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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, OCT 12: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday demanded immediate withdrawal of security forces from areas affected by the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), alleging that the government’s coercive approach towards project opponents could disturb peace in the region. Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here, former Lok Sabha MP and APCC president Takam Sanjoy said development should not come at the cost of indigenous rights and the consent of affected communities. “The people of Arunachal Pradesh are not against development. They are entitled to ask what kind of development is being pursued, at whose cost, and with whose consent,” he said. Presenting a 13-point charter of demands, Sanjoy called for withdrawal of paramilitary forces and police personnel from the affected areas, withdrawal of FIRs against protesting villagers, youths and students wherever legally justified, and revocation of suspension and termination orders against Gaon Burahs and government employees, subject to fair review. He also demanded immediate release of four detained Adi activists — Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron — and a fair legal review of cases registered against them, including the reported invocation of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014. Questioning the Rs 350-crore Special Development and Livelihood Package, the APCC president demanded suspension of its disbursement until beneficiary lists, eligibility criteria and allocation details are made public. He further sought an independent probe into allegations that financial assistance was being linked to support for the project and called for scrutiny of memoranda of understanding allegedly signed without adequate information. “Public money is meant to empower people, not purchase their silence or manufacture consent,” he asserted. Sanjoy also demanded suspension of all Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR)-related field activities until public confidence was restored. He sought a written undertaking from the state government and NHPC that construction would not proceed without the consent of affected communities following transparent consultations. Referring to China’s proposed mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, he said national security concerns should not override indigenous rights, environmental scrutiny and democratic accountability. Invoking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s Panchsheel principles for tribal development, Sanjoy stressed the need to protect customary institutions, including the traditional Kebang system. Warning that continued confrontation could trigger wider opposition to hydropower projects in the state, he urged the government to initiate direct dialogue with affected communities and the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF). Meanwhile, the APCC announced that party president Bosiram Siram would lead a delegation to submit a memorandum to the chief minister, chief secretary and governor, seeking their urgent intervention in the matter.  

ITANAGAR, OCT 12: Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Monday urged the Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) to strengthen academic standards, promote research relevant to the state and prepare students to address real-world challenges, stressing that the institution has a key role in shaping the future of the state. The governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, conveyed his expectations during a meeting with Vice Chancellor Prof Ashan Riddi at Lok Bhavan here, an official statement said. He congratulated Riddi on his appointment and expressed confidence that the university would emerge as a centre of academic excellence, innovation and knowledge creation under his leadership. Pointing out that APU is the state’s only university, Parnaik stressed the need to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, punctuality and academic integrity. He called for creating a vibrant academic atmosphere in which faculty members, researchers and students work together with dedication and a shared commitment to excellence. The governor also called for greater emphasis on research drawing on Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity, indigenous knowledge systems and natural resources, while addressing issues related to environmental conservation and socio-economic development. He said the university should give due importance to sports, student well-being, community engagement and extension activities to help students develop leadership qualities, social responsibility and a spirit of service. Parnaik stressed that the role of a university should extend beyond awarding degrees, urging the institution to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle practical challenges and contribute meaningfully to the state and the country. Prof Riddi assured the governor that he would work towards improving academic standards, encouraging relevant research, strengthening institutional governance and building a positive and inclusive campus environment.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 12: The Indian Army will identify promising young archers from Arunachal Pradesh and provide them advanced training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, besides taking care of their education, food and accommodation during the training period, a senior officer said on Monday. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 4 Corps Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla announced the initiative at the closing ceremony of the 5th state-level Archery Championship in Tawang, an official communique informed here. He said archers who attain 18 years of age and wish to join the Army would also be considered for direct recruitment under the proposed initiative. The selection process is scheduled to begin in Tawang by October-end. Lt Gen Shukla said the Army was working to nurture young talent across six sporting disciplines and prepare promising athletes for upcoming national and international competitions. He also acknowledged Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s support for the initiative, which is expected to create opportunities for young sportspersons in the state to pursue sports alongside education and build a career. Tawang zila parishad chairperson Leki Gombu, addressing the occasion, congratulated the participating archers and urged them to remain disciplined and dedicated to their sport. He thanked the chief minister for supporting sports promotion in the state and noted that archery, once largely practised in the region during the Losar festival, was increasingly emerging as a potential career option for young people with growing institutional support and training opportunities. Earlier, GOC of 5 Mountain Division Maj Gen Amit Nautiyal handed over 10 sets of archery equipment worth Rs 40 lakh to archers of Tawang district under Operation Sadbhavana. The equipment comprised six sets of recurve bows and four sets of compound bows. The medals and awards were presented to winners in various categories by Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, Major General Nautiyal, Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Zila Parishad members and other dignitaries. The five-day championship saw archers from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh compete in various categories, displaying precision, discipline and sportsmanship. (DIPR/PTI)    

