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ITANAGAR, OCT 27: Papum Pare Police have issued a wanted notice for Kenba Kami, the prime accused in the alleged murder of his brother-in-law in Assam’s Gohpur, and appealed to the public to share information about his whereabouts as the manhunt continues. According to Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar, Kami, a resident of Panya under Aalo circle in West Siang district, allegedly travelled to his wife’s residence in Gohpur on Monday to bring her back when a family dispute escalated into violence. At around 7.15 pm, he allegedly shot his wife’s brother with a country-made pistol, killing him, and attacked another man, suspected to be another brother-in-law, with a machete. The second victim sustained serious injuries and was referred to a hospital in Dibrugarh for advanced treatment. Kami allegedly fled after the incident. A case has been registered at Gohpur Police Station, while Arunachal Pradesh Police are assisting their Assam counterparts in tracing the accused. Police units in other districts have also been alerted. The incident triggered protests near Hollongi along the Arunachal-Assam border, where members of the Gorkha community blocked the road and demanded the accused’s immediate arrest. SP Gusar appealed to the public not to give the incident a communal angle. The wanted notice identifies Kami as the son of Marken Kami and provides photographs to help establish his identity. Police have urged anyone with information about his movements or whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or the following officials: OC Balijan at 89749 52454, OC Doimukh at 89741 54089, or IC Hollongi at 81199 01055. Police said efforts to apprehend the accused were continuing.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 27: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing on Tuesday held discussions with a delegation of the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected Peoples’ Forum, led by its president Oni Tamuk and general secretary Jobomchang Mengu, on concerns surrounding the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The interaction focused on the project’s pre-feasibility report (PFR), community apprehensions and the potential implications for downstream areas across East Siang district, reportedly covering 72 villages. Tasing said the discussion provided a platform to address concerns, clarify misconceptions and improve understanding of the project and its possible implications for downstream communities. He said a project of national importance must move forward not only with considerations of development and national security but also with the trust and confidence of the people. Emphasising dialogue, transparency and mutual trust, the minister said the concerns, rights and legitimate interests of local communities must remain central to consultation and decision-making, ensuring that national development and public well-being advance together.      

MIAO, OCT 27: The Congress party has stepped up its “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao Abhiyan” across Changlang, Longding and Tirap districts, focusing on voter rights, concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and grassroots mobilisation. All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer Ripun Bora  on Tuesday reviewed the campaign during a series of meetings and outreach programmes held in the three districts from October 26 to 27. In Changlang, the District Congress Committee (DCC), in association with the Block Congress Committees, organised a programme at the Circuit House in Miao on Monday. Bora raised concerns over the possible exclusion of eligible voters from electoral rolls and criticised the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, arguing that the selection committee gives the ruling party a numerical advantage. He also announced plans for a wider democratic movement demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress is also planning a march in New Delhi on Constitution Day, November 26. In Longding, Bora interacted with members of the Longding Town Citizen Forum and reviewed the campaign’s progress with DCC office-bearers under the leadership of working president Panjam Wangsa. The meetings focused on public awareness, organisational coordination and expanding the campaign to villages across the district. In Tirap, a review meeting was held at the DCC office in Khonsa on October 26 under Bora’s leadership. Chaired by DCC president Kehang Socia, the meeting was attended by block Congress presidents, district heads of frontal organisations and other party leaders. It reviewed the “Vote Chor–Gaddi Chor” agitation and the ongoing campaign, while discussing future strategies and grassroots mobilisation. Across the three districts, Congress leaders called on party workers to help eligible citizens verify their names on electoral rolls and raise concerns over any alleged wrongful exclusion. The party said it would intensify the campaign through block- and village-level outreach to promote awareness of electoral rights and democratic participation.      

