Author name: OnlineAge

ZIRO/DAPORIJO : The annual Dree Festival, the premier agricultural festival of the Apatani community, was celebrated with traditional fervour and cultural splendour across Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, with the main festivities held in Ziro Valley and Daporijo. Thousands of people, including public representatives, government officials and members of the community, joined the celebrations, offering prayers for a bountiful harvest, prosperity and the preservation of the Apatani cultural heritage. In Ziro Valley, the celebrations were organised simultaneously at three major venues, each highlighting different facets of the community’s rich traditions while drawing enthusiastic participation from residents and visitors. The Central Dree Festival Committee (CDFC) organised the main celebrations at Biri Dree Ground in Hapoli, where the festival’s traditional agricultural rituals, community prayers and the 59th Central Dree Football Tournament were held. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra attended the function as chief guests. At Siilang Ditting Dree Ground in Hija village, celebrations organised by the Siilang Ditting Dree Festival Celebration Committee featured the inaugural Apatani Fashion Week, showcasing traditional Apatani attire blended with contemporary designs. The event also included the 2026 Academic Excellence Awards, presented by the Hija Officers and Welfare Society to meritorious students. Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperation and Transport Minister Ojing Tasing, who attended the Hija celebrations as the chief guest, lauded the organisers for successfully integrating cultural preservation with youth empowerment and creative innovation. Meanwhile, celebrations at Hong Dree Ground in Hong village, attended by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tai Tagak as the chief guest, focused on preserving indigenous traditions through community feasts, traditional sports and cultural performances, including the renowned Konchi Danyi folk songs. The celebrations were also attended by public representatives, panchayat leaders, former minister Padi Richo, Tagin Cultural Society president, Gaon Buras, Gaon Buris and senior citizens from the region. Organisers expressed gratitude to the district administration, volunteers and cultural troupes for their support and appealed to the younger generation to continue preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage. The Apatani community in Daporijo, Upper Subansiri district, also celebrated Dree Festival with traditional enthusiasm at the Tagin Cultural Society (TCS) Secretariat. The programme was organised under the leadership of Duyu Lampong, chairman of the Dree Celebration Committee, and Pura Tagia, secretary, under the guidance of Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, who served as the chief advisor. Daporijo MLA Taniya Soki, the chief patron of the celebration, commended the Apatani community for its discipline, progressive outlook and commitment to preserving its cultural identity while embracing development. He observed that the community’s ability to balance tradition with progress serves as an inspiring example. Dumporijo MLA Rode Bui, attending as the chief guest, praised the Apatani community for its resilience and significant contributions to the state’s development. He urged the younger generation to uphold the values of hard work, perseverance and cultural pride. Upper Subansiri Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Yadav, the guest of honour, appreciated the community’s rich cultural heritage and harmonious way of life, encouraging continued efforts to preserve traditional values while promoting peace and communal harmony. The celebration featured colourful traditional dances, songs and cultural performances reflecting the rich heritage of the Apatani community. It concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to preserving their cultural legacy while strengthening unity and mutual respect among the diverse communities of Upper Subansiri district.      

ITANAGAR : Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge on Sunday inaugurated the Apatani Heritage Tower at the Dree Ground in Itanagar during the Dree Festival celebrations, describing it as a lasting symbol of the Apatani community’s rich cultural heritage and collective spirit. The 10-storey tower, constructed entirely through community crowdfunding, stands as a tribute to the Apatani community’s enduring traditions, sustainable way of life and indigenous heritage. The structure features sculptures of a traditional Apatani warrior and woman at its base, while its summit is crowned with statues of an Apatani priest and lady, symbolising the community’s cultural identity and social values. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi and former minister Er Tage Taki, along with members of the Apatani community and festival organisers. Speaking on the occasion, Wahge lauded the community’s collective effort in constructing the landmark through public contributions, describing it as a shining example of unity and people’s participation in preserving cultural heritage. The monument also pays tribute to the Apatani community’s internationally recognised traditions of sustainable ecology, innovative agricultural practices and rich socio-cultural legacy, and is expected to serve as a prominent cultural landmark for future generations.      

