May 18
2016
Tirap SP transferred for allegedly assaulting BJP leader
ITANAGAR, May 17: Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo, who also holds the Home Department has ordered the transfer of Tirap SP Jasmeet Singh for his alleged manhandling of an executive member of Tirap district BJP Lankham Wangsu on Monday.
Informing this to a team of State BJP led by its Vice President Techi Necha, who called on him here on Tuesday, Dolo regretted that it was unbecoming and unwarranted act on the part of law keeper.
Urging man in uniform to deal public issues and grievances with humane touch, Dolo informed the BJP delegation that the state government is very concerned about the people’s security and safety, which would not be allowed to compromise at any cost.
Upon taking cognizance of the compliant, Deputy Chief Minister Dolo condemned the police brutality meted out to innocent public. He said, there will be no excuse whatsoever for the police violence and assured them that the state government would ensure to restraint in the state police who have been brutalising the innocent public.
“It is the duty of the police to protect and serve all the people as well as to ensure the equal application of the rule of law and the respect for the human rights of all citizens, said Dolo. Without this, there can be no true democracy.
Appreciating the Deputy Chief Minister for his prompt action on the matter, BJP National Council Member Tame Phassang said taking law into one’s own hand by the public servant is a matter of grave concerned. He informed that Lankham Wangsu had received grievous injuries on his head and other vital parts of the body.
Earlier, the BJP in its complaint letter demanded immediate suspension of the SP and necessary administrative action against him.
The party informed the Deputy Chief Minister that Lainkham Wangsu, who also is an executive member of party’s Tirap district unit, was manhandled by the SP without any provocation even after the formal appointment was given to him.
Taking serious note of the incident, the BJP said that beating and manhandling of innocent party worker by a senior police officer that too in the rank of Superintendent of Police is uncalled for and deserves condemnation from all.
The public of Khonsa, including village chief, panchayat and public leaders have also lodged a complaint with Chief Minister against the SP for allegedly physically assaulting Wangsu.
In their complaint letter, they alleged that Superintendent of Police Singh has assaulted Wangsu of Kaimai village in his office chamber without any provocation inflicting grievous injuries on his whole body.
According to them, the victim had visited the SP office at around 10.30 am on May 16 and wanted to meet him in connection with a relative’s official matter while maintaining required office decorum and sanctity. The SP allegedly physically assaulted Wangsu when he approached him just to take leave after being refused his appointment after a long wait of about 3 hours.
The doctors in Khonsa have referred the victim to be treated in Dibrugarh, Assam.
While vehemently condemning the act of the SP, they said that the incident has created confusion in the minds of the public regarding the efficiency of the police to protect the life and property of the people.
“The SP, who is the protector of law, has turned into a law breaker,” they said, and demanded to suspend and arrest him within 48 hours to enable a fair inquiry to be conducted by an Investigation Officer not below the rank of an SP.
Meanwhile, Tirap SP Jasmeet Singh has refuted the serious allegations leveled against him.
When contacted by this daily, he claimed that the man barged into his office during an important meeting with his subordinates even after assuring that his matter would be dealt with a day after. An FIR against the man has been lodged with PS Khonsa by the SP.
“The man barged into the chamber and started verbal abuse,” he said.
The SP further informed that by the time he realized what was happening, the man started running outside the chamber and away from the office. Suspecting the man to be a member of some outfit being in an area infested with insurgents, the SP too started running after the man as the man was carrying a package.
“As the man started running, I suspected him to be a member of some outfit as he was also carrying a package which we suspected to be some explosive material,” justifies the SP.
Singh said that the man lost balance and fell into a drain outside the office where he sustained an injury in his ear. He admitted of thrashing the man with a stick in his forearm.
Noa-Dehing flood water submerge villages, paddy field
ITANAGAR, May 17: Sorrow of Namsai, Noa-Dehing River water was flowing above danger level on Tuesday affecting Namsai district on its both banks, particularly New Silatoo and Nampong villages.
Flood water inundated the Mahadevpur- 1, Mahadevpur-IV villages and Kakoni village and submerged paddy fields.
Five bamboo spurs out of 14 constructed on May 10 were completely washed away by flood water at New Silatoo threatening the Mahadevpur town.
