Author name: OnlineAge

KEPANG LA : The Indian Army’s Spearhead Division under the Spear Corps facilitated the pilgrimage of residents of Gelling, Norbuling and Tuting to the sacred Chorten at Kepang La Pass under the Ministry of Defence’s flagship Rann Bhoomi Darshan initiative. The visit coincided with the observance of the century-old Universal Smoke Prayer Day and highlighted the Army’s efforts to preserve the cultural traditions of border communities while strengthening civil-military ties. Located along the Indo-Tibet border, Kepang La is a revered site for the local Buddhist community. During the annual observance, devotees offer incense and ceremonial smoke, praying for peace, prosperity, protection and harmony. The Army provided logistical support and coordinated the pilgrimage, enabling the villagers to participate in the rituals. As part of the programme, the visitors paid homage at the Siang Shaurya Sthal to soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War. They also visited a state-of-the-art audio-visual facility, where they were briefed on the history of Kepang La and the strategic significance of the region during the 1962 war. The villagers also visited the Kepang La souvenir shop, showcasing locally inspired memorabilia and artefacts, and the newly established Kepang La Café, where they were served traditional refreshments and local cuisine. For many of the participants, it was their first opportunity to revisit the revered Chorten and explore the historical landmarks of Kepang La. The initiative strengthened their connect with the border region and reinforced the partnership between the Indian Army and local communities. The Army said the Rann Bhoomi Darshan initiative aims to promote tourism at historic frontier battlefields, preserve the cultural heritage of border communities and support the socio-economic development of remote border areas.    

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Wednesday congratulated General Dhiraj Seth on assuming charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), expressing confidence that under his leadership the Indian Army will further strengthen its operational preparedness. Extending his best wishes on behalf of the people of the state, the governor said he was confident that the Indian Army would continue to uphold its rich traditions of professionalism, valour and unwavering commitment to the nation under General Seth’s leadership. Parnaik said the evolving security environment and the emergence of new dimensions of warfare demand innovation, adaptability and strategic foresight. He expressed hope that the Army would continue to enhance its capabilities to effectively meet future challenges with determination and excellence. Stating that the nation reposes immense trust and pride in its armed forces, the governor said he was confident that under General Seth’s stewardship, the Indian Army would further enhance its operational readiness, protect the country’s territorial integrity and secure every inch of its borders. The governor also expressed hope that peace, stability and prosperity would continue to prevail across the country, particularly in strategically important frontier regions such as Arunachal Pradesh. General Seth hails from a distinguished military family. He is the son of Lieutenant General (Retd) Krishna Mohan Seth, who retired in 1997 after a distinguished career that included commanding the XXI Strike Corps and the III Corps.      

TAWANG : Tawang Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Namgyal Angmo chaired a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties on Wednesday to review the progress of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. During the meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Angmo stressed the importance of collective participation in ensuring a free, fair and inclusive electoral process. She urged political parties to actively engage their Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in assisting Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during house-to-house verification and collection of Enumeration Forms to ensure that all eligible voters are included in the electoral roll. Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Tashi Dhondup and Tawang Assistant Commissioner-cum-ERO Tsering Choden briefed the representatives on the progress of the revision exercise and sought continued cooperation from all stakeholders for its timely completion. Representatives of the political parties shared suggestions and sought clarifications on various aspects of the revision process. They unanimously assured full cooperation for the successful completion of the exercise and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the preparation of a transparent, accurate and error-free electoral roll. The meeting was also attended by election officials. (DIPR)      

