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2011
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September -  13

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Workshop for worker’s welfare board

ROING, Sept 12: Workshop for Worker’s Welfare Board was conducted for the Workers of Dibang Multipurpose Project, Roing at conference hall, NHPC Ltd Roing for creating awareness on registration of the workers in the Worker’s Welfare Board.

A K Rahut, chief (Geo), HoP of DMP Roing attended the programme as Chief Guest and R Tayeng, DL&EO as Guest of Honour to encourage worker’s welfare board in its registration drive. Robin Pulu, General Secretary AAPWU Roing and Daniel Perying, Secretary, Worker’s Welfare Board, NHPC Ltd Roing called upon the workers to registered themselves under the Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Worker’s Welfare Board immediately to avail benefits offered to the registered members through the board by the govt.  

 

‘Festival of life’

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church, Area-I cub-council Healing Crusade cum Festival of Life will be held at Sagalee general ground from November 11 to 13 next.

Evan. Dr. Joram, president ACRA and Prof. Incha Yangeerm Nagaland will attend the programme as Speaker.

 

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: The staff of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services, Aalo deeply mourned the death of Pintum Loyi, Assistant general manager of STS, who died at his home town Aalo on Sept 4 last.

The Aalo STS also suspended its bus service in all routes and  office duty on Sept 5 as a mark of respect to departed soul of late Loyi. The staff also observed two minutes silence for eternal peace of the departed soul and prayed Almighty for enough strength to  family members to bear the irreparable loss.

 

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Jarchok Buchi Bogum, Keli Kadu and Kali Yomcha have been selected as president, vice president and general secretary respectively of the Galo Students Union of RGU unit in a meeting held at  RGU yesterday.

Tania Boga and Tania Tajing have been selected as president and general secretary of the Rending Welfare Society in its general meeting held at Naharlagun on Sept 10 last. The meeting also decided to organize its three days conference at Linia village, Yachuli in Lower Subansiri district from Nov 18.

Sharuk Jeram, Regein Lida and Lonu Maying have been selected as president, vice president and general secretary respectively of All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF), Upper Subansiri district unit  today.

 

Education minister urged to solve school problem

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: The students of Govt Hr Secondary School, Koloriang have urged the education minister to redress various problems being faced by the students and staff of the school immediately.

In a memorandum to the education minister, the school captain Kamdek Tado  appealed him to take immediate step for release of students’ stipend on time, renovation of school boundary wall, regular water supply to school compound  with separate provision for water tank and renovation of basic amenities like bathroom and toilets.

The memorandum further demanded immediate posting of one senior teacher of  Political Science, junior teacher each for Mathematics, Hindi, English and Physical Science subject and supply of adequate furniture like desk and benches and chairs for both students and teachers.

 

Advocacy programme

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: One day long advocacy on prevention of HIV/AIDS with the Tempo & Auto Drivers of Itanagar at Mithun Gate Tempo station and Chimpu Tempo Station was conducted on Sept 10  by TI project on IDUs, Oju Welfare Association, Itanagar.

DPO Tadang Tamut spoke at length on importance of being aware about HIV/AIDS and how it ruins one’s life. He stressed on the importance of collective effort to make Arunachal an AIDS free state. Habung Rika, Outreach worker along with other volunteers spoke about importance of condom, it’s safe use and how it protects from HIV virus. There was a demonstration on usage of condom and condoms were distributed to all the tempo drivers.

 

Assault on advocate condemned

ITANAGAR, Sept 1: All Arunachal Commerce Students Association (AACSA) demanded immediate arrest of the miscreants who were involved in attack on advocate Taba Tagum on Sept 2 night.  Tagum is also a legal advisor of the Association.

Condemning the barbaric attack as big slap on the Association,  it said,   modern and civilized society will never accept  such barbarism in a peace loving state like Arunachal. The Association threatened to launch agitation if the Govt fails to arrest the miscreants immediately.

 

NSUI demands

ITANAGAR, Sep 12:  National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Papum Pare unit has demanded the Assistant Commissioner, KV, Guwahati region, to expel Akram Shahid, one of the prime accused in admission norms violation case immediately and other co accused with 7 days failing which the union has threatened to go for democratic movement for their ouster.

 

Orientation prog for Farmers’ clubs

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: The Manghi Welfare Society conducted a one day orientation programme for Farmers’ Clubs at Sangram town on Sept 6. Altogether 183 farmers participated in the NABARD sponsored programme.  

While chief guest of the programme, T Riba, Sangram CO emphasized on training of the farmers on horticulture and allied sectors, Horticulture Development Officer Y P Singh highlighted the  value  of orange, large cardamom in present market. Horticulture Development Officer, Sangram Tai Janu and Society president Ngorang Tado also spoke on the occasion.

