June 1, 2026 4:32 am
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Tasing reviews preparations for APSTS golden jubilee celebration

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KHONSA : A review meeting on preparations for the Golden Jubilee celebration of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) was held in Khonsa on Monday under the chairmanship of Transport, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing. Reviewing the progress of preparations, Tasing briefed the gathering on the programmes and activities planned for the three-day celebration scheduled from May 29 to 31. Discussions focused on coordination among stakeholders, security arrangements and logistical support to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Describing the occasion as a significant milestone, the Minister said the Golden Jubilee celebration was not only an important event for the Transport Department but also a matter of pride for Tirap district. He called upon officers, officials and citizens to work collectively to make the celebration memorable and befitting of the legacy of APSTS. Tasing informed that several attractions have been planned for the event, including deployment of a restaurant bus equipped with an inbuilt kitchen and an awareness bus to promote road safety. The celebrations will feature a marathon race on May 29, a health camp on May 30 and food stalls to be managed by Self Help Groups (SHGs). The programme will also witness the flagging off of 20 modern buses. Cultural performances highlighting the traditions and heritage of the Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) region through folk music and dance will be among the major attractions. During the meeting, State Transport Services General Manager Mito Dirchi briefed members on arrangements related to security, accommodation and logistical support for invited guests and participants. The organisers also presented the detailed programme schedule and sought cooperation from the district administration and line departments for the successful conduct of the Golden Jubilee celebration. The meeting was attended by Environment and Forest and Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Affairs Minister Wangki Lowang, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Transport Minister Chakat Aboh, Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya, Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson John KK Matey, administrative officers and Heads of Departments. (DIPR)    

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Adventure and leadership training prog begins at Wanghoo

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BOMDILA : A five-day “PEAK POTENTIAL – Adventure & Leadership Training Program” was inaugurated at Wanghoo village near Bomdila on Monday with the objective of fostering leadership qualities, discipline, self-confidence and an adventurous spirit among students. The initiative, organised by mountaineer Dr Anshu Jamsenpa, focuses on transformational life training aimed at helping young participants discover their potential and develop the courage and determination to face future challenges confidently. Attending the inaugural programme, MLA Tseten Chombay lauded the efforts of Dr Jamsenpa and her team for launching a meaningful initiative for the younger generation. He said such programmes play an important role in empowering youth, promoting resilience and motivating them towards growth and excellence. The MLA also conveyed his best wishes for the success of the programme and encouraged participants to make full use of the learning opportunities provided during the training. Among those present at the inaugural function were Brigadier (Retd) Surendra Prasad, Sashastra Seema Bal Deputy Inspector General Kamal Kanth, Bomdila Superintendent of Police Dorjee Wangdi Thongon, Bomdila Additional Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo, Lieutenant Colonel Rudra Thapa and Government College Bomdila Principal Dr Tashi Phuntso. (DIPR)        

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Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy witnesses thrilling Day 3 encounters

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AALO : The League Stage of the 9th State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2026 produced a series of exciting football and volleyball contests across multiple venues on Day 3 on Monday. In girls’ football, Shi Yomi registered the most emphatic result of the day with a crushing 10-0 victory over Pakke Kessang. Siang defeated Keyi Panyor 4-1, while Lower Siang and East Kameng secured identical 3-0 wins against Leparada and Anjaw respectively. Upper Subansiri also posted a convincing 3-0 victory over Dibang Valley. Upper Siang overcame Kamle 2-0, while West Siang edged past East Siang 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter. Kra Daadi and Lower Subansiri settled for a 1-1 draw. In boys’ football, Pakke Kessang dominated Tawang 6-0, while Changlang defeated Namsai 4-1. Kurung Kumey blanked Dibang Valley 3-0 and West Kameng also recorded a 3-0 win against Anjaw. Upper Subansiri defeated Leparada 3-1, while Longding secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Lohit. East Kameng edged Lower Subansiri 1-0, and Lower Siang played out a 1-1 draw with Bichom. In boys’ volleyball matches played at Army Ground, Keyi Panyor defeated Lower Dibang Valley 25-14, 25-14, while Longding handed Upper Siang a one-sided 25-0, 25-0 defeat. East Siang overcame Lower Subansiri 25-15, 25-8 and Anjaw beat Tawang 25-11, 25-11. Shi-Yomi registered a straight-set win over Capital Complex 25-23, 25-19, while Bichom defeated East Kameng in a closely fought three-set contest 26-28, 25-22, 15-8. In girls’ volleyball, Tawang defeated Upper Siang 25-0, 25-0, while Upper Subansiri recorded an identical scoreline against Dibang Valley. Keyi Panyor beat West Kameng 25-22, 25-14 and Leparada defeated Tirap 27-25, 25-14. East Kameng rallied from behind to beat Pakke Kessang 21-25, 25-21, 15-8, while Namsai overcame Anjaw 25-12, 25-12. The tournament continues to witness enthusiastic participation and spirited performances from athletes representing districts across Arunachal Pradesh.          

