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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Tawang Police traces missing minor nuns within an hour

TAWANG : Tawang Police traced and safely recovered two minor nuns within an hour of receiving information about their disappearance, bringing relief to their families. The two minors were reported missing on the evening of August 10. Acting promptly, personnel from Tawang Police Station and Women Police Station (WPS), Tawang, launched a search operation in and around the area. The operation was led by Inspector N Angu Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station-cum-WPS and included SI T Rinchin, ASI Tsering Tashi, HC Pema Khandu, LHC Tsering Zomba, LCT Lham Drema, Constable DW Thungon, HC Driver Jambey and Constable Driver Genden. Following their recovery, the minors were counselled by Child Welfare Committee member Norbu Drema and MMT Women Wing Secretary Tashi Wangmu before being handed over to their parents in good health. Tawang Police has urged news channels, social media pages and individuals who shared the names, photographs or other identifying details of the minors during the search to immediately remove such content. Police appealed to the public and media to exercise caution while sharing information concerning children, pointing out that circulation of identifying details and photographs of minors may have legal implications under child-protection laws. The police appeal comes after photographs and details of the minors reportedly circulated on various platforms during the search. While such sharing may have been intended to assist in locating them, police stressed the need to protect the privacy and dignity of the children following their safe recovery. The families expressed gratitude to Tawang Police and all those who assisted in the search operation. The swift recovery highlighted the importance of timely reporting, coordinated policing and community cooperation in emergencies involving children. (Source: Tawang Mon Vigilance)  

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Ziro pushes for 100 pc registration of births and deaths

ZIRO : Lower Subansiri district administration has stepped up efforts to achieve 100 per cent registration of births and deaths by strengthening doorstep-level registration services and ensuring that no vital event goes unrecorded. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Registrar Oli Perme chaired a coordination meeting at her chamber on Wednesday with officials from Panchayati Raj, Health, Women and Child Development, and Education departments to discuss the implementation of the initiative. The meeting focused on establishing a reliable network of designated field-level “notifiers” to facilitate timely reporting and registration of births and deaths across the district. As part of the initiative to make registration more accessible, online registration facilities are being introduced at the SDO Office and Community Health Centre (CHC) in Old Ziro. Dedicated computer equipment was delivered on Wednesday to operationalise the facilities without delay. Officials also discussed aligning circle-wise jurisdictions among departments and integrating newborn birth registration with Aadhaar enrolment to reduce the need for parents to make multiple visits to government offices. Assistant Director of Economics and Statistics Chiging Tamu reminded residents that registration of births and deaths is mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and is essential for protecting citizens’ legal and social entitlements. A birth certificate is required for several important purposes, including school admission, obtaining passports, voter cards and other official identity documents. A death certificate, meanwhile, is essential for settling inheritance and property matters, processing insurance claims and accessing social security benefits. The initiative is aimed at bridging administrative gaps and ensuring that every birth and death in Lower Subansiri is formally documented, thereby safeguarding citizens’ access to education, welfare schemes, property rights and social security benefits. (DIPR)    

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Keyi Panyor Task Force pushes for stronger highway safety measures

YACHULI : The District Highway Safety Task Force (DHSTF), Keyi Panyor District, held a meeting at the Mini Secretariat here on Tuesday to review the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prepared by the Task Force and discuss immediate measures to strengthen safety along National Highways NH-13 and NH-713. The meeting, chaired by Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra, focused on removal of encroachments, regulation of illegal parking, prevention of overloading and strengthening of surveillance and enforcement along the highways. Expressing concern over recurring road accidents and loss of lives, particularly among young people, Mishra stressed the need for strict enforcement of road safety regulations and coordinated action by all concerned departments and stakeholders. The meeting was attended by Keyi Panyor Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju, Yachuli Assistant Commissioner Mumne Borang, DySP Hage Nado, ZPMs, administrative officers and representatives of PWD (Highway), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), District Disaster Risk Reduction (DDRD) and Trade & Commerce departments, among others. The Deputy Commissioner informed the members that the constitution and functioning of the DHSTF and preparation of the SOP were being undertaken in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 2 of 2023 (In Re: Phalodi Accident Case) and subsequent instructions issued by the state government on July 31, 2026. The members held detailed discussions on the SOP and measures required for its effective implementation. These included prohibiting overnight parking of heavy vehicles along the National Highways, preventing overloading and use of mobile phones while driving, maintaining the Right of Way (ROW), removing encroachments, regulating illegal parking, conducting regular patrolling and surveillance, and obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from PWD (Highway) for businesses operating along the highways. The Task Force also stressed the importance of regular coordination meetings among departments and stakeholders to review highway safety measures and ensure timely corrective action. Mishra directed the concerned departments to immediately identify and prepare a list of black spots along NH-13 and NH-713 and explore effective measures to rectify the identified hazardous locations. She also called for greater community participation and collaboration with local organisations and NGOs, stressing that effective highway safety requires collective responsibility, continuous surveillance and timely intervention. The DHSTF resolved to ensure effective implementation of the SOP and coordinated enforcement measures to make NH-13 and NH-713 in Keyi Panyor safer for commuters and prevent avoidable accidents and loss of lives.  

