Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has written to Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking clarity within seven days on the status of a 13-point memorandum submitted last month. Despite a detailed discussion between union leaders and the Chief Minister on June 2, AAPSU noted that an official update is still awaited on the progress of the demands, which address critical indigenous issues. AAPSU President Meje Taku had led a delegation to meet Khandu on June 2, the day the memorandum was submitted, and the two sides discussed each demand at length. A month on, the union says it is yet to receive a formal update from the government. “We met the Chief Minister in good faith and had a good discussion on every issue. It has been a month now, and we hope to hear back on where things stand,” Taku said. Among the demands is the scrapping of the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio in state government jobs, with AAPSU pushing for mandatory PRC and APST certification in all state recruitment processes. The union has pointed to the 2021 APPSCCE examination, in which a non-APST candidate topped the list, as reason for urgency on the matter. The memorandum also calls for re-amendment of Article 371(H) to bring Arunachal Pradesh’s constitutional safeguards closer to those enjoyed by Nagaland and Mizoram, and the state’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. It raises the long-pending Chakma-Hajong resettlement issue, seeks early completion of the Assam boundary demarcation, and calls for a central law addressing racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in other parts of the country. Other demands include a dedicated startup package for indigenous youth, a Chief Minister’s research fellowship for APST PhD scholars, additional CUET examination centres within the state, a designated ground for peaceful public assembly in Itanagar, and a working women’s hostel in the Itanagar Capital Region. In its letter to the Chief Minister, AAPSU described the issues as matters of “constitutional, demographic, and existential concern to the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh,” and sought a time-bound update within seven days. “These issues concern the land, identity, and future of every indigenous Arunachalee, and we remain hopeful of a positive response,” Taku said, adding that the union would continue to engage with the government on the matter.      

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) has submitted a three-point memorandum to the state government, seeking immediate intervention on issues related to the Smart Prepaid Meter System, de-reservation of forest land in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), and an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the construction of the Dari–Chambang road in Kra-Daadi district. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Monday, UAPF president Khyoda Daniel said the memorandum was submitted to safeguard indigenous rights and ensure transparency and accountability in governance. He warned that the forum would launch a democratic agitation if the government failed to address its demands at the earliest. Daniel recalled that the forum had served a 14-day ultimatum to the state government on June 19 over the three issues. Following the ultimatum, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, along with officials of the electrical departments, held a round-table meeting with the forum. However, the meeting ended without any concrete resolution, he said. On the issue of electricity, the UAPF demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Smart Prepaid Meter System and restoration of the conventional postpaid billing mechanism. It also sought free electricity of up to 1,000 units per month for domestic consumers in the state. Daniel said that despite Arunachal Pradesh’s immense hydropower potential, residents continue to bear high electricity costs. He argued that the people of the state should directly benefit from its abundant natural resources. He further alleged that the prepaid metering system has disproportionately affected economically weaker sections, daily wage earners, pensioners, and rural residents. According to him, the system has resulted in frequent power disconnections due to insufficient balance, additional recharge-related charges, and inconvenience for elderly citizens and people living in remote areas with limited access to digital payment facilities. The forum also urged the government to formulate a special power subsidy policy for economically weaker sections and ensure that the benefits generated from hydropower projects are shared with the people of the state. The second demand relates to the early de-reservation or rationalisation of forest boundaries within the Capital Complex and adjoining areas. Daniel stated that large portions of the present-day ICR were brought under the Durpang Reserved Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, when Arunachal Pradesh was still a Union Territory. He claimed that the reserved forest status has become a major obstacle in obtaining Land Possession Certificates (LPCs), land allotments, building permissions, and bank loans. He further said that several public infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, government offices, and water supply schemes, often face delays due to forest clearance requirements. He also alleged that many indigenous villages and traditional settlements were brought under reserved forest areas without adequate consultation and called for the regularisation of traditional land holdings. On the third issue, the UAPF demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged misuse and misappropriation of over Rs 121 crore in public funds earmarked for the construction of the Dari–Chambang road project in Kra-Daadi district. UAPF general secretary Dangu Mama alleged that while the actual road length between Dari and Chambang is around 26 kilometres, funds were reportedly withdrawn for constructing a 38 to 40-kilometre stretch by the executing agency and the concerned department. The forum urged the state government to conduct a thorough inquiry into the alleged irregularities and take stringent action against all those found responsible. “We appeal to the state government to address our demands at the earliest and take immediate action on all three issues, as they are directly linked to public welfare, development, and accountability in governance,” Mama said.      

