A very Merry Christmas to you all (though belatedly).

This last week has been quite enlightening and productive for me.

I was asked to attend the 21st Indian Engineering Congress at Guwahati, which was a welcome break from the monotonous and dull life without electricity at this sleepy town of Hapoli. I was almost saturated to the core, but for this Engineering Congress which jostled my saturated mind a bit.

And I said the week has been productive as this trip of mine to Guwahati led me to come out of my forced hiatus, as my PC was fixed by the mobo that I bought from Guwahati. Now, I no longer would depend on my friends PC to update my blog and I guess I would be quite regular in updating my blog from now on. And I do thank you for visiting Arunachal Diary even when I was unable to update my blog owing to breaking down of my PC and the power cuts.

Thanks once again.

A very Merry Christmas to you all (though belatedly).

This last week has been quite enlightening and productive for me.

I was asked to attend the 21st Indian Engineering Congress at Guwahati, which was a welcome break from the monotonous and dull life without electricity at this sleepy town of Hapoli. I was almost saturated to the core, but for this Engineering Congress which jostled my saturated mind a bit.

And I said the week has been productive as this trip of mine to Guwahati led me to come out of my forced hiatus, as my PC was fixed by the mobo that I bought from Guwahati. Now, I no longer would depend on my friends PC to update my blog and I guess I would be quite regular in updating my blog from now on. And I do thank you for visiting Arunachal Diary even when I was unable to update my blog owing to breaking down of my PC and the power cuts.

Thanks once again.

After a hiatus

Did you wondered, where I had been?

Well, if power cuts at Hapoli was not enough, my PC went kaput (and I don't know how) leaving me with a little choice but to go into unwilling hiatus on compulsion. But then, it helped me to find my protagonists-'Apatani Protagonists', which I surely would introduce to you in a days to come.

Now I've to make do with my friends PC to update my blog and till my PC is set right (which the service guys says is a mobo problem), I would be bit irregular in updating my blog but even then may I assume you will keep visiting my blog (am I sounding bit demanding?)

"What about the power position of Hapoli? Has it improved? How's your crusade against power cuts going?" - People ask me.

To be frank, I lost all count of the days. Has it been a week?...... a fortnight? ……. a month? I don't remember exactly, I guess it has been more than a month since we Hapolian are reeling under the darkness. In fact, I’ve started liking this darkness. Thanks to Power Department; we are re-living the lives of our ancestors – 'work up to the hilt till there is sunlight and retreat to bed early after a bout of ‘Rice Beer’ - locally called “O” – and a dinner'.

It is heard that ‘Consumers’ Right Forum’ (CRF) Ziro, in association with ‘Ziro Chambers of Commerce and Industries’ (ZCC&I) and ‘Apatani Students Union’ (ASU) has served ultimatum to Power Secretary to restore normal power supply within a week or else face 2^nd Phase of Bandh for 48 hrs on14^th and 15^th of this month.

I say, why on earth people want to come out from this opportunity of re-living the past, that too without a 'Time Machine', by asking for electricity? Or is electricity that important? Only if Power Department knew.

After a hiatus

Did you wondered, where I had been?

Well, if power cuts at Hapoli was not enough, my PC went kaput (and I don't know how) leaving me with a little choice but to go into unwilling hiatus on compulsion. But then, it helped me to find my protagonists-'Apatani Protagonists', which I surely would introduce to you in a days to come.

Now I've to make do with my friends PC to update my blog and till my PC is set right (which the service guys says is a mobo problem), I would be bit irregular in updating my blog but even then may I assume you will keep visiting my blog (am I sounding bit demanding?)

"What about the power position of Hapoli? Has it improved? How's your crusade against power cuts going?" - People ask me.

To be frank, I lost all count of the days. Has it been a week?...... a fortnight? ……. a month? I don't remember exactly, I guess it has been more than a month since we Hapolian are reeling under the darkness. In fact, I’ve started liking this darkness. Thanks to Power Department; we are re-living the lives of our ancestors – 'work up to the hilt till there is sunlight and retreat to bed early after a bout of ‘Rice Beer’ - locally called “O” – and a dinner'.

It is heard that ‘Consumers’ Right Forum’ (CRF) Ziro, in association with ‘Ziro Chambers of Commerce and Industries’ (ZCC&I) and ‘Apatani Students Union’ (ASU) has served ultimatum to Power Secretary to restore normal power supply within a week or else face 2^nd Phase of Bandh for 48 hrs on14^th and 15^th of this month.

I say, why on earth people want to come out from this opportunity of re-living the past, that too without a 'Time Machine', by asking for electricity? Or is electricity that important? Only if Power Department knew.

Become a ‘Millionaire’ overnight

What?”

“How?”

(On a second thought) “Are you kidding?”

Of course not, this really is possible in the land of “Khusi Khusi” and that too legally – the only prerequisite being affinity to or acquaintance with some local politician.

How?

All you need to do is identify a Financial Institution owned and managed by State Government and if you fulfill the ‘prerequisite’ (knowing the Branch Manager of that Financial Institution will be an added advantage), just walk up to that Financial Institution and apply for whatever amount as loan against any plot of land or forests area (be it reserved forest) or for that matter even whole of Arunachal State – the fulfillment of ‘prerequisite’ will make the Financial Institution not to verify whether the said plot does really exists or not or if it does exists then whether it suffice as mortgage for the applied loan; your loan is sanctioned and voila you are a ‘Millionaire’ overnight.

“But then, you have to repay your loan amount?”

Hell no. You don’t have to bother about the repayment as no one will pay back and with such a huge amount disbursed as loan to so many persons, the Financial Institution is bound to shutdown one day or the other. The Management and the Government would be too busy pointing fingers at each other for mismanagement of the Financial Institution to ask you for repayment.

Even if they do, then there always is ‘Citizens’ Grievances Forum on that particular Financial Institution’ through which you can accuse the financial institution of shutting down before you are able to repay the loaned amount. And you can sue the Financial Institution for defaming you by flashing your name in the TV Channels and Print Media as defaulter in repayment of loan. (Pretend that) After all, you wanted to repay the loaned amount but for the closure of that Institution.

And for fear of losing the defamation suit, the bankrupt Financial Institution would ask you to keep the amount without repayment in lieu of you withdrawing the ‘Defamation Suit’ as they won’t be able to cough up huge amount as compensation in the eventuality of losing the ‘defamation suit’. And you are a ‘Millionaire’ that too legally without any liabilities to Financial Institutions.

