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ITANAGAR, SEP 11: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Friday advised the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) to take up social issues affecting the future of the State and play a constructive role in nation-building. AAPSU representatives led by its president Meje Taku, along with community leaders of the Tagin tribe, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and apprised him of their concerns regarding the Taksing issue and other matters affecting the region and its people. Parnaik assured the delegation that the interests and well-being of every village and citizen of Arunachal Pradesh remain paramount. He said no village would be adversely affected and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India and the Indian Armed Forces to safeguard every inch of the nation’s territory. The Governor said the security and development of border areas are national priorities and described the people living in frontier regions as the nation’s first line of strength and resilience. Calling upon student leaders to contribute to nation-building, Parnaik urged AAPSU to intensify awareness and community outreach against drug abuse, support efforts to prevent crimes against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and encourage students to complete their basic education. He also encouraged the youth to acquire skills in emerging technologies, saying the younger generation of Arunachal Pradesh possesses immense potential. With the right values, education and technological skills, the youth can contribute to the State’s progress and the vision of a ‘Viksit Arunachal’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’, he said.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, SEP 11: Severe erosion caused by flooding in the Siang River has damaged Wet Rice Cultivation (WRC) fields and other agricultural land at Borguli village under Mebo Sub-Division in East Siang district, threatening the livelihoods of several farming families. Taking stock of the situation, Monggu Banggo-I ZPM Bapiyang Tayeng, accompanied by WRD Mebo Sub-Division Assistant Engineer Bani Langkam and Borguli Gaon Burahs Nogen Yirang, Tokong Tayeng and Bidesor Perme, inspected the affected areas on Friday. According to the inspection team, portions of Otil Tayeng’s WRC fields have already been eroded, while agricultural land belonging to Aki Tayeng, Golen Tayeng, Odan Tayeng, Joito Tayeng, Jin Tayeng and several other farmers is also under threat. Villagers said recurring floods and the changing course of the Siang have already washed away large tracts of cash-crop plantations, bamboo groves and fertile agricultural land. The advancing erosion is now threatening WRC fields that provide food and income to many families in Borguli. The WRD official and ZPM assessed the damage for preparation of a detailed report to be submitted to the authorities concerned. Affected farmer Otil Tayeng said his agricultural land was the primary source of livelihood for his family and helped support his children’s education. “The erosion has already reached my standing paddy field, and the remaining portion could be swallowed by the river at any time,” he said. The affected villagers appealed to the state and central governments for immediate intervention, adequate compensation and construction of durable flood-control and erosion-protection structures. They called for a long-term solution to prevent further loss of farmland, standing crops and property. Several other villages in the Monggu Banggo area of Mebo Sub-Division, including Namsing, Seram, Kongkul, Mer and Gadum, are also facing severe erosion caused by the Siang. Residents have repeatedly sought timely government intervention. Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng said a proposal for a mega flood-control project along the riverbank from Sigar to Mer village was yet to receive sanction from the Centre. “Without a mega project, it will not be possible to effectively mitigate erosion along the left bank of the Siang River under Mebo Sub-Division. Small-scale projects implemented at scattered locations will not resolve the concerns of the affected people,” he said. The MLA said he had raised the concerns of affected communities with both the state and central governments and expressed hope that the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu would give due consideration to the needs of the 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency. Tayeng said people in Lower Mebo had already lost portions of villages, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, electricity infrastructure, farmland and other livelihood-generating assets to the river. He urged the authorities to undertake urgent and comprehensive measures to protect flood- and erosion-affected villages of Lower Mebo.  

NAROTTAM NAGAR, SEP 11: Home and Inter-State Border Affairs, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung on Friday inaugurated a Pressure Water Filtration Plant and laid the foundation stone for 24 units of Teaching Staff Quarters at Ramakrishna Mission, Narottam Nagar. The infrastructure initiatives were undertaken as part of the observance of the 133rd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago Address, commemorated as Universal Brotherhood Day at the Ramakrishna Mission campus. The foundation stone for the proposed staff quarters was laid at Gurupally. The quarters are expected to strengthen residential facilities for teaching staff and support the educational activities of the institution. Later, Natung inaugurated the Pressure Water Filtration Plant at the Mission campus. The facility will provide filtered drinking water to students and members of the campus community. The dignitaries also visited Abhedananda Bhavan, the newly constructed hostel building. The programme was presided over by Revered Swami Jnanalokanandaji Maharaj, Trustee, Ramakrishna Math and member of the Governing Body, Ramakrishna Mission, and Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House and Cultural Centre, Kolkata. Environment, Forest, Geology, Mining and DoTCL Minister Wangki Lowang attended as Guest of Honour. The programme began with floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda at his statue on Vivekananda Marg, followed by a visit to students of Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Vidyalaya at Bodhi Dwar and the foundation stone-laying ceremony at Gurupally. The dignitaries were later received by the school band at Vidya Dwar before proceeding to Vivekananda Sabhagriha for the main commemorative programme. The programme featured devotional and patriotic songs by students, a presentation on Swami Vivekananda’s life, felicitation of guests, prize distribution for a drawing competition, release of Ga-Ho-Re, a collection of songs, and distribution of IDBI scholarships. Welcoming the dignitaries, Ramakrishna Mission Narottam Nagar Secretary Swami Achyuteshananda highlighted the relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s message of universal brotherhood. He also submitted a memorandum seeking replacement of the Mission’s five-decade-old water storage and filtration infrastructure. Natung assured the Mission of all possible assistance. Speaking on the occasion, Lowang and Natung stressed the importance of acceptance and tolerance in promoting lasting peace and prosperity. The inauguration of the water filtration plant and foundation stone laying for the staff quarters mark significant additions to the infrastructure and welfare facilities of Ramakrishna Mission, Narottam Nagar.  

