Would the Nyishi’s get their right nomenclature?

Since the last three decades, Nyishi’s of Arunachal has been putting in their efforts to change its nomenclature from Dafla to Nyishi, and has been demanding scrapping of the term Dafla from the constitution and replace it with Nyishi. And finally, it seems that their long felt demand would see the light of the day. A 2-member Central Team headed by Union Tribal Affairs Secretary G.B. Mukherjee and Joint Director Dr. N.K. Ghatak had toured the state from 20th-23rd of September and interacted with the people to take stock of the demand, peoples view on changing of nomenclature and the administration issues that may arise due to this nomenclature change.

Why Nyishi’s want nomenclature change from Dafla to Nyishi?

It is believed that the term Dafla is derogatory, used for 'wild man' or 'barbaric' and the Nyishi's detested it. The Nyishi’s have never associated themselves with this term Dafla- a term given by the Ahom rulers whose origin and real meaning is not known; but always called themselves Nyishi­- which is a generic term derived from two words Nyi or Nyia and Shing or Ashing meaning ‘Hunam Being’ or ‘People dwelling at highland regions’. However, this nomenclature has been passed down from Ahom rulers to the Britisher’s to the Indian's. Though lately, from the evidence garnered from various sources, the Nyishi intellectuals believes that the term Dafla may not be derogatory, after all. In fact, they seem to believe that it might have been derived from Nyishi term 'te-dofalak'- meaning 'to be an up there my residence' (loosely translated)

"It is said, during the time of meets, the plains people[stranger] asked the Nyishi, what is your name? So, the person responded, assuming asking his residential location and quickly replied; 'te-dofalak' meaning 'to be an up there my residence' [place]. Taking cue of onomatopoeic sound, the Nyishi was identified with the name dofalak which later on got corrupted into dafala, and during the British period further altered to an anglicized phonetic spelling form dafla."

Yet, the true meaning and origin of the term has to be ascertained but nevertheless, since the Nyishi's have never associated themselves with the term Dafla and has called themselves Nyishi from time immemorial, they have been demanding scrapping of term Dafla- which has an imperialistic tinge and replacing it with Nyishi.

Would the Nyishi's get their right nomenclature?

Going by the reactions of the visiting central team, it may very well be presumed that the Nyishi's may finally get their due and the term Dafla would be scrapped and Nyishi replaced instead. However, the Central team declined to comment anything on it yet, though.

"I'll not make any statement now, you will know later"-G.B. Mukherjee, Union Tribal Affairs Secretary.

But it is hoped that outcome would be positive.

Would the Nyishi’s get their right nomenclature?

Since the last three decades, Nyishi’s of Arunachal has been putting in their efforts to change its nomenclature from Dafla to Nyishi, and has been demanding scrapping of the term Dafla from the constitution and replace it with Nyishi. And finally, it seems that their long felt demand would see the light of the day. A 2-member Central Team headed by Union Tribal Affairs Secretary G.B. Mukherjee and Joint Director Dr. N.K. Ghatak had toured the state from 20th-23rd of September and interacted with the people to take stock of the demand, peoples view on changing of nomenclature and the administration issues that may arise due to this nomenclature change.

Why Nyishi’s want nomenclature change from Dafla to Nyishi?

It is believed that the term Dafla is derogatory, used for 'wild man' or 'barbaric' and the Nyishi's detested it. The Nyishi’s have never associated themselves with this term Dafla- a term given by the Ahom rulers whose origin and real meaning is not known; but always called themselves Nyishi­- which is a generic term derived from two words Nyi or Nyia and Shing or Ashing meaning ‘Hunam Being’ or ‘People dwelling at highland regions’. However, this nomenclature has been passed down from Ahom rulers to the Britisher’s to the Indian's. Though lately, from the evidence garnered from various sources, the Nyishi intellectuals believes that the term Dafla may not be derogatory, after all. In fact, they seem to believe that it might have been derived from Nyishi term 'te-dofalak'- meaning 'to be an up there my residence' (loosely translated)

"It is said, during the time of meets, the plains people[stranger] asked the Nyishi, what is your name? So, the person responded, assuming asking his residential location and quickly replied; 'te-dofalak' meaning 'to be an up there my residence' [place]. Taking cue of onomatopoeic sound, the Nyishi was identified with the name dofalak which later on got corrupted into dafala, and during the British period further altered to an anglicized phonetic spelling form dafla."