Blame your luck though, becoming a ‘Millionaire’ overnight now would just be a dream, for the lone state owned and managed financial institution, Apex Bank is in shambles. The government and the management of the Bank is pointing fingers at each other for the present condition of the Bank and to make the matter worse, a Citizen’s Grievances Forum on A.P. State Co-operative Apex Bank (CGFAPSCAB) which has been formed recently (most of the members, which I presume are the loan defaulters), is blaming the bank for shutting down making the loan defaulters unable to repay their amount.

The people had to become 'millionaire' and they became one, the bank had to shut down and they did but what about the people-mostly daily wage earner who had entrusted the bank to take custody of their daily earnings?

Become a ‘Millionaire’ overnight

What?”

“How?”

(On a second thought) “Are you kidding?”

Of course not, this really is possible in the land of “Khusi Khusi” and that too legally – the only prerequisite being affinity to or acquaintance with some local politician.

How?

All you need to do is identify a Financial Institution owned and managed by State Government and if you fulfill the ‘prerequisite’ (knowing the Branch Manager of that Financial Institution will be an added advantage), just walk up to that Financial Institution and apply for whatever amount as loan against any plot of land or forests area (be it reserved forest) or for that matter even whole of Arunachal State – the fulfillment of ‘prerequisite’ will make the Financial Institution not to verify whether the said plot does really exists or not or if it does exists then whether it suffice as mortgage for the applied loan; your loan is sanctioned and voila you are a ‘Millionaire’ overnight.

“But then, you have to repay your loan amount?”

Hell no. You don’t have to bother about the repayment as no one will pay back and with such a huge amount disbursed as loan to so many persons, the Financial Institution is bound to shutdown one day or the other. The Management and the Government would be too busy pointing fingers at each other for mismanagement of the Financial Institution to ask you for repayment.

Even if they do, then there always is ‘Citizens’ Grievances Forum on that particular Financial Institution’ through which you can accuse the financial institution of shutting down before you are able to repay the loaned amount. And you can sue the Financial Institution for defaming you by flashing your name in the TV Channels and Print Media as defaulter in repayment of loan. (Pretend that) After all, you wanted to repay the loaned amount but for the closure of that Institution.

And for fear of losing the defamation suit, the bankrupt Financial Institution would ask you to keep the amount without repayment in lieu of you withdrawing the ‘Defamation Suit’ as they won’t be able to cough up huge amount as compensation in the eventuality of losing the ‘defamation suit’. And you are a ‘Millionaire’ that too legally without any liabilities to Financial Institutions.

Blame your luck though, becoming a ‘Millionaire’ overnight now would just be a dream, for the lone state owned and managed financial institution, Apex Bank is in shambles. The government and the management of the Bank is pointing fingers at each other for the present condition of the Bank and to make the matter worse, a Citizen’s Grievances Forum on A.P. State Co-operative Apex Bank (CGFAPSCAB) which has been formed recently (most of the members, which I presume are the loan defaulters), is blaming the bank for shutting down making the loan defaulters unable to repay their amount.

The people had to become 'millionaire' and they became one, the bank had to shut down and they did but what about the people-mostly daily wage earner who had entrusted the bank to take custody of their daily earnings?

Seeing Ziro: In Two Tone

Homecoming is something I always look forward to, especially when if I stayed away from home beyond schedule. The nipping icy breeze, which welcomes you as soon as you approach the peak of the mountain, is so fresh and invigorating that left you drooling all over it.

The landscape of Ziro is full of wonder and always amazes me. No matter whichever place or spot you are, you’ll be surrounded by hills and it feel like you are being trapped amid hills. The perpetual green in profusion and the valley lush with paddy fields in summer, the unpredictable rain and the occasional rainbow, and the low-slung mist that resembles lake and deceives onlookers, not only enthralls but also nourishes soul.

Over the years, things have changed. The atmosphere of purity has waned a little. The rain no longer drizzles but pounds. The forest is being cleared and the paddy fields are receiving rapidly to accommodate the growing population or to convert it into cash. With the forest diminishing at breakneck pace, the flora and fauna too had seemingly vanished. I learned to respect the birds when my father used to tell us the mesmerizing stories of hornbill. And my mother still loves to narrate how she encountered deer at our paddy field. Indeed, things have changed. The valley is not what it used to be. It’s gloomy and ugly with houses built messily and so compactly that it look like a slum, and if you happen to be in one house, you can almost discern what’s happening in the neighbour’s house.

Two decades ago, there were few people and fewer houses, and everybody knew everyone in the town and there were two cinema halls to entertain them. And when I was very young, my whole body would itch to see a movie as soon as the cinema operator would play a song in a gramophone-to beckon the viewers. If I would help my parent in the household chores, they would allow me to go with my friends and watch a movie on weekend. It was quite an experience for a young mind then. The cinema hall had conked out a long time ago.

Now; our folks, young and old, derive little happiness from the episodic social events that usually fizzles out as soon as the VIP leaves the podium. Youngsters especially are seems to be in delirium as the town lacks in infrastructure to nurture their talents, thus making them highly prone to drugs and substance abuse, and which could also lead them to the world of crimes.

Ziro, in a way, is a cost-effective town and boon to misers like a breeze to sailors. Fruits and vegetables et al are comparatively cheap and the vicinity of town is within a stone’s throw distance - enabling the commuters to save great amount of cash unless you choose not to own a vehicle of your own. Unlike the metros or cities, that are flooded with different branded items, we don’t need to decide which to pick out and which not to. So, it’s almost sure, you’ll end up buying Nestle’s Nescafe from one of the many, but analogous shop, if you are looking for a packet of coffee. But alcoholics are lucky or unlucky in this case as they have an option to choose from variety of liquors that are made available by more than five wine shops in Hapoli alone.

For the tourist at Ziro and Arunachal as a whole, it’s a sad story. Ziro has all the potent to emerge as a veritable paradise for both foreign and domestic tourists. But, unfortunately, doesn’t have too much to offer to tourist excluding anthropologists and sociologists. “There’s literally no place in Ziro where the tourist can spend some money” a local ourist guide points out. When I was at Delhi University, some of my friends from Geography Department went on study tour to Arunachal. On their return, I expected that they would remark and argue on the under development of physical and civic infrastructure in our state and that I would defend my state, but what they complained was, they couldn’t find single eateries where local delicacy was served, and it vexed me altogether.

