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Staff reporter ITANAGAR, AUG 29: The United Arunachal Indigenous People’s Forum (UAIPF) has demanded the removal of the state Chief Minister and Home Minister, alleging failure to address issues concerning national security, corruption and public welfare.In a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Saturday, UAIPF president Sama Bagang said that the forum has submitted a five point memorandum to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on August 27, seeking appropriate action from the Governor. In the memorandum, it has alleged that reports of Chinese intrusion into the Limeking and Taksing areas of Upper Subansiri had been contradicted by the Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung despite visits to the area by fact-finding teams and statements by several organisations. It also alleged that the contradictory statements had affected public confidence and urged the Governor to treat the matter seriously in view of its implications for national and state security. The forum also alleged public demand for the Chief Minister’s resignation over alleged involvement in government contract works worth around Rs 1,200 crore involving his relatives. It further alleged that despite assurances of cooperation with investigating officers, such cooperation had not been extended. Regarding tourism development, the UAIPF raised allegations of misappropriation, mismanagement, malpractice, nepotism and possible embezzlement of funds sanctioned under the Central Government’s “Integrated Development of New Adventure Tourism” scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2014-15. The memorandum stated that Rs 97.13 crore was sanctioned for Arunachal Pradesh, while approximately Rs 47.27 crore was reportedly sanctioned separately for the Tawang-Bomdila-Bhalukpong circuit. The forum sought an independent and impartial inquiry into the sanction, release, utilisation and execution of the tourism scheme, including verification of work records, bills, vouchers, tenders, beneficiaries, physical assets created and utilisation certificates. It called for appropriate legal action if irregularities were established. On the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, the UAIPF expressed concern over the continuing controversy surrounding its proposed operationalisation and alleged lack of a concrete decision and clear stand from the government. The forum urged the authorities to resolve the issue amicably. In the memorandum, the forum also raised the inter-state boundary dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, stating that despite the Namsai Declaration of July 15, 2022, under which the dispute concerning 123 villages was declared resolved, differences continued to affect people along the inter-state boundary. It also pointed out that the State Home Minister holds the Inter-State Border Affairs (ISBA) portfolio. Sama alleged that the issues collectively demonstrated the failure of the present Chief Minister and Home Minister to discharge their responsibilities in the public interest. He urged the Governor to take remedial measures and necessary action against both, citing national and state security concerns. The forum has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Chief Minister and Home Minister to resign from their respective posts, warning that it would initiate further action against them if they fail to comply within the stipulated period.

ITANAGAR, AUG 29: A complaint has been lodged with the Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) seeking registration of an FIR against a senior forest department official over alleged misappropriation and diversion of Rs 3 crore sanctioned for an eco-tourism project at Balemu in West Kameng district. The complaint, submitted by social activist Chopa Cheda to the ACB superintendent of police on August 24, accused Vineet Kumar Jawal (IFS), then divisional forest officer (DFO) of Khellong forest division and currently the chief executive officer of CAMPA, of irregularities in handling the funds in 2022. According to the complaint, the Khellong forest division floated a tender on March 22, 2022, for an“Eco Tourism Project at Balemu” at an estimated cost of Rs 2.94 crore. The work was subsequently awarded to M/s G R N Enterprises for Rs 2,93,95,601. Citing records obtained under the Right to Information Act (RTI), Cheda alleged that cheque No. 0017543 dated March 24, 2022, for Rs 3 crore was drawn in favour of “Self” and carried Jawal’s signature. A certificate from the DFO’s office, annexed to the complaint, also reportedly records an entry of Rs 3 crore against “Self” for the project. The complainant questioned why an amount higher than the accepted tender value was allegedly withdrawn by Jawal when the work had been awarded to a private contractor. The complaint also cited an October 14, 2024 communication purportedly submitted by G R N Enterprises proprietor Rinchin Norbu, stating that although the project had been awarded to his firm and work had substantially progressed, no payment or bill relating to the tender had been received till then. Cheda claimed the apparent discrepancy between the alleged withdrawal in 2022 and the contractor’s assertion in 2024 warranted an investigation into the utilisation and ultimate destination of the funds. An inspection conducted by the Range Forest Officer, Amartola Forest Range, on July 22, 2025, meanwhile, found several components of the project incomplete. According to the inspection report, the main structure comprising eight buildings with 16 rooms, 10 halls and two rooms with attached kitchens had been constructed, but electricity connection, plumbing, sanitary installations, doors and windows, internal pathways, furnishing and drainage remained incomplete. Septic tanks and the boundary wall were also absent. The report described the facility as “currently unfit for use” and requiring urgent attention. Cheda, who is also the president of Arunachal Publishers & Broadcasters Guild (APBG), has sought registration of an FIR and investigation into the alleged misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and diversion or siphoning of government funds. Meanwhile, speaking to the media, Rinchin Norbu, the proprietor of M/s G R N Enterprises, 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. “I tried to contact him (Jawal) several times but received no response. Later, I came to know that the money had already been withdrawn, while my firm received nothing,” Norbu said, adding that he had submitted all the relevant documents to the DFO’s office. The complaint comes a week after the APBG sought Jawal’s removal or transfer as CAMPA CEO, citing a possible conflict of interest while a departmental inquiry examines separate alleged irregularities in CAMPA works undertaken during his tenure as Khellong DFO. Those allegations relate to NPV and compensatory afforestation works under CAMPA APO 2020-21, including works worth around Rs 89.89 lakh in Pakke Kessang district. APBG has alleged that some plantation works shown as executed could not be established during field inspection. The Guild has stressed that the allegations have not been conclusively established and that it was not prejudging Jawal’s guilt or innocence. It has sought preservation of records and an independent, time-bound investigation. Cheda claimed that no action had so far been taken by the chief secretary on the Guild’s representation and the ACB was yet to register his complaint. Efforts to contact Jawal through phone calls and WhatsApp messages for his comment were unsuccessful.

