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TAWANG, SEP 1: Arunachal Pradesh has lost a seasoned administrator with the demise of Sang Phuntsok (Retd), former Deputy Commissioner of Tawang and Member of the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta. He reportedly passed away in Delhi, prompting an outpouring of grief across the state, particularly in Tawang where he served with distinction. A civil servant with several decades of administrative experience, Phuntsok held various key positions in the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He is particularly remembered for his tenure as Tawang Deputy Commissioner, during which he contributed to strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and advancing developmental initiatives in the strategically important border district. Known for his calm demeanour, accessibility and people-centric approach, Phuntsok earned the respect of local communities. His tenure also saw efforts towards grassroots development, administrative efficiency and addressing the concerns of people living in remote border areas. After retiring from the Indian Administrative Service, Phuntsok served as Secretary (Hydro Power), Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He was subsequently appointed a Member of the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta and formally assumed office on August 20, 2025, at a ceremony held at Raj Bhawan, Itanagar. His appointment to the anti-corruption watchdog was seen as an important step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. With his extensive administrative experience and understanding of public administration, he was expected to contribute to the effectiveness of the institution. Established under the Arunachal Pradesh Lokayukta Act, 2014, the Lokayukta is mandated to inquire into allegations of corruption and administrative misconduct involving public servants. The news of his demise has evoked condolences from political leaders, serving and retired bureaucrats, civil society organisations and people across the state. Many remembered Phuntsok as an officer known for integrity, humility and dedication to public service. His death marks the end of a long career in public administration and leaves behind a legacy of honest governance, ethical leadership and commitment to the development of Arunachal Pradesh. Funeral arrangements and further details are awaited from family sources. (Source: Mon Tawang Vigilance)    

PARO, SEP 1: Arunachal Pradesh MLA Toko Tatung, representing the 16-Yachuli Assembly Constituency in Keyi Panyor district, on Tuesday presented the emerging development vision of one of India’s youngest districts at the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit 2026 in Paro, Bhutan. The summit, jointly hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together leaders, Indigenous representatives, scientists and development practitioners from 65 countries. Tatung became the first legislator from Arunachal Pradesh to participate in the summit. He was a panellist at the high-level session “Rising to the Moment: Igniting Consciousness to Address the Polycrisis”, alongside former Ireland President and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, Mara Lisa Arizaga of the UN Human Rights Office and Chizuru Aoki of the Global Environment Facility. Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi also addressed the session through a video message. The larger high-level segment featured former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya. Tatung used the global platform to present the Keyi Panyor Mission Plan 2040 (KPMP 2040), a long-term district development framework designed to move beyond annual schemes and five-year political cycles. Formally launched on August 15, the plan covers 20 priority areas, including education, health, agriculture and agroecology, biodiversity, forests and water, livelihoods, women and youth, culture, renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure and local institutions. Speaking from his experience as a member of the Nyishi community, Tatung placed Indigenous knowledge at the centre of his intervention. “Wisdom comes from listening: to the people, and to the traditional ecological wisdom of Indigenous communities,” he said, stressing the need to bring scientific and community knowledge together. “Our scientists have knowledge. Our farmers also have knowledge. Our universities have knowledge. Our grandmothers also have knowledge. The future has to be built when these forms of knowledge sit at the same table,” Tatung said. Linking Indigenous ecological knowledge with food systems and climate justice, he said food was intrinsically connected with soil, water, forests, biodiversity, nutrition, livelihoods and culture. “When a flood enters a village, climate change is no longer an international negotiation. It is somebody’s field, somebody’s house, somebody’s livestock, somebody’s stored seed, somebody’s entire year of work,” he said, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities that contribute least to global warming. A key component of the Keyi Panyor development model is the concept of Biohappiness, associated with the vision of Dr M.S. Swaminathan. Keyi Panyor is being developed as India’s first Bio-Happy District, with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and other partners working to link biodiversity conservation with nutrition, livelihoods and human well-being. “Conservation must also produce dignity. Agroecology must also produce livelihoods. Local food must