The people of Ziro are still friendly and helpful to large extent. But they have become a cynical and insensible too. By the way, who has not? The rich peoples are busy making money – to stash the cash in their already fatted coffer and the poor – to get rich. Though the Cable TV, Internet and all sorts of electronic media had opened a window to the outside world, it hardly influences our sectarian mindset. Despite what’s been said, there’s no denying the fact that it indeed introduced the culture of consumerism to the people. Hence, we vigorously pursue our quintessential character – hunger for property and property related disputes.

In summary, Ziro (Hapoli, in particular) has almost all the things that gratify basic human being’s need, not everything though. There is an internet facility that takes ages to connect to the server, and then there is a drinking water (sic), catered to every household, provided we purchase our own appurtenances. And the wall of Hapoli Ground, which serve as a urinal for migrant labourers and traders. We have an access to Telecommunication, Banking system, Health Care, Post Office, Gas Station (Petrol Pump) and so on but, regrettably, all labeled with ineffectual service and apathetic customer care to large extent. And it seems as if some stale porridge had been prepared in a hurry for equally hurried guest.

To conclude, Ziro, I daresay, is still reeling under the clouds of rustic existence and trying very hard to shudder it off. But without the solid foundation of basic infrastructure, it is staggering. And if we compare with other district headquarters, it may fare a little better. But to compare with coequal, I believe, is worst thing to do. As we should be competing with the best.

-Roto Chobin

(The author is the editor of ZIRO MIRROR and can be contacted at rotochobin@rediffmail.com or ziromirror@yahoo.com)

Seeing Ziro: In Two Tone

Homecoming is something I always look forward to, especially when if I stayed away from home beyond schedule. The nipping icy breeze, which welcomes you as soon as you approach the peak of the mountain, is so fresh and invigorating that left you drooling all over it.

The landscape of Ziro is full of wonder and always amazes me. No matter whichever place or spot you are, you’ll be surrounded by hills and it feel like you are being trapped amid hills. The perpetual green in profusion and the valley lush with paddy fields in summer, the unpredictable rain and the occasional rainbow, and the low-slung mist that resembles lake and deceives onlookers, not only enthralls but also nourishes soul.

Over the years, things have changed. The atmosphere of purity has waned a little. The rain no longer drizzles but pounds. The forest is being cleared and the paddy fields are receiving rapidly to accommodate the growing population or to convert it into cash. With the forest diminishing at breakneck pace, the flora and fauna too had seemingly vanished. I learned to respect the birds when my father used to tell us the mesmerizing stories of hornbill. And my mother still loves to narrate how she encountered deer at our paddy field. Indeed, things have changed. The valley is not what it used to be. It’s gloomy and ugly with houses built messily and so compactly that it look like a slum, and if you happen to be in one house, you can almost discern what’s happening in the neighbour’s house.

Two decades ago, there were few people and fewer houses, and everybody knew everyone in the town and there were two cinema halls to entertain them. And when I was very young, my whole body would itch to see a movie as soon as the cinema operator would play a song in a gramophone-to beckon the viewers. If I would help my parent in the household chores, they would allow me to go with my friends and watch a movie on weekend. It was quite an experience for a young mind then. The cinema hall had conked out a long time ago.

Now; our folks, young and old, derive little happiness from the episodic social events that usually fizzles out as soon as the VIP leaves the podium. Youngsters especially are seems to be in delirium as the town lacks in infrastructure to nurture their talents, thus making them highly prone to drugs and substance abuse, and which could also lead them to the world of crimes.

Ziro, in a way, is a cost-effective town and boon to misers like a breeze to sailors. Fruits and vegetables et al are comparatively cheap and the vicinity of town is within a stone’s throw distance - enabling the commuters to save great amount of cash unless you choose not to own a vehicle of your own. Unlike the metros or cities, that are flooded with different branded items, we don’t need to decide which to pick out and which not to. So, it’s almost sure, you’ll end up buying Nestle’s Nescafe from one of the many, but analogous shop, if you are looking for a packet of coffee. But alcoholics are lucky or unlucky in this case as they have an option to choose from variety of liquors that are made available by more than five wine shops in Hapoli alone.

For the tourist at Ziro and Arunachal as a whole, it’s a sad story. Ziro has all the potent to emerge as a veritable paradise for both foreign and domestic tourists. But, unfortunately, doesn’t have too much to offer to tourist excluding anthropologists and sociologists. “There’s literally no place in Ziro where the tourist can spend some money” a local ourist guide points out. When I was at Delhi University, some of my friends from Geography Department went on study tour to Arunachal. On their return, I expected that they would remark and argue on the under development of physical and civic infrastructure in our state and that I would defend my state, but what they complained was, they couldn’t find single eateries where local delicacy was served, and it vexed me altogether.

The people of Ziro are still friendly and helpful to large extent. But they have become a cynical and insensible too. By the way, who has not? The rich peoples are busy making money – to stash the cash in their already fatted coffer and the poor – to get rich. Though the Cable TV, Internet and all sorts of electronic media had opened a window to the outside world, it hardly influences our sectarian mindset. Despite what’s been said, there’s no denying the fact that it indeed introduced the culture of consumerism to the people. Hence, we vigorously pursue our quintessential character – hunger for property and property related disputes.

In summary, Ziro (Hapoli, in particular) has almost all the things that gratify basic human being’s need, not everything though. There is an internet facility that takes ages to connect to the server, and then there is a drinking water (sic), catered to every household, provided we purchase our own appurtenances. And the wall of Hapoli Ground, which serve as a urinal for migrant labourers and traders. We have an access to Telecommunication, Banking system, Health Care, Post Office, Gas Station (Petrol Pump) and so on but, regrettably, all labeled with ineffectual service and apathetic customer care to large extent. And it seems as if some stale porridge had been prepared in a hurry for equally hurried guest.

To conclude, Ziro, I daresay, is still reeling under the clouds of rustic existence and trying very hard to shudder it off. But without the solid foundation of basic infrastructure, it is staggering. And if we compare with other district headquarters, it may fare a little better. But to compare with coequal, I believe, is worst thing to do. As we should be competing with the best.