 

DASU demands

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Dibang Adi Students’ Union (DASU) has called for issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the constructing agency of Dibang Bridge. Despite Sept 10th being the date for issuance of NOC, the authorities have not done so far, it said while adding that it would take out a protest rally on Sept 19. If the authorities do not heed to the demands, than Union would be forced to take up the issue further, it said.

 

Postponed

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: The Arunachal Pradesh Abo-Tani Clans Youth Organization (APATCYO) in its executive meeting held here today unanimously decided to temporarily postpone its proposed peaceful rally against Bangladeshi and Tibetan refugees due to some unavoidable circumstances. The rally was supposed to be held on Sept 14.

 

Training on SHG management

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) in collaboration with NABARD, Itanagar has conducted three training  programmes on SHG management and bank linkages  for  the members of Joram, Yachuli and Toli villages  of Lower Subansiri district from Sept 1 to 9. Altogether 75 members attended the programmes.

AIDA staff highlighted the concept of SHG, its function and need of saving, regular meeting and maintenance of records during the training programmes. The participations were also made aware of Govt schemes, particularly meant for SHGs.

 

Ph.D degree

ITANAGAR, Sep 12:  Padma Hazarika of Humanities and Social Sciences department, NERIST has qualified  for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) for  his thesis “Tourism Potentialities for the Economic Turnaround: A Case Study of Lakhimpur district of Assam.” Hazarika conducted his research work under the supervision of Prof R M Pant.

 

Solung celebrated

ITANAGAR, Sep 12:  Adi officials and their family members have celebrated the Solung with traditional fervour at Koloriang on Sept 10.  Colourful cultural items including Ponung dance were the main attraction of the festival.  Govt officers of various departments and general public also participated in the celebration. DIPRO

 

Army recruitment rally

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Indian Army will conduct recruitment rally for Arunachalee Candidates for recruitment of Soldier General Duty (GD), Technical Clerks/SKT, Nursing Assistant and Trademen categories at Likabali from October 10 to 15.

The recruitment rally is specially arranged for the eligible candidates of West Siang, East Siang, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Papum Pare, Upper Siang, Kurung Kumey, Tirap, Changlang, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts.

The minimum height of interested candidates for Soldier GD should be at least 160 cm and read upto class VIII. Candidates are also asked to bring with them the necessary documents like education, PRC, character, birth certificates etc. duly countersigned by DDSE during the rally

Common Entrance Exam for the selected candidates of Soldier GD/Soldier Technical and Soldier Tdn will be held at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Air Force Station, Jorhat on October 30 and Soldier Nursing at Zonal Recruiting office, Shillong on the same day. However, Soldier Clerk/SKT will be intimated later, according to an Indian Army release.

 

Forum supports rally

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: All Nyishi Educated Youth Forum (ANEYF) in its meeting today unanimously decided to show solidarity to the proposed Dignity Rally by NES tomorrow.

It appealed to all the people of the community to remain united on common issues of the community.

While appealing Nyishi Nyijir Yapa Association to reconsider its bandh call, ANEYF also urged the association to remain in on umbrella saying that “united you stand divided you fall’.

It urged the Government to solve the present crisis amicably instead of politicizing it.

 

School boundary problem solved

ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The school management committee of Govt Middle School, Lengdung under Sangdupoto circle in a general meeting held with Panchayat leaders, head gaon burahs, gaon burahs,   circle officer, representatives of All Papum Poma Students Union (APPSU), CRCC, intellectual group and general public  unanimously solved the school boundary issue  permanently on Sept 3 last. This was informed by school headmaster in a release today.

 

Rodent outbreak leads to crop damage

ITANAGAR: Paddy fields and jhum cultivation at Tassar and Langbia villages under Plain circle of Kurung Kumety district have been affected by rodent outbreak due to seasonal bamboo flowering,

The president of SAWS along with ASMs of both the villages recently visited the paddy and jhum cultivation of the area and they claimed to have found that all the paddy fields and jhum cultivation of the area have been totally damaged by rodents resulting in total crop failure.

The society appealed to the state government to provided necessary assistance to the poor farmers in this hour of crisis.

 

Bandh opposed

ITANAGAR: All Capital Complex Youth Welfare Association (ACCYWA) has strongly opposed  12-hr capital bandh called by All Nyishi Nyejir Yapa Association on Sept 13.

It said that such bandh call, which is illegal, hampers people from all walks of life as well as economy of the state.

In slight modification of yesterday’s press statement regarding NES dignity rally, ACCYWA, while maintaining neutrality, said that it neither opposes the rally nor supports it.

 

AUITEA demands fresh recruitments

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Unemployed IT Engineers Association (AUITEA) in a letter to state IT commissioner reiterated its demand for cancellation of proposal for induction of 17 contractual staff from ongoing projects to state IT department.  It said that the department should conduct fresh recruitment in IT sector.

 

ANYO question foreign trips

ITANAGAR:  All Nyishi Youth Organization (ANYO) has taken strong exception to the foreign trips by many legislators at the cost of public money.

