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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Outgoing, retiring employees felicitated

KHONSA, SEP 1: The Tirap district administration on Tuesday bid farewell to Habung Dibo, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner, on his transfer to Itanagar, and felicitated Harpada Kr. Chakraborty, Auto Electrician at the GA-POL Garage, and Phomen Bo, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), on their retirement from government service on attaining the age of superannuation. Felicitating the outgoing and retiring employees, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, appreciated their dedicated, sincere and committed service to the administration during their respective tenures. Khonsa ADC Namneet Singh, also acknowledged their contributions and dedication to public service, saying their commitment would be remembered and valued by the district administration. He conveyed his best wishes to them for good health, happiness, peace and a fulfilling and prosperous life ahead. The farewell programme was attended by officers and staff of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Khonsa, who conveyed their best wishes to the outgoing and retiring employees.      

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APCC condemns FIR against Rahul Gandhi over Haldwani ‘purification’ row

ITANAGAR, SEP 1: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has strongly condemned the registration of an FIR against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks questioning an alleged caste-based “purification” ritual reportedly conducted by BJP-RSS workers at Haldwani in Uttarakhand. In a statement, the APCC said the alleged ritual was reportedly carried out at a venue where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a political meeting and described the incident as a matter concerning caste discrimination, untouchability and social dignity. The APCC questioned why an FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue while those allegedly involved in the “purification” ritual had not faced similar action. It demanded a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the incident and appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible, irrespective of political affiliation or position. The party also accused the BJP government in Uttarakhand of using police and state machinery against the Opposition and said an FIR against the Leader of Opposition should not be used to intimidate or silence voices advocating social justice. The APCC invoked the constitutional guarantees of equality before law, dignity, liberty and protection against discrimination, asserting that no political party, government or organisation could place itself above these principles. The party further alleged that the BJP and RSS could not selectively invoke the Constitution while remaining silent over allegations of caste-based discrimination involving their workers. It said the Congress would continue to oppose casteism, discrimination, injustice and what it described as political vendetta. The APCC announced that it would organise a protest march on September 2 at 2 pm from Akhasdeep Market to Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar in solidarity with Rahul Gandhi and against what it termed a politically motivated FIR. Describing the proposed protest as a fight for constitutional dignity, against caste discrimination and to protect democracy and the Constitution, the APCC said it would neither be intimidated nor silenced.    

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Candlelight vigil held to mark International Overdose Awareness Day

KHONSA, SEP 1: Care Me Home Sudhaar Ghar at Charju in Tirap district, under the aegis of Care Me Home Welfare Society, organised a candlelight vigil on the occasion of International Overdose Awareness Day 2026 at Sudhaar Ghar on Monday. The programme was held to remember lives lost to addiction and overdose, express solidarity with individuals and families affected by substance use, and raise awareness about overdose prevention and recovery. Participants lit candles as a symbol of hope, compassion and respect for those who lost their lives, while extending support to individuals undergoing recovery and their families. The programme also highlighted the importance of prevention, timely intervention, recovery and community participation in addressing substance-related harms. Participants called for a supportive and stigma-free environment for individuals seeking help and assistance in their recovery journey. The vigil concluded with the collective message, “Every Life Matters. Together, We Can Prevent Overdose.” The event emphasised the need to remember those lost to overdose, support people in recovery and strengthen community efforts to prevent overdose and save lives.  

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GHSS Gensi wins Battle of Minds 3.0 preliminary round in Lower Siang

LIKABALI, SEP 1: The district-level preliminary round of Battle of Minds 3.0 was held at the Conference Hall, Likabali, in Lower Siang district on Tuesday, with enthusiastic participation from schools across the district. Around 60 teams from schools including Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Gensi, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Seren, GHSS Likabali, Government Secondary School (GSS) Liru and GSS Lipu participated in the competition. The event provided students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, confidence and competitive spirit. Following the preliminary rounds, KGBV Seren and GHSS Gensi qualified for the Question Round. After an engaging and closely contested session, GHSS Gensi emerged as the winner from Lower Siang district. The results will be compiled and evaluated as per the prescribed criteria, following which the selected teams and participants will proceed to the state-level round of Battle of Minds 3.0. The event witnessed active participation from students and support from teachers and officials, providing an encouraging platform for young minds in the district.    

