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ITANAGAR : Timely action by Lok Bhavan staff member Minati Dakuya helped avert a major fire tragedy at the Lok Bhavan complex here earlier this month. In recognition of her prompt response and presence of mind, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (retd) on Saturday presented her with the Governor’s Citation along with a cash award of Rs 20,000 at Lok Bhavan. According to officials, the incident took place on May 8 at around 7:30 pm when Dakuya noticed an electrical fire breaking out from a nearby electric pole in Sector-B of the complex. Realising the risk of the fire spreading to nearby residential quarters, she immediately alerted the Electricity Department and continuously followed up to ensure that the power supply was disconnected without delay. Her swift intervention prevented what could have turned into a major fire accident, officials said. Commending Dakuya’s exemplary conduct, the Governor said her action reflected a strong sense of civic responsibility, dedication to duty and concern for public safety. He said her presence of mind and prompt response should inspire all officials and staff members to remain alert and responsive during emergencies. The Governor also advised officials and staff of the Governor Secretariat to remain sensitive towards people in need and emphasised that timely action, courage and humanity can save lives and prevent tragedies.      

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  In a bid to preserve the traditions and cultural identity of Adi women and inspire younger generations, the Adi Baane Ane Kebang (ABAK) on Saturday launched a distinctive bead garland for Adi women named ‘Banné Nog-ying’ at IGJ Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) conference hall in Pasighat. The ornament was introduced on the lines of the traditional ‘Dudab’ worn by Adi menfolk and is intended to serve as a unique cultural identifier for Adi women. Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, who attended the programme as chief guest, lauded the initiative and said the launch of ‘Banné Nog-ying’ would strengthen and preserve the distinct identity of Adi women. Central Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang president Dr Tajom Tasung described the initiative as a landmark step towards safeguarding the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Adi community. East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Ruth Tabing Boko said Adi women have traditionally adorned ornaments such as Nog, Sondorong, Maduli, Tampilang and Sumbi. She noted that ‘Banné Nog-ying’ would particularly be associated with unmarried Adi women, similar to the traditional identity represented by ‘Banbo Reyang’ among unmarried Adi men. ABAK president Yamek Mize Taggu, general secretary Opung Jamoh Dai and vice-president Oming Jamoh Pertin highlighted the significance of the initiative, which received approval from the Adi Baane Kebang and Opin Buang Council on May 2 this year. The organisers said ‘Banné Nog-ying’ is a recreation of ‘Nog’, a traditional female ornament of the Adi tribe, redesigned to preserve its cultural significance while making it suitable for contemporary use. The ornament was conceptualised by ABAK general secretary Opung Jamoh Dai and crafted by Yato Jamoh Nobeng, while the name was coined by Dambuk Head Gaon Burah Maktel Pertin of Lower Dibang Valley district. According to the organisers, the ornament is intended to honour women, friends and distinguished female guests with dignity, respect and cultural pride. Speaking to media persons after the event, Opung Jamoh Dai, former ABAK president Olen Megu Damin and ABAK patron Osor Moyong Tayeng said the ornament had been specially designed by incorporating elements of traditional Adi women’s attire, particularly ‘Adi Gale Amik’ bead patterns. They also appealed to other tribal communities to respect the traditional identity and cultural heritage of Adi women. The programme was attended by Pasighat Municipal Council Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, ABAK members and representatives from several Adi-inhabited districts, including East Siang, Siang, Upper Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai and Shi-Yomi. The initiative is being seen as an important effort towards strengthening cultural identity, traditional awareness and community unity among the Adi people.      

