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ITANAGAR, SEP 5: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes’ Forum (AITF) and All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) have   strongly condemned the reported attack on leaders of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) at Bordumsa-Diyun in Changlang district on September 4 during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing. In a statement on Saturday, AITF said the incident, allegedly involving Chakma and Hajong refugees, was a serious matter concerning the demographic, constitutional and political interests of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. It described the reported violence as an attempt to marginalise the state’s indigenous population. Following an executive virtual meeting held late on Friday night, the AITF strongly opposed any attempt to enrol refugees or other ineligible persons in the electoral rolls of Arunachal Pradesh. It stressed that the SIR exercise must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws and prescribed eligibility criteria. AITF urged the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action. It also called for adequate security for all representatives and stakeholders participating in the SIR hearing process. AITF general secretary Dr Bengia Tada said the forum would continue to safeguard the constitutional and legitimate interests of the indigenous people of the state. Meanwhile, in a statement, ANSU president Ashok Doka expressed concern over the September 4 incident and said any act of violence against student activists and indigenous people was “highly condemnable and unacceptable”. The union said it was particularly concerned that an ANSU primary member, who was part of the AAPSU team, sustained injuries while performing his duties. ANSU maintained that any attack on its primary members while serving the interests of the state and indigenous people would not be tolerated and said it would intensify its democratic movement through lawful means if such incidents continued. Doka also cautioned the leadership of the refugee community to understand and respect the sentiments of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh and urged all sides to refrain from activities that could aggravate tensions or undermine peaceful coexistence. Demanding an impartial investigation, ANSU said every person found involved in the alleged attack should be identified and prosecuted in accordance with law. It said appropriate legal action should also be initiated if the probe establishes that any individual or leader had organised, instigated, encouraged or led the violence. The students’ body further called upon the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh government to take “decisive and concrete steps” towards resolving the long-pending Chakma-Hajong refugee issue while safeguarding the constitutional and legal interests of the indigenous people of the state. ANSU said recurring tensions surrounding the issue could not be allowed to continue indefinitely and stressed the need for a permanent, lawful and just solution in the larger interest of peace and security. The union said it would remain vigilant and warned that any further violence or provocation would invite a strong, organised and democratic response through lawful means.  

ZIRO, SEP 5: A statewide voluntary blood donation drive organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Technical Teachers Association (APTTA) on Teachers’ Day saw participation from students and faculty of Government Polytechnic Colleges and a Government Engineering College across Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative, organised in association with affiliated bodies COSAAP, AIFPTO and AIFUCTO, was led by APTTA president Bengia Taday and general secretary Dr Phurba Dorjee Philley. In Lower Subansiri district, Government Polytechnic College Ziro conducted the blood donation camp in collaboration with the Blood Centre at Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital (GTZGH). The camp was coordinated by Government Polytechnic College Ziro Principal Dr D. Devarasiddappa and APTTA Ziro unit coordinator Nani Chobing. A total of 22 prospective donors underwent health screening, of whom 12 successfully donated blood. The donations comprised six units of A positive, two units of B positive and four units of O positive blood, helping replenish emergency stocks at GTZGH for patients requiring transfusion and urgent medical care. Organisers said the initiative was aimed not only at supporting local healthcare facilities but also at promoting civic responsibility, compassion and community service among students and educators. APTTA leaders and the local organisers expressed appreciation to the donors, volunteers and the medical team of GTZGH Ziro for their support in making the blood donation drive successful.      

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said teachers play a crucial role in shaping curious minds, encouraging independent thinking and inspiring generations, stressing that their dedication can help build a better tomorrow. In a social media post on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Khandu said teachers inspire people to ‘question, learn and think for ourselves’, while recalling the words of former President and eminent educationist Dr S Radhakrishnan that ‘the true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves’. “May the dedication of our teachers continue to shape curious minds, inspire generations and build a better tomorrow,” Khandu said in a post on X. The chief minister extended his warm wishes to teachers, underlining their wider role in society, particularly in nurturing young minds and encouraging them to develop the ability to think independently. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also greeted teachers on the occasion and remembered Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mein said Radhakrishnan, who dedicated his life to teaching, learning and public service, continued to remind people of “the profound influence a teacher can have on an individual, and ultimately, on a Nation”. “On Teachers’ Day, I offer my deepest gratitude to every teacher who patiently guides, encourages and believes in our children,” Mein said. He said the contribution of teachers to society often begins quietly, but its impact lasts for generations. Teachers’ Day is observed across India on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President, who was also a renowned philosopher, scholar and teacher. The day is observed to honour teachers and recognise their contribution to education and the development of young minds.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: A team from Arunachal Pradesh scaled 20 unclimbed peaks of Ladakh, all over 6,000 metres in height, in just 23 days, a defence statement said on Saturday. The landmark expedition was undertaken by the team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) at Dirang in West Kameng district. The institute is under the Ministry of Defence. The expedition by the team led by NIMAS Director Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal demonstrated the institute’s capability to conduct technically demanding mountaineering operations in some of the country’s most remote and difficult high-altitude areas, it said. The achievement also highlights the growing potential of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast as a hub for adventure sports, exploration and youth development. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 5: Police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district have arrested a history-sheeter from Assam in connection with a kidnapping and sexual assault case involving a girl, an officer said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Gokar Bam, was apprehended from Dhemaji on September 4, during a joint operation conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Police with the assistance of their Dhemaji counterparts. Mechukha Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Radhe Obing said Bam was wanted in a case registered at the Mechuka Police Station. Following the raid and subsequent arrest, the minor victim was safely rescued and is currently receiving appropriate care and protection. Preliminary investigations revealed that Bam is a habitual offender with a long criminal record. Several cases are already registered against him across multiple police stations, including the Capital Complex, Aalo, Basar, and Kamba, the officer said. The DySP told PTI that the accused will be produced before a court in Aalo, West Siang district, and that further investigation into the case is underway. (Source: PTI)