The Arunachal Times - Archives

China aiming to weaken India: Khandu

Itanagar, Sept 20: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today asserted his conviction that China would never engage in a war with India, despite more than 250 incursions by the neighbouring Asian giant into Indian territory over the last two years.

''China cannot afford to go for a war with us. China's sole intention is to make India weak on all fronts and prove itself as an economic superpower in the region,'' Khandu said while interacting with media here this morning.

Khandu said he believed that China's policy was to force India to increase its defence expenditure at the cost of the economy.

''The more the defence expenditure, the less will be the expenditure on the developmental front. They want to weaken India through this game of psychological warfare,'' he added.

In this regard, India should take up the challenge on the economic front, the Chief Minister opined.

''At the moment, we should give topmost priority to rapid economic and infrastructure development in the border areas,'' he said.

Refuting BJP's claims that the UPA government had shown a 'slow response' to the Chinese challenge, Khandu lamented that development activities on the Indian side of the border were still quite poor.

''While China has developed two-lane roads right up to the McMahon Line, we do not even have porter tracks in most of the border areas on our side. Absence of motorable roads has not only affected the people living there, but will also hamper movement of troops in the event of real trouble,'' he said.

Propagation of Chinese television, radio and telecommunication channels into the Indian side has also made impact upon the Indian people residing in the border areas, Khandu pointed out. ''Our BSNL network is also very poor in the border areas,'' he said and called upon the Centre to recruit more local people in the Army for deployment in the border areas.

''Having local people in the Army will help strengthen the intelligence network by cutting across language barriers,'' he added.

On the proposed visit of spiritual guru the Dalai Lama to the state in November and subsequent opposition by China, Mr Khandu said the neighbouring nation has no business to interfere or raise questions about the movement of the Dalai Lama in India. UNI

Tag of backward district is not pleasant: AAPSU

ITANAGAR, Sept 20: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (A.A.P.S.U) president Takam Tatung gave a clarion call to the student community of Kurung Kuemy district to imbibe a sense of discipline, hard work and dedicate their time for their studies and bring out the district from the doldrums which is largely due to lack of productive human resource. He said this while attending the 4th General conference cum Election of All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union at Nyapin as chief guest yesterday.

The tag of backward district is not a pleasant adjective to show off and it is time the youth and the student community of the district have a sincere soul searching rather than blame the authorities, Tatung said.

However he reminded the entire elected representatives from the district that the bigger share of underdevelopment of the district has been mostly because of them.

Faulty implementation of government schemes has deprived many places of basic necessities like drinking water, electricity, and road connectivity in the districts. Lauding Nyapin which has produce leaders like late Tadar Tang since NEFA days he however said the phase of development in the area has not been as desired. While calling on the state government, he emphasized on road connectivity to every circle of the district preferably by tender process so that their should not be any sort of compromise in standard and quality, streamlining of P.D.S and immediate establishment of the district head quarter at Lying Yangte as per the DPR prepared.

He requested the concerned authorities to establish the Polytechnic college as per the feasibility report and involve all stake holders of the district including the leaders of the District students’ union and also requested the government officers and teachers of the district to remain in their place of posting and stopped the practice of mobile headquarter system by stationing themselves at Ziro headquarter of Lower Subansiri which has greatly hindered the developmental phase of the district.

He reminded the state government of hydro power potential of River Kurung and cross border trade feasibility of the district and urged the government to tap it which will greatly help in redressing the unemployment problem of the district.

The president and his team paid tribute to late Kipa Kache, known as first martyr of A.A.P.S.U. The team appraised the gathering that process of renaming the Nyapin higher secondary school in the name of late kache is being actively pursued by the union.

Poll officials hurt at Palin

ITANAGAR, Sept 20: District Election Officer Kurung Kumey C Takar informed that a mob opposing the deletion of double entry and bogus electors from the 18-Palin assembly constituency completely damaged the Circle Officer’s office today. When the E-Roll Observer Kapa Kholie tried to pacify them, stones were pelted injuring him, the CO and Police personnel.

The incident happened during the process of continued updatation of E-Roll by ERO Palin.