TAWANG : Tawang Police, with the assistance of Assam Police, have apprehended two accused persons in separate cases involving alleged criminal breach of trust and cheating, marking significant progress in the investigation of both cases. In the first case, Tawang Police registered a case on May 25 based on a complaint lodged by Garib Nath Raut, manager of Sela Distributors, a wholesale distributor of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer at Old Market, Tawang. The complainant alleged that the accused, Lakhya Jyoti Boruah of Soniya Gaon under Nowboicha Police Station in Assam’s North Lakhimpur district, had been entrusted with the management of sales, marketing, procurement, stock maintenance, accounts and overall business operations. During an audit conducted on May 1, major discrepancies were reportedly detected in the accounts, stock records and physical inventory, revealing an alleged misappropriation of around ₹90 lakh. It was also found that the accused had been absconding since March 25. Based on the complaint, Tawang Police registered a case under Sections 316(2), 316(5) and 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation was taken up by Tawang Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Niyi Angu. Under the supervision of Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, a police team comprising Inspector Niyi Angu, Head Constable Lobsang Tashi, Constable D W Thungon and Constable (D) Rinchin Tsering, with assistance from Assam Police, apprehended the absconding accused in North Lakhimpur district on July 4. In another case, Tawang Police registered a case on May 12 following a complaint by Sonam Tsering of Kharteng village against Madhab Das (31) of Manujuli Gaon in Assam’s Sonitpur district. According to the complaint, the accused had accepted an advance payment of ₹2.20 lakh for supplying furniture but allegedly failed to deliver the goods and subsequently refused to honour the agreement. A case was registered under Sections 318(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. During the investigation, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tawang, issued a bailable warrant against the accused. Following the warrant, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang coordinated with the Additional Superintendent of Police, Sonitpur district, seeking assistance for its execution. A Tawang Police team comprising Sub-Inspector Lham Thinley, Constable Taya Tutum and Constable (D) Tenzin Namgey, with support from Assam Police, successfully executed the warrant on July 4. After completing all legal formalities, including recording the accused’s statement, the investigation in the case was concluded. Appreciating the cooperation extended by Assam Police, particularly the police teams of North Lakhimpur and Sonitpur districts, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang said such coordinated efforts strengthen inter-state policing and reinforce the working relationship between Arunachal Pradesh Police and Assam Police in ensuring effective law enforcement.      

ZIRO/YAZALI : Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tai Tagak on Sunday announced Lower Subansiri district as his Parliamentary Nodal District, pledging to work closely with local legislators and the district administration to accelerate the district’s overall development. The announcement was made during the 37th Dree Festival celebration at Hanoko Ground in Hong village, where Tagak attended as the chief guest. He said coordinated efforts among elected representatives, government agencies and local stakeholders would help transform the district into a model of inclusive and sustainable development. During the function, the MP also launched a digital directory prepared by the Ziro Tourism Organisation to promote tourism and strengthen the local economy. He paid tribute to the Dree Nyibus for preserving the Apatani community’s indigenous traditions and felicitated meritorious Class X and XII students of Hong village. As part of his support for the festival, Tagak handed over ₹2.5 lakh to the organising committee through Niiti Zilla Parishad Member-cum-organising secretary Kago Kampu and announced the donation of a mithun for the next edition of the Dree Festival. Earlier, the MP visited flash flood-affected areas of Possa and the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) colony under Yazali Circle in Keyi Panyor district, accompanied by Nyapin MLA Tai Nikio and Raga MLA Rotom Tebin. Interacting with families displaced by the June 24 flash flood, he expressed solidarity with the victims and reviewed the ongoing relief measures. Tagak handed over ₹2.5 lakh each to Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung and Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta. The ₹5 lakh assistance will be utilised as ex gratia relief of ₹50,000 each for the families of the five persons who lost their lives in the disaster. The contribution follows an earlier emergency assistance of ₹7 lakh extended by the MP to the district administration on June 30. He also assured residents and officials of the NEEPCO colony that he would pursue comprehensive rehabilitation measures with both the state and central governments. During his visit to Lower Subansiri, Tagak participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at the Industrial Training Institute campus in Dilopolyang, Ziro, organised in association with the Hong Dree Festival Committee. He encouraged students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and contribute towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The MP also visited Achukuru (Mother’s Home) at Old Ziro, a shelter for orphaned, homeless and destitute women and children. Appreciating the humanitarian service rendered by its founder Tailyang Santhi, he donated mattresses, fruits and ₹1 lakh in financial assistance, besides assuring support for improving road connectivity to the institution. The two-day tour marked Tagak’s first official visit to the region after assuming office as a Rajya Sabha member, with a focus on disaster relief, development, environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

