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CHANGLANG : Two suspected NSCN cadres were killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles in Changlang district, after security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation based on inputs about the movement of armed insurgents allegedly involved in extortion activities, police said on Tuesday. Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu said that the 8th Assam Rifles unit at Miao received specific inputs on Monday, regarding the presence and movement of armed NSCN cadres in the general area of Songking village and adjoining locations for extortion from villagers. Acting on the intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a counter-insurgency operation in the area. At around 8:30 pm, the security forces reportedly noticed movement of around 12 to 13 armed cadres near Duimukh Nallah. When challenged by security personnel, the insurgents allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation by the Assam Rifles in self-defence, the SP said. Following the exchange of fire and subsequent search operation, security forces recovered two unidentified bodies of insurgents along with arms and war-like stores from the area. The deceased were later identified as self-styled Lt Col Umkong and self-styled Sgt Enu, the SP said. Police from Miao Police Station subsequently reached the spot and brought the bodies along with the recovered arms and ammunition. Items recovered during the operation included one 5.56 mm rifle, one AK rifle, a pistol, four magazines, 207 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, one launcher round, one live hand grenade, a radio set and four torches. A case has been registered at Miao Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Arms Act, and further investigation is underway, the SP added. (Source: PTI)

ZIRO, The Lower Subansiri Police and Galo Welfare Society (GWS), Ziro Unit, jointly organised a voluntary blood donation camp at the Blood Centre of Gyati Takka Zonal General Hospital, Ziro, on Monday to mark the seventh death anniversary of former GWS Ziro Unit president late Dr Minge Loyi. The programme was organised under the Pan Arunachal Voluntary Blood Donation Programme with the objective of promoting humanitarian service and community welfare through blood donation. A total of 29 volunteers participated in the camp, during which 22 units of blood were collected. The initiative was led by Lower Subansiri Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, Inspector Nani K Nabin and GWS members Topi Sora, Tayo Nada, Kejum Riba and Morba Karbak, among others. The organisers said the initiative aimed to transform a day of remembrance into a life-saving mission and encourage more organisations and individuals to participate in voluntary blood donation drives. They also stated that such service-oriented commemorations would help carry forward the legacy of social leaders by contributing towards the welfare of the community. (DIPR)

YINGKIONG, A severe storm that struck Yingkiong headquarters in Upper Siang district on Sunday caused extensive damage to the office building of the Mori Banggo Multipurpose Cooperative Society. According to reports, strong winds blew away the tin roofing sheets of the office building, severely affecting the functioning of the society. The Mori Banggo Multipurpose Cooperative Society is among the prominent and actively functioning cooperative societies operating under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) in Yingkiong. No casualty was reported in the incident.

ITANAGAR, The Itanagar Police has decided to strictly enforce the 2021 order issued by the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Deputy Commissioner regarding the closing timings of bars, nightclubs and restaurants across the capital region. Addressing a press conference at the Itanagar Police Station on Monday, Itanagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chera Saban said intensive monitoring and checking drives would soon be launched under his jurisdiction to ensure strict compliance with the regulation. He said bars and restaurants in the ICR are required to close by 12 midnight as per the Deputy Commissioner’s order, while customers have also been urged to leave such establishments before the stipulated time. “We are not stopping anyone from visiting bars or DJ nights. Our only request is to maintain the prescribed timing,” Saban said. He informed that a meeting with bar and restaurant owners and members of their associations would soon be convened to discuss effective implementation of the regulation. Saban admitted that regular checking drives could not be conducted earlier due to shortage of manpower and other constraints, but said the police department has now decided to intensify monitoring of bars, DJ nights, restaurants and other late-night establishments. The SDPO warned that strict legal action would be initiated against both owners and customers if violations are detected during police checking drives. Highlighting the rise in drunken driving cases, Saban said a majority of road accidents and other untoward incidents in the ICR occur due to late-night drinking and driving, resulting in several fatalities. “The main objective of the enforcement drive is to curb illegal activities, including prostitution, and ensure public safety in the capital region,” he said. He appealed to the public and business establishments to cooperate with the police during the enforcement drive.  

ITANAGAR, Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the nation in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction and inauguration of the historic Somnath Temple with “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” celebrations organised across multiple districts on Monday. In Lohit district, the district administration organised the programme at Shiv Mandir, Tezu, with religious fervour and patriotic spirit. The celebration began with a Kalash Yatra, followed by Vedic chanting, bhajans and milk offerings to Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees, officials and community members participated in the rituals and cultural programme. Bazaar Secretary Picaso Chai, who attended as chief guest, highlighted the significance of the occasion and spoke on self-reliance, civilisational continuity and preservation of cultural heritage. Sub-Divisional Officer Sotailum Bellai said the programme symbolised the resilience, faith and unity of the nation through centuries of challenges. District Arts & Culture Officer Bitchey Rijiju said the event marked two important milestones — 1,000 years since the first recorded major invasion of the Somnath Temple and 75 years since its reconstruction after Independence. Religious narratives associated with the temple were presented by Pandi Bhagwan Dev, highlighting its spiritual significance in Indian civilisation. A live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address was also organised, drawing active participation from devotees. The programme concluded with prayers and distribution of prasad, promoting communal harmony and cultural awareness. In East Siang district, the Department of Art & Culture in collaboration with the Dangoria Baba Mandir Committee organised a grand celebration at Dangoria Baba Shiv Mandir, Pasighat. The programme began with a Kalash Yatra involving over 100 devotees from East Siang and neighbouring districts, who carried holy water from the Siang River for offering at the Shiva Lingam. Chief Councillor of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Tagom Padung attended as chief guest along with district officials, committee members and devotees. A live screening of the Prime Minister’s address from Somnath Temple, Gujarat, was a key highlight of the programme. The event concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity and communal harmony. In West Kameng district, the 75th anniversary of the Somnath Temple reconstruction was celebrated at Nag Mandir, Singchung, in a programme organised by the District Administration in collaboration with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) 91 Road Construction Company, Nag Mandir Bazaar Committee and local devotees. The celebration began with traditional prayers led by temple priests, followed by the National Anthem and a group photograph session involving officials, BRO personnel and community members. Speakers from the Nag Mandir Bazaar Committee and BRO highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and cooperation between civil society and security forces. The district administration appreciated the joint efforts and described the event as a strong example of community–administration partnership. In Lower Siang district, the Somnath Swabhiman Parv was celebrated at the Shivalaya of Malinithan Temple complex. The programme featured Panchamrit Snan Puja, Aarti, mantra chanting, bhajans and prasad distribution. Resource person Buru Taki explained the significance of the observance and its national relevance. Chief guest Mokar Riba led the puja and stressed the importance of preserving indigenous cultural heritage. “The Parv teaches us to rise again after every hardship with resilience and determination,” he said. A live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address was also arranged. Earlier, nodal officer Augusti Jamoh welcomed the participants and highlighted the historical importance of the occasion. Preparations for the event included cleaning of the temple premises by the district administration, Malinithan Vikash Parishad and local women volunteers. (DIPR)