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Tawang Police arrest two in separate cheating, misappropriation cases

TAWANG : Tawang Police, with the assistance of Assam Police, have apprehended two accused persons in separate cases involving alleged criminal breach of trust and cheating, marking significant progress in the investigation of both cases. In the first case, Tawang Police registered a case on May 25 based on a complaint lodged by Garib Nath Raut, manager of Sela Distributors, a wholesale distributor of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer at Old Market, Tawang. The complainant alleged that the accused, Lakhya Jyoti Boruah of Soniya Gaon under Nowboicha Police Station in Assam’s North Lakhimpur district, had been entrusted with the management of sales, marketing, procurement, stock maintenance, accounts and overall business operations. During an audit conducted on May 1, major discrepancies were reportedly detected in the accounts, stock records and physical inventory, revealing an alleged misappropriation of around ₹90 lakh. It was also found that the accused had been absconding since March 25. Based on the complaint, Tawang Police registered a case under Sections 316(2), 316(5) and 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation was taken up by Tawang Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Niyi Angu. Under the supervision of Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, a police team comprising Inspector Niyi Angu, Head Constable Lobsang Tashi, Constable D W Thungon and Constable (D) Rinchin Tsering, with assistance from Assam Police, apprehended the absconding accused in North Lakhimpur district on July 4. In another case, Tawang Police registered a case on May 12 following a complaint by Sonam Tsering of Kharteng village against Madhab Das (31) of Manujuli Gaon in Assam’s Sonitpur district. According to the complaint, the accused had accepted an advance payment of ₹2.20 lakh for supplying furniture but allegedly failed to deliver the goods and subsequently refused to honour the agreement. A case was registered under Sections 318(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. During the investigation, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tawang, issued a bailable warrant against the accused. Following the warrant, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang coordinated with the Additional Superintendent of Police, Sonitpur district, seeking assistance for its execution. A Tawang Police team comprising Sub-Inspector Lham Thinley, Constable Taya Tutum and Constable (D) Tenzin Namgey, with support from Assam Police, successfully executed the warrant on July 4. After completing all legal formalities, including recording the accused’s statement, the investigation in the case was concluded. Appreciating the cooperation extended by Assam Police, particularly the police teams of North Lakhimpur and Sonitpur districts, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang said such coordinated efforts strengthen inter-state policing and reinforce the working relationship between Arunachal Pradesh Police and Assam Police in ensuring effective law enforcement.      

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MP Tai Tagak announces L/Subansiri as parliamentary nodal district

ZIRO/YAZALI : Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tai Tagak on Sunday announced Lower Subansiri district as his Parliamentary Nodal District, pledging to work closely with local legislators and the district administration to accelerate the district’s overall development. The announcement was made during the 37th Dree Festival celebration at Hanoko Ground in Hong village, where Tagak attended as the chief guest. He said coordinated efforts among elected representatives, government agencies and local stakeholders would help transform the district into a model of inclusive and sustainable development. During the function, the MP also launched a digital directory prepared by the Ziro Tourism Organisation to promote tourism and strengthen the local economy. He paid tribute to the Dree Nyibus for preserving the Apatani community’s indigenous traditions and felicitated meritorious Class X and XII students of Hong village. As part of his support for the festival, Tagak handed over ₹2.5 lakh to the organising committee through Niiti Zilla Parishad Member-cum-organising secretary Kago Kampu and announced the donation of a mithun for the next edition of the Dree Festival. Earlier, the MP visited flash flood-affected areas of Possa and the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) colony under Yazali Circle in Keyi Panyor district, accompanied by Nyapin MLA Tai Nikio and Raga MLA Rotom Tebin. Interacting with families displaced by the June 24 flash flood, he expressed solidarity with the victims and reviewed the ongoing relief measures. Tagak handed over ₹2.5 lakh each to Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung and Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta. The ₹5 lakh assistance will be utilised as ex gratia relief of ₹50,000 each for the families of the five persons who lost their lives in the disaster. The contribution follows an earlier emergency assistance of ₹7 lakh extended by the MP to the district administration on June 30. He also assured residents and officials of the NEEPCO colony that he would pursue comprehensive rehabilitation measures with both the state and central governments. During his visit to Lower Subansiri, Tagak participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at the Industrial Training Institute campus in Dilopolyang, Ziro, organised in association with the Hong Dree Festival Committee. He encouraged students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and contribute towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The MP also visited Achukuru (Mother’s Home) at Old Ziro, a shelter for orphaned, homeless and destitute women and children. Appreciating the humanitarian service rendered by its founder Tailyang Santhi, he donated mattresses, fruits and ₹1 lakh in financial assistance, besides assuring support for improving road connectivity to the institution. The two-day tour marked Tagak’s first official visit to the region after assuming office as a Rajya Sabha member, with a focus on disaster relief, development, environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

