The Arunachal Times - Archives

Govt plan to improve quality education

in rural areas

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: “My government is planning to come out with a policy to improve the quality of education in the rural areas so that the students coming from far flung schools could compete and pass out the CBSE board examinations with flying colours”, said Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today.

He was addressing a mammoth gathering at Banquet Hall here as chief guest on the occasion of Teachers’ Day celebration.

While consolidating the role of teachers in shaping the society, Khandu said that the students follow what a teacher tries to teach them. “If a teacher maintains outmost sincerity and devotional to duties, the students follow the same line”, the chief minister said.

“No nation can develop its resources to fullness unless its citizen is educated. It is the education that opens the mind and enhances the mental development which breeds civilization and leads the path of progress and prosperity”, Khandu said while urging the teachers to impart the education putting their heart in it.

Khandu appealed the teaching fraternity to include such social importance topics in their school curriculum activities like preservation of wild life, HIV/AIDS, drug menace etc. in order to educate the children in such alarming issues. Reiterating that education had been a top priority sector for his government, Khandu appreciated the steps taken up by the education minister Bosiram Siram in improving the standard and quality of education in the state. He further urged upon all to put hands together to improve the literacy rate of the state and make it par to the highest literate states like Kerala and Mizoram.

Dwelling in length on the initiatives of his government especially on education sector, Khandu made mention on Flagship programme of Central Government and its effective implementation in the state.

He congratulated the teachers who were recognized for their meritorious job and appealed the teaching fraternity to follow the suit.

30 teachers from all over the state were conferred with state Teachers’ Award for their meritorious service in state and for education by the chief guest on the day.

Speaking as guest of honour Education Minister Bosiram Siram termed the students as a bank and teachers the depositors of most precious treasure- knowledge.

He mentioned about National Foundation for Teachers Welfare (NFTW), which undertakes a voluntary campaign for collection of funds on this day every year. He further disclosed that an amount of Rs. 83 Crores (aprox). has been contributed till date which would be utilized for providing financial assistance for construction of Shikshak Sadan, financial support for education of school teachers’ children, gratuitous relief to the teachers in case of serious accident and teachers health insurance etc.

But Siram lamented that not a single financial assistance was availed by our state despite the fact that the NFTW was constituted way back in the year 1962. He however revealed that a state working committee of NFTW would soon be constituted so as to ensure that the benefits under NFTW could be given to teachers in the hour of need.

He also informed the house about enactment of Arunachal Pradesh Education Act, Arunachal Pradesh Higher education Act and Arunachal Pradesh Technical Education Act. These efforts will certainly serve the noble purpose for planned and systematic development of Educational Institution in the state, Siram emphatically said.

Among others, Education Commissioner Hage Khoda and Director School education also spoke on the occasion.

MLA Namsai, Nang Sati Mein, Principal Secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering, Commissioners, Secretaries, Directors, Teachers and students were present on the occasion.

Kri felicitates 620 teachers

Lohit DIPRO adds: Teachers Day was also celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India at Tezu.

Altogether 620 teachers including five retired teachers from various public and private schools, professors and assistant Professors of I.G.G.College, Tezu were felicitated by MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Karikho Kri on the occasion.

Dorongsi Kri (Tamai), Asstt. Proffessor, I.G.G.College, Tezu was also felicitated on her achievement of having got the distinction of being the first ever Mishmi to have cleared the UGC net. All the teachers under Tezu and Sunpura circles and Lohit DDSE participated in the celebration.

Kri lauded the teaching community for their relentless efforts in imparting education to the students of the state. However, he appealed the teaching community to give their best and put more efforts for value based education to the students so that they can face the challenges of the life ahead.

Presiding over the function Lohit District Deputy Commissioner R.K. Sharma praised the sincere efforts of the teachers and cautioned them not to waste their time and energy in creating and mitigating personal differences, but to use their energy and intellect to produce good and meritorious students by their efforts, sincerity and dedication.

Bagilu Kri, wife of Parliamentary Secretary expressed her delight to have the honour to felicitate the teaching community for the 6th time on the Teacher’s Day at Tezu.

