May 23
2016
14 dead in West Kameng road accident
ITANAGAR, May 22: 14 people are reported dead when the vehicle they were travelling skidded off the road on Sunday morning in Betchelling in West Kameng district on the Rupa-Kalaktang road. One person survived the accident but with multiple injuries. She has been evacuated to Guwahati for further treatment said SP Dr A. Koan
All 14 bodies, including 11 women have been retrieved.
The pickup vehicle carrying 16 people fell into a deep gorge measuring about 800 metres from the main road.
Dr Koan said that accident occurred at a point which has already been devastated by landslide.
All the victims are reportedly to be from Betchelling village and were on way to Boha.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has mourned the death of 14 persons at Kalaktang road accident.
Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakhs to the critically injured person.
CMO reports that soon after getting the news of incident, Chief Minister mobilized the district administration, medical teams and the paramilitary forces to assist the victims’ family in every possible way. He also instructed for immediate evacuation of the injured person to Guwahati for treatment.
Power Minister TN Thongdok who is the local MLA has visited the accident site.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has mourned the loss of lives.
Conveying their sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Governor and this wife offered prayer for eternal peace of the departed souls. They also prayed for early recovery of the injured person.
BJP govt soon in Arunachal, says Gao
ITANAGAR, May 22: State unit BJP President Tapir Gao has claimed that it is just a matter of time before saffron party led government is formed in Arunachal. He said this on Saturday while addressing the party workers at Boleng under Siang district.
“Soon we will form government in Arunachal. But it will be government that will try to bring about changes in grassroots level,” he said while emphasizing on the importance of strengthening of rural economy which is very important for bringing transformation in the rural sector.
While addressing the gathering senior BJP leader and MLA Tamiyo Taga deliberated on the developmental schemes being launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government. He told the gathering that BJP government in the Center is giving great importance in developing rural sector and in the coming days the focus of BJP government will be to bring prosperity in the rural area of India. He urged party workers to maintain discipline and imbibed the values of BJP party to take the party to a new level in Arunachal Pradesh. Around two thousand BJP workers from Siang district participated in the programme.
CALSOM demands solution to refugee intrusion
ITANAGAR, May 22: Cultural & Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM) has drawn the attention of the chief minister to the issue of reported intrusion of Chakma refugees into Kathan village in Wakro Circle of Lohit district as it sought a permanent solution to the vexed problem.
According to CALSOM, the Chakma refugees settled in Changlang district often intrude into the Mishmi territory in Wakro circle leading to communal tension.
“Several drives were conducted by Mishmi Students’ Union aided by the district administration in the past to evict the Chakma refugees, but the encroachment of land is still going on intermittently,” CALSOM said in its complaint letter to the Chief Minister.
It seems that the recent Supreme Court verdict to grant citizenship to rights Chakma and Hajong refugees has encouraged them to intrude into the Mishmi territory, CALSOM said and urged the State Government to look into the matter seriously and find a permanent solution to it to avert any law and order problem.
CALSOM also reiterated its demand for proper demarcation of the boundaries of Lohit, Changlang and Namsai districts.
CALSOM also appealed for establishment of opium de-addiction centers at Lohit and Anjaw and alternate source of income to replace opium cultivation.
“Since, opium cultivation has become a major source of income for the Mishmis for some time, it is imperative to provide other sustainable source of income to dissuade them from opium cultivation,”.
It also said that many opium addicts have volunteered to give up opium, but most of them are not in a position to visit the de-addiction centers located in other districts, CALSOM said, and appealed to establish such de-addiction centers in the two districts to facilitate the addicts to undergo treatment.
Opacity of Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
[ Amar Sangno ]
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul’s recent disbursement of financial assistances to patients in need of major treatments was widely hailed by the patients and their relatives. Recorded data tells, so far 180 people have received financial assistance under Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF) and thousands are on the waiting list. Moreover, applications seeking financial assistance are alarmingly flooding the office of the Chief Minister each passing day.
For those who benefitted under CMRF in their hour of crisis, CM Pul is undoubtedly their Santa Claus; a mythical gift-giver saint who distributes surprise gifts to children. Indeed, CM seems to have the magic wand for many distressed families by allocating fund to needy patients.
