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ITANAGAR, SEP 27: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, on Sunday defended the Election Commission of India (ECI) amid the ongoing political debate over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and questioned the basis of recent criticism against the poll panel. Addressing a press conference at the BJP State Head Office here, party spokesperson Tobom Dai said political leaders, particularly those holding constitutional positions, should exercise caution and verify information before making serious allegations concerning constitutional institutions. Dai was referring to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s September 24 remarks questioning the functioning of the Election Commission and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi had made the demand following reports of differences within the poll panel over aspects of the SIR process. Dai said the ECI’s clarification issued on September 26 should be taken into consideration while assessing the allegations and political claims surrounding the controversy. The clarification followed reports concerning objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on various issues related to the functioning of the Commission and the SIR process. The ECI stated that the SIR order of June 24, 2025, and subsequent schedules were issued with the unanimous approval of the full Commission. It also announced changes to the verification process for voters flagged as unmapped or having logical discrepancies, including provision for Booth Level Officers to collect documents from their homes. Dai said the clarification demonstrated the importance of distinguishing between media reports concerning internal differences and the Commission’s official position. He maintained that public discussion on electoral institutions should be based on verified information, official records and due process. He also said electoral matters, including voter inclusion and verification, should be addressed through established constitutional and legal procedures rather than unverified claims. Dai further criticised what he described as repeated targeting of constitutional institutions by Rahul Gandhi. He alleged that questions concerning the Election Commission were raised by Congress when it faced electoral defeats, and said constitutional institutions should be respected irrespective of electoral outcomes. He called upon political parties and public representatives to examine official clarifications alongside media reports before reaching conclusions concerning the functioning of constitutional institutions. BJP Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong, in a social media post, also referred to the ECI’s clarification on the unanimous approval of the SIR decision and stressed that electoral processes and constitutional institutions should be respected irrespective of political outcomes. Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao also referred to the ECI clarification in a social media post and stressed the need to respect democratic institutions and the electoral mandate. The BJP Arunachal Pradesh reiterated that issues concerning the ECI, electoral rolls and the SIR process are matters of public importance and should be discussed responsibly, transparently and on the basis of verified information.  

BOLENG, SEP 27: The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026, organised under the Seva Aapke Dwar initiative, was held at the Assembly Shed of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Boleng, on Sunday to facilitate access to government schemes and services for the people. Education Minister P D Sona attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Transport and Cooperation Minister Ojing Tasing was the Guest of Honour. As many as 18 government departments and institutions, including banking institutions, participated in the camp, providing a common platform for citizens to access government services and seek assistance under various welfare schemes. The initiative aimed to strengthen last-mile service delivery and ensure that the benefits of government programmes reach intended beneficiaries. Following the camp, Sona inaugurated the newly completed infrastructure of GHSS Boleng in the presence of Tasing and other dignitaries. The newly developed infrastructure includes a G+2 Academic-cum-Administrative Block, modern laboratories, smart classrooms, a library and other essential facilities. The infrastructure has been developed under the Golden Jubilee Model School Programme to provide students with a better and more conducive learning environment. Addressing the gathering, Sona appreciated the quality of the infrastructure work and urged students to remain sincere and dedicated to their studies. He also called upon them to take proper care of the newly constructed facilities and make optimum use of them. He assured that the remaining furniture and other essential facilities would be provided subsequently. Sona said strengthening school infrastructure was not merely about constructing buildings but about creating better opportunities, stronger aspirations and a more confident future for children. He stressed that improved classrooms, laboratories and learning spaces should ultimately translate into a better educational experience for students. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening government education across Arunachal Pradesh and ensuring quality learning opportunities for children in every part of the State. MLA-cum-Advisor Talem Taboh, former Minister Tahong Tatak, Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Siang Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Heads of Departments, teachers, students, government officials and members of the public attended the programmes. The twin programmes highlighted the government’s efforts towards accessible public service delivery and strengthening essential infrastructure in Siang district.  

TAWANG, SEP 27: Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Tonong Darang visited the India-Bhutan border areas under Dudunghar Circle of Lumla Sub-Division on Saturday to strengthen coordination among the district police, border guarding forces and local communities. The SP visited Warongdi, located beyond the Tsamtikhang Check Post manned by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Bleteng. He was accompanied by SSB Bleteng Inspector Ashok Kumar, OC SIB Bleteng, Gaon Burahs and Gram Panchayat Members of Bleteng and Zamening villages, personnel of the Special Branch and Lumla Police Station, and other police personnel. A joint interaction was held with local Gaon Burahs, Gram Panchayat Members and SSB representatives. Various issues raised by the participants were discussed, with the SP facilitating dialogue between the stakeholders. He assured them that matters requiring intervention by the local administration would be brought to the notice of the concerned authorities. Darang sensitised the gathering on issues concerning border areas, including unauthorised cross-border movement, prevention of illegal activities, demographic changes and the need for vigilance and timely sharing of information with the authorities. The participants were also sensitised on key legal provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The importance of community participation in preventing crime and protecting vulnerable sections of society was emphasised. Later, the SP and his team visited Buri village, one of the first Indian border villages towards Bhutan, and adjoining areas, where they interacted with local residents. The visit was part of Tawang Police’s continuing efforts to strengthen police-public relations, improve coordination with border guarding forces and enhance cooperation among security agencies, local communities and grassroots representatives for maintaining peace, security and vigilance in the frontier areas.  

