May 16
2016
NAPM writes to NHRC on Tawang firing, seeks independent committee
ITANAGAR, May 15: National Alliance of People’s Movements(NAPM) has written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on alleged violation of human rights in the case of Tawang firing by police personnel on May 2, leaving two people dead including one young Monk and around 10 injured.
The letter, dated May 6 requested the Chairperson to constitute an independent expert committee and send them to Tawang valley for investigation of the whole incident including role of police officials and politicians.
It further called for a permanent commission to monitor the alleged violation of human rights in hydro power projects throughout the country and be a mandatory party of all the public hearings held to do social and environmental impact assessment required for these projects.
On May 02, two people were killed and many injured, while protesting against the arrest of Lama Lobsang Gyatso, one of the most vocal opponents of hydropower projects in Tawang. “Our experience 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, earthquake prone regions or in densely populated areas, displacing massive populations” it said.
“ In North East 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 Himalayan region needs a thorough examination keeping in mind the people’s interest first, until then put a moratorium on the planned projects”, the letter to the NHRC read.
The signatories include Medha Patkar, Madhuresh Kumar, Bilal Khan, Vimal Bhai and Amit Kumar.
Citizens restore Nyorak-Nikte road
AALO, May 15: The Nyorak-Nikte road passing through new Kodum circle with a stretch of 24 km from Bame to Wak-Yomcha main road has been restored on self-help basis by the people of the locality facilitating plying of light vehicles.
Besides the people from Nyorak Raakte, Pushi Nyorak, Pidi Rime and Ubu Bango, the 5 days massive social service from May 10 drew overwhelming response from the district administration, local leaders, women and volunteers from other areas too with material and financial supports.
West Siang Deputy Commissioner Pige along with the Superintendent of Police, Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Commandant, ITBP and HODs of the district visited the area to encourage them on May 14.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Ligu lauded the people for such initiative. This road can be an alternative road after construction of Trans Arunachal Highway kicks off shortly, Ligu said and suggested WSTHMC to take up the matter of widening of the road and construction of culverts in strategic locations during the proposed meeting with DCM and PWD Minister.
He appealed to the people to maintain unity they have shown during the social service in future too and settle petty local disputes at village level.
ASM Nyorak Bumgum disclosed that this was the fifth time such social service on that road has been conducted.
Deputy Director Urban Development & Housing Marconi Potom, PWD division Aalo, ITBP and APP Bn Jawans were also involved in the social service.
Those who contributed for the social service included MLAs Jarkar Gamlin, PD Sona, District Administration, Kanya Bagra, Retired EE Nyajum Padu, Ubu ZPM Yomgi Ori, among others. DIPRO
Govt. sanctions Rs. 67 Cr. for revamping water supply in Capital Complex
ITANAGAR, May 15: In view of the hardships faced by the capital dwellers, the State Government has taken up an ambitious project to revamp and overhaul the entire water supply network in capital complex region which will include augmentation of water supply by tapping various sources in addition to existing ones.
The project will also include extension and re-alignment of pipelines, construction of water filling centres, boring of deep tube wells in various constrained areas besides providing water tankers to mitigate the problem of water shortage during lean season and system breakdowns. Areas like Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli, Ganga village, Poma, Lekhi, Damsite, ISBT will benefit from this project, for which the State Government has sanctioned Rs. 67 Crores.
The Department of PHE & WS, which will implement the project, will also take up comprehensive measures for improvement of the distribution network in sectors.
As most of the existing water supply lines in the capital complex area are more than 30 years old, they need urgent repairing, replacement and maintenance. In addition to revamping the water supply network, it will introduce reform initiative of installing meter system for institutions and offices on pilot basis and also taking up rooftop rainwater harvesting and overhead water tanks. Considering the frequent occurrence of fire accidents in the twin capital, fire hydrants will also be installed in strategic locations across the city in populated area and in schools & colleges.
Continuing its people friendly and active welfare interventions, the State government with the initiative of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, Minister PHE & WS Lombo Tayeng and Parliamentary Secretary PHE & WS Alo Libang, has taken up the issue of the shortage of drinking water supply infrastructure in the Capital Complex area.