Winners of state award - 2010

District Name & Deisgnation Name of Institute

1. Lower Dibang Valley S. Sankaran, S/T Govt. H. S. School, Roing

2. Lower Dibang Valley Mamang Ratan, A/T (B) Govt. Middle Schoo, Roing

3. Lower Subansiri Peil Milli Tutu, A/T(A) Govt. Middle School, Kamporijo

4. Lower Subansiri Ajit Chandra Medhi, S/T Govt. H. S. School, Raga

5. Lower Subansiri Konpona Hazorika, J/T Govt. S. School, Hapoli

6. Lower Subansiri Narender Verma, S/T S/T OSD (Edn), C/O PRC

Arunachal Bhawan, New Delhi

7. Lohit Nang Monorama Jeinow, A/T Govt. Sec. School, Lathao

8. Yingkiong Samten Lama, A/T (A) Govt. Middle School, Gelling,

9. Yingkiong Bhuwan Chandra Upreti, J/T Govt. Sec. School, Jenging

10. East Siang Bhola Prasad, A/T(A) Govt. Pry. School, Yingku

11. East Siang Kakong Rome, A/T Govt. Middle School, Silluk

12. East Siang Kripamaya Das, A/T (A) Govt. Middle School, Berung

13. East Siang Pradip Kumar Deb, J/T Govt. Sec. School, Mirku

14. East Siang Rana Awadesh Kumar Singh, J/T Govt. Middle School, Paglek

15. West Kameng Bhawani Shanker Pant, S/T Govt. H. S. School, Rupa

16. West Kameng Nagina Singh Yadev, S/T Govt. H. S. School, Bomdila

17. West Kameng Tripti Sarkar, J/T Govt. Middle School, Bomdila

18. West Kameng Sang Khandu Khrimey, A/T(A) Govt. Middle School, Pedung

19. West Kameng Wangmu Sinjaji, A/T(A) Govt. Middle School, Jigaon

20. West Kameng Indreshwar Baruah, A/T (A) Govt. Pry. School, Liphakpu

21. Anjaw Jai Prakash Sharma, S/T (Geog) Govt. Pry. School, Hayuliang

22. Anjaw Raghunath, S/T (Maths) Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Hayuliang

23. Kurung Kumey Kusum Singh Rathi, ST (Eng.) Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Koloriang

24. Kurung Kumey Harish Singh Paramer, S/T (Eco.) Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Palin

25. Kurung Kumey Takam Taram, A/T Govt. Sec. School, Lumba

26. Kurung Kumey Mukund Mohan Kalita, A/T Govt. Middle School, Jamin

27. Papum Pare, Yupia Surendra Nath Rai, S/T Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Arunodoya

28. Papum Pare, Yupia Sorang Sonari, A/T Govt. Pry. School, Shyaro

29. Tawang Birendra Singh Yadav, J/T Govt. Pry. School, Rono

30. Tawang Jogamohan Kalita, A/T (A) Govt. Middle School, Melongha

Prosecution sanction from govt awaited: SP Chauhan

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: In the headlines after his dramatic arrest of former Chief Minister Gegong Apang in the Rs 1000 Cr PDS scam, SP Special Investigation Cell (SIC) M S Chauhan today addressed a press conference in which he divulged that prosecution sanction from the government is pending with regard to 44 government employees while the prosecution sanction has been obtained for a few IAS officers involved.

He further said that 19 people were arrested including 4 sitting MLAs who are on bail, while adding that learned District Court Judge Bidol Tayeng had granted them bail. He however refused to give the names of the people arrested.

He further informed that 41 persons have been charge sheeted under various sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act.

SP Chauhan who has been under fire for poor handling of arrest of former Chief Minister and questioned about his integrity even at the floor of the Legislative assembly said that there was no case pending against him nor was he suspended as alleged by certain organizations with vested interests.

He said that he would quit his job if the allegations were proved correct.

"On the other hand, the SIC officers are receiving threatening calls from contractors, politicians and student Unions ever since it began investigation into the PDS scam," Chauhan said flanked by officers of SIC, adding that he takes full responsibility in the ongoing investigation.

He however did not mention if a police case was registered.

He further called on the media to refrain from publishing unfounded stories while denying that he had any role in arrest of former chief minister.

The SP further said that there was a nexus of underground elements-politicians-contractors in the whole PDS scam.

Chauhan arrested former Chief Minister Gegong Apang on August 24 last, leading to widespread criticism by various organizations on the conduct of the investigation by the SIC and the treatment meted to Apang.

Govt announces welfare measures for working class

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: The State Cabinet has given its seal of approval on several welfare measures worked out for the working class as recommended by a govt-constituted Committee.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu informed the house on the first day of three day Legislative session that from now on, there would be two categories of casual/ contingency employees—skilled and un-skilled and the category semi-skilled would be merged with the skilled ones.

Accordingly, the wages structure of the contingency employees has been upgraded: the un-skilled and skilled employees serving from 0-5 years will get monthly wages of Rs 3,500 and Rs 3,800 respectively, likewise employees working for 6-10 years will get Rs 4,000 (un-skilled) and Rs 4,300 (skilled), 11-15 years- Rs 5,000 (un-skilled) and Rs 5,300 (skilled) and beyond 15 years - Rs 6,000 (un-skilled) and Rs 6,300 (skilled), including Rs 250 per month as medical allowance for each category.

