The Arunachal Times - Archives

Theravada Buddhist community celebrates Madhu Purnima

Bilaseng Namchoom

ITANAGAR, Sept 3: Buddhist community throng the Theravada Buddhist Monastery here today to commemorate, celebrate and offer prayer on the auspicious occasion of Madhu Purnima that announces the greatness of Charity.

Apart from celebrating the greatness of charity, the day is significant for its role in establishing unity among all Buddhist communities across the globe.

In Itanagar, a joyous atmosphere prevailed in the vihara as people and devotees alike from all walk of life came together to offer honey and pay floral tribute to Buddha. Honey plays an important role in the festival of Madhu Purnima.

Madhu Purnima is a Buddhist religious festival celebrated on the day of the full moon in Bhadra (August/September), in commemoration of the service and support rendered by the animals of the Parilyeyok forest to Gautam Buddha. According to legend, Buddha retreated to the wilderness to bring peace between two squabbling factions of disciples. While Buddha was observing his 10th barsabas or monsoon rites in the Parilyeyok forest, an elephant and a monkey collected alms and gathered fruits for him. They also protected him from ferocious animals.

One day the monkey brought a beehive, which Buddha accepted. In his joy at the Buddha's acceptance of his gift, the monkey started leaping from tree to tree and suffered a fatal fall. It was the day of the full moon in Bhadra. The day was named Madhu Purnima or 'honey full-moon' to commemorate the gift of the monkey.

Delivering Madhu Purnima discourse, Rev. Nibana informed charity, service and unity are essential for human life. It is necessary to have mutual tolerance to establish unity. Sacrifice and service bring about changes in both human and animals, he added.

The head monk of Theravada Buddhist Monastery Rev. Ratnadeepa offered special prayers seeking peace, progress and prosperity of the state and the nation as whole.

Madhu Purnima was also celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety in the Buddhist inhabitant’s districts of Lohit and Changlang.

CDPO Toge Riba passes away

ITANAGAR, Sept 03: Social Welfare, Women & Child Development Department and Arunachal Pradesh Child Development Project Officers’ Welfare Association mourned the sudden and untimely demise of Child Development Project Officer, Nafra ICDS project, West Kameng District late Toge Riba, who passed away at District Hospital, Bomdila on August 31 last.

A condolence meeting was held in the premises of the Directorate Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Naharlagun yesterday. The officers and staff members observed 1 minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Riba is survived by his wife, one daughter and a son. He was born on August 17, 1974 at Daring village, West Siang District and did his post graduation from Rajiv Gandhi University.

He served as junior teacher for three year and later was appointed as CDPO through APSCCE 2003. He was a promising officer and active member of the association. His contribution towards the association will always be remembered, the release added.

The association prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended its condolence to the bereaved family members.

Governor, CM condoles tragic demise of Dr. Y.S. Reddy

ITANAGAR, Sept 3: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has expressed shock and deep grief on the sudden demise of Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

His untimely death is not only a loss to people of Andhra Pradesh but the whole nation, he said.

In a condolence message to Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s wife, Gen Singh said, Late Rajasekhara Reddy will always be remembered for his untiring commitment for the development of his State, especially for the poor and under privileged.

Extending heartfelt condolences to family members on behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor said Late Rajasekhara Reddy had worked tirelessly for the people and gave his life to the service of the people and the nation.

In a personal letter addressed to Mrs. Rajashekara Reddy, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has conveyed his heartfelt condolences. We were waiting anxiously for the news of safe return of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajashekara Reddy yesterday.

But we have been jolted by the shocking news of his demise. In his demise, we have lost a great leader and a good Samaritan. His loss is irreparable, Khandu said.

He further added that his demise has left Andhra Pradesh poor and the Congress party poorer.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and its rank and file expressed shock at the sudden demise of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajashekara Reddy at Kurnool Nallamalla forest area.

His untimely demise is a great loss to the INC party in particular and the country as a whole, the committee said and added that it has created irreparable vacuum.

His contribution and services will always be remembered by the people. APCC has declared a three days mourning.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh toady in its State Election Management Committee (SEMC) meeting deeply mourned the sudden and premature demise of Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and 04 (four) others.

His death is an irreparable loss for the people of Andhra Pradesh and whole nation. The meeting was attended by P. Chnadrasekhar Rao, Organizational-in-Charge, BJP North east States on his 02 (two) days visit to Arunachal Pradeshat state BJP headquarters.

The party shares the grief and sorrow of bereaved family members and people of Andhra Pradesh and prays to the all mighty God to shower enough strength to bear the loss, it added.

The NCP during its meeting here this afternoon condoled the sad demise of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Reddy and observed one minute silence in respect to the departed soul.

