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ITANAGAR, OCT 1: Media ethics, adherence to professional guidelines, handling of bandh calls and greater coordination among journalists were among the key issues discussed at the annual general body meeting of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) here on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by APC president Amar Sangno, brought together members of the two apex media bodies and representatives of District Press Clubs (DPCs) to deliberate on challenges confronting the media fraternity and measures to strengthen journalistic standards in the state. Addressing the meeting, Sangno said the growing media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh also meant greater responsibilities for organisations representing journalists. “APC and APUWJ have worked together over the years to protect the interests, dignity and rights of journalists. As our fraternity grows, our responsibilities as organisations must also grow,” he said. A major part of the deliberations centred on the existing APC guidelines governing coverage of bandh calls and certain press conferences. The house unanimously resolved to continue adhering to the guidelines, which mandate affiliate members not to cover announcements of bandh calls made outside the press club and also place restrictions on coverage of certain press conferences held outside the APC. The guidelines, framed in 2011, under the then presidentship of Chopa Cheda, were introduced against the backdrop of a growing trend at the time of individuals and organisations announcing bandh calls at random locations without facing questions or accountability from journalists. The house maintained that the guidelines continue to remain relevant and should be followed uniformly by affiliate members. Expressing concern over alleged violations of the guidelines by certain media houses and individuals, Sangno said rules could serve their purpose only when they were respected uniformly. “We need to openly discuss where violations are taking place, why they are happening and what collective steps can be taken to ensure that the guidelines are followed equally by everyone,” he said. Bandh calls and the manner in which journalists should discharge their duties while covering such situations were also deliberated upon in detail, with emphasis on journalists’ safety, professional responsibility and unhindered discharge of duties. The issue of APUWJ identity cards also figured prominently, with members stressing the need for a proper mechanism to distinguish genuine working journalists and members of recognised media organisations, particularly amid the rapid proliferation of online news platforms and social media pages. The house also discussed the emergence of dubious media pages and their impact on the credibility of professional journalism. Strengthening coordination among the APC, APUWJ and DPCs was another major focus of the meeting. Representatives of press clubs from Raga, Aalo, Pasighat, Seppa and Ziro highlighted challenges faced by journalists in the districts and sought greater guidance and institutional support from the state-level media bodies. The meeting also discussed plans to organise workshops and capacity-building programmes for journalists, including those working outside the state capital. Observing that journalism was undergoing rapid changes, the house stressed the need for journalists to continuously upgrade themselves professionally, technically and ethically. Other issues discussed included media tours, the APC audit report and various organisational matters. Also present in the meeting were APUWJ vice president Taya Bagang, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha and APUWJ general secretary Sonam Jelly.  

ITANAGAR, OCT 1: Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh will host an exposition of the sacred relics of the Buddha from November 1 to 7, with preparations underway for the event, officials said on Thursday. The event is being organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the state government, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum. An Advance Security Liaison (ASL) team led by IBC director Colonel (Retd) Yash Saxena, along with National Museum officials, arrived in Tawang to review security, logistics and other arrangements for the exposition, an official statement said here. The team conducted a detailed reconnaissance of the proposed route and the venue where the sacred relics will be placed for public exposition. The arrangements will allow devotees and visitors to have ‘darshan’ of the relics and pay their respects. The team also inspected the proposed venue for the International Buddhist Conference, scheduled to be held in Tawang from November 2 to 3. The conference is expected to bring together Buddhist representatives and delegates from different countries. The sacred relics of Buddha are preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi and have been taken to different places for public exposition. Tawang had earlier hosted an exposition of the relics in 2013, which drew around 26,000 devotees. The forthcoming exposition is expected to attract a much larger gathering. The programme coincides with Lhabab Düchen, one of the most important sacred days in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the Buddha’s descent to Earth from the Heaven of the Thirty-Three after giving teachings there. As part of the preparations, the ASL team will hold a coordination meeting with officials of various departments in Tawang on Friday. The meeting will discuss and finalise arrangements for security, logistics, crowd management, movement of devotees and the conduct of the associated programmes. (Source: PTI)  

AALO, OCT 1: The DeSalite Youth Fest 2026, organised by SFS College, Aalo, began here on Wednesday with participation from more than 1,000 students representing 18 schools across West Siang district. The fest is being organised to provide high and higher secondary school students a platform to showcase their talents in cultural, literary and sporting activities. This year’s theme is “Purposeful Living for Progressive Growth”. West Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra inaugurated the festival. Addressing the participants, Bagra highlighted the importance of sports and competitive activities in youth development and encouraged students to participate with sportsmanship and team spirit. The competitions include duet dance, group dance in traditional and modern categories, group song, prepared speech, drawing, quiz and football. College Principal Dr Fr Jose Karipadthu, Organising Secretaries Inkey Tayeng and Kenli Ete, members of the college management, faculty and students attended the inaugural programme. The winners of various competitions will share cash prizes amounting to Rs 1 lakh. The two-day festival will conclude on October 2 with a valedictory programme, with former CP & CR and AAPSU chairman Kappil Kamsi scheduled to attend as chief guest. The organisers said the initiative aims to help young students discover and develop their talents while providing opportunities for expression and healthy competition. (DIPR)  

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, OCT 1: The East Siang Amateur Boxing Association (ESABA) organised its inaugural ceremony-cum-felicitation programme at the Botanical Garden here on Thursday, with a call for strengthening boxing infrastructure and grassroots development in the district. Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang attended the programme as chief guest, while Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association General Secretary Teli Tahi was the guest of honour and Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor and ESABA Chief Patron Tagom Padung was the special guest. ESABA Vice President Kayang Darang briefed the gathering on the association, which was formed in 2023, and highlighted the challenges faced by local boxers, particularly the lack of a proper training facility. He appealed to the authorities to provide a boxing ring in Pasighat to enable young athletes to train in better conditions. A demonstration bout featuring boxers from the Itanagar Boxing Association was also organised. The programme included felicitation of medal winners Kamin Tayeng, Miding Jamoh and Ruth Jerang for their achievements in boxing. Padung encouraged the association and athletes to continue their efforts to promote boxing in the Siang region. He also appreciated the coach who has been travelling from Manipur to train local boxers. Tahi emphasised the need to strengthen boxing at the grassroots level and called for greater promotion of women’s and girls’ boxing in the region. Darang encouraged the athletes and assured support for the development of boxing. The programme concluded with renewed emphasis on better training facilities and greater opportunities for young boxers in East Siang.  

PASIGHAT, OCT 1: Troops of the Spear Corps organised a felicitation ceremony at Veteran Seva Kendra, Pasighat, on September 30 under Operation Sadbhavana to recognise local youth who achieved success in competitive examinations and skill-development programmes. Seventeen aspirants who secured selection through the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) were felicitated for their achievement. The ceremony also recognised 41 youth from three batches who successfully completed IT and Hospitality courses conducted at Veteran Seva Kendra under the SeVaA initiative. The vocational courses focused on developing relevant skills, enhancing employability and enabling participants to pursue livelihood opportunities. The young achievers were felicitated for their accomplishments and encouraged to continue working towards their career goals. An interaction was also held on career development, skill enhancement and the importance of sustained effort. The SeVaA initiative under Operation Sadbhavana aims to support education, skill development and youth empowerment through opportunities for vocational training and career development. The programme concluded with an emphasis on continued efforts to build skills and create opportunities for local youth. (DIPR)