September 28
All party meet on SC refugee verdict
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has called an all-
A thorough and threadbare discussion on the Supreme Court verdict for granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees is expected in the meeting.
Two persons from each political party have been invited to attend the proposed meet.
Doimukh Govt College to be shifted
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The Government College at Doimukh will be shifted to Midpu-
All the land owners have agreed to the decision. It is found that the location is pollution free as well as its environment is conducive for the college, added the ZPM.
Two houses burnt down
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: A devastating fire which broke out at 11.30 PM on Saturday night at ALC Line Koloriang, gutted down two houses. The houses belonged to Bengia Sinda and Pani Mangha, while the house of Taug Tato was partially damaged in the inferno.
Although Koloriang town has no fire station, SP Issac Pertin leading from the front along with Biaro Sorum, EAC Hq, T. Chakum, ARCS, Bengia Kagung, AE(Elect) other govt employees, students and public of the town joined hands and managed to get the fire under control by 1.30 AM.
Immediate relief has been made available to the victims consisting of food, essential utilities as well as cash by the District Administration.
As per the report of OC Koloriang, K L Pertin, who was at the ground dousing the fire, preliminary investigation indicates that the probable cause of fire could be a short circuit.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Kurung Kumey, Mamata Riba requested the Home Department for immediate setting up of a fire station at Koloriang and all circle headquarters of the district.
Photography workshop at Ziro
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The Arunachal Photography Club and Nikon India conducted photography workshop on Sept 25th and 26th at Ziro. Altogether 32 participants including amateur as well as professionals participated in the workshop.
The mentors of the workshop were from Nikon India technical team. During the workshop, theory session and practical classes were held. General Secretary of the Club, Dr Joram Khopey promised to conduct more such workshops, seminars, etc in the days to come.
The workshop concluded successfully with photo reviews analysis under the guidance of the mentors and photo experts. The participants were distributed Nikon School certificates.
DC holds meeting with HODs
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The monthly coordination meeting of the Head of Departments (HoDs) of East Kameng district was held at Kameng Hall, Seppa on Sept 25 last. The HoDs briefed about the status of the works/ schemes carried out by their respective department and also the target to be achieved in the coming financial year. All the issues concerning each other’s department were discussed and sorted out.
While initiating the discussion, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh informed that Aadhar enrollment is going on at Seppa town for database entry of national population register. He also added that Aadhar Card will fully cover the district within Dec this year. The DC enquired the status of the works of various departments and asked them to supply information instantly on public quarries under RTI.
He suggested the HoDs to appoint a nodal officer to deal with the land encroachment
cases and directed them for early initiation of the process for allotment of their
departmental land pacing way for revenue generation. He also directed the Power (Elect)
and PHED for immediate shifting of utilities under Right of Way (RoW) for smooth
construction of Trans-
The DC further asked the Station Superintendent Transport to continuously pursue the process of starting bus service between Chayangtajo and Guwahati.
Dy. SP, G Dajangju who briefed about law and order situation stressed on the need for opening of check gates at Bana and Pakke Kessang with CCTV camera facilities. He informed that rigorous MV checking shall be done within Seppa town.
EE (E) Er. G. Nalo sought help of the PWD and RWD to evolve modalities, so as to ensure that electric lines damaged during road constructions were restored at the earliest. (DIPRO)
AYO-
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The Arunachal Youth Organization (AYO) and All Bodo Students Union
(ABSU), Assam today held an awareness cum interaction programme in a city hotel.
The 32 member ABSU delegates arrived this morning for the interactive session. The
two organisations deliberated on issues ranging from promotion of communal harmony
and developing brotherhood among the people of Assam-
They resolved to work together and cooperate with each other. After the discussions,
the organisations adopted for joint six points resolution. AYO and ABSU will work
in tandem with each other for peaceful co-
Yoga camp concludes
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The three day Yoga Camp for school children under innovation activities for girls education organised by District SSA Mission in collaboration with Art of Living, Arunachal Pradesh concluded yesterday at Officer’s Club, Seppa. The Art of Living faculties from various district imparted yoga training to 650 students.
