September 11, 2026 11:47 pm
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

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Changlang Planning Authority reviews Draft Master Plan-2051

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CHANGLANG, SEP 3: The second review meeting of the Changlang Planning Authority (CPA) was held on August 27 last at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Changlang, under the chairmanship of Changlang Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman Changlang Planning Authority RD Thungon. The meeting reviewed the Draft Changlang Master Plan–2051 (DTMP-2051) and deliberated on the proposed land-use plan and long-term development framework for the town. The proposed Master Plan covers 97.22 sq km and projects a population of 17,269 by 2051. The CPA accepted the technical proposal for the Draft Master Plan, which envisages comprehensive development in housing, power and water supply, sewerage and sanitation, solid waste management, roads and transportation, education, healthcare, tourism, disaster management and recreational infrastructure. Key proposals include 1,720 affordable housing units for economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower-income categories (LIC), upgradation of power and water infrastructure, construction and improvement of roads, parking facilities, educational institutions and upgradation of the District Hospital to a 100-bed facility. The plan also proposes tourism infrastructure, riverfront development, eco-tourism parks and disaster management centres. The meeting further proposed development of a satellite town under Town Planning Schemes (TPS) over approximately 118 hectares to facilitate planned urban expansion and accommodate future growth. Changlang Deputy Commissioner RD Thungon directed the concerned officers to prepare the necessary supporting documents for the public hearing and consultative process, paving the way for further consideration and final approval of the Master Plan. The Draft Changlang Master Plan–2051 is aimed at promoting planned, sustainable and resilient urban development with improved infrastructure, connectivity and essential services while ensuring environmental sustainability and a better quality of life for residents.  

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Govt mulls social media code of conduct for officials

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NEW DELHI, SEP 3: The government is likely to issue a social media code of conduct for its officers and employees, amid the growing trend of staff posting reels, videos and personal opinions on platforms like X, Facebook and Instagram, official sources said. The issue was deliberated on at the highest levels of the government, which is now considering the code of conduct to prevent officials from posting videos or opinions on undesirable subjects across social media platforms. Once the code of conduct is formulated, it will be issued and applicable to all officers and employees, irrespective of their ranks, the sources said. However, it was not immediately known when the social media code would be issued and what the possible guidelines could be. The move comes amidst growing incidents of officers posting content on social media, glorifying their work and position, which is not expected from government servants. According to the sources, the need for a social media code of conduct was felt by the government as currently no such rules exist. Last month, the government had slashed the online content takedown time for sensitive matters to two hours from the earlier 24 hours given to social media platforms. The amendments were made on February 10 this year to the IT Rules 2021 to strengthen the regulatory framework to address harms arising from synthetically generated information (SGI), including deepfakes and AI-generated content. “Strengthening of timelines for compliance, including reduced timelines for removal of unlawful information upon actual knowledge upon valid reasoned intimation from the appropriate government or court orders (timeline reduced from 36 hours to 3 hours) and for grievance redressal (including special categories such as nudity/impersonation etc) (timeline reduced from 72 hours to 36 hours and 24 hours to 2 hours for sensitive matters, respectively),” an official statement issued on August 6 said. (Source: PTI)    

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31-member parliamentary panel set up to examine FCRA Amendment Bill

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NEW DELHI, SEP 3: A 31-member joint committee of the two Houses of Parliament was constituted on Thursday to examine the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal named as its chairperson. The panel, which was constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. It comprises 14 members of BJP and five of Congress. It also has two members each from JD(U), TMC and DMK, and one member each from SP, IUML, Shiv Sena, NCP (SP), NCP and TDP. On August 12, Parliament had sent the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a joint committee amid protests by opposition parties, which alleged that the proposed law targeted minorities and NGOs, and demanded its withdrawal. The government rejected the charge and challenged the opposition parties to identify even one provision that discriminated against minorities. While BJP’s Jaiswal is the chairperson, Bhartruhari Mahtab, Tejasvi Surya, Kamlesh Jangde, Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, Nishikant Dubey, Vishnu Dayal Ram, Ananta Nayak and Arvind Dharmapuri are the members from the ruling party in the Lok Sabha. Congress’ Lok Sabha members who are part of the panel are Anto Antony, Captain Viriato Fernandes, Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed and Kali Charan Munda. Zia Ur Rehman (SP), Kalyan Banerjee (TMC), A Raja (DMK), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP), Naresh Ganpat Mhaske (Shiv Sena), Kaushalendra Kumar (JD-U), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP) and E T Mohammed Basheer (IUML) are other members of the panel from the Rajya Sabha. From the Rajya Sabha, the BJP’s C Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, Alka Gurjar and Sat Paul Sharma are members of the panel. Praful Patel (NCP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U), Christopher Manickam (Congress), Menaka Guruswamy (TMC) and P Wilson (DMK) are the other members of the panel from the Rajya Sabha. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the Winter session of Parliament. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 and proposes tighter government oversight over non-governmental organisations and foreign funding in the country. It seeks to create a designated authority to manage and dispose of assets if an organisation loses its FCRA licence. Opposition parties have alleged that certain provisions of the Bill could affect legitimate foreign funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run social welfare and educational institutions. The government has maintained that the proposed legislation is not religion-specific and is aimed at regulating foreign contributions. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had earlier urged the Centre to refer the Bill to a joint committee for detailed examination, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had also raised concerns over its provisions with the Centre. (Source: PTI)

REGIONAL

306 killed & 49 missing in ethnic violence since May 2023, Manipur home minister tells assembly

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IMPHAL, SEP 3: At least 306 people have been killed, and 49 are still missing in the ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam told the assembly on Thursday. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities started on May 3, 2023, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribes status. Responding to a query by BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh on the second day of the ongoing assembly session, Konthoujam said, “Since the violence started on May 3, 2023, 306 people have died, and 49 people are still missing as of August 31, 2026.” Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts. In view of the violence, President’s rule was imposed in the state on February 13 last year after the BJP-led government headed by Biren Singh resigned on February 9, following months of ethnic violence. The 60-member assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, had been put on suspended animation after the President’s rule was imposed. It was revoked on February 4 this year, hours before the formation of a new state government with BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh as the chief minister. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Cong terminates ties with Raijor Dal in Assam, cites breach of ‘alliance ethics’

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GUWAHATI, SEP 3: The opposition Congress on Thursday announced the termination of all ties with Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal in Assam, citing “breach of alliance ethics”. The decision, taken on the direction of state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, came into immediate effect, the party said in a statement. A circular to this effect, signed by APCC General Secretary (Organisation) Ramanna Baruah, was issued on Wednesday, it said. The Congress said it had forged an electoral alliance with pan-India Left parties and several regional outfits, including Raijor Dal, ahead of the previous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with the objective of presenting a united opposition against “communal forces”. “However, for a majority of this period, the leadership of Raijor Dal continuously engaged in malicious propaganda and character assassination against the Congress party, violating the norms and decorum of the coalition,” it alleged. No immediate reaction was available from the Raijor Dal leadership. The Congress and Raijor Dal were part of a six-party opposition alliance during the last assembly elections and won 19 and two seats, respectively, in the 126-member House. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Nagaland Assembly: MLA flags oil survey, DyCM says border situation under control

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KOHIMA, SEP 3: Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon on Thursday raised concerns in the Assembly over alleged oil survey and drilling activities in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Nagaland-Assam border. Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said the situation along the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) is now under control. Raising the issue under Rule 54, Kikon said he had received a representation from Yanmhon Area Public Organisation dated August 31 objecting to alleged oil drilling works by ONGC near Lio Woka Oil, close to Hayiyan village under Bhandari subdivision in Wokha district. Kikon said the site falls within his constituency and urged the government to ascertain whether the activity had obtained approval from the Nagaland government. If not, he sought verification of the site by the competent authority and keeping the ongoing work in abeyance until the matter was resolved under the tripartite MoU between Nagaland, Assam and the Centre on survey, exploitation and extraction of crude oil and other minerals in the disputed belt. He said the site was about half a kilometre from Lio Woka village and alleged that ONGC and other oil companies had started surveys and were looking for drilling points in the disputed area. Kikon expressed concern that continued activity could result in oil deposits claimed to fall within Nagaland’s jurisdiction being extracted from the area. He also raised the August 25 incident at Mekirang/Negheribil, where villagers from Longayim travelling with rubber saplings supplied by the Rubber Board of India were allegedly stopped at a barricade erected by the Assam Forest Department. Kikon said the incident highlighted the difficulties faced by villagers in accessing the area and alleged that movement and right of way along the border were being hindered. He also questioned the deployment of security and forest personnel in the DAB and sought to know whether Nagaland’s Forest Department was taking steps to deploy its personnel in the area. Responding to the border incidents, Patton informed the House that a vehicle carrying rubber saplings to Longayim was stopped at the Assam Forest Department barricade on August 25. A scuffle broke out after people from the Assam side gathered at the spot, he said. Border Magistrates from Nagaland and Assam subsequently reached the area and allowed the vehicle to pass after verifying that the saplings were intended for plantation at Longayim village and not at the evicted site, the DyCM said. Patton said another confrontation occurred on August 26 when people residing near the evicted site gathered at the barricade. He said two Naga village leaders were allegedly attacked after being accused of responsibility for the previous day’s confrontation, while an office bearer of the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation was also allegedly assaulted. The alleged victims were advised to file an FIR, and the case was subsequently registered at Bhandari Police Station on August 27, Patton said. The DyCM said the Wokha and Golaghat deputy commissioners later held a joint meeting, during which Nagaland conveyed that the movement of Naga villagers and the general public should not be obstructed as the road serves as a lifeline for border villages. The two administrations agreed to activate the Border Level Peace Committee to improve coordination, maintain peace and prevent further incidents, he said. “The situation is now under control,” Patton told the House. Giving the background to the dispute, Patton said a joint eviction drive was conducted at Negheribil/Mekirang on August 8, 2025, during which 205 households were served eviction notices and 146 were evicted. Eviction of the remaining 59 households was kept on hold following a court order. He said the Golaghat district administration and Assam Forest Department subsequently issued fresh eviction notices to the 59 households, but the Gauhati High Court, through an order dated August 18, 2026, granted a further 60-day extension. Patton said the Nagaland government was closely monitoring developments in the disputed belt and coordinating with Assam authorities to prevent further confrontations. He said mechanisms were also in place to ensure that any future eviction or plantation activity in the disputed area would not be undertaken unilaterally but through coordination between officials of Nagaland and Assam. (Source: PTI)        

REGIONAL

Will make every effort to strengthen police: Manipur CM Khemchand

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IMPHAL, SEP 3: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday said he was making efforts to strengthen the police force, while asserting that effective law and order was difficult to maintain in areas where police lacked authority and capacity. Speaking on the law and order situation in the state assembly, Singh said the attendance of two Kuki legislators in the ongoing session was a positive development and the result of peace initiatives by various stakeholders. “The attendance of two Kuki legislators in the assembly session is a good beginning and is the initiative of the House. They can come due to the peace initiatives taken by all,” he said. The chief minister said the ability of the police to maintain law and order was crucial for the functioning of the administration. “It is truly pointed out that a land where morality, strength and administration of police is absent is one where maintenance of law and order is difficult,” Singh said. He said the ongoing crisis had affected the movement of security personnel across areas dominated by different communities. “The effect of the crisis is such that Meitei and Naga police cannot enter Kangpokpi areas. Unfortunately, areas inhabited by communities have become sectarian. This was the scenario when I first became the CM,” he said. Singh recalled that there had been a time when protests were held against the deployment of police commandos in certain areas. “At one time, strikes were held against the entry of Manipur Police commandos, citing their capabilities. Though it will take time to recover, I am trying and will continue to make every effort at the highest level to strengthen the police,” he said. On the state’s finances, Singh said the prolonged crisis had affected revenue generation despite efforts by the government. “As the state is in a period of crisis, the revenue sector, despite our efforts, has not increased much,” he said. He said the state had collected Rs 20 crore in liquor revenue since March this year and was working to increase it further. “We are working on improving revenues. As to the increase in borrowing, it is within the permissible amount under the Ministry of Finance,” Singh said. (Source: PTI)            

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Arunachal administrative reforms panel submits first report to state govt

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ITANAGAR, SEP 2: The Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission on Wednesday submitted its first report to the state government, marking a significant step towards making governance more efficient, responsive and people-centric. Sharing the information in a social media post, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said administrative reform was essentially about making the government work better for ordinary people. “The presentation of the First Report of the Administrative Reforms Commission, led by chairman Pramod Jain, marks an important step in that direction,” he said in a post on X. The chief minister said the reforms proposed by the commission could help build a more efficient, responsive and people-centric administration in the state. “Administrative reform is about making government work better for ordinary people,” he said, underlining the exercise’s focus on improving the government’s functioning and its delivery of services to citizens. Khandu said the report marked an important stage in the state’s efforts to strengthen its administrative machinery and make governance more responsive to the needs of people. “These reforms can help build a more efficient, responsive and people-centric administration for Arunachal Pradesh,” the chief minister added. The commission, headed by former IAS officer Pramod Kumar Jain, was constituted by the state government in November 2024 to examine the existing scope and functioning of the government and suggest measures in view of changing socio-economic circumstances and the state’s contribution to the India Vision 2047. The panel’s mandate covers a wide range of areas, including reviewing the organisational structure of the state government, streamlining departments, manpower planning and process re-engineering, strengthening district administration, improving public service delivery, promoting participatory governance and expanding e-governance, officials said. It has also been tasked with examining whether the existing administrative system is suited to the state’s developmental requirements and its unique socio-economic conditions, they added. The government appointed Jain as chairperson of the panel in July 2025. The commission also comprises retired civil servant Hento Karga as member, while the secretary of the administrative reforms and training department has been appointed its member secretary. Since its constitution, the commission has held consultations with government departments, district administrations and other stakeholders to identify administrative bottlenecks and seek suggestions for improving governance and service delivery. (Source: PTI)    

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Cong holds protest, seeks withdrawal of FIR against Rahul Gandhi

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ITANAGAR, SEP 2: The Congress in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday held a protest march here, seeking withdrawal of the FIR registered against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on an alleged caste-based ‘purification’ ritual at a venue in Uttarakhand. The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organised a protest march from Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here, with party leaders, office-bearers, elected representatives, workers and supporters taking part. The protesters alleged that the FIR was an attempt to silence the opposition and accused the BJP-RSS of promoting casteism, untouchability and discrimination. Addressing the media during the march, APCC vice president Mina Toko, general secretary Kipa Kaha, secretary and spokesperson Johny Yangfo, and general secretary Kon Jirjo Jotham criticised the registration of the FIR against Gandhi. The Congress said the issue arose after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the ‘Vijay Shankhnaad Rally’ at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani, Nainital, on August 8 as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Two days later, members of Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas Sangathan conducted a ‘Shuddhikaran Havan’ at the same venue, including on the stage used by Kharge, it said. Kharge raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha on August 13, saying the ritual had humiliated him and seeking legal action. Union Minister J P Nadda had said the BJP did not support such activities and assured that the matter would be investigated, according to the APCC. On August 29, Gandhi sought an FIR against those responsible and demanded action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, describing the incident as an example of untouchability and discrimination. An FIR was registered against him the following day over his remarks. The Congress alleged that the ‘purification’ was linked to Kharge being a Dalit leader. The BJP and the organisers, however, have denied any caste motive or BJP connection to the ritual. The APCC demanded withdrawal of the FIR against Gandhi and sought an impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged purification ritual. It also called for an end to caste discrimination, untouchability and social exclusion, asserting that the Constitution guarantees equality, dignity and protection against discrimination. The party said the law should apply equally to everyone and alleged that the FIR should not be used to intimidate or silence the opposition. “This is not merely a Congress-versus-BJP issue. This is a question of whether the Constitution will prevail over political power,” the Congress said. The party asserted that it would continue its campaign against casteism, untouchability, discrimination and political vendetta, and expressed solidarity with Gandhi and Kharge. (Source: PTI)  

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Changlang schools take steps towards climate-resilient education

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JAIRAMPUR, SEP 2: A district-level workshop, EduResilience 2026, was organised at Jairampur to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate education and resilience among schools across Changlang district. Around 80 school headmasters, teachers, Block Resource Centre Coordinators (BRCCs) and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCs) from across the district participated in the workshop, along with representatives of the district administration, Department of School Education, academia, development organisations and civil society. The initiative was organised as part of a collaborative effort led by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, under its Communicating Action and Resilience for Environmental Health (CARE) Project, in partnership with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Changlang, and the Department of School Education, Changlang. The workshop focused on integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate education and school safety into school planning and pedagogy. Participants were introduced to key DRR concepts, including hazards, exposure, vulnerability, capacity, preparedness and resilience. A major component was the preparation of School Disaster and Climate Action Plans. Participating schools identified local hazards and climate-related risks, assessed vulnerabilities and available capacities, and developed practical measures covering preparedness, risk reduction, response and environmental sustainability. Changlang District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Lobsang conducted a hands-on session on disaster management planning for schools and emphasised the importance of strengthening disaster and climate resilience in educational institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of children and the wider community. The workshop also provided a platform for community validation of field findings from a PhD research study conducted by Sonjit Chakma, researcher at IISER Pune. Participants discussed the findings in relation to their local experiences and contributed community perspectives to the research. IISER Pune Associate Professor and CARE Project Principal Investigator Dr Shalini Sharma highlighted the importance of climate-responsive thinking and experiential learning in schools. She said disaster and climate education was “not just a subject, but a necessity” for ensuring a livable future and equipping children to take informed action. A practical demonstration on “Playful Paths for Planetary Care”, led by Ashok Rupner of the Science Activity Centre, IISER Pune, showcased activity-based learning approaches that can be adapted to government school settings. District Community Health Centre Changlang General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) Dr Dani Muna provided an overview of the public health implications of disasters and climate change. Representatives from NGOs, including Pratham and IFET, also shared perspectives on integrating climate education and resilience practices into school governance and pedagogy. Deputy Director of School Education Changlang Rajiv Lomdak described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening climate-resilient education and disaster preparedness in schools. He emphasised the need to ensure continuity of learning during climate-related disruptions and highlighted the importance of combining local and scientific knowledge while preparing disaster and climate action plans. During the concluding session, participating schools presented their draft plans and received feedback from facilitators and fellow participants. The presentations highlighted the importance of school leadership, student participation, coordination with local authorities and continued engagement with parents and communities. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony recognising the participation and contributions of the attendees. Organisers emphasised that the plans should serve as living documents and be reviewed and updated regularly through consultations, safety assessments, awareness activities and preparedness exercises. The initiative marked a step towards integrating disaster education and climate action into school planning across Changlang district and highlighted the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, disaster management authorities, researchers, schools, communities and civil society in building safer and more resilient learning environments. The organisers said EduResilience 2026 would serve as a foundation for a long-term framework to strengthen climate and disaster literacy and resilience among children in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those living in climate-sensitive and high-risk regions.