Logjam in Courts as Govt yet to pay empanelled lawyers
[ Appu Gapak ]
ITANAGAR, May 12: The state government has not been able to clear the payments due to lawyers who appear as Public prosecutors, State Defence Council and Amicus-Curie.
With no regular Public Prosecutor, Special Public Prosecutor and Additional Public Prosecutor in the state, Presiding Officer of a court appoints from the District Panel Lawyers on case wise basis. However, the lawyers have been resenting delay in the payment of their legal fees and Bar Associations in the districts have boycotted court appearances in protest.
“We have been conducting government trials on credit,” says advocate Tonning Pertin. He is an empanelled lawyer with East Siang district.
Pertin is also the president of East Siang District Bar Association (ESDBA) which is boycotting conduct of trials as Public prosecutor, State Defence Council and Amicus-Curie in the Court of Addl. District & Session Judge and the Chief Judicial Magistrate at Pasighat since May 2 last demanding clearance of the outstanding legal fees. The boycott on Thursday entered its 10th day.
“Many of us have not been paid for the last 3-4 years,” the ESBA president shared.
“Some amount was paid to the advocates belonging to Upper Siang district but not a single penny was paid to the lawyers working in East Siang district,” he informed adding that there has been no response till now from the government side. The association had written to the government about clearing off the pending bills last year which also went unfulfilled.
“This time we are not going back. This movement will carry on till our demand is fulfilled,” he declared.
His association blames the Principal Home Secretary for the negligence and has written to the Governor and chief minister in this regard.
“Cases will be left pending if they do not heed to our demands. They will have to then bring lawyers from outside to clear off the cases. How will they make the payments to them when they cannot even pay us?” mocked president ESBA.
This is not the story of only East Siang lawyers. Lawyers in other districts have also been facing similar problems.
East Kameng District Bar Association, frustrated with the pending bills did not attend government legal proceedings on April 20 and 21 as a mark of protest.
“We are pursuing the matter but there has been no response from the government so far,” said president EKDBA Bimon Sonam.
Advocate Khamu Desisow of Bomdila who also holds the post of president, Additional District & Session Court Bomdila, Bar Association informed that the association is also gearing up for protest in a similar line.
“We never get the amount we are supposed to receive. Recently, we received Rs seven lakhs only but that is not enough since there are still 3-4 years pending bills to be cleared,” he shared.
“With only few empanelled lawyers, we have to attend to cases almost every day. There is no respite. And the situation becomes worse when the payment is not cleared,” said T L Sorum, president of Upper Subansiri District Bar Association.
Apart from the glitches that the judiciary is facing or is going to face with the prevailing situation, it has been learnt that cases registered under prevention of corruption Act in the state are being kept pending for the want of special Public Prosecutor.
“The cases under this category have to be taken up with the help of special public prosecutor which is yet to be appointed by the state government,” shared Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Member Secretary Budhi Habung.
SC stays resignation of Wangsu and Sawin
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 12: The Supreme Court of India has passed stay order on the resignation matter of two MLAs Gabriel D Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin. Hearing the review petition filed by the duo, the apex court while passing status quo, listed the matter for 11th July 2016. With this order, in all probability that the bye-election to Kanubari assembly constituency, which is to be held on 16th of this month, will not take place.
Tony Pertin, the advocate for the petitioners have written to Chief Election Commissioner to withdraw the notification issued for 58 Kanubari by-election keeping in mind the order passed by SC.
The Kanubari and Khonsa East assembly constituencies had fallen vacant after the resignation of MLAs Gabriel Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin. Their resignation was accepted by previous speaker Nabam Rebia in a controversial circumstance. The two had alleged that they were made to resign under duress and had written to Governor seeking his intervention. They took the matter to court and have been fighting a lengthy court battle. Earlier in February this year, Supreme Court had upheld a Gauhati High Court judgment dismissing the plea of Sawin and Gabriel, who had challenged the Speaker’s decision to accept their resignation. Even though the two had rebelled against former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and is part of the ruling camp, with passing of this order they continuous to remain Congress MLAs. With this, the strength of Congress has risen to 17 in the present assembly.