The same wages structure should apply to the Auxiliary Labour Corps (ALCs) in the districts, informed the Chief Minister, adding that an additional allowance (difficulty allowance) of Rs 500 per month will be provided to the contingency/ casual staff working in Area II (difficult areas).

The total annual financial liability of the above decisions would be Rs 80 crore (approx). For the current financial year, assuming that the recommendations are adopted from 1st October 2010, the liability would be about Rs 40 crore, divulged the CM.

He further said the recruitment rules for the group ‘D’ posts like peons, sweepers etc and for work charged (W/C) employees in case of works departments should be amended to reserve atleast 25% seats by promotion from contingency employees who have completed 20 years of service, after a qualification test.

He, however, said any future post creation of any contingency worker for any department should be only with the prior approval of the Chief Secretary and after obtaining no objection from Finance Deptt (for Non-Plan category) and Planning Department (for Plan category) at the level of respective Secretaries of the departments concerned. Any future post creation for WC employees in works department shall follow the same procedure as is being followed for regular employees. The CM told the House that recruitment of all group ‘D’ posts – peon, sweeper, cook, chowkidaar, washerman, gardener, dak-runner & handyman, all non-technical group ‘C’ posts including driver, UDC, LDC etc and all vacant WC posts (for works departments) will be done at district level under a Board with concerned DC as chair. The concerned departmental head (at Director/ Chief Engineer level) would be a member of the Selection Board and the parent department shall continue to be the appointing authority as well as the disciplinary authority and the employee shall be liable to be transferred anywhere in the State.

Arunachal Boogie Woogie

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: The best dancers from Arunachal Pradesh will gather at State Capital for a fortnight and compete with each other for top honour in the main rounds of the ‘Arunachal Boogie Woogie’-- a dance competition-- beginning at National Cinema hall, Naharlagun from September 15.

Participants will be seen performing all types of dances, including local traditional, Bollywood, Indian folk/classical etc. during the eight rounds of the competition. While Round One and Two will witness danseuses performing all types of dances and local traditional dances on September 15 and 19 respectively Round Three will see participants performing on Bollywood themes/beats.

Classical Dance round (Round Four) will be held on October Four while the Round Eight or the grand finale will be held on October 31, according to organizing committee release.

Lower Siang projects debate continues

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: Expressing doubt over the selection process of participants in the proposed official meeting on Lower Siang Hydro Electrict project at Itanagar on Sept 7, Mebo Area Bachao Committee said that selection was done by the East Siang deputy commissioner and a few delegates selected by Govt cannot be true representatives of the project affected people.

The committee in is emergency meeting held at Pasighat yesterday nullified and rejected the proposed meeting and also appealed the MLAs of project affected area in general and Mebo MLA in particular to abstain from participating in it.

The committee unanimously condemned the Govt attitude towards the anti-dam people. Instead of coming up with convincing points, they are in hurry in declaring anti-dam people as anti-development, the committee said.

Meanwhile, expressing unaware of any conspiracy or political implication in the proposed official meeting on Sept 7, Abor Hills People’s Forum has said that it will represent the feedback of people of Siang belt and use the meeting as platform to enquire about the details about the project including pre-feasibility report, geological study and development initiatives etc.

If the project is feasible after preliminary investigation, the Forum will endorse the project, said a release. The Forum will look into the fact that the project commence only after the effected people both upstream and downstream are compensated and their interested are looked into.

The Forum said, it will shoulder the responsibility even if it is a non-descript as the people of Siang deserve a better tomorrow.

Lower Siang Project Affected Welfare Society while welcoming the meeting called by the Chief Minister said that AdiSU should have registered its protest when the DC has called a meeting in August for selection of delegates. The Society said that representatives will attend the meeting.

Students need to exhibit political skills

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: With new academic session starting, colleges across the state will witness frenzy activities to elect new student bodies.

Positions like general secretary, assistant general secretary and numerous others posts will be vied by many students. Often it is said that student politics is the first step towards entering the world of politics. Some of the famous universities of world like Oxford, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Osmania University, Delhi University and many more are considered to be centre of student political activism.

They have witnessed many famous students movement in their illustrious history. Many of the present day politicians are product of these universities.

Even the 1989 infamous Tiananmen Square protest saw participation of larger number of students from Beijing University. During my days at Delhi, I had opportunities to interact with student union leaders of Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU). In these two universities, all the major political party’s student wing is very active. They vigorously oppose each other’s political ideology in public and always indulge in heated campaign inside university campus.

Despite their political differences, like seasoned politicians, they do respect each other’s political principles. There is a sense of maturity in the way they conduct themselves and many attribute this to their political training gained by being affiliated with one particular party. Some of the politicians like Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat are product of JNU and leaders like Arun Jaitly, Kapil Sibal are from DU school of political education.