also produce good nutrition. Forests must remain standing, but communities who protect those forests must also prosper,” Tatung said. “Not biodiversity protected from people, but biodiversity protected with people, and working for their wellbeing,” he added. The Mission Plan is already being translated into programmes on the ground. Under the Comprehensive Action Plan for Education (CAPE), more than 90 per cent of government-school teachers have participated in district-wide cluster workshops, alongside initiatives with Anganwadi workers on early childhood education and nutrition. In agriculture and ecology, Keyi Panyor is working with MSSRF and the Participatory Action Research Coalition of India (PARCI) on natural agriculture, agro-biodiversity conservation, ecological livelihoods and community-based planning. Tatung said the ultimate measure of KPMP 2040 would be what future generations inherit. Recalling an elderly farmer who asked him, “What are you going to leave for our grandchildren?” he said the question remains central to the Mission Plan. “An MLA gets five years. A child born today may live for eighty or ninety years. A forest may take hundreds of years to become what it is. So why should our idea of development have a five-year horizon?” he asked. “I may or may not be in politics in 2040. That is irrelevant. KPMP cannot belong to Toko Tatung. It has to belong to Keyi Panyor,” he said. Concluding his intervention, Tatung said the district should pursue a development path rooted in its own identity rather than imitate other cities or regions. “I do not want Keyi Panyor to become a smaller copy of Delhi, Singapore or anywhere else. I want Keyi Panyor to become the best possible Keyi Panyor,” he said.      

ITANAGAR, SEP 1: Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, in collaboration with Capital Police, organised an awareness programme for college students on cyber security, drug abuse prevention, new criminal laws and police-public relations at the college auditorium on Tuesday. The programme aimed to sensitise students to emerging challenges related to cybercrime and substance abuse, familiarise them with recent changes in the criminal justice system and promote greater cooperation between the police and the public. Capital Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar briefed the students on the responsibilities of the police in maintaining law and order, preventing crime and ensuring public safety. He emphasised coordinated efforts between law-enforcement agencies and the community, along with public cooperation, timely reporting of offences and responsible civic participation. Speaking on police-public relations, Capital Deputy Superintendent of Police Techi Nega stressed the importance of mutual trust, communication and cooperation between the police and the public. He urged students to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies in preventing crime and maintaining peace and order. Capital Police Inspector Sushant Saurabh Jha spoke on the new criminal laws and explained the major changes in India’s criminal justice system. He said the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, have been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, which came into force on July 1, 2024. He explained that the BNS deals with offences and punishments, the BNSS governs criminal procedure, while the BSA deals with rules of evidence. He highlighted the greater emphasis under the new framework on technology, digital processes, speedy investigation and trial, and access to justice. Jha also urged students to remain aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. On cyber security and awareness, Capital Police Sub-Inspector Kipa Robin cautioned students about common cybercrimes, including phishing, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Quick Response (QR) code fraud, social media impersonation, cyberbullying, stalking, sextortion and fake job or scholarship offers. “Pause before you click, verify before you trust, and report quickly if something goes wrong,” Robin advised. Students were also sensitised on protecting passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs) and personal information, enabling two-factor authentication and immediately reporting financial cyber fraud through helpline 1930. Capital Police Sub-Inspector Padam Padi addressed the students on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and drug abuse prevention. He discussed factors such as curiosity, peer pressure, stress and social situations that can lead young people towards substance abuse and highlighted its adverse impact on health, academic performance, relationships and future prospects. Padi cautioned students against possessing, carrying, storing, transporting or concealing suspicious substances for others and stressed the importance of early intervention and support for those struggling with drug dependence. He shared the message “NO, MOVE, TELL, HELP” — refuse drugs, leave risky situations, inform a trusted person or authority when necessary, and help those requiring professional support. Students were also informed about assistance helplines, including 112, 14446 for de-addiction counselling and referral, and 1933 (MANAS) for drug-related matters. The programme provided students an opportunity to interact with police officers and gain practical knowledge about contemporary challenges affecting young people. It concluded with a call for students to remain responsible and proactive citizens and contribute towards a safer and more informed society.  

