Author name: OnlineAge

Maksam Tayeng DAMBUK : A multi-agency rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a rafting team from Zaktum Notko, local elephant owners and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully rescued four persons stranded on river islands in the swollen Sisiri (Sisar) River near Dambuk in Lower Dibang Valley district on Monday morning. The four rescued have been identified as Geram Lego of Remi village, and Abom Tayeng, Maksam Pertin and Mitom Borang of Tapat/Yapgo village. They had become stranded on Sunday while using traditional fishing methods to earn their livelihood after rising river levels cut off their return route. The rescue operation was delayed overnight due to incessant rain and adverse weather conditions, forcing them to remain on the islands throughout the night. The operation was led by Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum in coordination with district disaster management officials. Following the successful rescue, Apum expressed gratitude to the NDRF, the rafting team from Zaktum Notko led by Abu Tayeng, the district administration, local elephant owners, the Indian Air Force and members of the public for their timely and coordinated efforts. “Following a gruelling round-the-clock rescue operation, all four individuals have been safely evacuated and reunited with their anxious families. The successful outcome was made possible by the courage, dedication and coordinated efforts of all the agencies involved,” Apum said. Describing the incident as a reminder of the dangers posed by swollen rivers during the monsoon, the MLA urged residents of the 42nd Dambuk Assembly Constituency to avoid venturing into rivers or riversides during periods of heavy rainfall and to exercise utmost caution throughout the monsoon season.    

LONGDING : A cherry blossom sapling distribution programme for town beautification and the unveiling of a dedicated Child Helpline were jointly organised in Longding on Monday to promote environmental conservation and strengthen child protection mechanisms. The plantation initiative was spearheaded by Longding-Pumao MLA Thangwang Wangham and Longding Deputy Commissioner Kunal Yadav in collaboration with the Horticulture Department, while the Child Helpline was launched by the District Child Protection Task Force. Addressing the gathering, Wangham said both initiatives symbolised an investment in the future, stressing the importance of environmental conservation and child welfare. He urged residents to nurture the cherry blossom saplings with care and commitment to transform Longding into a greener and more aesthetically pleasing town. The MLA also informed that a proposal has been submitted to the government seeking recognition of Longding as a water-stressed district. He called upon the public to adopt sustainable land-use practices, preserve vegetation and support water conservation measures to rejuvenate watershed areas. Speaking on child protection, advocate Wangtan Wangsu explained key legal provisions relating to child labour, child trafficking, child sexual abuse and sexual harassment. He also highlighted the role of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 in addressing cases involving children in need of care and protection. Longding Superintendent of Police Dekio Gumja assured that the identity of victims would remain confidential in all cases and appealed to the public to share information about children or individuals working outside the district under vulnerable conditions through their respective Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs). He said the newly launched Child Helpline would remain operational round the clock and sought active public participation in ensuring its effectiveness. Deputy Commissioner Kunal Yadav said the helpline allows any person to report suspected cases of child exploitation while maintaining anonymity. He informed that incentives may be considered for genuine information leading to successful action, while warning against false or malicious complaints. He also appealed to the community to actively support both child protection initiatives and the town beautification campaign. Longding Horticulture Development Officer Jaman Rangkham provided technical guidance on the proper planting and maintenance of cherry blossom saplings. The programme was attended by heads of departments, representatives of the armed forces and members of the public.      

TAWANG : The District-Level Speech Competition in the Monpa dialect on the theme “Waste Management” was held at Government Upper Primary School, PWD Colony, Tawang, with the twin objective of promoting the Monpa language and creating awareness on environmental conservation. Organised by the Department of Education under the guidance of Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, the competition featured 12 students, comprising winners and runners-up from the six blocks of the district. The participants impressed the audience with their confidence, eloquence and understanding of waste management while delivering their speeches in their mother tongue. Among those present were Tawang Deputy Director of School Education Hridar Phuntsok, Assistant Commissioner Kyidphel Sange Norbu, Block Education Officers Dondup and Thutan Wangchu, Tawang Monastery senior monk Lama Thupten Tsering, former Tawang Monastery teacher Geshe Thupten Gendun, teachers and students. Addressing the gathering, DC Namgyal Angmo emphasised the need to preserve the Monpa dialect while adopting responsible waste management practices to protect the natural beauty of Tawang. She encouraged students and teachers to use the Monpa dialect in their daily lives and said learning Bhoti alongside other languages broadens knowledge and creates greater opportunities. Assistant Commissioner Kyidphel Sange Norbu and Lama Thupten Tsering also underscored the importance of using the Monpa dialect in everyday communication and called for collective efforts to safeguard the environment through proper waste management practices. In the competition, Tashi Yangzom of Government Secondary School, Bomba, secured the first position, followed by Gom Yuton of Government Higher Secondary School, Jang, in second place and Rinchin Choizom of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Lungla, in third. The event reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Monpa community while fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : AP QueerStation on Sunday organised its ninth Community Meetup in Itanagar to mark Pride Month under the theme “Bring Your Allies.” The event brought together more than 60 members of the LGBTQ+ community, along with several heterosexual allies, for an afternoon of dialogue, reflection and celebration. Participants discussed the significance of Pride Month and reflected on the continuing importance of the Pride movement for the LGBTQ+ community. They also commemorated the Stonewall Uprising and paid tribute to pioneers, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, whose contributions advanced the movement for equality and acceptance. The meetup drew participants from various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Roing, Mechuka and Pasighat. Addressing the gathering, AP QueerStation founder and activist Sawang Wangchha emphasised the importance of safe community spaces for queer and transgender individuals, highlighted the need to prioritise mental health, and shared updates on the amended Transgender Bill, 2026, and its implications for the transgender community. The event was hosted by community members Mary Siram and Rinea Taba, who underscored the importance of solidarity, collective care and creating spaces where members of the LGBTQ+ community can connect and support one another. They also announced that AP QueerStation would organise more community events in the coming months. The organisers expressed gratitude to the owners of 2wo Restaurant, Kobyum Zirdo and Tumi Riba, for providing a safe and welcoming venue for the gathering, noting that access to inclusive spaces remains a challenge for the LGBTQ+ community.