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators’ Association (APTEA) on Monday announced that it will launch the third phase of its democratic agitation in the form of an indefinite pen-down protest from July 9 across all District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), intensifying its demand for regular salary disbursement through the State Exchequer. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, APTEA president Tayon Dai said the association has rejected the official minutes of its June 23 meeting with Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, alleging that the document failed to accurately reflect the discussions and assurances made during the meeting. Dai said the association’s General Body, which met on June 26, has sought a written assurance from the government by July 8 along with a concrete mechanism to ensure regular and uninterrupted salary disbursement through the State Exchequer. Failing this, the association will proceed with the indefinite pen-down protest from July 9. He informed that members would continue attending their respective institutions but refrain from routine official work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the association. The protest will remain peaceful and democratic, he said. As part of the agitation, APTEA has also planned an “Itanagar Chalo Andolan” on the 11th day of the pen-down protest, during which members from all 11 DIETs will stage a peaceful dharna in front of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Dai also warned that the association would resort to an indefinite hunger strike if the issue remains unresolved. Claiming that DIET employees have faced irregular salary disbursement since 2019 after the payment system shifted to the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), Dai questioned whether the employees, recruited through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), were being treated as state or central government staff. Describing the delay in salary payments as a violation of constitutional rights, Dai said the association has been submitting representations to the government since 2021 but the issue remains unresolved despite repeated assurances. Under its “No Pay, No Work” campaign, APTEA had earlier observed a one-day pen-down strike on May 29, followed by a two-day strike on June 4 and 5 after its demands remained unaddressed.      

ITANAGAR : Scientists from the ICAR–National Research Centre on Yak (ICAR–NRC on Yak), Dirang and Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati have developed an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart system for yak health monitoring, stress prediction, and geo-fencing, marking a major step towards technology-driven yak husbandry in the Indian Himalayan Region. The innovative system is designed to address key challenges in managing yaks in remote, high-altitude areas where continuous physical monitoring is difficult. It is also expected to help tackle issues related to livestock movement near international border areas. Congratulating the team, Mihir Sarkar, Director, ICAR–NRC on Yak, said yaks are a vital livelihood resource for communities living in the Himalayan region. He noted that yak farmers often face difficulties in tracking animal movement, detecting health problems early, and managing herds spread across vast grazing landscapes. “The newly developed technology can assist farmers by providing timely information on animal health, stress levels, and movement patterns, enabling better decision-making in day-to-day herd management and ensuring timely veterinary intervention whenever required,” he said. Dr Sarkar also stressed the importance of developing field-oriented, need-based technologies to support yak-rearing communities and strengthen scientific interventions despite the unique challenges of the Himalayan region. According to the researchers, the system will be particularly useful for traditional free-ranging yak farming, where animals often graze in distant and difficult-to-access locations. Real-time health monitoring and geo-fencing will help reduce the risk of animals straying, enable early detection of stress or illness, minimize manual tracking, and improve animal safety, productivity, and welfare. The technology was developed by a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr Mokhtar Hussain, Senior Scientist (AR&G); Dr Vijay Paul, Principal Scientist (VPY); Dr Dinamani Medhi, Principal Scientist (AN); and Dr Mihir Sarkar, Director, from ICAR–National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang. The team also included Assistant Professors Dr Rupesh Mandal, Dr Nupur Choudhury, Dr Gitu Das, and Dr Jyoti Kumar Barman, Assistant Professor from Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati. The Centre acknowledged the university’s contribution in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, embedded systems, and technology development. It said the successful development of the smart yak health monitoring and geo-fencing system represents an important milestone in advancing precision livestock technologies and reinforces its commitment to promoting innovation, precision livestock management, and sustainable yak husbandry in the Indian Himalayan Region. (Source: UNI)        

