oct15 20

2015

October 20

Governor, CM convey festival greeting

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. He also prayed that the celebration of the festive occasion would strengthen the spirit of unity, brotherhood, goodwill, sacrifice and compassion in the society, for the benefit of humanity.

The Governor expressed confidence and belief that the celebration of this festival would also motivate the people to do good to the community, fight the evil forces and espouse the cause of the righteous in proper perspective.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has also greeted the people of the state.

In his message, Tuki hoped that the festival which signifies victory of truth and righteousness over evil would bring with it peace, tranquility, prosperity and happiness in the world by fighting the disharmony and social evils prevalent in the society.

BSNL down at Hawai

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: BSNL service at Hawai, the headquarters of Anjaw district, has gone out of order since October 14 causing great inconvenience to the subscribers and affecting essential services.

The District Administration has appealed the BSNL higher authorities at Itanagar as well as Anjaw district to restore the phone networks immediately. DIPRO

Father appeals against bail grant to accused

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: The father of the five-year-old girl, who allegedly was sexually abused by a pedophile at Seppa earlier this month, appealed to the East Kameng Deputy Commissioner not to entertain any bail plea by the alleged accused.

The victim's father apprehended that the alleged accused might be granted bail in the court of Executive Magistrate of the concern district since the government has issued notification that these courts will take up cases like bail pleas, remand detainees while the CJM court goes on Puja vacation.

The victim's father also appealed to the East Kameng Superintendent of Police for early filing of charge-sheet in the case. He said that any further delay in filing the charge-sheet will only benefit the alleged accused in his bail plea.

Civil Secretariat to be ready by early 2016

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: State Civil Secretariat would be completed by March 2016, while construction of the Legislative Assembly building is being taken on right earnest.

This was informed to the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki when he asked for early completion of the projects. He urged the PWD officials, implementing the projects, not to compromise with quality, safety and feasibilities of the buildings.

Chief Minister along with PWD Minister Gojen Gadi, Minister DoTCL and Mines Tirong Aboh, Parliamentary Secretary Karya Bagang, Chief Secretary and other officials had visited the construction sites of the Civil Secretariat and Legislative Assembly complexes here today.

APCC President Padi Richo also accompanied the CM on the visits. (Media Cell, CMO)

Fire claims 8 houses in Namsai

[ Pisi Zauing ]

NAMSAI, Oct 19: In a devastating fire, at least 8 rental houses belonging to Chownok Hopak of Solungtoo village was gutted down in broad daylight today at Namsai town.

The fire broke out at around 9:15 am this morning.

Fire tender and jawans of CRPF, Army and local police personnel arrived at the spot within fifteen minutes but the fire was so brutal that nothing could be saved.

The cause of the inferno is yet to be ascertained.

AVP’s sports meet ends

ITANAGAR, oct 19: The district level sports competition of Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) was conducted at ITBP ground, Basar on October 17 and 18.

More than 100 youths from various circles of the district participated in the meet. The selected players will represent the district at state level competition scheduled from November 5 to 9 at Itanagar.

ZPM Tonyir Basar attended the inaugural function and encouraged the athletes towards games and besides their formal education. She strongly discouraged alcoholism and smoking among the young students.

Retired Director of Agriculture Tago Basar, president, Central Kargu Gamgi Management Committee Basar and Nabam Runi, AVP's state youth and sports in-charge also spoke on the occasion.

AVP's district level sports competition for Namsai district was also conducted at APIL play ground.

A total of 107 players, both boys and girls participated in the sports meet and 35 athletes were selected for the state level meet.

Retired IAS officer Tape Bagra, AVP's Namsai unit president Chau Arina Manpoong and Secretary Elom Ette witnessed the meet.

In his speech, Bagra advised the young people of the locality to exercise regularly to keep themselves physically fit and healthy.

The district AVP president Manpoong distributed the merit certificates to the selected players.

Awareness campaign on health and hygiene

SEPPA, Oct 19: A month-long awareness campaign on health and hygiene, child rights and drug abuse concluded yesterday after covering 27 schools spread across C/Tajo, Seppa, Bana, Bameng, Seijosa, Khenewa and Pakke Kessang blocks.

A series of meetings were also organized with the women group of the concern blocks and were given awareness about the role of parenting, benefits of JSY & JSSK, immunization, family planning, RBSK and legal provisions under the domestic violence act, 2005.

Altogether 1,884 students participated in the camp which was sponsored by the East Kameng district SSA Mission.

Engineer XI becomes champion in veteran football tournament

SEPPA, Oct 19: Engineer XI became champion of this year's East Kameng Veteran Football Tournament.

Engineer XI defeated Bameng Veteran FC 5-4 through penalty kick in the final at General Ground here yesterday.

Vice Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Research Development Agency Yura Tagung gave away trophies and certificates to the winners, runners up and players.

