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TAWANG, SEP 22: The monthly meeting of the District-Level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD), Tawang, was held here on Tuesday to review measures against drug abuse and illicit trafficking and strengthen coordinated action among stakeholders. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta and attended by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Tonong Darang, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Togum Gonggo, representatives of the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central and State intelligence agencies, Market Welfare Committees, taxi associations, youth organisations and other NCORD stakeholders. DSP Togum Gonggo presented an overview of activities undertaken by the District Police and other NCORD members, including the destruction of wild cannabis and various enforcement, preventive and awareness initiatives. Members also held an open discussion on strengthening coordination, information sharing, enforcement and community participation in combating drugs. Addressing the meeting, Tawang SP Tasi Darang called for continued coordination and collective responsibility among all stakeholders to achieve a drug-free Tawang. He urged departments and organisations conducting drug-abuse awareness programmes to inform the District Police so that the initiatives could be properly documented and incorporated into the district’s NCORD activities. Referring to the abundant natural growth of wild cannabis in parts of the district, Darang stressed the need for continued vigilance and close monitoring of isolated areas to rule out deliberate cultivation. Tawang ADC Rinchin Leta emphasised timely information sharing and cooperation among stakeholders and informed that a roster of officers would soon be prepared to facilitate coordinated responses with security agencies in substance- and drug-related cases. Leta appreciated the efforts of Lungla Police, in collaboration with the SSB and local villagers, in uprooting wild cannabis. He also asked the Agriculture Department to explore safe and effective scientific or chemical methods for controlling its growth. Paramilitary forces deployed across the district were requested to assist the District Police and local communities in identifying, uprooting and destroying wild cannabis. Concluding the meeting, DSP Togum Gonggo assured that the suggestions and inputs received would be followed up and reviewed at the next NCORD meeting. He called for active participation from all sections of society, stressing that a drug-free Tawang would require sustained vigilance, collective responsibility and community cooperation.    

ITANAGAR, SEPT 22: The Adi Bané Kébang United (ABKU) has urged the state government to scrap the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Storage Project (SUMP) and immediately halt the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities, citing concerns over displacement, environmental impact and lack of free, prior and informed consent of the affected people. Addressing media persons here on Tuesday, ABKU president Thomas Borang the organisation convened a consultative committee meeting at Geku in Upper Siang district on September 16 to take stock of the situation arising from the proposed project, particularly the PFR activities and deployment of personnel and security forces in Siang and Upper Siang districts. The meeting was attended by affected people from the proposed project area and Adi-inhabited districts, including Shi-Yomi, East Siang, Namsai, Lower Dibang Valley and the Itanagar Capital Region, they said. The ABKU said the situation in Siang and Upper Siang remained “fluid and volatile” and could lead to unwanted consequences if the SUMP was imposed on the indigenous Adi people without their free, prior and informed consent. It also questioned the manner in which Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were being signed, alleging lack of transparency in the process and claiming that some MoUs had been obtained from villagers without proper consultation through the traditional Kebang system. According to the organisation, matters relating to land and water, except individual transactions, are traditionally taken up in the village Dere (Musup) through the Kebang. However, it alleged that several MoUs were signed at DC offices, government bungalows and the Civil Secretariat instead of through the traditional forum. The ABKU further alleged irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries under the Special Development Package, claiming that the benefits were being restricted to those who had signed MoUs for the PFR and that serving and retired government employees were also included without clear guidelines and procedures. The organisation said implementation of the proposed SUMP would submerge large tracts of arable agricultural land along the Siang and its tributaries. It further claimed that Yingkiong, the headquarters of Upper Siang district, and Geku, besides several villages and historical places, would be affected by the proposed reservoir. Expressing concern over the ecological and environmental implications, the ABKU said the project could affect the migratory routes of the Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh and the Mising community of Assam, besides causing downstream impacts. The organisation also raised concerns over the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region, pointing out that the region falls under Seismic Zone V. The ABKU clarified that it was not opposed to all types of dams but was opposed to storage-type mega dams in the Adi areas. It also called upon the government to uphold and