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ITANAGAR, SEP 8: A four-day Zonal Workshop on the National Supportive Supervision Framework (NSSF), Zone 1, began at Donyi Polo International Hotel here on Tuesday, bringing together officials and representatives of State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs) to deliberate on strengthening Community Level Federations (CLFs) and enhancing their institutional capacity and sustainability. The workshop, being held from September 8 to 11, is hosted by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The programme provides a platform for participating State and Union Territory teams to examine field-level observations, identify institutional gaps and develop practical action plans for strengthening CLFs. ArSRLM CEO-cum-State Mission Director Sangeeta Yirang, APCS (AG), welcomed the participating teams, National Resource Persons (NRPs), National Mission Management Unit (NMMU) representatives and other participants. She highlighted the importance of collective learning and experience-sharing in strengthening implementation of the NSSF. The workshop is being attended by representatives from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with officials and functionaries from Arunachal Pradesh. The NSSF seeks to shift from conventional compliance-oriented monitoring to a supportive and institution-focused approach, enabling CLFs to evolve as self-governing, women-led and sustainable community institutions. The framework is based on five key pillars—Governance, Human Resources and Cadre, Financial Self-Reliance, Member Outcomes and Social Agency. It also uses four institutional lenses focusing on CLFs as social entities and networks of trust, their goal of self-reliance, horizontal coordination and linkages with the wider social and economic ecosystem. The first day focuses on field observations and analysis through the NSSF lenses. The subsequent sessions will cover group presentations, validation of observations, identification of cross-cutting issues and preparation of action plans, including interventions for Swavalambi CLFs. State-wise action plans will be finalised on the third day with support from NRPs and NMMU State Anchors. The workshop will conclude on September 11 with State action-plan presentations and a way-forward session. A major focus of the workshop is to help CLFs achieve operational and financial self-reliance while strengthening governance, revenue generation, member economic empowerment and social agency. The framework also encourages stronger horizontal linkages among Village Organisations (VOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Producer Groups (PGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), local institutions, government departments and markets. The workshop is expected to facilitate peer learning and help participating States and the Union Territory develop practical, State-specific strategies for strengthening women-led community institutions and supporting their transition towards greater autonomy, financial sustainability and effective governance. (DIPR)

YUPIA, SEP 8: International Literacy Day (ILD) was celebrated at Government Primary School (GPS), Rono, Doimukh, as part of the ULLAS–Literacy Fortnight celebrations. Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE), Yupia T T Tara, who was the chief guest, highlighted the importance of literacy in empowering individuals and promoting social development. He called for active voluntary participation from all sections of society to achieve the goal of eradicating illiteracy from the district. DAEO-in-Charge C K Yab highlighted the significance of International Literacy Day and briefed the gathering on the progress of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), which is currently in its final phase of implementation. Rono Gram Panchayat Chairperson (GPC) Kuku Nabam Hina and Block Resource Centre Coordinator (BRCC), Doimukh, Nabam Bittu also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening literacy and educational initiatives. As part of the celebrations, prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of the district-level essay writing competition. Tem Merry of Class XI, GHSS Balijan, won the first prize of ₹5,000; Kayir Gadi of Class XII, GHSS Sagalee, secured the second prize of ₹3,000; and Joli Rimo of Class VIII, GHSS RGU Campus, won the third prize of ₹2,000. A cultural presentation by GPS Rono students added colour to the programme. Officials from DDSE, Yupia, panchayat leaders, Block Education Officer, BRCC, Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators, School Management Committee members, teachers, volunteer teachers, Anganwadi workers, adult learners, students and members of the public participated in the programme. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 8: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Manipur-based Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) for its recent letter to the NHRC and UN against AAPSU over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue in Bordumsa, terming it as “baseless, politically motivated and an unwanted interference in the internal matters of Arunachal Pradesh.” Reacting to the KHRC’s letter, AAPSU President Meje Taku, in a press statement said the organization has no locus standi to speak on Arunachal’s indigenous issues. “This is purely a matter of Arunachal Pradesh and its indigenous people. It has absolutely nothing to do with some community organization sitting in Lamka, Churachandpur in another state. We strongly condemn this attempt to internationalize our internal issue,” he stated. The apex students’ body clarified its stand on the Bordumsa SIR hearings. AAPSU said the SIR is a statutory exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India to purify the electoral roll, and AAPSU, as a stakeholder, has every democratic right to ensure that no illegal and doubtful names are included in the voter list of the state. “The Chakma and Hajong issue is not a minority rights issue. It is a 60-year-old unresolved issue of indigenous survival. They were brought and settled as guests on humanitarian grounds in 1964-69 by the Government of India. Today, the indigenous tribes of Changlang are becoming a minority in their own land. Our protest is to protect our land, our culture, and our identity guaranteed under Article 371H and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873,” the Union said. On KHRC’s allegation of violent obstruction, AAPSU said its agitation was democratic and peaceful to voice the genuine fear of the indigenous people. “Instead of filing FIRs against our students, the administration should listen to the voice of the indigenous people,” it said. In a strong counter, AAPSU asked the KHRC to focus on its own home instead of poking its nose into Arunachal. “It is ironic that a council that talks about human rights fails to see the human rights tragedy in its own backyard. Manipur has been burning for more than three years. Thousands of their own people, including women and children, are languishing in relief camps. Thousands are displaced. Before preaching Equality, Justice and Freedom to Arunachal, the KHRC should first ensure equality, justice and freedom for their own people. Solve your own house first,” AAPSU said. AAPSU further warned that Arunachal Pradesh will not be a dumping ground for illegal settlement and will not allow any external forces to dictate its future. “Arunachal belongs to its indigenous tribes. No amount of letters to the UN or NHRC by any outside organization can change this historical and constitutional fact. We appeal to the Chief Election Commissioner of India and the State Government not to bow down to such external pressure tactics and to complete the SIR process with full transparency,” the statement added. AAPSU has also urged the people of Arunachal to remain united to protect the indigenous rights of the state.    