Tagung appealed all to show love and respect for each other and maintain peace for the betterment of the district. Further, he lauded the approval of the sports policy by the state govt. under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for promotion of games and sports.

Anchal chairperson (12-Watte) Manga Rimo suggested the veteran players to educate the younger generation about the scope of sports, including football.

General Secretary of East Kameng Football Association R Singhi said that the EKFA aims to promote sports, particularly football in the district, and guide and encourage the young talents to take football professionally and make career out of it. DIPRO

Red Lady Papaya introduced by ATMA

NAMSAI, Oct 19: The Red Lady Papaya variety was introduced at Kaba village at the initiative of ATMA Namsai under demonstration plot scheme.

The crop is doing well and by 6 months, the fruits will arrive in the market, stated a release from District Horticulture Officer, Namsai.

The fruit is totally red in colour when it ripens, with an even shape, weights about 750g to 1.5 Kg, is with less seeds and thick flesh. The orchard has either female or hermaphrodite plants and mortality percentage is almost nil. The flowering and fruiting of the variety starts from the height of one and half meters.

Pampoli school struggle with absentee students

SEPPA, Oct, 19: The School Managing Committee of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Pampoli had a discussion with teachers and students yesterday on issues of absenteeism of students, encroachment of School premises and development of infrastructures among others.

Chairperson of the SMC, Anchal Samiti Member R F Rimo Rimo said that the infrastructural problems of the school would be placed before the local MLA as he urged the teachers to lead by examples enabling the students to maintain discipline.

Principal I/c Prem Nath Dwivedi informed that the total enrolment of students are 169 out of which 60 students at an average remain absent per day and few students have not turned up at all after admission.

Later a resolution was passed requiring 75% attendance for appearing in school exam, immediate repairing of meeting hall and toilet in anticipation of Govt fund, demarcation of boundary.

Later, SMC demarcated the school boundary as per the mapping prepared by District Administration in presence of the encroachers.

GHSS, Pampoli has no subject teachers for class XI & XII and is run by SSA teachers.

Child health screening program at Oyan School

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Oct 19: As a part of its routine programme under Rashtriya Bal Swastya Kalyan schemes (NRHM), East Siang health department conducted 'health screening' programme at Oyan Govt. Upper Primary School, today.

The 10-member medical team, including four doctors, a pharmacist, three nurses and para medical staff, treated more than 300 young students of the school and distributed required medicines to them free of cost. They also provided a First Aid Box to the school authority for using in medical emergencies.

The medical officers taught the children of various general healthcare tips and advised them to maintain good sanitation practice and get timely treatment of infectious diseases.

The team will be conducting similar health camp at Girl's Residential School at Depi village under Nari circle tomorrow.

Health department sources said that the mission has planned to cover all the 235 Primary Schools and Anganwadi Centres in East Siang district for health screening and growth monitoring of the young school children.

Personality Development camp at VKV Roing

ROING, Oct 19: Sadgamaya camp- a three days residential personality development camp was organised at VKV, Roing from Oct 15 to 17.

A total of 58 students from four nearby Govt. Schools participated in the camp. The students were taught simple experiments, yoga, stories, importance of computer, songs, life skill education and the kendra activities in the camp.

The valedictory function was attended by Tokhey Miso, an alumnus cum Gram Panchayat chairperson, Koronu. He advised the students to carry forward the message given by the resource persons.

District level painting competition

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: The results of the district level painting/drawing competition conducted by PHE&WS division, Roing under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin on the topic 'Our Dream, Our Mission---Total Cleanliness" on October 2 has been declared.

Juni Mimi (Class XI), Winnie Tacho (Cl-X) of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Roing and Shipi Mena (Class-IX) of Divine Word School, Roing bagged the first, second and third prize respectively in senior category.

Kento Yirang (Class VI) of JNV, Roing, Melenam Pangkam (Class VII) and Khina Mega Class (VI), both of Divine Word School, Roing bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively in junior group.

The aim of the competition was to generate awareness and focus the public attention on nation-wide sanitation and cleanliness campaign.

More than 100 students from all the schools under Lower Dibang Valley district participated in the competition.

Tribal games and sports meet concludes

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: The week-long tribal games and sports meet held in different blocks of Tirap district concluded at Deomali on October 18.

Speaking on the occasion, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha appreciated the efforts of Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) for conducting the games and added that games and sports would help the youths of the district in utilising their time gainfully. He said that more games and sports would be conducted in the district to generate interest in sports amongst the youths.

In his speech, Commandant of 1st Assam Rifles Col. Prashant Nair said that engaging the youths in games and sports would wean away them from going astray. He said that the youthful energy of the youths should be channelized towards constructive purposes.