Governor extends financial help to patient
ITANAGAR, May 15: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa, after he was deeply moved by the condition of ailing Geba Ango of Eyi village under Aalo circle, who has been suffering from chronic kidney failure (Stage-IV) for the last nine months, has provided financial assistance for treatment of the patient.
The Governor agreed to extend financial help after a team of Nyiko Panggii Society, Itanagar (NPSI) called on him on May 13 and briefed him about the compelling condition of the patient and appealed for financial help for defraying the cost of renal kidney transplantation of the patient.
The Governor took the case as very rare and helpless one, and immediately gave a substantial amount of financial assistance.
He then asked the Society to arrange for the lifesaving transplantation at the earliest.
Father of four, Ango has been surviving on dialysis at the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Itanagar on special care and concession so bestowed upon by the reputed mission hospital. He is now currently shifted to Dispur Hospital, Dispur, Assam for advance treatment.
His situation is such that although his family members and relatives are ready to donate a healthy kidney for him, the family is economically too poor to afford the pre and post transplantation process cost that normally comes to lakhs of rupees, the NPSI said. The society hoped the blessing of the governor would definitely give new lease of life to the patient.
Green Pioneers organize donation camp for Simte
ITANAGAR, May 15: In a brilliant example of charity, the members of Green Pioneers in collaboration with the Royal Flush band on Sunday organised a donation camp at the NE departmental store here to help one Lammuansang Simte, who has been suffering from acute liver problem.
While the Royal Flush band through their gig, acted as a crowd puller and continued to enthrall the audience, at the same time people from all walks of life came forward to show their generosity by donating as much as they could.
The total donation the GPs collected including today is Rs 2, 50, 077/- while the donation camp at RGU collected Rs. 1, 15, 348/-. Arunachal Vivekananda Yuva Shakti who also had organized a similar camp collected Rs 20, 190 for Simte.
The amount may it be less or huge, the affection and care showed by the citizens was laudable as people from all walks of life got their names registered in the donation list.
Kids, students, young, old, government officials, senior citizens, unemployed etc all came forward with their share of help as some even did not wanted to be named in terms of their contribution, not to forget the donations pouring in from outside of state.
The camp was a follow up of several other donation camps already organised by the Green Pioneers. Similar donation camps were also organised by the first year students of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) on May 9 and 10 last at the university premises and Doimukh to help Simte.
Initiated by the Green Pioneers, the donation camp was supervised by the students who are also Simte’s elder sister’s friends. The students sat for the camp right after giving their examinations, hence setting up a perfect example of friendship.
It was 2011, when Simte who belongs to Limeking village in Daporijo was diagnosed with severe liver problem. Simte had already lost his father and his mother Yayi Simte has been taking care of him and his two sisters.
As Simte’s health deteriorated, he was taken to the International Hospital, Guwahati and that was where it was found that he needed a liver transplant as almost 50 percent of his liver was already damaged.
Simte even had to leave his school due to the condition he was in.
As Simte’s health worsened and he was admitted in the Tomo Riba State Hospital on April 14 last, and that was when the GPs came forward and started to organize the donations camps. The GPs members had also approached the Governor and Chief Minister for assistance. Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has assured bearing the entire expenses for Simte’s treatment.
When questioned on why the donation camp was still being organized despite CM’s assurance, a Green Pioneer volunteer said, “Yes we have got full assurance from CM Pul for Simte’s treatment and even the Governor has offered to help but as the sanction of funds may take a while, we wanted to make sure that the treatment continues for now with the amount we have collected through donations.”
She also informed that people from all across the state and outside have come forward to help Simte by donating for the noble cause.
Simte, as of now is admitted at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi where he is undergoing treatment.
It is to be mentioned here that the members of Green Pioneers had earlier helped Baby Archim to get her treatment done by collecting donations in a similar way.
ACEAF demands cancellation of functional AEs
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 15: The Arunachal Civil Engineers’ Aspirant Forum (ACEAF) has demanded immediate cancellation of all the functional AEs holding the posts of AE/UPO and to send the posts for direct recruitment through APPSC. It disclosed that as per the documents received through RTI, there are 36 backlog AE posts in PWD, 21 in PHE, 15 in WRD and one in hydropower department.
