Sixteen houses gutted in fire at Seppa
Staff Reporter
SEPPA, May 20: At least sixteen dwelling houses including LC barrack were reportedly gutted in a devastating fire at ALC line Seppa, the East Kameng district this evening.
Sources from Seppa informed The Arunachal Times that fire broke out around 6:30 PM and it engulfed entire areas when a good number of LPG cylinders exploded one after another. However, no casualties were reported till the filing of this report. The powerful inferno left trails of devastation with all the belongings of the house owner reportedly reduced to ashes.
It is said at least 12 LPG cylinders exploded escalating ravaging fire to spread terribly. The fire tender arrived on the spot, just after fire broke out but failed to contain the fire. Though the onlookers and residents rushed to the spot to help the victims and fire tender in dousing ravaging fire, it spread uncontrollably and rendered many homeless.
“Hardly, we able to save few belongings of the residents, the rest reduced to ashes” said a youth who helped the victims in dousing fire.
The district administration is yet to ascertain the exact number of houses burnt down, it is said that numbers of houses may go up by the morning.
Tezu airport to be operationalized by June
CM on inspection spree, conducts aerial survey of flood-hit areas
TEZU, May 20: The Tezu Airport -- the only civilian airport in Arunachal Pradesh -- would be made operational by June this year. This was informed to Chief Minister Kalikho Pul by the airport officials on Friday here.
The runway, terminal building and the air traffic control tower of the airport were completed in 2014. The airport, if completed, will have the handling capacity of ATR 72 types of aircrafts, they briefed the CM, who arrived here along with team of MLAs and Parliamentary Secretaries.
Soon after he arrived here, Pul launched the “Swachh Lohit, Swasthya Lohit” campaign organized by the Lohit Deputy Commissioner to spread the message of cleanliness.
The CM along with his team visited the District hospital where he inspected the OPD facilities, casualty room, solar battery room, operation theatre and the doctors’ duty room. He asked the hospital authorities to conduct regular social service in hospital premises to keep it clean.
The Chief Minister also visited the indoor patients in the hospital and enquired about their well being.
Tezu MLA Dr Mohesh Chai apprised the Chief Minister about additional funds requirement for the OPD block to make it fully functional.
While visiting the 2.1-km-long Lohit Bridge being constructed by Navayuga, the CM directed the company officials to expedite the construction work by increasing manpower.
The Chief Minister insisted that the bridge should be opened for traffic by October 1 with or without any formal opening ceremony. He also directed the district administration to monitor the work progress.
The Navayuga officials assured the CM that the work would be completed by September 30 this year.
Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Forest CT Mein inaugurated the newly constructed building of “Urban Development Working Women Hostel” while MLA Pema Khandu inaugurated the newly constructed building of “Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)” centre at Tezu.
Mechuka MLA Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated the building of Superintendent of Police. At District Hospital, MLA Tirong Aboh inaugurated the new OPD and casualty block.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated Angel House, developed by Brahma Kumaris, Tezu in presence of Rajyogini Didi Satyawati Ji, Director, Brahma Kumaris.
Before landing at Tezu, the Chief Minister accompanied by Power Minister TN Thongdok, WRD Minister Kamlung Mossang, Tax and Excise Parliamentary Secretary Zingnu Namchoo, MLA Jarkar Gamlin and Commissioner, Finance Ashish Kundra made an aerial survey of flood affected areas in eastern Arunachal districts.
The Chief Minister took survey of the flood-hit areas in Pasighat, Dambuk, Roing, Tezu, Chowkham, Namsai and Changlang. He also flew round the Namdapha National Park to asses the flood damage and the human encroachment due to migration induced by natural disasters.
According to delayed report, the Chief Minister attended the inauguration ceremony of a new library of Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu, which was inaugurated by MLA Jarkar Gamlin.
Nampong MLA Laisam Simai was also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister visited the library facilities and enquired the teaching staffs on the availability of newspapers and books. He was informed that there was shortage of science books in the college library, to which the CM asked the authority to prepare a proposal and submit accordingly.