CHANGLANG, SEP 27: Changlang Deputy Commissioner undertook an official tour of Diyun Circle and visited various government establishments and development facilities to assess public services and field-level activities. During the tour, the DC visited the Health and Wellness Centre at Mudoi and reviewed the availability of healthcare facilities and essential services, as well as the overall functioning of the centre. He interacted with the staff and stressed the need to ensure accessible and quality healthcare services to the people. The DC also visited Oil India Limited establishments in the area and held discussions with officials on operational activities, coordination with the district administration and issues concerning the local area. He further interacted with members of the public and heard their grievances and concerns. He assured them that genuine issues would be examined and addressed through appropriate intervention and coordination with the concerned departments. The visit underscored the district administration’s focus on field-level monitoring, responsive governance, effective delivery of public services and addressing public concerns at the grassroots level.    

ANINI, SEP 27: An awareness programme on the new labour codes and child labour was conducted at the 62 RCC GREF Camp here to sensitise workers and staff on their rights, welfare benefits, statutory provisions and responsibilities under labour laws. The programme was organised by the District Labour & Employment Office, Dibang Valley, under the initiative of Circle Officer and in-charge District Labour & Employment Officer Anini Dr Osunam Borang. Addressing the gathering, Borang highlighted key provisions of the labour codes, particularly those relating to workers’ rights, wages, working conditions and social security. Participants were sensitised on minimum wages, timely payment of wages, appointment letters and wage slips, prescribed working hours and other basic employment rights and protections. The programme also highlighted the importance of crèche facilities for workers’ children wherever applicable and stressed the need for both employers and workers to remain aware of their respective rights and responsibilities. Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) Anini staff Neelam Tayu briefed the participants on welfare schemes available to registered construction workers, including assistance for education, medical treatment, marriage, maternity and funeral expenses. Anini Town Magistrate Gemin Tayeng sensitised the participants on compliance with Inner Line Permit (ILP) requirements and the need to prevent violations. Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Dibang Valley chairperson Runa Elapra spoke on provisions relating to child labour and the need to protect children from exploitation and unlawful employment. He emphasised the role of the community and stakeholders in preventing child labour and safeguarding children’s rights. The programme also provided an opportunity for interaction among government officials, workers and other stakeholders on labour rights, welfare schemes, child protection and statutory compliance. The programme concluded with an emphasis on greater awareness among workers and coordinated efforts by stakeholders to ensure safe, fair and lawful working conditions and effective access to welfare benefits.  

PASIGHAT, SEP 27: A mass cleanliness drive, ‘Swachhata Shramdaan’, was conducted at ‘The Hump’ World War II Museum and Tourist Lodge at Gumin Nagar here in connection with Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026, Seva Mera Yogdan 2026 and World Tourism Day 2026. The drive aimed to promote cleanliness, civic responsibility and responsible tourism, in line with the SHS 2026 focus on ‘Clean Tourist Sites’. Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, MEO Jayanti Pertin, Ward No. 6 Councillor Mary Gao, officials and staff of PMC and the Tourism Department, Ward No. 6 representatives, members of Area Level Federations (ALFs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NULM and other stakeholders participated in the cleanliness and beautification drive. ‘The Hump’ World War II Museum commemorates the historic Hump airlift operation of 1942–1945, which connected airbases in Assam with Yunnan in China and played a significant role in supplying Allied forces during World War II. The drive highlighted collective community participation and civic responsibility in preserving important heritage and tourist destinations. The PMC appreciated the participating departments, organisations, community groups and individuals for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to strengthening cleanliness, sanitation, beautification and public participation initiatives across Pasighat under the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign and Seva Mera Yogdan 2026.    

KHONSA, SEP 27: World Tourism Day 2026 was celebrated in Tirap district with trekking, awareness and creative activities aimed at promoting sustainable, eco-friendly and responsible tourism. The programme was organised jointly by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Urban Affairs, Tirap, in line with this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, highlighting the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of tourism. A major highlight was a trekking expedition to the San-Paa-Kong Trek near Kheti village, located about 3 km from the village and 6 km from Khonsa headquarters. The trail offered participants an opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty and eco-tourism potential. The trek was led by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, along with District Tourism Officer Rigio Tabam, Assistant Engineer (Urban Affairs) Deksar Boje, Executive Engineer (RWD) Walat Hondiq, administrative officers and staff of the DC office, GPC Kheti village, content creators and trekking enthusiasts. Mountaineers Kampo Matey and Miatliam Wangsa also participated. Interacting with participants, the Deputy Commissioner urged them to act as responsible tourists by respecting nature, avoiding littering and helping preserve pristine locations for future generations. A photography and reel-making competition was also organised to encourage participants to capture and share the scenic beauty of the area through digital platforms. A Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activity further reinforced the importance of cleanliness and environmental responsibility at tourist sites. The celebration also sensitised participants and local communities to sustainable tourism practices and the need to preserve Tirap’s natural and cultural heritage. The programme concluded with a collective resolve to promote the district as a vibrant and sustainable tourism destination while making responsible use of digital tools and emerging technologies.