Author name: OnlineAge

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) has submitted a three-point memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking immediate intervention on issues concerning the Smart Prepaid Meter System, de-reservation of forest land in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), and an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in a road construction project in Kra-Daadi district. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Friday, UAPF president Khyoda Daniel said the memorandum was submitted in the interest of safeguarding indigenous rights and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. He warned that if the government fails to address the demands within 14 days of receiving the memorandum, the forum would launch a democratic agitation until its demands are met. On the issue of electricity, the forum demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Smart Prepaid Meter System and restoration of the conventional postpaid billing mechanism. It also sought free electricity up to 1,000 units per month for domestic consumers in the state. Daniel said that despite Arunachal Pradesh being known for its vast hydropower potential, residents continue to bear high electricity costs. He maintained that the people of the state should directly benefit from its abundant natural resources. He further alleged that the prepaid metering system has adversely affected economically weaker sections, daily wage earners, pensioners, and rural residents. According to him, the system has led to 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, therefore, 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 pertains 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 created hurdles in obtaining Land Possession Certificates (LPCs), land allotments, building permissions, and bank loans. He also pointed out that several development projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, government offices, and water supply schemes, often face delays due to forest clearance requirements. Additionally, he said that many indigenous villages and settlements were included within reserved forest areas without adequate consultation and called for the regularisation of traditional land holdings. In its third demand, the UAPF sought an immediate investigation into the alleged misuse and misappropriation of more than Rs 121 crore in public funds related to 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 the construction of a 38-40 kilometre stretch by the executing agency and the concerned department. The forum urged the state government to initiate a thorough inquiry and take stringent action against all those found responsible for the alleged misappropriation of funds. “We appeal to the state government to take immediate action on all three issues within 14 days, as these matters are directly linked to public welfare, development, and accountability in governance,” Mama said.    

ITANAGAR : The Upper Subansiri-Kamle District Boundary Affected Peoples’ Forum (USKDBAPF) urged the state government to take immediate steps for the physical demarcation of the boundary between Upper Subansiri and Kamle districts to ensure a permanent resolution of the long-standing dispute. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, USKDBAPF chairman Dose Dasi Tamin welcomed the re-notification issued by the Home Department of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on May 29, 2026, which clarified the earlier boundary notification issued on May 27, 2020. Tamin said the re-notification was issued following complaints and concerns raised by various sections of the public. He noted that the clarification had helped ease tensions and temporarily resolve the boundary issue, while appealing to the people to maintain peace and harmony. However, he stated that a permanent solution could only be achieved through the physical demarcation of the boundary on the ground. “The dispute has been temporarily resolved through the re-notification, but a lasting solution will come only when the boundary between Upper Subansiri and Kamle districts is physically demarcated,” he said. The forum appealed to the state government to constitute a fact-finding committee to conduct a field visit to the disputed areas and carry out the demarcation process, thereby preventing future boundary-related disputes between residents of the two districts. Tamin also requested the government to ensure that the boundary is demarcated at least five kilometres away from the Sigin River so that settlers who have been residing in the area for decades are not adversely affected. Appealing for calm, he urged the people of both districts to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual understanding, emphasizing that peaceful discussions remain the best way to address the issue.      

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh government on Friday stressed the need for greater convergence among departments and directed that identified potential ‘Lakhpati Didis’ be given priority under relevant state and centrally sponsored schemes to help rural women achieve sustainable annual incomes of Rs 1 lakh or more. The directive was issued during a meeting of the state-level steering committee on the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, chaired by rural development and panchayati raj secretary Sonal Swaroop at the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) office here. Swaroop also asked all departments to submit reports on benefits extended to self-help group (SHG) members under various ‘Atmanirbhar’ schemes during the last two financial years. The reports will help assess the contribution of these schemes towards achieving the objectives of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, she said. Swaroop emphasised the need to strengthen inter-departmental coordination to maximise livelihood opportunities and enhance the incomes of SHG members. The meeting was attended by representatives of various departments and key stakeholders, including officials from the agriculture, skill development and horticulture departments, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB), ArSRLM and the veterinary department, officials said. ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is a flagship initiative of the Centre and the state government aimed at enabling women associated with SHGs under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) to achieve a sustainable annual household income of Rs 1 lakh or more. The programme promotes livelihood diversification, entrepreneurship development, skill enhancement, financial inclusion and convergence with government schemes to improve the socio-economic condition of rural households. During the meeting, representatives of various departments outlined schemes and interventions that could benefit identified potential ‘Lakhpati Didis’. The committee also deliberated on assessing the skill requirements of beneficiaries to facilitate targeted capacity-building programmes. Departments were asked to compile and share relevant data during upcoming district-level steering committee meetings to be chaired by the respective deputy commissioners. Chief executive officer of APAMB highlighted several market linkage initiatives being implemented by the board, including Mission Arun Himveer, and informed the committee about opportunities available under the programme. He also requested ArSRLM to facilitate the engagement of potential ‘Lakhpati Didis’ to strengthen market access and income-generation opportunities for SHG members. The meeting concluded with all departments reaffirming their commitment to work in close coordination to achieve the goals of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative and accelerate the socio-economic empowerment of rural women across the state. (Source: PTI)  