Swami P.Alexander from Bengaluru taught the students about yoga and its value in daily life. DC Sandeep Kumar Singh advised the students to take care of both health as well as academic study. ADC Pooja Jain explained about the demerits of child marriage and advised the students against it. Er. Pai Dawe, Art of Living teacher and Kata Rangmo DDSE also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)
AVP’s sports competitions
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The East Siang unit of Arunachal Vikas Parishad conducted the
circle level sport competition for Sille-
The two-
57 athletes out of the total 250, who participated in the competition, were selected for the district level competition.
Meanwhile, AVP’s district level sports competition for Lower Dibang Valley was held at Roing today.
Altogether, 53 athletes were selected on the basis of their performance for the state level sports meet scheduled to be held at Doimuk in November. Certificates were given to the winners.
Workshop on Seating and Wheelchair usage
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: A two day workshop will be held on 'Seating and Wheelchair usage' for differently abled children at Sishu Saarothi, Birubari (opposite Ramakrishna Mission path) at Guwahati in partnership with Kong Kong Lige Loyi Foundation (KKLLF) from Sept 28. The workshop is aimed for the benefit of Rehabilitation professionals, parents of wheelchair users and prospective wheelchair users, caregivers and Persons with Disabilities using wheelchairs. It will be conducted by Indranil Ghosh, Head of Therapy, Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (IICP), Kolkata who is specially trained in Seating, Posture and Hydrotherapy.
Kong Kong Lige Loyi Foundation is a trust with multiple objectives formed in the name of a young boy who is no more.
Aboh lauds CRPF
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The Parliamentary Secretary and local MLA of Khonsa West Tirong Aboh while inaugurating a community hall at Dadam on Sept 27 said that after the establishment of the CRPF post at Dadam, the law and order had markedly improved.
The MLA thanked the 36Bn Commandant for repairing and renovating community hall at CO H/Q Dadam which was in a dilapidated condition.
He asked the villagers to maintain the hall properly adding that community hall or Morong is important to the Nocte community.
Commandant 36Bn, P. Johnnes said that more civic action programmes would be carried out for the benefit of the villagers. (DIPRO)
NGO check illegal shop items
AALO, Sept 27: West Siang based NGO -
Jumde Yomgam Gamlin and Kenbi Jini Bagra, President and General Secretary of the NGO said that the fight against the growing menaces in the society will continue for a better society for all to live in.
The cleanliness drive in the market area will also be continued sector wise, informed the DIPRO.
T. Wangchadong Memorial Football
Khonsa GHSS, Bazaar FC wins
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: GHSS, Khonsa defeated NECORMP by 2-
Noksam Pansa, Logan L Medam and Tanwang Doidam netted a goal each for Bazaar FC. The scorers of Upper Chinkoi were Wankha Sumyan and Dawang Tekwa.
Tirap Badminton FC will play against Pullung FC in the first match tomorrow and Khunnu Yoth Club will be up against Changyak FC in the second match at 3 pm.
CM’s badminton tourney
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The 2nd Chief Minister’s Sub-
The championship will be held for both men and women of age 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ years and above in singles and doubles. The mixed double event will be held for players of age 35 years and above.
An organising committee was also constituted for smooth conduct of the championship.
Team Arunachal at Wushu Championship
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: A team of six members have been selected to participate in the upcoming National Junior Wushu Championship to be held at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh from October 4 to 9.
The team comprises of players Rahul Das, Taring Sonam Liyak, Kishen Chetia and Tadung Dada with Abo Lukham as Coach and Techi Junah as the manager.
Social service
Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union on Saturday conducted a mass social service in the RK Mission Hospital Complex, Itanagar. The volunteers cleared the drains, roadside weeds/jungles up to RK Mission campus on the way to the helipad, the pay cabin of female wards, emergency wards etc.
News Impact
Cash incentives for meritorious sportsperson
[ M Doley ]
ITANAGAR, Sep 27: The State government will reward all meritorious sportspersons of the state with cash incentives in recognition of their brilliant performances.
Cash incentives will be provided to all sportspersons of various disciplines, who
have brought laurels to the state by winning medals through their smart performance
in various national, international and regional level competitions. The incentives
will be given away during November-
This was disclosed by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki when the triumphant state karate team accompanied by Arunachal Olympic Association President Padi Richo, Sports Authority of Arunachal Vice Chairman Gechi Doke, Director (Sports) Tadar Appa, Arunachal Karate Do Association President Likha Tara, General Secretary L Marik sports and others called on him at his official residence here today. The Chief Minister asked Director (Sports) Tadar Appa to prepare the list of those meritorious sportspersons.