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Mebo MLA leads community plantation drive under ECMM

Maksam Tayeng MEBO/PASIGHAT : Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng on Sunday led a large-scale plantation drive under the Eco Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM) to mark Van Mahotsav, reinforcing the constituency’s commitment to environmental conservation and community-led sustainability. The plantation drive was carried out at Ayeng and Kiyit villages under Mebo subdivision in East Siang district in the presence of Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-ECMM Chairman Nancy Yirang, ECMM Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin, Mebo Circle Officer Toimi Tagi, ECMM members and local residents. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the people of Ayeng, led by the Baba 11 team, and Kiyit village, led by the Siyon Sirum group. Addressing villagers, community leaders and officials, Tayeng said the plantation drive was an investment in the future of the region and stressed that trees are indispensable for ecological balance and human survival. “Trees are absolutely essential for our own survival and for the well-being of future generations. They provide clean air, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity and help combat climate change,” he said. ECMM Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin emphasised that planting saplings was only the first step and that the long-term success of the initiative would depend on proper care and protection of the trees. Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-ECMM Chairman Nancy Yirang urged villagers to take collective responsibility for nurturing the saplings, describing them as a lasting legacy for future generations. She said sustained care and community ownership were essential to ensure the success of the plantation drive. The MLA expressed gratitude to the district administration, ECMM members, Mebo Banggo-II Zilla Parishad Member, village headmen, volunteers of the Siyon Sirum and Baba 11 teams, and members of the public for their active participation in making the Van Mahotsav plantation drive a success.      

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Beyond the BYTE Robotic Competition selects WRO 2026 state teams

ITANAGAR : The Beyond the BYTE Robotic Competition-cum-State Selection for the Junior and Senior categories of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2026 concluded successfully at the Innovation Hub of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre on Sunday. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, the event marked the culmination of the month-long Beyond the BYTE robotics training programme and served as the state selection round for the WRO National Championship 2026. In the Senior category, Bar Ted secured the first position with 167 points, while former WRO national participant Tagru Loli finished second with 152 points. In the Junior category, Millo Zilyu emerged as the winner with 125 points, followed by Kishno Mera, who secured second place with 110 points. The selected participants will undergo advanced training to further strengthen their technical and programming skills before representing the state at the WRO National Championship 2026. Addressing the participants during the inaugural session, Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre Curator Vivek Kumar encouraged the young innovators to remain focused on their career goals while continuously enhancing their technical and problem-solving abilities. He also commended the interns from Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) for making effective use of their internship to gain practical experience. The competition was conducted in three rounds in accordance with WRO 2026 standards. Before each round, participants were given time to test, calibrate and fine-tune the programming and performance of their LEGO SPIKE Prime robots on an obstacle course designed as per the official WRO 2026 challenge specifications. As part of their final day of experiential learning, the DNGC interns assisted in managing the live scoreboard, recording scores and timings, monitoring penalties, supporting participants and coordinating the event under the guidance of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre team. Speaking at the valedictory function, Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T) Director-cum-Member Secretary C D Mungyak congratulated the participants and interns for their dedication and active involvement. He outlined the council’s vision of expanding robotics education across the state and wished the selected teams success at the national championship. He also encouraged participants who did not qualify to continue utilising the facilities at the Innovation Hub to improve their skills and prepare for future competitions. The programme concluded with a joint valedictory ceremony for the Beyond the BYTE robotics competition and the DNGC Internship Programme, followed by the distribution of certificates to participants and interns.      

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APWWS team inspects working women’s hostel, destitute home at Chimpu

ITANAGAR :  A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), led by its president Jarjum Gamlin Ete, on Sunday inspected the Working Women’s Hostel and Destitute Home campus at Chimpu and expressed concern over alleged encroachment of the property and damage to the facilities. The two buildings, constructed by the Women and Child Development Department on a 2.68-acre plot acquired in 2000 at a cost of around ₹13 crore, were thoroughly inspected by the delegation. During the visit, the team found that some bathroom fittings had reportedly been stolen from the Destitute Home building. Expressing concern over the condition of the campus, APWWS president Jarjum Gamlin Ete alleged that the property had been encroached upon from all sides. “It is doubtful if the whole area is still 2.68 acres, whereas we are paying revenue for the area,” she said. She stressed the need for a fresh land survey to ascertain whether the campus still retains its original area and to safeguard the property from further encroachment. The delegation included APWWS assistant general secretary Dojum Mara, registrar Indira Pabin, finance secretary Techi Hunmai, chief coordinator Mamoni Riang and law coordinator Geyir Potom.

