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ITANAGAR, AUG 26: The Centre for Internal Security Analysis (CISA) will organise the Arunachal Pradesh pre-event of the North Eastern Regional Dialogue on Internal Security (NERDIS-2026) in Itanagar on Wednesday, bringing together senior security practitioners, defence and police officials, academics and policy experts to deliberate on the State’s evolving border, internal security, development and resilience challenges. Arunachal Pradesh MLA Laisam Simai will deliver the inaugural keynote address. The programme will also feature Lt Gen (Retd) Shokin Chauhan, former Director General of Assam Rifles; Jayadeva Ranade, President of the China Centre for Analysis and Strategy and former Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat; an official delegation of the Indian Air Force; officers of the Arunachal Pradesh Police; Prof Abhinav Sharma of Banaras Hindu University; Dr Rikil Chyrmang of Jawaharlal Nehru University; Dr Sampa Kundu of the Confederation of Indian Industry; Dr Kaushalendra Pratap Singh of Rajiv Gandhi University; and Col K.C. Monnappa (Retd) of CISA. The day-long dialogue will focus on key security and developmental concerns, including India-Myanmar border security and the role of Assam Rifles, policing and organised crime, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and strategic competition with China, hydropower and ecological concerns, disaster resilience and inter-agency coordination. Other areas of discussion will include the Act East Policy, border trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia, youth vulnerability and narcotics, and the role of the Indian Air Force in frontier security, disaster response and strategic mobility. Sharing international boundaries with China, Myanmar and Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh occupies a critical position in India’s national security architecture. The dialogue will explore how security preparedness, empowered border communities, infrastructure development, economic opportunities, responsive governance and stronger inter-agency coordination can contribute to a secure, resilient and prosperous frontier State. NERDIS-2026 is CISA’s flagship dialogue initiative aimed at facilitating informed discussions on the distinctive security and developmental challenges of the North Eastern Region by bringing together government representatives, security institutions, academia, policy experts and local stakeholders.  

PASIGHAT, AUG 26: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani chaired the monthly District Development Report-cum-District Level Monitoring Committee (DDR-cum-DLMC) meeting at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Wednesday, reviewing the district’s development progress for July 2026. The meeting reviewed the status and progress of developmental works being implemented by various departments and executing agencies, with particular focus on issues affecting timely execution. Emphasising the need for stronger coordination, Jiwani said the DDR-cum-DLMC platform should be effectively utilised to identify and resolve inter-departmental issues and bottlenecks affecting government infrastructure projects. She urged all Heads of Departments (HoDs) to attend the meetings with a clear understanding of the progress and status of works under their respective departments. The DC directed concerned authorities to expedite the handing-over and taking-over process of administrative areas affected by the creation of Lower Siang district to ensure clarity in jurisdiction and responsibilities. She also instructed executing agencies to coordinate with the Power Department promptly upon completion of government buildings and other infrastructure so that electrification and commissioning are completed without delay. Jiwani further directed executing agencies to take appropriate action against contractors who consistently underperform or fail to complete works within the stipulated timeframe, including termination of contracts wherever warranted under applicable rules and procedures. The meeting also discussed other developmental and administrative matters. The DC called upon all departments and agencies to work in close coordination and synergy to ensure timely completion of projects and effective delivery of public services.  

JOTE/ITANAGAR, AUG 26: A gender sensitisation session was organised by the Gender Awareness Committee of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Itanagar as part of the Orientation Week for the institute’s second batch, bringing students into an interactive discussion on gender, sexuality, identity, lived experiences and their representation in cinema. The session was facilitated by LGBTQIA+ activist and AP QueerStation founder Sawang Wangchha and Liyom of AP QueerStation. The discussion began with students reflecting on the representation of different identities in films and gradually moved beyond the question of visibility to examine how communities are portrayed and the assumptions and narratives associated with such portrayals. The facilitators also discussed the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and the diverse identities and experiences it encompasses, placing the conversation in the social and cultural context of Arunachal Pradesh. Reference was made to identities and social spaces within tribal communities, including Mumbar and Mumbal, highlighting the importance of understanding local histories, cultures and social structures while engaging with questions of identity. Wangchha encouraged students to travel across Arunachal Pradesh, interact with different communities and understand their lived realities rather than viewing communities merely as subjects for cinematic representation. He stressed the importance of listening, observation and research in developing authentic stories. Liyom shared her lived experience as a trans woman, providing students with insights into transgender identities and the challenges and everyday realities often overlooked in abstract discussions. An interactive question-and-answer session allowed students to seek clarification and engage directly with the issues raised. The session also examined stereotypical portrayals of queer characters, particularly in Hindi cinema, where such characters have often been reduced to comic relief, ridicule, tragedy or spectacle. Students were encouraged to critically examine these patterns and consider their responsibility as future filmmakers in creating authentic and nuanced characters. Wangchha said filmmakers have the creative power to move beyond conventional representations and tell diverse and authentic stories. He emphasised that inclusive cinema should create space not only for sexual and gender minorities but also for Indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh and other underrepresented groups across India. The discussion underscored the importance of research, sensitivity and avoiding generalisations while representing communities. Students were encouraged to engage with people and their contexts to distinguish genuine representation from reproducing preconceived ideas. The session concluded with an emphasis on viewing sensitisation as an ongoing process of learning, questioning and unlearning. Students were encouraged to carry these principles into their filmmaking practice by listening to lesser-heard voices, understanding diverse lived experiences and approaching representation with responsibility and openness.      

