Author name: OnlineAge

PASIGHAT, AUG 26: East Siang Police arrested four persons and recovered suspected heroin during a drug enforcement operation conducted under Operation Dawn 2.0 in Pasighat, police said. Acting on credible intelligence regarding illegal trafficking of narcotic substances, a police team led by Pasighat DySP (HQ) Toni Tatak and Pasighat SDPO Dujom Bagra conducted a discreet operation on August 19. During the operation, police first apprehended Otem Padung from his residence at Forest Colony, Pasighat. His interrogation subsequently led police to Okong Megu, who was apprehended from his residence at Gumin Nagar. According to police, Megu disclosed that he received heroin from Ogul Tagi and supplied it to substance abusers. Tagi was subsequently apprehended from Gumin Nagar, while her alleged associate Peeman Manham Taloh was arrested from 2-Mile, Pasighat. The searches and seizures were conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, Pasighat. Police recovered 8.26 grams of suspected heroin packed in three tobacco containers and two vials, along with a brass hookah, a plastic hookah and two syringes. The seized contraband was weighed, packed, sealed and documented as per legal provisions, while the entire operation was videographed to ensure transparency. A case, PSGT/PS/C/No. 88/26 under Sections 21(b), 29 and 27A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, has been registered at Pasighat Police Station and further investigation is underway. Police remand of all four arrested accused was obtained, following which they were remanded to judicial custody by the Sessions Court, Pasighat, upon expiry of the police remand. East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba IPS commended the police team and the Anti-Drug Squad (ADS) for the operation and reiterated the district police’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report illicit activities, stressing that community cooperation is essential to making East Siang drug-free.    

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, AUG 26: The Giidang Angong Society (GAS) unveiled its Ethno Museum in Pasighat on Tuesday with the objective of preserving and showcasing the traditional practices, cultural heritage and tribal way of life of the Adi community. East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest, while Pasighat DFO (DCF, AG) Boken Pao was the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, GAS spokesperson Tobom Dai said the museum was established to document and preserve the traditional methods, practices and cultural identity of the Adi tribe. He said GAS began informally in 2007 as a group of friends from the Bogong Balek area who came together to support one another and gradually evolved into a collective working for the welfare of people and villages in the surrounding areas. The group undertook several community initiatives, including construction of the Balek School Gate. In 2024, it organised a social service programme at the Botanical Garden, where members also observed concerns related to weed overgrowth and drug use. The society subsequently registered itself as a non-governmental organisation in March 2024. Appreciating the initiative, Pasighat DFO (DCF, AG) Boken Pao suggested that the information displayed inside the museum should remain clearly readable from a distance of about two metres. He also advised GAS to introduce revenue-generating activities to ensure the museum’s long-term sustainability. Pao assured support for planting additional trees around the museum and suggested displaying their botanical and Adi names. He also proposed developing accommodation facilities for visiting guests. DC Sonalika Jiwani applauded GAS for establishing the community-driven museum, saying it reflected a vision she had discussed with various Heads of Departments after her initial posting in the district. She said the museum had the potential to emerge as an important tourist attraction and assured administrative support for addressing existing gaps and its future development. As an immediate measure, she announced that the district administration would undertake the flooring work of the museum. District Art and Culture Officer Monnong Tayeng, District Tourism Officer Lina Perme, members of GAS and other guests were also present at the programme.      