TAWANG, SEP 1: A coordination meeting to review preparations for the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha, scheduled to be held in Tawang from October 31 to November 7, 2026, was convened under the chairmanship of Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo at the DC Conference Hall on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Tawang Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA) Director Er. Thupten Kalden, DoKAA Vice Chairperson Sange Chodup, Tawang ADC Rinchin Leta, Jang ADC Hakraso Kri, Lungla ADC Tashi Dhondup, ZPMs, representatives of monasteries and nunneries, Tawang Brigade, heads of offices and other stakeholders. Briefing the meeting, DoKAA Director Er. Thupten Kalden highlighted the spiritual significance of the sacred relics and reviewed the previous exposition held in Tawang in 2013, when around 26,000 devotees had the opportunity to receive sacred Darshan. He said the forthcoming exposition is expected to attract a significantly larger number of devotees. State-Level Coordination Committee Chairman and State Coordinator Tenzin Jorden presented the proposed district-level coordination mechanism and security arrangements for the exposition. He said the larger objective was to carry the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony taught by Lord Buddha to people across the world. Jorden also briefed the participants on coordination meetings held at various levels and discussed proposed routes, objectives and activities to be undertaken by monasteries, religious institutions and the public ahead of the arrival of the relics. DoKAA Vice Chairperson Sange Chodup described the exposition as a rare and blessed opportunity, particularly as it coincides with the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Düchen. He said the event carried significance beyond religion, as the teachings of Lord Buddha, delivered more than 2,500 years ago, continue to offer a universal message of peace, compassion and coexistence. Chodup said the exposition could also attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries, including Bhutan and Nepal, making timely dissemination of information on the programme, Darshan timings and related arrangements essential. He stressed the need to utilise various media platforms, including the Department of Information and Public Relations and Akashvani, to reach devotees well in advance. Referring to the development of the Buddhist Circuit, he described the exposition as a significant opportunity for Tawang and devotees across the region and expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for facilitating the event. Tawang Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu called upon Panchayati Raj Institution members to ensure that information about the exposition, including the programme and Darshan timings, reaches every village. He also requested the Border Roads Organisation to facilitate its personnel in availing the opportunity for Darshan, particularly where the scheduled timings may not coincide with their weekly holidays. Gombu emphasised the responsibility of the people to preserve Tawang’s rich cultural and traditional heritage. He also suggested that people may voluntarily observe a vegetarian diet during the exposition as a mark of reverence and compassion. Chairing the meeting, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo emphasised the spiritual and public importance of the exposition and called for collective responsibility and wholehearted cooperation from all departments, institutions, organisations and individuals. She stressed that an event of such magnitude could not be managed by a few departments alone and required coordinated participation from all stakeholders. She particularly emphasised cleanliness and proper waste management, urging people and institutions to make cleanliness a regular practice and raise the issue consistently at public and institutional forums. Angmo informed that the next coordination meeting would be held with delegates and technical experts associated with the sacred relics, where detailed discussions would focus on technical requirements, logistics, security, crowd management, infrastructure and other arrangements. The meeting concluded with deliberations on coordinated preparations to ensure the smooth, safe and dignified conduct of the Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha in Tawang from October 31 to November 7, with the overarching message of peace, compassion and harmony. (DIPR)  

LEMMI, SEP 1: A joint enforcement drive was conducted across shops and vendor establishments in the Lemmi market area to ensure public safety, consumer protection and compliance with trade regulations. The team from Lemmi Police Station, in coordination with the district administration and Trade Development Officer, Pakke Kessang, inspected local establishments and verified the authenticity, validity and renewal status of trade licences. The team also checked shop stocks for expired and unverified goods to safeguard public health and protect consumers from the sale of unsafe products. Pakke Kessang Police reiterated its commitment to supporting the district administration in maintaining law and order and ensuring consumer safety. Shop owners and vendors have been advised to keep their trading licences and other required documents updated and refrain from stocking or selling expired goods.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 1: Security forces have apprehended one person and seized heroin worth Rs 1 lakh from his possession in Tirap district, an official statement said on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Arunachal Pradesh Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) nabbed the accused near Club Colony area in Khonsa town on Monday and seized 12.2 gm of heroin from his possession. The accused, identified as Wangpan Lowang from Longliang village in Laju police station area in the district, and the seized contraband were handed over to the police for further legal action, it added.