Yet, the true meaning and origin of the term has to be ascertained but nevertheless, since the Nyishi's have never associated themselves with the term Dafla and has called themselves Nyishi from time immemorial, they have been demanding scrapping of term Dafla- which has an imperialistic tinge and replacing it with Nyishi.

Would the Nyishi's get their right nomenclature?

Going by the reactions of the visiting central team, it may very well be presumed that the Nyishi's may finally get their due and the term Dafla would be scrapped and Nyishi replaced instead. However, the Central team declined to comment anything on it yet, though.

"I'll not make any statement now, you will know later"-G.B. Mukherjee, Union Tribal Affairs Secretary.

But it is hoped that outcome would be positive.

Ram Setu and Arunachal-What’s the connection?

The Rs.2,427 Crore Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, apparently approved by the NDA government during October 2002 and formally inaugurated by the UPA government on 2nd July, 2005 has snowballed into a major controversy after 2 years of commencement of project.

The row started with filing of PIL by Janata Party President Subramanium Swamy and subsequent affidavit by ASI and Centre’s stand on the project. Since then, it has become battle of ‘faith v/s national interest’. And this controversy has not left the state of Arunachal Pradesh being entangled in the controversy, either. It has, in fact, led to ‘Rashta Roko’ programme in the twin capital city of Itanagar and Naharlagun on 12th of September by Arunachal Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and protest rally and ‘havan’ at Ziro on 22nd September.

“Hundreds of people comprising the rank and file of various religious denominations, priests, NGO’s, students and youth took out a protest rally on 22nd September at Hapoli township here against the Centre’s Sethusamundram project.

Nine kund yagna havens were conducted at Subansiri Stadium by the priests for the cause of protecting Ram Sethu and for world peace.

RSS Sanghchalak Nani Tatu, Ziro-Hapoli Gayatri Parivar chairman Gyati Nado, Apatani Priest Association president Mudang Pai, spiritual head of Maa Santoshima Mandir Dulley Allung and district labour union chairman Tage Khongkhung also participated in the protest.”

-Arunachal Front

The protest in the state and in particular, at Ziro has made me wonder, what’s the connection between Ram Setu and Arunachal; apart from the projects national interest?

Tamil Nadu has economic interest-it feels that the Sethusamudram Project would catalyze their economic growth, Hindus believe that the bridge Ram Setu or Adam's Bridge was built by Lord Rama's Vanara Sena and doesn’t want their mythological structure disturbed, BJP wants to cash in on the controversy (remember, it was only NDA government that approved the project) and the centre feels that it is in the national interest; but what’s the connection with Arunachal?

I tried hard but I failed to arrive at some sensible reasoning. The only tangible reasoning I could make out of the protest at Itanagar is that since the parent organization (BJP) is raising the issue, the state unit should also follow. But what about the protest at Ziro where even the Apatani Priest Association took part (or was made to take part) in the protest rally and subsequent yagna? Did the religious sentiments of the Apatanis really hurt? But then, doesn't Apatanis follow Donyi-Poloism which has different mythology and beliefs than the Hindu mythology? Or, is it any indication of Hinduasisation of Donyi-Poloism by Hindu missionaries? Shouldn't the people concetrate more on upliftment of the society rather than involved in religious fanaticism?

Ram Setu and Arunachal-What’s the connection?

The Rs.2,427 Crore Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, apparently approved by the NDA government during October 2002 and formally inaugurated by the UPA government on 2nd July, 2005 has snowballed into a major controversy after 2 years of commencement of project.