The mob damaged Palin IB and vechiles which were parked in the complex.

He further informed that a Vehicle of the Deputy Commissioner Kurung Kumey used by the election personnel has been damaged beyond repair.

Distrcti Election Officer while terming the incident unfortunate said that such incidents deserved condemnation from all sections of society and need to be nipped in the bud.

Eid-ul-Fitr today

ITANAGAR, Sept 20: With the moon being sighted today, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow, Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid announced.

The moon of 'Shauwwalul-Mukarram' was sighted on the 29th day of holy month of Ramzan which falls today and therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr fell on September 21, Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has offered warm greetings and best wishes to all Arunachalees and to Muslim brethren on the festive occasion of Id-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan.

He expressed his hope that the festival would further strengthen the bonds of our composite society.

The spirit of generosity and charity that is highlighted by this festival, promotes the feeling of brotherhood amongst all citizens, he said while adding that noble ideals of Id-ul-Fitr fill our lives with peace, prosperity and harmony.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu wished the people of the state on the Id-Ul-Fitr. He added that the Holy month of Ramzan is aimed at purifying the body and soul and foster the spirit of brotherhood and greater welfare of humanity. Tezu-Sunpura Karikho Kri in his greetings said “I take this opportunity to record my deep appreciations for your valuable contributions in the process of socio-economic development as well as enrichment of multiculturalism in this area”.

On this auspicious day of Eid and fast breaking, “I hope this occasion would bring a new beginning of greater prosperity, success and happiness for all.

Meanwhile Jama Masjid Welfare Society, Naharlagun informed that the day would be celebrated at the Naharlagun Masjid from 9.00 hrs.

APCC reacts to news item

ITANAGAR, Sept 20: Strongly reacting to a news item published in the North East edition of a national English daily on Sept 19 last, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki said that the report has no iota of truth. It is baseless and has been filed with a bad intention, he added.

The report said that “a race is on within the ruling Congress in Arunachal Pradesh over the chief minister’s post, with Dorjee Khandu and Nabam Tuki reportedly trying to outdo each other....”.

Media persons are also social workers, who have been working tirelessly for development of society, they should work for peace and maintain integrity and should not resort to such condemnable and baseless reporting, Tuki said in a hurriedly called press meet here today. Both I and CM have been working together and the CM has done his job wonderfully within a short tenure, he added.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu while condemning the report said that both he and Tuki have been working in unison. Denying any rift within Congress, the CM said under the able guidance of Tuki, the Congress party has become much more stronger than ever before and ‘we have won the panchayat, parliamentary elections and would win more than 50 seats in the ensuing assembly elections.”

East Siang administration meets on law and order

PASIGHAT, Sept 20: Law and order problem is one of the major challenge facing the district administration said the DEO East Siang District Onit Panyang at a Coordination Meeting today to discuss law and order situation to conduct free and fair assembly election.

It was decided that J N Collge elections be deferred till further orders as the district administration would not be able to provide security and polling materials.

In the meeting, the DEO asked the police authority to verify ILP and vehicles to check illegal entry in the district.

The DM assured that police patrolling in the township would be tighten and either side of Siang bridge, police personnel would be deployed as demanded by the senior citizens in the meeting.

SSP D.C. Srivastava informed that he has already directed his personnel to conduct strict checking of people and the vehicles while entering in the district from outside state. He appealed the owners to ensure that their engaged laborers, drivers, handymen and vehicles have valid permits/documents.

Srivastava assured that the police administration would remain vigilant. Retired IAS officer O. Ering, Advisor to CM N. Jamoh, MLA B Siram and Principal JNC T. Talom were present at the meeting. (DIPRO)

Notification for college election urged

Jawaharlal Nehru College Students’ Union (JNCSU) submitted a memorandum to the Principal urging that a notification be issued for the conduct of students’ union election within September 26 next.

As per the J N College rules the students’ union election is to be conducted by the second week of September without fail, the students said and further added that the time specified for conducting election has expired.

The JNCSU chairman Daniel Jamoh said that if the students’ union election is not conducted within the said date the students will go on democratic agitation against the concern authority.

