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KHONSA, OCT 1: Government offices across Tirap district observed the Non-Violence Pledge on Thursday as part of the ongoing Week of Non-Violence being observed from September 28 to October 4. Officers and staff across the district reaffirmed their commitment to peace, truth, mutual respect, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, besides resolving differences through dialogue and understanding. The simultaneous observance across departments highlighted the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals in promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence in society. At the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Tirap, Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik addressed the gathering and urged government employees and citizens to carry the spirit of non-violence beyond the pledge. He emphasised the importance of nurturing communal harmony and peaceful coexistence in daily life, noting that individual efforts could collectively contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious society.    

ZIRO, OCT 1: MY Bharat, in coordination with the Health Department, organised a ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ health and awareness programme themed “My Health, My Pride” at the Community Health Centre, Old Ziro, on Thursday. The programme was organised as part of the nationwide “100 Sundays towards Nasha Mukt Bharat” campaign to sensitise youth and the community about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles. District Youth Officer Shaffali Yadav attended the programme as Guest of Honour. The event was conducted under the guidance of District Medical Officer Millo Kuniya. During the awareness sessions, Tanu Yaring spoke on the importance of healthy habits and positive daily choices, while Koj Sunya highlighted the physical, psychological and social effects of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. Free medical check-ups were also conducted by doctors and healthcare staff of Community Health Centre, Old Ziro, providing participants with health assessments and medical guidance. The programme emphasised the importance of preventing substance abuse and encouraging youth to prioritise their health and well-being. (DIPR)  

LONGDING, OCT 1: Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Longding, organised a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Thursday, featuring student participation in shramdaan and the Swachhta Pledge. Wall magazines prepared by students were also inaugurated by the District Agriculture and Horticulture Officer (DACO), Longding. The house-wise wall magazines were based on the themes “Our Culture, Our Pride”, “Swami Vivekananda & Vivekananda Kendra”, “Festival of India” and “Bharat’s Contribution to the World”. The exhibits highlighted the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and India, the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and India’s contributions to science, yoga, spirituality and culture. Interacting with the students, the DACO shared inspiring incidents from the life of Mahatma Gandhi and emphasised that cleanliness is a collective responsibility. As part of the campaign, students participated in shramdaan, reinforcing the messages of cleanliness, civic responsibility and collective participation. Prizes were also distributed to winners of various literary competitions conducted during the current academic session.  

LONGDING, OCT 1: Various government departments, offices and institutions across Longding participated in a collective shramdaan and Swachhta Pledge on Thursday as part of the ongoing ‘Swachhta Hi Seva 2026’ campaign. Government officials, staff members and institutional stakeholders joined cleanliness activities aimed at promoting hygiene and collective responsibility for maintaining clean and healthy surroundings. Participants also took the Swachhta Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to cleanliness and hygienic practices. The initiative emphasised that cleanliness requires sustained participation and conscious efforts from all sections of society rather than being limited to a one-day activity. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment among participating departments and institutions towards maintaining cleaner and healthier surroundings across Longding. (DIPR)  

ITANAGAR, SEP 30: Protests against a proposed hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang region turned violent on Wednesday as agitators vandalised the local MLA’s house, blocked roads, clashed with police and damaged government vehicles. The stir in Upper Siang district’s Yingkiong affected Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s schedule for interaction with government officials and community representatives. During the talks, he flagged the region’s twin challenge of sudden high upstream flows in rivers and water scarcity during dry months, and stressed the need for responsible water management. Protesters have been demanding an immediate stop to the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities and survey work for the project proposed on the Siang River. They have also sought withdrawal of security forces deployed in areas likely to be affected by the proposed project. However, the government has maintained that the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) would drive economic and social growth, generate employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth, and strengthen water and energy security for the state and the nation. During the protest on Wednesday, agitators entered the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong, where several ministers and MLAs were staying, and vandalised it, a senior district official said. They also blocked the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku road and routes leading towards Dite Dime. Protesters gathered outside the Grand Siang Hotel and prevented Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Cabinet ministers Ojing Tasing and Nyato Dukam and the chief minister’s advisor Ninong Ering from attending Pema Khandu’s programme. Carrying placards with slogans such as ‘No PFR, No Survey’ and ‘Go Back CM’, the protesters questioned the decision to hold an official interaction instead of a direct dialogue with the communities likely to be affected by the project. Security personnel stopped a rally moving from the general ground towards the lower market, resulting in scuffles between the two sides. A police vehicle was set ablaze near the Dite Dime bridge, while some government cars were also damaged at different places, the official said. The violence came two days after a clash between villagers and Central Armed Police Forces at Geku in Siang district on September 28. Four people were briefly detained following the incident. The hydropower project’s proposed scale and possible impact on villages and communities in the Siang Valley have led to strong opposition from sections of locals, who have been demanding greater consultation and clarity over its implications. The state government has maintained that the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities were only a preliminary technical assessment and do not amount to approval for construction of the dam. Khandu has said that the project would not be taken forward if it was found technically unviable and that it would not be implemented against people’s wishes. Despite the protests and road blockades, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo said Khandu completed his scheduled official meeting at Yingkiong before leaving the district by helicopter. (Source: PTI)