The row started with filing of PIL by Janata Party President Subramanium Swamy and subsequent affidavit by ASI and Centre’s stand on the project. Since then, it has become battle of ‘faith v/s national interest’. And this controversy has not left the state of Arunachal Pradesh being entangled in the controversy, either. It has, in fact, led to ‘Rashta Roko’ programme in the twin capital city of Itanagar and Naharlagun on 12th of September by Arunachal Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and protest rally and ‘havan’ at Ziro on 22nd September.

“Hundreds of people comprising the rank and file of various religious denominations, priests, NGO’s, students and youth took out a protest rally on 22nd September at Hapoli township here against the Centre’s Sethusamundram project.

Nine kund yagna havens were conducted at Subansiri Stadium by the priests for the cause of protecting Ram Sethu and for world peace.

RSS Sanghchalak Nani Tatu, Ziro-Hapoli Gayatri Parivar chairman Gyati Nado, Apatani Priest Association president Mudang Pai, spiritual head of Maa Santoshima Mandir Dulley Allung and district labour union chairman Tage Khongkhung also participated in the protest.”

-Arunachal Front

The protest in the state and in particular, at Ziro has made me wonder, what’s the connection between Ram Setu and Arunachal; apart from the projects national interest?

Tamil Nadu has economic interest-it feels that the Sethusamudram Project would catalyze their economic growth, Hindus believe that the bridge Ram Setu or Adam's Bridge was built by Lord Rama's Vanara Sena and doesn’t want their mythological structure disturbed, BJP wants to cash in on the controversy (remember, it was only NDA government that approved the project) and the centre feels that it is in the national interest; but what’s the connection with Arunachal?

I tried hard but I failed to arrive at some sensible reasoning. The only tangible reasoning I could make out of the protest at Itanagar is that since the parent organization (BJP) is raising the issue, the state unit should also follow. But what about the protest at Ziro where even the Apatani Priest Association took part (or was made to take part) in the protest rally and subsequent yagna? Did the religious sentiments of the Apatanis really hurt? But then, doesn't Apatanis follow Donyi-Poloism which has different mythology and beliefs than the Hindu mythology? Or, is it any indication of Hinduasisation of Donyi-Poloism by Hindu missionaries? Shouldn't the people concetrate more on upliftment of the society rather than involved in religious fanaticism?

Timeless India

A music video by Bharatbala Productions shot extensively at Ziro with Tanii and other tribes of India at the backdrop.

Enjoy!

Timeless India

A music video by Bharatbala Productions shot extensively at Ziro with Tanii and other tribes of India at the backdrop.

Enjoy!

Comma…..

Blogging this past week has been quite sporadic (you might have noticed that) and it would go on for a while owing to my other pre-occupations. But, nevertheless, it would be my endeavor to post whenever I get time to post. So do keep an eye on this page.

P.S.: Thanks for visiting the blog even when it was not updated for a while.

Comma…..

Blogging this past week has been quite sporadic (you might have noticed that) and it would go on for a while owing to my other pre-occupations. But, nevertheless, it would be my endeavor to post whenever I get time to post. So do keep an eye on this page.

P.S.: Thanks for visiting the blog even when it was not updated for a while.

Volcanic(?) Eruption at Arunachal-An Update

Substantiating our doubts on the explanation given by experts from WIHG and GSI on the unusual geological activity that occurred on the night of August 21^st at a place some 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, the ZPM, ASM Chairperson of Kimin and PRO Eruption Site Committee has communicated to the Deputy Commissioner that the crater is still emitting smoke and heat and that the people around the eruption site are living in a virtual fear psychosis that eruption may recur and may kill them. Below is the letter:

"Sir,

After the unusual geological happening resembling a volcanic eruption occurred on 21 August at 7 km off Kimin, a team of geologist from Geological Survey of India (GSI), Itanagar first described it to be a volcanic eruption/fisture. But later they reportedly ruled out the possibility of a volcano in their official report.

But the holes from which lava-like materials oozed out are still emitting smoke and heat, indicating some internal activity inside the craters.