In Arunachal majority of current politicians has come through rank of student bodies like All Arunachal Pradesh Student Union (AAPSU), All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) and from numerous tribe and district based student bodies. However there is a lack of proper political activity in all the colleges of state and also at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU). There is a need to channelize and bring the student bodies under certain forum where they can exhibit their political skills in true sense. Often we say students are the future of country and if we want to groom future politicians, then colleges and universities is the best place to do so.

There is certain lacuna in present system of student union activism in Arunachal. Most of the present student bodies are being used as puppet by few select politicians. There is an urgent need to change this trend. Certain professionalism need to be inculcated to student unions. Also our colleges and university, besides providing academic education, should encouraged students to take part in other curricular activities.

Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), situated at Rono Hill Doimukh, apart from being education hub should also become centre of political activism. Being the highest intellectual group of state, people expect RGU students to have a say in every matter which can change the fate of this state. There should be extensive political debates at university level on various issues and our authorities should also offer them all helping hands. Being the future citizen of this state, everybody look forward to student communities to be more vocal on those subjects which directly or indirectly can affect their future.

It is the duty of student communities to enlighten the poor and uneducated public of this underdeveloped state about all the important subjects. For example at present there is huge debate going in state regarding dams. Why can’t student group organize debate on such issue?

History speaks that whenever student community has intervened in any burning issues, a new chapter is always written. Time has arrived for our students to be more vocal on all issues and if they keep silent now, may be one day they have to pay heavy price for their silence.

Summer Cup Invitational Football

Championship begins

MVFC draw 1-1 with NERIST; BT XI hammer

Young Star XI 14-0

M. Doley

NAHARLAGUN, Sept 5: NERIST team and MVFC battled out a spirited 1-1 draw in the opening match of the Summer Cup Invitational Football Championship in a soppy Rajiv Gandhi stadium here this afternoon.

Both the goals were scored in the second half as players continued to struggle to control their moves as well as the ball in the first half due to rain soaked ground. NERIST took the lead for a brief when Jumy Taba’s well measured shot from right flank curled into the net in 68 minute. However, Loie Kena restored parity two minutes later taking chance of a goal-mouth melee.

In another match of the day, BT XI hammered Young Star XI 14-0.

Earlier, attending the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, Local MLA Techi Kaso called upon every sport lover to encourage not only football players but also other sportspersons who have shown their talent in their chosen event. Reiterating his support for the sportspersons, Kaso asked them to strive for becoming a good sportsman and bring glory to the state.

AAPSU convenor Chuku Ringu was the guest of honour of the occasion.

The tournament organised by Model Village Football Club under the aegis of Arunachal Pradesh Football Association aims at encouraging young players and giving them a platform to show their latent talents.

CCSC will play against AUSE in tomorrow’s first match at 2 pm while IRBn team will take on GHSS, Polo Colony in the second match at 4 pm.

Awareness by Worker Welfare Board concludes

Ojing Tayeng

YINGKIONG, Sept 5: The third phase of the Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Awareness cum Meeting concluded at Yingkiong yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Board Chairman Jalley Sonam called upon the labourers and construction workers of the Upper Siang District to avail the benefits under Building and Other Construction (Regulation of Employment & Condition of Service) Act, 1996 and the Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1996 which provides them housing loan of Rs 50,000, tools advance Rs 5,000, medical assistance Rs 5,000, marriage assistance Rs 2,000 each for two children, maternity assistance Rs 1,000, educational assistance, old age pension and disability pension Rs 150 per month. Besides financial assistance of Rs 15,000 against normal death, Rs 50,000 against accidental death and Rs 1,000 for funeral purposes, the board is also planning to provide school admission fees, school uniform, bag and free exercise book to two children of each family from next academic session, Sonam said.

He advised the labour community to help each other in time of need and cut unnecessary expenditure for the welfare of their families. He also urged the HoDs and Officers to extend help to the labour community of their respective department. He appreciated the District Administration and Departmental heads of the Yingkiong for their cooperation during the awareness camp.

All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation Secretary General Dobing Sonam while briefing about the interdependency of AAPPTF and AAPWU, urged all the members of the AAPPTF, Yingkiong unit to extend their cooperation and support to the labour community and also advised them to get registered their name with Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board so that they can avail the above mentioned benefits.

Meanwhile, responding to a memorandum regarding modification of freight charge of transportation, Sonam being a Public Transport Federation General Secretary, assured AAPWU, Yingkiong unit to inform the matter to the Department concerned. He further informed that if any Driver meet with accident, his nominee should immediately claim for compensation through the office of the District Labour Officer of the concerned district, and the compensation will be paid within a week. However, the vehicle and the driver’s document should be up to date to claim the compensation, he added.

