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ITANAGAR, OCT 24: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday expressed concern over incidents of vandalism, arson, looting and damage to property in Pasighat during protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. A mob torched an NHPC office and a police station and vandalised the residences of three political leaders, including that of the state BJP chief, in East Siang district on Friday night, a senior officer said. Several police personnel were injured after protesters allegedly hurled stones at them in Pasighat, he said. The agitators vandalised the residences of BJP state unit president and former MLA Kaling Moyong, and Pasighat West legislator Ninong Ering. The house of MLA Oni Panyang was also ransacked. The chief minister said the right to peaceful protest was an essential part of democracy, but it was important that demonstrations remained within the bounds of the law and did not result in damage to property or disruption of public order. He said the incidents in Pasighat were regrettable and called upon all sections of society to maintain peace. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Khandu said a 12-hour bandh in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts over the power project remained largely peaceful on Friday. But violence erupted in Pasighat after the bandh ended, and continued till 3.30 am on Saturday. “The residences of MLA Oni Panyang and senior MLA Ninong Ering were vandalised, with reports of looting and theft. The residence of state BJP president Kaling Moyong was also ransacked,” he said. On the concerns surrounding the power project, Khandu reiterated that the state government remained open to discussions with all organisations and associations. The government was willing to engage in a detailed exchange of views on the project, including its potential benefits, possible adverse impacts and the concerns and apprehensions expressed by local communities. “The government’s doors are always open. Any organisation or association that wants to discuss the SUMP project is welcome. People should question the government, discuss the possible benefits and negative aspects of the project, and seek clarification on their concerns,” he said. Khandu said the government had undertaken outreach efforts and invited stakeholders to participate in meetings. He encouraged organisations to make use of these opportunities to present their views and seek clarifications through direct engagement. He offered a meeting with representatives of organisations from the Siang region in Itanagar or Pasighat, or at any other location convenient to them. The CM also said he, accompanied by the officials of departments concerned, was willing to visit a place proposed by the stakeholders to discuss the project. Reiterating the government’s position on the project, the chief minister said public consensus would remain central. He urged organisations and community representatives to participate in round-table discussions to address concerns, clarify doubts and facilitate a better understanding of the project. Khandu said differences of opinion should be addressed through dialogue and democratic processes, rather than actions that could affect public safety and law and order. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR, OCT 24: The 24th CardioCon Arunachal 2026, the annual conference of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI), North East Chapter, commenced at the Donyi Polo International Hotel here, bringing together cardiologists and healthcare professionals from across the region. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest and expressed hope that the conference would facilitate meaningful deliberations and contribute to advancements in cardiac care and healthcare services across the Northeast. In a social media post, Rijiju said he was delighted to attend the conference and extended his best wishes to the organisers and participants, expressing optimism that the event would help strengthen cardiac healthcare services in the region. State Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge, MLA Dr Mohesh Chai and members of the medical fraternity attended the inaugural ceremony. Among those present were organising chairperson Dr Rinchin Dorjee Megeji, organising secretary-cum-treasurer Dr Tony Ete, patron-in-chief Dr Naba Kumar Bezbaruah and patron Dr Animesh Mishra. The annual conference provides a platform for medical professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss developments in cardiovascular medicine and explore ways to improve cardiac healthcare delivery across the Northeast.