The prizes for winners of different events in games and sports held for Khonsa, Lazu, Dadam, Deomali and Soha circles were distributed by the dignitaries.

Earlier, President of Tirap unit AVP, Ngasah Tangjang spoke on the activities of AVP. Among others, SDO, Deomali, ZPM Deomali, govt officers and public leaders attended the function.

Moyong seeks Smart City office at Pasighat

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong has suggested several amenities required to convert oldest town of Arunachal into a smart city.

While addressing the Smart City consultants yesterday in the Siang Guest conference hall, he asked the consultants to set up their branch office at Pasighat for smooth functioning of the project. Moyong suggested construction of underground drainage, power cables, roads widening, parking complexes, parks, sufficient water projects etc.

The Stage-1 of Smart City challenge competition entails four broad criteria such as existing service levels in city/town, institutional systems and capacities, self-financing and past track record and reforms. Now Pasighat will be put through Stage-2 of the competition based on elaborate criteria before funds are released to the top 20 cities and towns during the current financial year.

Moyong appealed all the officers, leaders and common citizens of the township to cooperate with the executing DDF Consultants (Smart City Consultants), New Delhi. The meeting was attended by representatives of ABK, ABSU, DPYK, BBK, PMA, AdiSU and PMC councilors.

Winter Cup T20 rolls off

TAWANG, Oct 19: Guntek Tchemo Dendur Winter Cup T20 kicked off at high altitude sports stadium here yesterday.

Khremethang Cricket Club thrashed Mon Tawang Vigilance by 7 wickets in the inaugural match while Jang Sports Club grounded Bomja A by huge margin of 51 runs.

16 teams are in the fray for the top honours in the tournament organized by Mon Tawang Vigilance and sponsored by Tawang MLA and Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board chairman Tsering Tashi.

Tawang SP Anto Alphonso, who attended the inaugural function, called on the players to uphold sportsmanship spirit.

Forum seeks govt intervention

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Capital Complex Land Affected Peoples' Forum (CCLAPF) has decided to pursue with the government for early solution to the protracted capital complex land occupation and allotment imbroglio following a mass show-cause notices issued by the Chief Estate Officer, Itanagar.

Meanwhile, the Forum appealed to the Chief Estate Officer, Itanagar Capital Complex to exercise restraint till final outcome of the case from government level.

The meeting comprising of Forum's Central Executive Committee, Advisory Body, Panel of Advocates, Sector Committees was held at Naharlagun on Oct 18 presided over by its Chairman Takam Dari Sojik.

"Considering that the lives of thousands of indigenous Arunachalees are at stake", the Forum, appealed to the Chief Minister for early redressal of its grievances.

‘Ensure strict implantation of Act’, students demand CS

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Galo Students' Union (GSU) and the West Siang District Students' Union (WSDSU) in a joint representation demanded the Chief Secretary to direct all the HoDs of all Galo inhabited areas of West & East Siang, Upper Subansiri districts to strictly implement the Arunachal Pradesh District Based Entrepreneurs and Professionals (Incentives, developmental & promotional) Act, 2015. The unions also called the Chief Secretary not to repeal the Act or make any changes in it.

In their representation, both the union stated that lion share of works were allocated to outsiders before passing of the Act resulting in deprivation of livelihood to unemployed youths of the concern local areas. They hoped the Act will benefit thousands of local unemployed youths and petty contractors, the representation stated.

Both the unions further urged the office of the Chief Secretary to personally see to it that the concerns raised by the unions are genuinely addressed.

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DA depute food observers to monitor PDS delivery

ROING, Oct 19: In an initiative to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Lower Dibang Valley, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Dhawan has deputed officials as Food Observers against 44 Fair Price Shops out of 54 FPS on receipt and distribution days for effective distribution of PDS item.

To ensure that the PDS items are being delivered to the FPS and distributed to the Ration Card Holders, the deputed officials have been directed to be personally present on the day of delivery and distribution in their respective FPS location. The officials on duty will prepare a list of items received on the day of delivery and the officers deputed will cross verify and monitor the PDS item during its distribution to the Ration Card Holders.

Further, they have been directed to collect mobile phone number and Aadhar number of all the beneficiaries. A Control Room has also been set up in DC office.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed all the FPS to remain open compulsorily on Nov 9-10 designated as 'Distribution Days' or 'Rice Days'. DIPRO

Portfolios allocated to the ministers

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: The portfolios to the newly inducted ministers were allocated today.

Phurpa Tsering has been handed over Power (Civil) Ministry with additional charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department.

Jomde Kena got the Transport, Cooperation & Civil Aviation ministries while Tirong Aboh has been allocated Department of Tirap, Changlang & Longding(DoTCL), Geology and Mining.

Further, some ministers have been allocated additional portfolios along with their existing ones.