All the WRD staff are constantly monitoring the situation. Some portions of the river bank at New Silatoo is severely damaged
Earthen embankment and spur at Nampong village in Piyong Circle are badly affected by the Noa-Dehing flood water.
Governor calls for strong cultural ties between Arunachal and Assam
ITANAGAR, May 17: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa called for strong the age-old traditional, historical and cultural ties between people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. While addressing the first Joint meeting of Assam Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Coordination Mission (AAPCCM), which has been initiated by him to promote amity amongst the people of the two neighbours, at Raj Bhavan, on 17th May, the Governor suggested for cultural exchange programme presentations at different locations of the State, starting from Itanagar, Pasighat and other places. He also suggested for joint training on dances, singing and musical instruments, while involving renowned cultural personalities like Shri Bengia Hemanto and many others.
The Governor advised for exchange of traditional cuisines during such events for the artists and others and involvement of various cultural organisations, including Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Regional Office, Guwahati.
The Governor, who initiated ‘Sampriti’, a cultural presentation of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam by the ICCR, Guwahati in the month of October last, emphasised that sharing of each other’s cultural richness, exchange of thoughts and person to person interaction will cement the age-old relationship and communal harmony, which at times is disturbed by unpleasant incidences. He wished that there will be involvement of larger numbers of school children, youth and general public to send strong message of goodwill amongst them.
The Assam Team of the AAPCCM, led by Uma Kanta Borah, Chief Coordinator of Sanskritik Maha Sabha, Assam accompanied by its Convener Debeswar Kalita, and members Pabitra Kr. Sarma, Pradeep Kr. Borah and Binod Kr Borah and the Arunachal Pradesh Team led by Shri Sonam Chombay, Secretary, Art & Culture and Director in-charge Art & Culture Jomnya Siram were present in the meeting. As advised by the Governor, the details were worked out by the members and it was decided to conduct the event in the month of November with various cultural items of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and also fusion of dances, songs and musical instruments participated by cultural troupes from both the States. (PRO to Governor)
‘Takarpu’ - local food products launched
ITANAGAR, May 17: Yupia based M/s Nancy Food Products launched its local food products branded as ‘Takarpu’ in a function held here at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashoka on Tuesday.
Located at Tigdo village in Yupia, the food industry produces juice, candy, pickles and salad from vegetables, pineapple, orange, bamboo shoot, dry fish, ginger, jalpai (Indian olive), chilly etc.
While launching the food products, former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Gegong Apang congratulated M/s Nancy Food Products for opening the food industry which would generate employment for the local youths in coming days.
Apang said though the beginning is in a small way but it would be a good avenue for income generation in long run. He also stressed on marketing mechanism to regulate their products throughout the country.
The former chief minister called for good quality and well maintained foods so that it can provide healthy food to the consumers. “There is huge demand of quality and hygienic food in the world. So, there should be well processed food in the market while using modern technology”, Apang said.
Proprietor M/s Nancy Food Products, Vijay Sonam, said the industry would promote indigenous products and give opportunity to the local farmers to sell their produces.
“There is demand for local and organic products in the market nowadays but the production is very low. We will give opportunity to the farmers to sell their agriculture and horticulture produces to our industry”, he said.
He added that the food industry will be using available raw materials from the state and create employment opportunity for the local youths.
To promote indigenous arts and craft, Sonam, who is also president of Arunachal Pradesh Society for Education and Development told that the society has also opened up Takarpu Stall on handloom and handicrafts at Shilpgram, Guwahati.
In-charge of M/s Nancy Food Products, Tridev Chettry informed that they have been purchasing raw materials from Yazali, Yachuli and within the periphery of the Capital Complex for their food products.
Concern over anti-social activities at Sille-Oyan
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
RUKSIN, May 17: The business communities of Sille and Oyan daily markets of Pasighat West area in East Siang are bearing the brunt of extortion and intimidation from a large group of youths for the past few months which is compelling them to down shutters of their shops before evening.
The suffering businessmen told that a group of drugs and alcohol addicted youths regularly create disturbances during evening hours demanding ‘donation’ from them. They even attack the traders and shop keepers if they are not given “donation”.
Surprisingly, the police and local administration have no control over the illegal activities of the youths, they alleged.
According to report, some vendors at Oyan daily market and local villagers are involved with trading of drugs and other contrabands besides selling of cheap Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) to the minors which is encouraging anti-social activities in the area.
