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LIKABALI : Lower Siang Police busted an alleged sex racket operating from Bokchum Resort in Likabali and rescued seven women during a surprise raid conducted on Wednesday. The operation was carried out jointly by police personnel, including women officers, and the Executive Magistrate following credible intelligence inputs from multiple sources, including the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), Lower Siang District Unit, regarding suspected prostitution and pimping activities at the resort. During the raid, seven women, reportedly from Nagaland and Assam, were rescued from the premises. Police ensured that all rescue procedures were conducted with due regard to their dignity and safety. Following medical examinations, the women were placed under the care of the One Stop Centre for counselling, support and further legal assistance. The resort owner, manager and several customers found at the premises were detained for questioning as part of the investigation. Based on the findings of the raid, Likabali Police Station registered a case vide FIR No. 25/2026 under Sections 3(1)(2) and 4(1)(2)(c) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Police said investigations are underway to ascertain the full extent of the alleged trafficking network and identify all persons involved.    

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Thursday urged all eligible citizens of the state to actively participate in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll, saying public participation is vital to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections and strengthening democracy. Parnaik made the appeal after he and his wife, Anagha Parnaik, filled up their enumeration forms at Lok Bhavan here, as part of the ongoing revision exercise. He said electoral rolls are not merely administrative records but the foundation of the democratic process, an official statement said. Every eligible citizen, he added, has a responsibility to ensure that electoral records remain accurate and up to date. The enumeration process was conducted by Papum Pare deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer (DEO) Lobsang Tsering and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Itanagar Assembly Constituency Dani Rikang, under the directions of the Election Commission of India. Appealing to the people of the state, Parnaik said the Special Intensive Revision, which began across the state on June 15, will continue till July 14. He expressed confidence that the people of the state would extend their full cooperation to make the exercise successful and further strengthen participatory democracy. The governor also urged residents to cooperate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during their house-to-house visits by providing the required information and documents. He made a special appeal to young and first-time voters to verify their details and ensure their names are correctly included in the electoral roll. Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner said that the draft electoral roll will be published on July 21, after which claims and objections, if any, can be submitted as per the prescribed procedure.    

  ITANAGAR : Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Thursday urged District Fisheries Development Officers (DFDOs) to prioritise meeting the state’s domestic fish demand before exploring wider market linkages, stressing that the fisheries sector has immense potential to generate employment and strengthen the rural economy. Addressing the DFDOs’ Conference-cum-Chintan Baithak organised by the Department of Fisheries at Pare Hall of the DK Convention Centre, Wangsu called upon officers to work with renewed commitment and adopt a long-term, data-driven approach to sectoral development. The meeting was attended by Advisor to Fisheries Minister and Yachuli MLA Talem Taboh, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Department Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar, deputy directors and DFDOs from across the state. Highlighting the untapped potential of the sector, Wangsu said many people remain unaware of the opportunities available in fisheries and urged officers to work in a coordinated manner to revive momentum within the department. “This department can work like a magic wand if we work in the right direction,” he said, while stressing timely data collection, improved communication and effective planning. The Minister underscored the role of Fish Farmer Producer Companies (FFPCs) in strengthening the sector and directed officers to encourage the formation and nurturing of more cooperative societies. He also called for greater youth participation through programmes such as Catch Them Young and emphasised the need to identify genuine beneficiaries under government schemes. Stating that hatcheries are critical infrastructure for fisheries development, Wangsu said the government would actively explore the establishment of more hatcheries across the state. He also assured officers that issues related to vehicles and other logistical requirements would be addressed. Earlier, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Department Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar outlined key intervention areas in the fisheries sector. District-wise presentations by DFDOs reviewed performance, fund utilisation, manpower availability, infrastructure status, revenue generation and implementation of various state and central schemes. During the discussions, officers shared field-level experiences and highlighted operational challenges, leading to deliberations on measures to improve service delivery and strengthen the fisheries ecosystem. Addressing the gathering, Taboh described fisheries as a high-potential sector that often receives inadequate attention. He urged officers to ensure that benefits reach genuine farmers without political considerations and encouraged them to inspire local communities through active engagement. The seminar also identified key thrust areas for future development, including hatcheries, cooperative-based fisheries, youth entrepreneurship and enhanced fish production to reduce dependence on imports. Earlier in the programme, Wangsu released the Pictorial Fish Directory – Arunachal Pradesh (Indigenous and Cultivable Fish), a publication of the Fisheries Department intended to serve as a valuable reference resource for farmers, students and researchers.      