AAPSU rejects govt enquiries into Tawang firing
ITANAGAR, May 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union has rejected the state government’s enquiry committees into the Tawang firing incident.
The state government had constituted two separate committees headed by a Commissioner and a local ADC for enquiring into the Tawang police firing, which left two dead on May 2.
In a release, AAPSU general secretary, Biru Nasi stated, ‘We cannot expect an independent report by these committees since they are directly controlled by the State Govt. and we cannot rule out the possibility of political involvement in the incident’.
‘We must ensure that such tragedies do not occur in future, therefore in order to avert such incidents in future, the culprits need to be punished which will also ensure justice to the victims’, added Nasi.
Further reiterating the AAPSU demand for CBI enquiry, the release added that enquiry committees set up by state government will not yield any satisfactory outcome.
The union will submit representations regarding the Tawang firing to the National Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International.
Police nabs wanted criminal
Correspondent
Jairampur, May 12: A hardcore criminal, Thinsam Mossang, 22, who was wanted in many cases of extortion, cheating and burglary, was apprehended by Jairmapur police on May 11.
Acting on a tip off, a police team led by OC T Wangpan rushed to Tower Colony and chased the culprit fleeing from the scene. The criminal got stuck in a marshy area behind the Jairampur Baptist Church and OC Wangpan reached the spot and a furious fight ensued where the Officer’s hand was bitten by the escaping criminal. However, the OC kept the culprit grounded until his team arrived and arrested the criminal.
Earlier, Mossang posing as a NSCN cadre from Manipur with a fake gun made of wood demanded Rs.75000 from some houses at Tower Colony.
Mossang hails from Longman village and was out in bail from an extortion case. He is also a prime suspect in many cases of extortion, cheating and theft.
In another case, OC T Wangpan and his team arrested two drugs peddlers from Terik Nagar, Jairampur and recovered 12 grams brown sugar from them. According to police, Shristi @ Horu is from 17 Miles and Raj @ Mongseng Munglang is from Lulang village under Bordumsa circle. Both have been booked under case no 5/16 US 22 NDPS Act.
Fire demolish 36 shops at Pasighat bazaar
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, May 12: A devastating fire which broke out at Pasighat bazaar on Wednesday midnight has burnt down 36 shops and 8 residential houses. No casualty has been reported so far.
The midnight inferno broke out at around 11.30 PM and engulfed adjoining houses between Oman Complex and Balaji mandir within a moment. Besides burning down materials and properties, it also damaged large portion of nearby RCC building of Oman market complex. The cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained. Reportedly, two fire tenders-one from Pasghat police and another from Jonai (Assam) were pressed into service that doused the fire with the help of local residents.
Pasighat police has registered a case (No. 19/2016, U/S- 436 IPC) and started investigation into the mysterious fire mishap. This year it is the third major fire accident to hit Pasighat urban area. Massive fire on January 27 last had gutted down 67 shops at Pasighat market besides partially damaging attached fruit and vegetable markets. Another devastating fire broke out in Daying Ering Memorial Hr. Sec School in early January.
Last year too, massive fire burnt down 37 shops at main market and incurred heavy loss to the businessmen. The repeated fire mishaps in Pasighat Township, which are said to be mysterious in nature is worrying the local people. They have demanded the administration to institute proper inquiry into the incidents.
Meanwhile East Siang Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Zilla Parishad Chairperson visited the spot and took stock of the situation. They are also monitoring the assessment of actual loss and damage caused by the fire.
Meanwhile local MLA Kaling Moyong has expressed deep shock at the unfortunate incident and informed that he has already taken up the matter with Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.(With input from DIPRO)
Labour office inaugurated by a carpenter
[ Karda Natam ]
DAPORIJO, May 12: The new building of the District Labour and Employment Office was inaugurated by Sardik Raji, a PWD carpenter near DC Office, Daporijo on Wednesday.
Addressing the function, District Labour and Employment Officer, Jumni Ligu informed that the representatives of labour community were invited to inaugurate the building in honour and recognition of the service of the labour community.
