Rijiju reiterates development of border areas
BOMDILA, Oct 16: Reiterating the Centre’s commitment for development of the border areas, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju said that roads and telecommunication are of vital importance for development of any area. He was speaking at a programme held at Rupa by the BRO on Sunday.
The MoS said there is a need for strengthening the road networks in this strategically located state.
Congratulating the BRO for their commitment, Rijiju hailed them as the sentinels of the nation. He lauded the efforts put in by all the ranks and file of the organization in completing the OKSRT road and the Rupa Bridge and hoped that the same work culture would be maintained.
Appreciating the Shertukpen community for their ingenuity and being deep rooted to their culture and tradition, Kiren opined that the other tribes of the state which have been a victim of the onslaught of western culture should emulate them.
Earlier, the MoS inaugurated the 74.75 meter PSC Box Girder Rupa Bridge and the 158 kilometers OKSRT (Orang-Kalaktang-Shergaon-Rupa-Tenga) road in presence of the Additional DG BRO.
Among others, the programme was attended by CE (P) VARTAK, West Kameng, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop, Commander 14 BRTF, HoDs, public and PRI leaders, BRO personnel and villagers of Rupa. DIPRO
Regularise NEEPCO local employees: Kumsi
ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Parliamentary Secretary (PHE & WS) Kumsi Sidisow appealed to the NEEPCO authorities to regularize the services of the 20 local employees working in Kahep Project (600 MW) under West Kameng district before commissioning of the project.
Sidisow, who is the local MLA, said that he along with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and MoS, (Home) Kiren Rijuju had visited the project on October 14 and met the authority of project developer (NEEPCO) as well as the local people.
On being informed about the pending employment and service regularization issue, Sidisow said NEEPCO needs to regularize the service of the 20 employees, who were working with the project on contract basis since last many years under M/S JNK Enterprises.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Rijiju also patiently heard the grievance of the local people and assured to look into the matter, he said.
He informed that the people of Kimi, Khuppi, Bichom, Buragoan, Jameiri, Hussigoan, Gohainthan along with Aka Elite Society (AES), and Arunachal Indigenous NEEPCO Job Contract Employees Union held a meeting at Bhalukpong on October 9 and reiterated demand for immediate job regularization in NEEPCO before commissioning of the project else they may resort to democratic movement.
He also informed that the issue was also raised in the floor of the legislative assembly in 2012.
Non-fulfillment of demands disappoint ATA
ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Arunachal Teachers' Association (ATA) has expressed its extreme disappointment and displeasure over state government's alleged apathetic attitude in fulfilling various long-pending demands of the teachers' association.
ATA has been demanding complete bifurcation of Elementary and Secondary Education from block to district level with creation of DDEE, DDSE & SEO posts, creation of Principal & HM/VP posts, Single Entry Grade of teachers, notification of BEO RR, conduct of DPC twice in a year for all categories, Group 'B' Gazette Status for PGT and modification of TGT RR etc.
ATA lamented that all of its demands are lying unattended despite repeated pleas in forms of memorandum and representations to the state government.
The State Government should take the matters seriously and redress all the pending issues and demands immediately.
While welcoming the salary release, ATA appealed to the state government to address the long pending demands of SSA teachers, who are living in utter hopelessness due to job insecurity.
"Out of 6527 SSA teachers in the state, at least 60 percent of them have reached the age of 40 plus. If present phase of regularization process continues then it would take more than 100 years to accommodate such a large number of teachers," ATA said, and appealed to the state Govt. to bring forth a fitting and enduring mechanism to permanently resolve the issue.
ATA also suggested the State Govt. to invite the agitating AASSATA members for a round table discussion and resolve their genuine demand so that the academic activities are not hampered.
DA conducts examination under CCTV surveillance
TEZU, Oct 16: Setting precedence for entire Arunachal to emulate, the Lohit district administration successfully conducted the examination for various vacant posts of ministerial and multi-tasking staff (MTS) by installing multiple CCTV cameras in the examination halls here on Saturday last.
While CCTV cameras have been sparingly used in state level and few other departmental examinations, it is for the first time that such a step was taken during an examination for multi tasking staff and group C and D posts.
Multiple CCTV cameras were installed in 28 examination halls under the supervision of NIC Team Tezu.
Lohit DC Danish Ashraf said that the decision to install CCTV was aimed at ensuring fair play and instilling confidence among the candidates as well as the general public.
Out of the total 1722 candidates, who were issued admit cards, 927 candidates eventually appeared for the examination for 28 posts in various categories including UDC (148), LDC (372), ALC Supervisors (05) and MTS (402).
