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September 07

Aid for flood ravaged Anpum area

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: The Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) has decided to organise collection of relief and resettlement materials at Itanagar and in the districts to help the flood ravaged people of Anpum area under Lower Dibang valley district. A counter is being opened at Solung- Mopin ground, Ziro Point Tinali, Itanagar on Sept 8 and 9 from 9 am to 4 pm, and from Sept 8 to 10 at Gandhi Chowk, Pasighat.

Tony Pertin, Vice-President, ABK, Getom Borang, Vice- President, ABK and Nima Tondrang, Secretary (Admn.), ABK shall coordinate with the committee and the district units.

Further, ABK informed that the devastating flood has caused havoc in Anpum area of Lower Dibang Valley district due to the torrential rains over the last many days. The rivers Sikang, Sisiri and Dottung have changed their courses and partially merged with Taro-Tamak River. In the process, large areas have been inundated causing massive destruction of homestead and properties. Many people have been rendered homeless. The people are suffering immensely due to the wrecking deluge. In this hour of tragedy, we need to stand together and render our helping hands to mitigate the sufferings of the people, stated a ABK release.

 

‘Hollongi check gate needs basic amenities’

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: Expressing concern over the lack of basic amenities at Hollongi Police Check gate, Balijan Circle Youth Association (BCYA) has appealed to the concern authorities  to provide toilet,  urinal and  drinking water   facilities etc for the commuters at the check gate.   It also urged the authorities to provide dustbins in order to maintain cleanliness in around the check gate.

 

SSB conducts civic action programme

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: 30th Bn SSB, Dirang under the leadership of Commandant Sudhanshu Nautiyal has conducted numerous civic action programmes at Dirang and Kalakatang subdivision beginning from August 13 last with medical and veterinary camps at Morshing, Domkho and Khellong villages with hundreds availing the benefit from the programme.

On Aug 28, sports goods were distributed to youths of Khellong, Brokpalengchen, Warrangpam and Samdrung villages.

The 14 farmers of Dengzi were also equipped with agricultural tools to encourage farming at commercial level.

The battalion also organised a four days social awareness campaign involving all the schools within Dirang subdivision which began on Sept 1with the theme “Health Hygiene & Sanitation”. Speaking at the opening and closing ceremonies, ADC Dirang, Dagbom Riba stressed on the need for sanitation and highlighted the various programmes being undertaken by the government to attain the mission of “Swachh Bharat”.

 

Krishna Janmashtami celebrated

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Shri Krishna, was celebrated with religious fervour by the Assamese community at Kristi Kendra Naharlagun yesterday.

The programme started with ‘Nam Prasang and Kirtan path’. This was followed by ‘Diha nam’, ‘Krishna nam’ and ‘Nagara nam’ etc.

Special attraction of the programme was “Sishu Krishna” competition wherein the children from various sectors of Naharlagun took part. ‘Krishna Janmashtami’ has been celebrated in the Kristi Kendra since 1974.

Janmashtrami was also celebrated at Radha-Krishna mandir premises, 0-Point Tinali, Itanagar with religious fervour. Bhajan sangeet, araati by the devotees of the Lord Krishna was the main attraction of the celebration.

 

Tagin folk song conservation prog held

DAPORIJO, Sept 6: Teacher and learner programme on indigenous folk songs of Tagins under the theme ‘Conservation of Traditional Culture through Performing Art’ was organised at Daporijo today. The programme was sponsored by the department of Art and Culture, GoAP, in collaboration with the Tagin Cultural Society, Daporijo.

While inaugurating the programme, Daporijo SDO Hage Taka exhorted the youths to take maximum benefit from the programme to learn the traditional songs and performing arts. He further advised that the tribal people should not depend only on government for sponsorship, rather they should voluntarily organise such training programme on their own.

In his speech Taniya Siga, DACO, Daporijo, highlighted the importance of the programme and the policy of the government in conservation of indigenous songs and performing arts.

Lardik Kare, Secretary General, TCS demonstrated the uses of Tagin alphabets based on Roman script and its importance in documenting the age-old traditional arts and songs. It is high time that every youth should learn one’s own dialect, otherwise, it would be impossible to learn the beautiful traditional songs and drama later, he said.