Many labourers working in different departments from both govt. departments and private were recognized for their outstanding performance and felicitated with commendation certificate as encouragement. Among others, Dekio Dai, Shatya Prasad, Rupeshwar Hazarika and Rahul Amin were given commendation certificate for their sincere and dedicated work.
Peon at GHSS Daporijo, Tato Bage and Sweeper Ram Juwary were also the guests at the function.
District Planning Officer, Shame Timba called on the labourers present to work dedicatedly.
Pul honours NEFA Councillor Nabam Rungkhi
ITANAGAR May 12: Nabam Rungkhi, the former Pradesh Councillor of NEFA, also known as the person behind making Itanagar, the state capital was honoured by the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh in a public meeting at Jote on Thursday.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul handed over a new Vehicle to Rungkhi in recognition of his selfless contribution towards making Itanagar the state capital. CM further announced to provide a Govt Bungalow to him and his family in the state capital in honour of his service for the state and provide a govt scheme specifically in his name to his family. He also contributed his two months’ salary.
Pul said, “I salute him for the contribution made by him in making Itanagar the capital of the state.”
It was Nabam Rungkhi, the Pradesh Councillor of NEFA who convinced the then Governor of Assam, B K Nehru to make Itanagar as the capital of the state. He carried Bricks collected from the Itafort on his Narah (local bag) all the way from Itanagar to Shillong to proved that Itanagar is an important historical place and worthy to be made as capital.
Speaking on various developmental projects of national importance like National Institute of Technology, National Film and Television Institute, Jarbom Gamlin Govt Law College, Art & Culture Centre, Govt Women College at Jote Chief Minister assured to continue these projects and as well as promote Bamboo Mission at Poma.
While lauding them for donating land for the good cause, he said, “this is not only a contribution towards the state but towards the nation”. He however called upon them not to encroach the land once it is donated to the govt for project and to properly demarcate the donated area.
Responding to the demand of the people, Chief Minister assured for re-carpeting of the Itanagar to Jote road over a short period of time. As the area would be a major tourist hot spot in future, he also said that Itanagar-Jote-Balijan-Seijosa Road would be widened into 2-lane roads in future as a long term plan of the govt.
Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo has urged the people to take up the animal husbandry, horticultural and agricultural activities for improving their living standards and economic conditions.
Highlighting the importance of these sectors, Dolo said these are the activities, where people could make money. However, he regretted that while ignoring the importance of these sectors, our people are running after the petty govt contract works and white collar jobs.
Lauding the people for donating land free of cost to the NIT, Deputy CM said once the project gets completed, it would benefit the local people in terms of employment and business opportunities.
Former MLA Ngurang Pinch, Director of NIT C T Bhunia, prominent public leader of the area Taba Tahe also spoke on the occasion.
AACWA apologises to govt, Dolo warns stern action against bandh
ITANAGAR, May 12: The executive members of All Arunachal Pradesh Contractors Association (AACWA) headed by its President Takam Padu has reportedly tendered unconditional apology to the state Government for calling 12 hrs capital bandh on May 2 last in connection with its demand for lifting of ban from treasury transaction and banks.
In an official release, the office of deputy chief minister Kameng Dolo made this disclosure. AAWCA executive members along with its president apologized before Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo in his office on Thursday in presence of BJP, National Executive Member, Tame Phassang and Itanagar Municipal Councillor, Gora Lotak.
Extending their thanks to the state Government for lifting of ban from the banks and treasuries, AACWA President Padu clarified that due to communication gap between state Government and Association, they sponsored 12 hours capital bandh to draw the government’s attention.
“We express regret and apologize to the state government for the Bandh,” Padu said maintaining that bandh was called without any dubious intention.
Padu assured that AACWA would extend cooperation to the state government’s developmental initiative in the interest of the state and pledged his commitment to work in tandem with the state government without resorting to any unlawful activities.
Appreciating the decision of AACWA, Deputy Chief Minister, Dolo said treasury operation was temporarily suspended except drawing of salary and wages for its prudent financial management and is a normal practice during the month of April and May in every financial year as a method of reconciliation of accounts carried by AG Office.