The executive magistrates along with the IRBn personnel present in both the examination centres-Government Higher Secondary School and Government Upper Primary School-ensured smooth conduct of the examination.
Nyirmen Alo festival shows unity in diversity
AALO, Oct 16: The Nyirmen Alo Festival offered a glaring example of unity in diversity as various tribes dwelling at Aalo town came together and exhibited their rich culture during the celebration at Gumin Kiin on Saturday.
The popular Erap performed by Galo men-folk during marriage ceremony were performed by Darka and Kugi women in men's' attires beautifully.
Ketup, a popular War Dance performed by Adi was also performed in men's attire by Mori women amid cheer and laughter.
The Assamese Bihu, folk dances by Tagin, Apatani, Adi too enthralled the audience.
DPDTC president Pakjum Ete dwelt at length on its significance and mythological aspects. He said that Nyirmen should transcend all barriers of class, community, sects and religion since concept of emancipation of women is a universal issue.
In his key note address, DPDTC vice president Mogi Ori presented the oral literature behind celebrating the Nyirmen Alo festival and released the book entitled "Donyi Boi".
DPDTC secretary Domo Ado elaborated on celebration of Nyirmen Alo for the last few years and extended his gratitude to all for making it a big event in the district.
Earlier, a huge procession in traditional attires walked through the streets of Aalo and culminated at Gumin Kiin.
Prizes for sports, cultural and best dressed traditional attires colony were given away on the occasion.
Pogam Padu, a senior citizen of Kamdi village also attended the celebration and had words of appreciations for all laughter induced by traditional comics, dramas and dances.
Hoksum Ori called for globalizing it through mass participation in future.
Earlier, two minutes silence was observed for the departed soul of late Tumpak Ete, the person behind revival of the Nyirmen Alo Festival. DIPRO
Theravada Buddhist community celebrate Satang Potwa
[ Chow Bilaseng Namchoom ]
ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Satang Potwa marked the end of the three months Rains Retreat of the Theravada Buddhist across the state on Sunday.
At Theravada Buddhist Temple here, the day was observed by performing various rituals. The lay devotees chanted prayers to pay homage to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha which was accompanied by offerings of food, flowers, incense and other items. The devotees also undertook the Five or Eight Precepts for the day from the Abbott Venerable Bhikkhu Ratnadeepa.
Delivering the Dhamma talk, learned scholar Venerable Aryadhamma spoke on the significance of observing the Satang Potwa and offered prayers for World Peace. He deliberated on the importance of Tipitika and said that this is the collection of the teachings of the Buddha over 45 years in the Pali language which consist of Sutta -Conventional teaching, Vinaya -disciplinary code and Abhidhamma-moral psychology.
Reading out verses from the second division of the Tipitika known as Sutta Pitika popularly known as the Sermon Basket, he highlighted on the importance of Sutta Pitika which consists chiefly of discourses delivered by the Buddha Himself on various occasions which includes Mangala Sutta (discourse on Blessings), Ratana Sutta (the jewel discourse), Metta Sutta (discourse on goodwill).
He further emphasized on observing the core ethical code of Buddhism known as the five precepts and said that these are the distillation of its ethical principles.
"The precepts are not rules or commandments, but principles of training, which are undertaken freely and need to be put into practice with intelligence and sensitivity. This moral precept provides a wholesome foundation for personal and social growth. They are practical principles for a good life and the cultivation of virtues," he added.
The celebration of Satang Potwa is followed by the Kathina robe-offering ceremony for monks who observed the rain's retreat. The observance of Kathina robe-offering in the respective Buddhist temple of the lay devotees is determined by Abbott of the temple with consultation of the lay followers.
The day was also observed in Kongmukham (Golden Pagoda) Tengapani where Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom were present. The Dhamma talk was presented by Abbott of Kongmukham, Venerable Bhikkhu Vimmilattissa.
Satang Potwa was also celebrated in Namsai, Piyong, Chongkham, Empong, Phaneng, Tezu and other Theravada Buddhist inhabitant places.
Dr. T. Ao Memorial North East Football Championship
Arunachal suffers humiliating defeat
ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Arunachal Pradesh suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Sikkim in their first match in the 7th Dr. T Ao North East Football Championship at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun on Sunday.
Sikkim mostly consisting of junior players completely dominated the match from the start. They took the lead in 28th minute through a goal from SC Bhutia Jey. Sikkim doubled their lead in 32th minute scored by Manos Rai.
The host Arunachal disappointed the home crowds with lackluster performance in the second half hardly creating scoring opportunities.
