ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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State Food Commission reviews food security schemes in West Siang

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)

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Kamba hosts first Mithun Mela-cum-Health camp

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.  

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Two habitual thieves apprehended, stolen property recovered

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.      

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Tawang SP Tasi Darang’s ‘Fireside Tales’ released

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)    

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Namsai DC stresses quality, timely execution of development works

NAMSAI, AUG 25: Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering stressed the need for quality and timely execution of developmental works during a District Level Monitoring Committee-cum-Departmental Review Meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing development works and the performance of various departments. It was attended by heads and representatives of departments including Health, Education, Food and Civil Supplies, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply, Power, Public Works Department, Rural Works Department, Urban Affairs, Rural Development, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Industries, Veterinary, Information Technology and Communication, and other concerned agencies. The meeting began with a welcome address by the District Planning Officer, followed by presentations on the physical and financial progress of various schemes and projects. Departments also apprised the committee of their achievements, ongoing activities, operational challenges and the status of works under execution. Reviewing the sector-wise progress, Tsering issued necessary directions to the concerned departments and executing agencies. He emphasised adherence to stipulated timelines, maintenance of quality standards and stronger inter-departmental coordination for effective and timely completion of projects. The DC further stressed the importance of regular monitoring, transparency and fiscal responsibility in implementing government schemes and development programmes. The meeting reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to accountable governance and accelerated, inclusive development across Namsai district. (DIPR)      

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Pongchau gets new volleyball court, library room

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.    

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Plantation drive held

KHONSA, AUG 25: The Assam Rifles in collaboration with the Khonsa Forest Division organised a ceremonial plantation drive at Khonsa in Tirap district under the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’ initiative. The event was attended by Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang; Borduria-Bogapani MLA and Advisor to the Environment and Forest Minister Wanglin Lowangdong; Commander HQ 25 Sector Assam Rifles; Khonsa Assam Rifles Commandant; Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik APCS (AG); Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya; Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh; Commandant CRPF; and other civil dignitaries. The plantation drive sought to promote environmental awareness and encourage community participation in afforestation and conservation efforts. It also highlighted the collective responsibility of government departments, security forces, civil administration and local communities in protecting the environment and preserving the region’s natural heritage. The initiative reaffirmed the stakeholders’ commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development while contributing towards a greener and healthier Tirap and Arunachal Pradesh.

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Guv extends Onam greetings

ITANAGAR, AUG 25: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has extended his warm greetings to the people of the state, especially to the people from Kerala who are serving and contributing to the growth and development of our state on the auspicious occasion of Onam. He expressed his wish that the vibrant festival would bring happiness, good health, peace, and prosperity to every home. “Onam is one of India’s most cherished harvest festivals, celebrated with great enthusiasm, gratitude, and cultural splendour. The festival commemorates the timeless legacy of the benevolent King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as an era of equality, harmony, and abundance. The colourful floral carpets, traditional feasts, cultural performances, and community celebrations reflect the values of togetherness, generosity, and gratitude that define this festival, he said”, Parnaik said in his message. “May the spirit of Onam fill our hearts with joy, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and inspire us to work together for a more harmonious, prosperous, and inclusive society”, the Governor wished.

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Dibang Valley DPC approves development plans for 2026–27

ANINI, AUG 25: The District Planning Committee (DPC) of Dibang Valley district held a meeting at Anini on Tuesday to deliberate on and approve the Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and Zilla Parishad Development Plan (ZPDP) for the financial year 2026–27. The meeting was chaired by Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Yashwant Meena and attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Jally Umpo, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sadhu Mihu, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), heads of departments, Panchayati Raj functionaries and officials. Addressing the meeting, Jally Umpo emphasised the role of the DPC in ensuring coordinated, inclusive and need-based development planning at the grassroots level. Sadhu Mihu apprised the committee of various developmental schemes and programmes and urged stakeholders to work in close coordination to ensure that the benefits of development reach every village and household. He also called upon Zilla Parishad Members and Member Secretaries to provide necessary guidance and support to Gram Panchayat Members and Gram Panchayat Committees in preparing and implementing development plans. The respective Member Secretaries presented their proposals before the committee. Following detailed deliberations, the schemes and proposals were unanimously approved. Yashwant Meena urged Panchayati Raj representatives to discharge their responsibilities with greater coordination, transparency and commitment towards the welfare and development of the people. He also directed technical departments to provide timely technical guidance and necessary support to Gram Panchayat Members and other Panchayati Raj Institutions to facilitate proper planning and ensure quality implementation of developmental works. The meeting concluded with a renewed emphasis on participatory planning, effective coordination and quality execution of development programmes in Dibang Valley. (DIPR)    

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West Siang to host Khelo India Samvad on Aug 27

AALO, AUG 25: West Siang district will host a special Yuva Connect programme under the Khelo India Samvad initiative on August 27 at Saint Francis de Sales (SFS) College and North East Frontier Technical University (NEFTU), Aalo, as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. The programme is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat, National Service Scheme (NSS) and Sports Authority of India (SAI), with a focus on youth participation, sports development and nation-building. National Sports Day is observed on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. As part of the nationwide celebrations, Khelo India Samvad programmes are being organised across the country to bring together youth, sportspersons and other stakeholders. A key highlight of the August 27 programme will be the virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connecting more than eight lakh young participants across 1,600 locations. Participants and guests at both venues in West Siang will assemble at 10 am for the virtual interaction, followed by local youth engagement activities. The programme will also feature an interactive session between MY Bharat volunteers and local sportspersons on the transformation of India’s sports infrastructure and the growth of the sports ecosystem. A Yuva Samvaad will provide participants an opportunity to share their ideas, aspirations and suggestions on the future of Indian sports and the vision of Viksit Bharat. Participants will be able to submit their suggestions through a dedicated QR code and take part in the VBYLD Quiz at the venues. The programme is expected to provide youth of West Siang with a platform to engage in discussions on sports, youth development and nation-building. (DIPR)