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LIKABALI : Local MLA-cum-Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) Kardo Nyigyor on Wednesday called for strict adherence to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 process and stressed the need for accurate verification of electoral rolls. Addressing a coordination meeting organised by Lower Siang District Election Officer (DEO) Gobi Nyicyor at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Likabali, Nyigyor urged citizens not to take the revision exercise lightly. He emphasised that outsider applicants seeking enrolment in the electoral rolls should be properly verified before inclusion. Nyigyor also appealed to all political parties to remain precise and accurate while facilitating the enrolment of intending voters and actively participate in the exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India. The meeting was organised to familiarise political party representatives and stakeholders with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process being conducted across the state. During the meeting, Nari Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of 36th Nari-Koyu Assembly Constituency Austin Koyu and Headquarters Assistant Commissioner-cum-ERO of 28th Likabali Assembly Constituency Janes Mary Tayeng explained various aspects of SIR-2026, including revision procedures, claims and objections, verification mechanisms, and the role of political parties and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in ensuring accurate and error-free electoral rolls. The meeting also witnessed interactive discussions, suggestions and clarifications between political representatives and election officials regarding the ongoing revision process. (DIPR)      

CHANGLANG : Researchers have rediscovered ‘Vaccinium piliferum’, a rare and endangered wild relative of the blueberry, in the remote forests of Vijoynagar in Changlang district, nearly 188 years after it was first recorded in 1836. The rediscovery in the Eastern Himalayan region is being seen as a major botanical achievement and an important addition to India’s biodiversity records. Researchers said ‘Vaccinium piliferum’ belongs to the Ericaceae family, which includes blueberries and cranberries. The species was rediscovered recently by researchers from the Society for Education and Environmental Development, CSIR-North East Institute of Science (NEIST) and Technology and collaborating institutions, a source in the institute said. The plant was originally recorded in 1836 during the colonial period but had not been traced for generations, leading many botanists to believe it may have disappeared from the wild. The species was found near tributaries of the Noa-Dihing River in the dense forests of Vijoynagar, an ecologically sensitive area known for rich biodiversity, the CSIR-NEIST source said. Researchers said only 16 individual plants were recorded during the field survey, indicating the species’ fragile population status. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed ‘Vaccinium piliferum’ as an ‘endangered’ species. Experts said the rediscovery highlights the ecological importance of Arunachal Pradesh’s Eastern Himalayan ecosystem and the need for conservation of rare flora and fauna. Wild relatives of cultivated berry species are considered important for research related to climate resilience, disease resistance and crop improvement, botanists said. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the rediscovery as “a remarkable chapter in the natural history of Arunachal Pradesh”. “This finding highlights the immense ecological wealth of our state and reinforces the urgent need to protect and preserve our fragile Himalayan ecosystems for future generations,” he said in a post on X. Mein also appreciated the efforts of researchers involved in the rediscovery. (Source: PTI)    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT/YINGKIONG : Continuing its crackdown against drug peddling and substance abuse in Upper Siang district, Yingkiong Police on Monday arrested an alleged drug user-cum-peddler from the Yingkiong area and seized suspected heroin and cannabis (ganja) from his possession. According to Yingkiong Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Kari Pertin, the operation was launched following credible information regarding the movement of a suspected Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) substance user-cum-peddler. A police team comprising Sub-Inspector Ojing Moyong, Sub-Inspector Kenjom Pertin, Head Constable T. Lipir and Constable B. Eko was formed to carry out the operation. The team successfully apprehended the accused in Yingkiong and recovered the suspected contraband during a search conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate Tailyang Tomo. The seized substances were taken into custody following due legal procedures. Inspector Kari Pertin informed that a case has been registered at Yingkiong Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway. Appealing for public cooperation, the officer urged civil society organisations and residents of Yingkiong to support the police in combating the growing drug menace in the district. He also called upon youths to stay away from substance abuse and share any information related to drugs with the police.    

ITANAGAR :  The Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026, along with a stakeholder consultation on Biohappiness and Climate Resilience, will be held on May 28 and 29 at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali in Keyi Panyor district. The two-day programme is being co-organised by the Office of the 16th Yachuli MLA, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai. The event will bring together farmers, indigenous community representatives, policymakers, researchers, scientists, civil society organisations, youth groups and development practitioners to deliberate on agrobiodiversity conservation, indigenous seed systems, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and traditional ecological knowledge systems in Arunachal Pradesh. A major highlight of the programme will be the Arunachal Seed Festival and Agrobiodiversity & Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition, where community seed conservers, particularly from the Nyishi and Apatani communities, along with government departments, farmer groups and grassroots institutions, will showcase indigenous crop varieties, traditional farming practices, biodiversity-based livelihoods and sustainable innovations. The consultation is centred on the concept of “Biohappiness,” which emphasises the relationship between biodiversity conservation, cultural identity, ecological sustainability and community well-being. The concept, developed and popularised by noted agricultural scientist Prof M S Swaminathan, founder of MSSRF and regarded as the architect of India’s Green Revolution, seeks to link biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods, nutritional security, cultural continuity and ecological resilience. The programme will also feature thematic panel discussions on biodiversity conservation, revival of traditional knowledge, youth engagement, climate adaptation strategies, farmer seed systems and sustainable agricultural futures in the Eastern Himalayan region. Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Allied Sectors Minister Gabriel D Wangsu will inaugurate the event. Representatives from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, Rajiv Gandhi University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions, experts working in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, and farmer representatives will participate in the deliberations. The organisers expressed hope that the consultation would help evolve a stakeholder-driven roadmap for strengthening agrobiodiversity conservation, resilient livelihoods and community-centred development approaches in the state.    