“Even though there are so many AE/UPO posts which has to be recruited directly, how could they continue with promotion of JE/AUPO to AE/UPO,” the ACEAF president said further claiming that no DPC has been conducted after 2003 by any of the works departments.
The forum has also demanded for strict implementation of RR and AR-74 in all the working engineering departments which mentions that diploma holder cannot be promoted to the post of AE/UPO in any case whatsoever.
The organization further claimed that the state PWD department is using the terminology ‘upgrade’ instead of ‘promotion’ to promote JE to AE, whereas the posts of AE should be up for recruitment.
‘Is it a way to hide the backlog AE posts against direct recruitment’, the forum questioned while pointing out that the 50 percent of the AE recruitment should be through Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
It also sought immediate cancellation of order approved for appointing one Sosar Tamo to the post of AE on deputation to PHE&Ws department.
He is an ITI certificate holder who served as surveyor in RWD from where he was subsequently deputed to UD department as AUPO two years ago. How can an ITI holder become an engineer, the forum said questioning on his appointment to the post. The forum also demanded for immediate revocation of appointment of AE PHED Tana Chiyi claiming it to be illegal.
Claiming that out of the eight vacancies for the post of UPO in the UD department, only four has been put up for direct recruitment while the other four has been kept for waiting list, ACEAF has called for including the four in the waiting list to be included in the upcoming APPSCE for direct recruitment. The association has sought clarification from the UD commissioner in this regard.
“Keeping posts for waiting list is illegitimate in nature. It is against Supreme Court judgment passed in Khyoda Sanjay Vs GoAP, 2009,” said ACEAF president Hura Maming.
“The departments should stop promoting and clear the backlogs first,” vice president Moge Lollen pointed out.
ACEAF has further warned of legal action if the demands are not fulfilled.
“We will go to court if our demands are not fulfilled,” declared the VP.
DC assures to rationalize the posting of teachers
DIRANG, May 15: West Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Sonal Swaroop has assured to rationalize the posting of teachers in various schools in her district.
She said this in a mass meeting conducted at the ADC’s conference hall attended by all the panchayat leaders, public leaders and HoD’s on all the important problems confronting the people and their possible solutions. Among the urgent problems highlighted by the people included shortage of PDS items and teachers and early completion of Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Highway.
Regarding early completion of the important Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Highway, she assured to take up the matter with the appropriate authority at the earliest.
Regarding shortage of PDS items DC informed about the National Food Security Act.
The DC was on a two day visit to Dirang on May 11 and 12 last to have a firsthand knowledge of the nature of the problems and difficulties being confronted by people of Dirang sub-division.
During the two-day visit, the DC visited the Community Health Centre and enquired the problems of the medical staff and the patients followed by visits to Kendriya Vidhyalaya School, Krishi Vighyan Kendra and Regional Sheep Breeding Farm at Sangti and Sharda Mission School at Khasso.
The DC also dwelt on the tourism potentials of the district and appealed people to be tourist friendly and to imbibe the popular concept of Home Stay to attract more tourists in the district.
The following day, Dr Sonal visited the Zenondrong Micro-Hydel, National Research Centre on Yak and the potential Thembang World Heritage Site and held public meeting at Thembang.
AKDDSU demands ouster of DC, declares bandh
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 15: Protesting against the state government for alleged non-fulfillment of their grievances, the All Kra Daadi District Students’ Union (AKDDSU) on Sunday declared a series of agitations with ‘12 hours district bandh’ as its first phase of movement from May 24th 2016. AKDDSU also threatened to launch second and third phase of bandh, if the demands are not fulfilled. AKDDSU is demanding the replacement of Deputy Commissioner Habung Donyi by an IAS officer alleging him of non-performance and inefficiency.
Addressing the media persons here at Press Club, AKDDSU President Gora Rikam informed that the union is calling bandh against the state government for its “sheer negligence and non-responsiveness to its ultimatum”.
Rikam said that the union will continue its agitation until the state government sends an IAS officer as Deputy Commissioner.
The District Students’ Union believes that posting of an IAS officer as DC is only solution to the problems being faced by the district. It also alleged that current DC is working at whims and fancies of few influential politicians rather than for the welfare of entire district.