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Meghalaya CM urges Shah to safeguard Christian institutions amid proposed FCRA changes

SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday and urged the Centre to address the state’s concerns over the proposed changes to FCRA, saying they could affect Christian institutions engaged in public service. Sangma led a delegation comprising representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council, the Archdiocese of Shillong and the Garo Baptist Convention. The delegation apprised Shah of the state’s concerns over certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and their impact on institutions engaged in education, healthcare, social welfare and community development. Sangma urged the Centre to take into account Meghalaya’s unique circumstances while dealing with matters relating to the FCRA and sought to ensure that genuine institutions engaged in public service are able to continue their work without disruption. “Any changes to the law should not disrupt the functioning of genuine institutions engaged in public service,” Sangma told PTI. He said Christian institutions run a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals and community service programmes, particularly in rural and remote areas. In a post on X, he said, “We sought the Union Government’s consideration in safeguarding the smooth functioning of these institutions and the interests of the people of the State.” He also thanked Shah “for a patient hearing” and said the Meghalaya government “remains committed to protecting the interests of its people and institutions.” The estimated population of Christians in Meghalaya is around 2.21 million, which accounts for about 74.6 per cent of the state’s total population, making it one of the three Christian-majority states in the country. (Source: PTI)      

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Namsai welcomes Aasha Malviya

NAMSAI : Namsai Superintendent of Police Sange Thinley accorded a warm welcome to national-level athlete, mountaineer and endurance cyclist Aasha Malviya during her visit to the district on Sunday. Hailing from Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh, Malviya is widely recognised for her achievements in athletics, mountaineering and long-distance cycling, while promoting women’s empowerment, women’s safety and patriotism through her nationwide campaigns. Her sporting accomplishments include bronze medals at the School Games National Championships in 2012 and 2013, first place at the Amateur Games Sports Federation of India in 2018, victory in the Udaan Marathon in 2019, and first place in the 21-km SBI Green Marathon in 2020. She also won a bronze medal in the Gurunanak Devji Olympic Hockey Games and secured a state medal at the University Games in 2021. As a mountaineer, Malviya successfully scaled Tenzing Khan Mountain (19,545 ft) in 2019 and BC Mountain (20,500 ft) in 2021. She has also completed several endurance cycling expeditions, including a 26,000-km All India Solo Cycling Expedition in 2023 and a 4,000-km ride across Madhya Pradesh in 28 days. Her other notable journeys include the Kanyakumari-Siachen-Umling La-Delhi-Bhopal expedition covering 17,500 km, besides several long-distance rides across the country. Among her notable honours are the National Book of Records Medal, the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, the Indian Pride Award presented at the International Convention NHRCCB in 2023, and recognition from Amity University in 2024. Malviya is currently undertaking a nearly 7,800-km solo cycling expedition from Jaipur to Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh under the theme “Women Power – Patriotism”, carrying messages of national integration, women’s empowerment and social awareness. Welcoming her to Namsai, Superintendent of Police Sange Thinley praised her determination, achievements and commitment to inspiring young people through sports and adventure. He also extended his best wishes for the successful completion of her mission.    

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Awareness prog on drug abuse, child safety

DARKA : The District Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee, West Siang, in collaboration with West Siang Police, organised a comprehensive awareness programme at Government Secondary School (GSS), Darka under the theme “Together We Can: Safeguarding Our Children from Drugs & Abuse.” The programme aimed to sensitise students on child protection, prevention of drug abuse and safeguarding children from exploitation through a multi-stakeholder approach involving the Police Department, Department of Education, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Department of Health, Mother Vision, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) and Fellowship Arunachal Recovery Community. The organisers highlighted the growing concern over substance abuse among young people and stressed the need for greater awareness to protect children from exploitation and other social evils. The programme focused on educating students, teachers and parents about the harmful effects of drug abuse, provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, “Good Touch-Bad Touch” awareness, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and other relevant laws. The organisers also emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among families, schools, police, government departments and civil society organisations in creating a safe and drug-free environment for children. They noted that several members of the Fellowship Arunachal Recovery Community have successfully overcome addiction and are now motivating others to lead substance-free lives, while timely intervention by teachers and parents has helped protect children from abuse in several instances. Students, teachers and members of the School Management Committee participated enthusiastically in the programme and took the “Together We Can: Safeguarding Our Children from Drugs & Abuse” pledge. The District NCORD Committee announced that similar awareness programmes will be conducted every Saturday across schools in West Siang district, with at least two schools to be covered every month. Besides anti-drug awareness, sessions in primary and middle schools will also focus on child safety, including “Good Touch-Bad Touch”, the POCSO Act and other child protection issues. The initiative is part of the committee’s sustained efforts to build a drug-free society and ensure a safe and secure environment for children and youth across the district. (DIPR)

