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NAHARLAGUN, SEP 4: A two-day training programme on systematic review, meta-analysis, GRADE-based guideline development and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was held at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, on September 3 and 4 to strengthen evidence-based healthcare and research capacity in Arunachal Pradesh. The programme was organised by the Department of Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU) and Department of Pharmacology, TRIHMS, in collaboration with the Technical Resource Centre (TRC), DHR Centre for Evidence-Based Guidelines, AIIMS Guwahati. It was funded by the Department of Health Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The training focused on equipping participants with skills to identify, critically appraise and synthesise medical evidence for clinical practice, policy and decision-making. Sessions covered systematic review methodology, literature search, protocol preparation, screening, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, meta-analysis, GRADE methodology and HTA. The programme was inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Director of Medical Education, Training and Research Dr Hage Ambing in the presence of TRIHMS Dean-cum-Director Dr Naba Kumar Bezbarauh, AIIMS Guwahati Dr Phulen Sarma and TRIHMS Nodal Officer for Research and MRU Dr Nabam Peter. Dr Ambing urged participants to undertake research addressing the healthcare needs of the state, while Dr Bezbarauh emphasised the importance of high-quality research in strengthening healthcare delivery. Scientific sessions were conducted by Dr Chanchal Goyal of the Department of Health Research, Dr Kapish Gupta of IIT Guwahati, Dr Nima D. Namsa of Tezpur University and the AIIMS Guwahati TRC team led by Dr Phulen Sarma and Dr Anusuya Bhattacharyya, along with Dr Surender G, Dr Rajkumari Mazumdar and Dr Anutee Dolley. The workshop was attended by 37 participants, including faculty members from TRIHMS and Rajiv Gandhi University, officials from the State Health Agency and the Directorate of Health Services. The initiative is expected to strengthen local capacity in evidence generation and appraisal, facilitate healthcare recommendations tailored to regional needs and support the development of evidence-based guidelines, HTA and informed decision-making in Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Northeast.      

ZIRO, SEP 4: With preparations gathering momentum for the Ziro Festival of Music 2026, the district administration on Friday convened a coordination meeting with key officials and local stakeholders at the DC Office Golden Jubilee Hall to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the festival. The meeting was chaired by MLA Hage Appa and attended by in-charge Ziro Deputy Commissioner Hage Tarung and Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra. The discussions focused on inter-departmental coordination, venue arrangements, essential services, traffic management, security and community participation. Addressing the meeting, Hage Appa said that although the festival originated in the heartland of the Apatani community, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural platform representing the diverse tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. He called upon all departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination to provide a safe and welcoming experience for artists, visitors and local residents. Operational responsibilities were reviewed and assigned to key departments, including Public Works, Power, Public Health Engineering and Emergency Services, along with traffic and other essential service teams. Sustainability and sanitation also figured prominently in the discussions, with the Urban Development team presenting a comprehensive solid waste management plan for maintaining cleanliness at the festival venue. SP Keni Bagra briefed the participants on security arrangements and said a clear and accessible traffic route map would be finalised and made available to the public shortly. The meeting also incorporated feedback from Panchayati Raj representatives, community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, trade bodies and tourism stakeholders to strengthen grassroots participation and coordination. Hage Appa expressed confidence in the collective efforts of the administration and community in ensuring a successful festival.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 3: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Thursday warned of a strong response to any threat, intimidation or harm to its executive members and leaders engaged in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duty amid an ongoing controversy over alleged illegal and bogus voter enrolment in the Bordumsa-Diyun area of Changlang district. AAPSU president Meje Taku said the union’s executive members and volunteers engaged in the SIR exercise were working in the interest of future generations of the State and cautioned against any attempt to intimidate or harm them. “If a single hair on their head is touched, if anything untoward happens to them, AAPSU will not tolerate it, and we will respond in a manner that leaves no doubt about our resolve,” Taku said. The warning comes amid allegations by AAPSU that illegal, bogus and non-genuine names, including suspected Chakma-Hajong and other refugee entries, were being included in the electoral rolls during the ongoing SIR exercise in Bordumsa-Diyun. Taku said AAPSU would not allow the identity and interests of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh to be compromised. He warned that any officer, MLA or Minister found shielding or facilitating what the union termed illegal entries would be held accountable. The union maintained that its executive members and volunteers engaged in SIR duty were discharging a lawful responsibility and said concerned authorities and individuals would be held responsible for any threat or intimidation against them. AAPSU also asserted that no illegal, bogus or non-genuine voter should be enrolled in the electoral rolls of Arunachal Pradesh and called upon the SIR Committee and district administration to ensure transparency and strict verification at every stage of the enrolment process. The union said it would continue to monitor the SIR exercise across the state closely. (Photo: AAPSU in Facebook)    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, SEP 3: The Director General Border Roads (DGBR) visited Project Brahmank on September 2 to review the progress of ongoing strategic road and infrastructure development works in the strategically important Shi-Yomi and Siang Valley regions of Arunachal Pradesh. During the visit, Chief Engineer Project Brahmank Pankaj Goyal briefed the DGBR on the status of various projects involving construction, improvement and maintenance of strategic road infrastructure. Detailed presentations covered the progress achieved, challenges faced on the ground and measures being undertaken to ensure timely completion of the works. The DGBR interacted with officers, subordinate staff and personnel of Project Brahmank and reviewed the pace and quality of construction. He stressed strict adherence to stipulated timelines while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and workmanship. The DGBR also reviewed challenges posed by difficult terrain, adverse weather and logistical constraints and appreciated the dedication of Project Brahmank personnel engaged in executing critical infrastructure works under demanding conditions. During interactions with the project leadership, he issued necessary directions for expediting critical works and ensuring optimum utilisation of available resources. He reiterated the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure and connectivity in border areas while contributing to the socio-economic development of remote regions. The visit provided an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of ongoing works and identification of areas requiring focused attention. Project Brahmank personnel reaffirmed their commitment to completing the assigned works within stipulated timelines and to the highest standards of quality.      