respect traditional Adi customary laws and practices through transparency and accountability. The organisation submitted a memorandum-cum-resolution to the Chief Minister, seeking scrapping of the proposed SUMP, immediate halt and cancellation of PFR activities, withdrawal of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces and additional State Police personnel deployed beyond the sanctioned strength in Siang and Upper Siang districts, and revocation of the suspension orders against Gaon Burahs (GBs) and their immediate reinstatement. The ABKU said it had attached a copy of the resolutions adopted at Geku on September 16 during the consultative committee meeting for the government’s perusal and necessary action. It expressed hope for favourable consideration of the issues and demands raised in the memorandum and resolutions and pledged to extend cooperation to the state government in its “pro-people” endeavours.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has constituted a state-level fact-finding committee on hydropower issues to undertake a field-based and document-driven examination of major hydropower projects in the state, with particular focus on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and the ongoing preparation of its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) in Siang and Upper Siang districts. The committee, constituted under the leadership of APCC president Bosiram Siram, will examine official records, project documents, administrative orders, memorandums of understanding (MoUs), community representations, field conditions and available scientific and technical assessments before arriving at its findings. The move comes amid continuing differences over PFR-related activities in the SUMP area. On September 21, Chief Minister Pema Khandu chaired a consultative meeting with officials from Siang and Upper Siang to discuss the project, its technical aspects and concerns raised by local communities. The government has maintained that SUMP is a project of national importance and has highlighted its proposed role in hydropower generation, water management, flood moderation and broader strategic and water-security considerations. It has also stressed the need for greater awareness and consultation with local stakeholders. The APCC committee said it would examine both documented support and opposition to the PFR process rather than treating either position as representative of all affected communities. In February, 76 of the 120 households of Karko village signed an MoU with the state government supporting preparation of the PFR. By March, the number of households recorded as supporting the PFR had risen to 105. At the same time, protests have been reported in Komkar and neighbouring villages against proposed PFR and drilling activities at Uggeng, one of the proposed dam sites. Residents have raised questions concerning the proposed activities and the manner in which project-related agreements were entered into. Security deployment in connection with PFR activities has also emerged as a concern, with paramilitary personnel reported at protest sites in September. The committee will also examine the imposition of restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. On September 7, the Upper Siang district administration imposed restrictions in the Geku area, citing apprehensions of protests and possible law-and-order issues linked to SUMP-related PFR activities. The order restricted assemblies of five or more persons, unauthorised public meetings and certain other activities. According to the APCC, the fact-finding exercise will seek to establish the present status of the PFR process; identify potentially affected villages, land, forests, river areas and communities; and document the positions of individual households, village institutions and community organisations. It will also examine the consultations held with affected communities, the legal and administrative basis for surveys, drilling, land access, restrictions on assembly and security deployment, as well as available studies concerning seismicity, geology, dam safety, downstream impacts, biodiversity, forests, river ecology and disaster risks. The committee will further look into proposed or contemplated arrangements relating to rehabilitation, resettlement, compensation, livelihoods, employment and benefit-sharing, besides examining the terms and implications of MoUs signed between the government and affected communities. The APCC said the committee would not begin with a predetermined conclusion and would seek documentary and field-based verification wherever conflicting accounts emerge. It would interact with project-affected families, indigenous community organisations, village institutions and traditional bodies, student and youth organisations, civil society groups, technical and environmental experts, government authorities, NHPC and other project agencies. The committee said its broader objective was to prepare an evidence-based report on SUMP and, more generally, hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh, with emphasis on documentary verification, field observations and the views of people directly connected with the proposed project areas. It maintained that development objectives, strategic considerations and the rights and interests of local communities should be examined together through transparency, consultation and evidence, particularly in projects with potentially long-term social, environmental and economic implications. The fact-finding exercise, the APCC said, would seek to verify the available facts, hear stakeholders and place the evidence before the public rather than substitute one narrative for another.  