Further, the Chief Minister visited the girls and boys hostels of the college and inspected the kitchen, store and toilet facilities.
Finding the kitchen of the girls' hostel in dilapidated conditions with stagnant water all around the building, the Chief Minister directed the district administration to prepare immediate proposal. The CM on spot selected the site for new kitchen and dining room. He instructed to make RCC table and bench and provision for serving food from the kitchen.
On complaints of repeated power failure, the Chief Minister assured to provide DG set as backup. He also asked the administration to prepare proposal for boundary walls and gates to prevent stray animals from entering the hostel compound.
At the boys' hostel, he first inspected the kitchen facilities and appreciated the cleanliness maintained. On shortage of helpers and cook, the CM directed the administration to immediately fulfill the requirement.
He also directed the deputy commissioner Danish Ashraf to pay visit to college hostels brining along officials from PHE, PWD and electrical department to address the shortages of infrastructures, water and electricity.
Avail financial assistance from NABARD, Governor to SHG
ITANAGAR, May 20: Governor JP Rajkhowa advised the Self Help Group(SHG) from Panya Village, West Siang district to register their NGO and avail financial assistance from (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) NABARD through departments of Agriculture, Handlooms and Handicrafts, Industry, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, etc. The governor was interacting with the 24 members SHG team led by Gedam Kamchi who called on him at Raj Bhawan on Friday.
He infomed that there are many programmes and schemes of the state and central government, where the SHGs will be provided trainings and financial assistance for sustaining their activities.
The Governor suggested them various avenues through which they can enhance their financial status, thereby raising socio-economic level and standard of living.
Earlier, the SHG members met Rita Rajkhowa, wife of Governor JP Rajkhowa. The SHG which has just come back from an exposure tour to Nagaland and Meghalaya, shared their experiences with Rita Rajkhowa.
Interacting with the SHG, Rita Rajkhowa said that SHG empowers the women of the society particularly in rural villages and it should be encouraged. She advised them to take up floriculture, handlooms and handicrafts, horticulture and animal rearing, in which they have expertise and which are viable in rural areas.
She also advised them to start fruit or food processing units as the area around Aalo in West Siang District is known for its abundant horticultural products such as orange and pineapples.
Appreciating the women for coming out of their houses and exploring the world around, she said that it is a wonderful initiative and other SHGs must emulate to develop new and better ideas and broaden ones mental horizon.
The SHG members informed that if good roads, adequate water supply and power exists in their villages, their enterprise will be successful.
Ering raises Scheduled Tribes Bill
ITANAGAR, May 20: Member of Parliament Ninong Ering raised the issue regarding “The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill -2015” which he had introduced last year.
The Bill seeks to include the five tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, namely Tangsa, Nocte, Tutcha, Wangchoo and Yubin of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST) of Arunachal Pradesh.
Ering while introducing the Bill in the Parliament last year brought to the notice of the House that there are five Tribes, who do not have any identity in the Constitution. Therefore, they do not enjoy the benefits of reservation as applicable to other Scheduled Tribes.
“Such Bills are categorized as Financial Bills under Article 117 (3) of the Constitution. Such Bills can be introduced in either House of Parliament. However, recommendation of the President is essential for consideration of these Bills by either House and unless such recommendation is received, neither House can pass the Bill.”
The matter was forwarded to the President for his recommendation as such Bills inter-alia would involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund after enactment.
Honchun Committee decides to submit its final report on June 10
ITANAGAR, May 20: The Honchun Committee on Disqualification has proposed to submit its final report to the Speaker on June 10 after its sittings on May 19 and 20 to hear the parties/counsels.
While Rajesh Tacho, MLA (Petitioner), Nabam Tuki, MLA (CLP Leader) were represented by their counsels Gunedher Singh and R.H. Nabam, Pema Khandu, & 13 other MLAs (respondents) were represented by Abhaya Kashyap in the hearings conducted by the committee. They made their oral submissions and oral rejoinders on May 19 and 20 respectively. The Committee's Secretariat will now prepare the draft report for the consideration of the Committee. The report, the amendments or dissent, if any, will be considered at the Committee's sitting on 9.6.2016. The final report is proposed to be presented to the Speaker on June 10, according to a press communiqué issued by committee chairman today.
