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KAKKI : Essential relief and rescue materials were distributed to flood-affected Kakki village on Saturday by the Ramle Banggo Welfare Society in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative seeks to strengthen community preparedness and response mechanisms for human and wildlife rescue, relief and rehabilitation in the flood-affected area. The materials included solar lamps, rechargeable torches with batteries, headlamps, life jackets, snake rescue kits, ponchos and other essential rescue equipment. The supplies were sponsored by Foundation Segre, WTI and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change. The distribution team was led by Ramle Banggo Welfare Society General Secretary Murter Kakki, along with Wildlife Trust of India Senior Manager Dr Panjit Basumatary and D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary Foresters Nyaken Zirdo and T. Kaman. Speaking on the occasion, the team stressed the importance of community preparedness and coordinated response, particularly in areas where human settlements are located close to wildlife habitats. The initiative reflects collaborative efforts by community organisations, wildlife conservation agencies and the Forest Department to enhance the safety, rescue and rehabilitation of people and wildlife during natural calamities. The Ramle Banggo Welfare Society expressed appreciation to the sponsoring organisations and the Forest Department for extending timely support to the flood-affected community.(DIPR)

PASIGHAT : A python rescued from Silluk village under Mebo Sub-Division was safely relocated to the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday last, highlighting the growing role of local communities in wildlife conservation. The python was rescued by Silluk Swachh Abhiyan (SSA) Chairman Kepang Nong Borang after villagers spotted it near the village. Responding to the information, Borang secured the snake in a cage instead of allowing it to be harmed. The python was later released into the sanctuary in the presence of East Siang Honorary Wildlife Warden M. Tayeng and field staff of the Borguli Wildlife Range. Silluk Village-II Gram Panchayat Chairperson Opung Borang also accompanied the rescue team. Borang said another python of similar age and size was reportedly killed by some village youths the following day. He said the incident prompted him to seek a safer habitat for the rescued python rather than releasing it near the village, where it could face further threats. “When I heard about the sighting of a baby python, I convinced the villagers to help rescue it instead of killing it,” Borang said, stressing the need to change the tendency to harm snakes found near human habitation. He said releasing the python in the nearby village forest could have exposed it to further risks and therefore approached the Borguli Wildlife Range for its safe relocation to the sanctuary. The SSA team has previously undertaken similar conservation efforts, having rescued and released two Chinese pangolins into the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in 2023 and 2024. Opung Borang expressed concern that the mother of the rescued python could still be in the area. She said villagers would make efforts to rescue and safely relocate any other pythons found near the village and urged residents to immediately inform her or Kepang Nong Borang about sightings instead of attempting to kill or capture the animals. She also appealed to the State Forest and Wildlife Department to provide rescue cages, essential equipment and medicines to local community members engaged in wildlife rescue. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), D Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, and Range Forest Officer (RFO), Borguli Wildlife Range, appreciated the efforts of Kepang Nong Borang and Opung Borang towards wildlife protection. The DFO also called upon more youths and villagers to participate in wildlife conservation, stressing that greater community involvement was essential for maintaining the region’s ecological balance. The safe relocation of the python underscores how timely intervention and community awareness can help reduce human-wildlife conflict, particularly in villages located close to forest and wildlife habitats. (Source: Maksam Tayeng)