ITANAGAR, SEP 3: Arunachal Pradesh Education, RWD and Tourism Minister PD Sona joined dignitaries and representatives from various organisations in paying floral tribute to former Vivekananda Kendra and Vivekananda Rock Memorial president A. Balakrishnan at a Shradhanjali Sabha held here to honour his memory. Addressing the gathering, Sona said he was there to pay his deep respect to a remarkable personality whose life was dedicated to service, education and nation-building. Recalling Balakrishnan’s contribution to the education sector in Arunachal Pradesh through the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) movement, Sona said his dedicated work touched countless lives and helped nurture generations with the values of discipline, character and service to society. “His ideals and legacy will continue to guide and inspire us,” Sona said. Among those who paid tribute were Arunachal Pradesh Vivekananda Trust president Dr Joram Begi, Vivekananda Kendra Prant Pramukh Pai Dawe, Vivekananda Trust Education Secretary Suhata Nayak, Assistant Organising Secretary Priyanka Gupta, VKV Alumni Association chairman Dr Mingam Pertin, IFCSAP General Secretary Maya Murtem, RSS Prant Sanghatak Nido Saktar and IFS Ranphoa Ngowa. Several officers, public leaders, social workers, parents and teaching faculty from VKV schools in the Capital Complex also attended the ceremony. Balakrishnan is remembered for his pioneering contribution to expanding education in remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. He joined Vivekananda Kendra as a Jeevanvrati (life-worker) in 1973 under its founder Eknathji Ranade after serving in the Indian Air Force. He subsequently served as General Secretary from 1981 to 2001, Vice-President from 2001 to 2020 and All India President from 2020 until his death in 2026. His contribution was particularly significant in Arunachal Pradesh, where he helped establish and expand the VKV movement in difficult-to-reach areas at a time when road connectivity was limited. At the request of the state government, the first VKVs in the state were opened at Sher and Balijan in 1977. The VKV network has since expanded to 44 schools across Arunachal Pradesh, providing formal education in remote and tribal areas. The 44th VKV, at Tato in Shi-Yomi district, was recently approved and made functional. Tato falls in the assembly constituency represented by Minister PD Sona.    

TAWANG, SEP 3: The 305 Field Hospital Teli organised a comprehensive medical and dental camp at Thrillam School in Tawang as part of the Indian Army’s community outreach efforts aimed at improving access to healthcare in remote areas. The camp provided consultations and treatment in general medicine, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and dental care, enabling local residents to access essential and specialised healthcare services closer to their homes. Medical teams examined patients and provided consultations based on their individual health concerns. The dental team conducted oral examinations and offered necessary advice on dental and oral hygiene, while ENT and general medicine specialists attended to patients requiring specialised care. The initiative formed part of the Army’s continued efforts to engage with communities in remote and strategically located areas through humanitarian assistance and healthcare outreach. Such programmes are particularly significant in the mountainous border region, where difficult terrain and limited access to specialised medical facilities can pose challenges for rural residents. The camp was welcomed by the local community as a meaningful effort to extend healthcare services to people in remote areas while strengthening the civil-military bond. (Source: PTI)