-Roto Chobin

(The author is the editor of ZIRO MIRROR and can be contacted at rotochobin@rediffmail.com or ziromirror@yahoo.com)

Boundary Row

TOI reports

“Dousing the flames of discontent in the North-Eastern state over China's statement claiming Arunachal Pradesh, foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday told the Lok Sabha that the government has conveyed its concern and disappointment to China, through its envoy in Beijing.”

Envoy for an envoy as in eye for an eye seems the mantra of the Government to show the discontentment. Right!

Crusade against Power Cuts-Day 5

Joining hands with student community the Consumer Right Forum, Ziro on 28-11-2006 called first phase of Bandh and Chakka Bandh, crippling normal life of Ziro Hapoli Township. This was in reciprocation of non-fulfillment of their ultimatum of restoring normal power supply by requisitioning additional 3 MW from the grid.

On the present power crisis the Arunachal Times reports: -

"………according to highly placed sources, while RHEP (Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project) had been supplying 74 MW to the 100 MW needs of the entire NE States including the state, Arunachal's need is pegged at 12 MW. Presently it is said the state is managing with a meager 2.5 MW central allocation."

Either the highly placed sources hasn't done his homework well as the 12 MW of power needed by entire state is in contrast with the power need of capital alone, which was around 15 MW during the year 2000 (and which I presume has increased since then) or if the highly placed source is from Power Department, then it is to cover up for their laxity in management of power demand of the state. Can you imagine, entire state managing with just 500 kW of load (Ziro itself is supposedly managing with 2 MW of load from the 2.5 MW central allocation)?

It also reports of 'massive exercises' (I wonder what it may be if RHEP is out and generation in the NE grid is low) being carried out by the Power Department, District Administrations and state level Authorities to restore normalcy urgently and Executive Engineer Ziro Electricity Division has assured of 'some improvement' within 10 to 15 days time. Hope he live upto his assurance and end the dual misery of Bandh and power cuts of people of Ziro Hapoli Township.

Boundary Row

TOI reports

“Dousing the flames of discontent in the North-Eastern state over China's statement claiming Arunachal Pradesh, foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday told the Lok Sabha that the government has conveyed its concern and disappointment to China, through its envoy in Beijing.”

Envoy for an envoy as in eye for an eye seems the mantra of the Government to show the discontentment. Right!

Crusade against Power Cuts-Day 5

Joining hands with student community the Consumer Right Forum, Ziro on 28-11-2006 called first phase of Bandh and Chakka Bandh, crippling normal life of Ziro Hapoli Township. This was in reciprocation of non-fulfillment of their ultimatum of restoring normal power supply by requisitioning additional 3 MW from the grid.

On the present power crisis the Arunachal Times reports: -

"………according to highly placed sources, while RHEP (Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project) had been supplying 74 MW to the 100 MW needs of the entire NE States including the state, Arunachal's need is pegged at 12 MW. Presently it is said the state is managing with a meager 2.5 MW central allocation."

Either the highly placed sources hasn't done his homework well as the 12 MW of power needed by entire state is in contrast with the power need of capital alone, which was around 15 MW during the year 2000 (and which I presume has increased since then) or if the highly placed source is from Power Department, then it is to cover up for their laxity in management of power demand of the state. Can you imagine, entire state managing with just 500 kW of load (Ziro itself is supposedly managing with 2 MW of load from the 2.5 MW central allocation)?

It also reports of 'massive exercises' (I wonder what it may be if RHEP is out and generation in the NE grid is low) being carried out by the Power Department, District Administrations and state level Authorities to restore normalcy urgently and Executive Engineer Ziro Electricity Division has assured of 'some improvement' within 10 to 15 days time. Hope he live upto his assurance and end the dual misery of Bandh and power cuts of people of Ziro Hapoli Township.

Amazing Apatani Videos

Find this video and other amazing videos of Apatani's which gives insight into the life of Apatani's during the year 1944-45, shot by Prof. Christoph Von Furer-Haimendorf. You will need Quicktime player to view these videos though.

Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan Raffle Lottery Draw - Final Chapter

Umm… some sort of understanding (may be mutually beneficial to both parties) between the secretaries of AAPDPVBRDTHCand the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been arrived at. The entire DPVBRD imbroglio has come to an end on 26^th instant with Governments decision to put a blanket ban on all 1-time lottery draw including “Housie” within one month. The Arunachal Times reports: -

“The deadlock between the Government and All Arunachal Pradesh Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan Lottery Ticket Holders’ Committee finally came to an end today with the state Govt’s decision to put a blanket ban on time lottery draw including housie throughout the state through a cabinet decision within one month and withdraw all the pending cases against AAPDPVBRDTHC members unconditionally.”

I wonder if the entire Bandh Calls subsequently taking the entire population to ransom was just a gimmick to pressurize Government to negotiate for the benefit of Committee Member’s of AAPDPVBRDTHC? Or was it really in the interest of the Ticket Holders?

Crusade against Power Cuts - Day 4

Nothing has changed much since day-2. Power position has not improved yet despite the Bandh Call given by the student community on saturday. Today its as normal as before which was till yesterday rumoured that the agitiation will be intensified and besides shutting down the shutters of business establishment, no vehicle would be allowed to ply on the road today. But it is as normal as before and it is yet to be seen when normal power supply would be restored at Hapoli-Ziro Township.

Amazing Apatani Videos

Find this video and other amazing videos of Apatani's which gives insight into the life of Apatani's during the year 1944-45, shot by Prof. Christoph Von Furer-Haimendorf. You will need Quicktime player to view these videos though.

Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan Raffle Lottery Draw - Final Chapter

Umm… some sort of understanding (may be mutually beneficial to both parties) between the secretaries of AAPDPVBRDTHCand the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been arrived at. The entire DPVBRD imbroglio has come to an end on 26^th instant with Governments decision to put a blanket ban on all 1-time lottery draw including “Housie” within one month. The Arunachal Times reports: -

“The deadlock between the Government and All Arunachal Pradesh Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan Lottery Ticket Holders’ Committee finally came to an end today with the state Govt’s decision to put a blanket ban on time lottery draw including housie throughout the state through a cabinet decision within one month and withdraw all the pending cases against AAPDPVBRDTHC members unconditionally.”

I wonder if the entire Bandh Calls subsequently taking the entire population to ransom was just a gimmick to pressurize Government to negotiate for the benefit of Committee Member’s of AAPDPVBRDTHC? Or was it really in the interest of the Ticket Holders?