The State Government in 2013 awarded cash incentives amounting to Rs. 69.95 lakhs to 40 meritorious sportspersons of the state.
Expressing his happiness over the state karate team’s splendid performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Karate Championship in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said that fruit of hard work is always sweet.
Highlighting on the vast scopes for karate players with good skills, Tuki felt the
need of imparting karate training to children and women for the purpose of self-
The Chief Minister also informed that the proposed Olympic Bhawan would be constructed very soon and he has written to the Planning Department for it.
The Bhawan, if constructed, would accommodate offices of all affiliated sports associations in the state besides providing accommodation to visiting sports officials from outside the state, said AOA President Richo.
Tuki also said that every district will get a modern sports infrastructure each within
the next 2-
Tuki asked the departmental officials and officials of various sports associations
to work in close coordination for further development of sports sector and make Arunachal
Pradesh a sports power-
Earlier, Richo, urged the CM for incentives to meritorious sportspersons, early construction of the Olympic Bhawan, effecting the out of turn promotion for sportspersons employed in various government departments and conduct of ‘Mini Olympics’ to identify talents in different sports discipline to which the CM nodded positively.
Arunachal State Badminton Association secretary Bamang Tago, AKA technical director S Deben Sharma and officials Yarda Niki, Dr. Marli Ete, Tai Hipik, Charu Tatung were also present on the occasion.
BJP accuse Cong govt of failing to provide civic amenities
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh has accused the Congress Govt of deliberately failing to provide civic amenities to the people of state and amassing disproportional wealth without known sources of their income, at the cost of the state exchequer and the people.
The allegations came while reacting to the press statement by APCC on failure of
the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Morth) to improve the condition
of roads under Transport-
Terming the accusations as lies and misleading, BJP said that Congress has exposed
their incompetence in providing all weather road to the citizens of the state, particularly
the on-
It further said that the APCC President is making desperate attempt to divert public attention as the Congress Govt under the Chief Ministership of Nabam Tuki is facing serious corruption charges.
The APCC President instead of levelling allegations against the Union Minister Road
Transport and Highways should advise the Govt to be pro-
3rd Arunachal Film Festival-
Govt. committed to support filmmakers
NIRJULI, Sept 27: The 3rd Arunachal Film Festival-
While addressing the packed gathering at the closing function, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said the potentials of the youths of the state have now begun to show in every field, be it in sports, cinema while committing his government’s continued support. While announcing to provide necessary support and incentives to the local film makers, he asked them to give due importance to culture and traditions of the state.
Arunachal Pradesh, though late starter in its cinematic journey, is poised to compete in the national international levels in the coming days, Tuki said.
With coming up of Film and Television Institute at Jote, the stage is being prepared for the entry of Arunachal Pradesh in the arena of global cinema, he said. We already have the natural scenery and the institute will add required skill and infrastructure to it and draw film makers from across the world, the Chief Minister said.
With picture perfect landscape, distinct yet colourful tribes with vivid culture and dances, Arunachal Pradesh is the most ideal location to attract film makers, Tuki said while adding that Department of IPR will initiate talks with film producers from India and Hollywood to workout avenues of film shooting in the state.
Saying that Films are one of the best means of educating the masses, the state government has launched Government Outreach, Advocacy and Leverage initiative with an initial fund of Rs.2 crores. Documentaries and short films on development front, social front and economic front shall be screened in the far flung interior locations under this.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi said with the support of state government, the film industry is gaining momentum. Documentary films are very important media for social transformation, he said while appealing the film fraternity to guide the youth and the state government for a better future.
A jury member and professor at Satyajit Ray Institute of Film and Television, Kolkatta Prof. Prakash Moorthy, while appreciating the efforts of the local youths said the films in the state has great future and will pay dividends.
Short film-
Parliamentary Secretary for IPR and Education, Bamang Felix, Parliamentary Secretaries Gum Tayeng, Karya Bagang and Nikh Kamin, Secretary Planning and IPR Sonam Chombay, Chief Councilor of Itanagar Municipal Council Kipa Kaku also attended the closing function.