ANINI, AUG 29: Students of Classes VI to VIII of PM SHRI Government Upper Primary School (GUPS), Anguli, participated in an experiential learning activity on eco-tourism, local culture and sustainable practices under the “Skills in Action” programme. Accompanied by teachers Nane Mipi and Mumli Melo, the students attended an interactive session facilitated by Biodiversity and Tourism Management Society (BTMS) Chairman Theko Tayu. He sensitised the students to the concept and potential of eco-tourism and its role in promoting sustainable livelihoods while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Through videos and interactive discussions, the students learnt about eco-friendly tourism practices and responsible travel. They subsequently visited the Idu Mishmi Heritage and Folklore Museum in Anini, where they gained first-hand exposure to the cultural traditions, heritage and indigenous practices of the region. The activity helped the students understand the interconnection between culture, biodiversity and eco-tourism and encouraged them to appreciate and contribute to the responsible preservation of their natural and cultural heritage.  

TAWANG, AUG 29: The Department of Education, Tawang, organised the district-level Governor’s Quiz Competition, Science Seminar and Science Exhibition at Government Town Secondary School here on Saturday, providing students a platform to showcase their knowledge, scientific aptitude, creativity and innovative ideas. The Governor’s Quiz Competition was conducted under the Governor’s Quiz initiative, while the Science Seminar and Science Exhibition were organised under the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA). A total of 15 secondary and higher secondary schools from across Tawang district participated in the competitions. Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Tawang Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) Hridar Phuntsok appreciated the enthusiasm and innovative spirit displayed by the participating students. He particularly praised the working models developed on new and renewable sources of energy, highlighting their relevance to India’s vision of energy self-reliance and the broader goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. Phuntsok urged students and teachers not to restrict innovative ideas and working models to competitions but to explore their practical application in schools. He also encouraged students to use their innovations to create awareness among villagers and the wider community about the importance and benefits of green and renewable energy. The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation, with students demonstrating their academic knowledge, scientific temperament, creativity and problem-solving abilities. In the Governor’s Quiz Competition, KGBV Lumla secured the first position, followed by GSS Zemithang in second and GSS Mukto in third. In the Science Seminar, VKV Kitpi emerged first, while GSS Bomba and Government Town Secondary School, Tawang, secured the second and third positions respectively. In the Science Exhibition, GSS Kitpi bagged the first position, followed by GHSS Lumla in second and KGBV Lumla in third. The winners of the district-level competitions will represent Tawang district at the state-level competitions. The programme highlighted the Education Department’s efforts to promote scientific curiosity, innovation, critical thinking and experiential learning among students and encourage young minds to contribute towards sustainable development and a greener, self-reliant India. (DIPR)    

DEPI, AUG 29: Mibo Yameng Group registered a convincing 4-1 victory over Komkar Milang in the third edition of the Lt Tapur Tali Memorial Football Tournament 2026 at Depi village under Ruksin Circle in East Siang district on Saturday. Mibo Yameng Group dominated the match with an attacking display, scoring four goals, while Komkar Milang managed a solitary goal. Organised in memory of Lt Tapur Tali, the tournament aims to promote football, sportsmanship and discipline among the younger generation while spreading the message “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sport”. Ruksin Zilla Parishad Member Tayam Darang, who attended as chief guest, stressed the importance of unity and peace and urged players and the public to avoid unnecessary arguments during festivals and sporting events. Karken Dabi, Personal Secretary to an Arunachal Pradesh minister, attended as guest of honour and highlighted the importance of choosing sports over drugs. He appreciated the organisers for reinforcing the message through the tournament. The event brought together the organising committee, the Tali family, participating teams, supporters and football enthusiasts, fostering a spirit of unity and healthy competition. With the win, Mibo Yameng Group advances in the tournament, which continues to provide a platform for local football talent while encouraging young people to embrace sports, discipline and healthy lifestyles.    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, AUG 28: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Friday demanded strict implementation of the newly prescribed uniform eligibility criteria in all future government recruitments and called for enforcement of a “One Man, One Job” policy in the state. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Friday, AAPSU president Meje Taku said the union has submitted representations to the state’s recruitment agencies and held meetings with officials of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) and Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) earlier today, urging them to strictly adhere to the new eligibility norms. As per the recent decision of the state Cabinet, the mandatory eligibility requirements include a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) status and proficiency in an indigenous tribal language. Taku said strict enforcement of the criteria was necessary to safeguard opportunities for eligible local candidates, particularly unemployed youths who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. “We can’t give you a job, but we can give you an opportunity,” he said. The AAPSU also urged all government departments to furnish details of vacant posts to the respective recruiting agencies at the earliest so that recruitment processes could be initiated without unnecessary delay. On the issue of multiple government jobs, Taku said the union had received complaints alleging that some individuals, including those from influential backgrounds, were holding positions in more than one government department. He urged such individuals to voluntarily relinquish additional positions, warning that the AAPSU would initiate legal action, including filing FIRs, if the allegations were substantiated. The union further warned that it would oppose any future recruitment process that fails to comply with the newly prescribed eligibility criteria.