After the presentation of the report, the Speaker will independently examine it and may fix dates for hearing the parties once again. Earlier the Committee adopted the questions and materials at its first sitting on May 13.
Arunachal Legislative Assembly Speaker Wangki Lowang had formed a committee with Pongchau-Wakka MLA Honchun Ngandam as chairman to make preliminary enquiry into the composite petition pertaining to disqualification of 14 MLAs filed by Anini MLA Rajesh Tacho. The committee has Pangin-Boleng MLA Tapang Taloh and Ziro MLA Tage Taki as members. However, Taloh had resigned from the committee and MLA Pani Taram was appointed in place of Taloh.
Kra Daadi bandh call temporarily suspended
ITANAGAR, May 20: The All Kra Daadi District Students’ Union (AKDDSU) has temporarily suspended the proposed 12-hour bandh call for May 24 next in the district after Chief Minister Kalikho Pul assured them to look into the matter of the ouster of the Deputy Commissioner of Kra Daadi.
In a press conference on Friday, AKDDSU president Gora Rikam Bhai informed that though the Chief Minister has not provided a specific time frame, the union would hold off its proposed bandh call for a period of 30 days from today. However, if the state government fails to arrive at a decision after that, it would continue with its democratic movements.
AKDDSU general secretary Pakyum Talop informed that the chief minister invited them for a discussion on May 17 last, where he assured the union that an inquiry would be held into the alleged malpractices and corruption charges of the Deputy Commissioner.
While maintaining that they respect the suggestions of their local representatives, the AKDDSU requested MLAs Markio Tado and Takam Pario not to interfere in the posting of an IAS cadre Deputy Commissioner as the AKDDSU is striving for greater development of the newly created district
“Our appeals were left unheard when we followed protocol. We had to resort to a bandh call to get their attention”, Rikam added.
APKGBVA appeals for release of funds and salaries
ITANAGAR, May 20: Citing the delay in release of funds by the state government and MHRD, GoI since past few years, the Arunachal Pradesh KGBV Welfare Association (APKGBVA) has appealed the concern authority to release the salary and funds before the start of the next academic session.
In a release, APKGBVA stated that it has caused enormous difficulties in running schools in remote areas of the state. The running of KGBVAs now hangs in the air due to delayed salary and stipend. For the past three months, this delay has put in stake the future of 4800 students, all from very poor background and in dire need of financial security, added the release.
Further it added that the worsening condition of the management in the schools has been aggravated due to non receipt of the stipend fund for last three months, and salary fund for two months and other heads since June, 2015.
Although delay of funds from MHRD, GoI has been cited as the reason for the delay, APKGBVA has expressed hope that the state government would understand the dire needs of KGBVs and act accordingly with rise in the salaries of the KGBV teachers.
CM appeals to maintain age-old relation with neighbouring state
ITANAGAR, May 20: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Friday appealed to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam living along the interstate boundary to maintain the age-old relationship of peace, harmony and cooperation.
Pul made this appeal after being perturbed by the news that some organisations are trying to create misunderstanding among the people living along the inter-state boundary through social media and regional newspapers.
He said that people of the two sisterly states have a strong bond of human relationships and cultural affinity that has been nourished together for centuries. He appealed to the people of the two states that we should not let this bond to be shaken by divisive forces.
It is very unfortunate to see some organizations with vested interest are trying to disrupt the age-old relationship of both the states by misguiding the general people and trying to create unwanted situation along the interstate Assam-Arunachal Border, he said.
Condemning the circulation of such nuisance through some social and regional media, Pul said that his Government would not tolerate such disgruntled elements and would strongly deal with them.
The Govt. is conducting enquiry into the matter and those found responsible would be punished under appropriate sections of law, Pul disclosed.