Ever since the occurrence of the volcano-like phenomenon, the people here are living in a fear psychosis, fearing that it might be a volcano and that it might recur-and that the GSI report may also be wrong. They are spending sleepless nights, knowing in their hearts that there have been reports from other countries where people have died in colcanic eruptions due to negligence or lack of awareness.

Therefore, on behalf of the people of Kimin, we would like to request the Deputy Commissioner of the district to take necessary steps to cross-check and validate the GSI report, so that no stone is left unturned to avoid any major calamity due to wrong technical analysis/interpretation of the event.

Bamang Mangha, ZPM Kimin;
Tai Tayu, Chairperson, ASM, Kimin;
Nich Kojum;
Bamang Kumar, PRO, Eruption Site Committee."

If the phenomenon was due to electrical short-circuit as claimed by GSI, then what could be the reason for emission of smoke and heat from the crater, still? Isn't it time for the administration to step in and order re-investigation into the entire event/phenomenon?

Related Readings:

Eruption (?) at Arunachal-A Photo Feature
A Volcanic activity or…….?

Volcanic(?) Eruption at Arunachal-An Update

Substantiating our doubts on the explanation given by experts from WIHG and GSI on the unusual geological activity that occurred on the night of August 21^st at a place some 7 km from Kimin towards Ziro, the ZPM, ASM Chairperson of Kimin and PRO Eruption Site Committee has communicated to the Deputy Commissioner that the crater is still emitting smoke and heat and that the people around the eruption site are living in a virtual fear psychosis that eruption may recur and may kill them. Below is the letter:

"Sir,

After the unusual geological happening resembling a volcanic eruption occurred on 21 August at 7 km off Kimin, a team of geologist from Geological Survey of India (GSI), Itanagar first described it to be a volcanic eruption/fisture. But later they reportedly ruled out the possibility of a volcano in their official report.

But the holes from which lava-like materials oozed out are still emitting smoke and heat, indicating some internal activity inside the craters.

Ever since the occurrence of the volcano-like phenomenon, the people here are living in a fear psychosis, fearing that it might be a volcano and that it might recur-and that the GSI report may also be wrong. They are spending sleepless nights, knowing in their hearts that there have been reports from other countries where people have died in colcanic eruptions due to negligence or lack of awareness.

Therefore, on behalf of the people of Kimin, we would like to request the Deputy Commissioner of the district to take necessary steps to cross-check and validate the GSI report, so that no stone is left unturned to avoid any major calamity due to wrong technical analysis/interpretation of the event.

Bamang Mangha, ZPM Kimin;
Tai Tayu, Chairperson, ASM, Kimin;
Nich Kojum;
Bamang Kumar, PRO, Eruption Site Committee."

If the phenomenon was due to electrical short-circuit as claimed by GSI, then what could be the reason for emission of smoke and heat from the crater, still? Isn't it time for the administration to step in and order re-investigation into the entire event/phenomenon?

Related Readings:

Eruption (?) at Arunachal-A Photo Feature
A Volcanic activity or…….?

Roh-pi Ritual - A Photo Feature

Having never witnessed any 'Roh-pi' ritual before, I couldn't resist myself from rushing to Hari village, when I heard that 'Roh-pi' ritual was going to be performed at Hari village; to witness the ritual live and to capture it on camera.

When I reached Hari village, people were almost ready- attired in war dresses armed with 'dao' (sword), bow and arrows, spears and with armours made up of bear skins to carry out the ritual.

I was told that quite some days ago, the Mithun-owners of Hari village had found this wild cat (see pic of skin of the wild cat below) dead in their trap which was laid by them in desperation over the attack on their Mithun (Bos frontalis) - a semi-domesticated animal of high religious value and as the belief has over killing of feline, so this ritual. Below are the shots taken during the ritual.