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Tiranga Yatras draw students, youth and citizens across state

ITANAGAR : Tiranga rallies and yatras were held in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, bikers, government officials, security personnel, civil society groups and members of the public. In Tawang, a grand Tiranga Yatra was organised from the Giant Buddha Statue to the historic Tawang War Memorial, featuring a 100-metre-long National Tricolour. The yatra was flagged off by Tawang Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Rinchin Leta and Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang in the presence of ZPMs, senior officials and members of the public. Addressing participants at the Giant Buddha Statue, Leta highlighted the significance of the National Flag and Vande Mataram as symbols that inspired the freedom struggle and continue to unite the country. He appealed to people to hoist the Tricolour at their homes from August 9 to 17 while strictly observing the prescribed protocols governing its display and handling. Personnel of the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation and paramilitary forces, NCC cadets, market committees, students and citizens participated in the yatra. The procession culminated at the Tawang War Memorial, where participants joined in a mass singing of Vande Mataram in memory of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. The Tawang Brigade hosted refreshments for the participants. In Daporijo, a Tiranga Bike Rally was organised by the District Administration in collaboration with Upper Subansiri Riders, The Black and White Society and the All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation. Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Joti Sikom flagged off the rally. Bikers, youth, civil society members and citizens carrying the Tricolour rode through the major roads of Daporijo, spreading the message of national unity, patriotism and pride in the National Flag. The district administration appreciated the participating organisations and citizens for their contribution to the campaign and appealed to people to proudly display the Tricolour at their homes and establishments. At Nafra, a Tiranga Yatra was organised from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to I Love Nafra Point and back. Heads of offices, teachers, students, government officials, police personnel, Bazaar Committee members, PRI representatives, NGOs and members of the public participated in the event. The programme began with the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the yatra. A selfie point was also set up where participants captured photographs with the Tricolour and uploaded them on the official Har Ghar Tiranga portal. In Aalo, the West Siang unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised a mega Tiranga Yatra in which more than 1,000 students participated. Youth Affairs, Sports and Law Minister Kento Jini, MLA Topin Ete, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi and ABVP representatives attended the programme. Jini praised the ABVP for promoting patriotism and national consciousness among students and urged the youth to recognise their responsibilities towards society and the nation. Ete stressed the role of student organisations in developing leadership, responsibility and active participation in nation-building. In Ruksin, a Tiranga Yatra was organised from Ruksin-Dolung Bridge to Ruksin General Ground, with students, local representatives and members of the public participating. Organised by the 37th BJP Mandal, the march saw students of Ruksin Town Middle School and Ruksin Primary School carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans. 37-West Pasighat MLA Ninong Ering, along with the Additional Deputy Commissioner and panchayat-level representatives, participated in the programme. Ering stressed the importance of unity and patriotism among the youth and, referring to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border issue, underscored the need for peace, dialogue and responsible engagement to prevent tensions from escalating. The rallies and yatras across the state reflected widespread public participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and reinforced the message of national unity, patriotism and respect for the Tricolour ahead of Independence Day.      

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APU students sensitised on legal rights, digital conduct and campus safety

PASIGHAT : The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Siang, organised a legal awareness programme titled ‘Empower Youth, Stronger India’ to sensitise students on legal rights, digital responsibility and campus safety. The programme was held under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) and featured judicial officers and practising advocates who addressed students on various legal issues relevant to young people. Bido Sora Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class Siang and Secretary DLSA East Siang delivered the keynote address. He explained legal safeguards relating to Zero FIR, protection against illegal detention and the process of seeking bail. Cautioning students against AI-generated misinformation, he said forwarding unverified information could have legal consequences, including defamation. Advocate Denzing Sonuwal spoke on defamation and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the context of social media. Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2015 judgment in Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India, he explained the scope of freedom of speech under Article 19 and its reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). He also highlighted provisions relating to offences under the POCSO Act. Advocate Sunny Tayeng addressed issues of consent, dignity, ragging and protection against sexual harassment. She emphasised that valid consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time, and outlined provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013. She also cautioned students about the legal consequences of false complaints and urged them to promote a safe campus culture based on the principle of “Safe, Save, Report and Support.” The programme was coordinated by Dr Rajen Miwu Head of the Department of Commerce and IQAC member and Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir Assistant Professor and IQAC member. In his welcome address, Dr Miwu underlined the importance of legal literacy in building an informed and empowered youth. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students raised issues concerning the right to fair education, the impact of criminal convictions on employment and the need to extend legal awareness programmes to rural communities. Faculty members and students from various departments attended the programme.            