“Being the peace loving and law abiding people, we should not allow such elements to grow and create misunderstanding between the people of the two states as it is visibly clear that the voice raised by some vested organizations in social media like facebook, whatsapp and regional media is not the voice of the people of Arunachal but that of a criminal outfit,” Pul said.
He appealed the people not to give heed to such voices but to remain vigil and cautious and to see that such disgruntled voices of individuals or organization do not lead us in a wrong direction.
At the same time, he appealed the people to work in non-communal or non-regional manner keeping in mind the interest of the state and the nation at the topmost priority as it is the duty of every citizen of the country to work for the peace and harmony of the society, the CM said.
Fogging drive resumes in Pasighat to curb Dengue
[ Maksam Tayeng ]
PASIGHAT, May 20: With Pasighat township recording highest ever positive cases of Dengue in 2015 with 1907 detected cases out of total 6614 tested, fogging drive has been intensified in advance this season to contain possible dengue outbreak this year too.
The fogging drive which was launched from May 12 with only a day’s gap on May 15, is continuing after covering various locations like Gumin Nagar, Sawmill areas, main market, APP colony, Upper and Lower Banskata, SS Mission Road, Leprosy colony, PI Line, Jarku and Napit village. Areas like IGJ Govt. Hr. Sec. School, DST colony, College of Horticulture & Forestry, Officer Colony, Forest Colony, Agam colony and NHPC are being covered and in next 2-3 days, areas like JNC, Raneghat, GTC, Mirku, Mirbuk, Mirsam and Balek area villages will be covered, informed the fogging team.
When contacted, DMO Mandip Perme said that this fogging drive is being carried out as preventive measure after conducting source reduction activities. He appealed to one and all to take up a weekly source reduction activity in their locality as preventive measures as the fogging drives is not the complete solution. It only kills the adult Dengue mosquitoes, but not the eggs and larvae”, cautioned Perme.
However, no case of Dengue has been detected till date this year, but the measures are being undertaken to prevent re-occurrence of Dengue outbreak, added Perme.
Action Committee appeals for transparent investigation into alleged assault case, calls off bandh
KHONSA, May 20: The Action Committee formed for the alleged assault on one Lankham Wangsu by SP Tirap Jasmeet Singh, has urged the government to carry out a transparent and fair investigation to unearth the truth and take the case to its logical conclusion.
The Committee has appealed the law enforcing agencies and the state government to take exemplary and stringent action against the erring SP if found guilty during the investigation. The members also demanded compensation for the victim Wangsu, who is undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Dibrugarh, Assam. Stating that the Committee is satisfied with the prompt action initiated by the state government, it has unconditionally cancelled the proposed Tirap bandh on May 21.
Further, the Action Committee and Tirap District Students Union have separately lauded the prompt action taken by the state government in the case. The committee members in a joint statement appreciated the role of Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo who also holds the Home portfolio for the prompt disciplinary action initiated against the SP. The committee added that this action of the government would send a strong signal to those senior police officers who tend to take the law in their own hands and act accordingly to their whims.
Meanwhile, Tirap DC, Ravi Jha has urged all to put all speculations to rest assuring that impartial inquiry into the case would go on and asked the people to maintain peace to enable development processes to go on. DIPRO
15-member boxing team leaves for Shillong today
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, May 20: A 15-member boxing team from Arunachal Pradesh accompanied by two officials will be leaving here for Shillong on Saturday, Meghalaya to participate in the first L B Chettri Memorial Invitational Boxing Championship from May 23 to 27.
Chettri was the person, who encouraged and guided DK Dinglow, the present Director of Youth Affairs, to start the boxing in Arunachal Pradesh in 1991. Accordingly, the Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association was formed with former minister DK Thongdok as president and DInglow as secretary general and Chettri as advisor.
Chettri was also Joint Secretary of Indian Amateur Boxing Federation.
Meanwhile, Dinglow attended the team briefing session at Ganga Boxing Club premises on Saturday to encourage the boxers.
Tenzing Chogyal and Teli Kahi are the manager and coach of the team.