APB&OCWWB Secretary Ojing Darung informing about the penalty imposed by the Board against the concerned department advised all the department and private companies to deposit 1% cess to the Board.

Speaking on the occasion, AAPWU Women Wing Aalo unit President Yajum Bogo lamented less participation of women community in social activities and appealed to the womenfolk of the rural areas to come forward and gear up activities. She urged elected women panchayat leaders not to depend much on their husbands in official activities and advised all the departmental women labourers to work sincerely.

EAC Yingkiong Kabit Apang appreciated the Board for organizing the labour awareness meeting in the district.

Earlier, AAPWU President and General Secretary Yingkong submitted a five-point memorandum to the Chairman highlighting its various grievances which includes construction of Labour Shed and an Ambulance for labourers of the district.

Free exercise books were also distributed to all the workers on the occasion.

APCC to take up cudgel against drug abuse

James Jugli felicitated

Tom Simai

JAIRAMPUR, Sept 5: AIDS and drugs is detrimental for society and youths should participate to uproot these from society, suggested Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress General Secretary Likha Benjamin in a programme held to felicitate the newly appointed Changlang District Youth Congress (DYC) President James Jugli here today.

We will soon launch state wide anti drugs campaign to create awareness among the youths about its harmful effects, he informed.

Further he added that that newly appointed Changlang District Youth Congress President James Jugli will mobilize the youth yo engage themselves in nation building.

A lot of responsibility has come my way after being appointed as DYC president, said newly appointed DYC president James Jugli adding ‘I won’t be able to shoulder it without the support of our young brigade who has a vision like I have and who are optimistic like I am.

He also agreed to accept new ideas from the youths and confirmed to implement it if the idea benefits a community rather than an individual.

He appealed the public to come forward to inform him if certain department or agency practices inappropriate things so that he can communicate with the concerned authorities to find a solution.

He also requested the youths of the area to come forward and participate in the progress of the district and the state.

Lamenting the Tangsa youths disinterest in active politics, ZPM Khingra Nong Tikhak expected that Jugli’s participation will encourage the young brigade to come forward to participate in active politics. He also believed that his leadership will lead the youths in right direction.

Applauding the achievement of Jugli, Ex-Zilla chairman Izmir Tikhak said that it’s a good sign that the youths have begun to comprehend their responsibilities and they will have to rectify the mistakes committed by the elders.

Further he deplored about the drugs menace shattering the fabric of many societies across the state and expected the youth’s intervention will find a better solution in days to come.

Tirap DYC president Kungam Sumnyan also lauded the achievement of Jugli and expected him to excel in all arenas.

The felicitation programme was an initiative of District Youth Congress Committee and Namchik Valley Society for Eco-Tourism & Wildlife Conservation.

AAF conducts awareness tour

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: Executive members of Arunachal Artistes Forum led by its general secretary Kipa Robniang have conducted its first phase of 8 days long awareness tour to East Siang, West Siang, Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri districts with an aim to constitute its district level units in 16 districts of the state.

The main motto of the AAF is to promote, preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people with involvement of all artistes of the state. The AAF will cover the ramining districts in its 2nd and 3rd phase tour.

Training of ASHA district trainers

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: The NRHM Arunachal Pradesh is organising 12-days first phase of training of ASHA district trainers on modules 6 & 7 at Administrative Training Institute Naharlagun from Sept 6.

The training is the first of about 18 month continuous cascading training program for ASHAs of the state upto the block level. It is expected that training will enhance the skill of ASHAs in their health care service. On completion of this training, these trainers will further train the ASHAs at the district level.

32 participants (2 participants per district) from the districts will take part in the training wherein 3 Master Trainers who were trained on the same modules at Gadchiroli, Maharastra, namely Yaman Darang, Staff Nurse, Yaran Talom, Staff Nurse and Milan Rani Sen, Staff Nurse will impart training to the would be district trainers.

JTS observes National Nutrition Week 2010

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: Jhil Takking Society (JTS) observed the on-going “National Nutrition Week from Sept 1 to 7 Sept with their link volunteers and local ASHAs at Naharlagun.

As a part of the nutrition week the Society conducted a day-long capacity building training programme for the Link Volunteers / ASHAs on Sept 4 so that they can create health awareness in their local areas to reduce the prevalence of under-nutrition and micro nutrients deficiencies. The whole programme was guided by coordinator C Magar.

Chairman of the Society B. Yabang requested the health workers and volunteers to perform their duty with dedication to improve the health scenario of the state.

