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Niglar urges BJP workers to explain SIR process to voters

SEPPA, OCT 19: Arunachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Tadar Niglar on Monday attended an extended district executive meeting at Seppa in East Kameng district, where he stressed the need to strengthen the party organisation at the grassroots level and advocated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Niglar interacted with party workers from East Kameng and its four mandals, urging them to improve coordination and strengthen organisational activities across the district. Defending the SIR process, he said accurate and updated electoral rolls were essential to maintaining the integrity of elections. He referred to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and outlined the procedures involved in revising electoral rolls, including the appointment and training of Booth Level Agents (BLAs), household verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), publication of draft rolls and the process for filing claims and objections. Niglar said political parties were asked to appoint BLAs before the exercise and that the agents were trained in coordination with election officials. He added that the enumeration process included offline and online options, while BLOs verified information and conducted household visits. He said voters and political parties were given opportunities to raise claims, objections and requests for corrections through the prescribed forms before publication of the final electoral roll. Citing the BJP’s training sessions for its BLAs and the participation of party workers in the process, he said he was familiar with the procedure. Referring to figures cited in his remarks, Niglar said around 13.30 crore names had been omitted from electoral rolls during the current exercise. He listed approximately 2.8 crore deceased voters, 6.3 crore people who had shifted, one crore duplicate entries and three crore untraceable voters among the categories. He maintained that the exercise was a structured process and should not be portrayed as arbitrary. Criticising protests against the SIR led by opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, Niglar alleged that their actions were politically motivated and aimed at creating disruption rather than engaging constructively with the revision process. Questioning the Opposition’s objections, he asked whether removing duplicate entries and verifying the eligibility of voters whose particulars could not be established through prescribed procedures was wrong. Niglar said the objective of electoral roll revision should be to ensure that all eligible Indian citizens were registered while preventing duplicate and ineligible entries. He urged BJP workers to explain the objectives and procedures of the SIR to the public and promote awareness of the electoral process.    

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Father of Seppa East MLA Ealing Tallang passes away at 79

ITANAGAR, OCT 19: Rangka Tallang, father of Seppa East MLA Ealing Tallang, passed away at the age of 79. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Home Minister Mama Natung expressed grief over his demise and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. In his condolence message, Khandu said he was deeply saddened by Tallang’s passing and prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the family during this difficult time. Mein also expressed condolences to Ealing Tallang and his family, wishing them strength and solace as they cope with the loss. Natung said Tallang’s passing was an irreparable loss to the family and all those whose lives he had touched. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Ealing Tallang and the bereaved family, praying that the Almighty grant them strength and courage to endure the loss and comfort them during the difficult time. He also prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul. Rangka Tallang was also the legal owner of Hotel Cygnett Inn Trendz in Itanagar.    

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Arunachal women shine at Mrs Asia International 2026

ITANAGAR, OCT 19: Three women from Arunachal Pradesh have brought international recognition to the state after winning prestigious titles at the Mrs Asia International 2026 pageant held in Khon Kaen, Thailand, on October 17. Chunu Mallo, Jenny Pinggam and Kago Yallu Nenko made their mark at the international beauty pageant, showcasing confidence, grace and individuality while representing India on the global stage. Mallo emerged as the second runner-up in the Mrs Asia International competition, while Pinggam bagged the Mrs Friendship title. Nenko earned the Mrs Inspiration crown, completing a remarkable triple achievement for Arunachal Pradesh. The grand event, held at the Charoen Thani Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, brought together contestants from different countries, providing a platform to celebrate women’s achievements, personalities and cultural identities. Pinggam, the reigning Mrs Arunachal first runner-up, had entered the competition in the Mrs Asia International Global 2026 category. Mallo represented India as the Mrs India–Asia International Tourism 2026 titleholder, while Nenko participated as the Classic Mrs India–Asia International 2026 titleholder. Mrs Arunachal Organisation chairperson Ngurang Anung congratulated the three title winners on their achievements, expressing pride in their success on the international stage. She said their accomplishments were a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and would inspire more women, particularly those from remote areas, to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. “This achievement has also put the spotlight on the growing presence of women from Arunachal Pradesh in international beauty pageants,” Anung said.  