Besides teachers and students, Shamee Timba, DPO, Daporijo, Taw Ekke, SCO, executive members of TCS were present on the occasion.

 

Teachers’ Day celebrated

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: The students of physical education department, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) celebrated the Teachers’ Day in a befitting manner at the university campus on Sept 5.

While speaking on the occasion, Prof. Tasi Kaye, the dean students’ welfare, highlighted the duties of a teacher towards society and nation. He also praised the students for maintaining high order of discipline and bringing positive changes in the campus life.

The students also organised a cultural programme in the evening to mark the occasion.

 

BJP leader writes to Governor

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: BJP leader Vijay Sonam in a representation to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has demanded posting of required number of employees at Bameng ADC, Khenewa EAC and Lada CO offices. He said that if the required number of the officers cannot be posted, the administrative headquarters should be demoted.

He further said that the ADC Bameng should be delegated with full administrative and financial power at par with the Deputy Commissioners so that the administrative problems of Khenewa and Lada circle can be addressed directly as Lada is yet to be connected by road while Khenewa is partially connected.

He further called for establishment of CRPF or Police outpost at Bameng, Khenewa and Lada administrative centres as well as banks and Treasury Office. Sonam further said that employees posted in the three administrative centres should stay there.

 

AGT Season 2 kicks off

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: After a successful first edition, the much awaited mega talent hunt, Arunachal’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 2 kicked off at Siddhartha Hall on Saturday last as MLA cum Civil Aviation Parliamentary Secretary P D Sona officially flagged off the event.

The mega show which had 604 multi-talented participants in its first season would see the numbers drastically increase as the organising committee is expecting more than 1000 participants this time.

The inaugural programme started with the felicitation of Season 1 winner Kipa Soloman while the winners of K-POP 2015 Lobsang Delek Khum and Techi Taning were also felicitated on the occasion.

Speaking on the sidelines of the show, AGT Organising Committee in-charge Gumjum Haider said that the main motive of the show is to give the young generation a platform to showcase their talents so they can get exposed in the national and international level.

He further informed that they are taking the show to a different level by going to each and every district of the state in search of talents so that no deserving person is left out. Speaking on the occasion, AGT Chairman Hillang Nima announced that ‘Voting’ system would also be introduced this time, so that AGT fans of the state can vote for their favourite artists by simply sending a text message.

The winner of Season 2 will walk away with a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh while the 1st and second runners up will bag Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively.

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News Impact

Centre would consider Patkai

Autonomous Council: Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI, Sept 6: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has assured that the Centre would consider the demand for formation of Patkai Autonomous District Council covering the three sensitive districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh. This assurance came during a meeting of a delegation led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki with the Union Home Minister at his residence in New Delhi today. The Chief Minister was accompanied by all the Ministers and MLAs of the three districts and MPs Mukut Mithi (RS) and Ninong Ering (LS).

The demand for formation of Patkai Autonomous Council was passed by the state legislative assembly in 2004 and 2007 and the Cabinet approved it in the year 2013. The proposal was then sent to the Union Home Ministry and a committee headed by Joint Secretary (North East), Ministry of Home Affairs was constituted by the then UPA Government, who had visited the three districts in February 2014. Since then, there has been no communication from the Home Ministry.

While highlighting the need for an Autonomous Council to further the development in these sensitive insurgency affected districts, the Chief Minister emphasised that this has been a long standing demand of the people of the state, particularly the people of the three districts who have been continuously affected by insurgency leading to poor socio-economic conditions and lack of development.

The Chief Minister observed that a special administrative structure in the form of an Autonomous Council would greatly help in addressing the challenges of development and governance. He highlighted that the region in the eastern most corner of Arunachal Pradesh requires a special focus to overcome development bottlenecks. The three ministers from the area - Wanglin Lowangdong, Thanwang Wangham and Kamlung Mossang - apprised the Union Home Minister about their respective districts in detail.

They briefed the Union Minister about the prevalent socio-economic conditions of the districts in view of their vicinity to Myanmar, Assam and Nagaland. They highlighted that the districts are characterised by poverty, low level of employment (4.1 per cent), high instances of drug abuse despite the fact that the area is resource rich with huge potential for development. Therefore, they urged the Union Minister to grant autonomy to the area under the provisions of the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India to bring focussed development and welfare of the people.