At the same time, his announcement spree and manner of distributing the funds under CMRF has raised many eyebrows, and it has already given room to critics to question the ‘nobility of CM’s financial discretion’. It is said out of 180 beneficiaries, sizeable numbers have been awarded with whopping amounts; Rs 30 lakhs for a child patient while two others were given Rs 18 lakhs and Rs 15 lakhs respectively. Sadly, majority of applicants had to be content with meager amount. Many also walked away with Rs 10,000 only to get treated themselves from dreaded diseases.
Providing financial assistance under CMRF to particular individual is solely a CM’s prerogative and discretion depending on urgency, severity and case-to-case basis. The discretionary and prerogative implies that it is all up to the wishes of Chief Minister to allot funds after examining the authenticity of application.
The vuvuzela is beginning to screech in CM’s ears, as many critics are quick in castigation, alleging that the announcements of financial help are ‘whimsical’ without proper criteria and guidelines. Questions may also be asked at the role of screening committee and examination cell, supposed to be headed by Commissioner/ Secretary to CM under whose recommendation the Chief Minister has to give final approval of the fund. The Committee has to adhere to the laid down parameters in order to recommend grant of financial support to patients.
Many states have laid down the eligibility criteria to avail medical assistance under CMRF. For instance, West Bengal Chief Minister has stressed more on patients who are not eligible to get benefits of Employees state insurance scheme/ any other insurance scheme/ reimbursement from the employer. It also made it clear that patient can avail the assistance once for the same case in one financial year.
Under former CM Nabam Tuki, it was Rs 2 lakhs maximum for a patient which sometimes was extended upto Rs 5 lakhs for major cases. The manner in which current CM is disbursing the relief funds, it will not be wrong to presume that CMRF would be exhausted quicker than anyone has imagined or estimated.
In a state like Arunachal Pradesh, lacking industries and revenue generating institutions, CMRF is usually generated through contribution made under corporate social responsibility by organisations like NEEPCO, NHPC, Power Grid etc.
Thus, uniformity in distribution of fund through proper guidelines is the only mechanism to judicious use of CMRF. It is often alleged that CMRF is full of opacity and lack accountability on how much amount that is being generated and raised under the scheme. Unlike, other states, CMRF Arunachal hardly audit the expenditures.
CM, BJP, orgs mourns Kabak Yabi’s death
ITANAGAR, May 22: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has mourned the death of veteran BJP leader of the State Kabak Yabi on Saturday.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said that her untimely death has snatched away a promising political leader from our midst. Kabak Yabi was the first state BJP Mahila Morcha president and in her long career, she soon established herself as popular party leader, as testified by her enviable record serving on different capacities in the party.”
The Chief Minister also recognised her as a social activist who had made immense contribution to the society.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh unit has expressed its shock and sadness over the demise of veteran party leader Kabak Yabi.
She had joined BJP in 1984 and was the first State President BJP Mahila Morcha and had served for two tenures.
In a condolence meeting at the state party office on Sunday, state BJP president, Tapir Gao said that Yabi’s death is a great lose to the state, especially to the party.
Gao said, her death has created a large vacuum not only in the party but in the state as a whole.
Gao further said that he was lucky to join the party in her presence in 1998 and to have worked with her for many years.
MLA Ziro, Tage Taki in his message said that Late Yabi was a great source of encouragement to the party cadres even during the worse period of the party and practically she led the party from the front.
Speaking in the meeting, the State President BJP Mahila Morcha, Padmeswari Jamoh recollected her long association with Late Yabi to build the party and to enroll women members in the party.
Earlier, the State General Secretary, Dominic Tadar called on the party cadres to remain united and stand by the departed leader and the members of the bereaved family.
Among other State President ST Morcha, Tadar Akap also spoke in the condolence meeting.
The meeting was attended by MLAs, senior leaders, state office bearers, morchas and other rank and file of the party.
Kabak Yabi had breathed her last at 4.25 PM at a private hospital here on Saturday. She was married to Kabak Mem and has left behind four daughters and a son.
Late Kabak Yabi was a social activist who had been involved in many social organizations.
Apart from being a BJP leader, she was also a noted folk singer. She had been best known for her cultural association and community development. Her life revolves around the songs, folklore and culture of the indigenous society.
Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society has mourned the death of Kabak Yabi, a BJP leader who was also a veteran APWWS activist. The Society recalled the tremendous contribution of the Late Kabak Yabi in political as well as social arena. Meanwhile, Nyokum Lapang Welfare Committee (NLWC) has expressed its sadness on the demise of Kabak Yabi.