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming Arunachal Pradesh’s rich handloom tradition into a vibrant economic sector by integrating traditional weaving with modern design, entrepreneurship and global market access while preserving its indigenous heritage. Addressing the inaugural function of the three-day celebration of the 12th National Handloom Day at the DK Convention Centre here, Khandu described handloom as much more than a livelihood activity, calling it the cultural identity and living heritage of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. “Every woven fabric of Arunachal tells the story of our people, our traditions and our identity. Our handloom sector has the potential to become a major driver of rural livelihoods, women empowerment and sustainable economic growth,” he said. Highlighting the state’s weaving tradition, the Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 32,000 handloom weavers, the majority of them women, making the sector one of the largest sources of livelihood for rural households. He said the government has been strengthening the handloom ecosystem through improved infrastructure, skill development, design innovation, marketing support and entrepreneurship promotion. Common Facility Centres (CFCs) have been established, weaving infrastructure upgraded and modern equipment introduced to improve productivity while preserving the authenticity of traditional designs. Khandu said weavers are also being trained in contemporary design techniques, natural dyeing, quality improvement and product diversification to enhance their competitiveness in national and international markets. He added that various state and central government schemes are providing financial assistance, raw materials, modern looms and marketing support to weavers and artisan groups. Urging young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the sector, he called for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern branding, digital marketing and e-commerce platforms. Emphasising the pivotal role of women in preserving the state’s textile traditions, the Chief Minister said generations of women have safeguarded Arunachal’s cultural heritage through weaving. “Our women have preserved our heritage through handloom for centuries. It is now our responsibility to ensure that this heritage also provides sustainable income and economic independence,” he said. Khandu called for closer collaboration among government departments, designers, educational institutions, self-help groups, cooperatives and private entrepreneurs to develop Arunachal’s handloom products into globally recognised brands. He stressed the need for innovation without compromising the originality of indigenous designs, stating that value addition and quality enhancement would enable local products to access premium domestic and international markets. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of securing Geographical Indication (GI) registration for the state’s indigenous textile products. He said GI certification would protect traditional knowledge, preserve the unique weaving traditions of different tribes, prevent imitation of indigenous designs and enable artisans to command better prices in the market. Speaking on the potential of sericulture, Khandu described it as a natural extension of Arunachal Pradesh’s handloom ecosystem and a sector capable of generating sustainable livelihoods across rural areas. He noted that the state’s favourable climatic conditions support the production of Eri, Muga, Mulberry and Oak Tasar silk, making Arunachal one of the few states capable of producing all four commercially important varieties of silk. He said strengthening the entire sericulture value chain—from host plant cultivation and silkworm rearing to spinning, reeling and weaving—would boost rural incomes while ensuring a steady supply of quality raw material for the state’s growing handloom industry. Calling for greater convergence between the handloom, textiles and sericulture sectors, the Chief Minister urged officials to promote value addition, branding and stronger market linkages so that Arunachal Pradesh emerges as a leading producer of premium silk and handloom products in the country. Expressing confidence in the sector’s future, Khandu said that with sustained government support, technological intervention and active participation of artisans and entrepreneurs, Arunachal Pradesh can emerge as one of India’s leading handloom destinations. During the programme, the Chief Minister launched the Department of Textiles and Handicrafts’ official website, the Artisan Data Bank and Atii – Arunachal Honey. He also felicitated outstanding weavers and artisans and distributed SAMARTH certificates and Yarn Pass Books to support handloom artisans. The inaugural function was attended by ministers, legislators, senior government officials, representatives of the handloom sector, master weavers, artisans, self-help groups and other stakeholders from across the state.  

ZIRO :  A hands-on training programme for field functionaries and Census Charge Officers was organised at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall of the District Secretariat in Ziro on Friday to ensure accurate and efficient data collection for the upcoming District Census Handbook (DCHB), Census-2027. The day-long programme was conducted under the directions of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officer Oli Perme as part of the district’s preparations for the census exercise. Senior Investigator-II James L. from the Directorate of Census Operations, Shillong, served as the resource person. During his third visit to Lower Subansiri in connection with the census preparations, he guided participants through the key aspects of DCHB fieldwork, emphasising the importance of accuracy in data collection and sharing practical strategies for addressing field-level challenges. The programme began with the felicitation of the resource person, followed by a welcome address by Assistant Director of Economics and Statistics Chiging Tamu. In his address, Tamu shared experiences from the initial phase of the census exercise and assured participants that issues relating to the mobile application and other technical glitches were being addressed. He said technical support teams would remain available to assist field staff and urged participants to make full use of the interactive training session. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, enabling field functionaries and Census Charge Officers to clarify operational issues with the resource person and the technical team before commencing field activities. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Four ULFA (Independent) cadres surrendered before the Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district near the India-Myanmar border on Friday, an official said. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the paramilitary force launched an operation in the Chupkhaw Track area under Wakka circle in Longding district, according to an official report. During the operation, sustained persuasion by the security forces encouraged the insurgents to renounce violence and join the national mainstream, it said. All four cadres voluntarily laid down their arms without any exchange of fire or casualties. Security forces recovered four pistols along with 17 rounds of live ammunition from the surrendered cadres.