Governor of Manipur passes away,
Rajkhowa, CM condole
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has expressed shock and grief on the sudden demise of the Governor of Manipur, Dr. Syed Ahmed in a hospital in Mumbai. Giving his condolences, the Governor said that Dr. Ahmed was a distinguished and veteran politician, who will be remembered for his contributions towards education, culture and environment.
Rajkhowa said Dr. Ahmed’s sudden demise has caused a great vacuum and irreparable loss not only to his family but also to the whole country in general and amongst the Constitutional Heads of the States in particular.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has also mourned the demise of Dr. Syed Ahmed.
In his condolence message, Tuki said, “In his demise, the country has lost an eminent personality, a seasoned politician, an able administrator and a great writer”. Ahmed was a distinguished and veteran politician, Minister of State in Maharashtra and Chairman of State Haj Committee. He was elected to the Assembly five times from Nagpada constituency in Mumbai and also served as a minister in Maharashtra, before his appointment as the eighth Governor of Jharkhand in 2011 and then as the 16th Governor of Manipur on 16th May, 2015. He had authored many Urdu books of literary and historical relevance.
Chakma-
Solution is Possible
[ Nani Bath ]
The Chakmas and Hajongs, who hail originally from Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
are actually displaced indigenous people. The region (CHT) was included as a part
of Pakistan after partition of India in 1947 in spite of the fact that most of the
inhabitants of the CHT are either Buddhist or Hindu. The Chakmas and other non-
From the years 1964-
The records of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh suggest that their population increased to 21,494 in 1979. All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union has estimated the population of Chakma and Hajong refugees to be 60,000. The 2001 Census has listed 39,920 Chakma population and 2,413 Hajongs.
It was a letter from P.M Sayed, then Minister of State (Home), to Nyodek Yonggam,
then MP (RS) that sparked a ‘critical phase’ in AAPSU’s movement against the refugees.
The letter in question reads: “under the Indira-
M.M Jacob, in 1992, replying to Laeta Umbrey, said that “these refugees were settled in Arunachal Pradesh in consultation with the State administration under a definite plan of rehabilitation”. He adds, “…they are eligible to the grant of citizenship according to the policy of the government on the subject”.
Subsequently, the Union of India (National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Arunachal
Pradesh, 1995) observed before the Supreme Court that decision to settle the Chakmas
in the state of Arunachal Pradesh was taken after discussion between the Government
of India and North-
The entry of political parties, including the one running the state government had heightened the emotive issues, even to the levels of violence, looking beyond ‘Mc Mahon Line’ in search of ‘lost brothers’, and ‘elimination’ of unpalatable political leaders.
It is reliably learnt that around 50 youths of the state were sent across the state
border for arms training. They, however, returned with no substantial training and
did not involve in any illegal activities thereafter. But for the intervention of
central forces, some of the youths could have used 40-
On more than one occasions, leaders of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union, the
apex students’ body of the state, had exhibited what can be termed as ‘anti-
AAPSU had on many past occasions boycotted Republic and Independence Day celebrations. The Union’s actual intent may be different but the fact that it is trying to internationalise the issues shows the natives’ utter desperation.
The Arunachal Congress, a regional political party, is basically a by-
It was decided in the Rally that if the central government is unable to remove the Chakma and Hajong refugees within the stipulated time, all political leaders of the National Political Parties at the state level will resign from the primarily membership of their respective parties and will form a common organisation of indigenous people. It is learnt that the original draft of the Resolution did contain the words like ‘elimination of political leaders’ if they did not agree to resign from national political parties.
Yet another institutional intervention that ignited the minds of indigenous people
of the state was the decision of the Election Commission of India (by its 2004 Order)
to include 1,497 eligible Chakma and Hajong voters in the electoral rolls. The ECI
overruled a State Cabinet Resolution dated 14-
The Gauhati High Court dismissed a PIL filed by AAPSU against the guidelines issued
by the ECI for revision of Electoral Rolls respect of 14-
Boycott call was given to 2004 parliamentary elections by APPSU on the question of
voting rights to the Chakmas and Hajongs. A lesser-
The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petition (1997) recommended that “the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh who came prior to 15.3.1971 be granted Indian citizenship. ….the Committee also recommends that Chakmas be also considered for granting the status of Scheduled Tribes at the time of granting the citizenship”.