It also claimed that various projects undergoing in the district including construction of 100 bedded Girls Hostels of Govt Higher Secondary School Chambang and Tali under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan(RMSA) and projects under Multi-Sectoral Development Programe(MSDP) are being undertaken without proper tendering process.
“Surprisingly, no engineers are monitoring the projects undertaken under these schemes, the contractors are doing it by themselves” AKDDSU added.
AKDDSU also raised the issue of unabated encroachment of government lands, quarters and school premise in the district. It also alleged that due to lack of administrative will, the current DC is unable to take action against the encroachers.
Further, the Union blamed the DC for shifting of Community Health Center (CHC) Palin to 50 bedded defunct hospital at Jorung, 3 kilometers off Palin.
Shifting is unnecessary harassment to the common people, as there is no public transportation system at Palin, it said, adding that CHC Palin has been shifted to defunct hospital to accommodate head of departments. The union also alleged that under current DC, various questionable appointments of contingency staff had been made. Further AKDDSU also expressed its solidarity with All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) over Tawang shooting incident.
Cannes to screen ‘1962: My Country Land’
GUWAHATI, May 15: Bringing glory for the Northeast India, Dibrugarh-based filmmaker Chow Partha Borgohain’s feature film ‘1962: My Country Land’ will be showcased at the Cannes International Film Festival on May 18. The film, shot mostly in Arunachal Pradesh, is the first home production of Living Dreams Productions.
Written, cinemato-graphed and directed by Chow Partha Borgohain, ‘1962: My Country Land’ is an English language feature film based on the 1962 Indo-China war. The story revolves around Luitya, an Army Lance Naik who is given the responsibility for mapping along the Indo-China border. While carrying on with his work, Luitya along with his porter lost their way in the rough and unwelcoming terrain until they reached a village. There in the village Luitya met Chan, a Chinese trader with dark secrets and intentions, and the village chief’s daughter Yaka. Luitya found out that the village is neither mentioned in the Indian map and nor in the Chinese map. Fierce conspiracy and conflict started between Luitya and Chan to take over the patch of the land – to include that as an integral part of their nation. What happens next? Can Yaka believe Luitya or she believes Chan?
Talking about the film, Borgohain said, “We shot for 75 days in Tawang and Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh and Sohra in Meghalaya besides a few shots in Guwahati.
I want to continue shooting all my life – there was so much drama, stories of love, comedy and ego-clashes. The production of the film taught me how difficult life is, but how exciting it can be at the same time.”
Starring Aham Sharma, Lhakpa Lepcha, Daniel Shin Han and Ketholeno Kense in lead roles, the film showcases the struggle and life of the main characters during the approaching war and how they were able to believe – and not believe – each other. The film was produced by Marbom Mai and Guru Rewben Mashangva was the music composer of the film where he collaborated with Shankar Shankini.
Partha, after his schooling in Namsai, did photography and filmmaking course from Madras Christian College and later joined Mindscreen Film School and studied film and motion photography. He worked as an assistant with renowned cinematographer and director Rajiv Menon where he was engaged in various feature and advertisement films.
Apart from ‘1962: My Country Land’, Partha has been working with various international crew for film projects in Switzerland, France, Turkey. He is also filming with several corporates in Singapore, Indonesia and Japan as a freelance filmmaker.
Assistive aid and appliances distributed to PWDs
[ Chow Bilaseng Namchoom ]
NAMSAI, May 15: Aid and Appliances were distributed to persons with disabilities free of cost under Assistance to Disabled Persons Scheme (ADIP scheme) at Town Club, Namsai on May 14.
A total of 98 persons were provided various types of aids and assistive devices, like wheel chairs, tricycle, hearing aids, CP chair, rollators for orthopedically impaired persons, picture tablet, smart phone, short hand kit, brail kit, smart canes for visually impaired, elbow crutches and auxiliary.
These beneficiaries were pre-identified during the assessment camps conducted at different locations of Namsai district.
The camp was presided over by Dr. CM Thamoung, Dist. Programme Officer cum President, SEWA and attended by Parliamentary Secretary Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma, DMO Nani Rika, ZPC CK Mounglag, and members from Women Welfare Association Namsai attended the programme among others.