The feline (skin) that led to performance of Roh-pi ritual

People jumping over the dead animals skin at one of the Lapang- a community platform, as a part of Roh-pi ritual

Part of ritual at Lapang


Skin of the animal being carried to 'Ranti Hirung-bo'

Rantii Hi-rung-bo (the sacred stone) where the eyes, tip of tongue and piece of heart of the animal, stuffed inside bamboo is buried underneath the stone.

Rituals after burial (Pic above)

Why Roh-pi ritual is performed?

It is widely believed by the Apatanis that when you kill a tiger or a leopard or some other member from cat's family-which as the mythology suggests, is closely related to us and elder than us, the soul of that animal would haunt you and would take revenge on you. So, in order to subdue their soul so that they may not be able to take revenge on you, Roh-pi ritual is performed. It is also said that in olden times, the same rituals were performed by a person if the person murders or executes another person; and for the same reason.

Roh-pi Ritual - A Photo Feature

Having never witnessed any 'Roh-pi' ritual before, I couldn't resist myself from rushing to Hari village, when I heard that 'Roh-pi' ritual was going to be performed at Hari village; to witness the ritual live and to capture it on camera.

When I reached Hari village, people were almost ready- attired in war dresses armed with 'dao' (sword), bow and arrows, spears and with armours made up of bear skins to carry out the ritual.

I was told that quite some days ago, the Mithun-owners of Hari village had found this wild cat (see pic of skin of the wild cat below) dead in their trap which was laid by them in desperation over the attack on their Mithun (Bos frontalis) - a semi-domesticated animal of high religious value and as the belief has over killing of feline, so this ritual. Below are the shots taken during the ritual.

The feline (skin) that led to performance of Roh-pi ritual

People jumping over the dead animals skin at one of the Lapang- a community platform, as a part of Roh-pi ritual

Part of ritual at Lapang


Skin of the animal being carried to 'Ranti Hirung-bo'

Rantii Hi-rung-bo (the sacred stone) where the eyes, tip of tongue and piece of heart of the animal, stuffed inside bamboo is buried underneath the stone.

Rituals after burial (Pic above)

Why Roh-pi ritual is performed?

It is widely believed by the Apatanis that when you kill a tiger or a leopard or some other member from cat's family-which as the mythology suggests, is closely related to us and elder than us, the soul of that animal would haunt you and would take revenge on you. So, in order to subdue their soul so that they may not be able to take revenge on you, Roh-pi ritual is performed. It is also said that in olden times, the same rituals were performed by a person if the person murders or executes another person; and for the same reason.

Tadar Taniang passes away

A veteran Nyishi leader, Tadar Taniang, who was shifted to GNRC, Guwahati following a stroke on August 23^rd, passed away on September 8^th.

A teacher turned politician, he contested his first election as a Congress candidate from Nyapin Constituency during the year 1980.

He was Zila Parishad member from Nyapin from 1980-84 and was the president of Lower Subansiri District Congress Committee from 1985-90. He was minister of PHED, agriculture, civil supplies and legal metrology from the year 1989-1999 and had contested the 2005 Parliamentary Elections from Arunachal West constituency.

His sudden demise has created a void in the political scenario of the state that would take time to be filled and his contribution towards the society would be remembered by all.

Tadar Taniang passes away

A veteran Nyishi leader, Tadar Taniang, who was shifted to GNRC, Guwahati following a stroke on August 23^rd, passed away on September 8^th.

A teacher turned politician, he contested his first election as a Congress candidate from Nyapin Constituency during the year 1980.

He was Zila Parishad member from Nyapin from 1980-84 and was the president of Lower Subansiri District Congress Committee from 1985-90. He was minister of PHED, agriculture, civil supplies and legal metrology from the year 1989-1999 and had contested the 2005 Parliamentary Elections from Arunachal West constituency.

His sudden demise has created a void in the political scenario of the state that would take time to be filled and his contribution towards the society would be remembered by all.