Home, Power & Electrical Minister Tanga Byaling will hold additional charge of Horticulture while PWD Minister Gojen Gadi will handle Election Affairs.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tacho will hold the additional charge of Parliamentary Affairs.

PHED Minister Takam Pario has been given added responsibilities of Disaster Management and Relief, while Education Minister Tapang Taloh will hold charge of WRD. With this reshuffle, Tanga Byaling, Tapang Taloh, Gojen Gadi and Takam Pario have further consolidated their positions in the Tuki ministry.

Doctor assaulted, APDA unit threatens OPD closure

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Oct 19: The Upper Subansiri district unit of Arunachal Pradesh Doctors' Association (APDA) has threatened to shut down outpatient department (OPD) in hospitals in the district if the law enforcing authority fails to nab the person, who assaulted a doctor at Nacho CHC while she was discharging duty on October 15.

Condemning the attack on doctor on duty in its strongest term, the APDA unit gave the district authority and police a day's time to arrest the attacker, informed Dr. Tajum Eru, assistant general secretary of the unit.

A complaint was lodged against the alleged accused one Taru Byaling (Nalo) on October 15 at Nacho Police Station for allegedly assaulting the doctor.

In her complaint letter, the doctor stated that the incident happened when she was attending a seriously ill patient at CHC Nacho. In the meantime, the alleged accused Taru Byaling started arguing with other medical staff of the CHC creating disturbance in attending the patient. When she and other staff of CHC were trying to bring the situation under control the alleged accused first slapped her on the face and pushed her down and started to kick her mercilessly.

Reportedly, the attacker of the doctor is still roaming free.

Meanwhile, Police started search operation to nab the culprit, informed Nacho police sources.

23 activists detained, bandh cripples normal life

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Altogether twenty three ANYA activists were detained by the Capital police today, according to information received from SP Capital Complex Davendra Arya here this afternoon.

The detainees were kept at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium Naharlagun till the end of 12 hours bandh which started this morning at 5 AM.

SP added that a case has been registered against the detainees for unlawful assembly and defying the district administration's order under section 188 of IPC.

"No untoward incidents were reported except stone pelting" SP said while stating bandh passed off peacefully. In some areas they burnt tyres to create fear psychosis among the citizens" SP revealed.

Meanwhile, the 12 hours Capital Complex bandh imposed by ANYA has crippled the normal lives in and around capital complex. The government offices, schools and banks remained closed for whole days.

Except magistrate and police vehicles, private vehicles were off the road, with few two wheelers seen plying during the bandh hours.

The business community also shut their shutters down despite order given by the district administration to defy the bandh.

ANYA had declared 12 hours Capital bandh against the state government for allegedly failing to meet their demands.

Expert committee accept SIA

for Murkongselek-Pasighat BG line

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

RUKSIN, Oct 19: The members of expert committee for verification of impact assessment study report on Murkongselek-Pasighat Broad Gauge (BG) railway (first phase) today examined all aspects of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Study report prepared by a board constituted by East Siang District Administration and found the report suitable.

The expert committee members including East Siang DLRSO Ojing Mongku, DDMO Gendem Tsomu and scientist Dr. Bhanu Pratap Mishra (CHF, Pasighat) in a meeting at Ruksin ADC's office today after a thorough study of the report okayed it. Besides the committee members, Ruksin EAC, O Lego, NF Railway Engineers- R M Choudhury (EE) and Gajen Kuli (Sr SE) and Ruksin ZPM, Tonggeng Panyang also attended the meeting. The committee members have agreed on the fact that the BG rail project has severe economic impact and so proper compensation should be paid to the affected families to mitigate their losses.

They further suggested the NF railway officials to submit 'Impact Management Plan' clearly describing its strategic plan & policy for mitigation of the loss of land and other properties.

The survey report has revealed that the proposed BG railway route including station, sub-station, goods disposal, collection yard and employees colony etc covers about 3,45,866 sq meter land, which is under process for acquisition.

It includes about 87,671 sq mtrs of agriculture land and 77,600 sq mtrs of government land in Industrial Growth Centre at Niglok besides a large area of jhum cultivation site.

The first phase of the work of the rail route (from 2.60 km to 8.20 km) site falls under Ruksin administrative sub-division, wherein 44 families of Ruksin and Sille- Oyan circles are directly. The proposed rail project is passing through Ralung LP school compound. The railway, which enters into Arunachal territory crossing NH-52 near Ruksin gate, will pass through Birem Silbor WRC field and it would disrupt minor irrigation channels connected to the wet paddy cultivation sites.

It is worth mentioning that the NF railway with the help of East Siang district administration during June this year conducted public hearing on 'Social Impact Assessment" on Phase-I work of (Murkongselek to Sille Korong), the affected families under Ruksin block set certain condition for supporting passage of railway on their cropland. As such, the affected families sought land compensation @ Rs 11.91 lakh per Bigha land with extra payment against loss and damage of other immovable properties.