Socio-Economic Welfare Association (SEWA), Namsai organized the camp in close association with Mrinal Jyoti Rehabilitation Centre, Duliajan, Assam.
Earlier, the Parliamentary Secretary released 5000 Gambusia larvivorous fish in various ponds in Namsai Township to control the breeding of mosquito larvae in water bodies. Use of biological control agent like Gambusia larvivorous fish against mosquito larvae is the one of the most successful and widely used for vector control.
Committee urges CM to retain Pasighat-Bomjir NH-52 with BRO
[ Maksam Tayeng ]
PASIGHAT, May 15: The Pasighat Bomjir National Highway-52 Bachao Committee (PBNH-52 BC) which has been appealing for retention of Pasighat (East Siang) to Bomjir (Lower Dibang Valley) NH-52 to BRO has submitted their final memorandum to CM Kalikho Pul on Saturday, seeking his timely intervention as the said road is about to be handed over to state PWD at the month’s end.
PBNH-52 BC headed by President Todol Pertin, Secretary Olen Rome and Treasurer Kokong Ratan met Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who was on a whirlwind visit to Pasighat on May 14. In their memo to the CM, the committee strongly urged him to pursue the matter with utmost seriousness so that the road is not transferred to state PWD as works under BRO would be far better.
The committee had already submitted similar appeals to Ministry of MoRTH, MoS Home, Kiren Rijiju, Dy. CM Chowna Mein, former CM Nabam Tuki but no concrete steps have been taken yet, said Pertin. The double lane NH-52 which connects East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley via Pasighat-Mebo-Dambuk is a major lifeline to the people.
CM Pul is reported to have assured to look into the appeal while citing similar example at Anjaw which has been finally retained with BRO.
Ering assures fire tender for Pasighat
PASIGHAT, May 15: Member of Parliament Ninong Ering has assured to provide a fire-fighting vehicle for Pasighat from his Local Area Development Fund.
Interacting with the victims of May 11 fire accident and the members of Bazaar committee here on Sunday, Ering advised them to remain alert and take all precautionary measures to avert such incidents.
He said that fire accidents are more disastrous because of greater damage to property incurring heavy losses to the victims, he said.
He expressed serious concern over frequent fire mishaps in the township, which according to him has raised lot of questions.
He appealed to all to install portable fire extinguishers in the shops and keep enough space for movement of fire tenders. DIPRO
Lok Adalat cases
ITANAGAR, May 15: In Lok Adalat held in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Aalo, West Siang on May 14, a total of 13 criminal cases were disposed taking the total number of cases disposed in Lok Adalat held in the State on Saturday to 108, informed Arunachal Pradesh State legal Services Authority.
Army jawan dies
ITANAGAR, May 15: An army jawan is reported to have died in Anjaw after a 10-km march.
Reports say that an entire unit was sent off for the march as a punishment.
However, in a statement to the media, the Army said: "A case of death of a jawan during routine training activity has taken place in an infantry unit in the North East. The Jawan complained of chest pain prior to route march - was checked by unit MO (Medical Officer) and found fit. The jawan later collapsed during route march - was brought to the Field Ambulance where he succumbed".
However, the incident sparked an angry outburst among a group of jawans which resulted in a fight between soldiers and officers.
A Captain and three officers are reported to be injured. The Army has confirmed that altercation has in injuries.
APPWU conducts awareness programme
Correspondent
JAIRAMPUR, May 15: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union (APPWU) conducted an awareness programme at Sapolo Hall, Jairampur on Sunday.
APPWU General Secretary Tonlong Wangpan briefed the house regarding various incentives implemented by the state government for the casual/contingency staff. He informed on the recent implementation of revised minimum wages of casual/contingency staff and increase of welfare benefits of workers registered under Arunachal Pradesh Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB).
Wangpan appealed the workers to immediately register their name under APB&OCWWB to avail the welfare benefits. He also requested the new government for early implementation of six months maternity leave to women contingency staff, relaxation of water supply bills for contingency staff, state share remuneration of Anganwandi workers & helpers and ASHA workers, release of medical reimbursement of W/Case staff under Miao Electrical Division, release of Ad-hoc bonus of casual/contingency staff and induction of APPWU leaders in the DPC as representative.