Reminding them of ill effect of Bandh Culture, Dolo said due to bandhs marginalized and poor sections of society are at receiving ends. It particularly hit hard the daily wage earners, whose livelihood depends on it.
He further said Bandh Culture causes feeling of insecurity among public, disrupts daily supply of essential item and also damages the public and private properties. He added that sometime it leads to unpleasant law and order situation resulting in loss of life and economic losses to the state. While warning stern action against the bandh callers, Deputy Chief Minister made it clear that state government will apply all means to maintain public order in the state. He said it is essential to maintain peace and tranquility in the interest of economic growth of the state and its people.
Public demands action against BRO
ITANAGAR, May 12: At a time when centre and the state govts are giving top priority to road connectivity in remote and inaccessible places, the road between Rego and Karte village under Mechukha circle has a different story to tell as the residents have registered their strong dissatisfaction at the lack of quality work.
Being carried out by the 1443-BCC, Border Road Organization (BRO), the road is the lifeline of people of Mechukha sub-division.
However, the poor quality of works by the BRO has reportedly made it difficult for the commuters.
“Due to poor quality of works, black top have come off the roads even in main stretches between Rego to Karte village,” said Tanil Komi, a resident and former ASM of the area.
While expressing his disappointment over the way in which the road was being repaired/maintained in the area, Komi, said that the low standard work was not only causing huge financial losses to the govt exchequer but also hampering the inflow of tourists to the picturesque valley as nobody wants to travel in such bad roads.
Komi appealed the state govt to look into the matter and direct upon the BRO authorities to avoid such discrepancies.
Meanwhile, in this regard the residents have lodged a joint complaint with the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mechukha against 1443-BCC, BRO for allegedly maintaining poor quality of work.
Complaint letter signed by GBs, PRI leaders and residents strongly demanded the ADC to immediately constitute a vigilance committee for spot verification.
Besides, it also requested the ADC to issue a direction to concerned BRO authorities to immediately reconstruct the work while maintaining the quality of work.
High intensity cyclone hits Singwan village
Jairampur, May 12: A high intensity cyclone wreaked havoc at Singwan village under Manmao circle of Changlang district on Wednesday evening.
Reportedly, a lady was injured, six houses completely damaged and six houses partially damaged.
Jairampur ADC, Kento Riba who took stock of the cyclone hit area on Thursday informed that there are 15 dwelling houses in the village which is 8 kms from Manmao circle headquarters and 43 kms from Jairampur. As an immediate relief measure, the ADC handed over Rs.3000 each to the families
whose houses were completely damaged and Rs.2000 each to the families who houses were partially damaged. Around 10 quintals of rice, mineral water bottles and other edibles were also given to the affected. The Assam Rifles personnel are also helping in carrying out relief and rescue in the village.
A meeting was also held at the village involving panchayat representatives to chalk out a strategy to rebuild the village. A medical team will also be sent on Friday to the village, informed the ADC.
Nurses Day celebrated at Pasighat
Pasighat, May 12: International Nurses’s Day was celebrated at Pasighat.
This year the theme of the celebration is “Nurses: A force for change – Improving Health System Resilience”.
At Pasighat General Hospital, the Schools of Nursing (GNM& ANM) in collaboration with the Nursing staff of hospital management celebrated the day by paying homage to Florence Nightingale.
JDHS Dr. Kabang Lego, while addressing the nursing students appreciated them for choosing nursing as a career.
While appreciating the improvement in the Nursing Schools, Dr. Lego hoped said that all should be ready to change for good. Though hard pressed all have to work with commitment and dedication, he urged.
DMO Dr. Mandip Perme said that the nurses are well trained and educated for maintaining health and wellness of the patients. They should have willingness to improve and learn and be able to fulfill the demands, he said.
Dr. Yater R. Darang said that Nursing is inseparable part of health services and advised the students to be sincere and dedicated not only in their studies but in their whole life.
Principal, GSN(GNM) Natel Jamoh and Principal, ANM School of Nursing, HTRC, Pasighat Bamin Yaje, while highlighting the significance of the day informed that it is for the first time that GNM and ANM students are celebrating the Lamp Lighting and Pledge Taking ceremony together.