At a time when the state is seeking financial assistance from Centre for preparing roads and bridges damaged by flood and rains, the legislators are rushing to abroad to  enjoy their leisure time, ANYO said and demanded to CM to show the detailed expenditure for foreign trip by six member legislators during August.

ANYO, meanwhile, extended its support to NES’ Dignity Rally tomorrow.

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News Impact

Gamlin calls for timely forest clearance for success of PM’s package

National Conference on PPP in Highways

Itanagar, Sep 12: Arunachal Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin today emphatically stressed that the success of the Prime Minister's package for the State would depend largely on timely forest clearance, as delays in the process cause huge cost and time overruns. “Two issues become critical in this context. Since the required land acquisition is only of a linear corridor of forestland, we must devise simplified norms of Forest Clearance for roads and highways. Secondly, there is an urgent need for a single-window clearance mechanism, which has to be put in place for fast track clearance, especially for time-bound and key projects of national importance like the Trans-Arunachal Highway.” He said this on the sidelines of the ‘National Conference on Public Private Partnership in National Highways: Challenges and Opportunities’ organized by the Planning Commission and the GoI’s Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

The Conference, which was attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Minister MORTH CP Joshi, Dy. Chairman Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, MoS MORTH Jitin Prasad, Chief Ministers of States and industry representatives, is seen as a very crucial event in the light of the expansion of road networks across the country where the government is envisaging an investment of USD 1 trillion in infrastructure sector during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17), a tremendous leap from USD 500 million in the current Plan. Explaining that the lack of adequate road networks has proven to be a major obstacle in tapping the vast hydropower and tourism potential that the State has, Gamlin said that these two sectors, which together hold the panacea to the problem of resource generation in our state, are being impacted harshly. Although road projects have been announced, many are yet to get off the ground, he pointed out.

Highlighting the problems related to execution of road projects under the PM’s Package, Gamlin stated that about 842 Km of District Connectivity roads; the Koloriang-Joram road, Meka-Anini road, Hawai-Hawai Camp road and the Bame-Likabali-Akajan road have been allotted to the Border Roads Organization for execution. But the progress on these roads in the last four years has been slow. He requested the Govt of India to explore if these roads could also be executed on the BoT (Annuity) Mode as followed in Nechipu-Hoj and Potin-Pangin sectors.

While elaborating on this, he revealed that, a part of the 1585.50 Km Trans-Arunachal Highway from Tawang to Kanubari, the proposed BoT (Annuity) road projects from Nechipu-Hoj and Potin-Pangin covering substantial length of 718 Km needs to be taken up and executed on a priority basis.

Seeking the central government’s express support Gamlin said, “For a strategically located state like ours, roads are not only important from the perspective of economic development of the people, but also assume significance from the point of view of defense. Hence, committed support to road building must remain on the top of the development agenda”.

Earlier, in his address the Prime Minister called for complete transparency in awarding of the highway projects to eliminate the possibility of favoritism. “It is necessary to demonstrate that the award, construction and operation of these (highways) projects is based on a fair and transparent approach,” Singh said. "We must remember that these are public projects where public interest must be foremost in our mind”, he added.

 

Half hearted effort by MoEF

Cumulative impact assessment of  hydropower projects in Lohit basin

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had asked Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) to conduct a cumulative impact assessment of various hydropower projects in the Lohit river basin. The report has been uploaded on the MoEF website (envfor.nic.in) on September 7. The agenda for the September 17th meeting of the Expert  Appraisal Committee on River Valley and Hydroelectric projects to be held in New Delhi includes a discussion on final Report of the Study on Cumulative Impact   Assessment of Lohit Basin by WAPCOS.

The MoEF and its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on River valley and Hydroelectric projects has asked to only look at the impacts of seven projects on the main Lohit river and not the entire 13 projects in the Lohit river basin. Cumulative impacts on forests, livelihoods and the downstream will be due to all the projects in Lohit river basin, not just the projects on main stem of Lohit river.

Projects on main Lohit river are: 1450 MW Kalai – I,  1200 MW Kalai – II, 588 MW Hutong – I, 1250 MW Hutong – II, 280 MW Anjaw, 1050 MW Demwe Upper, 1750 MW Demwe Lower.  

Projects on tributaries of Lohit are: 98 MW Tiding – I, 68 MW Tiding – II, 96 MW Raigam, 21 MW Kamlang, 99 MW Gimliang, 75 MW Noa Dihing.  

Out of 13 projects in Lohit river basin, MoAs have been signed for 11 (except 588 MW Hutong – I and 75 MW Noa Dihing).

Despite the EAC specifically raising concerns about the downstream impacts beyond 1750 MW Demwe Lower study, the issue has been dealt with poorly in Lohit river basin study. Only impacts till 5 km. downstream of the 1750 MW Demwe Lower project have been considered. It is important to remember that around 70 kms. of the river downstream of 1750 MW Demwe Lower flows within Arunachal Pradesh, but no cumulative impacts on this section has been considered.  In the August 2009 EAC meeting which reviewed the interim report it was observed:

“In respect of Lohit basin impact on downstream National Park (Dibru Saikhowa National Park may be studied.”