The team: Techi Bida, Ringu Tara, Kipa Parang, Karling Natung, Khunpong Wangcha, Amir Tajo, Hongram Kongkang, Poken Sega, Tarh Kaya, Gumin Gara, Biri Taro, Daniel Koyu, Rinchin Tashi, Sanjay Techi Tara and Tassar Takar.
KAI National Karate C'Ship: Arunachal bag 3 medals on opening day
ITANAGAR, May 20: Arunachal Pradesh bagged three medals, including a gold in the opening day of the KAI Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior, U -21 National Karate Championship-2016 at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi on Saturday.
Feyang Kino won the gold medal in Sub-Junior Girls U-11 year kumite, informed Team Manager and Arunachal Karate-Do Association vice president Dr. Marli Ette.
The silver medal was won by Joseph Parang Londa in Sub-Junior Boys U-12 year Kumite.
Lipin Ette won the bronze medal in Sub-Junior Girls U-11 year Kumite.
Sera Je Monastery to appoint next Abbot
TAWANG, May 20: The 14h Dalai Lama is reported to have delegated Sera Je Monastery to appoint the Abbot of the Tawang Monastery (Gaden Namgyal Lhatse). Traditionally, the Dalai Lama appoints the Abbot of the Tawang Monastery.
Guru Tulku Rinpoche, the Abbot of Tawang Monastery had tendered his resignation to the office of the Dalai Lama for consideration following the recent unrest in Tawang.
Guv, CM extends greetings on Buddha Purnima
ITANAGAR, May 20: Governor JP Rajkhowa and Chief Minister Kalikho Pul have separately conveyed greetings to the people of the state in general and to the Buddhist community in particular on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima.
In his message, Governor Rajkhowa expressed hope that the blessed occasion will promote the teachings of Lord Buddha in true spirit and values in our minds and actions and bring enlightenment. The Governor said that one of the greatest spiritual teachers of all times, Gautam Buddha had enlightened each and everyone through his teachings and practices and shown the path of truth and eternal values of peace and non-violence to entire humanity.
Meanwhile, extending his Buddha Purnima greetings, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul expressed hope that the occasion will promote kindness and compassion among the people of the state.
Pul stated that Gautam Bhuddha’s teachings are universal, have the strength to awaken people to reality and to make them introspect themselves. He expressed hope that the blessed occasion would herald inner peace and happiness to all the people of the state.
DC donates centrifugal machine to CHC
ZIRO, May 20: One centrifugal machine was donated to CHC, Old Ziro by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen on Saturday.
Lollen on May 7 had promised to donate the machine during his unannounced visit to the on May 7.
Saying that health and education hold keys to development, Lollen, who has been constantly monitoring all health programmes in the district, emphasized on collective efforts from all the stakeholders for successful implementation.
He has also issued directives to the DMO and DRCHO to submit the list of non functional ASHAs, who would be replaced. DIPRO
Complete TAH land acquisition process: TWS
ITANAGAR, May 20: Claiming that high level committee for land verification/ re-assessment regarding Tai to Bopi Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) in Upper Subansiri district is yet to come out with proper action plan, the Tagin Welfare Society (TWS) has called for early completion of the whole process of land acquisition with payment of adequate compensation to the affected land owners. The society has written to the chief secretary seeking direction to the land management department to complete the process of land acquisition within a month.
TWS has also sought maintenance of Potin to Daporijo road.
The road is completely in a dilapidated state which causes damage to the properties, physical harassment and mental agony to the travelers, it further said.
Skill development training
TAWANG, May 20: Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kashish Mittal while addressing the inaugural function of a 2-month-long skill development programme “Employment through Skills Training and Placement (EST & P)” under National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) advised the trainees attend the training with full enthusiasm to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required for self sustenance and self-reliant.
He informed that a centre for career counselling and skill development at Tawang is also in the pipeline.
EST &P is a flagship programme of the central government being implemented by Department of Urban Development and Housing. All India Society for Electronic and Computer Technology has been roped in for imparting training in trades including, carpentry, tailoring, weaving, computer basics and thangka painting.
Around 45.trainees are attending the training.
The UPO DUDA, Assistant Director, Textile & Handicrafts, Area Manager (AISECT) were present during the function.