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Green Gold animal feed launched, Prof Showren urges early commissioning of Mega Food Park

BANDERDEWA, OCT 19: Nyishi Elite Society (NES) president Prof Tana Showren on Monday launched Green Gold animal feed, produced by Rongoge Animal Feed plant, at the Rongoge Mega Food Park in Dolikoto under Banderdewa circle of Papum Pare district. Addressing the gathering, Showren expressed happiness over the launch of a locally manufactured product and called on the state government, entrepreneurs and business community to support indigenous industries and strengthen local manufacturing. He said the animal feed was Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified and urea-free, adding that such ventures could expand their reach beyond Arunachal Pradesh if supported by local consumers and businesses. The product is currently available in markets in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam. Showren also stressed the need to promote entrepreneurship and the dignity of labour, urging youths to explore employment opportunities in private enterprises and manufacturing units instead of depending solely on government jobs. He said around 300 people had reportedly been employed so far through activities associated with the facility. Once fully operational, the Mega Food Park is expected to generate further employment and support economic opportunities for people in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Calling for the early commissioning of the Rongoge Mega Food Park, the NES president urged the state government to resolve pending technical issues, administrative hurdles and clearances. He said the facility could become a major centre for agro-processing and food manufacturing, helping strengthen the regional economy and provide greater opportunities for local producers and entrepreneurs. The event also saw the launch of the Mega Food Park’s website, which is expected to provide information on the facility and its products. ANYA president, the guest of honour, also addressed the gathering. Nyishi Nyem Welfare Society president Likha Aja spoke on the occasion, while lead promoter Likha Maaj outlined the challenges faced during the establishment of the Mega Food Park. Maaj assured the visiting NES and ANYA teams that the unit would consider producing animal feed for mithun based on demand and requests from the community. The visiting team also inspected the laboratory, factory, production centre and Green Gold Integrated Farm. NES vice-president (headquarters) Dr Toko Onuj, vice-president (East) Dr Lokam Kani, Secretary Protocol Taba Tadhe Goyang, Secretary (Coordination) Joram Lali, Secretary (Research and Documentation) Prof Hui Tag, Secretary (Education and Literature) Techi Tajo and Secretary (Health and Hygiene) Dr Tana Aruna Likha were among those present, along with other NES members and representatives.    

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Unidentified body recovered

SEIJOSA, OCT 19: Seijosa Police in Arunachal registered an unnatural death case and are examining possible drowning as the cause of death, while the identity of the deceased remains unknown. Police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Kessang district have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying an unidentified male body recovered near the Dibru river in Goloso village on October 16. According to a hue and cry notice issued by Seijosa Police Station, the body was found downstream of the river at around 8 am. The identity and age of the deceased have not yet been established. Police said no visible injuries were found on the body. Preliminary suspicion suggests that the person may have died by drowning, although the exact cause and circumstances of death remain undetermined. Following the recovery, the body was taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Seijosa for postmortem formalities. It was later shifted to the mortuary at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIMS) in Naharlagun due to the lack of mortuary facilities at the local health centre. Seijosa Police Station has registered an unnatural death case, UD Case No. 01/2026, under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). An enquiry is underway to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the circumstances leading to his death. As part of the identification process, police have circulated the notice to police stations and outposts across Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, asking them to check missing-person registers and records for any cases that may correspond with the deceased. Police have also urged members of the public, law enforcement agencies and other concerned individuals to share any information that could help establish the man’s identity or clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. In the notice issued on October 16, Seijosa Police Station Officer-in-Charge ASI Lakhaman Sahu requested the concerned authorities to communicate any relevant information promptly to facilitate further investigation and necessary action. Anyone with information about the deceased has been asked to contact Seijosa Police Station in Pakke Kessang district. (PTI)

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Mein inaugurates boundary gate at Medo

MEDO, OCT 19: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday inaugurated the district boundary gate at Medo in Lohit district. The gate serves as a welcome gateway to the Mishmi Hills, highlighting the region’s spiritual significance, natural beauty and cultural heritage. Lohit district is home to several prominent destinations, including the holy pilgrimage site of Parshuram Kund, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, Glaw Lake, and the border villages of Kibithoo and Dong, known for being among the first places in India to receive the sunrise. Mein appreciated the Rural Works Department (RWD) for executing the project, saying the gate adds to the region’s infrastructure and gives a distinct identity to an important entry point to the district.