District Olympic Association Constituted

AALO, Sept 03: The West Siang Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak, chaired a meeting for formation of District Olympic Association attended by SP Tussar Taba, Chairperson Zilla Parishad Jarsa Gamlin and presidents, Secretaries of all other sports federations in DC’s Chamber today.

In the meeting, it was resolved that since District Sports Association (DSA) was successfully running and looking after the sports activities in the district, the existing DSA will act as District Olympic Association with required modification in the bye-laws where ever necessary. All the sports federations in the district are run by the members of DSA. It also called on all sports organizations to register as members of DSA at the earliest.

It was decided that Assistant Sports Officer will be the Nodal Officer to act as a facilitator in administrative related matters.

A comprehensive sports calendar in the district would be prepared after the completion of Assembly Elections wherein indigenous sports will also be taken on priority. (DIPRO)

NCP to contest in 40 seats, confident of a best show

ITANAGAR Sept 03: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided to field 40 candidates in the October 13 assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh with better winning prospects and is confident of making its serious presence felt in state politics.

We are going to field 40 serious candidates and keeping our options open for those candidates who are being denied tickets from other parties and willing to contest under our banner without any pre-conditions, NCP national general secretary P A Sangma told a press conference here this evening.

Sangma who arrived here this afternoon accompanied by NCP national secretary Jimmy George, disclosed that he was here to access the ground situation and to finalize the candidate names which, he said, would be declared within a week in phased manner.

Elaborating on the prospect of the party this election, Sangma said “NCP will be a party to reckon with and will play a crucial role in formation of the next government”. “The coming election will be different as many young leaders are with us who will decide the fate of the party. We are trying to fill as many as youth candidates and women candidates”, he said adding, four women including four former All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) presidents were seeking tickets from the party. When asked about the prospects of the ruling Congress, Sangma emphatically said that the ruling party would not get majority on its own this election as there were many chief ministerial candidates which would affect the party’s poll prospects.

He said, the main fight would be between his party and the Congress with the BJP having practically disappeared while the regional Arunachal Congress (AC) of late became non-functional.

“Anti-incumbency factor is quite high in the state which would pave way for a better show for the NCP”, he commented and added that the party would be able to deliver better for the people of the state with most of the relevant ministries like Agriculture and its allied sector, rural development, land reforms etc were with the party at the Centre.

On being asked about money politics which would play a crucial role in the coming election, Sangma commented that corruption in northeast increasing because of heavy election expenditures by candidates.

“If NE states have to change, election expenditures need to be reduced to minimum. We will have to demonstrate in the coming election that we are different as we have already informed the aspirants not to expect any financial help from party fund” he added. UNI

Assembly Elections in Arunachal Pradesh

Nani Bath

Although the first General Election to Lok Sabha in India was held in 1952, the voting right was not extended till 1977 to the people of Arunachal Pradesh by a special provision of the Representation of People Act, 1951. One possible reason for withholding voting right was, as S K Chaube points out, “the anthropological view that elections are alien to tribal culture”.

The first General Election to the Legislative Assembly of erstwhile Union Territory Arunachal Pradesh, which was held in 1978, consisted of 33 members out of which 30 were elected directly by the people and 3 were nominated.

In the first Assembly Elections, three recognized political parties were in the fray. Janata party contested in 30 seats, PPA in 23 seats and the Congress-I in 1 seat. The total number of electorates was 2, 39,945. In 25 percent of the Constituencies the record polling of 80 percent was recorded. The average voters’ turnout was 68.59 per cent.

Janata party was returned to power with 17 seats, including 2 seats where the candidate elected un-contested (Dirrang-Kalaktang and Niausa Kanubari). PPA begged 8 seats, and 5 seats had gone to the independents.

A situation of political instability in the state was created because of breakdown of the Janata Ministry at the Centre. The Thungon Ministry, which remained in power for a brief period of one and half year was voted out of power because of defection in his party (Janata).

With the support of the defectors a PPA government headed by Tomo Riba came to power, which lasted for only 47 days due to re-defections. As a result, the Assembly was dissolved on November 1979 and President’s rule imposed. Thus, within a short span of 2 years the people of Arunachal Pradesh were called upon to elect a new Assembly.

The second election to Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh, as necessitated by the imposition of President’s rule was held simultaneously with General Election to 7th Lok Sabha in 1980. The political parties, which participated in the Assembly elections of 1980, comprised the Congress (I), Congress (U) and the PPA. Surprisingly, the Janata party that formed the government in last Assembly did not put up its candidates in any constituency.