Lowangdong, on behalf of all the MLAs and the people of the State, submitted a memorandum to Singh reiterating the demand for the creation of the Patkai Autonomous Council.  

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha member Ninong Ering appealed for proper nomenclature of the tribes of the area in the Scheduled Tribes list. These tribes are presently mentioned and recognised as “Any Naga tribe” in the Constitution of India.

Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi also spoke during the meeting and appealed for creation of the Patkai Autonomous Council.

The Union Minister expressed his keenness to visit Arunachal Pradesh at an early date.

On August 26, a delegation from Tawang and West Kameng district had met the Union Minister seeking early creation of Mon Autonomous Council.

 

 

Sudden downpour claims one, lashes Roing

[ Karyir Riba ]

Roing, Sept 6: In a shocking and tragic incident, a 12 year old boy lost his life after falling into an overflowing drain water triggered by the sudden heavy downpour here today.

The deceased was identified as Abhijeet Patra, son of Vikas Patra, a driver at the Forest Wildlife Office.

The boy was accompanied by his friend when the incident took place.

As per an eye witness, both the boys had fallen into the open drain near the post office at around 2.30 in the afternoon.

Reportedly, 15-year-old Alidi Menjo managed to pull himself out of the drain but could not save his friend because of the heavy water current that had washed him away.

After failed rescue attempts of the bystanders, Patra's lifeless body was pulled out after about 20 minutes from the rain water filled drain in the main market area, around 300 meters away from the point where he had fallen into the drain.

"The closed drains made it very difficult to rescue the boy. Even though some of the slabs were lifted open by the bystanders in an attempt to rescue, it was too late", informed the post office official.

"Normally, this drain doesn't seem dangerous at all, but, during today's heavy outburst there was so much water everywhere that the drain was not visible. So, the boys must have thought it to be part of the road and unfortunately, stepped into the drain", said an official from the post office.

Dr SJ Mitapo, a doctor on duty, who examined the body said that the boy was brought dead. “He had an injury on his forehead, which might have been inflicted when he was inside the drain, but the main cause of his death was by drowning".

Today's heavy rainfall which lasted for about two hours changed the situation of the whole town. Water had, reportedly, flowed into the hospital building, the post office, the SBI bank and the police station premises, and the roads were also overflowing with water.

 

 

Transfers, Postings and Power Politics

[ Tongam Rina ]

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: September last year, Department of Education transferred some 500 plus elementary school teachers overlooking government's blanket ban on transfer and posting, vide order No.PERS-66/2014/408, dated 24th July 2014. Later, the government had to recall the order with a condition that whoever completes three years service tenure at a particular posting place would be admissible for transfer.

On 24 July, this year, the Education department shot off another letter to the districts with a direction that those teachers who are under transfer as per govt order ED2/DSE/264/2015 are released. Many cry foul, calling the transfers politically motivated, but then government orders are  to be followed, even if questionable.

It's not the teachers alone who are being transferred.

Since the new government took over on May 18 last year, under the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, in his second term, there have been orders after orders for transfer and posting of officers, mostly in Departments of Engineering, Medical and Administration.

Insiders say that most of the transfers are politically motivated as people in power or those close to them want their way. Merit is not a criterion as most MLAs and Ministers want officers who tow their lines. But worse affected seems to be the engineers who are often caught in politics of power, mostly because of the money they handle in the form of central schemes.

If an officer dare not listen to the diktat of these powerful politicians, the transfer order arrives, says an officer.

Many government employees go to Court against such arbitrary transfer orders but by the time, they knock the doors of the court, the damage in the form of mental harassment has already been done.  

Almost all the transfers are done because of interference and at the behest of the politicians. All one need is a Note from the MLAs or Ministers, which is dutifully followed by departmental heads.

Perhaps, there will be a better explanation, but Notes written by any other politician, other than the concern minister seems to be an intrusion into the functioning of the Executive.

In June this year, Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet had delegated powers to Deputy Commissioners to effect transfer and postings of Circle Officers/Extra Assistant Commissioners within the district to ensure efficient administration.

An APCS officer says that such orders do not carry any weight as the ultimate power to transfer an officer is with the politicians. "The DCs just sign, based on the dictation of the MLAs and Ministers".

The powerful and pampered Sixty obviously wants everything their way, but it should not be at the cost of the state exchequer.