NAMSAI/PASIGHAT, SEP 22: District Level Monitoring Committee-cum-District Development Review (DLMC-cum-DDR) meetings were held in Namsai and East Siang districts to review the progress of various development schemes, projects and departmental activities. In Namsai, the meeting was chaired by Mentor Secretary YVVJ Rajasekhar, and attended by Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, Additional Deputy Commissioner, District Planning Officer and heads of concerned departments. Rajasekhar reviewed the implementation of major schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Detailed presentations covered targets, progress, implementation status and bottlenecks. He stressed effective monitoring, inter-departmental coordination and timely execution of government programmes. DC Lobsang Tsering directed departments to identify bottlenecks and take corrective measures at the earliest to ensure effective implementation of ongoing schemes. In East Siang, DC Sonalika Jiwani chaired the review meeting at Pasighat. She directed heads of departments (HoDs) to submit updated reports on the handing over and taking over of government assets following the creation of Lower Siang district, particularly assets transferred to Lower Siang and those retained by East Siang. She also sought the status of Land Possession Certificates (LPCs) for departmental land to prevent encroachment. Reviewing infrastructure works, Jiwani directed executing agencies to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe without compromising quality. She stressed the use of quality materials and durable, spacious and student-friendly buildings for schools and other educational institutions. In view of recent wildfire incidents, she also called for intensified public awareness on fire safety and timely reporting. PMC Chief Councillor Tagom Padung raised the issue of the water crisis in Forest Colony, Pasighat, while DDSE East Siang Odhuk Tabing highlighted the shortage of Mathematics and Science teachers. He informed that teachers were being engaged in some schools with remuneration arranged with the support of the three East Siang MLAs and sought further assistance to address the shortage. The DC urged HoDs to extend support for continuity of teaching and ensure timely completion of departmental activities so that government schemes and services reach the people effectively. (DIPR)  

RONO HILLS, SEP 22: The Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), organised a one-day international seminar on “Alternative Career Options in Life Sciences” on September 18, bringing together 170 registered participants from undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, besides participants from other institutions. The seminar aimed to broaden students’ understanding of career opportunities beyond conventional teaching, academics and research, with sessions covering conservation biology, industrial entomology, pharmaceutical research and development, doctoral studies abroad and career opportunities in private universities. RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shivaraj was the chief patron, while Registrar Dr N.T. Rikam was the patron. Prof. D.N. Das, Head of the Department of Zoology, chaired the programme and emphasised the need to familiarise science students with diverse career pathways at an early stage. Programme coordinator Prof. Daniel Mize set the tone for the interactive sessions. Dr Arnab Ghosh of the Department of Zoology, who served as organising secretary and convenor, moderated the four technical sessions. He said the seminar was conceived in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with emphasis on skill-based education and preparing students for emerging opportunities in the job market. He also highlighted the importance of internships, soft skills and personality development in professional growth. The first technical session featured Dr Manas Sarkar of Vestacy Global Entomology and Director, Vestacy India, who spoke on “Career Opportunities in Entomology R&D”, followed by Dr Sandipto Sarkar of Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, who discussed “Steps to Pursue a PhD in the USA”. Dr Bibhab Kr. Talukdar, Executive Director of Aranyak, addressed the second session on “Career Opportunities in Conservation Biology”, drawing on his extensive experience in wildlife conservation. The third session featured Pritam Banerjee, Manager, Formulation R&D, UniChem Laboratories Ltd, Goa, who spoke on “Pharma R&D Opportunities after BSc”, and Dr Banashree Bandopadhyay of the Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, who discussed “Career Options in Private Universities in India”. Dr Dipanjan Chatterjee, Senior Scientist, R&D, Sun Pharma Ltd, Gujarat, spoke on “Pharma R&D Opportunities after PhD”, while Dr Arnab Ghosh conducted a session on “How to Write a CV for Academia, Industry, and Beyond”. Each technical session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students to seek practical guidance from the resource persons. The seminar provided students with practical insights into career pathways in wildlife conservation, industrial entomology, pharmaceutical R&D, doctoral studies abroad and private university academia. Discussions also addressed entry requirements, skills, remuneration and work-life balance in different professional fields. The organisers said the strong participation and sustained interaction throughout the sessions reflected students’ growing interest in exploring diverse career trajectories in the life sciences.  