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said India has undergone a remarkable transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 12 years, emerging as a global leader in technology, innovation, diplomacy and humanitarian outreach. In a series of posts on X, he highlighted the country’s achievements under the Modi government. “Over the past 12 years, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has transformed from a technology importer to a nation building its own chips, drones, and advanced defence systems,” the chief minister said. He said the ‘Made in India’ initiative has evolved into a symbol of national confidence and self-reliance. “Made in India is no longer just a label, it is a symbol of national pride and the confidence of a New India,” the chief minister remarked. Khandu further asserted that India’s growing technological capabilities, manufacturing strength and innovation-driven development have helped position the country among the world’s emerging economic and strategic powers. He also highlighted India’s expanding global influence and diplomatic stature. “India has emerged as a trusted global partner, championing the Global South, driving green energy and semiconductor growth, and delivering solutions that matter to the world,” the chief minister said. “A stronger India is contributing to a stronger world.” Khandu observed that India’s leadership role has become increasingly visible through its initiatives in clean energy, digital transformation, infrastructure development and international cooperation. He said the country’s efforts to represent the concerns of developing nations have further strengthened its standing in global forums. Referring to India’s growing international recognition, Khandu said, “Over the past 12 years, India has earned global respect through decisive leadership, humanitarian outreach, and a steadfast commitment to national interest.” Citing examples of India’s expanding global footprint, Khandu pointed to the country’s successful G20 Presidency, global rescue operations and the Vaccine Maitri initiative. “From the G20 Presidency to global rescue missions and Vaccine Maitri, India continues to lead with responsibility and confidence,” the chief minister added. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR :  The Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Itanagar, has successfully facilitated the restoration of ₹30,000 to two cyber fraud victims through the newly introduced Money Restoration Module (MRM), marking a significant milestone in cybercrime redressal in the Northeast. According to a statement issued by Police Headquarters (PHQ) Crime Superintendent of Police Achin Garg, the recovery was made possible through the MRM, a digital platform launched earlier this year by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs to enable quicker restoration of money lost in cyber fraud cases. The MRM allows victims to seek the return of fraudulently transferred funds without requiring a First Information Report (FIR) or court order, provided the disputed amount does not exceed ₹50,000 and remains frozen in the fraudster’s account. The process is conducted online, reducing procedural delays and simplifying fund recovery for victims. Police said the initiative is particularly significant for victims of small-value cyber frauds, who often face lengthy legal procedures to recover relatively modest amounts. However, authorities clarified that the module can facilitate restoration only when the defrauded amount remains frozen in the recipient account. Funds that have already been withdrawn or transferred further cannot be recovered through the system. To avail of the facility, victims must first report the cybercrime through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930. Using the complaint acknowledgement number, applicants can then submit a refund request through the Money Restoration Module portal, complete the verification process and track the status of their application online. Highlighting the importance of timely reporting, police stressed that swift action significantly improves the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering funds before they are moved by scammers. The police also urged citizens to follow basic cyber safety practices, including never sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), personal identification numbers (PINs) or banking credentials with anyone. Citizens were advised to remain cautious of emerging cyber frauds, including so-called “digital arrest” scams, and to verify suspicious communications through official channels before taking any action. Authorities reiterated that anyone suspecting cyber fraud should immediately contact the cybercrime helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to maximise the possibility of fund recovery.