ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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National, REGIONAL

DRI seizes 71 lakh foreign origin cigarettes worth Rs 14 cr from North East

NEW DELHI : Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials have seized 71 lakh smuggled foreign-origin cigarette sticks worth Rs 14 crore in the North-East Region, and arrested four persons, the finance ministry said on Friday. Since May 2026, operations conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have led to seizure of 71 lakh sticks of foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes across the North Eastern Region, a finance ministry statement said. Among major operations, DRI seized more than 45 lakh sticks of cigarettes of brands such as Mond, XSo, ORIS and Patron in Mizoram on June 11. This operation was carried out with the assistance of the 34th Battalion, Assam Rifles. One person has been arrested in the case. Preliminary investigation indicates that the cigarettes were smuggled into the country from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector along the Indo-Myanmar border. In a series of operations in the last few weeks, another 26 lakh such cigarettes have been seized, and three persons have been arrested, the ministry added. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Tripura: 2 militant outfits launch rail-road blockade, demand implementation of Rs 250 cr package

AGARTALA : Members of the two militant organisations, which had signed a peace agreement two years ago, launched a 72-hour rail-road blockade in West Tripura district on Friday, demanding the implementation of a Rs 250 crore rehabilitation package announced by the Centre. The blockade by the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) disrupted vehicular movement on national highways and train services, an official said. “We had a meeting with Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma yesterday where we reached some positive outcomes, but two important demands were not fulfilled, prompting us to launch the rail-road blockade”, NLFT leader Prasenjit Debbarma told reporters at Hatai Katar in West Tripura district. The government has engaged an agency to implement the rehabilitation package for the surrendered militants, which “violates the main spirit of the peace accord,” he claimed. A Memorandum of Settlement was signed, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among the Centre, the Tripura government and the two organisations in September 2024. “The process of screening our members to extend benefits under the rehabilitation package is very slow. We demanded that the process be expedited at the earliest”, the NLFT leader said. He appealed to the Centre and the state government to consider the demands of the organisations because the blockade causes inconvenience to the people. “We are waiting for a call from the Centre and the state government for an amicable solution to our long-standing problem”, he said. The train services were badly affected, while vehicular movement came to a standstill on the Assam-Agartala and Agartala-Kamalpur national highways. (Source: PTI)

Editorial

Allies on a shaky stage

It was a weakened I.N.D.I.A bloc that met in New Delhi on Monday, against the backdrop of electoral reverses suffered by important constituents. The Opposition alliance has failed to build on the momentum it had after an impressive show in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has since emerged stronger in states and at the Centre. Two major parties in I.N.D.I.A – the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) – were routed in their states in the recent Assembly elections. In Kerala, where the Congress won, the party was pitted against constituents of the national alliance it leads. In West Bengal, the TMC is facing an existential threat following dissidence and defection. Friction within the alliance is palpable. That the group was meeting for the first time after the 2024 elections shows how serious the parties are in being seen on a common platform. I.N.D.I.A represents a wide spectrum of politics, involving 23 parties with disparate identities and ideologies. It is not known for a united position against the BJP, the common opponent, or for cohesion in its strategies. The DMK, a strong and vocal member of the bloc, stayed away from the Delhi meeting after its post-results fallout with the Congress in Tamil Nadu. Its plans remain uncertain. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not attend the meeting. The TMC, another strong pillar of the alliance, has lost much of its parliamentary strength and popular mandate. The Left parties and the Congress have traded charges. Complicating the scene further, leaders of some parties are also switching to the BJP. In the meeting, there was criticism regarding the trustworthiness of Congress. Tamil Nadu has evidence. In spite of the internal misgivings, the parties have decided to work together and present a joint front against the BJP. The meeting agreed on a five-point plan that includes holding consultations more frequently, jointly raising concerns over the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the mishandling of examinations, and coordinating strategies on the floor of Parliament. The parties will meet again in Hyderabad in August. India is facing a multitude of challenges. An effective Opposition can put the government on the back foot over its handling of these issues. However, I.N.D.I.A lacks a credible, unified agenda for its fight against a political adversary that gains further from this inherent disconnect. It will take more than a few meetings and resolutions to get there. (Source: DH)  

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Arunachal signs pact with IIFT to set up export facilitation cell