PASIGHAT, OCT 12: The Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) organised a marathon at the J.N. College playground on Monday under its “Seva Mera Yogdan 2026” initiative to promote a clean, green and plastic-free Pasighat. The event witnessed participation from over 500 runners. The marathon was flagged off by Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang in the presence of PMC Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, ward representatives and officials. The event featured a 9-km race for boys and a 6-km race for girls. The marathon was organised with support from Arunachal Pradesh University, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Arunachal University, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Apex Professional University, Rashtriya Raksha University, IGJ Higher Secondary School, DEM Higher Secondary School and other institutions. Ward representatives from eight wards of Pasighat also supported the event. In the girls’ category, Wanna Bitti secured first place, followed by Nang Lukena Chatung and Boyon Binggep in second and third positions, respectively. In the boys’ category, Toko Tab finished first, while Kem Bdr Chettry and Khisreswar Pait secured second and third positions, respectively. The first, second and third-place winners in both categories received cash prizes of Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively. Trophies were presented to the first-place winners, while certificates were awarded to the winners. The last seven participants in each category received consolation certificates of participation. The marathon aimed to promote physical fitness, environmental awareness, responsible waste management and the reduction of single-use plastics. The event concluded with a call for citizens to contribute actively towards keeping Pasighat clean, green and plastic-free, reaffirming PMC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public participation in civic responsibilities. (DIPR)  

ITANAGAR, OCT 12: The Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of the Eighth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly commenced a two-day sitting at the Assembly Conference Hall on Monday to examine matters relating to the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The sitting, chaired by PAC chairman Mohesh Chai, began with oral evidence from three departments—Tourism, Science and Technology, and Public Works Department (PWD)—on issues pertaining to the CAG report. The Committee examined the matters highlighted in the report and sought clarifications from the departments concerned for further consideration and appropriate action. The proceedings will continue on Tuesday, October 13, with the Tax and Excise Department scheduled to present its oral evidence on the concluding day. PAC members Wanglin Lowangdong, Topin Ete, Toko Tatung and Mopi Mihu attended the sitting. The Principal Accountant General, Special Secretary (Planning) and senior Assembly officials, including Secretary Tadar Meena, Additional Secretary Agaab Mossang and Under Secretary Kheto Lowang, were also present.

ITANAGAR, OCT 12: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein called on Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan on Monday and discussed key development priorities, including infrastructure and connectivity, youth empowerment, employment generation and the effective implementation of welfare schemes. They also reviewed the progress of centrally funded projects and the State’s infrastructure investment programme for 2026–29. Emphasising human capital development, the Governor called for greater investment in skill development, entrepreneurship, tourism, horticulture and other local livelihood opportunities to generate sustainable employment for the State’s youth. He also underscored the importance of sports, discipline and community participation in nurturing confident, capable and socially responsible young people. During the meeting, Mein informed the Governor about the arrival of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha at Namsai on November 14, 2026, and invited him to attend the sacred exposition.