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Training on SIR for DEOs, EROs held

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  ITANAGAR : A virtual training session on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was conducted by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Arunachal Pradesh, for all District Election Officers (DEOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) on Monday. Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain welcomed the participants and stated that the primary objective of the Special Intensive Revision is to ensure that electoral rolls are accurate, inclusive and error-free, so that no eligible citizen is left out and no ineligible name is included. He urged District Election Officers to hold coordination meetings with representatives of political parties to sensitise them about the SIR exercise. Sain also directed them to organise similar coordination and training sessions with their respective district teams, including EROs, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and other election functionaries, and to closely supervise Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO supervisors. Joint Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the Special Intensive Revision process and clarified key aspects related to the exercise. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Shania Kayem Mize also attended the training session.

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Agniveer CEE from June 1

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    ITANAGAR : The Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for recruitment of Agniveers in the Indian Army for Recruiting Year 2027 will be conducted from June 1 to 12 at designated examination centres across the region. In a notification issued on Monday, candidates from all districts of Arunachal Pradesh who have successfully registered for the recruitment process were advised to download their admit cards from the official website, www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, within the stipulated period and carefully verify all details mentioned in them. Candidates have been instructed to report at their respective examination centres well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Entry to the examination venue will be allowed only on production of a valid admit card along with an original photo identity proof. The notification further stated that candidates must strictly follow examination guidelines and maintain discipline during the conduct of the examination. Possession of unfair means material, electronic gadgets, or involvement in any malpractice will invite disqualification and disciplinary action as per existing rules. Authorities informed that necessary arrangements have been made at all examination centres to ensure smooth and fair conduct of the examination. For further information and clarification, candidates may contact the Army Recruiting Office, Jorhat, at 0376-2333136 or +91 6901963193, or email at ap.upper@nic.in. Queries may also be raised through the official recruitment website.

REGIONAL

Assam chief secy, World Bank reviews projects worth Rs 16,648 crore

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GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Monday said he has reviewed World Bank-aided projects, worth Rs 16,648 crore, with officials of the lender. The projects span critical sectors including transport connectivity, river basin management, healthcare, school education, governance reforms and resilient infrastructure development, Kota said. The chief secretary said in an X post that he met with a delegation from the World Bank as per the directives of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The delegation was led by Johannes Zutt, Regional Vice President of the World Bank. “The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing World Bank-assisted projects in Assam and deliberated upon future areas of collaboration aligned with the State Government’s developmental priorities,” he added. At present, Assam is implementing seven major World Bank-assisted externally aided projects with a cumulative outlay of approximately Rs 16,648 crore, of which the World Bank has lent nearly Rs 13,320 crore, Kota said. The official said that in the meeting, they highlighted Assam’s focus on resilient infrastructure, digital governance reforms and citizen-centric service delivery, and emphasised the transformative impact of governance and technology-driven initiatives. The Assam government requested the World Bank to consider greater flexibility in minimum project size norms for governance, institutional reform and digital transformation projects, he added. “Also sought enhanced engagement of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for supporting Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives and infrastructure asset monetisation through technical and transaction advisory support for development of bankable PPP models across key sectors,” Kota said. The World Bank delegation appreciated the state’s implementation progress and reassured flexibility in designing future operations aligned with timelines and outcomes, and emphasised the need to identify sectors where PPP models can be effectively financed, he added. Kota said they discussed sustainable maintenance and lifecycle management of infrastructure assets created under externally aided projects. The Assam government requested support for the creation of an Asset Management Fund, strengthening of institutional mechanisms and development of a digital Asset Management Information System for monitoring and maintenance of public infrastructure,” Kota said in the post. He said that the World Bank delegation appreciated the progress of ongoing projects in Assam and reaffirmed its continued support towards the state’s developmental priorities. (Source: PTI)      

REGIONAL

Manipur: Security forces launch operations to rescue those who still in captivity of armed groups

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IMPHAL : Security forces launched operations in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district to rescue those who are still being held hostage by armed groups, police said on Monday. Area domination exercises and search operations are also being carried out in different parts of the hill district to rescue “all missing persons and arrest those responsible for holding hostages”, a senior officer said. Thirty-one of around 38 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities, who were held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, were released on May 14 and 15. These people were taken to undisclosed locations after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on May 13, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife was wounded in Noney district. “In continuation of the operations to rescue the missing persons, combing and search operations were carried out by security forces in the hill ranges to the north west of Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district,” the police statement said. Twelve Naga women from Konsakhul village in Kangpokpi and four men and ten women of the Kuki community in Senapati district were among those who were handed over to the security forces. Earlier, the police had said as a result of “concerted efforts” of the administration, security forces, political leaders and civil society organisations, the “majority of the detained civilians, belonging to different communities, have been released safely”. Meanwhile, the United Naga Council, the apex body of the Naga tribes in the state, has been staging inter-district blockades on the national highway 2 and 37 from Sunday night, demanding the release of six Naga men who are suspected to be in the captivity of militants. Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, also claimed that 14 members of the community were still missing and being held hostage by various groups in Senapati district. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Supply of petrol, diesel, LPG normal in Assam: Oil Ministry

