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ITANAGAR, AUG 28: The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to immediately deploy adequate veterinary doctors and para-veterinary personnel and ensure the availability of essential medicines and vaccines to contain the reported outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the state. In a representation submitted to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary minister, ANSU president Ashok Doka expressed serious concern over the outbreak, claiming that the disease, reported from various parts of Arunachal, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of mithuns across several districts. The students’ body said the situation was “extremely serious” and posed a grave threat to the mithun population as well as rural and indigenous communities whose livelihoods, cultural practices and traditions are closely associated with mithun rearing. It stressed that immediate, coordinated and effective intervention was necessary to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further mortality and economic losses among livestock owners. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, ANSU requested the state government to deploy adequate veterinary doctors, para-veterinary staff and field teams to areas affected by the disease as well as locations considered vulnerable to its spread. The union also called for immediate availability and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines and veterinary supplies required for the prevention and treatment of FMD. It urged the animal husbandry and veterinary department to treat the matter with “utmost urgency” and initiate immediate intervention to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths of mithuns. The union said such measures were also necessary to safeguard the livelihoods and interests of communities affected by the outbreak. Doka said prompt and decisive action by the authorities would provide much-needed relief and reassurance to mithun owners and people in affected areas. The representation also underlined the close relationship between mithun rearing and the social, cultural and economic lives of indigenous communities in the state, arguing that continued mortality could have consequences beyond livestock losses. ANSU, therefore, sought coordinated government intervention with adequate manpower and veterinary supplies to bring the situation under control and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, AUG 28: The All Arunachal Pradesh Priest Welfare Association (AAPPWA) has urged individuals who have adopted religions other than their traditional faiths to voluntarily surrender the priest honorarium being provided to them by the state government. Addressing media persons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Thursday, AAPPWA president Tatung Tagar said that, as per the eligibility criteria for receiving priest honorarium, several individuals who have allegedly converted to other religions are still continuing to draw the benefit across the state. Tagar termed the practice illegal and a violation of the existing system, and appealed to such individuals to surrender the honorarium and refund the amount received after their conversion. “If they fail to surrender the honorarium and refund the amount, the association will be compelled to take legal action,” he said. The AAPPWA president also urged the state government to ensure timely release of the priest honorarium to eligible beneficiaries. The association further objected to the existing practice of selection of local priests by Gaon Buras. Tagar claimed that in some cases, Gaon Buras belonging to other religious groups are involved in the selection process, which, according to the association, creates complications in identifying eligible traditional priests. The AAPPWA appealed to the state government to entrust the final verification and approval of the eligibility of local priests for the honorarium to the association, stating that this would help ensure that only genuine and eligible traditional priests receive the benefit.

ITANAGAR, AUG 28: Arunachal Pradesh Police has arrested three persons for allegedly attempting to cheat a contractor of Rs 2.40 crore by promising to facilitate the release of a pending government bill of more than Rs 17 crore under a PMGSY road project, police said on Thursday. A case was registered at Naharlagun police station under the BNS, and the accused have been identified as Toluk Lombi, Dubi Ete and Rajesh Kumar Singh, Naharlagun SP Nyelam Nega said. According to the SP, the matter came to light after a contractor lodged a complaint alleging that the accused sought Rs 2.40 crore, claiming they could get his long-pending payment released. The accused allegedly told the contractor that Singh had high-level connections with the central government and could use his influence to facilitate clearance of the outstanding bill. The contractor was later allegedly handed a letter claiming that the pending payment had been cleared. However, when he approached the office of the chief engineer of the Rural Works Department (RWD), he was informed that the letter was not genuine, police said. As the investigation progressed, Singh moved the court seeking cancellation of the FIR. The court, however, rejected the plea on August 13, paving the way for further investigation into the allegations. A police team subsequently went to Guwahati and arrested Singh on August 25. He was later remanded to six days of police custody, Nega said. Police are now investigating the case to determine the complete sequence of events and establish the specific role played by each of the three accused. The SP also cautioned contractors and members of the public against falling for claims by individuals who promise to use government connections to get official work or payments cleared in return for money. “If such people approach you, try to verify facts with the department concerned. After all, at the end of the day, it is about the hard-earned money,” Nega said. (Source: PTI)    