AALO :  The 9th edition of the State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy Football and Volleyball Tournament for Under-16 boys and girls commenced at Aalo Stadium in West Siang district on Friday. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Aalo West MLA Topin Ete, Chasen Lowang Dada, wife of late Havildar Hangpan Dada, Sports and Youth Affairs Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, West Siang SP Kardak Riba, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra, Brigadier Ritesh Katoch, officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and the district administration. More than 1,500 participants, including players, coaches, technical officials and District Sports Officers from 28 districts, including the Itanagar Capital Region, are participating in the tournament. Organised annually as a flagship programme of the Arunachal Pradesh government, the tournament commemorates Ashoka Chakra awardee late Havildar Hangpan Dada of Borduria village in Tirap district. His sacrifice and dedication to the nation continue to inspire youths across the state. Addressing the gathering, Jini highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, character-building and career opportunities for young athletes. He also spoke about the state government’s initiatives for sports promotion, including job reservations and cash incentives for outstanding sportspersons. The opening boys’ football match between host West Siang and Shi Yomi ended in a 1-1 draw. In girls’ football, Longding and Kra Daadi played out a 1-1 draw, while Upper Subansiri defeated Changlang 2-1, Namsai edged past Siang 2-1 and West Kameng thrashed Pakke Kessang 8-0. In boys’ football, Siang defeated East Siang 3-0, while Longding registered a 3-0 win over Dibang Valley. The volleyball events will commence on Saturday. The tournament will continue till May 25 across four venues in Aalo. Fixtures for May 17 include football matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories at ITBP Ground, Main Ground, Darka Ground, Pakam Ground and APPBn Ground, while volleyball matches will be played at the Army Ground. The tournament is expected to promote sportsmanship, unity and youth development while providing a competitive platform for young athletes from across the state. (DIPR)    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : A protest rally demanding the release of executive members of the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee turned violent outside the Itanagar Police Station on Friday after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, despite assurances from the state government regarding the release of the detained leaders. The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee, led by its general secretary Millo Ambo, had earlier announced a 36-hour capital bandh from May 14, opposing the recently notified Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP) Guidelines, 2026. The organisation alleged that certain provisions of the guidelines violate the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, and may adversely impact the rights and interests of indigenous communities. On May 14, police had detained three executive members of the organisation—Millo Ambo, Sol Dodum, and Tana Tamar—in connection with the proposed bandh. On Friday, a large number of people from across different sections of society participated in a protest rally from Naharlagun to the Itanagar Police Station, demanding the immediate release of the detained leaders. Subsequently, State Home Minister Mama Natung reportedly directed the release of all detainees and appealed to protesters to withdraw the agitation. However, tension escalated outside the police station despite the assurance and the presence of released detainee Sol Dodum among the protesters. The situation deteriorated when a section of demonstrators allegedly resorted to stone pelting, prompting security personnel to use tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports also indicated incidents of vandalism and burning of vehicles in parts of the state capital. Following the unrest, Sol Dodum urged protesters to maintain calm and condemned the use of violence in pursuit of their demands. While Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar were reportedly released, protesters continued to demand public confirmation of their release, insisting that both leaders be presented before the gathering. Sources indicated that their release was delayed as they were lodged in Tezu and Pasighat respectively, and were being brought to Itanagar. Meanwhile, the state Cabinet has approved the Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit Guidelines, 2026, which propose the introduction of a digital e-ILP system with QR code-based verification and enhanced monitoring mechanisms across the state.  

ITANAGAR : Sub-Inspector Tamo Bakhang, who was earlier recognised for his role in confronting a notorious drug kingpin during the 2025 Hollongi encounter, sustained a serious eye injury after being attacked during bandh-related unrest near 6 Kilo here on Friday. According to reports, Bakhang was on his way towards a protest site when unidentified miscreants allegedly targeted his vehicle by pelting stones. The impact shattered the vehicle’s window glass, causing severe injuries to his eyes. He was immediately rushed to Niba Hospital and later referred to Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun. Doctors at TRIHMS reportedly indicated that sharp glass injuries to his eyeballs could result in partial or permanent vision loss. He has now been referred to Delhi for advanced medical treatment.    

NAMSAI :  As part of intensified enforcement of Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations, Namsai district police conducted a series of checking drives between May 8 and 15, leading to the detection and externment of 59 ILP violators from the district. The drives were carried out across all police stations in the district under the directions of the Superintendent of Police Namsai district at key locations including market areas, entry points, construction sites, and other vulnerable stretches to curb unauthorised entry and ensure compliance with ILP norms. During the reporting period, a total of nine checking drives were conducted, resulting in the identification of individuals found staying or moving without valid permits. The detected violators were produced before the magistrate and subsequently externed from the district after completion of due legal formalities. Police stated that such enforcement measures are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law and order, prevent illegal entry and stay, and enhance public safety. The district police further reiterated that ILP checking drives will continue on a regular basis with increased vigilance.