ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

REGIONAL

Meghalaya steps up El Nino preparedness; focuses on water security, farming

SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday directed government departments to intensify preparedness and roll out coordinated action plans to mitigate the possible impact of an anticipated El Nino event. Chairing a meeting of the Meghalaya Climate Council at the State Guest House in Taraghar, Sangma said the state must plan proactively to limit the fallout of extreme weather conditions linked to El Nino-related climatic variations. “The state must prepare in advance rather than respond after adverse conditions emerge,” he said. The CM asked departments to translate preparedness plans into time-bound, actionable measures with clearly defined responsibilities. He stressed the need to prioritise water conservation, catchment protection, groundwater recharge and community participation, while also calling for wider dissemination of weather advisories and early-warning information. El Nino conditions are often linked to altered monsoon patterns, prolonged dry spells and below-normal rainfall. Sangma directed departments to strengthen support systems for farmers and vulnerable communities. The meeting reviewed sector-specific contingency plans covering drinking water supply, agriculture, food security and disaster management. Representatives of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, Public Health Engineering Department, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, and other agencies briefed the council on vulnerability assessments and preparedness measures. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Congress Legislature Party leader seeks timeline for restoration of normalcy in Manipur

IMPHAL : The Congress Legislature Party leader in Manipur, Keisham Meghachandra, has demanded that the state government provide a timeline for the restoration of normalcy in the northeastern state and steps being taken to ensure justice, security, and reconciliation. In a post on X, Meghachandra said that since May 3, 2023, the people of Manipur have endured prolonged hardship, displacement, uncertainty, and disruption of normal life. Manipur witnessed the killing of at least 260 people and the displacement of thousands in violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The Congress leader said the nearly five-month-old BJP government should be able to present a clear and practical roadmap for restoring peace and normalcy in the state. “While the situation remains complex, people deserve clarity and concrete action. The government must explain the steps being taken to restore public confidence, ensure rehabilitation, facilitate the safe return of displaced persons, and create conditions for lasting peace,” Meghachandra said. Keisham demanded to know the roadmap for restoring peace and normalcy and the concrete measures being taken for rehabilitation and resettlement. He also asked for a timeline for the restoration of normal life and the steps being taken to ensure justice, security, and reconciliation. “Peace cannot remain an open-ended promise. There must be a transparent, time-bound, and inclusive plan that addresses the concerns of all affected communities, and the people of Manipur expect accountability, decisive action, and visible progress towards a peaceful and secure future,” the Congress leader said. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Assam rolls out e-Zero FIR system for cyber frauds

GUWAHATI : The Assam government on Tuesday rolled out the ‘e-Zero FIR’ initiative, under which cyber fraud complaints registered through the NCRP or helpline number 1930 will be automatically converted into FIRs. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam was among the first states to implement the initiative, which is aimed at ensuring jurisdiction-free and hassle-free registration of FIRs in cybercrime cases. “Furthering Adarniya Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a Cyber Secure Bharat, Assam has today officially rolled out the e-Zero FIR initiative — a system which will automatically convert cyber financial crimes lodged at NCRP or 1930 to FIRs,” he said in a social media post. He said the system would facilitate faster police action and improve the chances of recovering money lost in cyber frauds. Financial cybercrime complaints involving more than Rs 10 lakh will be automatically converted into zero FIRs, enabling prompt action by law enforcement agencies, Sarma said. “This quick rollout has been possible due to the guidance of Adarniya Amit Shah ji and the efforts of team Assam Police. Now, your hard-earned money will not go in vain with this prompt system,” he added. (Source: PTI)