Give Peace a Chance

….Unite With the World: International Peace Day 2009

GR BISWAKARMA

“All we are sayin, is give peace a chance”… JOHN LENNON

"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."-UNO

When I listen to my worn out John Lennon’s Greatest Hits (tape)- “Give Peace a chance”, I think to myself, “why isn’t this happening yet? When can John (or any of us) literally rest in peace…?” When Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, the promoter of peace can be followed.

As our country plagued by terrorism, and internal conflicts, India’s essential prerequisite is “the peace” and need to join hands in a quest for collective security to rid the world of the scourge of terrorism. There is a need of all powers to settle all inter-state and intra-state conflicts through peaceful negotiations so that pressing problems such as poverty and underdevelopment could be solved rapidly. Peace for all our people is every bodies dream, which seems a distant dream in India, especially in the NE States. It is the essence and identity for our existence.

September 21, the day is celebrated every year as the International Day of Peace, across the globe. It is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. This annual event is an international effort to stop war and violence. It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. This day is meant to be a day of global cease-fire, when all countries and all people stop all hostilities for the entire day. In addition, it is a day on which people around the world observe a minute of silence at 12 noon local time.

Today, the 21 September 2009 is the ninth International Day of Peace. The United Nations General Assembly decided (in resolution 55/282) on 7 September 2001 that, the International Day of Peace should be observed on 21 September each year. In 2002, the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. The Assembly declared that the Day be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the International Day of Peace. It invited all UN member states, organisations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organisations and individuals to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness, and to cooperate with the United Nations in establishing a global ceasefire. This year the Secretary-General is calling on governments and citizens to focus on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. On 13 June 2009, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched a multiplatform campaign under the slogan WMD - We Must Disarm to mark the 100-day countdown leading up to the International Day of Peace on 21 September. During the 100 days of the campaign, the United Nations is raising awareness of the dangers and costs of nuclear weapons by issuing a reason a day on why nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are so crucial, (Twitter and the social networking sites Facebook and MySpace).

Since its inception, Peace Day has marked planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events all over the world are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day.

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact if millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense. This day is also for government and military officials to recognize the need for peace by affirming that “International Day of Peace” is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political.

“On this International Day, let us promise to make peace not just a priority, but a passion”, “Let us pledge to do more, wherever we are in whatever way we can, to make every day a day of peace.”- the Secretary-General, UN.

This day is, on which we reaffirm our commitment to our goal that is peace, but let it not be confined to this day alone. What I feel is that, One day a year to celebrate peace is not enough. It should be peace day every day.

Let this commemoration give us the Peace in India. Let it give us the courage and the strength to search for a peace that will lead us to enduring stability and prosperity and give our children to have the opportunity to grow up in a climate of peace and look forward to a hopeful tomorrow in a peaceful and democratic country.

Social Services

ITANAGAR, Sept 20: All Capital Complex Basar Valley Youth Association is conducting social service at Nyigam village, West Siang District on September 22 next.

It further appealed the state government to recommend Epi Basar for bravery award.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society contributed 110 pieces of blanket to the fire victims of Nyigam village recently.

Welly, Saaya, Mansai get INC ticket

New Delhi, Sept 20: The Congress today announced the names of three more candidates for the October 13 Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh.

While Atum Welly has been named for Pakke Kasang constituency, Likha Saaya will be the party's nominee for Yachuli and C Mansai for Namsai, said All India Congress Committee (AICC) central election committee in charge Oscar Fernandes in a statement here.

With this, the party has named its candidates for 59 out of the state's 60 Assembly seats. It is yet to decide on its nominee for the Palin Assembly seat.

''As there are several contenders for the seat, including the sitting MLA and the brother of an MP, the party is probably taking more time to zero in on,'' said a party source.

The party had on September 13 announced the names of 56 candidates for the elections. UNI

PPA announces candidates

ITANAGAR: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has issued party tickets to Anok Wangsa for 60-Pongchow-Wakka (ST) Assembly Constituency and Tanpho Wangnaw for 59th Longding-Pumao Assembly Constituency.