ITANAGAR :  In a major step towards strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s export ecosystem and enhancing global market access for local products, the Department of Trade and Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata, on Wednesday for the establishment of an Export Facilitation Cell (EFC) in Itanagar. The MoU was signed at the Civil Secretariat in the presence of Trade and Commerce Secretary Bullo Mamu, Trade and Commerce Director Sonyung Modi, IIFT Kolkata Head Dr K. Rangarajan, Consultant and EFC Coordinator with States, X-Cell, IIFT Kolkata, Sumana Das, and officials of the department. The Export Facilitation Cell will function as a dedicated support mechanism for exporters, entrepreneurs, farmers, producer groups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups across the state. It will provide assistance in export procedures, market intelligence, product development, quality standards, trade documentation, capacity building and market linkage opportunities. Welcoming the IIFT delegation, Trade and Commerce Secretary Bullo Mamu said the establishment of the EFC marks a significant step towards unlocking the state’s vast export potential. She noted that the facility would help connect Arunachal Pradesh’s unique products with international markets through export-readiness support, market intelligence, capacity building and trade facilitation services. Under the partnership, IIFT will provide technical expertise, research support, policy inputs and capacity-building programmes to stakeholders, further strengthening the state’s efforts in export promotion, entrepreneurship development and economic growth. The initiative is expected to boost ease of doing business in the state and advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing export competitiveness and market integration.

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BJP’s Tai Tagak elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Arunachal

ITANAGAR :  Senior BJP leader Tai Tagak was on Thursday declared elected unopposed to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Arunachal Pradesh after the withdrawal period for nominations ended with no other candidate in the fray. Returning officer-cum-secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tadar Meena, formally declared Tagak elected following the close of the candidature withdrawal period at 3 pm. Since only one nomination had been filed and no withdrawal was made before the stipulated deadline, the declaration was issued under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, a communique from the Assembly secretariat said. The official certificate of election was handed over to the newly elected MP at a function held at Nokmey Namati Hall of the Assembly. The ceremony was attended by state chief electoral officer-cum-observer Pawan Kumar Sain, Joint CEO Liken Koyu, assistant returning officer Longman Ronrang, and senior BJP leaders. Later, Tagak called on Speaker Tesam Pongte, who congratulated him on his unopposed election to the council of states and wished him success in his new responsibilities. The election was necessitated as the term of the incumbent Rajya Sabha member, Nabam Rebia, is scheduled to end on June 23 A veteran BJP functionary, 54-year-old Tagak joined the party on September 9, 1995, after serving as a unit organiser of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Arunachal Pradesh from 1989. He subsequently held several key organisational positions, including state general secretary and spokesperson, before becoming the state BJP president in February 2013. During his tenure as state BJP president from 2013 to 2015, the party registered significant electoral gains, winning 11 Assembly seats and the Arunachal West Lok Sabha constituency while securing around 31 per cent of the vote share. He is also credited with playing a key role in the political developments that led to the BJP forming the government in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time in 2016. Hailing from Peel village under Sangram circle in Kurung Kumey district, Tagak was known as a social worker and cultural activist before entering active politics. He has also served two terms as adviser to the chief minister. Speaking after his election, Tagak said the BJP had honoured a simple grassroots worker and that his selection conveyed a strong message that hard work, sacrifice, dedication and teamwork are recognised in the party. Recalling his humble beginnings, he said he had worked as a child labourer fetching drinking water for labourers for Rs 2 a day in 1981-82 and later as a daily wage worker during school vacations for Rs 5 a day. He said his nomination reflected the party’s faith in dedicated workers and was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting people from non-political backgrounds to contribute to the building of a “Viksit Bharat”. (Source: PTI)    

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Farmers sensitised on Khet Bachao Abhiyan

ROING :  The District Agriculture Office in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Balek organised an awareness programme on Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Rayang-1 village on Thursday. The programme witnessed participation from 36 farmers and farm women. Agriculture Development Officer Gracy Linggi inaugurated the programme and briefed participants on the objectives of the campaign. KVK Balek Senior Scientist and Head Dr Deepanjali Deori highlighted the importance of balanced fertiliser application and encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices. She also informed participants about the benefits of registering on the Kisan Sarathi Portal and urged them to enrol for better access to agricultural services and information. Speaking on sustainable farming methods, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection) Toktel Boko explained the preparation and use of natural inputs such as Beejamrit and Jeevamrit for improving soil health, crop productivity and human well-being. She advised farmers to seek guidance from technical experts before applying fertilisers and stressed the need for their judicious use. Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) spoke on the preservation of indigenous seed varieties, traditional ethnic cultivation practices and the importance of vermicomposting in sustainable agriculture. She also sensitised farmers about the significance of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act and its role in safeguarding farmers’ interests.

