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AALO : The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of a woman allegedly by her husband in Aalo, West Siang district, and called for a free, fair and impartial investigation into the case. In a statement, the Commission expressed concern over the increasing incidence of crime in the state and attributed the trend, in part, to the prolonged operating hours of clubs, pubs and bars. It appealed to the concerned authorities to strictly regulate and enforce appropriate opening and closing timings for such establishments across Arunachal Pradesh. The Commission also urged the state government to ensure a transparent investigation and to book the accused in accordance with the law. Appealing to the media to exercise restraint while reporting the case, the APSCW reminded that Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, prohibits the disclosure of the identity or publication of photographs of a child victim, witness or child in conflict with the law. Any violation of the provision is punishable under the Act. The Commission specifically requested media organisations not to reveal the identity or faces of the victim’s family members, particularly if a minor is involved. Reiterating its strong stand against all forms of violence against women, the APSCW appealed to the public to cooperate with the police investigation to ensure justice for the deceased and her family.  

BASAR : Leparada Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Himani Meena on Thursday reviewed the progress of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 of electoral rolls, with particular emphasis on the distribution, collection and digitisation of Enumeration Forms. The review meeting was attended by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) whose pendency in digitising Enumeration Forms remained above 30 per cent, along with officials of the Election Branch. Reviewing the progress of the exercise, Meena interacted individually with the concerned BLOs to ascertain the reasons for the delay in their respective polling stations. The BLOs cited several field-level challenges, including the death of registered electors, migration and change of residence of voters, untraceable electors, migration of a large number of non-APST voters, and disruptions caused by incessant rainfall and landslides. They also informed the meeting that connectivity to several areas, including Ichi village under Dari Circle, has been cut off due to recent flash floods, hampering door-to-door verification and the collection of Enumeration Forms. While acknowledging the challenges, the DC-cum-DEO said such obstacles are inevitable in large-scale administrative exercises and must be addressed systematically. She directed all BLOs to record appropriate remarks in cases where Enumeration Forms could not be collected due to unavoidable reasons such as death, migration or untraceable electors, stressing that proper documentation is essential to maintain the accuracy and transparency of the revision process. Reiterating the importance of adhering to the schedule prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Meena directed officials to complete the digitisation of Enumeration Forms well before the stipulated deadline. She also instructed BLOs to intensify house-to-house visits and voter awareness campaigns to ensure that every eligible elector is covered and no voter is left out of the revision exercise. Clarifying the provisions relating to electoral enrolment, she said the decision to change the place of enrolment rests solely with the elector. In cases of duplicate enrolments, the concerned individual must be given the option to choose the constituency in which he or she wishes to remain enrolled, in accordance with ECI guidelines. The meeting directed all BLOs to submit daily progress reports on the distribution, collection and digitisation of Enumeration Forms from July 10 onwards. They were also asked to furnish reasons for genuine pendency cases, seek additional manpower wherever required, intensify field visits and complete digitisation by July 13. A review meeting has been scheduled for July 13 to assess progress and address any remaining bottlenecks. Expressing confidence in the commitment of election officials, Meena said the district would complete the Special Intensive Revision within the stipulated timeframe and urged all field functionaries to remain proactive in ensuring that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll. (DIPR)          

PANGIN : The Finishing Course Programme 2026 commenced at Government ITI Pangin on Thursday with the objective of equipping trainees with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The inaugural session on Basic Financial Literacy was conducted by SBI Pangin Branch Manager A Pegu, who highlighted the importance of financial planning, banking services, savings and responsible financial management. The programme, organised by the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, will cover a range of topics, including government schemes, digital literacy, résumé writing, interview preparation, labour and employment benefits, and higher education opportunities. The initiative aims to enhance the employability of trainees and prepare them to meet industry requirements while also encouraging entrepreneurship. (DIPR)