In a cash starved state, the result of transfers and postings do have far reaching consequences as transfer allowance for Group A officer could be as high as Rs One Lac. It's another issue that the Government have not been able to reimburse, in most cases.

The only saviour perhaps for these harassed government employees is the judiciary. But then, not many have the time, energy or the courage to knock the court of law.

 

 

Cultural exchange prog marks Onam celebration

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: An Onam cultural exchange programme was held to mark the Onam celebration at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Vivek Vihar here yesterday evening. The programme was organised specially to bid farewell to the 46 skill trainees under Skills for Employability Training. Besides the trainees, a large number of members from the Kerala Kala Samskarika Vedi (KKSV—Kerala Cultural Society) participated.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Mathai, Parish Priest, explained the meaning of Onam.  “Onam basically is a celebration of goodness and truth and the reminiscence of an era when people lived in peace, harmony and absolute prosperity”, said Fr. Mathai. He said everyone needs to work towards bringing back those good times here in Arunachal.  

C. Rameshan, President KKSV said, “Such cultural exchange programmes create good-will and promote brotherhood among various communities.”

Fr. Cyriac, DBYC Director explained the reasons behind such celebration  and said that DBYC always believes that all cultures are good and we do neither need to feel superior nor inferior to any one. Such common celebrations bringing young people of various cultures together in an atmosphere of good-will and friendship, creates positive energy, the director said.  

Yumlam Kaha, Deputy Director, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs lauded the Keralite community for all the hard work they have put in for the welfare of Arunachal Pradesh. Kaha expressed great satisfaction over the unique contribution that Catholic Missionaries from Kerala have done especially in the field of education in the State. He also distributed certificates to the skill trainees.

Youth from DBYC and KKSV presented various cultural items representing their cultures to the delight of all.

 

 

Are we responsible?

[ Ramar Jokik ]

We have known Ziro for many reasons. It stands out as one of the most beautiful places in Arunachal Pradesh. The romance with the paddy fields, dotted with different shades of green, with common carps zigzagging its way underneath is a never ending affair. Amongst musicians, it’s a favoured destination, thanks to the Ziro Music Festival. The perfectly symmetrical bamboo grooves and the giant pine trees definitely elevate the beauty of the plateau. Yes, the Mother Nature has abundantly blessed Ziro plateau.

However as citizens of the plateau what have we done to nurture this blessing? Felled trees, littered the plateau with wastes, clogged the drains with plastic waste giving rise to manmade floods, and dumped waste on the road side?

It’s for us to introspect. Few enlightened people and NGOs have realised the necessity to restore and reconstruct the pristine beauty of the town and have started working in this direction in the recent few years. NGOs Ngunu Ziro and Apatani Youth Association have spearheaded many awareness camps and cleanliness drives in the town.

I happened to interact with few domestic as well international tourists on few occasions. Their only concern with Ziro was its cleanliness. Otherwise this pristine, culturally rich plateau with warm hearted people could be the most desired destination in entire Northeast, they believed. Also the much talked about listing of the Apatani Cultural landscape in the World Heritage Site has put Ziro on the world map. The people of the plateau will have to decide what memoirs people carry back with them after visting Ziro.

The district administration on many occasions came up with programmes to assist the likeminded people in cleaning Ziro. In July 2013, with the theme Clean Ziro, the department of Urban Development in collaboration with the Bazaar welfare committees and Trade and Commerce Chamber, Hapoli made it compulsory for the shopkeepers and the residents of the town to maintain dustbins of different colours to segregate degradable and non-degradable waste materials.

It was a good initiative by then Deputy Commissioner Taru Talo, and for a while the Bazaar area adorned with colourful buckets remained clean. Regular monitoring and vigilance kept the shopkeepers vigil and truly Ziro was much cleaner for a while.

The DUDA trucks regularly picked the wastes and to my utter disbelief the trucks were also compartmentalised to segregate waste. After a few months the buckets disappeared and we were back on our track and started littering.