The results of the second Assembly election illustrate that the PPA and Congress-I emerged absolutely balanced with 13 seats each. Both the parties contested in 28 seats each. Congress (U) entered the fray with 11 candidates but failed to open its account. There were 28 independent candidates out of which 4 were elected. Two women candidates, one Independent and a PPA candidate contested this election. The PPA candidate from Seppa constituency of East Kameng became the first elected lady member of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The third General Election took place in 1984 in which Congress-I was established as the most dominant party. The Congress-I secured 21 seats and polled 42.49% of valid votes in its favour. The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) suffered a severe setback securing only 4 seats in the Assembly and 15.52% of valid votes polled. The BJP registered its entry in the psephological map of the state by begging one seat. About 8% of the valid votes polled went in its favour. The 1990 election had notable significance, firstly, the election was conducted after Arunachal Pradesh attained statehood in 1987, secondly, the total seats in the assembly were increased to 60 and thirdly, the People’s Party of Arunachal did not appear in the electoral scene because of its assimilation into Janata Dal following the formation of National Front Government in the Centre.

The Congress-I was once again returned to power. The party secured 37 seats and 44.25% of valid votes polled. The Janata Dal begged 11 seats while the Janata party won only one seat, and 11 seats had gone to independents.

The 1995 General Election to legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh was held in absence of any strong opposition party in the state. All the non-Congress (I) members of Legislative Assembly joined the ruling party as member of the party or as its associate members. The candidates who contested on Janata Dal and Janata party tickets were mostly the rebel candidates of Congress-I who were denied party ticket. The BJP, which announced its intention to contest the 1995 election, hardly had any base in the state.

The Congress-I party registered the highest achievement as compared to any Assembly Elections held so far both in terms of seats and in terms of votes. It secured 71.67% of seats and 50.73% of the valid votes polled. BJP could not win a single seat and polled only 03.37% of votes thereby losing 4.32% of votes and the only seat it secured in 1984 to Congress-I. Janata Dal, which became a spent force in the state after its original state unit merged with the Congress-I, got only 17.26% of votes. It lost 16.08% of its votes and 8 seats to Congress-I. Thus, in 1995 election the Congress-I became the sole gainer of the swings of votes.

The entry of religious leaders into the electoral politics had created a break in the political tradition of the state, when in 1995 election, two Rinpoches (Religious head in Buddhism) contested from Tawang District. No religious leader ever contested in any of the Assembly Elections till this election.

The regional Arunachal Congress government headed by Gegong Apang was voted out in the assembly in January, 1999 following a split in Arunachal Congress Legislative Party. The dissident MLAs formed a new political party - Arunachal Congress (M) that later merged with Congress-I. Mukut Mithi became the Chief Minister and Mithi -led INC government ruled the state for about eight months. Though the five-year term of the state Assembly had six months to expire, the State Cabinet recommended the dissolution of the house.

The opposition Arunachal Congress -BJP combine has received a bitter jolt from Congress-I and was able to send to the assembly only its strongman Gegong Apang. He won from his home constituency of 34-Tuting-Yingkiong Constituency. BJP could not win a single seat though it secured 10.82 per cent of valid votes polled. NCP begged 4 seats and captured 8.73 percent of the valid votes polled.

The 2004 election took place after Gegong Apang returned to his ‘parent’ party, the Congress-I from BJP after a long political drama. He assumed the leadership of the Congress-I by dislodging Mukut Mithi, who was then the undisputed leader of the Congress.

This election could be remembered for defeat of many Congress veterans because of which the party did manage to secure 19 seats less than the last election. The BJP with 9 members is coming up as a strong political force in the electoral field of the state. It secured 19 percent of the total valid votes polled. The Arunachal Congress, the only party with regional ideology in the state staged very poor show by securing just 3.68 per cent of the total valid votes polled and with only 2 members.

Dr. Bath teaches in the Department of Political Science, Rajiv Gandhi Arunachal University. (The author can be contacted at nanibath@rediffmail.com).

Empowerment of people through information

BOMDILA, Sep 03: The District Administration, in an effort to provide citizen friendly service in an efficient, transparent, credible and effective manner and moving in tandem with the streamlining of the Public Distribution System by the state government, has detailed out every information related to the PDS in the district through the online service of the official website of the district – westkameng.nic.in.

This would facilitate public participation and monitoring of the entire Public Distribution System by the public, informed Deputy Commissioner Swati Sharma.

In order to ensure people’s empowerment, she said that, grievances if any from the people, could be given in writing or meeting the Deputy Commissioner in person besides using the website for redressal on the PDS issue.

The District Administration, in its effort to weed out the bogus ration cards, has started the process of matching the numbers of ration cards with the electoral roll for deletion. Further, computerization of the ration cards has begun. In order to eliminate any chances of issuing bogus ration cards, the District Administration with the National Informatics Centre, Bomdila unit, has planned for the Biometric system, which would be taken up after the Assembly elections. All these steps have been thought of and are under process so as to ensure availability of the PDS items for the needy and genuine people of the district, the DC added.

As of now, there are 31 numbers of Fair Price shops in the district with 3300 quintals of APL rice, 1293 quintals of BPL rice and 876 quintals of AAY rice for the month of Aug/2009.