But WAPCOS, a consultant under the Ministry of Water Resources, has failed to study beyond 5 km. downstream of the Damwe Lower dam as part of Lohit river basin study. This ignores impacts on areas such as Namsai, Chongkham, Alubari, Sunpura etc. in Lohit district.

In the April 2010, the EAC further asked for a study of the serious impacts due flow fluctuations on beels,wetlands of downstream in the Upper Brahmaputra valley. But these have not been studied too.

As per the current plans only 42.4 kms. of the river will run free in a stretch of 144.2 kms. from the China border to Brahmakund (Parsuram Kund). As per the recommendations of WAPCOS one project (588 MW Hutong – I) should be dropped to allow 50 km. of the river to run free. But this still means that 65% of the river will still be destroyed. Besides, out of the 50 kms. Being proposed to be allowed to flow free, 32 kms. is from China border to the first project (Kalai – I). Therefore, in the remaining section of 112.2 kms. from the Kalai – I project to the Demwe Lower project only 18 kms. will be allowed to flow free even if Hutong I is dropped as proposed. This is only 16% of the  river between Kalai I and Demwe Lower projects.   

Besides the criteria to recommend that 588 mw Hutong – I is dropped and the other six are allowed is not scientific or on environmental on socio-economic grounds. The criteria is that MoA has not been signed for Hutong – I (therefore it can be recommended for rejection) and MoA has been signed for the other six projects (therefore they cannot be recommended for rejection)!

This once again reiterates that signing of MoAs with advanced premiums has compromised the social and environmental impact assessment process (both for individual projects as well as such cumulative studies). The WAPCOS study has given a green signal to six out of seven dams on the main Lohit river (the ones for which MoA has been signed). No public consultation seems to have been held as part of the Lohit river basin study as people in the Lohit and Anjaw districts totally in the dark about this process and its recommendations.

 

Govt allocates funds for sportspersons

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: State Government has allocated additional Rs. One crore under annual state plan to Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) for development of sports sector informed the Sports and Youth Affairs Director DK Dinglow today as he reiterated that he would leave no stone unturned to bring Arunachal Pradesh at par with other ‘developed’ states in games and sports. Further, his department has kept Rs.48 lakh for honouring the meritorious sportspersons, Dinglow said.

While informing that the directorate has opened a separate Cell for adventure sports, he urged the government to create a post of coach/instructor for the cell. He also said that the directorate has decided to distribute uniforms to all affiliated sports bodies in Arunachal. Heaping praise on the three young pugilists’ outstanding performance in the just concluded Sub-Junior National Boxing Championship at Shillong, Meghalaya, Dinglow said that the boxers trio have made Arunachal proud.

Encouraging the young pugilists, who called on the director at his office chamber at Chimpu today, Dinglow advised them to main the same spirit and tempo to become a good boxer in future. He gave few amounts to them as a token of love and appreciation.

Karling Natung, 14, and a class IX student of Sports Authority of India Special Area Game (SAI SAG) Centre, Naharlagun was adjudged the best boxer in the event. He beat his opponent from Mizoram 4-1 in the final to win the yellow metal which also fetched him the best boxer title.

He is the son of Mating Natung and Late Kadonee Natung of Veo village under Pakke Kessang circle of East Kameng district.

Techi Bida, 12 and a class five standard student of Ganga Secondary school,  won a silver after losing his final bout against opponent from Services Sports Control Board (SSCB). He is a presently training at Ganga Village Boxing Club under the able guidance of its coach cum instructor Teli Kahi.

Aguk Juja, 12 and class V student won a bronze in the championship. He hails from Longliang village of Tirap and presently training at SAI SAG centre, Naharlagun under the guidance of  coach Rupak Raj Duwarah.

Meanwhile, SAA chairman Tungri Effa has lauded all the medal winning players for their spectacular performance despite various constraints.

 

Unions demand police check post, adequate police force at Dollungmukh

ITANAGAR, Sept 12: Expressing concern over repeated encroachment of Arunachal territory by Assam forest officials in Dolungmukh area, both Lower Subansiri District Nyishi Students Union (LSDNSU) and All Dollungmukh Area Student Union (ADASU) have appealed the Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner to take step for establishment of a police  check post at  Rajali, Dollungmukh to prevent illegal activities in the area.

The Dollungmukh area has become one of the sensitive boundary area and local people are constantly living with fear psychosis due to encroachment of Arunachal territory by Assam authority. They not only damaged the boundary pillar erected by both North Lakhimpur and Lower Subansiri district administration, but also destroyed the properties of indigenous Arunachalee people,  the unions said  in a joint memorandum submitted to the DC.