Crusade against Power Cuts - Day 4

Nothing has changed much since day-2. Power position has not improved yet despite the Bandh Call given by the student community on saturday. Today its as normal as before which was till yesterday rumoured that the agitiation will be intensified and besides shutting down the shutters of business establishment, no vehicle would be allowed to ply on the road today. But it is as normal as before and it is yet to be seen when normal power supply would be restored at Hapoli-Ziro Township.

Crusade against Power Cuts - Day 2

The entire Hapoli Township wore a deserted look today. The business establishment of the township downed their shutters in support of the “Bandh Call” called by the student community of Ziro-Hapoli township against the irregular power supply, which was demanded to be restored by 5 in the evening yesterday but couldn’t be restored by Power Department.

The womenfolk of Gandhi market also joined hands with the Student community and closed their vegetable stalls.

*The photos were shot using mobile cam.

ZIRO MIRROR in it's New Avatar

I wouldn’t have reviewed the fortnightly magazine Ziro Mirror again, but for its improved avatar which impressed me.

The ongoing power cuts had its toll on bringing out the second issue of the magazine and I’ve been told that it hit the news stand on 17^th instead of scheduled 15^th of this month. With so many constraints this time also, I would say the editor and publisher has done a good job.

What’s improved in its new Avatar: -

1. Quality of cover page has significantly improved. It has graduated from normal paper to Glossy paper.
2. Quantity of page has been increased to 20; means more articles and the editor has assured its readers of increasing the number of pages in subsequent issues.
3. Printing quality has been improved.

Though the new avatar has its drawback also:

1. Cover is not differentiable with earlier issue (see the pic). It should have been made distinct from the earlier issue. (It fooled me to think that it’s the earlier issue thereby making me grab it a bit later although it was available at news stand from 17^th).
2. There is still some typographical and editing error. But given the position of electricity in these days, the errors are acceptable.

Crusade against Power Cuts - Day 2

The entire Hapoli Township wore a deserted look today. The business establishment of the township downed their shutters in support of the “Bandh Call” called by the student community of Ziro-Hapoli township against the irregular power supply, which was demanded to be restored by 5 in the evening yesterday but couldn’t be restored by Power Department.

The womenfolk of Gandhi market also joined hands with the Student community and closed their vegetable stalls.

*The photos were shot using mobile cam.

ZIRO MIRROR in it's New Avatar

I wouldn’t have reviewed the fortnightly magazine Ziro Mirror again, but for its improved avatar which impressed me.

The ongoing power cuts had its toll on bringing out the second issue of the magazine and I’ve been told that it hit the news stand on 17^th instead of scheduled 15^th of this month. With so many constraints this time also, I would say the editor and publisher has done a good job.

What’s improved in its new Avatar: -

1. Quality of cover page has significantly improved. It has graduated from normal paper to Glossy paper.
2. Quantity of page has been increased to 20; means more articles and the editor has assured its readers of increasing the number of pages in subsequent issues.
3. Printing quality has been improved.

Though the new avatar has its drawback also:

1. Cover is not differentiable with earlier issue (see the pic). It should have been made distinct from the earlier issue. (It fooled me to think that it’s the earlier issue thereby making me grab it a bit later although it was available at news stand from 17^th).
2. There is still some typographical and editing error. But given the position of electricity in these days, the errors are acceptable.

Arunachalee students manhandled at Tamil Nadu

It is really sad and heartening to know that around 30 students of Arunachal Pradesh studying at KSR Polytechnic, Thiruchengode, Namakkal District in Tamil Nadu were roughed up by local students numbering around 1000 and beaten mercilessly with iron rods, levers, stones etc., seriously injuring one Nyishi and one Apatani boy of that institute and making the rest flee at dead midnight to the nearby forest; on instigation by the Principal of that Institute.

The reason-The Arunachal Times reports:-

"........... the issue that led to the crisis was the attempt of the college principal to send back three AP (Arunachal Pradesh) students during the mid academic session citing unavailability of seats at the college. Upon this, some senior AP students took up the matter with the latter and urged him against doing injustice since the students had already spent five months studying at the college.

Not being able to enforce his say, the principal in turn is said to have instigated the local students who picked up the fight with the AP students at the dead midnight."

Was it (the attempt to send back students) the real reason or is it that like the northern states, the southern states has prejudice for the people from Arunachal Pradesh or for that matter the entire North-Eastern States? It was common for the people from this part of the country to be deregatorily addressed as the Chinks, Bahadur (literally 'brave' but used otherwise in the context of NE people) if you were at National Capital or the other northern states but such discrimination was unheard of at south. One of my friend who graduated from Chennai swears by the simplicity of the southern people but I guess he would change his view about the South after knowing the incident. In another incident, the students from NE states at one of the Technical College at Tamil Nadu were threatened expulsion from hostel by the hostel authority for no fault of theirs.

If discrimination is not the reason, isn't the institute supposed to accomodate the students from Arunachal Pradesh as per the directive of Ministry of Human Resource Development?

Unavailability of seats? Can you digest it? First the students were admitted and allowed to attend classes for around half the academic session and are suddenly told to leave the institution as there was no seat. Isn't it funny? How on earth, an Institution let students take addmission if there are no seats? Or was the institute trying to accomodate the students from other states against payment quota against the seat reserved for students from NE states?

For the incident, I wouldn't blame the institute alone but the State Government also. This happened due to the lackadaisical attidute of Department of Higher & Technical Education towards sending the students from this state for higher education (see also Callousness of Deptt. of Higher & Technical Education). The department never bothers to verify the credential of the college, availability of seats, commencement of academic session, courses/branches offered etc. Had it checked the credentials and other details the entire episode wouldn't have happened.

Now, the question is whether the state Government will step forward and bring the matter to the notice of Government of Tamil Nadu to bring the culprit to book? Even if it does, what about the future of those students? How would the government compensate for their loss?

If you have more stories on this incident, mail the story at arunachaldiary@gmail.com

Crusade against Power Cuts

“Has some VVIP visited Ziro last night?” was what the people of Hapoli-Ziro township trying to find out the other day, when all of a sudden, the night before the last night, Power Department thought (I dunno why and how?) of giving supply to the township at around 10.30 at night when everyone was in deep slumber (now-a-days people has made it their habit to sleep early as it is the best thing to fight the darkness) interrupting their sound sleep.