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HRA seeks impartial inquiry into reported ABK (U) meeting over SUMP

ITANAGAR, OCT 19: Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA), led by its chairman Dr Kipa Kaha, has called for an impartial fact-finding inquiry into a reported meeting between former Adi Baane Kebang (United) [ABK (U)] president Thomas Borang and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, allegedly attended by a businessman, during Borang’s tenure as the organisation’s president. In a statement issued on Sunday, HRA questioned whether the meeting had taken place with the knowledge and approval of ABK (U)’s executive members. It said that if the meeting concerned the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), its purpose, circumstances and any decisions or commitments arising from it should be transparently explained to the Adi community and the people of Arunachal Pradesh. HRA clarified that it had no objection to Borang meeting the Chief Minister in his personal capacity after leaving the organisational post, but maintained that meetings undertaken in an official capacity should follow institutional procedures and be subject to consultation and accountability. The organisation also referred to Borang’s reported resignation on health grounds, stating that it did not seek to question his personal health circumstances but believed that concerns over decisions taken during his tenure should be addressed transparently. HRA appealed to the ABK (U) vice-president, general secretary and executive members to constitute an impartial fact-finding committee to examine the reported meeting, including its purpose, participants, authorisation and whether any SUMP-related commitments were discussed or made. It also sought clarification, where relevant, on the role and responsibilities of the project’s High-Power Committee, chaired by Minister Ojin Tasing. Separately, HRA urged competent law-enforcement authorities to examine available evidence and determine whether any cognisable offence had been committed. It called for registration of a first information report (FIR) if sufficient legal grounds existed, stressing that its demand for an investigation should not be construed as a declaration of anyone’s guilt. Expressing concern over apprehensions among sections of the Adi community, particularly residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts, HRA said issues relating to ancestral land, livelihoods, cultural heritage, the environment and future generations required meaningful consultation and transparent disclosure of project-related information. The organisation called upon Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and MLAs Alo Libang, Onit Panyang, Oken Tayeng and Tapi Darang to publicly clarify their positions on SUMP. It also requested the elected representatives to disclose relevant written communications, resolutions, agreements or official records concerning the project, subject to applicable law and legitimate confidentiality requirements. HRA said it did not endorse unsubstantiated allegations that elected representatives had compromised the interests of their constituents, but maintained that public representatives should remain accountable to the people they serve. The organisation also appreciated senior Adi community member Oyem Dai for his social media statement on the issue, describing constructive public dialogue and the exchange of views as essential to democratic discussion. Appealing for unity, HRA said differences over SUMP or the conduct of individuals should not undermine the dignity of the Adi community or create divisions among communities in Arunachal Pradesh. It urged community organisations, public representatives, civil society groups and citizens to uphold peace, mutual respect and constitutional values. HRA reiterated its call for an impartial fact-finding process, an evidence-based investigation wherever warranted, public accountability and meaningful consultation with communities potentially affected by the proposed project.  

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Centre launches portal to give farmers access to agri schemes on mobile phones

NEW DELHI, OCT 19: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched the upgraded Agri Welfare Portal to provide farmers across the country with direct, easy access to government schemes, financial assistance and reliable agricultural information on their mobile phones. Addressing the launch programme, Chouhan said that with the upgraded portal, farmers will no longer need to visit multiple government offices or navigate different websites to obtain information about schemes or submit applications. The platform will also bring together Farmer Producer Organisations, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, agricultural scientists, researchers and startups, creating a common digital platform for the wider agricultural ecosystem. The platform will serve as a single-window gateway to major government initiatives, including PM-KISAN, AgriStack and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, making it easier for farmers to access relevant services and information through a common interface. The minister said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clear vision is to ensure that the government remains accessible to citizens and farmers at all times through their mobile phones. Technology could fulfil its true purpose only when it reached farms and rural communities and made farmers’ lives easier.” Emphasising the importance of reliable information, Chouhan directed officials to ensure that the portal remained accurate and regularly updated. He said outdated or incomplete information could undermine public trust in the system, making continuous updates essential to its success. He also stressed that the language and processes must be simple enough for small and marginal farmers, including those with limited formal education, to understand and use the platform with ease. To help farmers make effective use of the portal and other digital tools, a special training campaign will be conducted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country. Information on the Ministry’s schemes, subsidies, rules and digital services will be available on a single portal, reducing the time and effort farmers spend navigating multiple platforms, according to an official statement. Built with rural users in mind, the portal is lightweight and user-friendly, enabling smooth operation on basic smartphones and in areas with weak internet connectivity. Farmers will be able to access authentic information on weather conditions, scientific farming practices, the availability of seeds and fertilisers, and prevailing market prices for agricultural produce, the statement added. (Source: IANS)  

