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Changlang administrative officers review field-level governance

CHANGLANG, SEP 25: A coordination meeting of administrative officers of Changlang district was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner RD Thungon to review field-level administration, monitoring of government schemes, public welfare initiatives and developmental activities. The meeting discussed identification and resolution of major local issues in each circle and sub-division, monthly monitoring of government schools, PM POSHAN and other schemes, and regular monitoring of Anganwadi Centres, including enrolment, nutrition and Take-Home Ration (THR) distribution. The officers also reviewed installation of smart meters in government offices, quarters and eligible households, intensification of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, and monthly monitoring and reporting of rehabilitation centres. Preparatory measures for the proposed prohibition of single-use plastics from January 1, 2027, including promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, were also discussed. The meeting further proposed performance-based incentives to encourage effective implementation and healthy competition among sub-divisions and circles. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised regular field visits, direct interaction with the public, close monitoring of government programmes and timely resolution of local issues. All administrative officers were directed to ensure time-bound implementation of decisions and submit regular compliance reports to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.  

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Seva Sankalp camps at Kimin, Sagalee on Sept 29

YUPIA, SEP 25: The Seva Sankalp Abhiyaan 2026 will be taken forward in Papum Pare district with special service camps at Kimin and Sagalee on September 29. The month-long nationwide public service and awareness campaign, being observed from September 17 to October 17, marks 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It seeks to promote public participation, create awareness about government welfare schemes and development programmes, and facilitate citizens in accessing eligible benefits. At Kimin, a special camp will be organised at the Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, with various departments under the Kimin Administrative Sub-Division participating to provide information, receive applications and facilitate eligible government services. In Sagalee Sub-Division, ADC Kipa Raja has directed all Heads of Offices to organise special camps at their respective offices on September 29 for delivery and disposal of on-the-spot services under relevant Central and State Government schemes. The district administration has urged people in Kimin and Sagalee to make maximum use of the camps and carry the necessary documents required to avail themselves of various schemes and services.  

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Aangan Ka Utsav, stakeholder meeting held in East Siang

PASIGHAT, SEP 25: The Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), East Siang, organised the inaugural session of “Aangan Ka Utsav” as part of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, along with a stakeholder coordination meeting under Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti at Pasighat on Friday. East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani attended the programme as the chief guest, while Rani ZPM Taying Tapak was the guest of honour and Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor Tagom Padung was the special guest. Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba and other dignitaries were also present. Deputy Director (ICDS)-cum-District Child Protection Officer M.T. Padung, in her welcome address, highlighted the objectives of Aangan Ka Utsav in promoting child health and nutrition. She stressed the need to bridge inter-departmental coordination gaps for effective implementation of welfare initiatives under Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti and proposed creation of a dedicated multi-departmental WhatsApp group for key stakeholders. The Superintendent of Police highlighted the efforts of the Police Department, including the Special Juvenile Police Unit and Women Police Station, in ensuring the safety and security of women and children. He assured 24×7 police support and cooperation. Heads and representatives of various departments, including Health, School Education, Labour, SEED CCI, One Stop Centre and District Child Protection Unit, shared inputs and actionable suggestions. The participating departments pledged to strengthen inter-agency coordination. Addressing the gathering, DC Sonalika Jiwani commended the WCD Department for bringing key stakeholders onto a common platform. She urged line departments to work in coordination, stating that joint efforts were essential to addressing field-level challenges and delivering effective services in the best interest of children. The programme was anchored by Ruksin Child Development Project Officer and concluded with a vote of thanks by the headquarters CDPO. (DIPR)  

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‘Namami Bharatam’ observed at Abotani Vidya Niketan

PACHIN, SEP 25: Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin, observed ‘Namami Bharatam’ on Friday to commemorate the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song of India. The programme was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak, who addressed the gathering and spoke on patriotism, love for the nation, national unity and citizens’ responsibilities towards the country. ZPM Kago Kampu, APRO to the Deputy Chief Minister Nepha Wangsa, ASVS Joint Secretary Gyamar Kasung, PWE Tadar Tavie and public leaders Tilhip Nima and Tadar Sambyo also attended the programme. The school principal, vice-principal, teachers and students participated in the observance. Around 350 students joined the programme, which culminated at 11 am with the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram – Namami Bharatam’. The observance provided students an opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the National Song and reflect on the values of patriotism, unity and national integration. The programme concluded with a strong sense of national pride among the students and teachers, marking the 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’ and its enduring place in the national consciousness.  