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Shah says ready to answer all questions during debate; Oppn unmoved

NEW DELHI : The government’s efforts for a debate on the students’ agitation in the Lok Sabha on the penultimate day of the Monsoon session came to nought with the opposition rejecting Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposal for a two-day discussion on the NEET paper leaks and other issues followed by a reply from him. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju suggested that the Monsoon Session could be extended if the opposition agrees to a discussion on Thursday. “Extension of the session is a very small matter. We are saying that even if Congress says at 11 am tomorrow that it is ready for discussion, we will extend the time,” he said while responding to a query during a media interaction. Sources said the options of extending the session or a special sitting or special session are open but everything depends on the opposition’s cooperation. The fast-paced developments — which finally ended with the House being adjourned for the day — kicked off with Shah first daring the opposition to submit a formal letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for a debate. He said he would attend the entire proceedings to address all questions if the discussion begins Wednesday. It was now up to the opposition to decide whether they want to take part in the debate or create turmoil in Parliament, the home minister told reporters in the Parliament House complex minutes after the proceedings of the House began. “Even today, I say that they should submit a letter to the Speaker by 2 pm. We are ready for all kinds of discussions from 3 pm today until 3 pm tomorrow,” Shah said, asserting that the government has nothing to hide. Soon after, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi turned down the proposal and asserted that the youth want to know who ordered that “protesting students be shot” at with pellet guns. He said the opposition was not interested in listening to Shah’s “imagination and lecture” in Parliament. If Shah ordered that students be shot at, he is culpable, and if he did not, he is incompetent, Gandhi said. “In both cases he should resign,” the Congress leader said. Subsequently, the home minister wrote to the Speaker on the matter. “I want to request you to kindly consult the opposition. With everyone’s consent, allocate as much time as needed for the debate. I will sit through the entire discussion and respond to all questions from the opposition during the debate,” Shah said. He also said dialogue and discussions are the only ways to find solutions in a democracy and he has full faith in democracy and democratic institutions. He said the debate should facilitate the views of the opposition and treasury benches on the important issue of students’ protests. But the chaos continued. When the Lok Sabha reassembled at 3 pm after two adjournments, the noisy opposition protests took off from where they had been stopped. Amid the turmoil, Rijiju announced in the House that the government was ready to start a debate immediately on the student protests, and Shah had already written to the Speaker. He said the opposition should not run away from the debate when the home minister was ready to answer all their questions. But the minister’s appeal failed to cut ice. Amid the slogan-shouting and protests, Jagdambika Pal, who was in the chair, repeatedly urged the opposition to accept the government offer for the debate. His appeal was ignored and the House was adjourned for the day. Rijiju addressed a hurriedly convened press conference after the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day and said it is “unthinkable and incomprehensible” that the opposition is avoiding a discussion when the government is ready to respond. “I am totally frustrated; I am seeing for the first time where the government is ready for discussion, the opposition is running away,” Rijiju said. Earlier, in the morning, when the Lower House assembled at 11 am, the opposition immediately came to the Well and staged protests. The proceedings then continued for just around three minutes before the House was adjourned till 2 pm. There were similar scenes when the House met again at 2 pm. At that time, the government proposed to move the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a joint parliamentary panel. The motion was passed by the House amid the din. The opposition demanded the withdrawal of the bill, alleging that it was targeted against minorities. However, Rijiju dared the opposition to show a single clause in the bill that was against the minorities. Congress MP KC Venugopal said the opposition had only just received information about sending the bill to a joint committee and alleged that the legislation was aimed against minorities and NGOs. “This is clearly for targeting minorities and NGOs. We demand that the bill be withdrawn,” Venugopal alleged. Rijiju rejected the charge, saying the Congress and other Opposition parties had themselves been demanding that the bill be sent to a House committee. “If they have any reservations about the bill, they can speak in the JPC. This is not targeted at any minority community,” Rijiju said. The government had offered a debate on Monday but it was rejected by the Congress. The renewed attempt at ending the logjam came just a day before the end of the Monsoon session, which has seen prolonged disruptions in both Houses. The opposition protests initially started over the NEET paper leak and alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. It later pressed for a discussion on the police action against students protesting over the NEET paper leak and also demanded the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister, and their statements. (Source: PTI)        