Besides APPWU executive members of Nampong and Jairampur, the programme was attended by the contigency/contingency staff of various government departments from Rima-Putok, Jairampur, Manmao and Nampong circles including ASHA and Anganwandi workers and helpers.
11 Framers’ Clubs formed in LDV
ROING, May 15: A total of 110 farmers from Lower Dibang Valley district became members of Farmers' Clubs under the banner of NABARD. Under the aegis of AMYAA, an NGO, a total of 11 Farmers' Club have been formed in 11 villages of the district through the support of NABARD RO, Itanagar on Sunday.
An orientation programme for these newly formed Farmers' Club members was organised by AMYAA at its office in Mayu-II. Chairman AMYAA, R. K. Paul Chawang sensitized on the concept, objectives and over view on Farmers' Club as per the guidelines of NABARD. He further highlighted the five principles of Credit from Banks, Application of Modern technologies, Enhancing through skill training & technology for increased productivity, Savings from Credit, respect to the terms & conditions of Banks and timely repayments of installments to the banks.
Chawang also requested every club member to take active role in every activity and programme of the club so that they become progressive farmers and successful entrepreneurs in their respective villages.
'One farmer club in one village' as per the guidelines of NABARD, AMYAA has promoted Farmers' club in Jia, Parbuk-Bolik, Iduli, Abali, Asali, Intaya, Kebali, Mayu, Meka, Simari and Rukmo Villages of the district. Chawang added that the NGO looks forward to exploring the resources, both under farm and non-farm resources through these clubs.
MLA calls for early restoration of Kitpi hydel station
TAWANG, May 15: Local MLA Tsering Tashi has directed the concern department to immediately restore Kitpi Hydel Power Station (Phase-I &II).
Tashi, who visited the hydel station on Sunday along with Deputy Commissioner Kashish Mittal and departmental engineers, assured to pursue with the government for necessary placement of funds for restoration works.
The frontier district is facing acute power shortage after the hydel station was shut last month due to heavy damages caused to it by rain. Rain washed away weir and intake of both the hydel stations and also severely damaged the channels.
The Panchayat members had also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister during his recent visit to Tawang for immediate restoration of the hydel station.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner (East) Hage Khoda, who is currently at Tawang conducting inquiry into the May 2 firing incident, interacted with the police and monks during his visit to Police station and Tawang Monastery on Monday and recorded the statements of those who were present during the firing incident. DIPRO
Show respect for elders: MLA to youth
NAMPONG, May 15: Saying that respect for elder is fast declining in the society, MLA Laisam Simai advised the youths to show respect for their parents and elders.
Addressing the valedictory function of the three days Youth Festival- 2016 with theme ‘Remember your creator while you are young’ organized by Hewa Baptist Churches Association concluded at Lungpang Hewa Baptist Church here on Sunday, Simai asked the youth to follow the path of God as it always help us to live a righteous life.
Speaking on social evils, he suggested the youths to keep themselves away from drugs and assured to extend help to those who are willing to seek clinical intervention. He also called upon the parents guardians to guide their wards properly and in the right direction; otherwise, their children may choose the wrong paths.
Simai was accompanied by senior leaders and PRI members of Nampong.
Speakers from Nagaland also addressed the youths on various issues related to youths.
‘Suurlili Nyishi Awaaz’
ITANAGAR, May 15: The first semifinal round of singing talent hunt “Suurili Nyishi Awaaz” was held on May 14 at Siddhartha hall here.
Seven contestants have qualified for the second semifinal round after one contestant was eliminated. Eight contestants remained after the quarterfinal and elimination rounds. The second semifinal round is being held on Sunday.
MLA Takam Pario attended the first semifinal round.
The singing talent hunt is organized by ‘Ejeng dudak band’ of Itanagar.
Football tourney
ITANAGAR, May 15: The 2nd Annual Tigers Football Tournament organized by Shalley Anchal Youth Club (SAYC) began at General Football Ground, Shalley under Pitana circle of Lower Subansiri district on May 14.
The inaugural match was played between Pistana FC and Venyi FC in which Venyi FC defeated Pistana FC 4-0.