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Consultations with Oppn already done, play constructive role for passage of women’s quota bill: Rijiju to Kharge

NEW DELHI, OCT 19: Questioning the Congress’ demand for an all-party meeting, the government on Monday asserted that it has made consistent efforts for dialogue with the opposition for the passage of the delimitation-linked women reservation bill and what is now required is constructive cooperation from all parties. In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju underlined that the government values the participation of all political parties in deliberations and discussions on all matters of national importance and expressed the hope that the Congress will play a constructive role and not obstruct important future legislations. Rijiju wrote in response to Kharge’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an all-party meeting before the Constitution amendment bill is taken up for consideration in Parliament. “I am writing to you to clarify certain points and place on record the facts regarding the efforts made by the government to engage with the Opposition on this subject. “First, with regard to your observation that the Parliament has not been prorogued even though 64 days have elapsed since the House was adjourned sine die on 13 August 2026, I would like to clarify that there is no constitutional requirement prescribing a specific period within which a House must be prorogued following its adjournment sine die,” he said. The parliamentary affairs minister said the mere fact that a House has not been prorogued during such an interval does not, by itself, give rise to any constitutional or procedural impropriety or irregularity. He said there have been innumerable instances in the past in which Houses remained unprorogued for long periods, extending up to 87 days. In 2008, the Lok Sabha sat for two days, on July 2lst and 22nd, for the confidence motion; the House was then kept unprorogued, reconvened on October 17, 2008, and was adjourned on October 24 to meet again on December 10. Rijiju said there are several other such instances: 1987 (76 days), 1989 (54 days), 2006 (49 days), 2013 (49 days) and 1963 (41 days). “Second, the government has consistently sought the opposition’s support and cooperation for the consideration and passage of the Delimitation Amendment Bill. The government has reached out to the Congress party, being the principal opposition party, on several occasions,” he said. The minister said he wrote to Kharge on March 16, March 26 and April 12 this year and had also discussed the matter with him personally and sought his support and cooperation. Rijiju said that during the Monsoon Session, he also met Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, personally for a discussion and sought his cooperation on this subject. “However, after repeated requests, the Congress party didn’t give dates for a discussion, after which the government’s outreach had extended to other political parties. “Consultations were held with representatives of parties including the DMK, SP, YSRCP, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD with a view to facilitating dialogue and building a broader consensus in support of the proposed legislation,” he said. In these circumstances, the minister said, it is not clear why the demand for consultation is being made repeatedly, when the government has already made sustained efforts for dialogue. What is now required is constructive cooperation from the opposition parties, rather than a repetition of the same demand without due regard to the consultations already undertaken, the minister said. “These efforts reflect the government’s firm willingness to undertake consultation and constructive parliamentary engagement. I reiterate that the government remains committed to the basic principles of parliamentary democracy and to facilitating meaningful dialogue through the effective functioning of Parliament,” he said in the letter. PTI  

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2 persons shot dead by militants in Manipur, locals demonstrate with bodies outside CM house

IMPHAL, OCT 19: Two persons collecting firewood in a forest were allegedly killed by suspected militants in Manipur on Monday, triggering protests by locals who placed the bodies outside the chief minister’s residence in Imphal. Four others were also injured as militants allegedly opened fire on a group of firewood collectors at the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts, officials said. Three persons are still missing in the incident that happened in Khongbal Sunurok Uyok in Kangpokpi, a few metres from Nongshum village in Imphal East, they said. The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil (35) and Lairenlakpam Inaobi (51). They were among 16 people who had gone to the hills near their village around 7 am to collect firewood when they were ambushed, officials said. Angry locals brought the bodies to the state capital to protest the violence that has plagued the state since May 2023. They placed the bodies outside the main gate of the chief minister’s residence in Babupara. It was not immediately known whether Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh was present at the residence during the protest. Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, following which the bodies were taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). One of the injured, identified as Ksh Deven, was stated to be in a serious condition, officials said. (Source: PTI)