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Lower Subansiri youth urged to join ‘Gems of India Challenge’

ZIRO :  The Lower Subansiri district administration has called upon students, youth and aspiring innovators to participate in the upcoming ‘Gems of India Challenge’, an initiative aimed at identifying and recognising talent, creativity and innovation among young people. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme urged eligible residents to make use of the opportunity to showcase their abilities, gain recognition on a national platform and compete for cash prizes. “Our valley is rich with untapped potential, and this challenge is a fantastic avenue for our young residents to shine, bring recognition to their communities and win exciting cash rewards. We encourage every eligible candidate to register, participate and represent the talent of Lower Subansiri with pride,” Perme said. The district administration is coordinating with educational institutions and community leaders to disseminate information about the challenge and facilitate participation by interested candidates. Residents have been advised to follow the district administration’s official social media channels for registration links, eligibility criteria, prize details and submission guidelines. The administration said the initiative would provide young people from Lower Subansiri with a platform to showcase their talent and connect with wider national opportunities. (DIPR)      

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BJYM donates Rs 5 lakh to CMRF

ITANAGAR : The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday contributed Rs 5 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) towards relief and welfare activities for people affected during times of need. BJYM Arunachal Pradesh State President Tame Syiang submitted the cheque to the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh on behalf of the organisation. The contribution was raised through a statewide donation drive conducted with the support and participation of BJYM district units across the State. The BJYM said the initiative reflects its commitment to stand with the people and the State Government during times of crisis and contribute to humanitarian and relief efforts. The organisation expressed gratitude to its district units, karyakartas, supporters and well-wishers for their contributions towards the cause.

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Legal awareness prog held at APU

PASIGHAT : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Siang, under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), organised a legal awareness programme at APU here on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026 on Wednesday. Held on the theme “Empowered Youth, Stronger India,” the programme was attended by faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students of the university. East Siang DLSA Secretary Bido Sora, APJS, addressed the gathering on “Legal Empowerment and Constitutional Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities and Access to Justice.” He explained the legal services framework under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the role and functions of Legal Services Authorities and the availability of free legal aid. He also briefed the participants on basic legal rights relating to filing of First Information Reports (FIRs), arrest, detention, bail, fair trial and access to legal assistance. Emphasising youth empowerment, Sora highlighted the importance of responsible exercise of rights, digital citizenship, artificial intelligence and academic integrity. Referring to the recent clarification by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant regarding remarks made in the context of alleged fake, false or unrecognised law degrees, he stressed the wider importance of integrity and credibility in academic and professional life. He also cautioned participants against interpreting statements without their proper context, particularly at a time when short video clips and incomplete information can spread rapidly through social media. Advocate Denzing Sonowal, resource person, spoke on “Right to Expression, Defamation and the POCSO Act in the Social Media Age.” He sensitised the participants on responsible exercise of freedom of expression, the legal consequences of defamatory content and the need for particular caution while dealing with children and child-related content on social media. Advocate Sunny Tayeng, another resource person, addressed the gathering on “Law, Dignity and Safety in Educational Institutions: Ragging, Harassment and Gender Sensitisation,” stressing the importance of dignity, safety, mutual respect and responsible conduct in educational institutions. The technical sessions were followed by an interactive session in which participants raised queries and discussed various legal issues with the resource persons. The programme concluded with an emphasis on the need for young people to remain legally informed, exercise their rights responsibly and use their education and knowledge for the larger good of society.

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Tasing inspects Kammuk bridge works

BOLENG : Transport Minister Ojing Tasing on Wednesday inspected the ongoing construction of the Kammuk Bridge over the Siang River, connecting Boleng headquarters with the Babo area, and reviewed the progress and quality of work. Tasing conducted a detailed survey of the under-construction bridge and stressed strict adherence to prescribed construction and quality standards. He emphasised the importance of structural integrity and timely completion of the project. Tasing said the Kammuk Bridge would serve as a vital link to the Rebo Block, bringing communities closer and improving access to essential services, markets and other opportunities. He said the bridge would help overcome geographical barriers and strengthen connectivity, contributing to the development of the region. During the inspection, Tasing directed that every aspect of the project be executed to the highest standards so that the infrastructure becomes a durable and lasting asset for the people.