On other hand, Sikkim with solid midfield game scored their third goal in 55th minutes by Suraj Chetri before Chandra Tamang scored the 4th goal in 89th minute to complete the drubbing of the team.
Sikkim's Vivek Bhutia was declared Men of the Match.
Sahitya Academy awardee and noted writer YD Thongchi gave away the men of the match trophy.
Meghalaya and defending champion Assam played out a 2-2 draw in the second match.
Meghalaya, who lost their first match against Manipur, started on positive note against the defending champion and took the lead in 38th minute through goal from D Khontia via penalty kick. They doubled their lead in 70th minute scored by D. Mawphniang.
Assam fought back brilliantly and restored the parity by scoring in 89th and 90+1 minute by R.Das and C. Dindsang respectively.
Meghalaya still has a grim chance to qualify for the semi-final if Manipur beat Assam by margin of 6 goals on Monday.
Ronney Chell Khongrang was declared man of the match and the trophy was given away by Arunachal Olympic Association General Secretary Abraham K. Techi.
Parliamentary Secretary (Tourism) P.D Sona also witnessed the match.
Sikkim will be up against Nagaland in the first match at 12.30 pm on Monday.
The match between Manipur and Assam will be held at 2pm.
Legalize collection of Paris Polyphylla
Monday Musing
[ Azing Pertin ]
Seizure of illegally collected Paris Polyphylla across Arunachal is reported on a regular basis with authorities confiscating the smuggled rhizome every now and then. The period is usually between April to September when this rare but highly valued wild medicinal plant blooms.
According to media reports, 50 Kgs of Paris Polyphylla was seized at Seppa on May 28, 2016, while on June 5, around 170 kgs of Paris Polyphylla were confiscated in a police raid at Roing. Wildlife authorities again intercepted Paris Polyphylla at Monipoliang near Ziro on Sep 8. Further, on Nov 3, 2015, a police and forest team led by DFO Banderdewa caught around 260 Kgs of the dried rhizome from a Dimapur bound bus at the Banderdewa check gate. The above reports could be the tip of the iceberg while the mountains and jungles of the state have been almost emptied from the medicinal plant by the smugglers.
The lack of awareness of the local communities on the ban on trade of Paris Polyphylla collected from the wild is a big hindrance for the conservation of the rhizome which fetches high price in the South Asian markets. Reportedly the rhizome is used to make medicines for brain tumor, snake bite and even used to make aphrodisiacs. Locally known as Kala Katchu or Jungli Katchu, a kilogram of the species can fetch up to Rs.5000 in the local market.
Concerned with its illegal marketing, Arunachal Pradesh State Medicinal Plants Board (APSMPB) had written to all the DCs for banning the collection and trading of Paris Polyphylla in 2012 and 2013. Accordingly, DCs had issued prohibitory orders against extraction and sale of the rhizome.
Paris Polyphylla is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals. Accordingly the threat to survival of Paris Polyphylla in the wild is to be protected from its international trade.
Over harvesting and unscientific collection of rhizome before the maturity of the seeds and rhizome poses great threat to the regeneration of the plant. Many people residing in the places where the plant grows want the government to legalize and regularize its collection. If regularized, authorities could levy fines and compensation for illegal collection of the rhizome.
In the neighbouring Bhutan, the government has regularized the collection of Paris Polyphylla. The locals are allowed to collect the rhizome with permits during a certain period and are dealt as per the fixed provisions and fines imposed as penalties.
Although the APSMPB had issued permits to individuals for trading medicinal plants like Paris Polyphylla in 2015, but it was stopped in early 2016.
APSMPB, Member Secretary, Tapu Gapak informed that the board had to stop giving the permits as people were misusing it by trading medicinal plants particularly Paris Polyphylla, which were procured illegally from the wild.
"The actual purpose was to encourage cultivation and trading of cultivated medicinal plants, but we had to stop issuing the permits viewing the huge amounts of illegal Paris Polyphylla being trafficked," he said.
Working for the last many years in profiling and documenting the medicinal plants of the state, Dr. Dekbin Yongam, Scientist at APSMPB shared that the scientific cultivation techniques of Paris Polyphylla is yet to be deduced across the world.
"The dormant character and very slow growth rate of the plant is a restraint to its cultivation but it can give rich profits if taken up with patience and dedication," he adds.
A progressive farmer who has been cultivating Paris Polyphylla for the past three years at Komkar under Upper Siang district, Vijay Taram is of the opinion that the state government with the Centre should regulate the collection of the rhizome and fix a Minimum Support Price for the medicinal plant so that the local farmers are not at a loss after cultivating it and black marketers do not exploit.