568 quintals of levy sugar and 84 kilo litres of S.K. oil have been made available to the different allottees so far for the month of July and June respectively. The Co-operative Society has been handling and overseeing the whole management of the PDS in the district. DIPRO

“Surrender govt vehicles”

ITANAGAR, Sept 3: All Minister/Parliamentary Secretaries/Advisors to CM/Chairman of Corporation/Boards have been directed to surrender their attached government vehicles in view of the Election Commission of India’s Model Code of Conduct.

The State Transport Commissioner in a release stated that the Secretariat Pool Vehicles are to surrender to the Joint Secretary (Transport), government of Arunachal Pradesh, while the departmental vehicles are to be returned to the respective departments by September 8 next. (DIPR)

Restore road link

ITANAGAR, Sept 03: A group of panchayat leaders including Chikom block ZPM Echu Gapak have urged the authorities concerned to restore PMGSY road link between Daporijo and Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya, Megdong in Upper Subansiri district to mitigate the hardship being faced by the students, teachers and local people.

The panchayat leaders claimed that road link remains cut off due to the damage caused by recent flash flood. As a result the transportation of ration items has been badly hampered and the villagers are also facing difficulties in evacuating the sick patients. Panchayat leaders said that the authorities should take immediate step for renovating the deplorable condition of the road and culverts in greaters interest of the students, staff and the villagers.

Kurung Kumey Pip East Siang

NAHARLAGUN, Sep 3: Kurung Kumey pipped East Siang 1-0 in a league level matches of Dera Natung Under 16 State Level Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi stadium here today while the match played between Lower Subansiri and West Siang ended in a goalless draw.

Hina Kapa scored the winner for Kurung Kumey in 54th minutes, according to organizing committee release.

AAPCA to organize Chess Tourney

Kolkata, Sep 3: India's women recurve archers failed to make the cut for the team championships of the 45th world archery championship at Ulsan, South Korea, Thursday.

The three Indian entries - Rimil Buriuly, Dola Banerjee and Pratima Boro - failed to cope with the big stage pressure and finished at the 25th, 41st and 71st places, respectively, in the individual ranking, according to information received here.

Rimil scored 1312 points over four distances - 70m, 60, 50 and 30m. Dola carded 1299 and Pratima managed 1257 points. The trio's total of 3868 points gave India the 18th place in the qualifying round. Only top 16 teams make it the championship round.

World champion South Korea occupied all the top three positions through Ye Ji Kwak (1364), Ok-Hee Yun (1363) and Hyun-Jung Joo (1357). As a team, the Koreans stood first with 4084 points. China followed second with 3980 and Chinese Taipei was third with 3978.

Defending champion Natalia Valeeva of Italy ended 19th with 1319.

Cancel illegal appointment

ITANAGAR, Sept 03: Alleging illegal appointment in three UDC and LDC posts (adhoc basis) under social forestry division Itanagar, SFRI, Chimpu and Dy Wildlife Warden division, Naharlagun, All Arunachal Pradesh Government Department Labours Union (AAPGDLU) has urged the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) to cancel these appointments as the HC already banned adhoc basis appointment since 2005.

Teachers’ day

ITANAGAR: Governor JJ Singh has consented to attend Teachers State Award Ceremony as Chief Guest on the occasion of Teachers Day at Banquet Hall, Itanagar on September 5.

Post teachers

ITANAGAR: All Puroik Welfare Society in a letter to DDSE East Kameng District appealed for immediate posting of teachers in Puroik School and pass necessary order to be stationed in their duty in the respective posting place.

The society alleged that the posted teachers were not attending their duty at Puroik School and the school building is also on the verge of collapse due to pilling of grass in the school surroundings.

One person stabbed

ITANAGAR: Three sisters allegedly stabbed their youngest sister to death yesterday suspecting her of having an illicit relationship with the brother-in law.

The incident took place in Oyan village under East Saing district. The accused have been arrested and booked U/S 302/34 IPC informed Additional Superintendent of Police R Padu.

The husband of the accused is missing from the scene. A search for him is on by the district police to find out the actual reason behind the murder.

(Readers’ Forum)

Support to GUYWA demand

Madam,

I, on behalf of the Young Mission Adventure Club (YMAC) extend our support to the demand of the Graduate Unemployed Youth Welfare Association (GUYWA) for suspension of tourism director and other officers responsible for illegal appointment in tourism department.

All the vacant posts had been filled up directly in the tourism department without conducting interview, the appointees are neither from tourism background nor have they knowledge about tourism. All the active members of the YMAC are highly qualified in tourism sector but unfortunately they have been remain unemployed since 2005 and are still waiting for opportunities to serve the tourism sector.

Yours,

Yomjum Yomgam

Secretary

YMCA