Loffa writes to CS

ITANAGAR: MLA Tani Loffa in a letter to the Chief Secretary stated that there was an attempt on his life on Sept 14 while he was campaigning at Seba and Ningcho Village. He said that some armed 70 people in two Tata Mobiles followed him and his supporters and attacked the entourage. He said apart from injuring his workers, 18 bikes were damaged. There was an attempt on my life which was thwarted by his people and PSO, he said.

He further said that another attempt was made on his life and his security officer’s on Sept 15 at Ningcho village.

While urging the Chief Secretary to look into the matter seriously and take necessary action so that democratic process is not curtailed, he said that attempts are being made to stop him from reaching to the people.

(Readers’ Forum)

Oh those good old days

Madam,

It seems common sense prevailed over District Magistrate for banning loud speakers and Daos. Bravo Hage Shalla! At last, the life in Daporijo in election season feels like lot of sound sleeps and less of entertainment with Daos!

This election season I am sure I will miss many things. My heart goes for those self-proclaimed upcoming singers. They won't have this golden chance to play their worst collection of songs and sing them in crass cacophony all night through blaring loud speakers! Because they surely live their whole life for this very day, this time they cannot go on and on and on tirelessly the whole night! They never become great singers, no wonder all the curses the sleep-deprived public bestow on them. Poor chaps!

Daos alone used to do wonders for the non-tribals. Just brandish them, they would seemingly vote for whom the dao owner wanted them to vote (It is another matter, the threatened man mostly voted the opposite!). Kling -klang melody made by sounds of daos clinking at the death of night will be no more be heard. Unique dances of drunk men with the longest Daos projected skywards will sorely be missed!

Election this time in Daporijo will be definitely changed. Oh those good old days!

Yours,

Kakoo

Daporijo

Choose the right leader

Madam,

I, on behalf of the Youths of 9th Chayang Tajo constituency Assembly, would like to appeal all the public, well-wishers and intellectuals of aforesaid constituency to choose and vote the right leader. The voters should not succumb to the influence of moneyed leaders during the ongoing Assembly election.

Everybody knows that our constituency is still underdeveloped and facing problems because of our blind support to an incapable leader. So let choose a right and capable leader who may dedicately look for the development of the Chayang Tajo constituency and for the greater interest of public.

I also strongly request everyone to eradicate local oath taking system. Everyone knows that this evil practice is very dangerous and harmful for the society as well as for the individuals. So let us come together and eradicate the practices of oath taking.

Lastly, let us resolve to conduct this assembly election in the said constituency very peaceful, free and fair.

Yours,

Chapi Bagang

Youth of 9th Chayang Tajo

Thwart overflow of money in election

Madam,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I on behalf of the All Bameng Khenewa and Lada Youths Welfare Association, while observing the ongoing election process in Bamang constituency found that money is being overflowed in the constituency in East Kameng district. We, the members of the organization have opposed such detrimental and anti-democratic process for capturing the votes through money power. We are all set to discourage money power and appeal the citizens not to fall into the trap of such disloyal politicians. We also appeal the contestants to attract the voters by true promise of overall development, dedication towards the societies and to others concerned and also the citizen to elect the right candidate for overall development of the area and the state.

Yours,

Harrang Riang

President

All Bameng Khenewa and Lada Youth’s

Welfare Association

Check misuse

Madam,

I want to bring out the following disturbing fact to the notice of the authority through the columns of your esteemed daily.

During my last visit to Ziro, I was surprised to know that there are as many as three ultrasound machines in the town. I came to know that none is properly registered under PNDT Act, which is compulsory in India.

I would like to request the authority to check such practice so that the machines are not misused.

Yours,

Aingku Potom,

G-Extension,

Naharlagun.

Austerity measures

Madam,

The recent hue and cry about austerity sounds good. But, this should come naturally, without much publicity. Whether it is Mayawati’s Birthday or Jayalalitha’a son’s wedding or Lalu Prasad’s daughter’s wedding public money has been wasted brutally. If the entire amount would have been used for the improvement of common people many hospitals would have been built, many school buildings would have been erected. Such Austerity measures should also be imposed upon cricketers.

Yours,

Priyanka Chakrabarty

Guwahati-24, Assam