Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : Sub-Inspector Tamo Bakhang, who was earlier recognised for his role in confronting a notorious drug kingpin during the 2025 Hollongi encounter, sustained a serious eye injury after being attacked during bandh-related unrest near 6 Kilo here on Friday. According to reports, Bakhang was on his way towards a protest site when unidentified miscreants allegedly targeted his vehicle by pelting stones. The impact shattered the vehicle’s window glass, causing severe injuries to his eyes. He was immediately rushed to Niba Hospital and later referred to Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun. Doctors at TRIHMS reportedly indicated that sharp glass injuries to his eyeballs could result in partial or permanent vision loss. He has now been referred to Delhi for advanced medical treatment.    

NAMSAI :  As part of intensified enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations, Namsai district police conducted a series of checking drives between May 8 and 15, leading to the detection and externment of 59 ILP violators from the district. The drives were carried out across all police stations in the district under the directions of the Superintendent of Police Namsai district at key locations including market areas, entry points, construction sites, and other vulnerable stretches to curb unauthorised entry and ensure compliance with ILP norms. During the reporting period, a total of nine checking drives were conducted, resulting in the identification of individuals found staying or moving without valid permits. The detected violators were produced before the magistrate and subsequently externed from the district after completion of due legal formalities. Police stated that such enforcement measures are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law and order, prevent illegal entry and stay, and enhance public safety. The district police further reiterated that ILP checking drives will continue on a regular basis with increased vigilance.    

ITANAGAR : NITI Aayog member Dr Joram Aniya called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan here on Friday. The Governor congratulated Dr Aniya on her appointment to NITI Aayog, the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, and expressed confidence that she would contribute significantly towards the economic development of both the country and Arunachal Pradesh through inclusive and people-centric policymaking. Highlighting the unique challenges faced by Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor said, “Development parameters meant for the plains and other States should not be applied uniformly to hill States like Arunachal Pradesh.” He said the State’s difficult terrain, sparse population and rich cultural diversity require a distinct and tailored developmental approach. The Governor also underscored the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh and highlighted its vast potential in hydropower, tourism, environmental conservation and cultural heritage. “These strengths make Arunachal Pradesh deserving of special focus and priority in national planning and development initiatives,” he added.    

PASIGHAT  : The Tribal Resilience Initiative for Building Environmentally Sustainable Livelihoods (TRIBES) project, sanctioned by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for East Siang district, was formally launched at Sille on Friday. The project was inaugurated by NABARD General Manager SV Ranga Rao in the presence of Mebo MLA Ninong Ering, College of Agriculture Pasighat Dean Prof Sanjay Swami, officials of NABARD, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), banks, Panchayati Raj institutions, government departments and farmers. Welcoming the gathering, NABARD Assistant General Manager (District Development) Nitya Mili presented an overview of the project and said the initiative would directly benefit 200 tribal families across 10 villages under Bilat and Sille-Oyan blocks. He said the project would focus on sustainable livelihood activities such as poultry farming, horticulture and vegetable cultivation with the objective of enhancing farmers’ income through orchard-based livelihood models and integrated farming practices. Addressing the programme, MLA Ninong Ering described NABARD as a key development partner of the State and stressed the need for more integrated livelihood projects in convergence with government initiatives. “Success comes through perseverance and hard work. Farmers must actively participate and make the project successful,” he said while appreciating the efforts of Dite Mopang Welfare Society for implementing the initiative. Sille-Rani ZPM T. Tapak said farming remains essential for self-sustenance and urged farmers and beneficiaries to actively engage in the programme for achieving the desired outcomes. College of Agriculture Pasighat Dean Prof Sanjay Swami emphasised the importance of maintaining soil health for sustainable agricultural development and requested NABARD to support a mobile soil-testing van to facilitate field-level testing for farmers. He also assured full technical support from the institution for effective implementation of the project. Speaking on the occasion, NABARD General Manager S.V. Ranga Rao reiterated the institution’s commitment to promoting similar livelihood interventions in the State with active support from government agencies and local communities. “The success of the TRIBES project will depend on wholehearted participation and coordination among all stakeholders,” he said, urging farmers to work closely with NGOs and technical partners for effective implementation. NABARD Deputy General Manager Vivek Anand elaborated on the objectives and major components of the project, which include plantation of arecanut and pineapple, promotion of moringa as border plantation for WADI development, soil conservation measures, water resource management, nutrition gardens and poultry farming. He said the project would also cover community health training, women empowerment initiatives, farmers’ capacity-building programmes, exposure visits and other need-based training activities. Project management support would also be extended to the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) for regular monitoring and effective execution of the scheme.      

PASIGHAT : Reaffirming its commitment to operational preparedness and troop welfare, the Indian Army inaugurated the “Ashiyana” Transit Facility at Sigar Military Station for troops in transit. Developed by the Spearhead Gunners under the aegis of the Spearhead Division, the facility is aimed at providing a comfortable, efficient and mission-oriented transit halt for personnel operating in challenging operational environments. Equipped with essential amenities, Ashiyana is expected to improve convenience, morale and overall well-being of troops moving to and from forward locations. The initiative also reflects the Army’s continued focus on strengthening welfare-oriented infrastructure alongside operational readiness. Senior military officials present during the inauguration highlighted the importance of robust support infrastructure in enabling soldiers to perform their duties with greater efficiency and confidence in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Officials stated that improved transit and living conditions would significantly contribute towards sustaining high morale and combat effectiveness among troops deployed in remote and strategically important areas. The inauguration of the facility marks another step in the Indian Army’s efforts to enhance the welfare, dignity and operational efficiency of personnel serving in forward locations.      

KHONSA : A comprehensive review meeting of the Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (DoTCL) was held here on Friday to assess the progress of ongoing developmental schemes and projects in Tirap district. The meeting was chaired by DoTCL Secretary Wayong Khimhun in the presence of Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, DoTCL Deputy Director Wangton Lowang, DoTCL Assistant Director Montu Mossang and officers of various line departments. Officials from the Rural Works Department, Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department and Rural Development Department participated in the meeting. During the review, departments presented the status of their ongoing schemes and projects through PowerPoint presentations. Detailed discussions were held on the progress, implementation and impact of developmental activities being undertaken across the district. Officials also carried out inspections of ongoing projects to assess ground-level implementation and ensure effective execution of schemes for public benefit. The meeting emphasised impactful and sustainable investments aimed at improving public welfare and socio-economic development in the region. The meeting also stressed the need for awareness programmes against drug addiction and substance abuse among youths and local communities. Departments were encouraged to take coordinated initiatives to strengthen preventive measures and public awareness campaigns. Suggestions were made to promote cluster farming in villages to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure better utilisation of resources. The meeting also discussed the importance of Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and proper planning in the education and development sectors. All departments were directed to maintain proper coordination and accountability to avoid duplication of schemes and projects. Emphasis was also laid on transparency, effective monitoring and responsible implementation. Speaking during the meeting, Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh said, “Proper guidelines and monitoring mechanisms are essential for DoTCL. The outcomes and benefits of the schemes for beneficiaries must be regularly inspected and evaluated.” The day-long meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all departments to work in close coordination for accelerating developmental activities and ensuring efficient delivery of public services in Tirap district. (DIPR)