In a condolence message, the NLWC stated that the various contributions by Kabak Yabi for Nyokum Lapang will be always remembered. She was instrumental in construction of the Nyokum Namlo at Nyokum Lapang ground as the Secretary of Changtum Dene during 2002-04. She was the chairperson of the Nyokum Lapang Welfare Committee from 2012 to till her death, and many important civic amenities were installed in Nyokum Lapang area due to her active role, added the release.
Tri-nation car rally to promote border trade, boost tourism in NE
ITANAGAR, May 22: The first tri-nation (India-Myanmar-Thailand) Friendship Car Rally--2016 was flagged off by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul here on Sunday morning in presence of Minister Counselor (Commercial) Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi Tharadol Thongruang.
The broad objectives of the event are to promote direct road connectivity between North East India, Myanmar and Thailand for more trans border trade and investments, promote Northeast India, Myanmar and Thailand as the land corridor and gateway to Southeast Asia and the Far East, re-establish and strengthen the age-old historical linkages, culture and linguistic affinities of the people of the regions.
It also aims to explore more border trade points between North East India, Myanmar and Thailand and to promote North East India as an eco-friendly tourist destination for high-end as well as budget travelers.
Seven cars out of the total 12 were flagged-off on Sunday. The rally will cover a distance of around 7000 km over a period of 19 days from May 22 traversing through some of the important cities of Yangon, Mandalay in Myanmar before culminating in Bangkok in Thailand on June 9.
Rest of the cars will join the rally in Karbi Anglong (Assam), Dimapur (Nagaland) and Imphal (Manipur).
The Department of Tourism and Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) are the two teams from Arunachal Pradesh participating in the car rally.
The members of the team from Department of Tourism are Karma Leki (Director), Tsering Norbu, Hilot Mugli and Takom Kena and members from APTOA are Duyu Tamo, (general secretary), Tadar Robin and Pem Tsering.
Organized by the North East Federation on International Trade (NEFIT) in association with Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Federation of Thai industries Bangkok Thailand with support and cooperation of Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the rally also marks the 25 years of India-ASEAN friendship.
Speaking to the media persons, Thongruang expressed the hope that the event would foster friendship, strategic partnerships and bilateral ties, bridge the gap of trade deficit, promote tourism potentiality and enhance the economy of the three countries.
General Secretary (NEFIT) Mrinal Hatkhowa said, “The car rally is organized moving along with the India’s Look East Policy and is aiming to connect Arunachal Pradesh and other NE states with ASEAN countries to showcase their unique tourism potentials as well as promote trade and business.”
On Saturday, Governor JP Rajkhowa during the curtain raiser of the event at Banquet Hall lamented that in spite of huge potential in all sectors; particularly in tourism, Arunachal Pradesh is still not been able to harness its potentials in full due to lack connectivity and awareness. He hoped the car rally would give a major boost to the state’s economy.
The Governor commended NEFIT for playing a pivotal role in promoting the erstwhile ‘Look East’ policy, which is given more thrust as ‘Act East Policy’ in the perspective of NE India with Southeast Asian countries.
He said that the regional trade body has been exploring new avenues for setting up Industrial ventures in the North East with regards to its unique geo-political location and incentives offered by various state governments of North East India.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who was also present, highlighted the vast tourism potentials of the State.
Saying that tourism can be the game changer, he expressed hope that the Car Rally will go a long way in bringing lots of tourists to Arunachal thus boosting the economy of the state.
Governor, CM mourns demise of brave school girl
Bridge to be named after Tarh Peeju
ITANAGAR, May 22: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has mourned the demise of one Tarh Peeju, aged 9 years, who died while saving her friends from drowning. She managed to save her two friends, but in the process lost her life in the Pachin River near Jullung on May 19 last.
The Governor said she will be remembered for her heroic deed amongst her peers and the people of the State. Conveying his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family, Rajkhowa announced an ex-gratia of rupees one lakh to the nearest kin from the Governor’s Relief Fund.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul visited the accident site this morning. Considering the gravity of the matter and being informed by the villagers that frequent accident occur in the river water as agriculture fields of the entire villagers is located across the Pachin River, the Chief Minister announced to construct a Hanging Bridge and said it will be dedicated to Tarh Peeju, the brave little girl.
Chief Minister also announced to construct a Motorable Permanent Bridge over the Pachin River, some 2-3 km from the to be constructed hanging bridge site in the upper stream which will connect Gomi and Gote Villages and the agricultural fields situated across the river.
