Author name: OnlineAge

KHONSA, AUG 25: The Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Arunachal Pradesh Police, apprehended an active cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Reformation) [NSCN (R)] in the general area of Khonsa in Tirap district on August 24. The operation was conducted based on specific information. The apprehended individual was identified as Jeetu Saikia alias Tuwang Lowang, son of late Nirmal Saikia, a resident of Makum Tila under Margherita police station in Tinsukia district of Assam. He was operating from the residence of Loliam Letey Lowang. Saikia, aged 34, was identified as a self-styled 2nd Lieutenant of NSCN (R). Security forces recovered one 7.62 mm MQ-9 rifle with a magazine and 21 live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition from his possession. The apprehended cadre, along with the recovered weapon and ammunition, was handed over to the concerned authorities for further investigation and necessary legal action. The operation underscored the coordination between the Assam Rifles and Arunachal Pradesh Police in countering insurgent activities and maintaining peace and security in the region. (DIPR)      

AALO, AUG 25: The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (SFC) held a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Aalo on Tuesday to assess the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and related food security schemes in West Siang district. The meeting was chaired by SFC Chairman Tarh Tarak and attended by members Maji Chokar and Ngasah Tangjang. Addressing the meeting, Tarak said the Commission was visiting all districts to gather ground-level information, review the implementation of food security programmes and submit its findings to the State Government. He stressed the need for effective implementation of the NFSA and stronger monitoring of food quality and food adulteration. Tarak called for the establishment of two food testing centres, one each in Arunachal East and Arunachal West, and suggested making portable food-testing kits available at Anganwadi Centres to facilitate regular testing and promote food-safety awareness. SFC member Ngasah Tangjang outlined the evolution of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and key provisions of the NFSA. He urged line departments to strictly adhere to government guidelines for effective implementation of food security schemes. During the meeting, District Food and Civil Supplies Officer Minli Tato highlighted difficulties faced by residents of Liromoba and Yomcha due to the absence of PDS godowns in the remote areas. He also explained provisions relating to Priority Household (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, who are entitled to subsidised foodgrains. Officials from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and education departments highlighted challenges related to transportation of foodgrains, kitchen facilities and food-testing arrangements. West Siang District Deputy Director of School Education Hengam Ete Bagra briefed the Commission on the implementation of PM POSHAN and stressed the need for adequate kitchen utensils and food-testing kits to ensure hygienic and quality meals for students. The District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO) raised issues concerning ASHA workers and sought enhancement of their honorarium under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). SFC member Maji Chokar interacted with representatives of various line departments and urged them to bring unresolved issues to the Commission’s notice for appropriate action. Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Grievance Redressal Officer Mabi Taipodia Jini also apprised the Commission of public complaints and grievances received in the district. West Siang DC Mindo Loyi directed all line departments to comply with government guidelines and ensure effective implementation of food security schemes. He asked the departments to submit their concerns to the District Administration for necessary follow-up. The meeting provided a platform to review the implementation of food security programmes, identify grassroots-level challenges and discuss measures to improve delivery of benefits to the people. (DIPR)

AALO, AUG 25: The first-ever Mithun Mela-cum-Health Camp and Siangmi Breed Awareness Camp was held on Tuesday at Kunu Yami village under Kamba ADC Circle in West Siang district, bringing together mithun farmers, experts and officials to promote scientific and sustainable mithun farming. The programme was organised by the Arunachal Mithun Farmers’ Federation in collaboration with TAMFWA. Arunachal Pradesh Chairman for Information Technology and e-Governance Nyamar Karbak attended the event as chief guest, while Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission Chairman Tarh Tarak and West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi were the guests of honour. The dignitaries visited mithun farms at Kamba, Kato and Kunu Yami villages, where more than 120 mithuns were showcased. The event aimed to promote mithun farming, create awareness about the Siangmi breed and encourage scientific management and conservation of the animal, which holds deep socio-cultural significance for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Welcoming the participants, Geyi highlighted the importance of the mela in supporting mithun farmers and preserving the animal’s traditional significance. West Siang District Veterinary Officer Yani Ngomdir advised farmers to ensure timely vaccination and proper animal healthcare. He also apprised them of various government schemes and programmes available for the welfare and development of mithun farmers. West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi appreciated the organisers and described the event as an important initiative for farmers and society. He urged people to continue and strengthen the traditional ‘LURA System’, which has an important role in the social and cultural practices associated with mithun. State Food Commission member Maji Chokar said the government was working towards better planning and support mechanisms for mithun farmers. He also urged the Arunachal Mithun Farmers Federation to expand its activities to other districts so that more communities could benefit from such initiatives. As chief guest, Nyamar Karbak described the event as a historic gathering of mithun farmers and called for transforming it into a Pan-Arunachal initiative. He stressed the need to discourage indiscriminate sacrifice of mithuns and encouraged farmers to adopt scientific and sustainable farming practices. He also urged farmers to increase the number of mithuns showcased in future editions and work collectively to strengthen the sector. Retired Deputy Commissioner and APARC member Hento Karga, Kamba Additional Deputy Commissioner Ejum Angu and scientists from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland, also shared insights on mithun breeding, health management, conservation and scientific farming practices. The event saw participation from mithun farmers from Siang district, members of the public and senior citizens, reflecting growing interest in conserving and promoting mithun farming and the Siangmi breed. The programme concluded with a call for collective efforts towards the conservation, scientific management and sustainable development of mithun farming in Arunachal Pradesh.  