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Tawang RKS reviews district hospital infrastructure, healthcare services

TAWANG, SEP 1: The 9th Executive Committee Meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) of KDS District Hospital, Tawang, was held on Tuesday to review healthcare delivery, hospital infrastructure and patient welfare services in the district. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall and attended by representatives from the health sector, district administration and allied departments. Among those present were Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson and RKS Executive Member Leki Gombu, District Medical Officer Dr TD Namsa, Medical Superintendent and RKS Member Secretary Dr T. Kunga, District Nodal Officer Dr Namgey Dakpa, Junior Specialist (ENT) Dr Lham Dorjee, officials from DUDA, PHED, Education Department and ICDS, representatives of the Women’s Welfare Association, nursing staff and other RKS members. Presenting a review of the hospital’s functioning, Dr T Kunga apprised the committee of activities undertaken by the RKS, ongoing healthcare initiatives, operational requirements and challenges relating to hospital administration and patient care. The committee discussed measures to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery and patient welfare, and enhance coordination among departments to address the district’s healthcare requirements. Members also reviewed existing facilities and discussed steps to improve the quality of medical services, particularly in view of Tawang’s difficult geographical and logistical conditions. The need for coordinated and timely implementation of health-related initiatives was emphasised. Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo stressed the importance of a patient-centric approach and maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery. She also called for effective utilisation of available resources for the benefit of the public. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Lham Dorjee, who expressed gratitude to the participants for their suggestions and commitment towards strengthening healthcare services in Tawang.    

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Capital Police registers case over alleged encroachment of police land

ITANAGAR, AUG 31: Capital Police Itanagar has registered a criminal case against a person for allegedly trespassing on around six acres of police land and removing or damaging a police property signboard at the SP Capital Itanagar office premises. The case was registered following a written complaint lodged by Capital Itanagar Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Chamrak Arun on behalf of the Estate Officer, SP Capital Itanagar. Accordingly, Itanagar Police Station Case No. 256/2026 has been registered under Sections 329(3), 324(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. Capital Police has warned that illegal encroachment, trespass, unauthorised occupation or damage to police property will not be tolerated and will invite strict legal action. The police said it would continue to safeguard police and government land and take firm action against illegal encroachment.

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Tai Tagak attends parliamentary panel’s water resources study visit

OOTY, AUG 31: Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak is participating in the Study Visit Programme of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from August 29 under the chairmanship of Rajiv Pratap Rudy. A 21-member team comprising MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is visiting project areas and holding discussions with representatives of various water resource and allied agencies, including the Water Resources Department (WRD), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Forest and Environment departments, Central Water Commission (CWC), WAPCOS/NPCC, district administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police. The programme focuses on dam management, water conservation, flood management, river basin management, groundwater management, biodiversity and disaster management. The first day of the Tamil Nadu leg of the programme was held at Gem Park in Ooty on Monday, where the committee interacted with state representatives on a range of water resource issues. Discussions covered the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)–Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) and PMKSY–Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)–Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) schemes in Tamil Nadu, including the use of SCADA systems for equitable water distribution and sustainable resource management. The committee also reviewed the institutional role, operational performance, technical consultancy framework and project execution mechanisms of WAPCOS/NPCC in planning, designing, implementing and monitoring water infrastructure and allied projects in the state. Other key areas of review included the status of groundwater resources, depletion and contamination, water security and flood management strategies, particularly in the Nilgiris, and the sustainability of water resources amid climate change, variations in rainfall and temperature, population growth and increasing tourist influx. Representatives of the WRD Tamil Nadu, WAPCOS/NPCC, NDRF and SDRF made presentations before the committee. The committee also undertook local visits to the Charmraj Tea Estate and factory and a strawberry garden in Ooty. The study visit will continue on Tuesday.