The district administration is relentlessly trying to reduce the usage of plastic in the plateau and keeping it clean. Notices have been served, few shopkeepers penalized and random checking drives conducted. With the recent distribution of reusable bags, an initiative of the administration, the ball is in our court. How honest and responsible are we? How long shall we blame the administration and forget our duties as responsible citizens? Can’t we contribute our bit in keeping our town clean? I will use and return the bag, will you? (The contributor is DIPRO, ZIRO)

 

 

Early enquiry into water project demanded

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Sept 6: Villagers of Debing including the Gaon Burahs, PRI members and Congress party workers, who lodged complaint with East Siang DC demanding proper enquiry into alleged irregularity and financial mismanagement in the construction of Water Supply scheme at Debing village in East Siang district, has demanded early results.

It may be recalled that the DC in an order on July 22 last directed Ruksin ADC to conduct enquiry into the alleged Drinking Water Supply project implemented at Debing village.

The DC had shot another order on August 12 to the Ruksin administration for early enquiry into the controversial Water Supply project.

But no enquiry has been reported till date, which is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction among the villagers.

Rejecting the additional tapping point constructed nearby the Water Treatment Plan, the villagers opined that the water source would dry up during winter and villagers would suffer from water scarcity again. “We are inviting the enquiry committee to visit the spots, asses the works and heed the grievances of common villagers”, said one of the villagers.

The villagers’ apprehension comes from earlier experiences. Two water supply projects implemented in the village are lying abandoned.

 

 

Kill stress before stress kills you

[ M Rajaque Rahman ]

Stress kills has almost become common sense, but still many inadvertently let it get worse. And some even get addicted to it. Adrenalin junkies actually seek out stressful experiences as a source of motivation or fun. But when chronically exposed to a state of ‘fight or flight’, stress takes its toll. And by the time one comprehends how devastating it could get, it’s often too late.

 Potential health risks of stress range from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and obesity. It’s estimated that three out of four doctor visits are stress related. Dr Lissa Rankin, author of Mind Over Medicine, writes, “Our bodies know how to fix broken proteins, kill cancer cells, retard aging, and fight infection. They even know how to heal ulcers, make skin lesions disappear and knit together broken bones! But here’s the kicker: those natural self-repair mechanisms don’t work if you’re stressed!”

 Above all, stress impacts the way we think, feel, and behave, leading to a negative self-perpetuating cycle that is hard to escape. In the award-winning documentary Stress: Portrait of a Killer, renowned neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky reckons, “Stress is …, dangerous and humans can’t seem to find their off-switch.” 

But the off-switch isn’t hard to find. Renowned spiritual guru and the Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has helped million across the globe live a stress-free life, recently gave a talk in the European Parliament revealing the yoga way of finding that switch, which I found exceptionally simple, but practical and revolutionary. “Too much to do, too little time and no energy is what create stress,” he told the gathering. This is exactly what many of face in our fast-paced life.

“As it’s almost impossible to reduce the workload and increase the time, the only option we are left is to increase the energy level within us. When we have enough energy and enthusiasm, we are able to handle any challenge,” Sri Sri averred.

 With yoga and meditation one can turn the body into a powerhouse by tapping the inner source of energy. It’s now known that the amount of energy that one gets in meditation is much more than in sleep. Twenty minutes of meditation can equal to eight hours of good sleep. This formula could easily solved one of the most common problem working people face: working all the time and not getting enough rest.

People often think that one cannot be successful without being stressful. They are made to believe that there is no nirvana without quitting the world. But Indian spirituality offers a plenty of ways of rejuvenating oneself without quitting the world! Like Sri Sri often says, “The body dropping you is death; and you dropping the body is meditation.”

So the best way to cope with is to learn the art of dropping the world for a few minutes every day before it drops us. Spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya and the likes do just that.

Independent medical research has demonstrated significant falls in cortisol levels, known as the ‘stress hormone’ among Sudarshan Kriya practitioners, suggesting that greater levels of both relaxation and resilience to stress. A study by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, concluded that regular practice of the Sudarshan Kriya invokes positive emotions, replacing anger, frustration and jealousy. It’s also found that it improves the blood cholesterol profile with significant drops in total cholesterol and LDL (harmful) cholesterol, as well as increases in HDL (beneficial) cholesterol.

In a study conducted by National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, the researchers found that the breathing techniques taught by the Art of Living were as effective as drugs in treating depression and the result came without any side-effects. After practicing the Sudarshan Kriya, brain wave patterns were found to stabilise and there was an increase in serum prolactin count.