YUPIA, AUG 28: The District-Level Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) Committee reviewed measures for prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse in Papum Pare during its monthly meeting held at the DC Conference Hall here on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Papum Pare ADC Tame Yajum, who reviewed the directives issued during previous meetings and the Action Taken Reports submitted by concerned departments. Yajum emphasised the need for regular drug testing of staff working in rehabilitation centres and students belonging to high-risk categories in schools and colleges. She also called for regular inspections of shops and gumtis in and around educational institutions to prevent the sale of tobacco products to children and youth. She directed the Trade and Development, Tax and Excise, Narcotics and Health departments to coordinate and conduct joint monthly inspections around school premises to ensure effective enforcement and restrict access to tobacco and other harmful substances. Papum Pare DMO Reena Ronya informed the committee that drug testing is being undertaken as part of the 30-Day Integrated Health Programme in villages. The programme will continue until March 31, 2027, with the District Health Society conducting tests and compiling reports for monitoring and necessary action. Ronya also urged rehabilitation centres to submit monthly reports on admissions, discharges and the number of inmates to enable the district administration and health authorities to monitor rehabilitation activities and provide appropriate support. She further stressed the need to increase awareness and utilisation of Tele-MANAS, the tele-mental health counselling service, among inmates of rehabilitation centres. She highlighted that the service maintains the privacy and confidentiality of those seeking counselling. Hope Rehabilitation Centre Managing Director Tadar Hania highlighted difficulties faced by rehabilitation centres in obtaining health cards and mental health-related documentation under the applicable mental healthcare provisions. He requested the committee to explore an appropriate mechanism for facilitating the issuance of mental health cards and related certification. The meeting was attended by DySP Phassang Simi, members of the Anti-Narcotics Coordination Team (ANCoT) and representatives of rehabilitation centres in Papum Pare.    

TAWANG, AUG 28: A Balakrishnan, president of Vivekananda Kendra and chairman of Vivekananda Rock Memorial Kanyakumari, died at a private hospital in Nagercoil on August 27 at the age of 88. His death has drawn condolences from leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Balakrishnan’s passing holds particular significance for Arunachal Pradesh, where he spent the formative years of his association with Vivekananda Kendra and played an important role in expanding its educational activities in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Born on May 3, 1938, Balakrishnan initially served in the Indian Air Force. Inspired by Eknath Ranade and the vision of Vivekananda Kendra, he left his career in 1973 and joined the organisation as a Jeevanvrati, dedicating himself to a life of service. He was subsequently assigned to the Northeast and worked extensively in Arunachal Pradesh between 1973 and 1981. During this period, he travelled through remote parts of the state at a time when infrastructure and access to education were limited, helping expand the Kendra’s educational initiatives. The first Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) in Arunachal Pradesh were established in 1977, followed by the residential school model in 1979. His work during these formative years contributed to the Kendra’s effort to use education as an instrument of social transformation and nation-building. Balakrishnan maintained a close association with Arunachal Pradesh throughout his life. The state government honoured him with a State Award in 2014 for his contribution to education and social service. At the national level, he served as All India General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra from 1981 to 2001, vice-president from 2001 to 2020 and president from 2020 until his death. Condoling his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Balakrishnan’s more than five decades of service and his deep association with Northeast India, noting his contributions to education, social service and nation-building. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also mourned his passing and remembered him as one of the pioneers who helped establish Vivekananda Kendra’s educational movement in Arunachal Pradesh during the challenging years of the 1970s. The Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya network paid tribute to Balakrishnan, describing him as a dedicated karmayogi who played a pivotal role in shaping its educational work in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Balakrishnan’s legacy in Arunachal Pradesh remains closely associated with the spread of education to remote communities and the vision of schools as centres of learning, social transformation and national integration. His final rites will be held in Kanyakumari on August 29, according to the Vivekananda Kendra.        