RAKAP : Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Chanchal Kumar on Thursday reviewed the progress of infrastructure development and ongoing construction works at the Film and Television Institute (FTII) campus at Rakap. He was accompanied by Information and Broadcasting Ministry Joint Secretary (Films) Dr Ajay Nagabhushan MN, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) Kolkata Vice Chancellor Prof Samiran Dutta. During the visit, Kumar inspected various construction activities, assessed the status of campus infrastructure and reviewed the functioning of the institute’s Water Treatment Plant. He also held separate meetings with officials of the Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department Itanagar Division and the Power Department Yupia Division to review progress on utility-related works and ensure timely completion of pending infrastructure projects. Representatives of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and the executing contractor were present during the discussions. Interacting with institute officials, the Secretary directed authorities to ensure full preparedness for accommodating the new batch of students expected to join in August. He later met students and encouraged them to make optimum use of the institute’s facilities and academic opportunities. Emphasising stronger community engagement, Kumar advised the institute administration to organise programmes involving local residents to foster a positive relationship between the campus and neighbouring communities. He also stressed the need to keep the campus vibrant through regular film festivals, screenings, cultural exchanges and other creative activities, while advocating capacity-building programmes for officials and staff through training at reputed institutions. To further strengthen the institute’s development, Kumar suggested convening a videoconference involving the Vice Chancellors of FTII Pune, SRFTI Kolkata and FTII Itanagar to enhance coordination and institutional collaboration.      

ITANAGAR : The five-day North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival 2026 commenced at Arunodaya University, Jollang, on Thursday, bringing together 320 NSS volunteers and programme officers from all eight North-Eastern states. The festival, being held from June 24 to 28, is being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the NSS Regional Directorate Guwahati, Arunodaya University and the State NSS Cell under the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Arunachal Pradesh. Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated the festival and underscored the importance of effective time management, cultural assimilation and fostering a spirit of brotherhood among young people. He urged NSS volunteers to respect and appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions of the North-East and contribute meaningfully towards nation-building. A colourful cultural parade featuring participants from all eight states marked the inauguration. Presented on the theme song of the National Service Scheme, the parade showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region and reflected the spirit of unity in diversity. Addressing the gathering, Arunodaya University Vice Chancellor Dr NV Sangvikar highlighted the vital role of youth in shaping society and reiterated the university’s commitment to quality education and holistic development. NSS Regional Directorate Guwahati In-charge Regional Director Jangjilong encouraged volunteers to actively participate in community service and nation-building initiatives, contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. State NSS Officer Dr AK Mishra outlined the objectives of the festival, highlighting its role in promoting leadership, volunteerism, social responsibility and regional harmony among young people. The festival will continue over the next four days with cultural exchanges, leadership sessions, competitions, youth interactions, sightseeing activities and community-oriented programmes aimed at strengthening the values of service, unity and national integration.      

BOMDILA : An orientation programme under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) was conducted at the School Auditorium in Bomdila on Thursday to raise awareness among students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and substance addiction. Organised jointly by the West Kameng district administration and the Police Department, the programme was attended by students from various schools, police personnel and officials from different departments. Welcoming the participants, Assistant Commissioner Sangey Wangmu Mosobi highlighted the objectives of the campaign and stressed the importance of collective efforts in building a drug-free society. Addressing the gathering, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar said substance abuse not only destroys the lives of individuals but also adversely affects families and society. Noting the growing threat of drug addiction among youth, he urged students to inform teachers or concerned authorities if they come across cases of drug use so that timely intervention and support can be provided. He also cautioned students against peer pressure, particularly in higher educational institutions, and reminded them that while the pleasure derived from drugs may be temporary, the consequences can be lifelong. The Deputy Commissioner later administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge and called upon students to contribute towards a drug-free district and nation. Earlier, Bomdila Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nima Tsering delivered a presentation on various types of drugs, indicators of substance abuse and its physical, mental and social consequences. He urged students to make informed choices and stay away from narcotic substances. Clinical Psychologist Kenju Pa from the Health Department spoke on the importance of mental well-being and highlighted the psychological and cognitive effects of substance abuse. She encouraged students to discuss mental health concerns openly and seek professional help whenever required. Speaking on the occasion, West Kameng Superintendent of Police Dorjee Wangdi Thongon said drug addicts should be viewed as individuals in need of support, counselling and rehabilitation, while drug peddlers would face strict legal action for exploiting and harming young lives. Drawing from his professional experience, the SP highlighted the serious health risks associated with substance abuse, including cases where drug-dependent youths were found to be HIV and VDRL positive. He appealed to students to act as the “eyes and ears” of the police and report drug-related activities through available mobile applications and confidential reporting mechanisms. Thongon also briefed students on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and encouraged them to use the Choo Manter App, which promotes awareness on child safety, good touch and bad touch through interactive learning tools. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to support the ongoing campaign against drug abuse and contribute towards a healthier and safer society. (DIPR)