PASIGHAT, SEP 11: The third edition of Jajinja: Angba-Bingba was held here on Fridayy at IGJ Government Higher Secondary School, Pasighat with the theme “Prakrati, Purvaj aur Pragya: Dialogues on Nature, Ancestral Wisdom and Indigenous Worldviews”. The event was organised by Jajin-ja Society, a collective of members from various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh working for discourse, documentation and promotion of ancestral heritage. The programme was organised around the central idea “A Dialogue for Understanding, A Discussion for Tomorrow”, focusing on nature as first teacher, ancestors as guiding roots and indigenous philosophy as a living knowledge system. The event brought together academics, community leaders, students, researchers and members of indigenous communities. Tapi Darang, MLA Pasighat East, attended the event as guest and spoke on the significance of Solung festival and its philosophical values. He emphasised the need to preserve indigenous knowledge and traditions and appreciated Team Jajinja for creating a platform for dialogue. Other attendees included Kamin Lego, Deputy Chief Councillor, Oson Taying, Acting General Secretary of Adi Bane Kebang, Takeng Tamuk, Member Secretary of Academic Board of Adi Agom Kebang, professors of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat, faculty and students of Arunachal Pradesh University including Assistant Registrar Likha Rinchin, and members of like-minded groups and Adi community. The programme began with a Nyishi folksong on Abotani presented by Debia Metung, Taba Madam and Tana Jumpi. The first session was anchored by Nanang Yirang, Literary Secretary of Jajinja. Welcome address was delivered by Vice Chairperson Tao Azu, followed by an overview of the society by Treasurer Yage Kabak. The first session featured a panel discussion on “Faith, Traditions and Community Perspectives” with Gindu Borang, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Debaang Tayeng, SE Water Resources Department and Secretary General of Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang. It was moderated by Chairperson Joram Yalam Nabam. A talk on the philosophy and cultural significance of Solung A:bang was delivered by Kaling Borang. The second session focused on oral traditions. Kago Mado, Assistant Treasurer of Jajinja, presented an Apatani story narration while Gorik Ete, Cultural Secretary, presented Galo riddles and proverbs. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by General Secretary Ing Perme. The edition was supported by Tapi Darang, Oson Taying, Ajing Resort owned by Kamin Modi and Bomken Tayeng, ZPM Mebo Banggo-II.    

MANIGONG, SEP 11: A formation under the Spear Corps interacted with Gaon Burahs and senior elders of Manigong Valley in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, reaffirming the longstanding bond between the Indian Army and border communities. The interaction focused on the valley’s tourism potential and the need for coordinated efforts by local communities, the civil administration and the armed forces to promote sustainable tourism and socio-economic development. Discussions also covered infrastructure development, community participation and the promotion of the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The elders shared firsthand accounts and ancestral memories of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, recalling how their forefathers supported the Indian Armed Forces during the conflict by carrying essential supplies, guiding troops through difficult terrain and assisting the forces in the defence of the nation. The Spear Corps formation expressed appreciation to the Gaon Burahs and senior citizens for preserving and sharing the legacy of patriotism, courage and sacrifice associated with the border communities. As a gesture of appreciation, tokens of recognition were presented to the Gaon Burahs for their community leadership, guidance and historic contributions. The interaction underscored the Indian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers while strengthening ties with border communities and supporting initiatives for local development and preservation of the region’s heritage. (Source: DIPR)  

KHONSA, SEP 11: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik accompanied by IPR representative Gawang Sumpa, UDC, visited the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Girls’ Residential School at Bogapani on Friday to assess the infrastructure and other challenges faced by the institution. During his interaction with the Headmaster and teaching staff, Headmaster Nyamwang Khetey apprised the Deputy Commissioner of the school’s pressing infrastructural requirements. He said the existing kitchen and dining hall were inadequate to accommodate the school’s 78 girl students, seven teachers and five non-teaching staff. The Headmaster sought construction of a new kitchen-cum-dining hall and a protection wall around the school campus for the safety and security of the students. The school provides education from Class III to Class VIII and currently has 78 girl students from across Tirap district. Taking note of the concerns raised by the school authorities, Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik assured them that the matter would be taken up with the competent authority for necessary consideration and appropriate action. He emphasised the need to address the infrastructural deficiencies to ensure the smooth functioning of the institution and provide a safe and conducive learning environment for the students.