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Sol Dodum resigns as chairman of ST Bachao Andolan Committee

ITANAGAR, AUG 31: Social activist Sol Dodum on Monday announced his resignation as chairman of the ST Bachao Andolan Committee, saying he would continue to remain committed to the welfare and rights of the people. Dodum announced his decision in a social media post, thanking members of the committee, supporters and well-wishers who stood by him during his tenure. “Today, I am resigning from the post of Chairman of ST Bachao Andolan Committee,” he said. Dodum expressed gratitude to his team members and supporters for their “trust, love and cooperation” throughout his association with the movement. He, however, made it clear that stepping down from the leadership position would not mean withdrawing from issues concerning the rights and welfare of the people. “Though I am stepping down from the post of Chairman, my commitment to the welfare and rights of our people will always remain strong,” Dodum said. He did not cite any specific reason for his decision to relinquish the post. (Source: NewsFY)    

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Activist Cheda moves ACB again, seeks FIR

ITANAGAR, AUG 31: Social activist Chopa Cheda has once again approached the Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), alleging that no FIR has been registered so far on his complaint over the alleged misappropriation and siphoning of Rs 3 crore sanctioned for an eco-tourism project at Balemu in West Kameng district. In a representation submitted to the ACB superintendent of police on August 29, Cheda sought immediate registration of an FIR and a probe into the withdrawal and utilisation of the funds, including verification of relevant banking, financial and departmental records. The latest representation follows a complaint filed by Cheda with the anti-graft agency on August 24 against Vineet Kumar Jawal (IFS), the then divisional forest officer (DFO) of Khellong Forest Division and presently serving as CEO of CAMPA. The allegations have not been independently verified. According to the representation, records obtained under the Right to Information Act showed that a tender for the Balemu eco-tourism project was accepted in favour of M/s G R N Enterprises for Rs 2.93 crore. It alleged that a cheque dated March 24, 2022, for Rs 3 crore was, however, drawn in favour of “SELF” in connection with the work. Cheda, also the president of Arunachal Publishers & Broadcasters Guild (APBG), further claimed that the proprietor of GRN Enterprises had stated in an October 14, 2024 communication that the firm had not received any amount or bill towards the tender, describing the circumstances as a discrepancy requiring investigation. The claim was also validated by Rinchin Norbu, the proprietor of M/s G R N Enterprises, who confirmed the sequence of events and said that although his firm had been awarded the contract, it had not received any payment for the work. The representation also cited an inspection report dated July 24, 2025, concerning the physical status of the eco-tourism building and sought verification of the work actually executed against the government funds allegedly utilised. Cheda said that despite submitting the original complaint along with supporting documents, he had neither been informed of any action taken nor learnt of an FIR being registered. The controversy had surfaced earlier this month when Cheda lodged the initial complaint with the ACB, alleging irregularities in the handling of funds earmarked for the Balemu eco-tourism project. He has now asked the anti-corruption agency to conduct a “fair and thorough” investigation and communicate the action taken on his complaint.  

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Centre defers census in Manipur following NRC demand by civil society groups

IMPHAL, AUG 31: The Union government on Monday deferred the census operations in Manipur considering the demand by civil society organisations for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before conducting the exercise, an official statement said. The development came a day before house listing of the census exercise is scheduled to begin in the state from September 1. The decision to put the operation on hold came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to assess the current situation in Manipur, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The demand raised by the people of Manipur to defer the census exercise in the state before the implementation of the NRC was discussed in the meeting, the statement said. “The meeting agreed to defer the proposed Census exercise in the state considering the feelings and aspirations of the people of Manipur,” it said. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials attended the meeting. Singh expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for listening to the voices of the people and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state. He also thanked BJP president Nitin Nabin for his continuous support in fulfilling the wishes of the people of Manipur, according to the statement. He also appreciated the efforts of the leaders of 14 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the delegation of BJP MLAs, who had recently campaigned in New Delhi for the implementation of the NRC in Manipur. (Source: PTI)        

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Naharlagun Police recover 12 stolen two-wheelers, ornaments

ITANAGAR, AUG 30: Naharlagun Police have recovered 12 stolen two-wheelers, along with gold and silver ornaments, following a series of coordinated raids across the state and Assam, an official said. Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Naharlagun Superintendent of Police Nyelam Nega said police initiated an operation after registration of a case at Naharlagun Police Station following complaints of vehicle and property thefts reported from Naharlagun, Banderdewa, Nirjuli, and surrounding areas. The 12 recovered two-wheelers have registration numbers from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, the official said. In addition to the vehicles, the SP said police recovered valuable items including two silver chains, three gold chains, a gold ring, a vehicle battery, a pump, and a mobile handset. Praising the team for the breakthrough, the SP said that further recoveries are anticipated as the investigation continues. The official has asked people whose two-wheelers were reported missing or stolen in recent months to contact the police with valid ownership documents for verification and identification. Emphasising community safety, the police have appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and ensure adequate security precautions when parking vehicles overnight. (Source: PTI)    

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Arunachal BJP to hold month-long Sewa Sankalp Utsav from Sept 17