Hunting, fishing banned under Shalleyi panchayat

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: The executive members of Shalleyi Anchal Welfare Society (SAWS) along with the Panchayat leaders conducted a joint survey of Shalleyi area recently and found unnecessary tree felling. The society also seized charcoal and timber from the area and strictly prohibited hunting, fishing and use of bleaching powder in their area. They warned that violators of ban order will face punishment under relevant laws of the Govt.

Govt lauded

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: Arunachal Registered Pharmacists Associaiton (ARPA) has said that the health department has accepted its demand for recruitment of pharmacists under directorate of health service through open written examination.

While lauding the state ministry of health and family welfare for accepting their demands, ARPA assured to extend cooperation with the DHS in maintaining transparency in the whole recruitment process. It hoped that the department will continue its recruitment process in future for selection of deserving qualified pharmacists.

Who knows many skeletons will tumble out!

Dear Editor,

In the melee of reactions and counter-reactions as published in your esteemed daily for the last few days following the arrest of Gegong Apang, former Chief Minister for his alleged involvement in the PDS scam, the news has come that the hearing for his bail petition has been deferred till 6th September. It is a real shock for the members of his family and thousand of well wishers like us.

SIC headed by M.S. Chouhan has again succeeded in his attempt to lengthen his period of stay under its custody. In this regard I want to raise a question - if interrogation was the main purpose for his arrest, SIC could have easily carried out its job without arrest and even in his residence as well without creating such hullabaloo following his arrest. Even a hardened criminal, murderer is allowed to go on bail. It is not a mere coincidence that the whole incident is nothing but a pre-planned personal or political ( ? ) vendetta just to tarnish his image in the public when the election of the PCC President is round the corner. How can Chouhan be so vindictive? He has become so emboldened that he is ready go any length to malign, harass Apang? Does he have any personal grudge?

I demand that Chouhan seek a public apology for his misdemeanor for tarnishing the image and subjecting public humiliation to Apang, a father-like figure of Arunachal Pradesh, and nothing less. Till then we shall continue to agitate in the matter.

Coming to the issue of PDS scam which every sane citizen wants that the investigation reaches to its logical conclusion and justice done to one and all, we cannot forget the fact that during his tenure of Chief Minister before his government was toppled by Mukut Mithi that Apang distributed 15 kg of rice per head, 1 kg of iodised salt and 1 cake of soap freely for 3 months during the lean months.

Without much ado people should know that the genesis of the present scam dates back to that year when head load carriage system was introduced when Mukut Mithi was the Chief Minister of the state. Who knows many skeletons will come out if those periods are also brought within the ambit of the present investigation as well.

I earnestly hope good sense will prevail to all and the people are mature enough to understand what is true and what is false and decide their own course of action for overall interest of all.

Yours,

Tasi Jamoh

Court should take note

Dear Editor,

Amidst much of the hullabaloo on the arrest of Gegong Apang, former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for his alleged role in the PDS scam, the creditability of SIC investigating the scam has not come out unscathed considering various reactions coming out from the cross section of the people of the state.

In one hand the government spokesperson and Power Minister Jarbom Gamlin has vehemently denied any role in the arrest of Apang and it appears to be true on the fact of it, reactions on his arrest, either in his favour or against, is yet to fade.

As a concerned citizen of the state, I have made a series of interaction with people/individuals interested in the instant case and had the privilege of accessing some reliable information about the constitution of SIC which tells a different story and strengthened my belief that the constitution of the SIC was not transparent at all.

As I have learnt M.S. Chouhan, who was transferred to Itanagar from Khonsa following serious complaints against him from the public about his alleged involvement in some unlawful activities, took over the charge of SP, SIC (Vig.) 22nd April, 2007. What was surprising was that his appointment was made by the then Home Minister without any recommendation from Police Establishment Board which was mandatory as per the directives of Supreme Court. His posting was preceded by transfer of the then Home Commissioner and his predecessor in the SIC on 21st April, 2007. And all these development took place just after the fall of the Apang government on April 9, 2007. What a coincidence! Was there any quid pro quo involved in appointing Chouhan as head of SIC ? All these development that took place clearly points to a larger conspiracy to manipulate SIC at the whims and desires of power that be. Real picture emerge only after a detailed probe is conducted about the constitution of SIC itself, though the people have been made to believe for so long that the SIC has been constituted at the directives of Guwahati High Court and SIC directly report to it.

I am neither an Apang supporter nor Apang-baiter. As a conscientious citizen, I demand that the government should come clean in the matter to restore the credibility of SIC which is handling such a scam of mammoth proportion. I also appeal to the court to take cognizance of the information so that the SIC can function independently as mandated by it without any string attached to it.