Editorial

Cough syrup curbs an incomplete prescription

The government order requiring that cough syrups be sold only on a doctor’s prescription is a welcome intervention to address the threat of poisoning from contaminated syrup-based medicines. Cough syrups have been removed from Schedule K, which earlier allowed them to be sold even in general stores in villages, and over-the-counter sales from pharmacies have been prohibited. They can only be sold from licensed pharmacies on a valid medical prescription. Cough syrups have caused deaths and sickness, especially among children, as they were readily available as popular medication. Many deaths have been reported from within India and from other countries where the syrups were exported. Last October, 22 children died after consuming cough syrups in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. There were many other cases of deaths from different states. Cough syrups exported from India were linked to the deaths of dozens of children in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert about Indian cough syrups. Many people consume cough syrups without understanding the risks. Making a doctor’s prescription mandatory might help to curb sales, but such rules are commonly flouted. The order does not address the real problem at the manufacturing stage, where the syrups are contaminated with dangerous chemicals. There are no effective safety regulations and guidelines, and an efficient system for monitoring and supervision of processes. The statutory mechanism for quality control and inspections does not work for various reasons, including lack of necessary infrastructure, facilities and manpower, loopholes in the legal framework, delays in the working of the system, and corruption and malpractices. Cases are forgotten soon, and erring units come back into business. Penalties and other punitive actions are often reversed on various grounds. Even after incidents of contamination become public, cough syrups made by the same company continue to be available in the market. The solution to the problem must begin at the source, not at the point of sale. There are over 2,000 cough syrup manufacturers in India, including major pharmaceutical units and small and third-party units. It must be ensured that they follow the right processes, backed by a rigorous regime of testing, monitoring, and quality assurance. Rules demand that the raw materials and every batch of the product should be tested for their quality, but that is not done. The responsibility for the implementation of the rules and regulations rests with the state agencies and regulatory bodies in the sector. There is no effective co-ordination between central and state agencies in the field. Unless these weaknesses are addressed, a restriction at sales points will not achieve the intended results. (Source: DH)

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APSHRC recommends roads, flood protection measures in refugee areas

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has recommended urgent improvement of road connectivity and implementation of flood-control measures in Chakma and Hajong refugee settlement areas of Changlang district. The state rights panel, in a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday, stated that such interventions are necessary to ensure that the communities remain within their designated settlement zones while safeguarding the demographic interests of the state’s indigenous tribes. APSHRC Acting Chairperson Bamang Tago in the letter, highlighted the findings of a field visit to Chakma and Hajong settlements in Diyun and Bordumsa circles of the district on June 12 and 13. The Commission identified poor road infrastructure and recurring floods caused by the Dihing River as the two major challenges requiring immediate government attention. It observed that despite the growing economic importance of the region, road connectivity in the settlement areas remains inadequate. The Commission said that the nearly 33-km stretch between Namsai and Diyun takes more than an hour to cover due to poor road conditions, affecting trade, movement and overall development in the area. According to the state rights panel, improved roads would not only boost economic activities in Changlang and Namsai districts but also strengthen strategic and security preparedness, considering the presence of the headquarters of the 2nd Arunachal Pradesh India Reserve Battalion at Diyun. Better connectivity would facilitate quicker movement of security personnel during emergencies and law-and-order situations, the letter said. The Commission also pointed to the region’s thriving areca nut economy, noting claims that Diyun Circle alone accounts for an annual trade of around Rs 50 crore. It said enhanced infrastructure could further expand economic opportunities for all communities living in the area. Expressing concern over recurring floods, the APSHRC said annual inundation and erosion caused by the Dihing River continue to damage agricultural land and crops in Chakma and Hajong settlement areas. The Commission observed that such displacement has historically created pressure for expansion beyond existing settlement zones. It maintained that effective flood-control measures in Changlang and Namsai districts, particularly in Chakma and Hajong settlements, would help ensure that the refugee communities continue to reside within their notified areas. Preventing displacement due to floods, it added, would also address the long-standing concerns of indigenous communities regarding the spread of Chakma and Hajong populations into other parts of the state. Among its recommendations, the Commission urged the state government to expedite ongoing road projects connecting Namsai-Diyun and Diyun-Miao, ensure comprehensive PMGSY coverage in settlement areas of Diyun and Bordumsa circles, and consider including these routes under the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor for double-lane road development. The APSHRC further recommended that flood-control works be undertaken in the settlement areas with support, if required, from the North Eastern Council and the Centre to ensure that affected populations can continue living within their designated settlement zones. The recommendations came at a time when issues relating to demographic protection, indigenous rights and settlement regulation continued to be a matter of debate in Arunachal Pradesh. The Commission said a balanced approach is needed to address humanitarian concerns and developmental needs while protecting the demographic and cultural interests of the indigenous communities of the state. (Source: PTI)    

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Teleradiology Hub launched at TRIHMS