Chief Minister after inspecting the sites instructed the Executive Engineer (PWD), Tana Nekam Tara, Capital Division (B), who was also present on the occasion, to prepare DPR for the hanging bridge, Permanent Motorable Bridge and the approach roads to these bridges and to submit the DPR within one month. He also instructed the Engineer to immediately repair the existing hanging bridge over the river which is in poor condition.
Anchal Samiti Member of Jollang Panchayat, Biri Rupa Nabam apprised the Chief Minister about the urgent need of bridges.
Chief Minister instructed to stop the quarrying along the river as it was found that due to illegal quarrying and rampant cutting of river bed, the river is changing its course eroding the nearby land. It was observed that even the Protection Wall of the Central Jail is in danger of collapse. He warned of strict action, if quarrying is not stop immediately.
Chief Minister accompanied by Joram Beda, Secretary Planning and Tourism also visited a Lake at Jullang, located opposite of Art of Living Centre. He lauded the initiative taken by Tarh Hari, Executive Engineer of Hydro Power, who is a local resident of the area, in his efforts to maintain and develop the lake into a Tourist Resort. He further instructed the Secretary, Planning and Tourism to prepare and submit a proposal along with the DPR for approach road.
CM announces relief to Seppa fire victims
ITNAGAR, May 22: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Sunday announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 1, 01,900 to each of the families of May 20 Seppa fire accident victims to be distributed through the district administration.
Reportedly, 27 houses, including ALC Barrack were reduced to ashes in the fire at ALC line, Seppa.
Concerned with the repeated fire accidents over the last few months, the Chief Minister said that the government is planning to provide fire brigades along with fire fighting equipments to all the district headquarters. To meet the shortages of man power in fire stations, fire man/fire fighter posts will be created to effectively deal with fire incidents, Pul said.
He also said that Government is planning to set up Fire Stations in all district headquarters and install overhead water tanks and fire hydrants in schools, colleges and in thickly populated areas like market places.
The chief minister advised people to be extra cautious while handling fire and fire places and adopt fire safety and precautionary measures to avoid tragedy due to house fire.
Meanwhile, All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) appealed to the State Government to assess the properties lost or damaged in the fire and compensate the victims as per norms.
The students’ union appealed to all functioning NGOs, civil societies, public leaders, business communities and individuals to come forward and contribute generously in aid of the hapless ones.
Further, ANSU demanded the State Government to strengthen the fire services, manpower and facilities across the state keeping in mind the frequent fire accidents, which has became a cause of grave concern.
The State Government needs to set up more fire stations to contain the increasing incidents of fire, the ANSU president added.
East Kameng District BJP, Changtam Aane, Mothers’ Group, AEKSU and All Doka Welfare Society have also distributed relief materials to the affected families.
District BJP president L K Yangfo said that the party is always there to help and assist the fire victims. His party would talk to the appropriate authority, he said while appealing to all to extend helping hands to the victims in this hour of need.
CM inspects Tezu school
TEZU, May 22: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Saturday made an impromptu visit to the government higher secondary school to take stock of the various aspects, especially the infrastructure, library, classrooms, water and electricity facilities.
CM also asked the school principal to submit detailed inventory report to map the existing and the shortage in facilities and urged for its early submission so that the government could take early action. On inspection of the teacher’s quarter compound, Tezu MLA Dr Mohesh Chai informed the Chief Minister that the compound was facing encroachment, to which the CM instructed the DC to put immediate halt to such activities.
Started in 1952, the school is one of the oldest schools in Arunachal. The Chief Minister credited to the school of having produced top bureaucrats of the state and asked the school authority to maintain its reputation.
The Chief Minister instructed the administration to construct overhead water tank for school and hostel so that regular water supply could be maintained.
The Chief Minister instructed the authority to finish all renovation works before the start of the new academic session this year and said that he would come back for inspection again to check for himself the work quality.
The Chief Minister also asked the administration to prepare proposal for a complete makeover of the school building. He proposed for a RCC double storied structure.
Buddha Jayanti in Namsai
ITANAGAR, May 22: Buddha Jayanti was celebrated in Namsai on Sunday by organizing various programmes, including discourse on teachings of Lord Buddha and blood donation camp.
The celebration began with hoisting of world Buddhist flag by Ven. Bhante Veradhamma Mahathero (Guju Bhante) followed by peace rally.