Meanwhile, Indian Army under Operation Samaritan distributed desktop computers with printers, various games and sports equipments to Vidyashree School, Chuje GG, Tawang
The event was also attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Brigadier DS Khuswaha, Cdr 190 Mountain Brigade amongst others.
The school is being run by 281 Field Regiment under the aegis of 5 Mountain Artillery Brigade.
Further, the DC visited all the office establishments of Tawang and asked all the officers and officials to maintain discipline and work with dedication so as to deliver quality services. He also asked them to maintain cleanliness in and around the office premises. DIPRO
Transformer at Jarkong installed
PASIGHAT, May 20: Pasighat East MLA, Kaling Moyong inaugurated a Transformer at Jarkong under Ward 11, Pasighat on Friday.
Interacting with the public, Moyong informed that with the installation of the distribution transformer, the people of the area will be relieved off from the chronic low voltage problem. Doing away with low voltage power problem will not only enable use of power for development works but also help the youths and students in their studies, he added.
Moyong also instructed the officers of PHE department to gear up the pace of work and complete the Lift Water Supply in Jarkong area within one month. This will ease the acute water problem in the area, the MLA added.
He also informed about the assurance of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for installing a C.T. Scan at General Hospital, Pasighat. This will not only cater to the needs of huge local demand but also serve the patients of the adjoining districts and Assam, he added. DIPRO
Capacity building program of women on disaster management
NAMSAI, May 20: A series of Capacity Building of Women on Disaster Management was organised by District Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with CDPO office, Namsai ICDS Project from May 11 to 18 May last for women PRI members, SHGs, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and adolescent girls of RGSEAG (SABLA) Life Skill Education at Namsai, Piyong, Lathao and Chongkham.
At the outset of the programme held at Chongkham on May 18, DDMO Emily Tingkhatra in her keynote address spoke in length about the management of disasters, both natural and man made. She underscored the need to cater to vulnerable groups mostly women and children.
Dr.Nang Chandramukhi Namchoom, MO CHC Chongkham, imparted training and demonstration on first aid, hygiene and other women related issues during any disaster with the help of ICDS functionaries. W.Khimhun,CDPO Namsai spoke on the role of women volunteers during disasters and exhorted them to remain cautious and keep emergency essentials like torchlight, dry fruits and drinking water.
Police Inspector Thomas Pertin explained about the role of police in disaster management. He opined that whenever any mishap occurs people bank on the police for immediate rescue and help like in case of fire accidents, during natural calamities,crimes etc. He said police is always there to extend help but reminded that stakeholders ought to take precautions in day to day life in order to avoid hazards.
Oling Lego,EAC in his address shared safety tips on earthquake and other natural and man made disasters. He pointed that people often self create disasters by taking wrong decisions. He also talked about crimes against women and children.
Among others, CDPOs of Namsai, Lekang and Chongkham, Secretary,Women Welfare Society Chongkham, Women PRI members, AWWs and adolescent girls of SABLA Scheme attended the programme.
AYA launches Clean Ziro Green Ziro Mission
ZIRO, May 20: Apatani Youth Association (AYA) on Friday launched ‘Clean Ziro Green Ziro Mission” to preserve and protect the environment.
On Thursday, AYA organized a tree plantation programme at St Claret College to mark its 42nd foundation day.
The AYA team also visited Grace Shelter Home run by Apatani Baptist Association and Mothers Home for differently abled persons at Abulyang and Old Ziro.
It is pertinent to mention here that AYA had launched the “Mission Clean Kley River” on November 13 to clean the Kley River, which was appreciated by all.
Online registration of marriages launched
BOMDILA, May 20: The West Kameng district administration, in compliance with Supreme Court ruling with regards to mandatory registration of marriages and Arunachal Pradesh Govt. Marriage Registration Rules 2007, launched NIC based online registration of marriage.
Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop launched the online registration of marriage by registering the marriage of MLA Japu Deru.
The services will be available in the district portal http://westkameng.nic.in/Register your marriage online. DIPRO