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his deputy Chowna Mein on Monday wished the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 91st birthday. “Warm birthday greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. May His Holiness be blessed with good health, long life and continued strength to guide the world with his timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony,” Khandu wrote in a social media post. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also greeted the Dalai Lama. “My heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on his birthday. A global symbol of peace, compassion, wisdom, and harmony, His Holiness has inspired generations with his message of kindness, non-violence, and human values. May he be blessed with good health, long life, and continued strength to guide humanity towards peace and mutual understanding,” Mein said. Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing also wished the Dalai Lama. “With profound reverence, I extend my heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the joyous occasion of his 91st Birthday,” Tasing said. A global beacon of compassion, wisdom, and peace, His Holiness has inspired generations through his unwavering message of love, non-violence, and universal brotherhood. May he be blessed with a long, healthy, and fulfilling life, and may his enlightened teachings continue to guide humanity towards peace, harmony, and compassion, he added. (Source: PTI)    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : In a bid to strengthen community-led environmental conservation efforts, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng distributed seven grass cutters to community organisations and youth groups from Ayeng and Kiyit villages during a programme held at Ayeng village under Mebo Sub-Division on Monday. The beneficiaries included Regam Sirum, Baba-II Sirum, Mitet Sirum, Mijin Sirum, Top Sirum and Yameng Lepang Sirum of Ayeng village, along with Siyon Sirum of Kiyit village. The organisations pledged to actively maintain cleanliness and greenery in their respective villages under the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM). The grass cutters were sponsored by like-minded individuals from the Mebo area, including Liyon Borang, Gobo Yirang, Bomni Tayeng, Bomyem Tayeng, Milorai Modi, Dilem Modi and Bharatiya Basti Yuva Kalyan President Advocate Magyar Lego. The distribution programme was attended by Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang, Mebo Circle Officer Toimi Tagi, Mebo Banggo-I ZPM, village elders and other local leaders. Addressing the gathering, Tayeng said sustainable development begins with responsible community participation and commended the enthusiasm and voluntary spirit shown by the youth and community organisations. “The commitment shown by our youth and community organisations gives hope for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable tomorrow. A clean environment begins with a committed community,” said Tayeng, who is also the chief patron of the ECMM. He particularly appreciated the youth of Kiyit village, led by Siyon Sirum, for voluntarily taking up cleanliness activities, describing their efforts as an example of responsible citizenship and collective action. The MLA also expressed gratitude to ECMM members, led by Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairperson Nancy Yirang, Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin and Circle Officer Toimi Tagi, for their continued efforts in promoting environmental stewardship and community participation through the mission. The programme concluded with a renewed call for greater public participation in maintaining clean public spaces, protecting the environment and fostering a culture of cleanliness across villages in the Mebo constituency. The initiative is expected to further strengthen the ongoing cleanliness campaign under the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission by encouraging local organisations and youth groups to take an active role in building cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : Recovering Warriors, a group of recovering addiction survivors based in Oyan, successfully concluded a three-day flood relief donation campaign on Saturday, raising ₹89,094 to support families affected by the recent floods in Keyi Panyor district. The humanitarian initiative commenced at Oyan Main Market on July 3, continued at Ruksin Main Market on July 4 and concluded at Pasighat Main Market on July 5. The campaign received an encouraging response from residents, traders and commuters, who contributed generously towards the relief effort. According to the organisers, the highest collection was recorded at Pasighat Main Market, followed by Oyan and Ruksin. The market-wise collections were ₹38,471 at Pasighat, ₹28,340 at Oyan and ₹22,283 at Ruksin. The total amount of ₹89,094, collected through both cash donations and authorised digital payment platforms, was handed over to Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner for onward transfer to the Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner’s Relief Fund. The amount will be utilised for providing relief materials and essential assistance to flood-affected families in the district. Expressing gratitude to the public, Recovering Warriors representative Mohan Tamut thanked the people of Oyan, Ruksin, Pasighat and neighbouring areas for their generous support and contributions to the campaign. The successful initiative reflected the strong spirit of community solidarity and volunteerism in the region. It also underscored the inspiring transformation of the Recovering Warriors, whose journey of recovery has evolved into a commitment to serving society and extending support to communities during times of crisis.