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JNC bids farewell to Dr Keshav Kumar Jha, retiring staff

PASIGHAT, AUG 31: Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) organised a retirement function to honour the dedicated service of Dr Keshav Kumar Jha Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Zoology along with retiring contingency staff members Kishore Bahadur Chetri and Kumar Bahadur Chetri. Presiding over the function, JNC Principal Dr Gindu Borang recalled Dr Jha’s distinguished journey and described him as a pillar of the institution. He lauded Dr Jha’s dedicated service to the college and society and his role as a mentor who guided numerous students towards successful careers. He also appreciated the contributions of the retiring contingency staff and wished all three retirees good health, happiness and a fulfilling post-retirement life. JNC Vice Principal Dr Leki Sitang described Dr Jha as an exceptional educator, able leader and devoted father, noting that his children’s achievements reflected his values and guidance. He also appreciated Dr Jha’s pride in the accomplishments of his students across various fields and acknowledged the support extended by his family, particularly his wife, throughout his professional journey. The college fraternity wished the retirees a long, peaceful and fruitful post-retirement life. (DIPR)  

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Dibang Valley plans transparent online Green Fee collection

ANINI, AUG 31: A preliminary meeting on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Fee (Green Fee) in Dibang Valley district was held at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Monday, with participation from key tourism stakeholders, including representatives of the Biodiversity and Tourism Management Society (BTMS), tour operators, homestay operators and tour guides. The meeting discussed the need for a simple, transparent and practical mechanism for Green Fee collection. It was emphasised that homestay owners, hoteliers and resort operators should not be burdened with collecting the fee. Instead, a direct online payment mechanism through an application-based system was proposed to ensure greater convenience, transparency and accountability. The proposed system would facilitate visitor registration, collection of essential visitor information and verification, online payment, and generation of digital receipts or payment confirmation. The District Tourism Office will work out the detailed requirements and framework for the proposed system for further consideration and implementation. (DIPR)    

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APU Futsal Fiesta concludes with SOMACS, Commerce as champions

PASIGHAT, AUG 31: SOMACS and Commerce emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at the Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) Futsal Fiesta 2026, which concluded at the PJ Arena here on Sunday. Commerce defeated SOMACSMAS 1-0 in the girls’ final, while SOMACS, comprising Sociology, Mathematics and Computer Science, defeated English-Hindi 4-1 to claim the boys’ title. SOMACSMAS and English-Hindi finished runners-up in the respective categories. The tournament was held from August 28 to 30 under the theme “Play, Unite and Celebrate” as part of APU’s National Sports Day celebrations. The event aimed to promote physical fitness, student participation and a sporting culture on the university campus. Individual honours in the girls’ category went to Taro Yaring of SOMACSMAS as Best Player, Minam Pangu of Commerce as Highest Scorer and Gebom Romin of Tribal Studies as Best Goalkeeper. In the boys’ category, SOMACS players swept the individual awards, with Anggit Moyong named Best Player, Ojing Ngukir Best Goalkeeper and Kangkeng Modi Highest Scorer. Addressing the gathering after the prize distribution, APU Registrar Narmi Darang congratulated the winners and appreciated the participation and sporting spirit displayed by all teams. He said the tournament was aimed not only at competition but also at bringing students together, encouraging an active lifestyle and strengthening the sporting culture of the university. Darang expressed hope that future editions would include more sporting disciplines to provide wider opportunities for student participation. He also acknowledged the contribution of APUSU Sports Secretary Kada Libang and Dr Yab Rajiv Camder Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Sports and Cultural Committee in organising the tournament. The three-day event featured several closely contested matches. The concluding day saw SOMACS defeat Tribal Studies 5-1 in the boys’ semifinal, while English-Hindi edged Education 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. A friendly exhibition match between the Academic Block and Administrative Block, featuring faculty and staff, was also held on the final day. The tournament formed part of the university’s observance of National Sports Day, celebrated annually in honour of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.