TAWANG : A District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting was held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tawang on Wednesday to review measures against drug abuse, strengthen inter-agency coordination and enhance tourist safety in the district. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and attended by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, DySP Tasso Kato, representatives of central intelligence agencies, paramilitary forces and other stakeholders. Addressing the meeting, SP Tasi Darang highlighted the growing threat posed by narcotics and warned that “drug abuse is destroying our society like cancer.” He briefed the members on recent enforcement actions carried out by Tawang Police, including the arrest of accused persons and seizure of 12.6 grams of suspected heroin. The SP also informed the house about coordinated efforts by Tawang Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Lungla and local villagers in destroying wild cannabis plantations in different parts of the district. Highlighting citizen-centric policing initiatives, Darang said traffic personnel have been deployed as tourist police to assist visitors in Tawang, while a dedicated police post for tourists has also been activated. Calling upon citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration, DC Namgyal Angmo urged the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities. She stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among stakeholders to curb drug trafficking and related crimes. While noting that Tawang continues to maintain a relatively low crime rate, the DC cautioned against complacency and underscored the need for sustained efforts towards child protection and prevention of drug abuse. Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu, Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station Inspector N Angu, and representatives of the Taxi Union, Hoteliers Association, Market Welfare Committee and various departments also shared their views and suggestions during the meeting. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen awareness, prevention measures and coordinated action against drug abuse in the district. Earlier in the day, the DC also chaired a review meeting on the ongoing Houselisting Operations under Census 2027 with Deputy Director of Census Operations Phiralin Passah and Statistical Investigator Saksham Kohli, who are on an official visit to Tawang. The meeting was attended by all charge officers of the district. (DIPR)

  PASIGHAT : As part of the run-up to the 12th International Yoga Day, the Spearhead Division under Spear Corps organised a yoga session at Sigar in Arunachal Pradesh to promote wellness, discipline and holistic well-being. Held amid the serene surroundings of the state, the session focused on improving physical fitness, mental resilience and inner harmony through various yogic exercises and breathing techniques. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and highlighted the importance of yoga in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The initiative forms part of a series of activities being organised by the Indian Army ahead of International Yoga Day to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage fitness, mindfulness and harmony with nature. The event also reflected the Indian Army’s continued commitment towards promoting healthy living, mental well-being and collective participation in nation-building initiatives.

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has extended his warm greetings to the people of the state, particularly the Muslim community, on the sacred occasion of Eid ul Zuha. In his message, the Governor said that Eid ul Zuha, also known as Eid al Adha, commemorates the unwavering faith and devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham) to Almighty Allah and carries deep spiritual significance. He said the festival symbolises the timeless values of sacrifice, humility, compassion, obedience and selfless service to humanity. Beyond the celebrations, the occasion inspires brotherhood, mutual respect, generosity and social harmony, while encouraging people to share happiness and extend support to the less fortunate. Highlighting India’s rich composite culture, the Governor said the nation’s strength lies in its unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and traditions. Festivals such as Eid ul Zuha further reinforce these cherished values and encourage collective efforts towards peace, social harmony and national integration, he added. The Governor wished that the festival brings happiness, prosperity, good health and spiritual fulfillment to every home.

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday expressed concern over the alleged custodial torture of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize, as outrage intensified across the state and neighbouring Assam over photographs and videos purportedly showing injury marks on his body while in police custody. The state government has taken up the matter with Assam, with Khandu stating that he personally intervened after coming across the incident on social media. Speaking to reporters here, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh could not interfere in another state’s judicial process but had strongly conveyed its concerns to the Assam government. “Mize has done excellent work here for the past several years against drugs. He has even facilitated the arrest of several individuals involved in drug peddling,” the chief minister said. Describing the development as unfortunate, the Khandu informed that he had specifically requested the Assam government to ensure that no torture or mistreatment takes place while Mize remains in custody. He added that the state government was closely monitoring the situation. Mize, president of the Arunachal Anti-Drug Warriors (APADW), was arrested by Assam Police from Itanagar on May 20 in connection with a Bihpuria Police Station case registered in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. He was booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Arms Act. According to the FIR lodged by one Popi Kakati, the case relates to an alleged violent incident that took place on May 15 at Sessa Rajgarh in Assam, where a group of 12 to 15 unidentified persons allegedly stormed a residence, assaulted family members, brandished firearms and looted cash and mobile phones. The complainant alleged that the attackers had arrived in three vehicles looking for her husband, Rupam Kakati. When he allegedly attempted to flee, he was chased, physically assaulted, handcuffed and fired upon. The FIR further alleged that the complainant was also assaulted while trying to intervene. Police said that Mize was arrested in connection with the case following allegations that gunshots were fired during the confrontation. However, supporters of the activist claimed that he had gone to the area in connection with anti-drug operations and had allegedly fired warning shots in self-defence after being attacked by suspected drug peddlers. Soon after his arrest, photographs and videos purportedly showing bruise marks and injuries on Mize’s body surfaced on social media, triggering widespread public anger and demands for justice from student unions, civil society groups and anti-drug activists across the Northeast. The incident has sparked strong emotional reactions in Arunachal Pradesh, where Mize is widely known for spearheading anti-drug awareness campaigns and assisting in operations against drug trafficking networks. Several organisations and citizens have alleged that his anti-drug activism may have made him a target of vested interests linked to narcotics activities in the region. Amid the growing controversy, a formal complaint has also been lodged before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging custodial torture of the activist at Bihpuria Police Station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. The complaint, filed by Namsai resident Buteng Tayeng, accused police personnel of subjecting Mize to severe physical assault, verbal abuse and denial of proper medical examination while in custody. The petition urged the NHRC to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations and initiate strict action against those responsible. However, authorities at Bihpuria police station have denied allegations of custodial torture and claimed that the viral photographs and videos circulating on social media were AI-generated. (Source: PTI)