The lamp lighting ceremony is a special event in every nurse’s life in reverence to Florence Nightingale. This ceremony initiates the students into the noble profession of nursing, they added.
Earlier the pledge was administered to the students by Y. Zirdo , Matron, Abinam Tagi, Sister Tutor, Ringam Ngomle, Nursing Staff and Yamem Taying, student (GNM) elaborated the importance of the day and highlighted the challenges of the nurses. DIPRO
Exam rescheduled
ITANAGAR, May 12: The Rajiv Gandhi University has rescheduled B.A./B.Sc III year examination (annual system) from May 16 to May 21 due to administrative reasons. This was informed by university authorities.
3 INC ZPMs merges with PPA
ITANAGAR, May 12: Three INC Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) of Tirap district, namely, Sontung Bangsia-Kola Lamsa Anchal block, Lengang Lowang-Khonsa Anchal block and Ngamche Kamhoa-Dadan Anchal block have merged into People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA).
The formal merger ceremony of the INC ZPMs was held at PPA party office, Naharlagun recetly.
Approach roads to Abotani Colony Bridge closed
ITANAGAR, May 12: The approach roads to the bridge at Abotani colony, Itanagar would remain closed from May 14 to 30. A traffic advisory from the district administration informed that the PWD would be constructing the approach road of the bridge and will be closed for providing curing/setting time.
Accordingly, road from F-sector bridge point to Niti Vihar Tri- Junction and NH- 415 near ANSU office to Abotani Bridge point i.e, road from E- Sector shall remain closed. However, the road from Div-IV area to backside of HCM Bungalow may be used as an alternative road, added the advisory. DIPRO
ACS seeks action
ITANAGAR, May 12: Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has requested the concern authority to take necessary action against the cable operators and agencies that are damaging the Yazali- Ziro road. The road has been damaged in several stretches due to the improper laying of the cable wires, it said while seeking action against the defaulters.
Sagaleee’s Swaach Bharat Abhiyan
ITANAGAR, May 12: The shopkeepers and public of Sagalee Town has conducted a social service on May 12 under “Swaach Bharat Abhiyan” organized by District Urban Development Agency. ADC Sagalee Jalash Pertin has emphasized on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within the township area.
The shopkeepers were advised to keep all the drainages clog-free for easy flow of rain water.
The “Swaach Bharat Abhiyan” will be conducted every second week of the month to keep the Township clean and hygienic, the ADC informed.
Tirap District Cooperative Union meet
ITANAGAR, May 12: Tirap district cooperative union meeting was held at Khonsa on Thursday under the aegis of State Cooperative Union, Naharlagun.
Addressing a huge gathering, Chief Executive Officer of State Cooperative Union, Naharlagun, Goto Nyorak urged the participants to create awareness among the people by conducting seminars and workshops.
He informed that the state cooperative union was engaged in many useful activities for the people, especially the poor and the needy including organizing training, seminars, workshops and other ventures in order to improve the economic condition of all the stakeholders. He said that cooperative unions in 13 districts were functioning actively and added that more cooperative unions must be formed in the circles so that more people were benefited from the cooperative movement.
Education Officer, Kenrik Riba reviewed the activities of the cooperative unions in various places and highlighted the evolution of cooperative movement.
She informed that the cooperative sector was started with an aim to alleviate poverty and cooperative unions came into being for the welfare of the poor and the marginalized sections of the society.
Senior Inspector of Cooperative Society, Uday Chowdhury spoke on importance of books and records and audit.
Khonsa Apex Bank Branch Manager, Tawang Lowang spoke on Kishan credit card and urged the people to avail benefit out of central schemes.
Earlier, ARCS and in charge of DRCS, Tirap, M. Riba urged the members to revive the defunct Tirap district cooperative union adding that a defunct cooperative union affected the smooth functioning of the sister unions in other districts of the state. He also threw light on the role of district cooperative union and importance of executive bodies. Later, the Board of Directors and Chairperson of district cooperative union was constituted.