  PANGIN : A six-day short-term course on Basic Hospitality and Homestay Management, organised by Government ITI Pangin under the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, is underway from July 6 to 11. The programme is part of the institute’s outreach initiative aimed at equipping homestay owners, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, tourism entrepreneurs, students, local youth and other aspiring hospitality professionals with practical, industry-oriented skills. The training has attracted participants not only from Siang district but also from the neighbouring districts of West Siang and East Siang. As part of the ongoing programme, participants are receiving training in key areas such as homestay operations, housekeeping, menu planning and pricing. Besides classroom sessions, the course places strong emphasis on practical learning through professional bed-making, hospitality role-play, guest interaction exercises and service demonstrations. The remaining sessions will focus on online marketing, community-based tourism, safety, first aid and sustainable tourism practices, enabling participants to gain a broader understanding of the operational and entrepreneurial aspects of managing homestays and hospitality establishments. The Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, through Government ITI Pangin, said such outreach initiatives are aimed at extending skill development opportunities beyond conventional institutional training while helping local communities improve service standards, enhance livelihood opportunities and strengthen the region’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem. (DIPR)

RONO HILLS : Dr Shivaraj on Thursday assumed charge as the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), succeeding Prof S K Nayak, who formally handed over the responsibilities after serving as Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge). Prof Nayak’s association with the university spans several decades, during which he rose from Assistant Professor to Head of the Department of Economics before taking over as Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge). He made significant contributions to teaching, research, academic administration and the overall development of the university. During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), Prof Nayak guided the university through an important transitional phase while ensuring continuity in academic and administrative functioning. Expressing gratitude for his dedicated service and leadership, the RGU fraternity acknowledged Prof Nayak’s contributions to the institution and wished him good health, happiness and success in his future endeavours.

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Movement (APTM) on Wednesday demanded an immediate, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged multi-crore Fisheries Department scam and sought stringent action against all those found involved. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, APTM president Likha Tolum alleged that financial irregularities amounting to more than ₹270 crore took place in the Fisheries Department between 2012 and 2017. He claimed that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the state government has not issued any clarification on the matter. Tolum alleged that the government’s silence has raised concerns over its handling of the issue. He informed that the organisation has already submitted a representation to the state government seeking a comprehensive probe into the alleged irregularities. He further said that two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the alleged scam—one in Lower Subansiri district and another in Kra Daadi district—but claimed that the progress of the investigations has not been made public. “The people have the right to know the progress of the investigation. There must be transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds meant for development and public welfare,” Tolum said. Alleging that the irregularities caused substantial loss to the state exchequer, the APTM demanded a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation and urged that all those found responsible be dealt with in accordance with the law. Tolum said the organisation has also submitted a memorandum to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking a time-bound probe, strict legal action against the accused and systemic reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in government departments. Warning of a democratic agitation if no concrete action is taken, he said the organisation is preparing to launch a peaceful movement and urged the state government to uphold its commitment to zero tolerance against corruption by ensuring a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged scam.    

YAZALI : The Association of Social and Humane Activist (ASHA), led by its Managing Director Rajib Kalita, has distributed essential relief materials to families affected by the recent cloudburst in Yazali in coordination with the district administration. The relief drive provided affected households with essential commodities, including rice, masoor dal, wheat flour, sugar, salt, spices, edible oil, soya chunks and hygiene items, to support their immediate needs. Continuing its relief efforts, ASHA volunteers on Wednesday distributed umbrellas and travel bags to help residents safeguard themselves and their belongings during the ongoing monsoon. Kalita expressed gratitude to the district administration and local volunteers for their support, stating that the coordinated efforts ensured timely delivery of relief materials to affected families. (DIPR)

MARIYANG : Mariyang Police on Tuesday conducted an awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Mariyang, to sensitise students on child safety and legal safeguards. Officer-in-Charge of Mariyang Police Station Sub-Inspector Kipa Robin served as the resource person and explained the key provisions of the POCSO Act. Students were sensitised on the importance of recognising good touch and bad touch, as well as the legal consequences of sexually coloured remarks and other forms of inappropriate behaviour. The students were also informed about Child Helpline 1098 and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) helpline 112, and were encouraged to report incidents of child abuse, harassment or exploitation without fear. The programme aimed to promote child safety, enhance awareness of legal protections and foster a safe and secure learning environment. (DIPR)