The main objective of the tournament is to encourage the youths towards sports and provide a platform to the people to interact with each other which will foster unity and brotherhood among them, the organizer said.
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Editorial
Help the NGOs
In recent year, the women groups are emerging as the most ferocious crusader against the drug menace. In eastern Arunachal which is grappling with serious drug problem, they are playing pivotal role in the fight against drug abuse. The role of organizations like Adi Baane Kebang women wing, Women against Social Evils (WASE) are well documented and have been recognized by the society.
Recently members of WASE meet Chief Minister Kalikho Pul and submitted a memorandum seeking state government’s help in fighting against the social evils like drug abuse. Also the members of Upper Siang District unit of Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) on Thursday called on Governor JP Rajkhowa and raised concern over opium cultivation in the district. Both Chief Minister and Governor appreciated the role played by the women group. The duo further encouraged them to continue the fight against drug menace. State government should extend every possible help to these women groups. There should be better coordination between local police and women group. Government should pass an instruction to the local administration to help them whenever they seek for it. Especially the support of local police is very critical. For the last many years state government on their alone has not been able to tackle the drug problem. Fortunately many NGOs are coming forward to support administration in this regard. They need to grab this opportunity and help groups like WASE, ABK Women Wing etc.
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Readers’ Forum
Rule of law
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Vinod Sharma for the article titled "Increasing Road Rage"(May 14).
The menace of road rage and mobocracy blatantly reveals how law and order has almost ceased to exist in the society. It seems that no one is fearful of the consequences of his/her illegal or criminal act! However the audacity of the brutes are bound to increase because of the extremely low conviction rate due to lack of witnesses, political interference, tedious legal processes and innumerable other reasons.
Apart from the law and order factor, the degradation of Indian mindset has also contributed
towards increased "mob justice" on the streets. Perhaps due to rampant corruption
in all sphere, unemployment, domestic problems and fierce competition in educational
institutions, offices and other sectors; common people have become an extremely frustrated
lot. But they do not possess moral courage or unity to protest against the evil forces.
So whenever a "soft target" emerges in the horizon, pent-
In this dismal scenario where might of law does not evoke fear, vulnerable lot are treated with contempt and public prefer to look the other way instead of protesting against tortures; lives of innocents and mere accused will continue to get nipped. Even the criminals cannot be lynched by public. Unless the rule of law is practically restored in the society, the situation will become much more dreadful in the coming days.
It is high time we learn to appreciate the fact that any day, any moment we can
also become Kaushik Purkait( the latest victim of mobocracy in West Bengal who has
been beaten to death by the coward lot) if we do not protest against mobocracy or
participate in it as active/passive supporter. In this context Martin Niemoller's
comment may be recalled -
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
VIPs and road manners
Dear Editor,
On 13/5/15, AT 4.10 PM at Itanagar (Bank Tinali) traffic point, we were waiting for signal from the traffic warden when suddenly a convoy of cars with red beacon passed by.
In the mean time, one lady who was driving a car took approx 20 seconds to make way for the speeding convoy. The security team accompanying the Speaker hurled abuses at the lady. This kind of rude behavior was not needed at all.
We came to know that the convoy belonged to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker is an educated, respected member of the Legislative assembly and but his security team was rude.
VVIPs of Arunachal Pradesh should tell their security teams not to behave rudely toward public on Highway.
Because of such bad behavior by the security team escorting the VVIPS, public will have bad impression about the bosses. The politicians and those near them should not forget that it is citizens who vote them to power and it is the public that pays Road tax.
Yours,
Concerned Citizen
Posts re-
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to make an appeal to the
concerned authorities regarding the re-
Needless, to say that many of the aspiring candidates for the said post have already filled up and submitted their forms, especially the ones who belongs from poor family background and those who are from far flung villages by spending their daily hard earned money but instead of understanding their pain and angst, concerned authorities seems to be busy sprinkling salts to the wound by advertising it again and by neglecting the fact that many of the candidates struggle very hard to earn single penny a day.
So it is my earnest and sincere request to the concerned authorities to be fair, transparent and most importantly stop harassing the deprived candidates by making lame excuses.
Yours,
Kenjom Tasar
Itanagar