June 1, 2026 1:45 pm
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

REGIONAL

Manipur govt committed to strengthening police force to maintain peace: CM

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IMPHAL : Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Monday said his government is committed to strengthening the police force to maintain peace in the state that has witnessed ethic violence for about three years, and urged people to refrain from violent agitations. Speaking at an event on the occasion of flagging off 477 new vehicles for the state police, he asserted that it would be difficult to bring peace to Manipur without a strong police force. Singh said, “Manipur Police personnel took a big responsibility in controlling and preventing the violence in the state and even sacrificed their lives. Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and all other security agencies also took equal responsibility in maintaining the law and order situation following the unfortunate violence in the state.” More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The government is committed to providing “maximum support to strengthen the police force”, the CM said. “During an agitation following the killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, there had been instances when certain youths had targeted security forces, instead of pursuing peaceful rallies and engaging in talks. I appeal to all not to engage in violent activities,” the chief minister said. Later in a post on X, Singh said, “Flagged off 477 police vehicles at the 1st MR Parade Ground today in the presence of Home Minister K Govindas Singh, MLAs, Commissioner (Home) DGP, and senior police officials.” The vehicles procured for the Manipur Police are part of a scheme for the modernisation of police, he said. “Today is a historic moment for the state….This significant augmentation of police mobility and operational capacity will strengthen law enforcement and enhance public service delivery across the state,” he said. “The Government of Manipur remains firmly committed to equipping the police force with modern resources and infrastructure to ensure effective policing, public safety, and the maintenance of law and order,” he added. (Source: PTI)          

Editorial

Xi-Putin meet: A new axis in the making?

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There is a certain theatre to summitry, and Beijing staged it masterfully. First, Donald Trump arrived, then Vladimir Putin – each travelling thousands of miles to sit across from Xi Jinping in Beijing, now at the centre of geopolitics. The optics were unmistakable: China is now the world’s indispensable interlocutor, and Xi its undisputed convener-in-chief. The agenda of the Xi-Putin summit, held on Wednesday, was broad in scope and strategic in intent. The two leaders signed documents spanning trade, technology, scientific research and intellectual property, while extending their foundational treaty of “good neighbourliness and friendly cooperation” – first inked a quarter of a century ago. They spoke warmly of cooperation in artificial intelligence and even the conservation of rare tigers and pandas. But beneath the ceremonial warmth lay substance that matters greatly for the rest of the world. “The global agenda of peace and development is facing new risks and challenges, with the danger of fragmentation of the international community,” the Xi-Putin joint declaration stated in clear terms. The centrepiece of their joint statement was a pointed condemnation of United States. Both leaders warned of a world drifting back towards the “law of the jungle” — a deliberate rebuke of American foreign policy, directed squarely at the Trump administration’s unilateralism, its pursuit of a “golden dome” missile defence system, and its decision to allow a nuclear arms treaty to lapse in February. Whatever the diplomatic niceties, this amounted to a declaration of an alternative world order — one centred on Beijing. Yet the summit also revealed limits. Russia and China failed to finalise a long-anticipated gas pipeline agreement that would have doubled Moscow’s fossil fuel exports eastward. Pricing disagreements reportedly blocked a deal – a reminder that even the warmest partnerships have hard commercial edges. Currently, China sits at the forefront of global geopolitics. It can pick and choose partners and dictate the terms of engagement. Putin needs China far more than China needs Russia, and Beijing knows how to use that leverage quietly. However, it is unmistakable that the two powers are drawing closer, and the synergy is evident. First, the Russia-China axis has deepened beyond rhetoric: from military exercises to — according to European intelligence agencies — covert training of Russian soldiers, Beijing’s “official neutrality” on Ukraine is increasingly difficult to sustain as credible. Second, Xi’s carefully choreographed reception of both Trump and Putin in the same week underlines China’s rare position as a power that neither the United States nor Russia can afford to alienate. Third, and perhaps most consequentially, the joint warning against American “unilateral bullying” signals that Beijing and Moscow intend to shape the architecture of whatever post-American international order may be emerging together. Whether the world should find that prospect stabilising or alarming is, perhaps, the defining geopolitical question of our era. (Source: The Pioneer)  

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Tribal groups seek removal of converted Muslims, Christians from ST list at Delhi conclave