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GUWAHATI : Supplies of all types of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and LPG, are fully normal across Assam, the Oil Ministry said on Monday. It requested the public to continue with normal consumption patterns and refrain from panic buying. The state-level coordinator for the oil industry in Assam-cum-executive director and state head of Indian Oil, has informed that the availability of essential petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), remains normal and uninterrupted across Assam, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in a statement. “Public Sector oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) — are maintaining adequate fuel stocks across all supply locations, and the overall supply position in the region continues to remain stable,” it added. “The public is requested to remain assured and continue with normal consumption patterns and refrain from panic buying. Consumers are advised to rely only on official communications from oil marketing companies for accurate and verified information regarding fuel availability,” the statement said The entire fuel supply chain, from terminals and depots to retail outlets, is operating efficiently and without any disruption, it added. “Fuel stocks are being continuously monitored, and replenishment activities are progressing smoothly across all locations in the state,” the official release said. LPG supplies to domestic consumers are being prioritised and remain normal across the state. “The situation is being closely monitored to ensure uninterrupted delivery to all consumers,” it added. The oil industry is maintaining close coordination on logistics, stock movement and retail operations to ensure seamless availability of fuel across the region. (Source: DH)    

Editorial

Vinesh Phogat vs WFI: No fair play in this procedure

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With the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) deferring Vinesh Phogat’s comeback to competitive events, the stand-off between the ace wrestler and the sport’s apex governing body in the country has taken a bitter turn. The WFI has issued a show-cause notice to the wrestler citing multiple grounds for her ineligibility including her alleged failure, as a retired athlete, to inform the United World Wrestling (UWW) six months ahead of her intended comeback. While Phogat has dismissed the charges raised in the notice, the WFI’s objectives will be under scrutiny, given that she has in the past questioned the functioning of the federation and its former chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. A double World Championships bronze medallist, Phogat is preparing for a strong return to the sport and reportedly has the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in her plans. In its notice, the WFI also noted her disqualification from the final at the Paris Olympics in 2024, following a discrepancy related to her weight category. Phogat and her supporters see the show-cause notice as the WFI’s attempt to stop her from participating in the senior open ranking tournament in Gonda (May 10-12). The WFI is headed by Sanjay Singh, an aide of Brij Bhushan Singh, against whom Phogat and other women wrestlers had raised sexual harassment charges, in 2023. Recently, she also identified herself as one of Brij Bhushan Singh’s six victims. This raises questions about the timing of the federation’s move. Phogat is preparing to legally challenge the action against her. Some athletes have sought the Union government’s intervention in the matter. But nothing is likely to come out of that call – the former WFI boss prevailed at the height of the controversy, even when women wrestlers were staging protests against him on the streets. The controversy centres on a champion wrestler who has represented India on the global stage and brought multiple laurels to the country. An athlete of her stature deserves all the institutional support as she makes a comeback bid. It was upon the federation to provide Phogat this backing. Instead, it chose to invoke rules and raise unconvincing charges to make her return difficult. It must be noted that Phogat is also a Congress MLA from Haryana. Professionalism and transparency are non-negotiables in the administration of sport. When a high-performing world-class athlete faces such treatment from the administrators, it is a statement on how the system handles the sport and the sportsperson. (Source: DH)

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ASTBA announces online campaign on ILP regulations

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  Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan (ASTBA) on Sunday announced that it will launch an online petition seeking public opinions and suggestions for the proper framing and implementation of rules related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system for non-APST individuals entering Arunachal Pradesh. The online petition will be conducted through the organisation’s official social media platforms, particularly Facebook, from 5 PM on May 17 till May 20. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club, ASTBA General Secretary Millo Ambo said that after completion of the public petition, a combined memorandum containing the public responses and the organisation’s demands would be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office on May 21. He said that after submission of the memorandum, the association would serve a four-day ultimatum to the state government, seeking a meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu to discuss the ILP issue and the demands raised by the organisation, while also demanding that the meeting be telecast live. Ambo informed that the organisation has rejected the invitation extended by Home Minister Mama Natung for a round-table meeting scheduled on May 18. He stated that the association specifically wants to hold discussions with the Chief Minister regarding the ILP issue and other related demands. Among its key demands, the association has called for reverification or reapplication of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for all people settled in Arunachal Pradesh to identify Tibetan refugees and alleged illegal immigrants residing in the state. The organisation has also sought corrections in the recently issued “Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP) Guidelines, 2026,” alleging that certain provisions are in violation of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, and may adversely affect the interests of indigenous communities in the state.