Staff reporter ITANAGAR, SEPT 8: The North East Human Rights (NEHR) has raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of land compensation to villagers affected by the Frontier Highway project as per the provisions of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act. Addressing media persons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Tuesday, NEHR chairperson Ebo Mili said the organisation had received complaints from several districts, particularly West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Keyi Panyor, Kamle, West Siang, Dibang Valley and Anjaw, regarding alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of compensation to land-affected villagers of the Frontier Highway project. Mili alleged that the State Government, particularly A K Singh (IAS) Commissioner of the Land Management Department was not providing compensation to the affected landowners in accordance with the provisions and guidelines of the LARR Act. He said several affected villagers had approached the courts seeking redressal, and that the courts had also directed the concerned authorities to provide compensation as per the applicable guidelines. However, he alleged that the concerned officials were not complying with the court orders. “Despite several meetings with the concerned authorities, the issue remains unresolved,” Mili said. The affected villagers have now approached NEHR, urging the organisation to take up their grievances with the State Government and ensure fair and just compensation in accordance with the applicable laws and norms. Mili further said that the affected villagers had decided to launch a democratic movement, including a bandh in Itanagar, if the State Government failed to resolve the issue by September 27. Meanwhile, expressing concern over the risks posed by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), Mili called upon the State Government to take proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable areas and downstream communities. He stressed the need for proper risk assessment, disaster preparedness and effective safety measures to minimise the potential impact of GLOF events.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 8: The Arunachal Pradesh assembly on Tuesday paid tribute to former MLA Talong Taggu, who died at his residence in Aalo on March 19 after prolonged illness. Leading the obituary reference, Speaker Tesam Pongte said Taggu was a kind-hearted person and a dedicated public representative, whose contribution to the early democratic and administrative development of Arunachal Pradesh would be remembered. He said the state had lost a great leader with Taggu’s passing. Several ministers and MLAs who participated in the obituary reference described him as a dedicated social worker and reformer, who worked beyond the confines of electoral politics. The assembly also observed a two-minute silence in honour of the nonagenarian leader, and conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family. Taggu was born in Molong village and entered public life in 1969, when he became vice-president of the Along North Zilla Parishad, a position he held until 1977. He had earlier served in the Assam Rifles and retired as a Subedar Major. He was elected to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the erstwhile Along North constituency on a Congress ticket in 1980. During his tenure as MLA, the Yomcha sub-divisional headquarters was established in 1982, while a number of administrative and educational initiatives were taken up in the region, officials said. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has expressed shock and strongly condemned a viral video purportedly showing an elderly person, identified as Biri Tara, allegedly abusing a minor girl. The Society termed the alleged incident serious and said there could be no compromise on the safety, dignity and protection of children. It stressed that every child has the right to live free from violence, abuse, intimidation and exploitation. APWWS appreciated the Itanagar Women Police Station for arresting the accused and called for a swift, impartial and time-bound investigation in accordance with law. It said that if the allegations are established, stringent legal action should be taken under applicable child-protection laws. The Society urged authorities to treat the child as a survivor requiring protection and support and ensure appropriate counselling, care, legal assistance and a safe environment throughout the investigation and any subsequent proceedings. APWWS also appealed to the public, social media users and media organisations to refrain from circulating, forwarding or reposting the video or any material that could reveal the minor’s identity. It said sharing such content could violate the child’s privacy and cause further psychological harm. The Society called for greater awareness among families, communities, educational institutions and local authorities about child sexual abuse, mandatory reporting, early intervention and the responsibility of adults to protect children. Stating that child protection was a collective responsibility, APWWS urged the authorities to act with urgency and sensitivity and maintain zero tolerance towards abuse of children.    