Yours,

Taying Tasing

SIC has to act to prove that its not a puppet

Dear Editor,

No doubt Gegong Apang cannot be compared to our selfless leaders like Late Tomo Riba and Late Bakin Pertin, but he certainly needs some respect due to his fatherly figure and as a longest service chief minister of our state.

District Headquarters of Upper Siang which is his home town still lags behind in all the sectors with no big road, educational institutions not to mention about the worst district hospital. People who visit Yinkyong wonder what he has done in all those long years in power.

However, people cannot directly compare Apang’s arrest with those of Adi officers.

Why would anyone raise a hue and cry for arrest of officers as they are not at all comparable to Apang? The contributions of Apang to Adi Bane Kebang during his chief minister ship are to be remembered.

Moreover, Apang was just a navigator of the ship. There are many politicians in the present government who were sailing in the same ship. If the ship is sinking then all has to be drowned.

If SP M S Chauhan has the real gut, he has to ensure that other members of the ship are arrested too.

Other wise we would be compelled to say him a political puppet that does not have any value in our modern society.

Yours,

Concerned citizen,

Manipur

Let the voters decide

Dear Editor,

Everyone is talking of handing over the PDS scam to CBI. More often than not it may not be a ‘cure all’ panacea. Even if the case is taken up with the court’s order the highest political executive will have the strings and the right tune. If the ‘people first’ Govt. is sincere, it should make sure that the officer investigating the case is not biased and all the offenders, irrespective of any affiliation, are taken to task. Thereafter, the onus of deciding the fate of the offenders should be left to the voters as most of the beneficiaries are stated to be leaders or linked to leaders. For its part the regime can certainly put a full stop to such an unsavory incident in future.

Yours,

A citizen (on email)

They have achieved just as they planned

Dear Editor,

This is in reference to the news item “Communities form Forum, rejects Bordoloi Commission Report” The Arunachal Times; September 04. Representatives of community based organizations in a daylong meeting decided to reject the 1951 notification and the Commission Report known as Bordoloi Commission Report, based on which the territory of N.E.F.A. (now Arunachal Pradesh) is defined. In north-east it has become very easy to form forums based on our ethnicity. But in our quest for land we miss out on historical realities. Bordoloi based his report on the demarcation of the north-east frontier province of then greater Assam based on the constructive suggestions as underlined by Verrier Elwin. Infact, the legendary friend of tribals Verrier Elwin and Gopinath Bordoloi were the only two greatest well wishers of N.E.FA.

When Bordoloi demarcated N.E.FA. territory in 1951, it was for administrative convenience. Had he been alive in 1971, he would have been most hurt at the division of Assam, that too when there was no demand for statehood from the people of N.E.FA. Neither Elwin nor Bordoloi could ever imagine that the Hindi lobby in Delhi would have divided the north-east part of India into so many hostile statehoods. The British very well knew that in a region with so many mindboggling number of tribes would lead to hostility and tribal conflicts if each tribe is allotted separate statehood. So they set up districts and provinces for the purpose of administrative convenience and not to divide north-east on tribal or ethnic lines which the Hindi lobby did after 1947. The central government officials and ministers knew very well that tribal statehood means inter-state skirmishes and this would help them exploit the tribal communities and their natural resources to the hilt. They have succeeded very well as now the people of north-east never raise a collective voice against exploitation. Had the districts not been divided on the lines of tribal statehood, a man like Akhil Gogoi from Golaghat in Assam would have fought against corruption in Pasighat (now in Arunachal Pradesh). Had two states not been created, the Misings and Deuris would have joined the the Adis to protest against the ruthless atrocities committed upon the villagers in Pongging. But now it has become ‘their problem, not ours’. This is why Arunachal Pradesh was created by the central government of India in the 1971. Down the years they have achieved just as they planned.

Yours,

Hayang Deuri,

Boginadi,

Lakhimpur, (On email)

You are elected to raise issues

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my happiness and appreciation to TMC MLA, Kamthok Lowang and others MLAs for raising the Assam-Arunachal boundary dispute in the on-going Assembly session and for demanding solution to the same. But still I am little confused, why the MLAs belong to boundary area with Assam are still in silence mood in Assembly session. It is known to all that just few days’ back illegal eviction was carried out inside Arunachal territory at Kimin and Tirap district but representatives of border affected were still blind-folded over border rows.

It is learned that some of our MLAs hesitate to speak in assembly or other places against the ruling party fearing the breach of party discipline. I think raising voice for modification of Govt policy and programme is not against the party policy of any political party. As leaders of particular areas and state as a whole they should express their views. For example Congress MP Manisankar Aiyar spoke against Common wealth game, it does not mean that he spoke against the Govt. He has power to spoke for common people that’s why he spoke. Our MLAs should speak against state Govt. policy and program so that Govt. rectify and prepare effective policy and programme for common people.