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  NEW DELHI : Lakhs of members from various tribal communities from across the nation gathered at Delhi’s Red Fort grounds on Sunday and called for the de-listing of converted tribals from the Scheduled Tribe category. The ‘Janajati Sanskritik Samagam’, organised by the RSS affiliate Janajati Suraksha Manch and allied groups, was held in the backdrop of the 150th birth anniversary year of tribal icon Birsa Munda at Red Fort grounds. “This cultural programme is aimed at giving a major push to our long-pending demand for de-listing converted tribals from the Scheduled Tribe category. This issue goes back to the time of tribal leader Kartik Oraon ji, who raised it before the then prime minister Indira Gandhi in the late 1960s,” Maalaya Jigdung of the Janjati Suraksha Manch, Assam prant, said. Jigdung asserted that the mobilisation will help build wider national support for a constitutional amendment under Article 342. Organisers claimed that nearly 1.5 lakh people from over 500 tribal communities across the country participated in the event. “This has been one of our oldest demands and the core objective behind the formation of the Janjati Suraksha Manch. Through this programme, we have showcased tribal cultural identity while also strengthening our movement for de-listing,” Jigdung told PTI. The event began with cultural processions from five locations in the national capital — Rajghat Chowk, Ramlila Maidan, Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Qudsia Bagh near Kashmiri Gate and Shyamgiri Temple near Shastri Park Bus Depot. The rallies, covering around 2.5 to 3.5 kilometres, converged at the Red Fort grounds. Participants dressed in traditional attire carried tribal flags, beat drums and performed folk dances as they marched through Delhi’s streets. Groups from Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar and several other states took part in the event, which organisers described as the “largest tribal cultural mobilisation of its kind”. Kartik Oraon, a prominent tribal leader from Bihar and former Congress MP, had submitted memoranda signed by hundreds of MPs in 1967 and 1970 seeking the removal of Scheduled Tribe benefits for tribals who had converted to Christianity or Islam. Balaram Phangcho, organising secretary of the North East Janajati Dharm Sanskriti Suraksha Manch from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, said around 2,000 to 2,500 people had travelled from his district alone. “This kind of programme is being organised for the first time. We have to protect the very existence of tribal communities. Those who have converted, especially to Islam or Christianity, should be removed from the Scheduled Tribe category. De-listing should be done through an amendment under Article 342,” he said. Phangcho mentioned that people had travelled from remote villages because they believed the issue is linked to the survival of tribal identity and traditions. Stressing the link between identity and culture, he said, “My identity is my culture — if my culture does not survive, neither will I.” Shanti Bikas Chakma from Tripura said the gathering will help protect tribal religion, culture and traditions. “This is the first time we are seeing such a programme organised at this scale. People from so many tribal communities have come together with one message,” Chakma said. Chakma also thanked the Delhi government and volunteers for arrangements related to accommodation, food and transport for participants arriving in special trains and buses from different states. Janajati Suraksha Manch was formed in 2006 to campaign for the removal of ST benefits for tribals who had converted to other religions. (Source: PTI)

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DC inspects ILP facilitation centre

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  BHALUKPONG : West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar inspected the Inner Line Permit (ILP) Facilitation Centre and the police check gate at Bhalukpong on Sunday, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Arvind Pangging and the officer-in-charge of Bhalukpong Police Station. During the inspection, the deputy commissioner reviewed issues related to acute parking congestion near the check gate and the poor condition of the ILP Facilitation Centre. Dr Kumar directed the local administration and police authorities to ensure proper traffic regulation and effective parking management for the smooth movement of vehicles and visitors in the area. Emphasising strict vigilance, he instructed officials concerned to strengthen scrutiny and verification of ILPs to prevent illegal entry into Arunachal Pradesh through fake or fraudulent permits. The deputy commissioner also stressed the need for close coordination between the Tourist Facilitation Unit and the ILP Facilitation Centre to improve public service delivery and ensure efficient management of visitors entering the state. Assuring all possible support from the district administration for strengthening the facilitation centre, Dr Kumar urged officials and staff to remain sincere, courteous and proactive while assisting visitors seeking ILPs. He also directed them to strictly adhere to government guidelines relating to issuance and verification of permits. (DIPR)

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NCC CATC-19 concludes at Tawang

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  TAWANG : The 2 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Tawang, conducted the Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC)-19 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tawang, from May 14 to 23. A total of 164 NCC cadets from Tawang and West Kameng districts participated in the ten-day camp aimed at promoting discipline, leadership, teamwork and overall personality development among youths. The camp featured a series of informative and motivational sessions on biodiversity conservation, gender sensitivity, benefits of joining the NCC and career opportunities in the Indian Army. As part of the programme, the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme training was also conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with participation from 95 senior division and senior wing cadets. During the training, cadets were imparted practical knowledge on disaster response and basic life support techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, splinting, search and rescue operations, rappelling and first aid procedures. A weapon display was also organised during the camp to provide cadets firsthand exposure to various weapons and military equipment. Several competitions and activities, including drill contests, drawing competitions, group discussions and cultural programmes, were conducted to encourage confidence, creativity and team spirit among the participants. The camp concluded successfully with active participation from cadets and staff, reflecting the NCC’s continued commitment towards youth development and nation-building initiatives. (DIPR)

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Gao hits out at Cong over petrol, diesel price ‘hypocrisy’

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ITANAGAR : Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, on Sunday accused the Congress party of “misleading the public” over rising fuel prices and alleged that higher taxes imposed by Congress-ruled states were responsible for the sharp variation in petrol and diesel rates across the country. Sharing comparative fuel price charts on social media, Gao claimed that several Congress-ruled states were charging significantly higher prices for petrol and diesel due to higher Value Added Tax (VAT) and additional state levies. The BJP MP stated that Congress-ruled states like Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka currently have higher fuel prices than many BJP-ruled states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. “Congress is busy misleading people on fuel prices while hiding the truth from the public. In many Congress-ruled states, petrol and diesel are costlier because of higher VAT and additional state taxes compared to several BJP-ruled states,” Gao stated. He further alleged that instead of indulging in “political drama and hypocrisy,” Congress leaders should explain why consumers in their own states were paying more for fuel. “People deserve facts, not misinformation. Congress is busy creating political drama while ignoring the high taxes imposed by its own state governments,” Gao said. The BJP MP’s remarks came amid an ongoing political exchange between the BJP-led Centre and opposition parties following recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices across the country. Congress leaders have accused the union Government of burdening common citizens with repeated fuel price increases, while the Centre has maintained that state-level taxes are a major factor behind the final retail prices. According to recent reports, the Centre has argued that although central excise duty remains uniform nationwide, fuel prices differ from state to state because of varying VAT rates and local cesses imposed by state governments. The debate over fuel pricing has intensified in recent weeks after multiple revisions in petrol and diesel prices amid global crude oil volatility linked to the West Asia crisis. Gao also highlighted India’s fuel price management during the recent global energy crisis, claiming that India witnessed a comparatively lower increase in petrol prices than several other countries despite international market disruptions. (Source: UNI)    

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Retired chief architect Techi Gubin selected for Padma Shri Award

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ITANAGAR : Retired chief architect and social worker Techi Gubin from Arunachal Pradesh will be honoured with the Padma Shri Award 2026 in recognition of his contributions to public service, indigenous cultural preservation and social welfare activities. Born on November 1, 1964, Gubin completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chandigarh College of Architecture in 1988. He began his professional career as an assistant teacher before joining the Arunachal Pradesh Public Works Department (APPWD) in 1990. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he served in various capacities in the state government and eventually retired as the chief architect of APPWD. He also held additional charge as director of housing and served as a development officer with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) on deputation from 2000 to 2005. Apart from his government service, Gubin has remained actively associated with several socio-cultural organisations in the Northeast. He served the Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) in various capacities, including assistant general secretary, general secretary, vice president and president till February 8, 2026. He is currently serving as vice president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a voluntary organisation engaged in the integrated development of tribal communities across the country. Gubin also played an active role in the Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society, focusing on the preservation of the Donyi-Polo faith and promotion of indigenous traditions in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2010 and 2021, he organised and led the Seemant Darshan Yatra to remote border villages along China, Myanmar and Bhutan. Following the visits, delegations led by him met the Vice President of India and the Union Defence Minister in New Delhi to highlight security concerns in the border areas, which reportedly resulted in the deployment of additional manpower at border posts. As state-level chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra donation drive, Gubin coordinated campaigns that helped Arunachal Pradesh emerge as the highest donor state among the seven northeastern states. His contributions have earned him several recognitions, including the O.N.E India Award by My Home India in 2022 and the India Leader Award by the Yadam Institute of Research in 2023. Gubin has also been associated with regional cinema and featured in the film Oyaa, which was adjudged the Best Regional Film in 2009. He continues to work towards the preservation of indigenous cultural identity and heritage in the state.      