YUPIA, AUG 26: The Papum Pare district administration in collaboration with the Department of Women & Child Development (WCD), Papum Pare, organised an awareness and sensitisation camp on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) here on Wednesday. Kakoi Circle Officer Rongni Bagang, who attended the programme as chief guest, appreciated the WCD department for organising awareness programmes on issues concerning the safety dignity and rights of women. She urged participants to understand the provisions of the laws and share the information with others for the larger welfare of society. Bagang also stressed the need for government offices public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private establishments to constitute Internal Committees (ICs) as mandated under the POSH Act and urged concerned institutions to take necessary action at the earliest. Earlier, District Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Cell Deputy Director Jaya Taba, in her keynote address, highlighted the department’s efforts to create awareness about laws relating to the protection and welfare of women and children. She underscored the importance of understanding and disseminating information on such legal provisions to promote a safer and more equitable society. The technical sessions were conducted by Advocate and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) Member Likha Asha Nyekam, who spoke on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, and Kimin Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Tana Chammaro, who explained the provisions of the POSH Act, 2013. More than 50 participants including police personnel, government officials, Gaon Burahs, PRI members and members of the public from the Kimin administrative jurisdiction attended the camp. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR, AUG 26: The Chimpu Police Station team, led by Constable Tai Leriak, recovered 10 lost and stolen mobile handsets with the assistance of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal and the District Cybercrime Monitoring Cell (CMCU), Itanagar, and returned them to their rightful owners. The recovery drive forms part of the police department’s community outreach and public awareness initiatives aimed at encouraging citizens to promptly report lost or stolen mobile phones through the police and the CEIR portal. Timely reporting can significantly assist in tracing and recovering lost handsets. Itanagar Capital Police said it remains committed to leveraging technology for effective policing and strengthening public trust through responsive and citizen-centric policing.

PAYUM, AUG 26: Construction of the 26-km Bille–Miging road from the Bille end under Package-I of the Arunachal Frontier Highway (NH-913) was formally flagged off at Payum in Siang district on Wednesday by Rumgong MLA Er Talem Taboh. The ceremony was attended by Payum ZPM-9, local leaders, Gaon Buras and villagers of Payum Circle, who welcomed the commencement of the long-awaited road project. The Package-I stretch will be executed by Mayasheel Ventures Ltd., Camp Office, Kaying. The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods in the region. Addressing the gathering, Taboh appealed to the people of Payum Circle to extend full cooperation to the executing agency and refrain from creating any hindrance during construction. He also urged the agency to expedite the work while strictly adhering to prescribed technical specifications, quality standards and project norms. The MLA expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu for their efforts in sanctioning and facilitating the long-awaited project. He described the commencement of construction as a significant milestone for Payum Circle and a major step towards strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in the area. (DIPR)

DAPORIJO, AUG 26: A meeting of the District Task Force for Immunization was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Wednesday to review and strengthen implementation of the Routine Immunization (RI) programme and the HPV Vaccination Campaign 2026 in Upper Subansiri district. Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo chaired the meeting. The session began with a welcome and keynote address by DMO in-charge Dr Tade Rago, followed by a detailed presentation on Routine Immunization and HPV Vaccination 2026 by RRT-WHO Dr Anshul. The presentation highlighted key aspects of the immunization programme and the need for coordinated efforts for effective implementation of the HPV vaccination campaign. An open discussion followed, covering immunization, community mobilisation, inter-departmental coordination and outreach strategies. Gambo stressed the need for concerted efforts among departments and stakeholders to ensure effective coverage across the district. He emphasised reaching all eligible beneficiaries, creating greater community awareness and ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is left behind. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening immunization coverage and supporting the successful implementation of the HPV Vaccination Campaign 2026 in Upper Subansiri.