LIKABALI, SEP 22: A District Level Consultation Meeting (DLCM) on registration of births and deaths was held at Likabali on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor. The meeting reviewed measures to strengthen and streamline the registration system, with emphasis on shifting from the existing manual process to a fully computerised and digitally enabled system through the government’s dedicated portal. Nyicyor stressed the need to ensure that every birth and death occurring in the district is properly recorded and registered within the prescribed framework. He called for systematic coordination to ensure accurate records and make the issuance of registration certificates faster, transparent and accessible. He also highlighted the role of hospitals and other health institutions, where a substantial number of births and deaths are reported, in maintaining accurate records and ensuring their timely submission for digital registration. He urged all concerned to ensure seamless coordination from the occurrence and recording of an event to the issuance of the required certificate. Assistant Director of Economics & Statistics Tojum Potom outlined the objectives of the consultation and apprised participants of the latest guidelines and procedures under the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) system. She explained the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and stressed the importance of accurate, complete and consistent records. Potom said timely registration of births and deaths is not only a statutory requirement but also an important source of demographic data for population-related statistics, policy formulation, development planning and resource allocation. Administrative officers from various outposts and other stakeholders shared their experiences, practical difficulties and suggestions for improving the registration process. sThe meeting concluded with a call for coordinated efforts among the district administration, health institutions and registration authorities to ensure comprehensive, timely and accurate registration of births and deaths in Lower Siang. (DIPR)    

BOMDILA, SEP 22: A coordination meeting to review preparations for the proposed visit of Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju for the inauguration of the Tagi Raja War Memorial Park at Gohainthan under Buragaon Circle was held at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar. Reviewing the arrangements, Kumar took stock of the preparations and suggested measures for the smooth conduct of the programme. He advised Additional Deputy Commissioner Thrizino Topek Kakki to undertake detailed micro-planning in coordination with the organising committee and all concerned stakeholders once the date of the Minister’s visit is finalised. The DC assured all possible support from the district administration for successful organisation of the programme. Future development plans for the memorial park were also discussed with members of the Sani Gibi Society (SGS), ZPMs, PRI leaders and other stakeholders. Representatives of SGS highlighted the historical significance of the park and briefed the meeting on its background and heritage value. Superintendent of Police West Kameng DW Thongon, ADC Thrizino Topek Kakki, Assistant Commissioner Buragaon Moyir Kato, Assistant Commissioner Bomdila Phuntso Tashi, HoDs, ZPMs, PRI leaders, SGS members and other stakeholders attended the meeting. (DIPR)    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, SEP 22: The Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang (BBYK) has opposed the ongoing transfer and rationalisation of teachers in East Siang district, urging the Education Department to review the orders, which it described as “irrational and illogical”.Addressing a press briefing on Monday, BBYK president Magyar Lego said the organisation had submitted a representation through the East Siang Deputy Commissioner to the Commissioner of Education, seeking urgent reconsideration of the transfer orders. Lego said the rationalisation exercise could aggravate the existing shortage of teachers in several schools. According to figures presented by the BBYK, East Siang has 123 government schools, including seven higher secondary, 19 secondary, 43 middle and 61 primary schools. He particularly highlighted the Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat (IGJ), which he said has around 1,400 students from Classes IX to XII. According to him, the school currently has only two Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) and two Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) to cater to the large student strength. Lego claimed that East Siang already has a deficit of around 69 teachers, while about 63 teachers have been transferred under the latest exercise. He questioned the transfer of teachers who, according to the organisation, had been assigned duties related to Booth Level Officer (BLO), census and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) activities. Referring to a May 21, 2026 government notification bearing reference DSE-1101/9/2022, he sought clarification on the inclusion of such teachers in the transfer orders. The BBYK also raised concerns over the transfer of two Hindi teachers from Mirbuk Secondary School, Pasighat. Lego said the school would face difficulties in teaching Hindi unless replacement teachers were provided before the existing teachers were relieved. The organisation referred to the Arunachal Pradesh Transfer and Posting of Employees of Education Department (Regulation and Management) Act, 2026, which provides a statutory framework for transfer and posting and lays emphasis on rationalisation based on staffing requirements and institutional needs. The Act also provides for administrative transfers in public interest, administrative exigency and institutional necessity. BBYK called for the current exercise to be scrutinised on a school-wise and subject-wise basis, taking into account actual student strength, classroom requirements and subject availability rather than relying solely on numerical rationalisation. The organisation also questioned the feeder-college arrangement for students from Shi-Yomi district. Lego said students from higher secondary schools in the district should have appropriate access to their designated feeder institutions and sought reconsideration of the alleged routing of students towards J.N. College, Pasighat. BBYK spokesperson Dangki Ering appealed to the Education Department and the Education Minister to review the transfer exercise, particularly in view of Pasighat’s role as an educational hub of the eastern region. Ering claimed that several anomalies had been noticed in the transfer list, including the alleged inclusion of names of retired teachers. He called for a committee to scrutinise the list and verify the actual staffing position of individual schools. The organisation also expressed concern over the timing of the transfers, stating that half-yearly examinations were underway and that shifting teachers during the academic term could disrupt classroom teaching and students’ examination preparation. The state Teachers Registry Portal confirms that the Education Department has issued separate 2026 rationalisation and transfer orders for PGTs, TGTs and Primary Teachers (PRTs), besides other transfer orders. BBYK demanded that transfer orders be recalled or reconsidered wherever genuine anomalies are found and that the staffing position of affected schools be properly verified. Lego said the organisation would wait for the government’s response to its representation and sought action within 15 days. He warned that failure to receive a satisfactory response would lead the BBYK to launch a “mass democratic movement” against what it described as an unfair and disruptive transfer exercise. The organisation said its primary concern was the impact of the transfer exercise on students, classroom teaching and the overall functioning of schools in East Siang.