NAMSAI : A coordination review meeting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Namsai on Friday under the chairmanship of Rural Works Department Secretary Duly Kamduk, who is also the Roll Observer for the district. The meeting was attended by Namsai Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Lobsang Tsering, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and representatives of various political parties. Addressing the meeting, Kamduk stressed that no eligible Indian citizen should be left out of the electoral roll. He directed the Electoral Registration Officers to ensure that the revision exercise is conducted in a free, fair, transparent and error-free manner while strictly adhering to the guidelines of the Election Commission. A detailed PowerPoint presentation was made to review the overall progress of the Special Intensive Revision process in the district. The district administration also informed that a dedicated SIR Helpline (9366811521) has been launched to assist electors with queries and facilitate the revision process. Concluding the meeting, Tsering emphasised the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the smooth and successful completion of the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Namsai district.

SEIJOSA : Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge on Friday said the women-run “She Rise Cafe” would promote women empowerment while addressing the long-felt need for quality restaurant facilities at Seijosa, in Pakke Kessang district of the state. Inaugurating the cafe at the 3rd India Reserve Battalion headquarters at Seijosa, the minister expressed confidence that it would benefit people of the area besides improving road connectivity, which, would accelerate development, an official statement said here. Wahge on the occasion also assured that the prevailing electricity issues would be resolved soon. Congratulating the 3rd IRBn for establishing the cafe, the minister described it as an important step towards women empowerment. He lauded the women managing the cafe and said its name, “She Rise”, aptly symbolised the strength, resilience and aspirations of today’s women. Inspector General of Police (Operations) Apur Bitin congratulated the cafe team on behalf of the police headquarters and appreciated the initiative taken by the 3rd IRBn. He urged police personnel to continue serving with dedication, professionalism and discipline while supporting such welfare initiatives. The event was also attended by Pakke Kessang Superintendent of Police Swati Singh, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Pani Tayem, 3rd IRBn Commandant Manish Shaurya, officers, jawans, public representatives and members of the battalion family. Speaking on the occasion, the SP said the concept of She Rise Cafe was inspired by the significant contribution of women to Arunachal Pradesh’s economy and society. She said the initiative reflected the spirit of women empowerment while creating opportunities for women entrepreneurship and self-reliance. (Source: PTI)  

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor on Friday appealed to student organisations to call off their proposed agitation over the poor condition of a strategic highway connecting the central and northern districts of the state, saying the process to upgrade the road is underway. Addressing reporters here, Nyigyor said the state and central governments had initiated administrative steps to improve the road. On August 4, the Jigo Yego Students’ Union and the Basar Area Students’ Union, under a Joint Action Committee, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government to restore and repair the highway. The organisations also urged the government to coordinate with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), warning of democratic agitation if no action was taken. Nyigyor, who represents Likabali assembly constituency, said administrative procedures to upgrade the road are progressing following high-level interventions at both the state and central levels. Frequent landslides during the recent monsoon months have repeatedly blocked key stretches, severely disrupting the movement of civilians, military convoys, and essential services. Due to the dilapidated condition of the road, commuters and transport operators from Leparada, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Shi-Yomi, and parts of Siang districts are currently forced to take a lengthy detour via the Pasighat-Pangin-Aalo route. Originally built under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North East (SARDP-NE), responsibility for the stretch temporarily reverted to the state government after the central scheme lapsed. Following joint representations by regional MLAs to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) officially designated it as a national strategic highway in July 2026. Clarifying execution arrangements, the deputy speaker said while the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) initially assigned the project to NHIDCL, state leaders have formally requested a transfer of execution rights to the BRO. Nyigyor highlighted that the BRO is better positioned to handle immediate maintenance along the landslide-prone terrain due to its network of established labour camps and personnel stationed at key locations including Likabali, Siji, Garu, Dali, Bam, and Aalo. Unlike private contractor models under NHIDCL, BRO teams can clear blockages and maintain roadside drainage immediately during heavy rainfall. Referring to strike ultimatums issued by the student bodies, Nyigyor urged them to allow standard government processes to proceed. He said that agency finalisation and survey work for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) are expected to take shape between mid-August and September. (Source: DIPR)      