The members of Sille-Oyan Market Committee, Gaon Burahs, Panchayat members and public leaders of the area on Tuesday held a meeting at Circle Office Kebang Hall and discussed the law and order situation of the area. The meeting chaired by Circle Officer (CO) Ocean Gao unanimously resolved to demand the district administration for establishment of a “police booth” with sufficient police strength at Oyan Char Ali. It further demanded construction of speed breaker at vulnerable points of the main road to check unruly vehicular movements.
The CO lamented that neither local villagers nor the businessmen lodge any complaint on such illegal activities and cooperate with the administration in controlling such illegal activities. He urged the people to inform any illegal and immoral acts in the area to police or administration and the informers’ names and addresses would be kept secret.
States asked to convert census towns into statutory Urban Local Bodies
New Delhi, May 17: Ministry of Urban Development has asked 28 States to take immediate and necessary action to convert 3,784 Census Towns into statutory Urban Local Bodies to promote planned urban development.
Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (Urban Development) in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of these States has highlighted the need for statutory Urban Local Bodies for planned and coordinated infrastructure development, enhancement of revenues and efficient delivery of services to citizens leading to overall growth of economic activities. He stressed that "The opportunity of planned urban development might get lost if unplanned construction and ad hoc provisioning of infrastructure is allowed to take place over a long time".
A Census Town is an area with urban characteristics like a minimum population of 5,000, at least 75% of the male main working force engaged in non-agricultural activities and population density of at least 400 persons per sq.km. As per 2011 Census, there are 3,784 Census Towns as against 1,362 in 2001.
A Statutory Town is one with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board or notified town area committee. As per 2011 Census, there are 4,041 such towns as against 3,799 in 2001.
Gauba also informed the States that conversion of Census towns into statutory ULBs entitle them to Central assistance as per the guidelines of 14th Finance Commission. Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), 50& weightage is given to the number of statutory towns in any State/UT in allocation of funds among States/UTs.
State-wise distribution of Census Towns : West Bengal-780, Kerala-461, Tamil Nadu-376, Maharashtra-279, Uttar Pradesh-267, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana-228, Jharkhand-188, Gujarat-153, Karnataka-127, Assam-126, Odisha-116, Madhya Pradesh-112, Rajasthan-112, Punjab-74, Haryana-14, Bihar-60, Goa-56, Uttarakhand-42, Jammu & Kashmir-36, Tripura-26, Manipur-23, Chattisgarh-14, Meghlaya-12, Nagaland-7, Himachal Pradesh-3, Arunachal Pradesh-1 and Mizoram-0. PIB
HC stays operation of no confidence motion
ITANAGAR, May 17: The Gauhati High, Itanagar Permanent Bench has stayed the operation of ‘No confidence motion’ against Tirap ZPC Chawang Lowang.
While hearing the WP(C)250 (AP) 2016 wherein the petitioner Chawang Lowang challenged the order of Motion of No Confidence issued by Member Secretary 15- Tirap Zilla Parishad against him on May 10, the court of Justice Indira Shah yesterday stayed the operation of the impugned No Confidential Motion notice for two weeks.
The petitioner alleged that the notice for no confidence motion was issued in violation of section 63 (I) of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997.
“Section 63 (I) of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997 provides that a motion of no confidence may be moved but not less than seven days notice in writing must be given by the prescribed authority. Hence in this case prima-facie it appears that the requirement of minimum seven days notice has not been followed.”
“In the interim, the operation of the impugned no confidence motion notice dated 10.05.2016 be kept in abeyance” he court pronounced and said “list the matter after two weeks.’
Disaster awareness programme held at Yupia
YUPIA, May 17: A day-long awareness programme on disaster management for officers and staffs of DC office and all other departments of Papum Pare was conducted in co-ordination with 12 Bn NDRF, Doimukh at Indoor Stadium, Yupia on Tuesday.
Addressing the programme, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner, Pooja Jain said that preparedness on disaster management is very important for all to prevent and mitigate the problems during any disaster. She informed that series of such awareness programme will be organised at all levels in the district to sensitize all the stakeholders on need for preparedness and mitigation measures. She further said “we must remain extra cautious during monsoon period, especially the people dwelling in low lying areas where there is great chances of getting affected by flash floods, must always remain alert and whenever there is warnings, they must immediately move to safer places besides paying serious attention to district administration directives.”