I couldn't find out the logic and use behind providing electricity at this odd hour by Power Department. Is it that they couldn't come up with realistic drawal schedule and are trying to compensate for the surplus MW of energy that has been requisitioned from Central Sector to avoid penalty in the ABT regime? Only Power Department knows.

P.S.: - I would be following and writing about the power cuts under Crusade against Power Cuts till restoration of uninterrupted power at Ziro


update: - The students community took out procession demanding Power Supply be restored by 5.00 in the evening and threatened that they would call Bandh Call tomorrow if their demand is not met. Guess, the non-supply of power has shaken the student community and it is to be seen if this would have any impact on the Power Department.

Arunachalee students manhandled at Tamil Nadu

It is really sad and heartening to know that around 30 students of Arunachal Pradesh studying at KSR Polytechnic, Thiruchengode, Namakkal District in Tamil Nadu were roughed up by local students numbering around 1000 and beaten mercilessly with iron rods, levers, stones etc., seriously injuring one Nyishi and one Apatani boy of that institute and making the rest flee at dead midnight to the nearby forest; on instigation by the Principal of that Institute.

The reason-The Arunachal Times reports:-

"........... the issue that led to the crisis was the attempt of the college principal to send back three AP (Arunachal Pradesh) students during the mid academic session citing unavailability of seats at the college. Upon this, some senior AP students took up the matter with the latter and urged him against doing injustice since the students had already spent five months studying at the college.

Not being able to enforce his say, the principal in turn is said to have instigated the local students who picked up the fight with the AP students at the dead midnight."

Was it (the attempt to send back students) the real reason or is it that like the northern states, the southern states has prejudice for the people from Arunachal Pradesh or for that matter the entire North-Eastern States? It was common for the people from this part of the country to be deregatorily addressed as the Chinks, Bahadur (literally 'brave' but used otherwise in the context of NE people) if you were at National Capital or the other northern states but such discrimination was unheard of at south. One of my friend who graduated from Chennai swears by the simplicity of the southern people but I guess he would change his view about the South after knowing the incident. In another incident, the students from NE states at one of the Technical College at Tamil Nadu were threatened expulsion from hostel by the hostel authority for no fault of theirs.

If discrimination is not the reason, isn't the institute supposed to accomodate the students from Arunachal Pradesh as per the directive of Ministry of Human Resource Development?

Unavailability of seats? Can you digest it? First the students were admitted and allowed to attend classes for around half the academic session and are suddenly told to leave the institution as there was no seat. Isn't it funny? How on earth, an Institution let students take addmission if there are no seats? Or was the institute trying to accomodate the students from other states against payment quota against the seat reserved for students from NE states?

For the incident, I wouldn't blame the institute alone but the State Government also. This happened due to the lackadaisical attidute of Department of Higher & Technical Education towards sending the students from this state for higher education (see also Callousness of Deptt. of Higher & Technical Education). The department never bothers to verify the credential of the college, availability of seats, commencement of academic session, courses/branches offered etc. Had it checked the credentials and other details the entire episode wouldn't have happened.

Now, the question is whether the state Government will step forward and bring the matter to the notice of Government of Tamil Nadu to bring the culprit to book? Even if it does, what about the future of those students? How would the government compensate for their loss?

If you have more stories on this incident, mail the story at arunachaldiary@gmail.com

Crusade against Power Cuts

“Has some VVIP visited Ziro last night?” was what the people of Hapoli-Ziro township trying to find out the other day, when all of a sudden, the night before the last night, Power Department thought (I dunno why and how?) of giving supply to the township at around 10.30 at night when everyone was in deep slumber (now-a-days people has made it their habit to sleep early as it is the best thing to fight the darkness) interrupting their sound sleep.

I couldn't find out the logic and use behind providing electricity at this odd hour by Power Department. Is it that they couldn't come up with realistic drawal schedule and are trying to compensate for the surplus MW of energy that has been requisitioned from Central Sector to avoid penalty in the ABT regime? Only Power Department knows.

P.S.: - I would be following and writing about the power cuts under Crusade against Power Cuts till restoration of uninterrupted power at Ziro


update: - The students community took out procession demanding Power Supply be restored by 5.00 in the evening and threatened that they would call Bandh Call tomorrow if their demand is not met. Guess, the non-supply of power has shaken the student community and it is to be seen if this would have any impact on the Power Department.

Where do we belong..India or China? - part 2

It (no serious discussion over boundary issue) had to happen. There was no doubt in it, whatever you may say (Trade being the main agenda of visiting Chinese Prez). I knew that the voice raised by the State Political Parties urging New Delhi to take up the disputed boundary issue with visiting Chinese President and to solve the issue once and for all would go in vain. But then, when has the Centre made sincere effort to solve the boundary dispute? It has been 44 years since the '62’s war and the dispute is alive more than ever and there is no visible headway in settlement of this dispute though after every round of talks, joint statement declares that the talk was successful (?????) and recently it has been claimed in media that India and China have made “active progress” on the issue of resolving the boundary dispute. And yet, there is this Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi claiming the entire Arunachal Pradesh as Chinese Territory. Won’t his statement derail the talk on solving the boundary dispute? Or was it timed to gauge the people’s reaction over this issue prior to Hu Jintao’s visit? Or his quote been played up by the TV channel? (Mohan Guruswami)

Whatever may be the motive of the Chinese Ambassador’s claim, the surprising element was the lukewarm response of the Indian Government to this claim. It could have been good opportunity for Indian Government to put forward its clear stand on Arunachal Pradesh during Chinese Prez’s visit, if at all, it feels that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. This lukewarm response of the Indian Government has left the people of this State perplexed? Are we being used as a bargaining chip by the Indian Government to negotiate with China? (to bargain what?) - is what the local people feel.

Going by the statement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the eve of last ASEAN Summit- where he said 'populated areas will not be negotiated' and the scope kept open for compromises and resolution of boundary dispute on the basis of give and take, it is felt that most of the part of state Arunachal Pradesh will be the part of final package of boundary settlement with China – considering populated areas of Arunachal Pradesh being very less (most of the areas are forests).

Till this boundary dispute is resolved, God knows when, the people of Arunachal Pradesh will have to live in dilemma whether they will be waking up at India or China?