Citing the prevalent situation where the middlemen for Chinese and other South Asian markets buy Paris Polyphylla at Rs.6000 per kilogram in Pasighat, a dejected Taram said, "It was futile of me to try selling the produce in Mumbai at Rs.3000 per kilogram."
He further added that the government could help a lot by providing fencings to the farmers so that Mithuns don't eat up the cultivation.
Conserving Paris Polyphylla in the wild and reaping profits by its cultivation needs determined efforts by the local communities where it is found and support from the government with appropriate strictures placed.
Kena, Phurpa inspect District Hospital Bomdila
BOMDILA, Oct 16: Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jomde Kena along with Parliamentary Secretary cum MLA Dirang, Phurpa Tsering, Chairman Hydropower, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop and Superintendent of Police PN Khrimey inspected the District Hospital Bomdila on Sunday.
The Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary after inspecting all sections of the hospital and the new building advised for shifting to the new building immediately. They assured for providing necessary fund for procurement of instruments and furniture for the new building. It was also assured that required manpower including specialists, GDMOs and other support staffs would be posted soon.
Parliamentary Secretary, Phurpa Tsering informed that the District Hospital has been upgraded and notified as General Hospital for which the acquisition of land should be expedited.
Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop informed that non-availability of the required area of land in the present District Hospital area has been intimated to the state health authorities but necessary land has been donated by the Tukpen Village Council (TVC) for construction of the General Hospital.
Earlier, DMO Dr. TC Khrime informed that the TVC had unconditionally donated a suitable land for the General Hospital in between Rupa and Bomdila besides the National Highway. A team consisting of consultants led by DHS would inspect the land, he added. DIPRO
World Food Day celebrated at Tawang
TAWANG, Oct 16: The World Food Day was jointly organised at RFSP farm Tawang.
A total of 30 farm women and officials of Agriculture and allied departments attended the programme.
KB Kayastha, ADO, Tawang highlighted the importance of the day and elaborated about different climate resilient cultivation practices suitable for Tawang district. He asked the farm women to form food security group and avail assistance from the department.
SVO, Tawang Dr Tsering Drema also interacted with the farmers.
A farmers-scientist interaction was also conducted by ATMA, Tawang to mark the occasion. DIPRO
Training on disaster management for ASHAs
ITANAGAR, Oct 16: A two days training on Disaster Management for District ASHA Nodal Officer and District community mobilizer began on Sunday at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Naharlagun.
Organized by National Health Mission, the objective of the training was to train team of TOTs in various skills who will further train ASHAs and their facilitator to deal with nature and man-made disasters in various life saving skills.
Speaking during the inaugural session, Nodal officer (NHM) Dr D Padung advocated for giving priority to one to one teaching referring to it as the most effective way of teaching.
"Since the trainers will be entrusted with responsibility to train the ASHAs, ANM and ASHA facilitators at block and village level, they should plan the training in most effective way to percolate down the idea and information in right direction to mitigate the disaster management and tackle any emergency," Dr Padung added. He further called on the participants to clear all their confusions and learn as much as from the training.
Resources person Dr Mridul Deka, representative of ‘Doctors For You’ (DFY), explained in detail various types of disasters and emergencies. He also spoke on preparedness to tackle the disasters and timely service to mitigate the impact.
Other Resource person were state facilitator RRC Devajit Bora, State trainer Yaram Talem and state programme Manager Community process Dagyir Esse.
EKSWCO awareness campaign on Swachh Bharat Mission (G) concludes
CHYANG TAJO, Oct 16: Continuing its awareness campaign on Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) (Gramin), the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) on October 14 last took out a mass rally with the theme 'Green & Clean Chyang Tajo" in the township here.
The rally was followed by a public meeting in which all government officers and officials, GBs, PRI members, students and the general public of the area participated.
Speaking in the meeting, EKSWCO chairman Khya Safar Pao while highlighting the importance of SBM (G) appealed all to keep one's surroundings and practice a healthy lifestyle.
Organization general secretary Nikam Tallang in his speech spoke on social issues like clanism and revenge system while ADC Ashok Tajo was of the opinion that public should cooperate with the government when a scheme like SBM (G) or any other Panchayats schemes are introduced.
Where RD joint director Kampu Dolo in his speech spoke about the bad impacts of defecation, PHE and WS AE Tafang Bagang as a resource person, dwelt on the topics of IEC under SBM (G) and Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) etc.