It may be recalled that NF Railway had started survey work for the new BG railway in September, 2011. The primary works were delayed due to stiff opposition from the local people.

Complete Itanagar-Jote road by early Nov: Negi

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi asked the executing department to complete the maintenance works of Itanagar-Jote road by November 10 and ensure completion of other works within the stipulated time period with quality.

Chief Secretary Negi along with T Kamchi, SE Capital Circle PWD and Taniya Soki, EE CDA on Saturday inspected various ongoing CC pavement works within Itanagar and maintenance works of Itanagar-Jote road.

The Chief Secretary said that any activity of earth cutting on hill side leading to accumulation of earth on road, blockade of side drains, culverts etc inviting additional construction works should be reported to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner and Chief Estate Officer cum Addl. District Magistrate immediately for needful follow up action. Briefing on the current status of the ongoing works, the SE informed that the remaining work of 10.42 km in Itanagar and 1.66 km in Naharlagun will be completed by March 2016.

A total of 22.76kms of CC pavement road was sanctioned during 2014-15 for twin capital cities of Itanagar and Naharlagun of which 2.51kms and 6.63kms were completed in 2014.

The construction had to be discontinued in April as monsoon approached. However, restoration work resumed from the first week of October and has gained momentum since then.

The work is taking place in full progress as it has already completed total length of 0.50km in Itanagar and 1.04 km in Naharlagun respectively. DIPRO

Itanagar struggles with garbage disposal

[ Appu Gapak ]

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Itanagar being the capital of the state is considered as its growth engine. This brings with it the challenges associated with urbanisation, among which are large quantities of garbage and its disposal. Waste management here is in a pathetic state.

The formation of Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) hasn't been of much help either as the door-to-door garbage collection currently in practice is not only inefficient but expensive too. Area collectors rarely visit houses and people are forced to dump waste materials outside with no designated pick up points.

"We pay Rs 200 to the municipality, but they do nothing. No one comes to collect the garbage, it's like we are paying to do our own work," said one clearly annoyed shopkeeper.

Another lady shares, "I pay Rs 50 every month but no one comes to collect the garbage. We have to go to the nearby garbage dump to throw the waste."

While some of the areas are strewn with over flowing garbage bins, there are no bins in some of the colonies.

"Bins have been provided only to those areas which have space," informed Deputy Director (UD), CCD Gyamar Tachung.

The problem has compounded with the non-functioning of the Municipal Solid Waste Management plant at Chimpu which stopped after working for only few months. The plant reportedly broke down due to mixing up of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.

Wastes from the 30 wards are being dumped at land-fill sites beyond capacity with no processing whatsoever. Other wastes which fail to reach the land-fill sites adorn the drains, streams and rivers while some burn at night in the middle of the township area. At times, garbage are also seen burning in the broad daylight.

"Segregation has to be done at the source," says the deputy director adding that awareness is needed in this regard.

While it is the onus of the concern department to make the necessary waste segregation awareness, the municipality must also make simultaneous changes in its garbage collection and management methods. The problem of garbage accumulation will not change unless the complete chain of garbage management is in place: from separation of dry and wet waste at source to processing in landfills.

Gobuk primary school celebrates 50th anniversary

YINGKIONG, Oct 19: Gobuk Primary School under Upper Siang celebrated its 50th anniversary on Oct 16 and 17. The school was established on March 30, 1965.

As part of celebrations, literary and sports events were conducted for the students.

Namut Dai, a Presidential teacher awardee, who served the school in 1974-75, Lobo Apang, a national and state teacher awardee, who served the school from 1981-86 attended the celebration.

Speaking in the occasion, Dai shared his nostalgic moments while serving in the village 41 years ago. He advised the student community to toil hard to achieve their goals.

Lobo Apang, the longest serving teacher in the school, while sharing his experience, exhorted the students to be punctual and asked the parents to properly supervise their children at home.

Alumnus Atek Miyu, SE, HPD, lauded the GBs for their contribution in encouraging students to attend the school during the formative years.

Dr. Ahik Miyu, another alumnus, stressed that discipline, sincerity and perseverance towards study are the only key to success.

Er Iban Komboh, another alumnus asked parents to keep a vigil on the movement of their children to ensure regular attendance in school.

A mega dance by students and Tapu war dance by villagers were also performed as part of the celebration.

Dunun Miyu (Karate), Minam Tekseng (Karate) and Ogam Boli (Judo), who have represented the state, were suitably felicitated along with the student performers of the school. DIPRO

Governor offers prayers to Goddess Durga

ITANAGAR, Oct 19: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J P Rajkhowa along with First Lady Rita Rajkhowa attended the inaugural function of the Shree Shree Durga Puja at Rajdhani Kali Mandir here and offered prayers for the well-being of all human being.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor expressed hope that the festivity of Durga Puja will usher in tranquility and amity in the society, which, in turn facilitate in development of the society and prosperity of the state and the Nation. He appealed to the people for peace and harmony in the state.