Taking part in the discourse, Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma urged everyone to follow Buddha’s path of non-violence for peace and prosperity. EAC HN Dubey also took part in the discussion.
A blood donation camp was also organized in collaboration with Civil Hospital, Tinsukia, Assam.
Certificates were distributed to those, who donated blood in last year’s programme, by the Deputy Commissioner.
The celebration was organized by Management of Mahaboddhi Lord Buddha College in collaboration with All Tai Khampti Singpho Students' Union, All Namsai Areas Youth Association and District Students' Union, Namsai in the Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College Campus.
Are politicians destroying the medical education?
[ Ajay Tripathy ]
Many still wonder why the government-managed healthcare institutions in India have not been able to manage the human resources like their private counterparts. Why the same doctor performs better in a private setting?
There may be many answers which could even vary from region to region; however, one thing is common that the level of political interference is very high in government-managed institutions, like PHCs, CHCs, area hospitals, district hospitals, medical colleges and even sub centres. Political interference virtually decreases the motivation level of good staff and gradually kills the health systems.
Many consider Supreme Court’s latest verdict on National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) as a progressive step in right direction. It is bit relieving for the aspiring doctors, their parents and several stakeholders of the medical education sector. However, some State Governments still believe that NEET would be biased and probably favour the students those study in English medium schools. This argument may be theoretically correct but practically not as the institutions providing coaching for various entrance examinations literally play important role.
Hence, it is very important for the State Governments to improve the quality of education at their own schools than derailing the NEET.
NEET has seen many ups and downs. On 18 July 2013, the Supreme Court gave a verdict in favour of multiple entrance tests so the NEET went to coma. Now the Supreme Court, order of May 9, 2016, has brought the NEET back.
On May 16, 2016 there was a meeting at the union Health Ministry where several Health Ministers from different States opposed NEET. So, union cabinet’s decision of May 20, 2016 may defer the NEET for a year by allowing the State Governments to go ahead with their entrance tests.
Once approved by the President of India this ordinance shall be effective. And, by purchasing one year time many would try to do things that may again send back NEET to coma. Thus, the future of a single entrance test for admissions to the medical schools appears to be uncertain.
The principal opposition party, Congress and the AAP Government in Delhi are opposing the ordinance to defer NEET. AAP’s view is clear from the beginning even when the party was not in power.
However, what the Congress party is trying to say today? Why it did not implement NEET when it was in power at Centre? Why UPA-2 did not bring an ordinance to set aside Supreme Court’s order on July 18, 2013? Was UPA’s worry for minority votes did not allow former Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to implement NEET?
Time can only answer these; however, it’s high time for the Congress party to stop shedding crocodile tears just by opposing the ordinance. If the Congress party is serious then it should make quality primary healthcare accessible to one and all in the States those are still ruled by it.
No system is perfect. So, it is difficult to say that NEET would solve all the problems of medical education sector. NEET or no-NEET the poor shall still struggle to get basic healthcare. However, having one medical entrance test has several advantages although there may be few disadvantages in it.
At the end of the day the country cannot afford to have a better solution; so all must allow the NEET to breath and we don’t require our politicians to further destroy the medical education, starting from MBBS, in India. (Tripathy is a Health Activist based at Hyderabad)
Singer Marto Kamdak remembered at Pasighat
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, May 22: A Musical Nite was organised to pay tributes to renowned singer Marto Kamdak at IGJ Govt HSS Auditorium by Pamuk Welfare Society (PWS) of Pasighat on Saturday.
Marto Kamdak had breathed his last breath on July 18, 2015. He had sung more than 200 songs in different tribal languages of the state. Late Kamdak was born and brought up at Basar in West Siang district.
Addressing the function, PWS general secretary, Anand Dupak said the society was organizing the event to keep alive the contributions of illustrious personalities in the society.
Eminent Adi song lyricist Nakkeng Perme recalled the rich cultural contributions of Late Kamdak. Among others, PWS president Tageng Tamuk, Pasighat DFO (T) Tabang Jamoh also spoke on the occasion and recalled the valued contributions of Kamdak.
The participants observed a minute’s silence and prayed for eternal peace to the departed. Late Kamdak’s wife, Karnyo Kamdak was felicitated in the programme.
Local artists including Jomnya Siram, Vijoy Tamuk, Anumoti Sisam and others presented melodious songs.
G-Extn (Naharlagun) road repaired on self-help basis
NAHARLAGUN, May 22: The busy G-extension road got a facelift on Sunday thanks to a social service cum repair work conducted by the All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF).