Eruption (?) at Arunachal - A Photo Feature

O.k. after Wadia Institure of Himalayan Geology, the Deputy Director-General of Geological Survey of India S Basu Mallik, has confirmed that the unusual geological phenomenon reported at the night of August 21^st was nothing geologic but a short-circuit caused by 33 KV high tension power line, generating a lot of heat that melted the powerline pole and also belched out smoke. But nevertheless, we (myself, Cho and Tallo) armed with camera, decided to pay a visit to that site which is some 89.6 Km away from Hapoli towards Kimin.

When we reached the spot we were amused to find people setting up shops to cash in on the events. We were told that an entry fee of Rs. 5/- was required from each and on being questioned why, they showed the signed letter of EAC Kimin which said 'after threadbare discussion with the locals, it was decided an amount of Rs. 5/- would be charged from each visitor' (not the exact word). As the EAC had empowered the people sitting over collection counter we paid 15/- bucks towards entry fee [no receipt was given] and headed to the spot where we took some shots of the spot and here they are-

Guardian of the site

Way to crater

Warning Plate

Crater

Crater (another angle)

Lava like substance

Close-up view

HT line over the crater (the probable culprit)

After hanging around for some 15 to 20 minutes, we left the spot with lots of question on our mind. When the spot has been declared hazardous by the administration, why people been let into the site that too after charging money? Why receipt was not given for entry fee? Would the money collected go to government's treasury? Though GSI has declared that the cause for the 21st August night phenomenon was an electrical short circuit-we couldn't digest it. The reason being-if it was electrical short circuit due to the HV line, how the crater was formed? Wouldn't there only be molten metal part [of reported melted electric pole]? What was that 'lava like' substance and how it were formed?

Eruption (?) at Arunachal - A Photo Feature

O.k. after Wadia Institure of Himalayan Geology, the Deputy Director-General of Geological Survey of India S Basu Mallik, has confirmed that the unusual geological phenomenon reported at the night of August 21^st was nothing geologic but a short-circuit caused by 33 KV high tension power line, generating a lot of heat that melted the powerline pole and also belched out smoke. But nevertheless, we (myself, Cho and Tallo) armed with camera, decided to pay a visit to that site which is some 89.6 Km away from Hapoli towards Kimin.

When we reached the spot we were amused to find people setting up shops to cash in on the events. We were told that an entry fee of Rs. 5/- was required from each and on being questioned why, they showed the signed letter of EAC Kimin which said 'after threadbare discussion with the locals, it was decided an amount of Rs. 5/- would be charged from each visitor' (not the exact word). As the EAC had empowered the people sitting over collection counter we paid 15/- bucks towards entry fee [no receipt was given] and headed to the spot where we took some shots of the spot and here they are-

Guardian of the site

Way to crater

Warning Plate

Crater

Crater (another angle)

Lava like substance

Close-up view

HT line over the crater (the probable culprit)

After hanging around for some 15 to 20 minutes, we left the spot with lots of question on our mind. When the spot has been declared hazardous by the administration, why people been let into the site that too after charging money? Why receipt was not given for entry fee? Would the money collected go to government's treasury? Though GSI has declared that the cause for the 21st August night phenomenon was an electrical short circuit-we couldn't digest it. The reason being-if it was electrical short circuit due to the HV line, how the crater was formed? Wouldn't there only be molten metal part [of reported melted electric pole]? What was that 'lava like' substance and how it were formed?

Games the politicians play (updated)

“Lust for power can make even dictators do funny things”, wrote Mariana Baabar, on sealing of deal between Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto for their political convenience; in the August 27^th issue of Outlook. Not very different is the recent turn of events, unfolding in the political scenario of Arunachal Pradesh, almost out of Bollywood potboiler, which has had me, literally, glued to these turn of events. This political drama has masala of hatching its own assassination attempts, of confidant turning enemy, of politician-underground elements (read secessionist group) nexus and of accusations and counter-accusations; all in lust for power. Read on.