The Governor cautioned the people on polluting the rivers after the Puja and advised them to clean the water bodies after performing their rituals. Suggesting against sacrifices during Pujas, he advised the people for opting other ways to observe the rituals.

The Governor lauded the Bharat Sevashram Sangha for their service during natural calamities, bringing social reforms and in development of tribal communities. He commended the organisation for running a girls' school with hostel facility at Pakke Kessang in East Kameng district and its future plans for starting Computer, Yoga and Handicraft Training Centre in Itangar and medical unit at Pakke Kessang. He expressed hope that the organisation will continue its good work in times to come.

Swami Mahatmananda Maharaj, Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh Branch, Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) highlighted on importance of the Durga Puja and said that it is a prayer for the betterment of the society. Swamiji also recalled the early phase of BSS and highlighted its initiatives for uplift of the tribal and relief works during disasters.

The Puja is being organised by Bharat Sevashram Sangha and Rajdhani Sarbojanin Puja Committee, P-Sector, Itanagar. (PRO to Governor)

Inferior quality work on MMJ road causes concern

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Oct 19: Though the state Public Works Department (PWD) in East Siang is claiming that road construction work along Mirem-Mikong-Jonai is progressing well, the fact remains that the road between Ruksin-Ngorlung-Mikong-Mirem villages is still in a deplorable condition with rough gravels and potholes in many stretches of the road.

The 14-km long PWD road linking greater Mirem, Remi and Bilat and Ruksin ADC headquarters in Pasighat-West constituency was lying unrepaired for the last several years.

The state government, last year, sanctioned an amount of Rs 2.98 crores under Special Plan Allocation (SPA) for renovation of the 14-kms long MMJ road, out of which Rs 1. 50 crore has been released.

But, it is observed that the renovation works including earth filling, graveling and black-topping works are going at snail's pace. The road work is not yet progressing in the longer portion of the road between Mikong and Mirem, while about 8-km stretch between Ruksin HQ and Ngorlung village is yet to be started.

The locals have alleged inferior quality road repairing work in the MMJ road and expressed apprehension that the inferior quality black-topping might be damaged soon after completion. Raising questions over the utilisation of funds meant for the renovation scheme, the villagers have urged the PWD authority to publish a white paper in this regard.

It may be recalled that the local MLA earlier granted an amount of Rs.10 lakhs for repairing of the potholes along MMJ road. But work was so bad that the sand gravel filled on the road was washed away during the early monsoon rains this year.

The MMJ road is the lifeline for the interior villages of Pasighat-West and Koyu-Korang area in Nari Koyu constituency besides parts of neighbouring Jonai area of Assam. It also serves as a subway from Ruksin to Pasighat and food items and agricultural products and other essential commodities are transported to the interior rural areas through this route.

North East Festival draws huge crowd

New Delhi, Oct 19: The 3rd edition of the North East Festival held here from Oct 16 to 18 saw a footfall of over 3 lakh people who thronged the festival venue for a first-hand experience the very best that the region has to offer.

Delectable cuisines from the entire region drew visitors from and outside North East. Apart from this, cultural events, folk dance, fashion show, exhibition of art, photography, cartoon, traditional sports and discussions were the major activities in the three-day Festival. With support of Delhi Tourism many foreign tourists came to visit the Festival and taken part in various activities. Around 50 artisans/weavers/textile entrepreneur of NER showcased their unique designs and participated in buyers- sellers interaction.

Musicians took centre stage in the evenings with some amazing performances by Zubeen Garg, Lou Majaw, Boomarang, Purple Fusion, Abiogenesis, Traffic Jam, SKD, Parikrama,The Local Train, Girish & The Chronicles,Anaya Brahma.

The last day of the evening was dedicated to Majuli and a short audio visual presentation showcased Majuli's heritage, resources and the growing concerns of erosion. During his audio-visual presentation, Zubeen Garg spoke about the need of national media attention to protect Majuli.

Meanwhile, North East Festival Organiser Trend MMS and IGNCA have felicitated at least nine outstanding achievers from the region, residing in New Delhi and contributing in distinct fields.

Epie Jamoh, a young entrepreneur from Pasighat was among the outstanding achievers from the North-east region who was felicitated by the organisers in recognition to her contribution in promoting Arunachal local cuisines in the heart of national capital.

A former media person, Epie runs the Arunachal Cuisine in Dilli Haat and is also Publisher of Himalayan Pulse and Executive Board Member of NIMS University, Rajasthan.

Jamoh recently established an extension of Arunachal cuisine in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.