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138 Bn CRPF clinches Inter-Battalion football title

ITANAGAR, SEP 24: The 138 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) emerged champions of the Inter-Battalion OPS Jorhat Sector Football Tournament 2026, defeating 36 Battalion 1-0 in the final here on Thursday. The tournament, which concluded at the 138 Battalion CRPF premises in Itanagar, saw participation from 11 teams representing different CRPF battalions under the OPS Jorhat Sector. In a closely contested final, the hosts, 138 Battalion, edged past 36 Battalion by a solitary goal to lift the championship title. Commandant of 138 Battalion CRPF Rajesh Sankhla, who attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, congratulated the winners and extended his best wishes to all the participating teams and players. Addressing the gathering, Sankhla highlighted the importance of sports in maintaining physical fitness and fostering discipline, teamwork and camaraderie among personnel. He also appreciated the players for displaying sporting spirit and enthusiasm throughout the tournament. The closing ceremony was attended by CRPF officers, subordinate officers, personnel and players from the participating battalions.      

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ANSU threatens 48-hr Nyishi belt bandh from Sept 28, reiterates demands

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, SEPT 24: The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) on Thursday announced a 48-hour bandh across the seven Nyishi-inhabited districts from September 28 if the state government fails to address its demands related to educational infrastructure and facilities. ANSU president Ashok Doka made the announcement while concluding the union’s 12-hour bandh in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) here on Thursday, organised to press for improvement of educational infrastructure across the Nyishi belt. Doka said the union would intensify its agitation if the government failed to address the issues by September 28, warning of a third phase of agitation involving “political unrest”. He also said the agitation was aimed at drawing the government’s attention to long-pending gaps in educational infrastructure, teacher deployment and higher education facilities across the Nyishi belt. The union is demanding renovation, restoration and structural improvement of 56 identified government schools across seven Nyishi districts. Among its other demands are establishment of a dedicated Special Needs School in Pakke-Kessang, early notification and formal advertisement for commencement of the proposed Toru Engineering College, and expediting the process for the proposed late Neelam Taram Government College at Yachuli. ANSU has also demanded immediate transfer and posting of teachers currently attached to non-teaching administrative offices back to regular schools, particularly in remote and Nyishi-inhabited areas. The 12-hour bandh was observed in the ICR on Thursday despite the district administration declaring it unlawful. Normal activities were affected in several areas, with shops remaining closed and vehicular movement restricted following the erection of barricades by protesters. Vehicles and tyres were set ablaze at some locations during the protest. A video circulating on social media purportedly showed an assault during the bandh. However, no major violent incident was reported by the end of the shutdown, and no arrests or detentions had been made in connection with the reported incidents till then.

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Guv presents citation to Subedar Karn Singh

ITANAGAR, SEP 24: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) presented the Governor’s Citation to Subedar & Honorary Lieutenant Karn Singh, House Comptroller, Lok Bhavan, at Vivekananda Hall, Lok Bhavan, here on Thursday, in recognition of his distinguished military service and contribution to the efficient management of the Governor’s establishment. Congratulating Singh, the Governor said he embodies the values of dedication, discipline, integrity and selfless service associated with the finest traditions of the Indian armed forces. A veteran of the Kargil War and soldier of the Rajputana Rifles, Singh served the nation with courage and commitment in challenging operational environments. Parnaik particularly appreciated his service as House Comptroller since May 2023, saying he had ensured smooth administration, effective security management and the efficient functioning of Lok Bhavan with professionalism, attention to detail and a strong sense of responsibility. As Singh prepares to return to his Regimental Centre ahead of his retirement in October 2026, the Governor urged him to continue contributing to nation-building by sharing his experiences of military service, leadership and patriotism with the younger generation. He encouraged Singh to inspire youth to consider careers in the Armed Forces and expressed confidence that his legacy of service, courage and commitment would continue to inspire young Indians.    