Demanding deployment of sufficient police forces in Dollungmukh area till permanent solution to Assam-Arunachal boundary issue, the unions resented that the Assam forest authorities even claimed the land of Dollungmukh Govt secondary school inside Arunachal territory.

Annoyed with the repeated  violation of status quo by North Lakhimpur counterpart, both the unions appealed the DC to take up the boundary issue  so that Assam authorities   does not dare to violate the Supreme Court order and maintain status quo.  The memorandum further  appealed the DC to look into its grievances within 15 days.

The Arunachal Law Students Union who visited the  illegal encraochment area at Dollungmukh urged the authority concern to immediately deploy police personnel at Dollungmukh and come up with permanent solution to boundary problems between Assam and Arunachal before it snowball into a bigger problem.

As per the verdict of Supreme Court of India both states should maintain the status- quo and should not encroach on other’s land till further order/notification by Supreme Court.  Assam Forest Department should not violate the verdict it said while alleging that it illegally entered into the territory of Arunachal.

 

Yingkiong city on beautification drive

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Upper Siang Christian Forum (USCF) led by its president Rev Dondu Jijong conducted a one day social service programme in Yingkiong town on Sept 10. The women members of the forum cleaned both lower and upper markets and as well as the General ground in collaboration with UD department. On the other hand men constructed two wooden and one bamboo footbridge over Simar Stream which is vital in connecting the main markets with schools and DC office complex of the town.  All together 250 members participated in the mass social service from various churches of the town.

EAC cum Town Magistrate T Pertin who was present on the spot lauded the participants of their unity and sincerity.  The bridges were dedicated to the people.

 

Don’t cross the limits of humanity, Marde tells jawans

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Home Minister Takar Marde while giving a pep talk to the 800 odd jawans and officers of the 3rd IRBn here at the battalion headquarters at Jullung this afternoon said that “You are the upholders of law and order and while on the job, it must be your prime concern that you don’t cross the limits of humanity,”.

Incidentally, jawans of this battalion were pressed into duty on the eventful 48 hours capital bandh from September 5 last called by the ANSU. Several sections of the society have alleged few jawans of the battalion of badmouthing and insulting local women at Gohpur Tinali here.

“People may consider you as ‘ordinary’ jawans but remember you have been chosen from thousands. The moment you donned the khaki and took the pledge, you no longer remain ‘ordinary’. Show it to the people that you are human too and deal with them as humans,” said Marde.

Expressing concern over the ‘propaganda’ by detractors that he had emboldened the jawans to resort to ‘hard tactics’ on civilians during the bandh, Marde said it was up to the jawans and officers of the state police to prove it wrong. This, he said, can be achieved only through maintaining restraint on the ground.

“As men in uniform, there is a fine balance that you have to maintain while on duty. The civilians are not enemies and treat them not like enemies,” he advised. He also dissuaded the jawans and officers against badmouthing and using ‘unparliamentary’ words that are commonly associated with men in uniform.

Marde further exhorted, “Don’t give people the chance to raise fingers on you or force me to initiate disciplinary or departmental enquiry against you. The future of Arunachal depends on you and you have to act mature even if it is before your time.”

While urging the jawans to obey their superiors no matter whatever the situation, he advised the officers to utilize their instinct and leadership quality to the optimum so that the dignity of khaki remains intact while law and order is maintained.

Meanwhile, Marde admitted the constraints under which the state police personnel are working and assured that the government is implementing a slew of measures for their welfare.

Earlier, several jawans, one by one, spelt out their grievances before Marde, who reportedly became the first Home Minister to visit the battalion headquarters since its establishment.

Later in the evening, the Home Minister also visited the headquarters of the 1st APPBn at Chimpu and addressed the jawans and officials in the same line.

 

Medical professionals are spared even during war: APDA

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association has appealed to all those NGOs calling ‘BANDHS’ to exclude the Hospitals, Ambulances, Doctors and Medical Staff from the purview of ‘Bandhs’ so that lives can be saved.

APDA in a release stated that it have  been repeatedly observed that the ambulance of the Hospital ferrying Emergency duty doctors and staff are being subjected to stone pelting, damage during ‘BANDHS’ (strikes) called by NGOs which is highly regrettable and objectionable.

The Hospitals, ambulances, doctors and medical staff are respected and are spared even during ‘war’ under the Geneva Convention.  Such actions not only undermine our civilized society but harm the social fabric of the society as well, it said. Life and death situation requiring immediate medical attention could be any one of us and it has to be understood by strikers, said its president Dr Mika Umpo.

 

 

Random Thoughts

Obang Tayeng

Word of mouth

The recently concluded three-day seminar on major motifs of oral literature of North-east India at Agartala was a landmark event from the literary point of the myriad tribal societies that inhabit the region. Organised by Sahitya Akademy in collaboration with Information, Culture, and Tourism Department and North-east Centre for Oral Literature, the seminar drew scholars and academicians from different states of North-east region where they exchanged their knowledge on various motifs and values of their respective oral traditions.