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Flood situation improves in Arunachal; relief, restoration continue

ITANAGAR : The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh improved significantly on Saturday as the weather cleared, with no fresh casualties or major damage reported over the past 24 hours, officials said. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), only one fresh flood incident was reported from Keyi Panyor district during the last 24 hours. No deaths, injuries, or fresh damage to public infrastructure were reported. Relief camps in Keyi Panyor continued to shelter affected families, while relief operations remained underway. The cumulative impact of floods, landslides and other rain-related disasters over the past several days, however, remains significant. A total of 305 villages across 222 circles have been affected, impacting an estimated 92,294 people across the state, the SEOC said. So far, four people have died, 21 have been injured, and two remain missing as heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to houses, roads, bridges and public infrastructure, officials said. Two women swept away in a flash flood in Keyi Panyor are still missing despite continued search operations, they said. One person died in a landslide at Sarti village in Anjaw district on June 28, while the remaining three fatalities occurred in the flash flood that struck Possa in Keyi Panyor district on June 24. The disasters have also caused extensive damage to residential properties, with 498 houses, including kutcha, pucca and huts — fully, severely or partially damaged, officials said. Agriculture and horticulture have suffered significant losses, with 330.2 hectares of crop area affected, including 181.7 hectares under horticulture and 143 hectares under agriculture. Around 1,010 hectares of forest area have also been impacted, they said. The floods have also caused widespread damage to public infrastructure, including 121 roads, 13 bridges, 18 culverts, 184 water supply schemes, 21 power lines, 60 electric poles, 58 government buildings, two hospitals, one school, seven flood protection structures, six retaining walls, 12 fish ponds and four hydel projects, they added. The Hoj-Potin stretch of NH-13 in Keyi Panyor district remains closed due to extensive damage caused by the June 24 flash flood, with a detailed assessment still underway, officials said. Relief measures continued in the affected districts. Two relief camps remain operational in Keyi Panyor, where 150 displaced people are being sheltered. The state civil aviation department on Saturday carried out four helicopter sorties, airlifting 11.5 metric tonnes of rice from Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground to Koyu in Lower Siang district. Officials said restoration of roads, power supply, drinking water facilities and other essential services was continuing. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said weather conditions had improved considerably across the state, with no weather warning issued for Sunday. However, from July 6 onwards, the IMD has issued a yellow watch for parts of eastern and central Arunachal Pradesh, including Anjaw, Lohit, Changlang, Tirap and Longding districts, forecasting heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places. Similar conditions are likely to persist in some districts on July 7 and 8, while most parts of the state are expected to receive scattered rainfall. (Source: PTI)

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Kaso visits disaster-hit Keyi Panyor, distributes relief

PITAPOOL : Itanagar Capital Complex MLA and Urban Affairs Minister’s Advisor Techi Kaso, accompanied by Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu and other officials, visited disaster-hit areas of Keyi Panyor district on Saturday to assess the situation and extend support to the affected families. The team visited flood relief camps at Possa and NEEPCO, Yazali, where they reviewed the condition of families displaced by the recent floods and landslides. Kaso assured the victims that the state government stands firmly with them during this difficult period. Interacting with the displaced families, Kaso listened to their grievances and distributed relief materials, including rice, dal and other essential commodities. Immediate financial assistance and cash support were also extended to the affected families. He commended the efforts of the Keyi Panyor district administration, local representatives, volunteers and all agencies engaged in relief and rehabilitation work, while expressing gratitude to everyone who has come forward to support the disaster victims. Speaking to the media, Kaso said he had visited the district to personally meet the affected people and understand the extent of the devastation. He noted that five persons had gone missing in the disaster, of whom three bodies had been recovered so far. The calamity also caused extensive damage to houses, vehicles, livestock and other properties. “My heartfelt prayers are with every family affected by this unfortunate disaster. May everyone remain safe, resilient and recover swiftly,” he said. Kaso said the assistance provided was a small gesture to support families in their hour of grief and hoped it would offer some relief. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the disaster. Appealing to the public to remain vigilant during the monsoon season, Kaso said that while natural disasters cannot be prevented, their impact can be minimised by following safety precautions. He urged people to stay alert, avoid travelling at night during adverse weather conditions, and keep away from vulnerable hill slopes and overflowing rivers to prevent loss of life and property.