Maksam Tayeng MEBO/PASIGHAT : Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng on Sunday led a large-scale plantation drive under the Eco Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM) to mark Van Mahotsav, reinforcing the constituency’s commitment to environmental conservation and community-led sustainability. The plantation drive was carried out at Ayeng and Kiyit villages under Mebo subdivision in East Siang district in the presence of Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-ECMM Chairman Nancy Yirang, ECMM Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin, Mebo Circle Officer Toimi Tagi, ECMM members and local residents. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the people of Ayeng, led by the Baba 11 team, and Kiyit village, led by the Siyon Sirum group. Addressing villagers, community leaders and officials, Tayeng said the plantation drive was an investment in the future of the region and stressed that trees are indispensable for ecological balance and human survival. “Trees are absolutely essential for our own survival and for the well-being of future generations. They provide clean air, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity and help combat climate change,” he said. ECMM Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin emphasised that planting saplings was only the first step and that the long-term success of the initiative would depend on proper care and protection of the trees. Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-ECMM Chairman Nancy Yirang urged villagers to take collective responsibility for nurturing the saplings, describing them as a lasting legacy for future generations. She said sustained care and community ownership were essential to ensure the success of the plantation drive. The MLA expressed gratitude to the district administration, ECMM members, Mebo Banggo-II Zilla Parishad Member, village headmen, volunteers of the Siyon Sirum and Baba 11 teams, and members of the public for their active participation in making the Van Mahotsav plantation drive a success.      

ITANAGAR : The Beyond the BYTE Robotic Competition-cum-State Selection for the Junior and Senior categories of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2026 concluded successfully at the Innovation Hub of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre on Sunday. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, the event marked the culmination of the month-long Beyond the BYTE robotics training programme and served as the state selection round for the WRO National Championship 2026. In the Senior category, Bar Ted secured the first position with 167 points, while former WRO national participant Tagru Loli finished second with 152 points. In the Junior category, Millo Zilyu emerged as the winner with 125 points, followed by Kishno Mera, who secured second place with 110 points. The selected participants will undergo advanced training to further strengthen their technical and programming skills before representing the state at the WRO National Championship 2026. Addressing the participants during the inaugural session, Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre Curator Vivek Kumar encouraged the young innovators to remain focused on their career goals while continuously enhancing their technical and problem-solving abilities. He also commended the interns from Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) for making effective use of their internship to gain practical experience. The competition was conducted in three rounds in accordance with WRO 2026 standards. Before each round, participants were given time to test, calibrate and fine-tune the programming and performance of their LEGO SPIKE Prime robots on an obstacle course designed as per the official WRO 2026 challenge specifications. As part of their final day of experiential learning, the DNGC interns assisted in managing the live scoreboard, recording scores and timings, monitoring penalties, supporting participants and coordinating the event under the guidance of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre team. Speaking at the valedictory function, Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T) Director-cum-Member Secretary C D Mungyak congratulated the participants and interns for their dedication and active involvement. He outlined the council’s vision of expanding robotics education across the state and wished the selected teams success at the national championship. He also encouraged participants who did not qualify to continue utilising the facilities at the Innovation Hub to improve their skills and prepare for future competitions. The programme concluded with a joint valedictory ceremony for the Beyond the BYTE robotics competition and the DNGC Internship Programme, followed by the distribution of certificates to participants and interns.      

ITANAGAR :  A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), led by its president Jarjum Gamlin Ete, on Sunday inspected the Working Women’s Hostel and Destitute Home campus at Chimpu and expressed concern over alleged encroachment of the property and damage to the facilities. The two buildings, constructed by the Women and Child Development Department on a 2.68-acre plot acquired in 2000 at a cost of around ₹13 crore, were thoroughly inspected by the delegation. During the visit, the team found that some bathroom fittings had reportedly been stolen from the Destitute Home building. Expressing concern over the condition of the campus, APWWS president Jarjum Gamlin Ete alleged that the property had been encroached upon from all sides. “It is doubtful if the whole area is still 2.68 acres, whereas we are paying revenue for the area,” she said. She stressed the need for a fresh land survey to ascertain whether the campus still retains its original area and to safeguard the property from further encroachment. The delegation included APWWS assistant general secretary Dojum Mara, registrar Indira Pabin, finance secretary Techi Hunmai, chief coordinator Mamoni Riang and law coordinator Geyir Potom.