Oral literature, which is transmitted through words of mouth and which is so rich in the region, comprises of different forms of folk songs, proverbs, riddles, ballads, folk tales, ritual hymns, funeral songs, and other forms of narrating histories and tales. They are the roots of a society’s written literature and knowledge system.  They are the products of creative imagination and mental and spiritual thoughts of our unrecognized poets and singers. Some scholars rate them even more important than written literature because of their enduring and proven values in shaping and nurturing people’s culture and imagination.

A rich oral tradition is a gift to any society it belongs to.  Proper documentation especially in original language will help preserve and nurture its values and knowledge system to posterity.  Unfortunately, in our state which is a storehouse of oral literature of various forms, little concern is paid to it. It is time people heed this before our traditional experts disappear.

‘Mog’ and ‘Achuley’

Before the third day of the seminar I had never heard about Mog, a tribal community of Tripura who had migrated from Burma at some pint of time, as it was informed.  Ushajoy Mog, a bright young Mog officer, informed that this minority community of thirty eight thousand population, has various dialects but retain the same culture and religion, which is Buddhism.

Mog girls are excellent dancers as they presented a few umbrella dances that have its root in Burma. I informed Ushajoy of Buddhist communities of Singpho and Khampti in Arunachal. He said, “I never heard about them. But since you have told me it, I would definitely like to visit them.”  Lyangsong Tamsang, a leader and scholar of Lepcha community from Kalimpong, was the cynosure of all eyes in the seminar. Dressed in his traditional dress, the tall and fair-complexioned person radiated confidence and positive spirit all around him. With a foreign English accent (He served in British army as an officer), he explained about the history and culture of his tribe, occasionally shouting ‘Achuley’ which as he told us, is Lepcha word of greeting. In literal meaning, it means ‘Hail to the Himalayas’. Lepchas consider the Himalayas including the Kanchanjanga as their deity and believe they originated from it.

I was honoured by his friendship as he called me a ‘friend’. He presented a few books on Lepcha culture and a packet of Darjeeling tea as a ‘token of love’ for me and my family. Everyone including me benefited most from his participation and came to know about his people who are bravely fighting to safeguard their unique heritage. “Achule’, my friend.

 

Plantation programme by CRPF

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Central Reserve Police Force, 138 Battalion has organized “mass plantation programme” in the campus of Senkiview, Itanagar on Sept 12.

As per inititive of ZEE TV, CRPF 138 Bn celebrated “mass plantation programme” in its own campus at Senkiview, Itanagar.

Second-in-Command Rajmukut Kerketta, Deputy Commandant Ramjanm Yadav, along with other subordinate officers and men planted the saplings. All about 300 saplings of various fruits/flowers/medicine etc. were planted in the campus. On the occasion all CRPF officer, jawans and their families took pledge to plant a sapling on their every birthday and important occasion.

Rajmukut Kerketta, Second-in-Command 138 Bn CRPF during his address on the occasion emphasized on the need of protection of environment and maintenance of greenery.

 

Project affected people threatens to launch 2nd phase of agitation

KIMIN, Sep 12: Taking serious note of the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities towards its demand for release of 50 per cent original water of Panior river for project affected downstream people, the Lichi Sher Ranganadi Project Affected Area Management Committee in its executive meeting held at Hawa camp on Sept 10 unanimously decided to go with its 2nd phase of 72-hour Kimin-Potin road blockade on Oct 13 in case of the failure of the authorities to pay heed to its demand.  

While reviewing its successful 1st phase of agitation in the form of 48-hour Kimin-Potin road blockade on Sept 8 and 9 last, the committee also resolved to continue its fight in favour of its single demand for release of 50 per cent water of Panior River.  It resented that one of the senior minister of the state during his recent visit to RHEP dam, Yazali talked about development of fisheries at dam reservoir, but completely avoided the burning problem faced by downstream people of the project.

Despite 15-days ultimatum served to the state Govt and NEEPCO before its 1st phase of agitation, local administration miserably failed to act as mediator between the NEEPCO and agitating people for amicable solution to the grievances, the committee observed.

 

Training prog on internet begins

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: A week-long training programme on “Internet  and  MS Excel” for the ministerial staff of A P Civil Secretariat  and Heads of Departments commenced in Administrative Training Institute, Naharlagun from today. As many as 24 officials in the rank of LDC, UDC, assistant and computer operators are attending the training programme which is being organized under the 100 per cent Course Fee sponsorship of DoPT, Govt. of India under its plan training assistance 2011-12.

While inaugurating the training programme, the Director (Training) Pema Tshetan said “possessing of fundamental knowledge and skill of Computer Application is a must for all clerical and ministerial staff serving in Govt. offices in today's IT age." The director training further added that ATI Naharlagun is giving top priority in matter of imparting both short term  and long term training courses on computer applications so that the policy of the Govt to promote e-governance is achieved in the long term.