ZIRO, SEP 8: The Lower Subansiri district administration has stepped up preparations for the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) 2026, with a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall here on Monday. The meeting brought together senior district officials, law enforcement and emergency services personnel, along with ZFM organiser Hano Bobby, to review arrangements related to logistics, public safety, infrastructure and environmental management. A pre-festival cleanliness drive will be conducted on September 19 along the main corridor from Pei Gate to Pinegrove, with participation from local residents and various teams. The administration has made licensing of all food stalls and vendors mandatory. The District Medical Officer (DMO) will issue the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) on payment of a ₹200 fee, while the Trade Development Officer (TDO) will oversee registration of official campsites. To protect Ziro’s environment, the administration has decided to strictly prohibit single-use plastics at the main festival grounds and surrounding areas. For improved connectivity, Executive Engineers of the Rural Works Department (RWD) and Highway divisions have been directed to complete necessary road repairs along major access routes before the festival. Fire extinguishers will be mandatory at all stalls and camping grounds, with police and fire personnel tasked with enhanced monitoring. A consolidated directory of emergency contact numbers will also be made available to the public. The meeting also discussed financial guidelines for vendor payments to ensure transparency and clarity for local operators. The meeting was attended by administrative officers and heads of various public works, health and civil departments, reflecting the administration’s coordinated approach towards ensuring a safe, smooth and environmentally responsible ZFM 2026. (DIPR)  

ZIRO, SEP 8: The Lower Subansiri district administration is encouraging young people to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027, an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through MY Bharat aimed at providing youth a platform to contribute ideas towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. District Youth Officer (DYO) Shaffali Yadav, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, is mobilising youth across the district to participate in the initiative, which will culminate in a national dialogue in New Delhi. The journey begins with the Viksit Bharat Challenge–Online Quiz, being conducted from August 17 to September 16, 2026. Youth aged 15 to 29 years can register through the MY Bharat portal. Successful participants will progress through the Essay Challenge, District Championship, State VBYLD and National Dialogue stages, with the flagship event scheduled in New Delhi from January 10 to 12, 2027. Participants can showcase their talents through four broad tracks—the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track; Cultural Track featuring Nukkad Natak, folk dance, folk song, painting, poetry writing and declamation; Innovate for BHARAT, covering Design for BHARAT, Hack for Social Cause and Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge; and the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament. The district administration has urged schools, colleges, universities, youth clubs, NSS and NCC units, MY Bharat Youth Volunteers and NGOs to disseminate information about the initiative and encourage wider participation. The initiative seeks to provide young people with opportunities to demonstrate creativity, leadership and innovative ideas while engaging with the national vision of a developed India.  

PASIGHAT, SEP 8: Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, welcomed 1,674 newly admitted undergraduate and postgraduate students at its Orientation-cum-Induction Programme–2026 held at the College Auditorium under the theme “Learn • Connect • Grow • Belong.” JNC Principal Dr Gindu Borang urged students to maintain discipline, punctuality and sincerity while identifying and nurturing their talents. Recalling his tenure as principal of Nyapin and Kamki colleges, he said he had mentored several young talents who later earned recognition in their respective fields. Vice Principal and Academic In-charge Dr Leki Sitang briefed the freshers on academic expectations, examination norms and the importance of sustained reading and continuous learning. JNC Union Advisor Enuk Libang encouraged students to actively participate in co-curricular and enrichment activities. IQAC Coordinator Dr D P Panda, who was the resource person, provided an overview of the college’s academic programmes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, infrastructure and student-support facilities. He highlighted the automated library with more than 45,000 volumes and JNC’s NAAC Grade B accreditation. He also announced the introduction of a Principal’s Academic Award to encourage meritorious students. The programme featured profiles of achievers and motivational messages focusing on youth leadership, entrepreneurship and value creation. Deputy Union Advisor Dr Jamu Meto proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with vibrant cultural performances by senior students, setting an enthusiastic tone for the new academic session.