NAHARLAGUN : Health Minister Biyuram Wahge on Monday inaugurated the State Teleradiology Hub along with the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun. Implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM), the initiative aims to establish a statewide digital radiology network linking hospitals and healthcare facilities across Arunachal Pradesh with expert radiologists, thereby improving access to quality diagnostic services. Speaking on the occasion, Wahge described the initiative as a major step towards strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring equitable access to diagnostic facilities across the state. He said the digital platform would enable patients in remote and far-flung areas to receive timely and accurate radiology reports without having to travel to larger hospitals for diagnostic evaluation. Under the new system, X-rays, CT scans and other radiological images generated at peripheral health facilities can be transmitted securely online for expert interpretation and reporting, significantly reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. The RIS and PACS platforms will facilitate digital storage, retrieval and sharing of medical images and reports, reducing dependence on physical films and paperwork while improving efficiency, record management and continuity of care. According to the Health Department, the integrated teleradiology network is expected to strengthen diagnostic capabilities across the state, support timely clinical decision-making and contribute to better patient outcomes. The initiative is regarded as a significant technological advancement aimed at bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring that quality diagnostic services reach citizens irrespective of their geographical location.      

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Monasteries preserve faith, culture, identity of Monpa society: Khandu

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday said Buddhist gonpas (monasteries) are much more than places of worship, describing them as the spiritual, cultural and social heart of the Monpa community that help preserve faith, traditions, values and identity across generations. Khandu made the remarks after attending the consecration ceremony of the newly established Tiwkhar Gonpa at Yusum village in Tawang district. Sharing the information in a social media post, the chief minister said the sacred event marked an important milestone for the local community and reflected its deep-rooted spiritual heritage. “Gonpa is far more than a place of worship. It is the spiritual, cultural and social heart of Monpa society, preserving our faith, traditions, values and identity across generations,” Khandu said in a post on X. The chief minister attended the consecration ceremony in the presence of Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, Zilla Parishad chairperson Leki Gombu and other dignitaries. He described the celebration at the picturesque Yusum village as a deeply meaningful occasion for the people of the region. The Tiwkhar Gonpa has been established as a full-time monastery and will serve multiple roles in the lives of the local people, the chief minister said in another post. “The Gonpa is a full-time monastery, serving daily as a spiritual sanctuary, a centre for education, and a cultural anchor for the entire community,” he said. Expressing appreciation to all those involved in the construction and consecration of the monastery, Khandu said the project reflected the collective commitment of the community towards preserving its rich Buddhist heritage and cultural traditions. “Heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this auspicious milestone possible,” he said. The chief minister also offered prayers for the well-being of the people and sought blessings for peace and prosperity across the region. “May the blessings of the Triple Gem bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to every household,” Khandu added. Tawang district, one of the most important centres of Mahayana Buddhism in the Himalayan region, is home to several historic monasteries and monastic institutions that play a vital role in preserving Buddhist teachings, culture and indigenous traditions. Monasteries in the district serve not only as places of prayer and meditation but also as centres of learning, social interaction and community life, making them an integral part of the region’s cultural fabric. (Source: PTI)  

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Police arrest prime accused in Rs 34.33 cr investment scam

ITANAGAR : Naharlagun Police have arrested the prime accused in a Rs 34.33 crore alleged investment fraud case involving forged government documents, impersonation and false claims of high-level political and bureaucratic connections, police said on Monday. The accused, identified as 41-year-old Rishiraj Borkotoky of Guwahati in Assam, was arrested on June 20, while police also seized five mobile phones and a luxury vehicle worth around Rs 1.5 crore during the operation. Naharlagun Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Nyelam Nega said the case was registered at Banderdewa Police Station following a complaint lodged by Rajesh Agarwal. A case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, was registered on June 5 and entrusted to sub-inspector Koj Tada for investigation, the SP told a press conference on Monday. The complaint alleged that the accused persuaded the investor to put money into a proposed extra neutral alcohol (ENA) manufacturing project in Assam. The SP said the accused projected himself as a financially influential businessman with strong connections in government and political circles. “To gain the complainant’s trust, he allegedly produced forged documents purportedly issued by the revenue department under the Union Finance ministry and the office of the Cabinet Secretary,” Dr Nega said. He added that the accused allegedly operated a fake WhatsApp account displaying the profile picture of the Chief Minister of Assam and shared photographs suggesting close proximity to prominent political personalities. “Police are also verifying the authenticity of an alleged voice call made from the account,” the official added. Believing these claims to be genuine, the complainant allegedly transferred a total of over Rs 34,33 crore over a period beginning in 2022. Following technical and conventional intelligence inputs, the accused was apprehended in Guwahati and later produced before the JMFC court at Yupia here, which remanded him to 10 days of police custody for further interrogation. Dr Nega said scrutiny of bank transactions, KYC records, electronic communications, screenshots and suspected forged documents has so far corroborated significant portions of the complaint. “The investigation has also indicated that the alleged proceeds of the crime were routed through accounts linked to associates, family members and business entities, whose roles are now under examination,” the SP said. The seized electronic devices have been sent for forensic examination, while verification of the purported government documents is underway, Dr Nega said, adding that investigators are also examining whether the alleged voice attributed to the Assam chief minister was generated using artificial intelligence or created through voice impersonation techniques. He said efforts are continuing to trace the complete money trail, identify all beneficiaries and co-conspirators, recover the proceeds of the crime and establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy. Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, Dr Nega advised citizens to verify all claims of government approvals or official patronage through concerned authorities and avoid relying solely on social media or digital communications. He also urged people to immediately report suspicious investment proposals or fraudulent activities to the nearest police station. (Source: PTI)  