Where do we belong..India or China? - part 2

It (no serious discussion over boundary issue) had to happen. There was no doubt in it, whatever you may say (Trade being the main agenda of visiting Chinese Prez). I knew that the voice raised by the State Political Parties urging New Delhi to take up the disputed boundary issue with visiting Chinese President and to solve the issue once and for all would go in vain. But then, when has the Centre made sincere effort to solve the boundary dispute? It has been 44 years since the '62’s war and the dispute is alive more than ever and there is no visible headway in settlement of this dispute though after every round of talks, joint statement declares that the talk was successful (?????) and recently it has been claimed in media that India and China have made “active progress” on the issue of resolving the boundary dispute. And yet, there is this Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi claiming the entire Arunachal Pradesh as Chinese Territory. Won’t his statement derail the talk on solving the boundary dispute? Or was it timed to gauge the people’s reaction over this issue prior to Hu Jintao’s visit? Or his quote been played up by the TV channel? (Mohan Guruswami)

Whatever may be the motive of the Chinese Ambassador’s claim, the surprising element was the lukewarm response of the Indian Government to this claim. It could have been good opportunity for Indian Government to put forward its clear stand on Arunachal Pradesh during Chinese Prez’s visit, if at all, it feels that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. This lukewarm response of the Indian Government has left the people of this State perplexed? Are we being used as a bargaining chip by the Indian Government to negotiate with China? (to bargain what?) - is what the local people feel.

Going by the statement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the eve of last ASEAN Summit- where he said 'populated areas will not be negotiated' and the scope kept open for compromises and resolution of boundary dispute on the basis of give and take, it is felt that most of the part of state Arunachal Pradesh will be the part of final package of boundary settlement with China – considering populated areas of Arunachal Pradesh being very less (most of the areas are forests).

Till this boundary dispute is resolved, God knows when, the people of Arunachal Pradesh will have to live in dilemma whether they will be waking up at India or China?

Dark...Dark...Dark...everywhere

Today’s 21^st, but there is still no sign of electricity at this sleepy township of Hapoli-Ziro, though the normal power supply was promised on 18^th and its dark, dark, dark everywhere. There is also no sign of public disgruntlement or commotion over the non-supply of electricity by the utility department for such a prolonged time, which is a rare sight if it were to happen some years back (earlier people-largely the student community won’t let the staff of utility department rest in peace when there was power failure for such prolonged time). I’m puzzled as to why the public/consumer is not complaining. Is it that the electrical appliances has been put to more meaningful use – like fridges (fridge at Ziro?) as cupboards, ovens as drawers etc., leaving little room for complaints and only praise for power department for letting loose their creativity? You never know.

I don't know this power cut has had any effect on the people but surely it did affected my blogging :-(

Dark...Dark...Dark...everywhere

Today’s 21^st, but there is still no sign of electricity at this sleepy township of Hapoli-Ziro, though the normal power supply was promised on 18^th and its dark, dark, dark everywhere. There is also no sign of public disgruntlement or commotion over the non-supply of electricity by the utility department for such a prolonged time, which is a rare sight if it were to happen some years back (earlier people-largely the student community won’t let the staff of utility department rest in peace when there was power failure for such prolonged time). I’m puzzled as to why the public/consumer is not complaining. Is it that the electrical appliances has been put to more meaningful use – like fridges (fridge at Ziro?) as cupboards, ovens as drawers etc., leaving little room for complaints and only praise for power department for letting loose their creativity? You never know.

I don't know this power cut has had any effect on the people but surely it did affected my blogging :-(

Law Enforcers or Law Breakers

It was 7 in the evening and Hapoli Township was pitch black (thanks to the ongoing power cuts), 3 gentlemen had gone for a walk to pass the time and were busy talking about their daily chores. When they reached the traffic cross-section, they thought they had gone too far and decided to turn back. Still deeply engrossed in their conversation, they turned back, when all of a sudden they heard a voice - " Oye! Yahan aao." (Hey! come here). They were trying to figure out where the voice was coming from when a light fell on their face from a flashlight. Then they realized that it was the voice of a policeman coming from 'Police Beat Post' beneath the ZCCI(Ziro Chambers' of Commerce and Industry) at Gandhi Market. Controlling their anger on rude way of addressing them, they replied politely that they are strolling around. Hearing the reply, the policeman came out of the beat post with stick in his hand (as if to hit) but stopped in between and said, "Tum log us taraf ja rahe the phir kyun mud gaye wahan se?" (You were going that side but why did you turned back?). Puzzled as to what the policeman meant by that, one gentleman said, "Sir, hum evening walk har rahe hain?" "Futo yahan se aur apna life barbaad mat karo" - said the policeman. More confused and more puzzled than ever with the comments of policeman, the 3 gentleman moved to their respective homes thanking God that atleast they were not manhandled by the policeman (most of the time they won't even ask a question and starts manhandling if they come across any youth in the evening after 7 pm).

The same evening or rather the same night, one of my friend had to stay overnight at his friends place as some youths were manhandled by the police (their only crime was that they had gone for a walk) and he didn't wanted to be manhandled too, atleast at this age. But, he was not that lucky the next day when he reached his home. His wife gave him a good thrashing for not returning the previous night.

Hey, did you asked.. why I am writing all this stuff?

Well, that's because I fail to reason why people can't move about in the evening or for that matter even in the night? There was neither curfew that night nor this place is considered as disturbed area as some part of North Eastern States are considered.

Aren't the policeman there to make the place safe for the people to move even at odd hour at night if the need be without bothering for the anti social elements? Is it because of the irritation that when they should be at warmth of their homes they are patrolling at chilly night? But then, isn't patrolling, their duty to make the place safe? Should they blame the youth for that?

Law Enforcers or Law Breakers

It was 7 in the evening and Hapoli Township was pitch black (thanks to the ongoing power cuts), 3 gentlemen had gone for a walk to pass the time and were busy talking about their daily chores. When they reached the traffic cross-section, they thought they had gone too far and decided to turn back. Still deeply engrossed in their conversation, they turned back, when all of a sudden they heard a voice - " Oye! Yahan aao." (Hey! come here). They were trying to figure out where the voice was coming from when a light fell on their face from a flashlight. Then they realized that it was the voice of a policeman coming from 'Police Beat Post' beneath the ZCCI(Ziro Chambers' of Commerce and Industry) at Gandhi Market. Controlling their anger on rude way of addressing them, they replied politely that they are strolling around. Hearing the reply, the policeman came out of the beat post with stick in his hand (as if to hit) but stopped in between and said, "Tum log us taraf ja rahe the phir kyun mud gaye wahan se?" (You were going that side but why did you turned back?). Puzzled as to what the policeman meant by that, one gentleman said, "Sir, hum evening walk har rahe hain?" "Futo yahan se aur apna life barbaad mat karo" - said the policeman. More confused and more puzzled than ever with the comments of policeman, the 3 gentleman moved to their respective homes thanking God that atleast they were not manhandled by the policeman (most of the time they won't even ask a question and starts manhandling if they come across any youth in the evening after 7 pm).

