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NAMSAI, SEP 26: Namsai District Police has traced or recovered 51 persons, including four adults, in connection with Namsai PS Case No. 54/2026 registered over alleged trafficking, procurement and placement of children from vulnerable families. Police said Ema Loyi of Kaba village, identified as an alleged key facilitator during the investigation, has also been arrested. With her arrest, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to five. The tracing and investigation operations are being conducted in coordination with District Child Protection Officer Priya Pomoung, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Namsai, Child Helpline and other child protection authorities and agencies. The investigation is being supervised by Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, APPS, and led by Dy.SP Kengo Dirchi, SDPO Namsai and Investigating Officer. A Special Investigation Team comprising Inspector T. Gayi, SI K. Kahik and other police personnel is assisting in identifying and tracing persons connected with the case and examining the roles of those allegedly involved. Police said the investigation has involved coordinated operations across districts and States, verification of multiple leads, examination of witnesses and victims, and scrutiny of relevant electronic and financial evidence. Further investigation is underway to trace any remaining children or persons, establish the complete chain of facilitation and ascertain the role of all persons involved. Namsai District Police said it remains committed to protecting vulnerable children and conducting a thorough investigation in accordance with law. The identities and particulars of minor children have been withheld in the interest of their privacy and protection.  

RANGIA, SEP 26: Two persons from Arunachal Pradesh were arrested with Musk Deer glands in Assam’s Kamrup Metropolitan district on Saturday, a police official said. Endangered Musk Deer are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The law provides punishment for the illegal hunting and trade of wildlife. Extracts from the gland of the animal are used to prepare a much sought-after fragrance. “Based on a tip-off, a raid was conducted at Medhikuchi under Sonapur police station in the early hours of Saturday. Two persons were apprehended with six musk deer glands, weighing 158 gms,” an official said. He said the consignment was brought from Arunachal Pradesh and was being routed through Assam. The arrested duo were from Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang and Changlang districts, the official said. “The seized items are of high value in the international black market. These were being taken from Arunachal Pradesh, with Assam as the transit route,” he said, adding that an investigation was underway to unravel the racket. (Source: PTI)  

ZIRO, SEP 26: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Head of Forest Force (PCCF-cum-HoFF) Santosh Kumar, and Additional PCCF Debendra Dalai, concluded a two-day visit to Ziro and the Hapoli Forest Division on Saturday, encouraging local conservation initiatives and youth participation in environmental protection. During interactions with field teams and staff of the Hapoli Forest Division, the senior officers appreciated their efforts towards protecting the natural heritage of Lower Subansiri. Reminding the team that “Work is Worship”, they encouraged officers to continue serving the region’s forests and wildlife with dedication and sincerity. As part of the visit, the officers visited Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, where the Apatani Students’ Union is organising district-wide competitions in essay writing, poetry, drawing and environmental awareness. The activities are being held ahead of the inaugural Ziro Bird & Butterfly Festival 2026 at Pange in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, being organised in conjunction with the 72nd Wildlife Week. Addressing students, Kumar appreciated Hapoli DFO Tilling Taker for promoting initiatives that connect young people with nature. He urged students to remain curious, work hard and take pride in protecting the forests around them. He emphasised that the well-being of local communities is closely linked to the health of forests and wildlife, and described the younger generation as important custodians of Ziro’s ecological future. The visit highlighted the collaborative efforts of forest authorities, local youth and communities towards conservation and a sustainable future for Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPR)    

CHANGLANG, SEP 26: Changlang Deputy Commissioner held a meeting with senior officials of OIL India Limited to review the company’s operations, safety measures and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the district. The meeting was attended by the Chief General Manager (PA), General Manager (Security) and Deputy General Manager (Safety) of OIL India Limited. Discussions focused on the smooth and safe functioning of operational activities, coordination with the District Administration, security arrangements and safety measures at operational sites. The ongoing and proposed CSR initiatives of OIL India Limited in the district were also reviewed, particularly projects aimed at strengthening essential infrastructure and contributing to the socio-economic development and well-being of local communities. The District Administration stressed the need for effective implementation, regular monitoring and timely completion of CSR projects so that their intended benefits reach communities at the grassroots level. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the dstrict administration and OIL India Limited to continued coordination and collaborative efforts for the safe, sustainable and inclusive development of Changlang district.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 25: The NSS Cell of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), in collaboration with My Bharat Papum Pare, organised a blood donation programme under Seva Pakhwada at the RGU Convention Hall on Friday. The programme, held from 10 am to 1 pm, witnessed participation from students and members of the university community. It aimed to promote voluntary blood donation and raise awareness about its importance in saving lives. RGU Vice-Chancellor Dr Shivaraj encouraged the participants and appreciated the NSS Cell for organising the humanitarian initiative. The programme was coordinated by NSS Programme Officers Dr Bhaskar J.C. and Gomar Basar, along with NSS Executive Members and volunteers. The Transfusion Medicine team of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), led by Dr Tashi Paleng, conducted donor screening, medical assessment and blood collection. According to camp records, 75 people participated in the programme, including 42 male and 33 female donors. Following medical screening, 53 units of blood were collected, comprising 35 units from male donors and 18 from female donors. Twenty-two prospective donors, including seven males and 15 females, were deferred based on medical eligibility criteria. No adverse donor reactions were reported. The programme highlighted the spirit of Seva Pakhwada and the RGU community’s commitment to humanitarian service. The NSS Cell expressed gratitude to Dr Akin Tana Tara, Chief Medical Officer of the university Health Centre, the TRIHMS medical team, NSS Executive Members, volunteers and all donors for their contribution.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 25: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Friday staged a peaceful protest dharna near Nirvachan Bhawan in Itanagar as part of the party’s nationwide agitation, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over what it described as irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and alleged “Vote Chori”. Congress workers raised slogans against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and demanded complete transparency, accountability and an independent inquiry into decisions and processes relating to the electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The protest was held without any untoward incident, officials said. The APCC demanded that the ongoing SIR exercise be frozen and that upcoming elections be kept on hold until an independent inquiry into the electoral roll revision process is completed. It further sought restoration of the electoral roll to the January 2025 list and constitution of an independent Inquiry Commission to examine decisions, procedures and actions connected with the SIR exercise. The party also demanded an independent investigation into the functioning and decision-making of the ECI under Kumar, including examination of its allegations of unauthorised addition or deletion of voters. It sought appropriate criminal proceedings if the allegations are established and asked that the investigation determine whether any decisions were taken under external directions or influence. Among its other demands, the APCC sought that all files, records, documents and digital material related to the electoral-roll revision and SIR be secured and placed in the custody of the Supreme Court to prevent their loss, alteration or destruction during any future investigation or judicial examination. The party also called for repeal of the 2023 legislation governing the appointment of Election Commissioners and its replacement with a framework that, it said, would strengthen the independence, transparency and credibility of the ECI, with participation of civil society and other stakeholders. The APCC said the revision of electoral rolls raised concerns over the protection of eligible citizens’ right to vote and asserted that no eligible voter should be arbitrarily deleted and no ineligible person unlawfully included. It urged the ECI and concerned authorities to address the allegations through transparent, verifiable and independently scrutinised processes. The protest formed part of the Congress’ nationwide agitation against Kumar. The party had directed its Pradesh Congress Committees to hold demonstrations at State Election Commission offices on September 25, followed by protests by District Congress Committees at district collectorates on September 28.