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Training prog on SIR conducted

NAMSAI : A virtual training programme on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Namsai on Thursday to prepare election functionaries for the upcoming revision exercise. The programme was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), supervisors and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from across the district. During the training, participants were familiarised with the procedures and guidelines for the effective conduct of the SIR process, including electoral roll revision, voter verification and field-level implementation strategies. Officials also received detailed instructions on ensuring accuracy and inclusiveness in the revision exercise. SIR-related materials and documents were distributed to BLOs to facilitate the smooth execution of the programme at the grassroots level. The district administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining an accurate and comprehensive electoral roll through the active involvement and coordinated efforts of all election functionaries. (DIPR)

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Officials trained for APSSB exam

TAWANG : Ahead of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) Special Recruitment Drive for Uniformed Services Combined Examination 2026, the district administration on Thursday organised a training programme for examination personnel at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang. The training was attended by centre superintendents, assistant centre superintendents, invigilators and other officials responsible for conducting the examination, which is scheduled to be held on June 14 across eight examination centres in the district. Addressing the participants, Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner and APSSB Examination Nodal Officer Rinchin Leta emphasised the need for professionalism, vigilance and accountability in the discharge of examination duties. He urged all officials to work in close coordination to ensure the examination is conducted smoothly, fairly and without lapses. Master Trainer Tashi Neema conducted detailed sessions on examination protocols, roles and responsibilities of officials, and other operational procedures. The training was aimed at enhancing the preparedness of personnel and ensuring the seamless conduct of the recruitment examination. An interactive session was also held, during which participants sought clarifications on various aspects of examination management. The queries were addressed comprehensively to strengthen coordination and readiness among the officials. The programme reflected the district administration’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, efficient and hassle-free examination process through effective planning and coordination among all stakeholders. (DIPR)

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19-year-old held for stalking, attempting to outrage modesty of women

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Police has arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly stalking, trespassing, and attempting to outrage the modesty of women in two separate incidents in the Capital Complex region here, officials said on Thursday. Itanagar Capital Region Naharlagun SP Nyelam Nega said the accused, identified as John Loda, a resident of Seppa in East Kameng district, was arrested on June 9. According to police, the first incident took place around 3 am on June 7 when a woman lodged a complaint at Naharlagun police station stating that an unknown man was stalking her and attempting to break into her house. The intruder, armed with two pairs of scissors, tried to force his way in through a window and door, creating panic, the official said. Within 30 minutes of the first attempt, a second incident was reported from Lekhi area under the jurisdiction of Nirjuli police station. Police said the same intruder allegedly broke into the rented room of a young woman while she was asleep, covered her mouth, and used scissors to cut her clothes in an attempt to outrage her modesty. “The victim displayed remarkable courage, fought back, and resisted the assault. During the struggle, the accused inflicted minor injuries to her face before fleeing the spot,” the SP said. The SP has commended the women’s bravery in resisting the attacker and promptly reporting the matter. A case has been registered at Naharlagun police station under sections 331(6) (house-trespass), 78(2) (stalking), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police said. (Source: PTI)  

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Capital Police refutes allegations in Gumin Mize arrest case

ITANAGAR : Capital Police on Thursday clarified allegations circulating on social media and in public briefings regarding the arrest of Gumin Mize, stating that an internal enquiry found all accusations against Police Station Itanagar personnel to be baseless. According to a statement issued by Capital Superintendent of Police, Gumin Mize was arrested on May 20 in connection with Bihpuria Police Station Case No. 72/2026 registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. The arrest was carried out lawfully at Police Station Itanagar. Following the arrest, allegations surfaced claiming that the Officer-in-Charge of Police Station Itanagar had instructed an Assam Police officer to assault Mize while in custody, that his vehicle had been transported to Bihpuria by Itanagar Police personnel, and that an arms licence had been concealed or withheld by the police. In view of the seriousness of the allegations, Capital Superintendent of Police ordered a detailed enquiry on May 26. The investigation involved examination of witnesses, scrutiny of CCTV footage and other digital evidence, as well as verification of relevant documents and technical records. The enquiry concluded that the allegations against the Officer-in-Charge, Police Station Itanagar, members of the police station team and other Arunachal Pradesh Police personnel were unfounded and unsupported by evidence. Police said Mize was personally briefed on the findings of the enquiry on Wednesday and was shown the relevant evidence. According to the statement, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He was also advised to ensure that any action against drug-related or other unlawful activities is undertaken strictly within the framework of law. Meanwhile, Capital Police expressed concern over a series of threatening messages posted on Facebook and WhatsApp by individuals operating fake social media accounts. The posts allegedly contained threats to attack Police Station Itanagar, target the Officer-in-Charge and his residence, and cause harm to him and his family members, including death threats. The police stated that such actions are unlawful and create a sense of intimidation and insecurity among law enforcement personnel and their families. It stressed that family members of police officers should not be subjected to threats or harassment for official actions performed in the line of duty. According to the statement, the fake accounts involved have been identified and the individuals behind them have been traced. Legal proceedings are being initiated, and details of the action taken will be made public in due course. Capital Police appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and refrain from spreading unverified allegations, threats or inflammatory content on social media, reiterating that any wrongdoing by police personnel or members of the public would be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.