TEZU : The Tezu Planning Authority (TPA), at a meeting chaired by Lohit Deputy Commissioner and TPA Chairman Kesang Ngurup Damo on Wednesday, reviewed the Draft Tezu Master Plan-2051 and decided to defer its approval for further examination and wider consultation with stakeholders. The meeting, held at the District Secretariat conference hall, discussed matters relating to the proposed Local Planning Authority (LPA) boundaries, implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Building Bye-Laws, 2019, urban reforms and the preparation of a long-term development plan for Tezu township. Town Planner-cum-Member Secretary Dacha Bagang highlighted the importance of preparing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based master plan in line with the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 guidelines and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ urban reform agenda. He said implementation of the building bye-laws after notification of the master plan would help ensure planned and regulated urban growth. Bagang urged all departments to submit short-, medium- and long-term development proposals and ensure that future projects conform to the proposed land-use plan. During the meeting, hard and soft copies of the draft master plan were distributed to stakeholders for comments and suggestions, while consultant M/s Remote Sensing Instruments, Hyderabad, made a detailed presentation on the plan. Addressing the meeting, Damo described the master plan as a long-term vision document for the planned growth of Tezu and stressed the need for active participation from elected representatives and line departments. He directed that existing and proposed infrastructure, including the railway line, airport, paramilitary establishments, Border Roads Task Force installations and cantonment areas, be adequately reflected in the plan. He also called for the inclusion of infrastructure needs, improved connectivity, upgraded public facilities and disaster mitigation measures, keeping in view the district’s strategic location and vulnerability to natural disasters. The authority resolved that the consultant would revise the draft plan after incorporating suggestions from departments and stakeholders before placing it before the TPA for further consideration. Departments have been asked to submit their comments within 15 days, and the next meeting of the Local Planning Authority will be convened within two months. (DIPR)      

PASIGHAT : The East Siang Doctors on Wednesday organised a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination awareness programme at Indira Gandhi Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat, to mark National Doctors’ Day. The programme aimed to educate students, teachers, parents and the public about the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Addressing the gathering, East Siang District Medical Officer Dr Yagling Perme stressed the importance of early vaccination, particularly for adolescent girls, and sought to dispel misconceptions surrounding the vaccine. He urged parents to make informed decisions and support immunisation to safeguard their children’s health. Healthcare experts also explained the safety, effectiveness and benefits of the HPV vaccine. Students, particularly girls aged 14 to 15 years, interacted with the doctors and sought clarifications on HPV infection and cervical cancer prevention. Speaking to reporters, Dr Perme and District Reproductive and Child Health Officer Dr Nidak Angu said awareness and vaccination remain among the most effective measures to prevent cervical cancer. They appealed to the public to participate in vaccination programmes and adopt preventive healthcare practices. The doctors informed that HPV vaccination is available at Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, and other healthcare centres in the district. (Source: Maksam Tayeng)

ITANAGAR : Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh has dispatched emergency relief materials to families affected by the recent floods in Posa village to meet their immediate needs. Local volunteers are coordinating the distribution of the relief supplies to ensure timely and systematic delivery to all affected households. The consignment includes essential food items and other relief materials, such as rice, lentils, salt, edible oil, sugar, biscuits, drinking water, tea, disposable food plates and tea cups. A spokesperson for Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh said the organisation remains committed to supporting families affected by the floods and will continue to assess the situation to provide further assistance, if required.

LIKABALI : Lower Siang District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Nyage Geyi has superannuated from government service after a distinguished career spanning several decades in the Arunachal Pradesh Health Department. A native of Karbak Geyi Moku village in West Siang district, Dr Geyi received his early education at Ramakrishna Mission School Aalo and Sainik School Goalpara before earning his MBBS degree from Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior. During his career, he served in various capacities, including General Medical Officer, District Leprosy Officer, District Malaria Officer, District Reproductive and Child Health Officer, and District Medical Officer in East Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang and Lower Siang districts. He also served as Deputy Director of Health Services (S&T) at the Directorate of Health Services in Naharlagun. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr Geyi was actively associated with several social organisations. He served as president of KAWA, contributed to the drafting and amendment of its bye-laws and compilation of its genealogy, and also held leadership positions in the All Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association and the Galo Welfare Society. In recognition of his service, Dr Geyi received several honours, including commendation certificates from the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and the deputy commissioners of East Siang and Lohit districts, besides the Rashtriya Gaurav Award, Best Citizen of India Award and International Goal Achievers Award. Following his retirement, Dr Emo Basar has taken charge as the new District Medical Officer of Lower Siang. (DIPR)