NAMSAI, AUG 25: Namsai Police apprehended two persons in connection with a theft case and recovered stolen property from their possession or at their instance. The accused were identified as Avinash alias Abi Tanti, 22, son of Montosh Tanti of Thakur Line, Satsang Nagar, Namsai, and Kundan Tanti, 26, son of Biren Tanti of Middle Line, Satsang Nagar, Namsai. The arrests were made in connection with Namsai Police Station Case No. 58/2026 under Section 305(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police recovered one OnePlus mobile handset, two Philips induction cooktops and a wooden Bluetooth speaker. The operation was conducted by a team led by Namsai Sub-Divisional Police Officer DySP Kengo Dirchi APPS and comprising Namsai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector T. Gadi, Sub-Inspectors R. Kahik and P. Kimsing and other police personnel. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Matin Ratan and Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of the accused in other property-related offences reported in and around Namsai.      

TAWANG, AUG 25: Fireside Tales, a collection of stories authored by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, was released by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo at the SP Residence here on Tuesday. The book release was attended by Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Kyidphel Zilla Parishad Member Tenzin Monpa, Jang Additional Deputy Commissioner Hakraso Kri, Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Assistant Commissioners Tenzin Jambey and Thutan Wangchu, Tawang District Veterinary Officer Dr Avang Tamin and other officers and distinguished guests. Carrying the message “Stories that warm the heart. Roots that connect us,” the book seeks to preserve local stories, cultural memories and the traditional practice of storytelling for future generations. It carries a foreword by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and has been illustrated by Mich Tarung. Speaking at the release, Darang recalled the tradition of families gathering around fireplaces, where elders narrated stories, shared experiences and passed knowledge and wisdom to younger generations. He said these memories and the traditional culture of storytelling inspired him to compile the stories in written form. Darang said further editions of Fireside Tales are planned and invited members of the public to contribute stories. Selected contributions, he said, would be published with due acknowledgement. Expressing concern over declining reading habits, Darang stressed the need to revive reading, particularly among children and young people. He thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo for their encouragement and support. DC Namgyal Angmo appreciated the initiative and described it as an inspiring example of officers pursuing creative and literary interests alongside their official responsibilities. She said such books could help preserve memories, traditions and experiences of earlier generations and reconnect young readers with their cultural roots. She also noted the growing dependence on digital screens and declining engagement with books, expressing hope that publications such as Fireside Tales would encourage children and young people to rediscover reading. Tawang District Veterinary Officer Dr Avang Tamin congratulated the author and expressed hope that the stories would reach successive generations and help keep the region’s cultural roots and storytelling tradition alive. The publication represents an effort to transform oral memories and traditional narratives into a lasting written record, preserving the values, wisdom and voices of generations for future readers. (DIPR)    

PONGCHAU, AUG 25: Pongchau Circle witnessed the inauguration of a newly constructed volleyball court and library room at Pongchau headquarters on Tuesday, marking a step towards strengthening sports and educational infrastructure for the younger generation. The facilities were inaugurated by Pongchau MLA and PWD (Eastern Zone) Advisor Honchun Ngandam in the presence of Longding Deputy Commissioner Kunal Yadav IAS, Pongchau SDO Kumaan Thungwa, Pongchau Block Zilla Parishad Member Phiphot Wangsa, Gram Panchayat Committee members, students, sports enthusiasts and local residents. Speaking on the occasion, Ngandam described the inauguration as an important milestone for the people of Pongchau, particularly the sporting community and students. He appreciated Kunal Yadav for initiating the facilities and taking steps to strengthen sports and educational infrastructure in the district. The MLA urged young people to maintain discipline and take proper care of the volleyball court. He also called for keeping the facility and its surroundings clean through regular community participation and social service. Ngandam further expressed the desire to establish similar volleyball courts at other Circle Headquarters, including Wakka, Longchan and Khakam, to provide better sporting facilities and encourage youth participation in sports. The new volleyball court and library room are expected to promote sports, education and healthy community engagement, contributing to the holistic development of the younger generation in Pongchau.