DEOMALI, OCT 27: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker and Changlang North MLA Tesam Pongtey on Tuesday called for promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) region beyond its geographical boundaries and urged young people to stay away from drugs while addressing the 24th Annual College Day celebration of Wangcha Rajkumar Government College (WRGC), Deomali. Pongtey attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, while Khonsa West MLA and Advisor to the Transport and DoTCL Minister Chakat Aboh was the guest of honour. Emphasising the importance of education and constructive pursuits, Pongtey cautioned students against experimenting with drugs and urged them to channel their energy towards intellectual growth and personal development. He also encouraged students to make the most of co-curricular activities to discover their abilities, develop new skills and nurture their talents. Commending the performances by the four college houses, he stressed the values of teamwork, healthy competition and sportsmanship. Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Wangcha Rajkumar Government College Students’ Union (WRGCSU), he assured the students that he would make efforts to forward their demands for construction of the college approach road and entrance gate to the higher authorities and concerned departments for necessary consideration. Guest of honour Chakat Aboh also expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse in the region and appealed to the youth of Tirap district to shun narcotic substances and other harmful activities. She urged students to remain focused on education, exercise discipline and make responsible choices. Responding to the students’ demand for laptops and desktop computers, Aboh assured them that she would make every possible effort to address the college’s urgent requirements. She also extended financial assistance towards the programme. In her welcome address, WRGC Principal Watsen Bangsia informed the gathering that the college had secured the second position among colleges affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University, recording a pass percentage of 98.92%. She credited the achievement to the dedication of faculty members and students and highlighted the institution’s preparations for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation. She also stressed the need for better campus roads and other essential infrastructure. The celebration featured traditional dance competitions among Barap, Terat, Chatjo and Dirok Houses, a ‘Go As You Like’ competition and the finals of the boys’ and girls’ tug-of-war events. An exhibition of students’ arts and crafts showcased their creativity and artistic skills. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, a floral tribute to the portrait of Lt. Wangcha Rajkumar, flag hoisting, the lighting and relay of the Olympic torch, an NCC ceremonial salute and a flag march by participating contingents. Pongtey formally declared the celebration open. Among those present were Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, Additional Superintendent of Police Khonsa R Khomrang, Deomali Sub-Divisional Police Officer Thumgon Tali, Deomali Zilla Parishad Member Yalik Lowang, Yatdam Panchayat Block Zilla Parishad Member Komlo Hodong, college principal Watsen Bangsia, heads of departments, faculty members and students. The annual celebration highlighted the college’s commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation and the holistic development of students.    

ANINI, OCT 27: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary on Tuesday reviewed ongoing development initiatives and infrastructure challenges in Dibang Valley during a meeting with heads of departments at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Anini. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Yashwant Meena, Superintendent of Police James Lego, the minister’s personal secretary Arjun Singh, ADC, circle officers, heads of departments and other officials. Choudhary reviewed projects and issues related to road connectivity, healthcare, agriculture, horticulture, drinking water supply, telecommunications and rural infrastructure. He stressed the need to expedite strategically important border roads, the proposed Roing–Anini Greenfield Bypass, expansion of 4G connectivity and pending forest clearances. Highlighting the district’s potential in tourism and agriculture, the minister encouraged local youth to explore opportunities in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, hospitality and skill development. He also called for promoting high-value horticultural crops, strengthening market linkages and improving cold storage facilities to enhance farmers’ incomes while ensuring environmental sustainability. The meeting also reviewed the shortage of medical specialists, emergency healthcare services, drinking water infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives. Emphasising timely execution of projects, interdepartmental coordination and people-centric governance, Choudhary reiterated the Centre’s commitment to improving infrastructure and the quality of life in remote border regions in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (DIPR)    

DEOMALI, OCT 27: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Wangki Lowang on Tuesday flagged off a 1,000-litre-capacity mini fire tender for the Deomali Forest Division at the General Ground, Deomali, to strengthen forest-fire response and emergency services. The programme was attended by Deomali ADC Tana Bapu, Namsang Block ZPM Yalik Lowang, Deomali Divisional Forest Officer B. Taba, public leaders and heads of various departments. Following the flag-off, forest personnel demonstrated the coordinated use of the mini fire tender and drone technology for forest-fire management, surveillance and emergency response. Addressing the gathering, Lowang urged the Forest Department to make effective use of the equipment to strengthen forest protection, wildlife monitoring and efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict. He also stressed the need to use modern technology to conserve forest ecosystems and ensure the safety of communities living in and around forest areas. Taba said the compact vehicle would improve the division’s preparedness for forest fires and community fire emergencies, particularly in colonies and residential areas with narrow roads that larger fire tenders may find difficult to access. He also highlighted the role of a thermal-camera-equipped drone provided to the department in strengthening surveillance, monitoring wildlife and mitigating human-elephant conflict. Taba thanked the minister for supporting efforts to enhance the department’s operational capabilities. The initiative is expected to strengthen the Deomali Forest Division’s capacity to protect forests, wildlife and nearby communities.