ITANAGAR, AUG 30: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held its extended state executive meeting at the D.K. Convention Centre here on Saturday, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, BJP state in-charge and Assam Minister Ashok Singhal and state BJP president Kaling Moyung among those present. The meeting discussed preparations for the month-long Sewa Sankalp Utsav-2026, which will be organised from September 17 to October 17 to highlight development and transformation achieved over the past 25 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to the media, State BJP president Kaling Moyung said a state-level workshop on the proposed celebration was attended by cabinet ministers, MLAs, district presidents, observers, Mandal presidents, district party in-charges, Morcha heads and other senior party leaders from across the state. Moyung said the celebration would focus on communicating the impact of various development initiatives to the people. He highlighted improvements in telecommunication, road and digital connectivity and air connectivity, including the development of airports and heliports in the Northeast. He said the party would organise literary competitions in schools, plays, quizzes, painting competitions and other activities as part of the month-long programme to create wider public awareness about the development initiatives. Moyung said Chief Minister Pema Khandu and state BJP in-charge Ashok Singhal, along with him, urged party cadres to work with sincerity, dedication and devotion for the welfare and development of the state and its people. The BJP leaders and cadres also listened to the 137th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, which covered themes including Nasha Mukt Bharat, cleanliness, women-led entrepreneurship, PM SVANidhi, Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. According to Moyung, the Prime Minister shared examples of women entrepreneurs who used financial assistance under PM SVANidhi to expand their businesses and build independent livelihoods. He also highlighted the transformative impact of cleanliness initiatives and shared examples of achievers and entrepreneurs from across the country, including Nagaland. The meeting also discussed upcoming party programmes, with separate meetings of the state cabinet ministers and the BJP core group held at the state party headquarters. Moyung informed that seven of the 12 cabinet ministers and 22 of the 46 MLAs attended the meeting, while some MLAs were on leave. He expressed hope that party leaders and cadres would carry forward their assigned responsibilities towards the development of the state, welfare of the people and strengthening of the organisation.  

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11-year-old Marpi Karlo qualifies for National Shooting C’ship

ITANAGAR, AUG 30: Eleven-year-old Marpi Karlo of Lower Siang district has qualified for the National Shooting Championship Competition (NSCC) after securing an impressive score of 369 out of 400 at the ongoing 13th North East Zone Shooting Championship in Guwahati Assam. A Class VII student of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) Nirjuli Marpi secured the qualification in the Sub-Youth and Youth category. Her performance has brought pride to Arunachal Pradesh and reflects her dedication discipline and commitment to shooting. Congratulating the young shooter, Arunachal Pradesh Rifle Association (APRA) President Chukhu Apa conveyed his best wishes and expressed confidence that she would continue to excel at the national level. With the qualification, Marpi will represent Arunachal Pradesh at the upcoming National Shooting Championship Competition in New Delhi. The 13th North East Zone Shooting Championship is being held from August 25 to 30.  

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Solung celebrated with traditional fervour

LIKABALI, AUG 30: The Adi community residing in Likabali Lower Siang district celebrated the Solung Festival with traditional fervour and enthusiasm on Saturday at the MM Resort complex. Senior public leader Gumke Riba graced the occasion as the senior-most guest and hoisted the festival flag. Extending his greetings to the Adi community, he wished for peace harmony and brotherhood among the people along with a bumper harvest and prosperity. Festival organisers Gagam Pertin and Sobo Tayeng welcomed the gathering and expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of members of the Adi community Dune-makbo and other guests. A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of Solung mythology by Augusti Jamoh which showcased the cultural and traditional foundations of the festival. The programme also featured traditional Ponung dance Taku Tabat and other cultural performances. Earlier, Tarik Nyitan delivered the keynote address and highlighted the significance and purpose of celebrating Solung, emphasising its deep-rooted traditions and role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Adi community.    

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Khandu releases teasers of ‘Eku Ngoma’ and ‘Tse Mishin’

ITANAGAR, AUG 30: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday released the teasers of two upcoming music videos, Eku Ngoma and Tse Mishin, presented by Monpa Mates Media and Kharsaneng Production at his residence here. The music projects seek to showcase the cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Tawang while delivering a strong social message against drug and substance abuse. They also pay tribute to late legendary Monpa musician Choisang Khar whose contribution to the region’s musical and cultural landscape continues to be remembered. The productions feature Tadu Lunia Miss Arunachal 2024 and Thupten Lhamu Miss Universe Arunachal 2024 alongside debut lead performers Sonam Tsetan and Tenzin Dhedul from KCT. The initiative has been undertaken by Monpa Mates Media (M3) CMD Thutan Tsering Kee and aims to blend contemporary music-video storytelling with the cultural identity of Tawang. The teaser launch in the presence of the Chief Minister marked a significant milestone ahead of the full release of the music videos. The production team expressed gratitude to Khandu for his encouragement and support. By combining music culture tourism and social awareness the projects seek to present a contemporary portrayal of Tawang while highlighting the need for collective action against drug abuse. (Source: Mon Tawang Vigilance)

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SIR progress reviewed

  DEOMALI, AUG 30: Electoral Roll Observer for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Tirap district Duli Kamduk, Secretary Rural Works Department (RWD), reviewed the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise for the 54-Namsang (ST) Assembly Constituency at Deomali on Sunday. The review was attended by Tirap Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO), Deomali Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for 54-Namsang and other election officials including Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs). During his second visit, officials briefed the Observer on the status of claims, objections, additions and deletions under the constituency. Kamduk also physically verified the forms and supporting documents submitted by applicants and claimants. He directed the election officials to ensure timely disposal of all remaining applications pending for decision. The field review was aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the SIR process and strengthening transparency and accuracy in the electoral roll.

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National Sports Day observed

AALO, AUG 30: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit and Sports Club of SFS College Aalo, in collaboration with the 20th Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Aalo, observed National Sports Day by organising a friendly football match between the college team and the 20th ITBP team on Saturday. The programme was organised to commemorate National Sports Day and honour legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand whose remarkable achievements and contribution to Indian sports continue to inspire generations. Before the match, players and participants took a pledge to uphold the values of sportsmanship, discipline, unity and teamwork. The match witnessed enthusiastic participation and healthy competition, with the SFS College boys’ team emerging victorious.