As we aggrieved families never ask for direct settlement but we aspect from our state Govt. at least they should take steps for infrastructure development of boundary areas such as construction of road, establishment of police out posts, schools, hospitals and creation of separate relief and rehabilitation funds for affected people of boundary areas. If Assam Govt. can use their police force to carry out illegal eviction than why our state Govt. can’t use police force to carry out development activities at border areas. Why our state Govt. does not lodge complaints with central govt. against misuse of central para- military force during illegal eviction in Arunachal territory.

I know all the 60 MLAs are not belonging from boundary area but some of them are representatives from boundary area. Even some of MLAs were former student leaders in AAPSU, ANSU and district or communal base organizations and they had raised issue of inter-state border problem and Chakma Hajong problems as student leaders.

Why they are now keeping mum over both this serious issue of state. They are now in power and it is time for them to move resolutions, suggest policy for amicable solution to issues and problems.

Yours’

Nabam Akin Hina

Asstt. Gen. Secretary

ANSU

What the name of the paper?

Dear Editor,

With reference to a one line quote “Some paper just carry letters to the editor with brickbat and bouquets for us”: Jarbom Gamlin, Dated 4th Sept, I would like any one among the readers to take the trouble to reveal the name of the paper. If anyone helps me find it out, I am thinking of subscribing it for lifetime. It must be doing a great job!

Yours,

A citizen (on email)

We all agreed we wont touch the pie

Dear Editor,

History repeats ,and yes it does every month in Arunachal Pradesh, the history of Bandh calls. The news of ANSU’s deferring of Bandh call was heartwarming, the pleasure would have been enhanced if it was cancelled altogether, as they don’t really serve the purpose it is called for.

In the month of July AAPSU called a 24 hour Bandh. There was tall claims from AAPSU, which only a God father would do “No one touches my pie”, and we all agreed we wont touch the pie. We won’t touch the cause which AAPSU has taken up.

But the question remains, what happened to the pie? What happened to Lt T Nguso’s case, which AAPSU had taken responsibility to pursue the cause? Was the Bandh call an indication that they can’t take the cause further?

What more can we expect from organisations who celebrates success of means, than success of cause. It is wise enough we learn from others mistake and I think ANSU learnt it well by directly approaching Khandu and putting the demands forward.

“You can lead a Horse to water, but you can't make it drink” and calling a Bandh is not even taking the horse to water forget about making it drink.

I personally feel that organization calls Bandh only to end their pursuit of the cause, that they are no longer interested in the cause. More than that I feel it’s a cheap publicity stunt. There is not much difference between Rakhi Sawant’s publicity stunt and Bandh call publicity stunt, only thing is that former is at least entertaining.

Yours,

Dorjee K Thungon

(on email)

Chennai

Give a computer teacher instead

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Bosiram Siram’s statement about the computers not being used at Kalaktang School. Instead of taking back the computers from Kalaktang Higher Secondary School, the Education Minister should appoint a computer teacher.

Yours,

Yeshi Wangchu Kharma

Delhi-9, (on email)

Bad reporting indeed!

Dear Editor,

Now, The Arunachal Times seems to have 'invented' another festival in Yapung/Korlang for the Apatanis (4th Sept, 2010 ). To me, and to all the faithfuls of the Danyi-Piilo, performing Yapung is a ritual, not a festival. Bad reporting indeed.

Yours,

Mtagya (on email)

Pasighat

Enough is enough

Dear Editor,

I would like to shed some light on the rising problem of Police harassment especially in the state of Assam.

Every now and then the man of law put up fake check points just to harass the general public and any Arunachal registration vehicle is a bonus for them. This trend is seen more just before festivals and holidays in Assam. On set of Bihu in Assam means local taxes for both Assam public (generally Youths) and ever blood sucking Assam Police.

My request to the authorities of our state is to come up with a solution so that we the general public of Arunachal Pradesh don’t get targeted by the people as well as Police of Assam. The ever famous “Tamul Paisa” was and is still a big problem for us all.

Enough is Enough!!!

Yours,

XYZ (on email)

Naharlagun

Train the drivers

Dear Editor,

I have observed that more than 20 city buses ply in the roads of capital complex with JNNURM written on it. These busses stop in the middle of the roads without giving any signals as and when the passengers wishes to get down. Is it negligence of the trained drivers or have they not been trained by the authority? If they are trained drivers, they should stop their busses at designated stoppage and parking places.

Because of these drivers stopping their buses suddenly in the middle of the road it creates lot of traffic jam.

So, I appeal to the authority concerned to train the drivers so that they follow traffic rules properly.

Yours,

Anjaan Gumja (on email)

Alumni RGU

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----Editor