Flashback to year 2005: Gegong Apang is the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

An NLFA (National Liberation Front of Arunachal) lady cadre surrenders and confesses in front of magistrate and camera that on instigation by Takam Sanjoy (former advisor to Apang), Mukut Mithi (former C.M. and present Lt. Governor of Puducchery), MLA Kipa Babu, Hibu Robin (former SP Papum Pare and present DCP West Delhi Police) and Bamang Anthony (Chairman of Arunachal Citizen Rights) the outfit had attempted two unsuccessful assassination attempts on Apang. A case was registered against these accused with Crime Branch (Special Investigation Team) and the CD containing the confessional statement was reportedly submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and ACCI-I. However, no action was initiated against the accused till now.

Fast forward to year 2007: Apang is ousted and Dorjee Khandu instated as Chief Minister of Arunachal.

The accused Takam Sanjoy, MLA Kipa Babu and Bamang Anthony files a written complaint on July 22^nd, almost after two years, stating that all the surrender and confession drama was staged managed at the behest of Gegong Apang to defame, implicate and conspire to criminalize political opponents and names Apang, his son Omak Apang, S.P. Bhutia (the then P.S. to Apang), Takio Tarak (the then Chairman of KVIC), SP Chuku Apa among others and accuses Apang of having links with UG elements. A case was registered and S.P. Bhutia and Takio Tarak arrested. Apang moves Guwahati High Court and obtain stays on all further criminal proceedings till August 27^th.

24^th August: Takam Sanjoy calls press conference to announce his war against criminalization of politics by Apang and to substantiate his accusation that the surrender and confession drama was stage managed.

"Police had already started inquiry into the case and unfolded many truths which have proved that the surrender of the lady cadre and her confession was stage managed and pre-planned."

-Echo of Arunachal

This entire episode has left me perplexed with so many unanswered questions. Why action/investigation was not initiated against the accused in the foiled assassination attempt so far? What kept them holding? Was it because it could have opened can of worms which could have entangled each and every politicians of the state? Or was it just stage managed to subdue and destroy the political opponent which was once close confidant, as has been counter-accused by the accused? But then, why the accused filed complaint only after almost two years if they were wrongly accused? Was a deal sealed between Apang and Sanjoy, who as insider says had the power and following to bring down the Apang government at that time and that implicating Sanjoy would mean implicating Apang himself?

Now, since the courts stay for criminal proceedings against Apang expired on 27^th August, it is to be seen what events unfolds. People are saying that it’s all ‘power game’ and nothing’s going to come out of it [investigation] and that it would be stopped soon as because if allowed to be carried on, it would take down entire politicians. The case would, finally disappear into oblivion without any outcome.

Whatever events may unfold now, this entire episode has given a shocking indication that secessionist group (UG elements) may be brewing under the patronage of politicians and this, if not stopped now and continued by the politicians all in lust for power, a day would not be far when this peaceful state may turn into a disturbed state, all thanks to the politicians.

Latest event unfolded

In the midst of writing this piece yet another interesting turn of event has unfolded today. Gauhati High Court today admitted a petition seeking a CBI inquiry into former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang’s acquisition of property disproportionate to his known sources of income. The petition has been filed by one Tana Sunny, president of NGO Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Front. The case has become quite interesting. It has to be seen how many would be dragged into this corruption case? Time to wait and watch.

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Update: Events unfolding Sept 5^th

Apang says PIL move orchestrated by Takam Sanjoy to 'politically assassinate' him and that indeed there was attempts on his life.

“There has been an attempt to politically assassinate me in Arunachal Pradesh and a group of persons led by Takam Sanjoy, the adviser to the chief minister, is involved in it,” Apang told reporters today.

[…]

He also alleged that there have been several attempts on his life. “I have apprised the party high command regarding the conspiracy against me.”

Read the full story here.

Solung Greetings

Wish you all a very 'Happy Solung'

Games the politicians play (updated)

“Lust for power can make even dictators do funny things”, wrote Mariana Baabar, on sealing of deal between Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto for their political convenience; in the August 27^th issue of Outlook. Not very different is the recent turn of events, unfolding in the political scenario of Arunachal Pradesh, almost out of Bollywood potboiler, which has had me, literally, glued to these turn of events. This political drama has masala of hatching its own assassination attempts, of confidant turning enemy, of politician-underground elements (read secessionist group) nexus and of accusations and counter-accusations; all in lust for power. Read on.