Siram visits GTC Sec School

PASIGHAT, Oct 19: In order to ascertain quality education in Pasighat Township, Advisor to Chief Minister and former Minister Bosiram Siram along with DC Isha Khosla, ZPC Kaling Dai, Chief Councillor Denong Tamuk, PRI leaders and councillors visited GTC Secondary School and held consultative meetings with the school teachers to know the difficulties being faced by them.

While interacting with the teachers and students, Siram said that well maintained and attractive learning environment could assist in raising educational standards. He asked the school authorities to set priorities and assured to take up some issues related to minor maintenance and others activities with the concerned ministry soon.

He expressed his satisfaction and appreciated the teachers and students of the school for cleanliness, beautification, sincerity and discipline. While advising the teachers in particular to be punctual, he said they should keep the prestige of Education department high by devoting themselves in teaching and learning process adding that fair, generous, caring, and empathetic educators were always respected in the society. Students must be disciplined and attentive in studies to be worthy citizens of the nation, he said.

Earlier, the DC in her speech, giving priority to education said that there was no shortcut to be successful in life without education and students must be sincere, dedicated and hard working to achieve good academic results. DIPRO

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Major decisions

The state cabinet has taken an important decision towards improving the health care facilities by deciding to create 675 numbers of posts under Department of Health & Family Welfare. Yesterday cabinet took this important decision. Various posts of specialist doctors, medical officers, nurses and para-medical staffs will be created. However state government will have to ensure that all the posts are properly advertised in media, so that the best candidates are selected. Back-door entry should be strictly prohibited.

Further state government should upgrade infrastructures of all the existing hospitals and health centres. No new projects should be taken up, unless the infrastructure of present hospitals and health centres are improved. Cabinet also decided to increase tax levied on alcoholic beverages to 20% in the state. The tax levied will be used towards paying annual premium of the Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme. This is another major policy decision which will help people of state in the long run. Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme is one of the few schemes which benefit the poor in true sense. There was lot of fear about whether government will be able to manage fund for this scheme. It looks like for now they have addressed the concern. But still insurance scheme will need constant monitoring. Proper redressal mechanism will have to be implemented for the betterment of beneficiaries.

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An open letter to Chief Minister, Haryana

Dear Editor,

We don’t have a problem with Muslims; we have a problem with people like you. Haryana has had a history of being India’s controversy child, and I’m not surprised why. When the Governor appoints a man as their Chief Minister who believes in uttering rubbish, there’s very little you can do to save the world. Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said something so stupid two days ago which I quote, “Muslim rahein, magar is desh mein beef khaana chhodna hi hoga unko. Yahan ki manyata hai gau” (Muslims can continue to live in this country, but they will have to give up eating beef. The cow is an article of faith here), responding to questions on how he viewed the Dadri incident and whether or not such incidents would communally polarise the country, according to News Source. Here’s my take on the entire fiasco. I don’t care which party he belongs to, I don’t care that he’s a graduate from Delhi University; I don’t even want to know what plans he holds for the future of his state. All I care about is the vicious, evil, terrible teachings/opinions/assumptions he has on religious teachings and women that is slowly becoming the cause of death and communal disharmony for many. I fear this contagious mind will influence thousands who blindly follow what they’re told. This will multiply the number of Khattar’s we have in our country, and when that happens, we will see multiple Dadri Lynching cases. And you know what’s the worst part? The fact that people believe in God more than humanity. Which God said save your cows and kill whoever eats them? It’s not even about the cow anymore, it’s all about us. How hypocrite can we get? It’s okay to kill a human being, but a cow? Dude, moo-away?

Mr. Khattar, I know you’ve apologized for whatever you’ve said, but when you’re given a pedestal and are expected to work towards improving and maintaining secularism in our country, you do not go around discussing how Muslims are ‘welcome’ in the country if they are okay with not eating beef. That is utter nonsense! And that’s not the worst he’s been at, here’s an excerpt from his interview last year on his opinion on rape - “If a girl is dressed decently, a boy will not look at her in the wrong way,” Khattar had said. When asked whether young people should have freedom of choice, he replied, “If you want freedom, why don’t they just roam around naked? Freedom has to be limited. These short clothes are western influences. Our country’s tradition asks girls to dress decently.”

I am an atheist living in a secular country, who thinks about tomorrow and doesn’t care what my brother eats, let alone murder him for it. And that’s not because I am ignorant and don’t care about animals, it’s because I care about real problems that require you to believe in Humanity more than religion, like how there are more than 34 REAL environmental problems your state is facing right now that requires immediate measure of fixation, how there are cases of honour killing and a significant rise in the number of Dowry cases, how Women are still treated like trash and how women get raped daily, even the ones who are ‘dressed decently’ , so don’t tell me what my Muslim friends should eat to feel ‘welcomed’.