The Arunachal Congress was formed with much fanfare ostensibly to continue to struggle for removal of the Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh. It did not happen as its leaders jumped to other national parties. Nor was the boycott call of AAPSU in 2004 supported by the political parties.
In reply to an unstarred question by Nabam Rebia (1999), the Minister of Home Affairs,
L.K. Advani categorically stated that the government does not consider the Chakma-
For national parties, the state of Arunachal Pradesh being a part of India should also share the national responsibility in resettling them. The BJP (Jan Sangh) considers Buddhism as a part of the extended family of Hinduism. As such, the party’s support for the Chakmas, who are Buddhist by religion and the Hajongs, who are Hindus, is only natural. The recent circular allowing minority communities from Bangladesh to stay without valid documents in Assam is an expression in this line. .
The successive Congress governments’ position remained unchanged. After all, Indira
Gandhi was the chief architect of 1972 Indira-
The recent SC ruling reaffirmed that they (refugees) cannot be required to obtain any Inner Line Permit as they are settled in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The Court directs the Government and India and State of Arunachal Pradesh to “finalise the conferment of citizenship rights on eligible Chakmas and Hajongs….. at the earliest preferably within three months from today (September 17, 2015)”.
Given the facts and circumstances, is it advisable to sit for dharnas and march in
protest? Is it not the time for unity at different levels? It is definitely not the
best time to score political points. It is a good time for across-
(Prof. Bath teaches in the Department of Political Science, Rajiv Gandhi University and can be contacted at nanibath@rediffmail.com.)
World Tourism Day at ZFM and Pasighat
ZIRO, Sept 27: World Tourism Day was celebrated at the Ziro Music Festival ground today. Attending the celebrations, Lower Subanisiri Deputy Commissioner, Kanki Darang distributed certificates to the trainees under various tourism training programmes conducted by the Tourism Department. He advised the successful trainees to utilise the knowledge acquired in the training to earn a livelihood and assured to extend support from the district administration.
This year, the ‘Hunar se Rozgaar’ stall of Tourism Department manned by the trainees have been exempted from the stall fees by the ZMF organisers, and will continue to provide free stalls in the coming edition as well, he added.
SP Tumme Amo expressed hope that the trainees empowered with the skills should be able to do better in life.
The trainees were trained by the department of Tourism in various fields like hospitality, bakery and confectionery, tour guide, housekeeping etc. The stall put up by the bakery and confectionery group in the Ziro music festival has done a good business this time, informed DTO, Tater Mize.
A cleanliness programme was also conducted in the ZFM venue to mark the celebrations.
Meanwhile, East Siang DC Isha Khosla, speaking at an event to mark World Tourism Day, stressed on Home Stays as well involvement of local communities in all tourism initiatives.
Khosla emphasised on low cost tourism to attract tourists.
PMC Chief Councillor Denong Tamuk handed over certificates to fifty participants who have recently completed training on “Home Stay”.
Earlier, Khosla along with SP T Konia, ADC Deepak Shinde, CC (PMC) Denong Tamuk, DTO (Tourism) Nui Talong and HoDs joined in a mass plantation programme organised by the Tourism Department in and around the DC’s office complex. (DIPROs)
3rd Open Badminton C’ship-
ITANAGAR, Sept 27: The 3rd Open Badminton Championship in Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised by the Officers’ Club, RGU began at the university’s auditorium yesterday.
A total of 32 players are participating in the men’s doubles event comprising faculty members, administrators, research scholars and post graduate students.
The winners, runners-
The finals will be played on Sept 29.
ASBA Secretary Bamang Tago, who inaugurated the championship, opined that badminton as a sport is the ultimate game, a game of no retirement, which, if played regularly, helps a person of all ages keep physically fit, healthy and mentally sound. Playing badminton is also beneficial for those with high blood pressure and diabetes in maintaining blood pressure and sugar level. He appealed to the large gathering to encourage the sport advised the young players to take up sports and make a career out of it.
He further informed that the state’s Sports Policy Bill is in the offing and once it is passed, it will be instrumental in developing games and sports in a state.
Dr. Tasi Kaye, Dean of Student’s Welfare & HOD Commerce, RGU exhorted the players to play the game with true sportsman spirit. Earlier, Chairman of the Officers’ Club and Deputy Registrar, RGU, Dr. David Pertin gave the welcome address and lighted the championship inaugural lamp.