BEO Dali Tajo and GHSS, Chyang Tajo principal in-charge Bhima Bagang and one Tara Kamchi also spoke.
The members of EKSWCO on October 15 also observed Global Hand Washing Day at the GHSS, Chyang Tajo.
The awareness campaign is being organised by EKSWCO under the IEC progamme in collaboration with the PHE and WS division, Seppa.
EK Badminton Open Champion concludes
ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Akshay Raito and Nadak Nabam won the men's and women's open single titles in the second edition of East Kameng Open Badminton Championship which concluded at Seppa on Saturday.
Akshay beat Rahul Thapa while Nadak beat Ingam Potom in the finals to win the titles.
Rahul Thapa pairing with Ashif Khan beat Akshay Raito and Tame Dodum to win the Men's Open Double title.
The pair of Geeta Karki and Tania Yasap won the Women's Open Double title defeating Ingam Potom and Kapu Rumi.
The Mixed Double title was won by Akshay Raito and Kapu Rumi. They beat the pair of Geeta Karki and Viki Lakhai in the final.
Parliamentary Secretary (RD and PR) Mama Natung, who attended the closing ceremony along with Zilla Parishad Member Sawa Khya Choya, called upon the players to maintain sportsman spirit and strict discipline to achieve success.
Natung further added that Chief Minister Pema Khandu is committed to work for the welfare of people, including sports sector. He, however, suggested the organising committee to frame proper policy to bring entire indoor sports under one organisation.
More than 100 players from across the state, including Assam participated in the championship.
Results of other categories:
Mens Sub-Veteran Single: Pudom Taku (winner), Gungte Yangfo (runner).
Sub Veteran Men Double: Lopjang Dolo Pangia-New Pordung (winner), Akhya Bagang-Gungte Yangfo (runner up).
SV Women Single: Apali Mega (winner), Merry Tajo (runner)
SV Women Double: Taring Yarang-Apali Mega (winner), Feko Chiri- Sunni Mangam (runners up).
SV Mixed Double: Lopjang Dolo Pangia-Yase Pangia Bagang (winner), Pudom Taku-Suni Mangam (runners up).
Veteran Men Single: Dari Tallang (winner), Takar Yangda (runners up).
Veteran Men Double: Kata Rangmo- Dari Tallang (winner), Karbia Dodum-Tagi Sonam (runners up)
Under 19 Boys Single: Ashif Khan (winner), Nara Weshi (runners up).
Under 15 Boys Single: Peter Kipa (winner), Joshwa Tajo (runners up)
Under 13 Boys Double: Peter Kipa -Arbash Weshi (winner)
Under 15 Girls Single: Athi Doka (winner), Jamoni Lochung (runners up).
FC Tadin, Darka FC win
BEMFT-2016
AALO, Oct 16: Kugi Ao FC is virtually out of the title race after the team lost 2-4 to FC Tadin in a crucial Pool A match in the Binga Ete Memorial Football Tournament, 2016 at general ground here on Sunday.
The match was crucial for Kugi Ao to remain in the tournament.
On other hand, FC Tadin is set to join Jummi Combats FC Bene in the quarterfinals from pool A.
For FC Tadin, Kengam Ete scored a brace while Byabang Doley and Tame Dolu netted a goal each for the winners.
Minli Ingo and Vikash Sharma were the scorers of Kugi Ao.
Jummi Combats FC Bene has already made it to the quarterfinals with three consecutive wins.
Earlier in the day, Darka F.C. thrashed Pakam F.C. 6-0 goals in a pool D match.
With three losses in as many matches, FC Pakam are out of the tournament.
On Monday, last year's DSA champion Jummi Combats FC Bene will play Puakgumin YC in pool A, while MAE FC will take on Ngomdir PH FC in a pool D match.
World Hand Washing Day observed in West Kameng
BOMDILA, Oct 16: In tune the month-long observance of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the Progressive Heritage Preservation Council (PHDC), an NGO in collaboration with the district administration and PHE & WS department on Saturday organized World Hand Washing Day at all the secondary schools of the West Kameng district.
Various activities which also included a Swachhta Run were flagged off by the ADC's of Dirang and Bomdila at both the places to mark the month-long occasion. The rally which was participated by students and indigenous people was aimed to deliver a social message on proper sanitation and adoption of behavioral changes that leads to cleanliness.
Earlier, T-shirts, caps, dustbins, soaps etc were also distributed to the students while proper method of hand washing was demonstrated by resource persons that included nurses from the medical department.
A signature campaign to spread awareness on SBM (Gramin), Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) etc, and a mass cleanliness drive were also a part of the programme.