The training programme is being imparted by the faculty members of A to Z computer education, Naharlagun as resource persons. Dy. Director (training) T Lodo who is the course coordinator presented a brief highlight of the course content  and also informed the participants about the various logistic arrangements being made for the successful conduct of the training programme  and sought full cooperation from all participants.

 

Universal brotherhood day

ITANAGAR, Sep 12: The students of VKV Kuporijo, Upper Subansiri district celebrated Universal Brotherhood day with great enthusiasm on 11th September. It was on this day in 1893 that Swami Vivekananda delivered an epoch making speech in the World Parliament of Religions at Chicago, USA. Other speakers spoke on the superiority of their own religions and sects, but it was Swami Vivekananda who won many hearts when he addressed the audience as “Sisters and Brothers of America” and emphasized on Universal Tolerance. Every year Vivekananda Kendra celebrates 11th September as Universal Brotherhood Day.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, DDSE Obuk Panor, advised the student community to respect their teachers and parents. He added that true education is achieved only when all that is learnt from the school is put to practice in real life. Panor also assured his full support to the school administration in furthering their aim of imparting quality education and all round development of the student community of the area.

The colourful cultural programme performed by the students of the school was witnessed by a large gathering of parents, well wishers and general public. Earlier the principal of the school Sri A. Krishnan welcomed all and also threw light on the achievement of the school.

The Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated for the first time  at VKV Kitpi, Tawang which has completed one month since its informal inauguration on 8th August 2011.

Parliamentary Secretary Tsewang Dhondup attended the function as the Chief Guest. He stressed upon the youths of the district to channelize their energy for positive and constructive approach. He advised the parents for contributing in their own way for innovative education and social responsibilities. He was greatly moved when the tiny little students performed various cultural programmes in front of parents of nearly 115 students. He also donated a PA system  and assured all possible help in near future.

Dorjee Norbu, ZPM Tawang appreciated the service provided by the teachers for the students welfare. He opined such institution shall reap excellence in coming years.

K.V Dineshan, Principal also spoke on the occassion.

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The women workforce

 

As compared to other parts of the world, the representation of women in the workplace in Asia declines sharply with seniority and this applies across industry, reveals Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia 2011 report by Community Business.

While childcare and family responsibilities are assumed to be the primary derailers of women's careers around the world, the reality in Asia is found to be more complicated. Family ties are strong and women in Asia often enjoy child care support from their parents or in-laws. However, the flip side of this strong family tie, especially for women, is the responsibility of eldercare.

India is consistently the worst performer in terms of the representation of women in the total workforce, junior and middle level positions. It performs only slightly better than Japan at senior level positions. In terms of middle level positions, the best performer is Hong Kong and the worst performer is India.

The report concludes that the issues of greatest concern are related to work-family balance. Companies are encouraged to take a more holistic and creative approach to the career trajectories of their women employees - with a focus on enabling them to fulfill their professional and personal responsibilities at different stages in their life and career. Only then will women be no longer required to make tough choices that force many to settle for less challenging roles or opt out of the workforce altogether.

 

Stop formation of organizations

Dear Editor,

I appeal to my intelligent and talented person in Nyishi societies who are speedily forming organizations with just few members in the name of community. In a democracy, it is acceptable to form associations but association has to have some positive impact on the society.  

If one has added the word Nyishi, it is expected that it will be for the cause of the organization. Today ANSU and NES are fighting for the interest of the Nyishi welfare not for those executive members of ANSU and NES. Pradeep Thakur did not just target some powerful organization or politician, he targeted the whole community.   

Organizations like Nyishi welfare Association has included the word welfare but what is meaning of welfare?        

I am confused why some Nyishi based organizations are protesting against the movements of ANSU and NES. If they are not willing to support than they should keep silent and wait for the outcome of the issue. I think head of that organization is very experienced and reputed person in Nyishi community.

Lastly, I appeal to those brainy and intellectual person of Nyishi community please stop the formation of association in the name of Nyishi. Other societies are laughing at us.

Yours,

Nabam Akin Hina,

(on email)

 

 

Who cares anyways

Dear Editor,

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page”: St.Augustine.

It’s a real pleasure to see that our elected members are taking this quote quite literally. Thanks to the face book, every outing and merry-making have been so candidly captured and posted on the social networking site by a friend and is there for every Arunachalee to see and feel proud about. A holiday is what every hard-working Politician needs specially our honourable elected members since they do a very good job of running this “failed" state. While the general people are grappling with the incessant bandh calls, the dilapidated road conditions, water everywhere except where it should be. The list is endless or need I say more and if rumours are to be believed another phase of bandh. Do these people want to kill us, but who cares after all elections are far away?

What can a commoner expect, but hoping that this world tour somehow brings to their mind that these places they are visiting are worthy of it because their leaders had the foresight and drive to make it a reality .Its wishful thinking but as they say hope springs eternal in the human heart.