LIKABALI, AUG 28: A video-conference meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) for the PM Vishwakarma Scheme was held in Lower Siang district on Thursday to review issues related to training, financial assistance and other aspects of scheme implementation. The meeting was chaired by Lower Siang ADC Mokar Riba and attended by DDI-cum-Member Secretary Tarik Nyitan, the Branch Manager of SBI Likabali, and representatives of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the PM Vishwakarma Project Management Unit (PMV-PMU), Itanagar. The meeting discussed key implementation-related matters and measures to ensure effective delivery of the scheme’s benefits to eligible beneficiaries in the district.    

PASIGHAT, AUG 28: The Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) kicked-off its three-day ‘Futsal Fiesta’ at PJ Arena here today, marking National Sports Day 2026 with a departmental sporting event that will run through August 30. The inaugural match saw the Department of Tribal Studies defeat the Department of Commerce 3-2, with Dine Yirang scoring a brace for the winning side. National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This year’s observance, organised under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ Fit India Movement, carries the theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” and the call to action “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein,” urging citizens to devote at least one hour daily to physical activity. APU Chancellor Lt General (Retd) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik had urged universities across the state to organise sporting activities in line with the initiative. Ahead of the opening match, Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir, Chairman of the Sports and Cultural Committee, APU, said the Futsal Fiesta reflected the university’s commitment to building a culture of fitness and camaraderie among students. “Sport is one of the most effective ways to bring students together across departments, and this tournament gives our freshers a chance to find their footing in university life while competing in the true spirit of the game,” he said. Dr Tarh Ramiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Tribal Studies, addressed players and students before the first match, urging them to play fairly, maintain discipline and uphold the spirit of peaceful competition. He said sports should serve to unite students and build a positive atmosphere on campus. In the opening encounter, Tribal Studies took an early lead through Pritam Taniang, before Dine Yirang doubled the advantage. Commerce pulled one back through Bamang Kash, but Yirang struck again before the break to complete his brace, sending Tribal Studies into half-time with a 3-1 lead. Commerce fought back after the interval, with Nini Jonkey narrowing the gap to 3-2, but could not find an equaliser as Tribal Studies held on for the win. The Futsal Fiesta will continue until August 30 with departmental fixtures for both boys and girls. The tournament carries the spirit of National Sports Day: Play, Unite and Celebrate. Faculty members, staff, APUSU representatives, scholars and students from various departments attended the inaugural. (Report by students of Mass Comm., APU)    

PASIGHAT, AUG 28: The Red Ribbon Club and National Service Scheme (NSS) of Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) Pasighat, in association with the Arunachal Pradesh AIDS Control Society (APSACS), organised the Red Run Mini Marathon 2026 at the college on Thursday to promote awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth. Held under the theme “Youth for HIV and STI”, the event focused on the importance of awareness, testing and prevention. More than 50 students from various departments participated in the marathon, which was flagged off by JNC Principal Gindu Borang in the presence of Vice Principal Leki Sitang, faculty members and Red Ribbon Club and NSS representatives. Addressing the participants, Gindu Borang urged students to remain informed and vigilant about HIV and STIs and play an active role in preventing infections and combating stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. He called upon the youth to act as responsible ambassadors of accurate health information. Leki Sitang stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding harmful practices and taking personal responsibility for physical and mental well-being. Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Leki Wangchu highlighted the growing concern over STIs and underscored the need for greater awareness about sexually transmitted infections and preventive measures. As part of the awareness programme, JNC students Kenmar Lollen and Iyang Miyu spoke on HIV cases in Arunachal Pradesh and East Siang based on APSACS data, and on the role of youth in combating stigma and discrimination through the dissemination of correct information. In the marathon, Okenmang Lego of BA-I Semester emerged winner in the boys’ category, while Albina Doley of BA-V Semester won the girls’ category. The winners were awarded medals and certificates.