It’s time we all learn the art of dropping the world for a few minutes every day before it drops us. And its rejuvenating effect can only make us better player in the world! (M Rajaque Rahman, a former journalist, is a faculty of the Art of Living based in Itanagar and regularly conducts stress-management workshops. He can be reached at rajaque@gmail.com)

 

 

AACWA calls for early completion of bus & truck terminals

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: Expressing concern over the slow pace of important projects, the All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) has urged the Urban Development department to speed up the ongoing Inter- State Bus terminal (ISBT) and Inter-State Truck Terminal (ISTT) projects at Lekhi village, Nirjuli. The works for the projects started in 2010, but are yet to see the light of the day. Due to non-availability of parking places for buses and trucks coming from outside the state, the vehicles are being parked at road side and market places creating traffic jam in already congested roads, the Association said.

While requesting the contractors to complete the works within the given time, the Association also urged the executing department to make payment of contractors’ bill in time as per works progress.

“It is a common phenomenon in Arunachal that most of the works are awarded to those firms/contractors who enjoy good relations with Ministers and MLAs,” the Association said adding award of work in this manner also deprives many genuine contractors and creates impact on quality of works.

Stating that the many of the contract employees are deprived of facilities like maternity leave, MR bill, TA&DA and quarter facilities, it urged the state Govt to release the salaries of contractual staff regularly.

 

 

Kabu FC lifts Dubi Rike Memorial Football Trophy

ITANAGAR, Sept 6: Kabu FC outclassed Tadin FC 2-1 in a nail biting extra time in the final match of the 1st Dubi Rike Memorial Football Tournament played at General Football Ground Aalo on Sept 5.

Tadin FC drew first blood in the 58th minute through a goal by General Modi but Gemar Loyi of Kabu FC equalized it in the 84th minute. The goal by Liya Loyi of Kabu FC in the 102nd minute of the extra time sealed the fate of Tadin FC to win the final by a narrow margin of 2-1 and lift the coveted trophy along with cash prize of Rs. 1, 00,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively.

Kito Loya, Dodam Loyi and Karli Ngomdir emerged as the best player, best goalkeeper and highest scorer to bag Rs.10000 and Rs. 5000 each respectively.

Attending the concluding ceremony, Liromoba MLA Nyamar Karbak said that sports today opens up wide range of opportunities with 10 per cent reservation in Govt jobs for the sports persons. He contributed Rs. 1 lakh for sending the selected team from West Siang to reputed sports institute like Tata Football Academy Jamshedpur to undergo coaching on demand by the WDFA.

AGS SFA, Kipa Ajay appreciated the way the tournament was organised and disclosed that WSDFA may be allowed to organise regional level T. AO Football Tournament in future.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu and host of officers also witnessed the final match.

DFA President Liduk Ete and General Secretary Doba Loya highlighted their effort to promote football in the district and pleaded for retention of Football Coach Kipa Bharat in West Siang.

The tournament was sponsored by Karyom Ete in loving memory of her late wife, Dubi Rike Ete.  DIPRO

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Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Root causes of refugee’s plight should be addressed

 

The refugee crisis which has engulfed the whole of Europe is posing serious threat to entire humanity. The tragic death of a young Syrian boy whose body was found near Turkish shore shows how these migrants are putting their life at risk while fleeing their war ravaged home in search of better life. Europe has so far struggled to deal with the crisis which has developed throughout the summer but to which the European Union has responded with a piecemeal or incremental approach. They have been forced into action due to tragic death of Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi.

The situation requires a massive common effort. Major world power will have to come together and find out long lasting solution. The Arab countries will have to be more proactive and play an important role in this regard. As of now, they have miserably failed to help the fleeing refugees. War in Iraq, Libya and Syria will have to end, so that people stop leaving their homes. The international community, primarily the US and Russia, and the Syrian regime itself, must also do more to confront the ISIL threat and end as quickly as possible the ongoing wars that are driving so many from their homes. Also the massive flow of people will not stop until the root causes of their plight are addressed. More effective international co-operation is required to crack down on smugglers, including those operating inside the EU.