She also requested all to take maximum benefit of the awareness programme and carry forward the message among family and friends to generate more awareness on disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Earlier, DDMO Preetha Menon stressed for creating awareness on disaster management. Meanwhile, 12 Bn NDRF, Assistant Commandant Brijesh Kr. Upadhayay gave a presentation on Do’s and Dont’s during earthquake, flood and landslide.
During the programme, NDRF personnel demonstrated the relief and rescue measures during any disaster and APP Fire Service Department, Naharlagun also demonstrated on how to use fire extinguishers during any emergencies under the supervision of ASI Nabam.
The programme was attended by all officers and staffs. DIPRO
Health camps organized at Bhishmakhnagar, Parsi Parlo
ROING, May 17: Power Grid Corporation of India, Roing division under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme organized a free health check-up camp at Bhismaknagar under Koronu circle of Lower Dibang Valley district on May 15.
Besides health check up and treatment of patients, the public were also educated on good sanitation and hygiene practices, adverse and harmful effects of drugs abuse and addiction etc. by the medical team headed by Medical Officer (Koronu) Dr. Abel Modi.
CO Koronu Olom Pangging urged the public to avail maximum benefit from such free health camp.
Manager, Powergrid, Roing Kaling Jongkey, PRI members and other officials attended the camp.
Despite of heavy rain public in large numbers turned out for the medical camp.
Bhismaknagar area mostly remains cut off from the district headquarters Roing during the monsoon.
Meanwhile, Kurung Kumey District Health Society in collaboration with M/s Kenge Construction Co. Itanagar organized a two days health camp at Parsi Parlo on May 14 and 15.
Around 500 patients of Parsi Parlo block were treated in the health camp. HIV counseling was also conducted for the youths and newly married couples by Dr. Nime and Hibu Tatung.
The medical team was headed by Medical Officer of Parsi Parlo PHC Dr. Takam Sakter and Dr. Tailang Nime.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Patuk C. Chukhu urged the district medical team to carry out such programme besides their normal duties for the benefit of people of the interior sub division thereby bringing health facility at their door-step.
Kurung Kumey Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sangha Tagik also called for organizing health and awareness camps in remote circle headquarters of the district, specially for eye and liver diseases as these kind of diseases are reported to be a higher prevalence in the district.
Raling FC lifts Etor Football Tournament trophy
PASIGHAT, May 17: Raling FC trounced Jarkong FC by 5-0 goals to lift the trophy for the 2nd edition of Etor Football Tournament at Raling Village, East Siang. The tournament was organised by Koje Raseng, a women’s self help group.
Attending the final match, East Siang DC, Isha Khosla lauded the Koje Raseng for organising the tournament. She said, the self-help group has engaged the children in a constructive way which will keep the children away from bad habits and also create source of entertainment to the people. The DC expressed hope that all will maintain the same unity and help to march forward in the path of development.
She also appealed to the players to maintain sportsman spirit and discipline and develop their talents to reach new heights in life. She urged the parents especially the mothers to monitor and guide their children. She also asked them to keep vigil of the village and report of any untoward development in the village to the administration.
On the tree plantation programme organised at the village, the DC called for organising more such programmes to check erosion and maintain ecological balance.
Appreciating the initiatives taken by the SHG, East Siang ZPC, Kaling Dai appealed the youths to be disciplined and respect elders.
Koje Raseng members had submitted a memorandum seeking an office cum weaving shed, while the villagers asked for flood protection on Siku river and renovation of a Musup (Community Hall).
The DC also distributed solar lamps to the villagers which was provided by Elephant Project, Forest and Environment.
Earlier, a NDRF team demonstrated rescue techniques, first aid and machineries used during an eventuality of a disaster. DIPRO
Union threatens to boycott BRO work
DIRANG, May 17: Alleging ill intention by BRO, the All Dirang Students Union (ADSU) has decided to boycott the tendered work if the BRO fails to re-tender and involve the local contractors in road construction works.