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First camera-trapping initiative to document wildlife launched in Tirap

NEW TUPI, SEP 24: A camera-trapping initiative has been launched by the Hinthong Foundation to document and monitor wildlife in the community forest of New Tupi village in Tirap district. The initiative seeks to promote community-led biodiversity conservation by combining scientific monitoring with local knowledge and participation. Hinthong Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation based in Tirap, has been working on biodiversity conservation for the past five years. Its co-founders and conservationists Chajo Lowang and Sara Khongsai focus on involving local communities in conservation efforts. Camera traps have been installed at selected locations across the community forest to record wildlife movement and identify species inhabiting the area without disturbing their natural behaviour. Around 15-20 people, including the village Chief, community leaders, Youth President, an intern and Hinthong Foundation volunteers, participated in the deployment. Former Tirap Deputy Commissioner and Hinthong Foundation advisor Techu Aran also joined the team. The initiative also seeks to incorporate the community’s traditional knowledge and observations of local wildlife into the monitoring process. By involving villagers in the use of conservation technology, the foundation aims to strengthen awareness and encourage long-term stewardship of the forest. Several signs of wildlife were observed during and before the deployment. The team found footprints of wild boar and barking deer, along with claw marks believed to be of Himalayan Black Bear. Sites where wild boars had been feeding were also identified, while a pangolin burrow had been spotted earlier at another location. Villagers reported hearing Hoolock Gibbon calls during early mornings, which were also heard by Kime Obin, a field biologist with Morey Conservation Foundation and resource person for the exercise. Obin guided the team on technical aspects of camera trapping, including selection of suitable locations and proper installation of the equipment. The camera traps have been supported by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF). The Hinthong Foundation said the initiative would help build a scientific understanding of Tirap’s biodiversity while strengthening community participation in conservation. The data and images collected are expected to provide insights into the wildlife of New Tupi and support future conservation efforts in the district.    

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Cong organizes Connect training for three districts at Tezu

TEZU, SEP 24: An Interaction-cum-Congress Connect Training Programme for the District Congress Committees (DCCs) and Block Congress Committees (BCCs) of Lohit, Anjaw and Namsai districts was held at Tezu on Thursday with the participation of senior Congress leaders and organisational functionaries. AICC National War Room Coordinator and In-charge of Arunachal Pradesh and North-East India Shiju P Joy, APCC Secretary Kojum Koyu and APCC General Secretary Badamso Tayang attended the programme. DCC and BCC members from the three districts participated in the programme. Lohit DCC president Jeremai Krong, Namsai DCC president Chau Ambika Enling and Anjaw DCC president Roshman Tawsik led their respective district teams. The programme was hosted by the Lohit District Congress Committee under Krong. The interaction focused on strengthening the Congress organisation at the grassroots level, improving coordination among organisational committees and ensuring effective implementation of the Congress Connect initiative. As part of the organisational exercise, appointment letters were handed over to newly appointed office-bearers of the DCC, BCC and Block Booth Congress Committees (BBCCs) of Lohit and Anjaw districts. Addressing the gathering, Shiju P Joy spoke on organisational strengthening, communication, coordination and effective use of the Congress Connect platform. Other senior APCC leaders and organisational functionaries also shared their views and suggestions. The programme provided a platform for direct interaction between the leadership and grassroots workers, with participants discussing organisational priorities, challenges and strategies for strengthening the party organisation and grassroots connectivity.    

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Mein reviews plans for Parshuram Kund development, statue unveiling

TEZU, SEP 24: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday chaired a meeting at Tezu to review the development of Parshuram Kund as a major pilgrimage destination and preparations for unveiling a 51-foot bronze statue of Lord Parshuram. With the statue nearing completion, the meeting discussed plans for its unveiling on the occasion of Makar Sankranti next year. Mein appreciated the VIPRA Foundation for donating the statue and for its efforts in installing it and promoting the spiritual significance of Parshuram Kund through the ‘Abhinandan Arunachal’ roadshow across major cities of India over the past two years. The unveiling will be preceded by the ‘SriParshuram Kund Amantran Yatra’, organised by the VIPRA Foundation from Ayodhya on December 4 to Namsai on December 23. The yatra is aimed at connecting devotees from across the country with Parshuram Kund, raising awareness about the pilgrimage site and promoting cultural integration. Mein said efforts would continue to strengthen infrastructure and facilities at Parshuram Kund and improve the overall experience for visitors while preserving its spiritual and cultural heritage.