DC visits training at prog. hospital
ZIRO, May 12: Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen monitored and participated on the third day of training of Village Health Sanitation & Nutrition Committee at General Hospital on Thursday.
The DC interacted with the trainees and the health workers and exhorted them to work with dedication for the good health of the society.
Later while inspecting the hospital complex, he was informed by DMO Dr. Moli Riba that the compound wall of the hospital would be demolished as part of the ongoing road widening work in Ziro. The DC assured to provide funds for its reconstruction. DIPRO
APWWS, AWAZ hails Kampu and Chajat’s success
ITANAGAR, May 12: Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society said that success stories of Duyu Kampu and Chajat Lowang who has cracked the UPSC Civil Service Examination 2015 has not only brought laurel to the state but it has inspired other girls to chase their dreams.
APWWS also congratulated Tina Dabi, who topped the list of successful candidates.
Its chairperson Gumri Ringu said that despite challenges faced by the girl child in the society, the young ladies have proved that with hard work and determination, one can achieve the set goals.
Apatani Women Association (AWAZ), Ziro, a community based NGO of Apatani Women has congratulated the Duyu Kampu and C. Lowang for cracking the UPSC Civil Service Examination 2015.
AWAZ also appreciated the contribution of the parents of both the achievers.
Duyu Yakang, mother of Kampu is a senior nurse at Tomo Riba State Hospital and has set an exemplary role for all parents, who took a prime role in shaping a success story, said a statement.
AWAZ in a message to the students said that everybody is not born talented but through hard work and sincerity, one can achieve the goal in any given field of choice.
AWAZ also congratulated Tina Dabi who is the UPSC topper in the country and for raising the pride of all women in the country. We bask in her glory and share the joy and happiness, it said.
Training on use of pesticides and weedicides
AALO, May 12: A training programme as part of awareness campaign on use of Pesticides and Weedicides was launched at Kombo-Mobuk under West Siang on May 10 by the Agriculture department.
West Siang DAO, Tomi Basar explained in detail about the chemical hazards of excessive use of weedicides and pesticides in the WRC fields. ADOs, Yompe Ado and Jumdo Jini spoke about the ill effects of chemical/pesticides and advantages of organic farming for sustainable agriculture.
Chairperson Anchal Samiti, Gokar Diyum appealed all participants for sustainable use of natural resources.
In the interactive session, feedbacks were taken from the farmers and GB Minkar Diyum, Lijum Diyum, Karnya Ado, Dagmo Lollen and many others spoke and expressed their views on uses of pesticides and weedicides in WRC fields in Bor, Yidum and Hip villages. The farmers agreed to use pesticides and insecticides judiciously and urged the department to give them training on proper use of chemicals. Accordingly, a demonstration was convened in the fields. DIPRO
Skill development training
JAIRAMPUR, May 12: A month long skill development training programme on Computer Desktop Publishing activities conducted by R.K. Mossang Memorial Society commenced at Elementary Residential School, New Khamdu Village, Jairampur under Changlang on May 1. A total of 30 unemployed youths are participating in the programme sponsored by Small Industries Development Bank of India, Itanagar.
Workers seeks security
ITANAGAR, May 12: The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has called for cancelling the tender system in Arunachal house, New Delhi, and including the fourth grade workers in the state government service.
In its representation submitted to the chief minister, it said that only the firm engaged for the services in Arunachal house is getting benefits from it while there is no security for the workers who have been working for more than 10 years.
Environmental awareness camp
ITANAGAR, May 12: Altogether 150 people participated in an awareness camp on conservation of forest and protection of wild life conducted by Rural Development Society, District Branch Kurung Kumey/Kra Daadi in collaboration with Divisional Forest Officer Kurung Kumey Forest Division on May 10 last. The day also saw planting of ornamental trees in and around 50 Bedded Hospital in Palin.
Kurung Kumey DFO Gyamar Nima speaking as resource person appealed to the participants to abstain from hunting wild animals and fishing with destructive substances. He also informed about the punishment framed for the violators enshrined under Indian Forest Act 1972.
Kurung Kumey DC Habung Donyi also spoke on the occasion.
