection in human beings.

Therefore, strict surveillance for new influenza virus strains along with vaccination of personal frequently associated with swine populations will be an important public health protection measure. Veterinarians and meat processing workers are though in a state of hazardous condition for the infection but risk also associated with the farm workers and livestock farmers. Though the bovine tuberculosis is a common and little bit old zoonotic disease but its importance can’t be neglected till today. The causative agent of bovine tuberculosis is Mycobacterium bovis is generally transmitted to humans’ populations through infected milk, although it can also spread via aerosol droplets. Though this disease is almost controlled or rare in developed countries mainly because of habit of consumption of pasteurized milk which kills most bacteria the risk is still persist in developing countries where pasteurisation is not routine. For that reasons in developing countries M. bovis associated human tuberculosis is relatively common.

Therefore, knowledge about the diseases shared between wildlife, livestock and human being is must to minimize the occurrence of epidemics among human populations. (The author is Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Animal Science), KVK, West Siang ICAR RC for NEH Region)

Editorial

All eyes on SC

The politic crisis in Uttarakhand is nearing end with the completion of floor test on Tuesday under the watchful eyes of Supreme Court of India. The process of voting on the trust motion started at 11 this morning and was completed in about an hour. Former Chief Minister, Harish Rawat moved the confidence motion in the Assembly and all the 62 members of the Assembly present in the House took part in the voting process. The whole proceeding has been video-graphed and result has been sent to SC, which will declare it tomorrow.

While Congress claims victory, the BJP stated that even though they might have lost in number count, they have scored moral victory. But in the hindsight if indeed Congress manages to win the floor test it will be serious setback for the BJP. Party has put their prestige at stake while trying to topple the Harish Rawat government. During the political tussle Congress alleged that BJP used all sort of dirty tricks including luring MLAs with money and also trying to intimidate them. President's Rule was imposed in the state just one day before trust vote was supposed to take place. Congress cried foul saying BJP has destroyed democratic set up by illegally imposing president rule. The Uttarakhand High Court on April 21 last quashed President's Rule. Since then battle has been ranging on at SC. The political crisis started in the month of March when nine rebel Congress MLAs along with BJP voted against Congress government during vote on appropriation bill. Since then the fight has escalated and its ripple is being felt in national capital too. Congress has repeatedly disrupted functioning of parliament over Uttarakhand issue. For now Congress is claiming victory but result will be known only tomorrow. Till then the whole country will be keeping an eye on SC.

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Readers’ Forum

India’s disaster management and preparedness

Dear Editor,

The wildfire rampages in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; fire accident in a temple in Kerala or the recent collapse of a flyover in WB or the massive floods in Chennai or Kashmir clearly indicates that none of the Indian state government has either the capability or capacity to respond to natural and anthropogenic disasters in time. Hence it is important to stop throwing stones at one another and reflect back into the disaster situations from an unbiased and people friendly perspective. Both the Central and State governments need to seriously think about this and develop comprehensive plan to be able to respond to such disasters in time to save precious lives, properties and natural resources.

It seems that without the support of the highly trained personnel of the army, navy or air force; the state police personnel, forest staffs or state based disaster response teams are good for nothing.

They do not have the high level training, tools and related resources and lack any comprehensive planning to respond to any such disaster situations.

It is not easy to raise an efficient state disaster response team as there is substantial need for huge funding, skilled personnel as well as high level training to achieve that.

Since the armed forces of India are one of the best in the world it is better to involve them more actively under such circumstances to do the needful rather than wasting time applying useless state based resources and personnel. More command centers and response teams of the army, air force and navy established across the nation in strategic contact points in close coordination with Central, State and Union Territory administrations could be a much better solution to resolve this. The armed forces and paramilitary units could thus become a good source of employment for the nation as they will need additional personnel to meet these internal demands. It is better to employ the best people in the service rather than depending on poorly trained and incapable individuals to handle crisis situations across the country.

Yours,

Saikat Kumar Basu

Canada

Exploitative system

Dear Editor,

In politics, geopolitics is the biggest tool of organisation of human societies and humanity.

People belonging to ruling party monopolising common public resources and prosper, and people from opposition party suffer with least accessibility to it.

These utterly exploitative and inhumane politico-socio-economic system and practices has been seriously unsustainable and disharmonious for healthy existence and progress of humanity.

Greatest innovations will have to be thought about in these realms so that resources of the societies/ nations are distributed and enjoyed by everyone in an equitable manner.

Whether people belong to ruling or opposition party, people after all are citizen of the same nation and a member of globalised humanity and as such deserve equitable share of resources.

Disparity, inequality in distribution and enjoyment of resources has been the biggest sole reason of myriad problems with human societies and humanity. Collective effort by every member of humanity to optimise consumption of resources and sharing the extra resources with others in an philanthropic manner will almost root out most of the major problems of humanity forever.

Yours,

Tagam Mibang