In what can be termed as a wakeup call for the department concerned, around 60-70 members of AAPPTF led by its president Dobing Sonam, carried out the repair and maintenance of the said road much to the relief of the commuters, who use the road on a daily basis.
Starting from the main entrance, the entire stretch of the road from the National Highway tri-junction to PNB ATM was repaired using concrete which was reportedly procured through money collected from the executive members of the federation.
IMC chief councilor Kipa Kaku, who was also present on the occasion to encourage the members lauding the federation for the work said, "The initiative that AAPPTF has taken is commendable as even we (IMC) have been raising the issue of this road and various other roads of the Capital Complex with the PWD (Highway) for long."
Kaku, also taking the opportunity, informed that the IMC has off late been working hard to maintain cleanliness. She appealed to all to support the council to make the twin capital a clean place.
Later, the IMC chief donated 12 bags of cement for the repair work.
"We submitted various representations to the PWD (Highway) urging it to repair the road which went unheard which compelled us to take up the maintenance work. This busy road was lying in a dilapidated condition for long. Motorists were having a tough time due to huge traffic congestion," said Sonam.
Informing that apart from a few people, namely Zakar Topiwala, a businessman from Itanagar, PHE&WS EE Tadar Manku and PWD EE Techi Nabo no one came forward to help, Sonam said that the entire expenses were borne by the executive members of the federation.
MLA Techi Kaso and former labour board chairman Jalley Sonam also joined the AAPPTF team. AAPPTF further appealed to the concern department to properly black top the road for its durability.
Interestingly, both ward no 25 and 28 councilors Kipa Kakum and Tame Konya respectively, under whose jurisdiction the area falls along with the members of Bazar Welfare Committee were missing from the scene.
Arunachal bag 13 medals in KAI National Karate Championship
ITANAGAR, May 22: Showing consistency in their performance, the karate players once again brought laurel to the state by winning 13 medals, including five gold in the Kai Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior, U -21 National Karate Championship-2016 which concluded at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday.
Amenso Pul, Jecop Flego Tanlang, Feyang Kino, Yame Gyadi, and Bumi Nuk won a gold medal each in their respective weight categories, informed Team Manager Dr. Marli Ette.
Amenso won his gold medal in cadet boys - 70 kg category while Jecop won his gold medal in cadet boys +70 kg category.
Feyang clinched her gold medal in Girls sub-junior U-11 year category while Yame won her gold medal in cadet Girls- 40 kg category.
Bumi Nuk won the gold in Girls cadet - 54 kg category.
Silver medal winners were Joseph P. Londa, Yamik Lida, Tadar Mama, Minam Takseng, Goda Asha and Lipin Ette.
Johny Mangkhiya and Mepung Tana won a bronze medal each.
All the medals came from kumite (fight), the Team Coach informed.
APWWS seeks compulsory registration of marriage
ITANAGAR, May 22: Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society has called on the govt. to make marriage registration compulsory in the state. This appeal has come after West Kameng launched Online Marriage Registration in Bomdila in conformation with Supreme Court ruling of compulsory marriage registration and Arunachal Pradesh Govt. Marriage Registration Rules 2007.
The online marriage registration portal has been a personal initiative of Deputy Commissioner West Kameng Dr. Sonal Swaroop along with the DIO (NIC) Bomdila. The APWWS commended the Deputy Commissioner as it urged others to start the process of registration of marriage.
President of the Society, Gumri Ringu said that state administration must make registration of marriages compulsory in order to ensure sanctity of marriage as well as safeguard the rights of women.
AAPSU meets CM
ITANAGAR, May 22: AAPSU peace and harmony team led by its chairman Happy Toko met Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on May 20 and apprised him of the activities taken up by the team in and outside the state.
Meanwhile the CM, while suggesting the team to continue with their activity, has assured to support them.
IMA Arunachal organizes CME prog
ITANAGAR, May 22: Indian Medical Association (IMA), Arunachal branch organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme in collaboration with IPCA 3D on May 21 at Naharlagun.
Dr.T Pakam, Medicine Specialist of RK Mission Hospital presented a paper on Management of Hypertension while Dr. Bombei Tayeng, Gynecologist of Tomo Riba State Hospital spoke on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health.
A total of 35 doctors from Capital Complex attended the CME Pogramme.