The tournament is co-
The evening also marked felicitation of a founding member of the club, Nich Bapu,
on his being recognised and declared as a state umpire grade-
In the eight first round matches played on the first day, the pairs of Lige Sora-
Present on the occasion, among others, were HOD Education, Prof. T. Lhungdim, political science expert Prof. Nani Bath, Coordinator of Bioinformatics Centre Prof. R.K. Singh, Associate Professors, Dr. Otem Moyong, Dr. Jumyir Basar and Dr. Oken Lego, Assistant Professors Dr. Tabang Mibang, Dr. Tage Rupa, Dr. Jommi Loyi, Zilpha Modi, Rojeet Singh, Assistant Registrar Hage Kojee, Assistant Town Planner Terge Sora, and Executive Member of ASBA Penya Bagra, besides state badminton players and technical officials from ASBA, other govt. officers and staffs witnessed the programme.
Duty of north Indians to ‘merge’ with North East: Rijiju
Shillong, Sept 27: Stating that the North East was also mainstream, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju today said that it was the responsibility of the north Indians also to "merge" with the people of the North East.
Pointing out that a country is defined by its border, Rijiju said, "Delhi is the
capital of India but Delhi is not the beginning of India... We (the north-
" Referring to people who stress on the need for bringing the north-
"I need not adjust with the people of Delhi, because it is also duty of people of north India to merge with us (NE). It is responsibility of everybody," Rijiju, an MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said.
The Minister also announced that the Centre is all set to come up with a stringent
law against 'racial discrimination' besides introducing a subject on the north-
"After long deliberation for the first time we are sending this proposal to Cabinet
to introduce a law that 'racial discrimination' will be penalized in this country
in the strongest possible term. It is going to be made a provision in the Indian
Penal Code," Rijiju said. The Minister was addressing the Mega Arunachal Tribe Festival
-
"So any kind of person who abuses on racial lines will be taken to task and we are coming up with a strong legislative provision," he said.
Stating that racial discrimination is the worst form of crime, Rijiju said, "We are all human beings and if we are discriminated because of our racial background, it is really unfair and unfortunate."
The Minister also said that the Centre through the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has decided to formulate its decision to include subject about the North East region in the education curriculum from next year.
"We are formulating it probably by next year, right from nursery level upto class XI and from degree, MA, MPhil to PhD level will be having chapters about NE region," Rijiju said.
Stating that the NE will be integral part of the education system, he said, "Anybody who studies the CBSE courses, anybody who is pursuing courses under UGC, will get to read, learn many things about the NE because it will become a part of the educational system."
Apart from this, Rijiju also said that the Centre as part of its Incredible India Campaign has been spending money to showcase North East region so that people of the country and the world know about the beauty of the region and its culture.
"The effort is to make people aware North East is not about bombs and AK-
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Time to stand united
As expected the political parties have started taking potshot at each other over
Supreme Court’s decision to grant citizenship to Chakma-
Truly speaking Both BJP and Congress have no moral right to blame others for the
present situation. Congress committed a big blunder by allowing Chakma-
___________________
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Take legal pathway to address Chakma and Hajong issues
Dear Editor,
The Supreme Court judgment to give Indian citizenship to Chakmas and Hajongs is in accord with the international view towards humanity. Around the world, millions of people are displaced due to war and many are being accommodated by European countries, USA, Canada and Australia. On humanitarian grounds, every nation on the globe has established citizenship act to grant citizenship to refugees from other nations. India has also established citizenship act and accordingly has sheltered many refugees from Tibet, Burma, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh etc. In every culture of this world it is indeed considered a great blessing to shelter and help the homeless ones. I think we as Arunachalees should broaden our narrow and primitive mindset and accommodate Chakmas and Hajongs.
Arunachalees are progressive people and well known for simplicity, peace and hospitality. Because of such kind nature, the Arunachal tribes allowed them to settle down and live along with them, otherwise they could have easily driven them away at the very beginning of their settlement. But, hospitality offered to Chakmas and Hajongs has been politicized by student leaders and politicians for the advancement and sustenance of their selfish political careers. Due to which friction has been created between the guest and the host. History has also witnessed how student leaders and politicians have become millionaires, with properties in Delhi and have never solved the Chakmas and Hajongs issue till date. Student leaders and politicians of AP left the Chakmas and Hajongs issue in such a condition which would always added to their political mileage. But, Chakmas and Hajongs after experiencing the hostility, took up their cause on constitutional and legal tracks on national and international fronts. On the other hand our student leaders and politicians were busy becoming millionaires; they had no desire to address Chakmas and Hajongs issue on constitutional and legal grounds. Even if they had approached court, it was all done for their political score and as a consequence they could never resolve this issue. But, finally Supreme Court has resolved the issue.