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MLA Tsering Lhamu urges youth to become ‘job creators’

LUNGLA : Advisor to Planning and Women & Child Development Minister and Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu on Monday urged young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, highlighting entrepreneurship as a key driver of employment generation and rural economic growth. Addressing a Gramin Udyog and Entrepreneurship Development Workshop organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB) at Lumla, she encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the various schemes and support mechanisms offered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), APKVIB and other government agencies. Lhamu also stressed the importance of value addition, innovation, branding and market linkages to enhance the income potential of local products and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas. The workshop, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment, witnessed the participation of more than 200 villagers, artisans, farmer groups, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, unemployed youth and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the Lumla subdivision. APKVIB Chairman Adv. Maling Gombu highlighted the importance of linking artisans, entrepreneurs and farmer groups with government programmes that support village industries and rural enterprises. He informed participants about the benefits of affiliating with APKVIB to access technical guidance, handholding support and developmental initiatives. Resource persons from MSME, NERAMAC, DoNER and APKVIB highlighted the potential of village industries based on locally available resources in Tawang district. Sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, Monpa handmade paper, food processing, beekeeping and agro-based enterprises were identified as promising avenues for entrepreneurship. During the technical sessions, MSME Itanagar Director (In-Charge) Dr Satish Kumar briefed participants on various schemes supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, while NERAMAC Itanagar Business Development Officer Md Abdul Rakib elaborated on market linkage opportunities and buyback arrangements in the agri-allied sector. Participants actively interacted with experts and sought information on the commercial prospects of products such as amla, lemongrass, seabuckthorn and other high-value crops, besides seeking technical and marketing support. Concluding the programme, APKVIB Development Officer Ralong Singhi reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting rural entrepreneurs through training, capacity building, technology support, market facilitation and handholding initiatives.    

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DLMC reviews developmental works, public service delivery

DIRANG : A Coordination-cum-Sub-Divisional Level Monitoring Committee meeting was held at Dirang under the chairmanship of Advisor to PWD, Highways and Science & Technology Minister Phurpa Tsering. The meeting was attended by West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioners, administrative officers, Heads of Departments (HoDs), Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and other stakeholders. Welcoming the participants, Dirang Additional Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of the meeting in reviewing developmental activities and addressing issues affecting the subdivision. During the meeting, HoDs made detailed presentations on the progress of ongoing projects, departmental achievements, challenges and future plans. Various issues related to developmental works and public service delivery were also discussed. Among the concerns raised were transportation difficulties faced by departmental staff, installation of smart meters, pipeline connectivity, staff shortages and other infrastructure-related issues. Departments also sought necessary interventions for the smooth implementation of government schemes and development programmes. Addressing the gathering, West Kameng DC Dr Dilip Kumar stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation of developmental projects. He said close cooperation among departments was essential to ensure quality execution, timely completion of projects and overall progress of the district. He also directed departments to ensure that beneficiaries selected under government schemes are genuine and deserving. In his address, Phurpa Tsering called for greater involvement of Panchayat leaders and PRI members in the implementation of developmental activities. He emphasised that beneficiary selection under government schemes should be carried out transparently and in consultation with Panchayat representatives to ensure fairness, accountability and public confidence. Taking note of transportation challenges faced by administrative officers and contingency staff due to the distance between offices, Tsering assured that efforts would be made to facilitate the provision of a bus for the benefit of staff members.