Yours,

Sarcastic Citizen

Itanagar, (on email)

 

 

Its time we open up and act bold

Dear Editor,

This is in context with the present scenario of our State and how deeply Arunachali I feel. In the land of KUSHI KUUSHI as is often referred to, violence is on the throne once again. The bandh mongers claim the freedom of the State Capital. A touch here and a push there has made our State ungovernable under the present scenario and sadly violence has characterized our daily life on a scale so widespread and so unchecked as today. The purpose of law is to prevent the strong always having their way but most regretfully our legal system has made life too easy for criminals and too difficult for law¬ abiding citizen. The Law in our State speaks too softly to be heard, it is subjugated by the Politicians and leaders, as there is one law for the lion and another for ox which is straightway oppression; and on the other hand corruption is growing like an ulcer in our state and pitifully we seem to take deliberate pain to ensure that it is not cured.

The spirit of law, its object and goal of any legal system in a civilized society, is the attainment of liberty and equality. Liberty is not an "optional extra" in a democracy, that human rights are not a luxury intended merely for the elite and the affluent, and that we are as intensely committed to the free way of life as the richest under the sun. Unfortunately in our State, this progress of liberty and equality has been weighed down by its natural enemies, by ignorance and superstition, by lust of conquest and by the strong man's craving for power, and the poor man's craving for food".

Not to mention about the 2°d Sept incident, whereon my associate senior Advocate Mr. Taba Tagum and his family members were brutally attacked and his Chamber completely ransacked; every other day the professionals like the Lawyers, Journalist, Doctors etc are threatened and attacked. An open secret which they bluntly deny and find something indecent in this naked truth. These anti-social elements and militant union leaders are well qualified to be the missing link between animals and civilized man.

Sometimes I do fantasize like a child how I wish I could take all the corrupt politicians, leaders and other antisocial elements to a long voyage in to the blue and push them to Sharks and whales in the mid way.

Now at this moment, when the state is standing on the escalator of anarchy and corruption, right-minded citizens cannot afford to stand frozen in disgust and dismay. We cannot merely look upon the political development in sorrow and upon our politician in anger. To shut our eyes to the gravity of the situation would only be to invite the forces of goondaism and mobocracy. Its time we open up and act bold. Its time we speak our mind.

Its time we break our image of being collectively foolish despite being individually intelligent. Its time we stop our society, disintegrating into factions and divisions. Its time we realize that democracy, with freedom of opinion and opposition, is not the normal way of organizing society or opposing the existing government. Its time we realize, it is not the Ministers, MPs or MLAs who are supreme. It is the constitution which is supreme. It is the eternal human freedoms which are supreme. It is the people, you and me who are supreme. Ruefully, the blame must be shared by us along with the government; because it is we who elect these politicians to power. The duty of ours is not merely to vote but to vote wisely. We must vote for the best man, irrespective of any other consideration and irrespective of party label. The right man in the wrong party is any day preferable to the wrong man in the right party. We are looking forward; starry eyed to a new direction, a new era, a new life. This is the moment for shaping and moulding a new society, for giving a new and clear orientation to it. However as for now, the crying need of the hour is self-discipline and self restraint. It is hoped that the present government will pass such laws or make arrangements and take such executive actions as are not meant merely to deal with the difficulties of the moment but calculated to ensure the good of the whole society in the long years ahead.

While writing this article, I thank God for saving my life, for on that fateful night of 2"a Sept. had I not left the Chamber 15 minutes early, perhaps I couldn't have lived or be in condition to share this with you.

Rest I leave it to your imagination.

Yours,

Tapak Uli, Advocate

Gauhati High Court Itanagar, Permanent Bench Naharlagun.

 

 

Voices of others need to be heard too

Dear Editor,

I am a regular reader of Arunachal Times e-paper and its forum, and one thing I have noted is that there has been excessive thrusting of 'Nyishi' people in the paper, whether their demands, bandhs or programmes etc. Well, we can understand being the local people of the capital, their voices are heard louder, but still there are some voices of other tribes, which needed to be heard and otherwise fulfilled, if can be.

Yours,

Lit Slong

Khonsa, (on email)

 

 

Stop harassing common people

Dear Editor,

For last few months Pradip Thakur issues is burning our state. In this regard I would like to put my opinion. Whatever comment, Thakur had made was his opinion. So, government is not responsible for his comment. Why ANSU is harassing the common people by giving series of Band hcall?

But despites this, honoring the Nyishi people’s sentiment, Govt took first step and it managed a written apology from Thakur. I think with this government job is done here. But if these are not enough for ANSU, they should seek justice at the Supreme and High courts. Please stop harassing common people.

I would like request the government to stop taking up the Thakur’s issue. Govt’s time and resource is not for only one tribe, there are other tribes  in the state , they also need time and resources of the government. Arunachal is home to 25 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes.  

Yours,

A citizen,  (on email)

 

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

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