If as an Aruanachalee if we are genuinely concerned about Chakmas and Hajongs issue then we should discuss it in the context of constitutional and legal remedies. Some of the important issues that should be considered are: 1. ILP is required for Chakmas and Hajongs 2. Can they buy land and property in AP? 3. Will Chakmas and Hajongs be given APST/SC status or general status? 4. How will GoI prevent the Chakmas and Hajongs that are presently sneaking into AP? 5. What would be the boundary for those Chakmas and Hajongs who wouldn’t be given citizenship? 6. Like Tibetans refugees will GoI relocate Chakmas and Hajongs refugees to other states of India? 7. How long will the process of granting citizenships to Chakmas and Hajongs continue? 8. Is there a constitutional mechanism to determine how many Chakmas and Hajongs should be given citizenship? The list many go on.
Since, Chakmas and Hajongs population is large, they could easily bribe AP student leaders and politicians, because of which the issue can be easily diluted and misdirected. So, I once again request all Arunachalees to support only those organizations or leaders who take legal pathway to address the issue and not otherwise.
Yours,
Takam Tadar,
Delhi University
Unemployed engineers and erratic power supply
Dear Editor,
In every nook and corner of our state, frequent power failure is a routine and the consumers are now used to it. The public create hullabaloo when the electricity fails to light their homes even for a night. Has anyone ever logically wondered the constraints being faced by the concern department? Department of power is known to be in dire need of sufficient manpower; both engineers and supporting staffs. In a mountainous landlocked state like ours, where transmission lines pass through dense jungle, successful commissioning of transmission and distribution of power requires adequate engineers and supporting staffs.
Almost every other day advertisements are flashing on the local dailies for the post of engineers of different level for civil engineering graduates and diploma holders. What happened to the department of power and the department of hydro power? Do they have some kind of magical wand to run the entire system with the limited engineers they have recruited ages ago?
When there is no power supply even for a week every one express their disappointment in various forum, some even resort to physical attack on the official and officers of power department, and it is a common practice everywhere in our state. When ask for explanation for frequent power failure the department often blames the lack of sufficient manpower. Needless to say, the concern authority needs to ponder on recruiting the eligible unemployed engineers who are spending sleepless nights, waiting for the last chance.
What annoys me the most is the realization that many of us, engineering graduates and diploma holders are nearing 30 years of age as per our class x certificates, and in the next couple of years we will not be eligible for appearing in any interview. Every passing year we are worrying about our fate. We have spent years of our lives in the engineering college by sacrificing everything to earn degree, and now we are left to fend for ourselves as our state government does not require electrical engineers.
It won’t annoy those in the higher hierarchy of the system but current affairs of department are not praise worthy. Lack of creation of post for engineers in the department of power is putting the entire lives of electrical engineering graduate and diploma holders into serious jeopardy. It has been almost three years since the last time the department had advertised for the limited vacant post of engineers. There is raising discontentment amongst the unemployed eligible electrical engineers regarding this state of affairs.
By sharing agony of all, I an unemployed electrical engineers would like to request those in authority to create adequate post for engineers in department of power and the department of hydro power to mitigate the problems of erratic power supply in the state and raising unemployment amongst the electrical engineers.
Yours,
Tate Ketan,
Unemployed electrical engineer
Logic defying judgment
Dear Editor,
The SC Judgement granting of Citizenship to those Chckmas and Hajoungs settled in Arunachal Pradesh and they no longer required ILP for visiting AP is very surprising and defy any logic.
Indian citizens require ILP to visit the state whereas these refugees or foreigners do not require ILP. Time has come to amend the constitution .This is the fundamental issue affecting the very root of the constitution. If the citizenship issue become a laughing stock what kind of constitution we have? The national media hardly write about these matters .They are focusing on very silly matters. These important issues hardly matters to them.
Yours,
Ramachandran Mohan
Chennai-
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