 

 

___________________

 

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Misleading  report on PPA’s stand on hydro power

Dear Editor,

The news item under the headline “ PPA’s U-turn, says hydro power only option for economic freedom” on hydropower development in the state is shockingly misleading and has sent a negative message to the State. The message was to those Civil Rights Activists who had filed PIL against the execution of all the Hydro-Power projects in four Siang districts.

People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) wants the PIL to be withdrawn against all the projects along the tributaries that are in tune with the public consent. PPA has always been against building of mega dams on mighty Siang River. Our opinion in favour of the withdrawal of PIL does not include any controversial mega dam on mighty Siang. Even the election man

ifesto of the party clearly indicates that the party against any mega dams on Siang Ane.

Please go through our release carefully. Nowhere, the word river has been used. We have used only the word tributaries. That should prove that PPA stands for immediate withdrawal of PIL against the projects along the tributaries of Siang River. PPA reiterates our stand against the mega dams on mighty Siang; henceforth the PIL against mega dams on Siang Ane should stand. But PPA shall strive and encourage development of smaller and medium scaled, viable and people friendly projects identified along any tributaries in the state.

Yours,

Kaling Jerang

Secretary General, PPA

 

 

Expectations from the department

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, we want to draw the attention of Concerned Authorities regarding the Junior Engineer recruitment Exam, PWD on 10th – 11th October 2015.

Undeserving candidates entering into the Department through the recommendations and backings are not oblivious to us. Besides that we have also learnt in the previous exams that cheatings by means of electronic media such as whatsapp pervaded the exam hall and no serious checking is done by the authorities. Instead some invigilators are found to help the candidates like that of Bihar which went viral recently in the media. Such acts derange the brain of sincere candidates and the effort made honestly seems waste of time.

We request the concerned authorities to fix web camera or CCTV in the examination room so that further discrepancy may be caught and strict action may be taken against such candidates. We also request that the authorities who are responsible for the conduction of exam be very strict and adhere to the recruitment law. If unable to fulfil the above criteria, let APPSC conduct all the departmental JE exams since we trust the Institution.  

Therefore, it is requested to the concerned higher authorities to take a strong precautions and measures regarding PWD JE exam.

We await justice, honesty, faithfulness from the system.

Yours,

Hardworking Aspirants

 

 

Need for separate time zones

Dear Editor,

The Central Government does not have any sound reason or viable explanation for not moving towards establishing Western, Eastern and North-Eastern Indian Time Zones and moving away from the erstwhile Indian Standard Time (IST), 69 years following independence. The east-west stretch of India is considerable and the variation in available sunlight under one time zone needs to be critically reviewed for better use of working hours and saving energy resources. Several scientific evaluations and reports have been conducted in the past with all successive governments deciding not to move away from the standard convention of a single time zone for the whole nation for some unexplained apathy. Innovative approaches for progress of the nation towards true infrastructure and technological developments are always swept under the carpet for unexplained reasons.

The North East region of India has a much extended eastern geographical location. As a consequence, the annual average available daylight for the region is different from the rest of India with respect to available daylight work hours. Hence, a different time zone from the perspective of the economic gains for North East India is absolutely important and should be discussed both in the Indian parliament and the state assemblies across the region. 

A joint advocacy by all the North Eastern states to the Central Government for consideration of a separate time zone for the region may be fruitful than individual states advocating for this.

India has moved into a new millennium and the nation needs to expand its business and working hour opportunities in the light of latest research and developments for stable economic progress. Even a strong discussion or debate on the importance of having different time zones has not been conducted in either house of the parliament for decades.

Yours,

Saikat Kumar Basu

Lethbridge,

Canada

 

 

Constructions and road conditions

Dear Editor,

With the commencement of widening the road between Bam Tri-Junction and Kargu-Gamgi Basar, the road condition in this section has become bad to worse. The contractor is only interested in constructing the culverts by damaging the roads and pumping the stagnant water into the road to add more damage to the road. Peoples travelling on vehicles looks like as if they are sitting on Camel back. Nobody is interested to raise question over the worst road condition, even Administration seems not interested.

Worst affected are the two wheelers and small car owners, nothing to say about the patients referred for treatment. Capsize of vehicles are common in this area due to the road condition. I request the people concerned to look into the matter.

Today the Shock Absorber of my vehicle surrendered. Let’s see who the next is.

Yours,

K. Basar

Kamya Rijo, Basar,

West Siang

 

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----Editor