Tell me what we can do to feed the hundreds of farmers who’re dying because wE choose to sit and debate on your nonsense opinion. And on a personal note, I’m also glad you chose not to marry. That saves one woman from dying a painful death every day.

Yours,

Moge Lollen

BHU, Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

Above the shallow well of all things Hindi and Hindu

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the editorial titled “Don’t confuse the people” (October 19).

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar awards “final verdict” that if one desires to live in India, he/she would have to forsake beef! Is he the self-appointed guardian of India and he will decide who will live in this country or not? When will the BJP, RSS and other affiliated units of the saffron brigade arrive at the realisation that this secular democratic heterogeneous multi-lingual multi-religious country is not the paternal property of any particular linguistic or religious group? It is a matter of utmost shame that those who cannot uplift themselves from the chauvinist divisive philosophy of “Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan” are presently calling the shots in New Delhi and different states and are hell bent on creating mayhem by exploiting religious sentiments despite holding Constitutional posts.

Khattar states “The freedom of one person is only to the extent that it is not hurting another person”! When a person affiliated to BJP, RSS or saffron brigade speaks of “not offending/hurting others”; it becomes simply impossible to resist a bout of laughter! The ideology which draws political oxygen by zealously assaulting the sentiments of non-Hindi speakers and non-Hindus are advising others to show restraint! Ram Janmabhoomi movement; Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent communal riots throughout the country; Gujarat pogrom; concepts of “love jihad”, “religious reconversion”, “All Indians are Hindus”; forcing Muslim canteen employee to eat food during his fast; “Sania is Pakistani”, Amit Shah’s call of “revenge” while campaigning in Muzaffarnagar prior to 2014 Lok Sabha polls; cold-blooded murders of rationalists; death threats to authors criticising the saffronisation of India or blackening their faces; murder of innocent individuals revolving beef consumption and barbaric imposition of Hindi perhaps do not hurt the sentiments of others! Thus it gets proved that in the dictionary of Khattars, possession of “all norms of sentiments” remain the monopoly of only the communal rabid zealots professing Hindi imperialism and Hindu orthodoxy and the rest be allowed to go to the dogs!

Thanks to the communal ideology and minority bashing of the Khattars, this whole secular multi-religious country has got Talibanised to such a horrific extent that the Hindutva fanatics are not only killing innocent person for his alleged “sin” of consuming beef; they are chasing the “cattle smugglers” and even brutally beating them to death in Himachal Pradesh by taking law in their own hands. Yes, when parties based on communal ideology are scandalously voted to power in a secular diverse heterogeneous land; bringing the country to the brink of a civil war indeed heralds the arrival of “Good Days”!

And instead of merely “de-linking the party” from Khattar’s views; BJP should act honest enough to sack him from the post of Chief Ministership, announce that henceforth the party would refrain itself from infringing upon the dietary habits of different religious communities and work for the welfare of the society instead of imposing Hindutva in this diverse land. Khattar, Sakshi Maharaj, Yogi Adityanath, Sangeet Som, Mahesh Sharmas will continue to enjoy field day and the secular nationalists of this country would have to believe that the party does not share their views! BJP should at first sack these elements from the party, whose antics have posed a severe assault on all democratic and secular ethos of this country, before delivering pious statements. But prior to that, the party would have to turn nationalist enough to award all languages and religions of this diverse nation on an equal pedestal by rising above the shallow well of all things Hindi and Hindu.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

Let us face the truth

Dear Editor

True to its commitment, the department concerned started Capital road maintenance work with widening of road as far as possible. Political observers may see it as a policy to divert people’s attention from present political uneasiness in the state, but whatever may be the intention, the truth is that at least the gateway of Arunachal Pradesh capital has been given priority in term of road infrastructure.

As we speak about the reality and truth about the capital road infrastructure, the state Govt should also ready to face the possible backlash from the people which may arise as a result of lack of coordination between PHE and WS, PWD and mobile networks provides in the capital. It seems the PWD is serious in giving a facelift to the capital roads which is appreciable, but implementation of any development works should accompany a vision and have an outlook for comprehensive and inclusive development. It is seen that every time, when the department concerned begins its road maintenance works, BSNL comes forward with an appeal to bear with them following disturbance of their service due to road maintenance. Sometimes, we came to know about disturbance in public utility service like water supply during road construction or maintenance. Such complaints and inconveniences may be avoided if there is proper coordination between departments concerned.

We should keep in mind that today and tomorrow, we have to respect the call of the time to give a bigger shape to messy national highway-415 (four lane/fly over etc). Therefore, Govt should also give a serious thought about the water supply system and cable lines which run along the road side so that maintenance and renovation works of roads do not bring trouble for PWD and other department/ agencies that has been using road side to provide utility service to public.

Yours,

A road user

Itanagar

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----Editor