Summer culture festival concludes at Balijan
BALIJAN, May 22: The two days summer culture festival at Balijan concluded on Sunday.
Attending the valedictory function, All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union, President, Dana Tadu said that such platform will provide an opportunity for the youth to showcase their talents. He also appealed the labourer community to get registered in APB&OCWWB immediately so that the benefits of the board would reach the needy members and their families.
Artists and cultural troupes from the area and neighbouring Assam performed various songs and dances of different forms in the festival.
Former AAPSU leader, Hawa Bagang, Festival organising committee chairman, Techi Kene Tara also spoke on the occasion. Among others, BJP Tali Mandal President, Yora Papang, All Arunachal Pradesh Farmers Association, President, Gichik Tangum and Balijan-Tarasso BCC President Tam Tayo were present in the function.
Personality development prog
ITANAGAR, May 22: The Donyi Polo Ganging on Sunday conducted personality development programme for children in their campus near JN State Museum, Itanagar. Extra Assistant Commissioner, Itanagar, Talom Dupak attended the programme as resource person.
The programme includes general awareness about the donyi polo religion and general knowledge competition.
1st prize was won by Lenge Kaling Gamoh and Osinam Jamoh, 2nd prize by Nakkung Tayeng and Amum Gamoh. Chairperson Yamak Mige Taggu and Dr Tagat Taggu were also present.
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Editorial
Assam voted for change
BJP is going to form government in Assam for the first time after winning the recently concluded assembly election with thumping majority. BJP and its allies won 86 seats thereby ending the 15 year old Congress rule. BJP leader Sarbananda Sonowal will take oath as new Chief Minister on Thursday. The party is coming to power with the promise of stopping the illegal migration from entering Assam. There is massive expectation especially among ethnic Assamese people from the BJP government.
In the last few decades the demography of Assam has changed a lot. Migrant population
including both Hindu and Muslim is outnumbering the indigenous Assamese people. Especially
huge surge in the population of Muslim communities has lead to fear that indigenous
people will become minority in their own land. The 2012 communal riots between Bodo
tribe and Bengali speaking Muslim community is one example of growing clashes. Today
Muslim constitutes 35% of Assam's population. BJP managed to consolidate the Hindu
votes in this election. However, surprisingly party also manages to win 15 seats
out of the 49 Muslim-
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Readers’ Forum
One among the holy souls
Dear Editor,
The deviant death of Mrs. Kabak Yabi, the first state Mahila Morcha president of BJP and noted folk singer of Arunachal Pradesh had created a void and grief in Arunachal. She had been best known for her cultural association and community development in the last three decades. Joining the BJP in 1984, she held many positions in the party.
But yet another aspect of her life revolves around the songs, folklore, media and culture of the Indigenous society. She was also the Chairperson of Nyokum Lapang Walfare Association and involved with many other social organisations. Her song, in "Oyaa" the first Nishi Telefilm under Prasar Bharati's DDK Itanagar production will always be remembered. Many of her contributions towards the indigenous folklore and songs were widely appreciated by learnt scholars. As remembered by Pill Topu, script writer of Oyaa, she told during the production of the film, "this would be by last song, but I wish all of you must carry forward the initiative". Though Kabak Yabi, was just 52 she was detected with liver cancer recently, and was under treatment in Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
After the last time she returned from Mumbai, she was adamant on taking a weeklong fasting for universal peace. She is one among the holy soul who had opened new doors to the future generations of Arunachal Pradesh.
Yours,
Mridul Kr Chakravorty
Researcher, film maker
A bus journey
Dear Editor,
I exactly don't know the laid down norms regarding operation of APST Bus Services in the State. But just as a simple layman, my understanding of what I think is that APST Buses which ply to different places of the State should drop us in our destinations without inducing any hurdle to the local passengers just like other Super Deluxe Buses.
After many years, I, along with my family travelled in Itanagar-
I felt insecure and little risky at picking up of unidentified passengers in the middle of the journey.
Yours,
J. Panyang,
Mebo, East Siang
Don't encroach on nature
Dear Editor,
In recent past we have experienced/ witnesses the impact of climate change in different corners of our state as well as in our country in the form of drought, unseasoned rain and flood etc, which is major concern for all of us and a wakeup call for us from mother nature.
All these are because of us who keep on exploring or encroaching the nature excessively without thinking of future consequences.
We have to learn from recent nature fury and stop encroachment of nature.
Yours,
Koj Kapa,
Ziro