Flashback to year 2005: Gegong Apang is the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

An NLFA (National Liberation Front of Arunachal) lady cadre surrenders and confesses in front of magistrate and camera that on instigation by Takam Sanjoy (former advisor to Apang), Mukut Mithi (former C.M. and present Lt. Governor of Puducchery), MLA Kipa Babu, Hibu Robin (former SP Papum Pare and present DCP West Delhi Police) and Bamang Anthony (Chairman of Arunachal Citizen Rights) the outfit had attempted two unsuccessful assassination attempts on Apang. A case was registered against these accused with Crime Branch (Special Investigation Team) and the CD containing the confessional statement was reportedly submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and ACCI-I. However, no action was initiated against the accused till now.

Fast forward to year 2007: Apang is ousted and Dorjee Khandu instated as Chief Minister of Arunachal.

The accused Takam Sanjoy, MLA Kipa Babu and Bamang Anthony files a written complaint on July 22^nd, almost after two years, stating that all the surrender and confession drama was staged managed at the behest of Gegong Apang to defame, implicate and conspire to criminalize political opponents and names Apang, his son Omak Apang, S.P. Bhutia (the then P.S. to Apang), Takio Tarak (the then Chairman of KVIC), SP Chuku Apa among others and accuses Apang of having links with UG elements. A case was registered and S.P. Bhutia and Takio Tarak arrested. Apang moves Guwahati High Court and obtain stays on all further criminal proceedings till August 27^th.

24^th August: Takam Sanjoy calls press conference to announce his war against criminalization of politics by Apang and to substantiate his accusation that the surrender and confession drama was stage managed.

"Police had already started inquiry into the case and unfolded many truths which have proved that the surrender of the lady cadre and her confession was stage managed and pre-planned."

-Echo of Arunachal

This entire episode has left me perplexed with so many unanswered questions. Why action/investigation was not initiated against the accused in the foiled assassination attempt so far? What kept them holding? Was it because it could have opened can of worms which could have entangled each and every politicians of the state? Or was it just stage managed to subdue and destroy the political opponent which was once close confidant, as has been counter-accused by the accused? But then, why the accused filed complaint only after almost two years if they were wrongly accused? Was a deal sealed between Apang and Sanjoy, who as insider says had the power and following to bring down the Apang government at that time and that implicating Sanjoy would mean implicating Apang himself?

Now, since the courts stay for criminal proceedings against Apang expired on 27^th August, it is to be seen what events unfolds. People are saying that it’s all ‘power game’ and nothing’s going to come out of it [investigation] and that it would be stopped soon as because if allowed to be carried on, it would take down entire politicians. The case would, finally disappear into oblivion without any outcome.

Whatever events may unfold now, this entire episode has given a shocking indication that secessionist group (UG elements) may be brewing under the patronage of politicians and this, if not stopped now and continued by the politicians all in lust for power, a day would not be far when this peaceful state may turn into a disturbed state, all thanks to the politicians.

Latest event unfolded

In the midst of writing this piece yet another interesting turn of event has unfolded today. Gauhati High Court today admitted a petition seeking a CBI inquiry into former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang’s acquisition of property disproportionate to his known sources of income. The petition has been filed by one Tana Sunny, president of NGO Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Front. The case has become quite interesting. It has to be seen how many would be dragged into this corruption case? Time to wait and watch.

Update: Events unfolding Sept 5^th

Apang says PIL move orchestrated by Takam Sanjoy to 'politically assassinate' him and that indeed there was attempts on his life.

“There has been an attempt to politically assassinate me in Arunachal Pradesh and a group of persons led by Takam Sanjoy, the adviser to the chief minister, is involved in it,” Apang told reporters today.

[…]

He also alleged that there have been several attempts on his life. “I have apprised the party high command regarding the conspiracy against me.”

Read the full story here.

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