The same evening or rather the same night, one of my friend had to stay overnight at his friends place as some youths were manhandled by the police (their only crime was that they had gone for a walk) and he didn't wanted to be manhandled too, atleast at this age. But, he was not that lucky the next day when he reached his home. His wife gave him a good thrashing for not returning the previous night.

Hey, did you asked.. why I am writing all this stuff?

Well, that's because I fail to reason why people can't move about in the evening or for that matter even in the night? There was neither curfew that night nor this place is considered as disturbed area as some part of North Eastern States are considered.

Aren't the policeman there to make the place safe for the people to move even at odd hour at night if the need be without bothering for the anti social elements? Is it because of the irritation that when they should be at warmth of their homes they are patrolling at chilly night? But then, isn't patrolling, their duty to make the place safe? Should they blame the youth for that?

A Different Reaction .......

Ahem... when I thought, after reading the local press that the claim had shaken political affairs of the State making the state Chief Minister to dash off to New Delhi, I found out that he air dashed to Delhi for altogether different reasons.

Firstly, for the NEC (North Eastern Council) meeting that is to be convened at Delhi and secondly for urging the Union Government to reopen the ancient trade link along Indo-China border. DNA reports

Despite Beijing’s claim on his state, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang on Wednesday urged the Centre to reopen ancient trade links along the Sino-Indian border for the mutual benefit of both countries.

“Let them (governments of India and China) talk on the border issue. But we can do business. I have already written to the Centre to open nine trading posts along the border for the benefit of the people of both countries,” Apang said.

On Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi’s claim that Arunachal Pradesh is “Chinese territory”, Apang said he did not want to comment on the matter as External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has already made a strong statement to say that the state is an integral part of India.

A Different Reaction .......

Ahem... when I thought, after reading the local press that the claim had shaken political affairs of the State making the state Chief Minister to dash off to New Delhi, I found out that he air dashed to Delhi for altogether different reasons.

Firstly, for the NEC (North Eastern Council) meeting that is to be convened at Delhi and secondly for urging the Union Government to reopen the ancient trade link along Indo-China border. DNA reports

Despite Beijing’s claim on his state, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang on Wednesday urged the Centre to reopen ancient trade links along the Sino-Indian border for the mutual benefit of both countries.

“Let them (governments of India and China) talk on the border issue. But we can do business. I have already written to the Centre to open nine trading posts along the border for the benefit of the people of both countries,” Apang said.

On Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi’s claim that Arunachal Pradesh is “Chinese territory”, Apang said he did not want to comment on the matter as External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has already made a strong statement to say that the state is an integral part of India.

India-China row over Arunachal

China ready to make "mutual compromises" on the basis of "give and take" on the "disputed" issue of Arunachal, reports PTI.


Indeed, I would say, it is a pre-calculated and intelligent gambit by Beijing to negotiate the "disputed" issue of Arunachal.

Reaction of Arunachal over Chinese Ambassador's claim

It isn't that the claim made by Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi on Arunachal Pradesh has had any effect on the political scenario of the state. In fact, it had totally jolted the system and made the Chief Minister of the State Gegong Apang to air dash to New Delhi to discuss the matter with the authorities concerned. Let's see what the local media has say on this statement.

The Arunachal Times reports-

"Cutting across political lines, majority of the political parties here opined that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India"

The State's Rajya Sabha member Nabum Rebia has urged New Delhi to convey Beijing in an unambigous term that "Arunachal Pradesh has been, is and would remain an integral part of the Republic of India". Also in a letter to Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, he has termed the statement of Chinese Ambassador few days ahead of the official visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao and when the relation between the two Asian giants touching an all time high as unfortunate and irresponsible.

BJP's Arunachal unit president Tapen Siga said, "The Centre should initiate dialogue with China and should ensure that such statement should not be issued in the future." He further added that such a claim would never be accepted by the people of Arunachal.

India-China row over Arunachal

China ready to make "mutual compromises" on the basis of "give and take" on the "disputed" issue of Arunachal, reports PTI.


Indeed, I would say, it is a pre-calculated and intelligent gambit by Beijing to negotiate the "disputed" issue of Arunachal.

Reaction of Arunachal over Chinese Ambassador's claim

It isn't that the claim made by Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi on Arunachal Pradesh has had any effect on the political scenario of the state. In fact, it had totally jolted the system and made the Chief Minister of the State Gegong Apang to air dash to New Delhi to discuss the matter with the authorities concerned. Let's see what the local media has say on this statement.

The Arunachal Times reports-

"Cutting across political lines, majority of the political parties here opined that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India"

The State's Rajya Sabha member Nabum Rebia has urged New Delhi to convey Beijing in an unambigous term that "Arunachal Pradesh has been, is and would remain an integral part of the Republic of India". Also in a letter to Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, he has termed the statement of Chinese Ambassador few days ahead of the official visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao and when the relation between the two Asian giants touching an all time high as unfortunate and irresponsible.

BJP's Arunachal unit president Tapen Siga said, "The Centre should initiate dialogue with China and should ensure that such statement should not be issued in the future." He further added that such a claim would never be accepted by the people of Arunachal.

Where do we belong..India or China?

Imagine one fine morning, you woke up to be told that henceforth you are a Chinese national. What would be your reaction? Absurd...but it may be reality in near future, considering the repeated claims made by the Chinese Government and the recent statement made by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi prior to the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao-

"In our position, the whole of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory. And Tawang is only one of the places in it. We are claiming all of that. That is our position." Full story here.

and the option kept open for compromises in settlement of border dispute and settlement of issues based on give and take (it was speculated in the media that India may give up its claim to Aksai Chin in return for China giving up its claim on Arunachal Pradesh, though to be rejected by the officials later).

The above claim though, was refuted by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee saying Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, the other day.

But still, with the people being kept dark about the "guiding principles" of settlement of boundary disputes and option kept open for compromises on the basis of give and take for settlement of boundary dispute, it may happen to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to sleep in India today and waking up at China the next day.