In a release, the ADSU stated that the BRO had called for tender and awarded supply work of chip aggregate to an outsider contractor (vide NIT No. CE/VTK/12/15-16). The BRO authorities have awarded the work to the outsider due to vested interests, whereas there are sufficient quarries in nearby locations, the union said.
Citing the tender specification, the Union further said materials are to be transported from Balipara, Assam which is around 200 km from the work site involving huge transportation cost. “This shows that executing agency has vested interest and public money is being misused by them, while the state is also losing royalty,” added the union.
Further, the union stated that former West Kameng D C A K Singh considering the construction of strategic roads by the BRO in West Kameng District had advised to float tender in small packages so that local contractors (Class-C contractors) could take part in tending process for inclusive development. Despite the solution made by the district administration, the BRO has called for tendering of a big amount and awarded the work to a firm from outside, it added.
NSCN (K) camp busted
Changlang, May 17: A NSCN (K) camp at Phenbiro village, Changlang was busted by Assam Rifles on Monday after a 24 hour long operation.
One country-made weapon, combat dresses and other items were recovered from the hideout. A release stated that, the last month has witnessed intensive counter insurgency operations against insurgent groups in Changlang after reliable inputs of infiltration was received.
Security has been put on high alert across Changlang following the busting of the hideout. DIPRO
Brave Dorjee Lhamu felicitated
TAWANG, May 17: Dorjee Lhamu was felicitated by the SBI Tawang branch for demonstrating exemplary courage under extreme conditions and saving a person trapped in a landslide at Thongleng on April 23.
In a function at SBI Tawang on Tuesday, SBI Tawang, Chief Manager, Nandu Ram Sharma lauded the selfless act and exemplary bravery displayed by Lhamu and stated that it was a source of inspiration for others to emulate.
Sharing her experience, Dorjee Lhamu narrated the incident of the tragic night. Unable to rescue a lady trapped in landslide debris, she had run to the nearby GREF camp as the village was cutoff due to the massive landslide. After help from the GREF labourers, the lady was rescued.
A sum of rupees ten thousand and a water purifier was given to Lhamu as a token of appreciation.
AAF celebrates Foundation Day
ITANAGAR, May 17: Arunachal Artistes Forum (AAF) celebrated its foundation day with a resolve to work for preservation of traditional cultural practices among various tribes as well as promotion of local budding artists in the filed of art and culture.
MLA Likha Saaya, Borum ZPM Techi Tulu and Director, Administrative & Training Institute (ATI) Patey Marik attended the foundation day celebration. They suggested AAF to work for preservation of rich culture and tradition of the State as well as for promotion of young budding artistes.
The office of the AAF at Director, Art & Culture office premises, Naharlagun was also inaugurated on the occasion.
ATI Director Patey Marik has donated a complete set of computer to the Artistes Forum.
Farmers trained on use of pesticides and weedicides
AALO, May 17: A team of officers from Agriculture and Horticulture Department imparted knowledge to the farmers on the safe use of pesticides and weedicides in crop field and its ill effect on environment during a training programme at Tadin village recently. The farmers were also encouraged on organic farming for sustainable agriculture.
In the technical session, ADO (PP) Jarny Yomcha explained the methods and uses of chemical pesticides and its ill effects on human and soil health.
The farmers were also trained in various methods and techniques of vermicomposting and its advantages for organic agriculture.
HDO AK Singh imparted knowledge on proper application of chemical pesticides on horticulture crops while ADO (HQs) Yompe Ado shared his knowledge on organic farming for sustainable agriculture and for conservation of natural resource.
During feedback session, one of the farmers informed that uses of weedicides and chemical pesticides is almost nil in Hill areas of WRC field of Tadin village this year.
ASM Teyom Payum agreed to use pesticides and insecticides judiciously for the conservation of the environment. DIPRO
Regularize Saakshar Bharat employees: AAPSBMEA
ITANAGAR, May 17: The All Arunachal Pradesh Saakshar Bharat Mission Employees Association (AAPSBMEA) has demanded for regularizing Saakshar Bharat Mission employees in the state. The association has written to the chief minister in this regard.
Its other demands include immediate release of 14 months pending salary, enhancement of the honorarium, immediate establishment of adult education centre (AEC) at 1713 Gram Panchayat among others.
PCB chairmen conference
ITANGAR, May 17: The 60th Conference of Chairmen & Member Secretaries of Pollution Control Boards & Committees began at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi today.
Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) chairman Techi Tagi Tara, along with member secretary of the Board, N Tam, is taking part in the two days conference.
Formulation of action plans for restoration of water quality of 302 polluted river stretches, sewerage and solid waste management, setting up of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in important cities /state capitals, categorization of industries for effective pollution control etc. are some of the important issues being discussed in the conference.
Boying FC wins 22nd Etor Giidii Football tourney
PASIGHAT, May 17: Boying FC won the 22nd Etor Giidii Football Tournament 2016 defeating Yagrung FC 4-0 in the final at Yagrung village under Pasighat Circle Monday.
The scorers were Onyok Pajing (20th min), Rokom Tasung (36th min), Nanung Nonang (52nd min) and Narmi Tapak (75th min).
As informed by DFA President General Jamoh, the best player award went to Gumin Pangkeng and Rokom Tasung became the highest scorer.
The final match was witnessed by MLA Kaling Moyong, DSO (Sport) Nada Apa, PMC Councilor Denong Tamuk among others.
AAPLU seek continuation of CM’s medical relief fund
ITANAGAR, May 17: Claiming that the Chief Minister’s Medical Relief Fund for the registered labourers under Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Constructions Workers’ Welfare Board has been discontinued, All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has requested for its continuation.
“The labour force who are getting lowest salary are facing financial problems to treat their near and dear ones at the time of medical emergency, as their salary is not sufficient to cope up with the medical expenses,” the Union said in its representation to the Chief Minister.
Tawang DC calls for successful implementation of PMKSY
TAWANG, May 17: A district level implementation committee meeting on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was held at the Tawang DC office on Tuesday.
Tawang DC, Kashish Mittal called on for educating the stakeholders for successful implementation of the programme. He also stressed on proper channelization of irrigation sources and timely submission of datas.
Further, the DC sought cooperation from concerned head of departments for successful formulation of District Irrigation Plan.
PD, DRDA explained about the objective of PMKSY programme and also gave a brief on its present status in the district.
The meeting was attended by Chairperson Zilla Parishad, Jambey Tsering, HoDs, SBI Chief Manager and representative of progressive farmers. DIPRO
PRI leaders inspect works under ‘My Village – My Development’
SEPPA, May 17: Braving the heavy downpour, a team of PRI and public leaders of Sawa inspected the works executed by Gaon Panchayats (GPs) in Sawa circle under My Village My Development Programme.
The team visited the work sites at 47-Bodo, 49-Kremapao, 50-Bengde and 51-Tungi GPs and was satisfied with the works executed so far. DIPRO
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Editorial
Monsoon woes
The onset of monsoon over Kerala is likely to be slightly delayed this year. The India Meteorological Department recently stated that southwest monsoon is likely to set over Kerala on 7th June. The normal monsoon onset date is June 1 when it reaches the state. The late arrival of monsoon is a cause of concern for the farming community. Indian farmers are heavily dependent on monsoon. Therefore delay in arrival of monsoon affects the whole season. Central government should take note of the IMD report and prepare contingency plan.
In the last two years many farmers have lost lives due to draught. But still government of India has not been able to evolve a policy to deal with it. Till April this year, so far 116 farmers have committed suicide due to agrarian reasons in 2016. The maximum cases have been reported from Maharashtra, followed by Punjab and Telangana. More than 2,000 farmers' suicide cases were reported due to agrarian reasons in 2015 with highest number of 1,841 cases in Maharashtra alone. As the famers struggle with draught it has become very difficult for them to even take care of their cattle. In usual circumstances farmers sell off cattle to make living. But the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter in various states has further made life worse for them.
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Readers’ Forum
Diplomatic victory
Dear Editor,
Afghan President Ghani has possibly realized by now how challenging it is to establish
peace and democracy in Afghanistan, an unfortunate nation plagued with poor economic
growth, insurgency, destabilization and abject poverty. Ghani in the beginning moved
away from India and swayed towards Pakistan believing that it will give him higher
leverage as a global peace prophet and help him to establish his government across
the troubled country. He even made several anti-
The recent peace negotiations in Afghanistan includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, China
and the US. It is a matter for concern that India is not included in this group.
Ghani and the US should advocate for including India in this group against the evil
Pakistan-
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada