October 24, 2026 1:55 am
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

BLOs trained for SIR

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NAHARLAGUN : Election officials on Saturday conducted a comprehensive hands-on training programme for booth level officers (BLOs) and election personnel of the 13-Itanagar (ST) Assembly Constituency in preparation for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls. The training programme was held at the mini secretariat here and attended by Papum Pare district election officer Lobsang Tsering, electoral registration officer (ERO) Dani Riknag, assistant electoral registration officers Khoda Bath, Tamo Dadda and Taba Milka, along with master trainer Dr Sandip Banerjee and election officer Nabam Tadap. Addressing the participants, Tsering highlighted the significance of the Special Intensive Revision exercise in strengthening the electoral process and ensuring that all eligible citizens are enrolled in the electoral rolls. He urged the BLOs to carry out their responsibilities diligently and assured them of full administrative support during field-level operations. During the technical session, Dr Banerjee familiarised the participants with the procedures, workflows and responsibilities associated with the revision exercise. He also explained various aspects of electoral roll management and field verification processes. The BLOs actively participated in the interactive session, raising queries related to field-level challenges and procedural issues, which were addressed by the resource persons. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the ERO. Enumeration forms and other necessary materials required for the revision exercise were also distributed among the BLOs, officials said.  

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INDIA bloc has already won 2029 Lok Sabha polls: Rahul

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NEW DELHI : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stressed the need for unity in the INDIA bloc and claimed that they did not lose the 2024 Lok Sabha election and have already won the 2029 polls. Sharing his speech delivered at a meeting of the INDIA opposition bloc on Monday, Gandhi said several colleagues had requested for a Hindi translation of his address, which he is doing now. “After listening to the speeches and remarks of over 20 leaders at the INDIA Coalition meeting on June 8th, I finally addressed them with this speech. “When India’s thinking, the nation’s soul, is in crisis… when institutions are captured… when the voice of the people is suppressed… only resistance combined with unity is effective,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said in a post on X. “I say it again — we did not lose the 2024 elections, and we have already won the 2029 elections. “We will remain united, organise the people, and with the power of resistance, defeat the BJP and its takeover of India’s institutions,” he said while sharing his speech in Hindi. In his speech, Gandhi told leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) that going by the anger among people, the next parliamentary polls are “already won”, but the main problem is that there will be no free-and-fair election to win. At the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, Gandhi also gave a clarion call to the opposition leaders to stay united, saying it is easy to beat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) “if we stand together and resist”. The Congress leader also dismissed the notion that there is no coordination among the opposition parties. “These are all ideas the BJP is putting out. This is not true. I am 100 per cent sure and I can vouch right now for the DMK. When it comes to defending the idea of India, every single person will be in this room,” he said. (Source: PTI)      

REGIONAL

Assam Cong chief Gaurav Gogoi calls for proper inquiry into death of 5 IAF personnel in air crash

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GUWAHATI : Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday called for a proper inquiry into the deaths of five Indian Air Force personnel in a transport aircraft crash in Jorhat. Gogoi also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls. “I urge the government and the Defence Ministry to conduct a proper inquiry into the mishap and identify the primary cause so that measures are taken to prevent such accidents in the future,” he said in a social media post. The deputy leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha said that it was “very unfortunate that these five bravehearts laid down their lives while on duty”. “The people of the nation will always remember their sacrifice with gratitude,” Gogoi said. Five Indian Air Force personnel, including two officers, were killed when their Russian-origin Antonov An-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat on Saturday. The co-pilot of the aircraft sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a military hospital in Jorhat, sources said. Six personnel were onboard the plane. The aircraft met with the accident during a routine sortie at approximately 10 am, according to the IAF. The deceased personnel are Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. A court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. It is learnt that the aircraft was set to fly to Chabua military base from Jorhat Air Force station but requested a landing shortly after taking off. Sources said the aircraft lost control upon touchdown and skidded off the runway. It hurtled across the parallel taxiway, snapping into two segments before being engulfed in flames, they added. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama calls for preservation of Mizo tradition

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AIZAWL : Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama on Saturday made a clarion call to preserve the rich tradition and culture of Mizos. Addressing a cultural day (Zo ni) organised by Young Mizo Association (YMA) at Sesawng near Aizawl, the Speaker said that Mizo culture, traditions and values form the foundation of the community’s identity and contribute to the state’s growing reputation among visitors from across India and abroad. “In a diverse country like India, safeguarding our unique cultural identity enhances the beauty and prestige of our state and the nation while earning respect from other communities,” he said. Lalbiakzama, who is also the legislator representing Chalfilh constituency, under which falls Sesawng, noted that Mizoram has witnessed an increase in tourist arrivals in recent years. He said that many visitors have highlighted the positive aspects of Mizo culture and traditions through videos and photographs shared on social media, helping to project a favourable image of the state. He attributed this recognition to the collective efforts of people of the state and urged citizens to continue upholding traditional Mizo values or moral ethics such as ‘Tlawmngaihna’, the spirit of selfless service, and respect for elders, which have been handed down through generations. Lalbiakzama also underscored the need to pass on traditional knowledge to younger generations, including Mizo folk songs, folk dances, folklore and traditional attire, to ensure the continued preservation of the community’s rich cultural legacy. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Assam Cabinet decides to stop Aadhaar issuance to those aged above 18: CM

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GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said the Cabinet has decided that Aadhaar cards would not be issued to those above the age of 18 to ensure illegal immigrants don’t acquire the document. “In exceptional cases, the district commissioner will have to send a proposal to the state government seeking permission for issuing the card,” he said at a press conference here after chairing a cabinet meeting. Remarking that Aadhaar card issuance has reached a saturation point in the state, Sarma said, “In some districts, it has crossed the 100 per cent mark, and we must ascertain who these people are who are taking the additional Aadhaar cards.” The step is being taken to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshis get Aadhaar cards, he said. (Source: PTI)

Editorial

Modi at 12: Growth amid anxieties

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing an uninterrupted term of 12 years is being celebrated as a major milestone. This is also a time to assess his record of governance, amply reflected in the changes ushered in by the three National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments he led. The Prime Minister deserves credit for some of these transformative changes. India’s economy has grown from being the 10th largest in the world to become the sixth largest; per capita income has doubled; high growth rates were consistently maintained, except during the Covid years. The country has seen large expansions in infrastructure – both physical and digital – and efficient operationalisation of public welfare systems that now touch the lives of about 80 crore people. Inflation has been moderate, and there is hope that the growth will be sustained. In all these metrics, the Modi government did well to build on the foundations laid by earlier administrations. A nation is not just its infrastructure or its economy. Its most important component is its people, their lives, their social and political groupings, and their involvement in the systems that govern them. These 12 years have seen a marked slide on these counts. The country is a lot more polarised than it was in 2014. The Prime Minister’s slogan “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” has lost much of its spirit and intent, and minorities have many reasons to feel marginalised. The democratic decline is evident, with opposition parties and leaders becoming targets of hostile investigations and actions by government agencies. Many institutions, including constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission of India (ECI), are increasingly losing their autonomy. Serious challenges weigh down the federal system of governance. Democratic freedoms and individual rights are under strain. Violence and lawlessness have greater currency, especially when directed against weaker sections. Inequality has grown, and even in an economy with momentum, unemployment remains high. Attempts are being made to compare Modi’s tenure with that of the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This is an irrelevant and unwieldy exercise because they belong to different periods, separated by over six decades. Their challenges were different; so were their responses. There is commonality in that both provided strong leadership and stable administration for an extended period. Nehru is part of history, and Modi is still shaping contemporary India. The latter is too close to the events of the day to be judged by history, which takes a long view of people and their deeds. (Source: DH)  

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Khandu seeks special policy support for Arunachal at NITI Aayog meet

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NEW DELHI : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday strongly advocated special policy interventions and enhanced institutional support for Arunachal Pradesh during a high-level interaction of North Eastern Chief Ministers convened by NITI Aayog. Addressing the meeting, Khandu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support to the North East and for implementing the Act East Policy in both letter and spirit. He said the Prime Minister’s vision has significantly improved connectivity, infrastructure and public confidence across the region, opening new avenues for growth and development. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s vast geographical expanse, difficult terrain and strategic importance, Khandu stressed the need for dedicated infrastructure support and greater policy attention to address the State’s unique developmental challenges. The Chief Minister informed the meeting that Arunachal Pradesh has set a target of generating 40,000 MW of hydropower by 2047 and sought coordinated support from NITI Aayog and concerned ministries to harness the State’s immense hydropower potential in a sustainable manner. He also emphasised the need for skill development and promotion of ancillary industries to maximise local employment and community participation in hydropower projects. Drawing attention to funding constraints faced by sparsely populated but geographically large states, Khandu urged NITI Aayog to review population-based allocation criteria. He noted that the existing formula often places Arunachal Pradesh at a disadvantage despite its vast area, difficult terrain and strategic significance, and called for alternative parameters that better reflect ground realities. On connectivity, the Chief Minister sought expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to cover villages with populations of 250 and above. While appreciating the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme, he pointed out that several remote habitations continue to lack road connectivity and require focused intervention. Khandu also highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh has benefited less from externally aided projects compared to some other North Eastern states and requested NITI Aayog to explore suitable mechanisms to bridge the gap and accelerate development. Seeking institutional support for policy innovation and governance reforms, he informed the meeting about the establishment of the Institute of Transforming Arunachal and sought NITI Aayog’s guidance in developing it into a premier policy and governance think tank for the State. The Chief Minister showcased several governance initiatives, including Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar and Cabinet Aapke Dwar, which have improved service delivery and strengthened citizen outreach by taking government services directly to remote areas. Advocating administrative reforms, Khandu proposed the creation of a separate All India Services cadre for Arunachal Pradesh, stating that frequent transfers under the existing arrangement often affect continuity in governance and policy implementation. He suggested a joint cadre arrangement with Mizoram, a proposal that received support from Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. Khandu also informed the meeting that Arunachal Pradesh has successfully implemented e-Vidhan and e-Office systems, with the e-Office platform now being expanded to district-level offices to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency. In a significant proposal for regional planning, the Chief Minister suggested empowering the North Eastern Council (NEC) to function as the “NITI Aayog of the North East,” enabling it to play a greater role in addressing region-specific challenges and coordinating development priorities among the North Eastern states. During the interaction, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery appreciated Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse human capital and suggested strengthening Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through partnerships with major hydropower companies. He also assured support in taking up the State’s concerns with relevant ministries. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded Arunachal Pradesh’s progressive hydropower policies and emphasised the importance of creating effective mechanisms for the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. The deliberations reflected the collective commitment of the North Eastern states towards accelerating development, improving connectivity and harnessing both natural and human resources for long-term prosperity. Reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to cooperative federalism, Khandu said the State would continue working closely with NITI Aayog, the NEC and the Government of India to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.      

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JAC seeks probe into alleged multi-crore fisheries scam, gives ultimatum

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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), demanding immediate and time-bound action in connection with two alleged multi-crore financial irregularity cases linked to the Fisheries Department and the Palin Treasury, while expressing concern over delays in investigation and prosecution. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Friday, JAC issue chairman Takam Chacha voiced dissatisfaction over what he described as the slow pace of action despite the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) and ongoing investigations. He called for a fair, transparent and time-bound probe into the cases. According to the JAC, one of the cases relates to alleged financial irregularities in the Fisheries Department during the period from 2012-13 to 2016-17. Citing FIR No. 01/2018 registered by the Special Investigation Cell (Vigilance), Itanagar, Chacha alleged that while the government had sanctioned Rs 16.37 crore, an additional Rs 35 crore was allegedly withdrawn, resulting in expenditure exceeding Rs 51.38 crore. The committee also referred to FIR No. 18/2024, registered following findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), concerning the alleged withdrawal of Rs 183.13 crore from the Palin Treasury during the 2023-24 financial year without budgetary provision, administrative approval or expenditure authorisation. The JAC further alleged that the fisheries-related case involved the creation of “ghost ponds” and non-existent fisheries projects through which public funds were allegedly diverted. It claimed that several fish ponds and allied infrastructure projects shown as completed in official records either do not exist on the ground or remain incomplete despite the release of government funds. According to the committee, preliminary findings and public complaints indicate large-scale misuse of funds under fisheries development schemes, depriving genuine beneficiaries of the intended benefits. Questioning the delay in custodial interrogation, prosecution, filing of charge sheets and recovery of allegedly misappropriated public funds, Chacha sought clarity on the progress made by the investigating agencies. He also raised concerns over whether all individuals named in the cases had been investigated impartially and whether assets linked to the alleged offences had been identified or frozen. The memorandum urged the state government and the Special Investigation Cell/Anti-Corruption Bureau (SIC/ACB) to expedite investigations and ensure accountability. The committee demanded immediate suspension of officials found prima facie involved, tracing and freezing of assets and bank accounts linked to the alleged offences subject to due legal process, investigation of the money trail, recovery of public funds, expeditious filing of charge sheets and publication of an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. The JAC has served a seven-day ultimatum to the government to address the issues raised in the memorandum and initiate appropriate action. Chacha warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could compel the organisation to launch peaceful and democratic public movements in accordance with the law. The committee reiterated that it would continue to pursue the matter through lawful and democratic means in the interest of transparency, accountability and protection of public funds. No official response was available from the Fisheries Department or the state government at the time of filing this report.    

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Tony Koyu conferred Lummer Dai Literary Award – 2026

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PASIGHAT :  The Lummer Dai Literary Award–2026 was celebrated with literary fervour at Indira Gandhi Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat, bringing together writers, scholars, students and literature enthusiasts to honour the legacy of renowned litterateur Lummer Dai and promote the rich literary heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The highlight of the programme was the conferment of the prestigious Lummer Dai Literary Award–2026 on Tony Koyu in recognition of his significant contributions to literature and society. Accepting the award, Koyu expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to the promotion of literature, culture and intellectual discourse. Former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, who attended the event as chief guest, underscored the transformative role of literature in preserving indigenous knowledge systems, strengthening cultural identity and fostering a progressive society. Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, the guest of honour, lauded the efforts of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) in nurturing literary talent and providing platforms for creative expression. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, APLS office-bearers and the awardee, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment through literature. The event also featured Assamese and Hindi poetry recitations, reflecting the cultural diversity and literary richness of the region. Speakers highlighted Lummer Dai’s invaluable contributions towards the growth of indigenous literature and his enduring influence on generations of writers across the state. On the occasion, literary personalities and contributors Dr N Lego, Arak Megu, Maliyang Perme, Mading Pertin and Ato Lego were felicitated for their contributions to the promotion of literature and preservation of cultural heritage. In their welcome and keynote addresses, APLS leaders emphasised the importance of documenting oral traditions, encouraging young writers and safeguarding the linguistic heritage of Arunachal Pradesh in an increasingly globalised world. The event served as a celebration of literature, culture and indigenous identity, reaffirming the enduring role of the written word in connecting the past, present and future of Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPR)      

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India witnessed unprecedented development in last 12 years: Rijiju

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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday highlighted the achievements of the Central Government over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the period as one of unprecedented infrastructure expansion and national development. Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters here, Rijiju said India has witnessed remarkable progress in road, railway and aviation infrastructure, resulting in improved connectivity and economic growth across the country. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000, Rijiju said the scheme has transformed rural connectivity nationwide. He informed that more than eight lakh kilometres of rural roads have been constructed under the programme, with nearly four lakh kilometres built during the tenure of the Modi Government. Highlighting developments in Arunachal Pradesh, Rijiju said the pace of road construction in the country has reached an average of 34 kilometres per day. He noted that strategic projects such as the Sela Tunnel, Nechiphu Tunnel and the proposed Frontier Highway are significantly improving connectivity while strengthening border infrastructure and security in the state. The Union Minister also underscored achievements in the railway sector, stating that nearly 99.6 per cent of India’s broad-gauge railway network has been electrified. He said the introduction of 164 Vande Bharat trains has modernised rail travel by offering faster, safer and more passenger-friendly services. On the aviation front, Rijiju said India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. He noted that the number of operational airports has increased from 74 before 2014 to around 164 today, substantially enhancing regional connectivity across the country. Speaking on the occasion, State BJP president Kaling Moyong highlighted the achievements of the State Government under the leadership of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. He said flagship initiatives such as Sarkar Aapke Dwar and Seva Aapke Dwar have benefited over 15 lakh people by delivering government services directly to citizens, particularly in remote areas. Moyong also highlighted the Cabinet Aapke Dwar initiative, under which State Cabinet meetings are held in far-flung districts to promote inclusive development and responsive governance. The BJP leaders reiterated that both the central and state governments remain committed to accelerating development, enhancing connectivity and ensuring inclusive growth across Arunachal Pradesh and the country.