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Guv praises Sainik Schools for shaping national leadership

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REWA : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) attended the Sainwinians’ Annual Meet organised at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Sunday. The event was attended by several distinguished alumni of Sainik School Rewa, including Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, Lt Gen Dushyant Chauhan (Retd) and Air Marshal P K Roy (Retd), among others. Addressing the gathering, Parnaik, an alumnus from the first batch of Sainik School Rewa, said that Sainik Schools have played a transformative role in nation-building by nurturing disciplined, patriotic and service-oriented youth. He said the institutions have consistently promoted character, leadership, academic excellence and national spirit, helping shape responsible citizens dedicated to serving the nation. Highlighting the contribution of Sainik Schools, the governor noted that the institutions have produced distinguished officers, administrators, professionals and public servants who have significantly contributed to India’s growth and security. Referring to military operations such as Operation Sindoor, Parnaik said the courage and professionalism displayed by the Armed Forces reflected the values of dedication, preparedness and patriotism inculcated through institutions like Sainik Schools. He further stated that as India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, Sainik Schools would continue to play a vital role in fostering disciplined leadership, national unity and a capable generation committed to safeguarding the nation’s future. Established in 1962, Sainik School Rewa is regarded as one of the country’s premier institutions and has produced distinguished alumni in the Armed Forces, civil services, sports and other fields of public life. The programme was organised by the Delhi-NCR chapter of the alumni association of Sainik School Rewa.      

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Assam police accused of torturing Arunachal anti-drugs leader Gumin Mize

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Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  Serious allegations of custodial torture against Arunachal Anti Drugs Warrior president Gumin Mize by Assam Police have sparked outrage across Arunachal Pradesh, with several youth organisations, civil society groups and anti-drug activists demanding an impartial investigation into the matter. According to members of the organisation, Mize was detained following an incident near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary and was allegedly subjected to physical torture while in custody in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. Supporters claimed that photographs showing visible bruises and injuries on his body emerged after the incident. The allegations have triggered widespread concern across the state, prompting demands for judicial intervention and accountability from the authorities concerned. Human rights activists and community leaders have also appealed to state and national human rights bodies to monitor the case and ensure that due legal procedures are followed. Supporters described Mize as a dedicated anti-drug campaigner who has actively worked to raise awareness against substance abuse and assist youths undergoing rehabilitation in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Members of the Anti Drugs Warrior organisation further alleged that Assam Police treated Mize “like a terrorist and drug mafia” despite his anti-drug activities along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary areas. They also alleged possible nexus between certain drug networks and those targeting Mize, though no official confirmation regarding the claims has emerged so far. The controversy intensified after supporters pointed out that the complainant in the case was Popi Kakoti, wife of Rupam Kakoti, a resident of Chessa under Bihpuria Police Station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, who was reportedly arrested earlier by Arunachal Pradesh Police from Banderdewa check gate in connection with alleged drug peddling. Meanwhile, East Siang Zila Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko has written to Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung seeking his intervention in the matter while acknowledging Mize’s contribution towards the fight against drug abuse. Several supporters and well-wishers have also appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene and ensure a fair inquiry into the allegations against the police personnel involved. No official statement has yet been issued by Assam Police regarding the custodial torture allegations. However, the incident continues to draw significant public attention and debate across the region.      

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APLS East Siang organises ‘Shaam-e-Mehfil’ at Duman

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PASIGHAT : The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) East Siang district unit organised an open mic literary and cultural event titled ‘Shaam-e-Mehfil’ at Duman along the banks of the Siang River here on Sunday. Despite inclement weather, literary enthusiasts and performers turned up in large numbers, braving the rain to participate in the programme. The evening featured an engaging blend of poetry recitations, shayari, songs, Sufi renditions and ghazals, which received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. The programme was compered by Zeblun Messar, who entertained attendees with witty quotes and humorous shayaris throughout the event. Shayaris were presented by APLS members Manjulata and Martin Mibang, while musical performances were delivered by Kamin Tamuk, Enbom Ering and Kenzing Dai. Several participants, including Noosi Moomne Perme, Moge Lendo, Kadominam Kopak, Angelina Aseng Dai and Beauty Kena, also recited poems in English, Hindi and Adi. Senior literary enthusiasts Kaling Borang and Obat Boko were among those present during the programme. Concluding the event, organiser Otul Jerang recited a humorous Hindi poem and expressed gratitude to all participants and attendees on behalf of the APLS East Siang district unit. In his vote of thanks, Jerang acknowledged the support and encouragement extended by Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society president Ponung Ering Angu and the general secretary of the society. He also thanked the proprietors of Duman for providing logistical support for the successful conduct of the event. All performers were felicitated by Ponung Ering Angu in recognition of their participation and contribution to the programme.