ITANAGAR : Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam on Friday emphasised the importance of ethical, factual and unbiased journalism, urging media organisations to uphold professional standards amid the rapid expansion of digital media. Speaking at the inauguration of the India Unboxed newspaper and digital office at Daria Hill here, the minister said the digital revolution has transformed the way news is consumed while posing significant challenges to the survival of print media. Despite these changes, he stressed that journalism must remain rooted in ethics and credibility. “The very basis of journalism is being ethical towards your responsibility,” Dukam said, describing the media as the fourth pillar of democracy with a vital role in promoting social progress and reflecting the realities of society. He cautioned against the media assuming the role of judge, stating that its primary responsibility is to present verified facts and allow readers to form their own opinions. “Giving judgement to a report should not be the role of the media. Rather, it should place factual information before the public and leave it to the people to form their own opinions and comments,” he said. The minister also reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh and assured continued support for its growth and development. Information and Public Relations Commissioner Nyali Ete also stressed the need for ethical reporting, urging journalists to avoid sensationalism and maintain professional standards. “News should help shape informed public opinion and bring about positive change. Journalists should report both the achievements of the government and its shortcomings. The responsibility of forming opinions should rest with the readers,” he said. Ete further encouraged media organisations to highlight success stories from remote and underserved areas of the state, saying such stories deserve equal prominence alongside mainstream developments. Explaining the vision behind the initiative, India Unboxed founder Ram Tajo said the newspaper aims to revive the reading habit among young people at a time when digital and audio-visual platforms dominate news consumption. He said India Unboxed would function as both a print newspaper and a digital news platform under a single brand. “We will ensure ethical, factual and unbiased news. This is not merely a promise but a commitment from the management of India Unboxed,” Tajo said. Editor Sonam Jelly outlined the editorial vision of the publication during the inaugural function, which was attended by Information and Public Relations Director Gijum Tali, Printing and Stationery Deputy Director Heri Maring, East Kameng Zilla Parishad Chairperson Pai Pizi Yangfo, community leader Khya Safar Pao and other dignitaries.    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Kamala Dam Affected People’s Forum (KDAPF-K3) on Friday raised serious concerns over the implementation of the proposed 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project, alleging irregularities in land acquisition, compensation assessment, forest diversion and administrative inaction while demanding greater transparency and protection of the rights of Project Affected Families (PAFs). Addressing a press conference here, KDAPF-K3 Khyoda Appang informed that the forum is representing affected families from Kamle, Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey while clarifying that it is not opposed to development or hydropower projects but maintained that development must not come at the cost of indigenous rights and environmental protection. He alleged that it has received numerous complaints regarding inadequate consultation, lack of transparency, confusion over compensation entitlements and concerns over verification of land and property claims. Claiming that the project is likely to enter the compensation assessment and billing stage soon, Khyoda urged the authorities to ensure rigorous verification of claims through field inspections, documentary scrutiny and village-level consultations so that genuine beneficiaries are not deprived while ineligible claimants are excluded. Expressing environmental concerns, Khyoda stated that around 3,858.89 hectares of land, including about 3,278 hectares of forest land, are proposed for diversion. He argued that compensation should recognise customary land ownership, community resources, traditional livelihoods and ecological services, and not be limited to land valuation alone. Khyoda further expressed concern over reports that nearly ₹470 crore meant for compensatory afforestation and biodiversity restoration could be utilised outside Arunachal Pradesh. It urged the state government to take up the matter with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to ensure ecological restoration measures are implemented primarily within the affected districts. Reiterating that the forum is not seeking to halt the project, Khyoda said it only seeks a lawful, transparent and equitable process that safeguards the rights of indigenous communities. He urged the state government, NHPC and district administrations to ensure accountability, legal compliance and protection of the rights of all genuine Project Affected Families before large-scale compensation disbursement begins. The forum appealed to the Deputy Commissioners, DLRSOs, Circle Officers, NHPC officials and all authorities associated with the project to maintain transparency and prevent malpractice, favouritism and irregularities during the compensation process. It has submitted representations to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Land Management) A.K. Singh, seeking strict implementation of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. However, it alleged that despite repeated representations and meetings, no meaningful action has been taken till date.