PASIGHAT, AUG 26: Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng called for collective efforts to maintain cleanliness and promote healthy and sustainable communities while addressing an awareness programme organised by the Eco Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM) at PM SHRI Government Upper Primary School, Ngopok, on Wednesday. The programme focused on cleanliness, public health, environmental responsibility and community participation. ECMM Manager Olen Megu Damin, retired Deputy Director of School Education Jongge Yirang, retired Medical Officer Dr Dangi Perme, Swachh Silluk Abhiyan Chairman Kepang Nong Borang, Zilla Parishad members, Gaon Burahs, Self-Help Group (SHG) members and other dignitaries attended the event. Addressing the gathering, Tayeng urged students to remain focused on their education and stay away from drugs and other harmful substances. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening schools and assured support for adequate teachers, staff and improved infrastructure. He also appealed to people across political affiliations to participate sincerely in cleanliness and development initiatives without viewing them through a political lens. Speakers at the programme highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness at home and in villages, noting its benefits for public health, tourism and local economic opportunities. They also urged residents to reduce the use of single-use materials and remain aware of potential health risks associated with food and beverages stored or served in certain plastic products. Dr Dangi Perme spoke on the importance of making informed and medically guided choices regarding contraception, while Jongge Yirang stressed the role of teachers and parents in inculcating discipline and cleanliness habits among children. Sharing the experience of the Swachh Silluk Abhiyan, Kepang Nong Borang said sustained public participation had helped the initiative overcome its initial challenges and achieve success. He encouraged Ngopok residents to remain committed to their cleanliness goals. As part of the initiative, the Ute Raseng Ane Party SHG comprising 80 women was entrusted with cleaning and maintaining an approximately one-kilometre stretch from Selfie Point to the local Musup.    

PASIGHAT, AUG 26: The Directorate of Indigenous Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has assured support to the Adi Agom Kebang (AAK) in its efforts to preserve and promote the Adi language and cultural heritage. The assurance came during a meeting between officials of the directorate and the core executive members of the AAK at Siang Guest House here on Tuesday. The discussion focused on the challenges facing the preservation, protection and promotion of the Adi language and culture. The Directorate of Indigenous Affairs delegation was led by Director Likha Suraj and Assistant Director Tapun Taki. Members of Billion Readers (BIRD) and the Planet Readers–Ani Books team from Roing also participated in the meeting. The AAK delegation was led by its president Bodong Yirang and general secretary Tajing Taki. Yirang briefed the visiting officials on the history, objectives and activities of the AAK and highlighted its initiatives as well as challenges in safeguarding the language and cultural heritage of the Adi community. He sought the directorate’s assistance in strengthening the organisation’s ongoing efforts and addressing the difficulties affecting language preservation and promotion. AAK general secretary Tajing Taki and other executive members also shared their concerns and requirements with the officials and sought necessary departmental assistance. “On behalf of the AAK, we are deeply grateful to the Director of Indigenous Affairs for this thoughtful initiative and for showing a keen interest in supporting our efforts to preserve, promote and protect the Adi language,” Taki said. Likha Suraj, who had expressed interest in engaging directly with the AAK to understand the challenges confronting indigenous languages, assured the organisation of all possible support from the directorate. The meeting was seen as an important step towards strengthening cooperation between the Directorate of Indigenous Affairs and the AAK for the long-term preservation and promotion of the Adi language and cultural heritage.    

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, AUG 26: The 1st Arunachal Scouts conducted its first-ever Agniveer (General Duty) Recruitment Rally for the 2026–27 recruitment cycle at Pasighat Stadium, offering an important opportunity for eligible youth of Arunachal Pradesh to pursue a career in the Indian Army. The rally aims to encourage young aspirants to join the armed forces and serve the nation with discipline, courage and dedication. Under the Agniveer scheme, selected candidates receive a monthly salary ranging from approximately Rs 21,000 to Rs 30,000 along with applicable allowances. They are also entitled to a Seva Nidhi package of around Rs 12 lakh on completion of four years of service, subject to applicable rules. Other benefits include insurance cover of up to Rs 48 lakh and risk and hardship allowances of approximately Rs 7,469 per month. At the end of the four-year tenure, up to 25 per cent of Agniveers may be selected for permanent service in the Indian Army based on performance and organisational requirements. Transport Minister Ojing Tasing visited the recruitment rally at Pasighat Stadium after returning from the District Interaction Programme and interacted with the aspirants. He commended the Indian Army for bringing the recruitment opportunity to the state and said it would enable more young people to aspire to a life of discipline, honour and service to the nation. Tasing urged the youth to remain physically fit, disciplined and prepared to make use of opportunities to serve the country. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for approving 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers in state uniformed services recruitment in forthcoming recruitment processes. The minister said the decision would provide Agniveers with further avenues of service after completing their tenure in the armed forces. The recruitment rally marks a significant step towards expanding defence career opportunities for Arunachal Pradesh youth while promoting discipline, patriotism and a spirit of public service.