RONO HILLS, OCT 23: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised ‘Swachh Paathshala – Yuva for Swachhata: Sensitizing Students for Swachhata through Swachhata Gyan’ at Government Secondary School on its campus as part of the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign. The programme aimed to promote awareness of cleanliness, sanitation, personal hygiene and environmental responsibility among students, encouraging them to adopt healthy practices in their daily lives. Students, teachers and school staff participated in cleanliness activities covering classrooms, play areas, the school surroundings and sanitation facilities. Waste materials were collected and disposed of properly to maintain a clean and hygienic learning environment. A key highlight was the administration of the Swachhata Pledge, through which participants committed themselves to keeping the school premises clean and upholding the values of cleanliness and hygiene. The programme also emphasised proper waste disposal, environmental protection and the responsible use and maintenance of sanitation facilities. Students were encouraged to practise these habits at school, at home and in their communities, and to spread awareness among their families and peers. The activities were conducted under the supervision and coordination of Dr A Yuvaraj, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Programme Coordinator for Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 at RGU, in coordination with the school authorities. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, with a focus on nurturing cleanliness, civic responsibility and environmental consciousness among young people.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 24: Amid protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, a mob torched an NHPC office and a police station, and vandalised the residences of two political leaders, including that of the state BJP chief, in East Siang district, a senior officer said on Saturday. Several police personnel were injured after protesters allegedly hurled stones at them in Pasighat, he said. The incident took place around 11 pm on Friday after a 12-hour bandh to protest against the hydropower project was over, Pasighat Deputy Superintendent of Police Tony Tatak said. The agitators vandalised the residences of BJP state unit president and former MLA Kaling Moyong, and Pasighat West legislator Ninong Ering, he said. The office of the Adi Bane Kebang, the apex body of the Adi community, was also ransacked, the officer said. “The NHPC office in the high region area of Pasighat was set ablaze, while a police station there was also torched,” Tatak said, adding that the authorities were assessing the extent of damage. The deputy superintendent of police, who was also injured in the incident, said the protesters had come from the Mebo area. The violence erupted hours after a bandh in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts to protest against the proposed hydropower project was over, he said. Protesters had clashed with the police in Siang district during the 12-hour bandh against the power project on Friday, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells to disperse the agitators. Around 150-200 protesters, allegedly armed with machetes, lathis and slingshots, attempted to vandalise police vehicles and breach barricades before pelting security personnel with stones, officials had said. In East Siang, clashes were also reported near Ranaghat Bridge in Mebo, where protesters allegedly hurled stones at police personnel. The shutdown was jointly called by the Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society. The organisations are demanding the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended gaon buras (village headmen), withdrawal of all pre-feasibility activities related to the project and removal of paramilitary and central forces deployed in the region. The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has strongly condemned the violence and demanded an independent inquiry into the use of tear gas shells against protesters during the bandh. The Arunachal Pradesh government has urged people to exercise caution against unverified rumours, misleading claims and fake news concerning the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The government also appealed to the public to rely on official notifications, press releases and authorised channels for accurate information about the proposed project. The 11,200-MW project has faced opposition from sections of the locals, amid concerns over its potential impact on the Siang river basin and indigenous communities. The state government has maintained that the project is primarily intended to store and regulate water in the Siang basin, particularly in view of concerns over China’s proposed mega dam on the river. It also said the project aims to strengthen national water and energy security, manage seasonal floods in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin and promote long-term socio-economic growth. The government also clarified that activities currently underway are limited to technical and environmental surveys for preparing the pre-feasibility report (PFR) to assess the project’s viability. Emphasising the importance of safeguarding local interests, the advisory said the welfare, rights, land security and cultural heritage of local communities and project-affected families remain central to the government’s evaluations. (Source: PTI)  

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, OCT 24: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) on Saturday blamed the state government for the violence in Pasighat over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), demanding the immediate release of all detainees, withdrawal of paramilitary forces from the Siang belt and medical treatment for locals injured in the clashes. It also called for the early deployment of additional paramilitary forces in the border areas, particularly Taksing in Upper Subansiri district, citing concerns over alleged Chinese troop intrusions. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo held the state government responsible for the violence that erupted in Pasighat on Friday night and continued into Saturday morning. Nalo alleged that the clash broke out after police fired tear gas at youths protesting against the proposed SUMP. Several protesters and police personnel were reportedly injured in the violence. During the unrest, protesters allegedly set fire to the NHPC office, a police station and police vehicles. The residences of local MLAs Oni Panyang and Ninong Ering, as well as state BJP president Kaling Moyong, were also reportedly vandalized. Expressing solidarity with the people and communities of the Siang belt, Nalo said the violence reflected growing resentment over the government’s handling of public concerns surrounding the proposed project. “When you undermine the sentiment of people of Arunachal Pradesh, this violence is the retaliation you receive,” he said. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pema Khandu appealed to the people of the Siang belt to maintain peace and harmony while condemning the violence. He also invited the people to engage in dialogue over the proposed SUMP rather than resorting to violence. However, Nalo criticised the chief minister’s appeal, asserting that the government must address the concerns of the affected people if it genuinely wants peace to prevail. “If Pema Khandu wants peace to be maintained, the state government must release all detainees, withdraw all paramilitary forces from the Siang belt and provide medical treatment to all locals injured in the clashes with police and paramilitary forces,” he said. Following the violence two prominent anti-dam activists, Ebo Milli and Otul Jerang, surrendered before the police following incidents of violence and arson in Pasighat during a 12-hour bandh called against the proposed SUMP. The bandh was called to protest the project, while the violence and arson were condemned amid growing tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the East Siang district magistrate issued an order imposing prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 in Pasighat, Ruksin and Mebo following the violence. On the issue of alleged Chinese Army intrusion in Taksing, Upper Subansiri, Nalo called for the deployment of additional Indian Army personnel in the border areas to strengthen security. The forum demanded construction of a porter/mule track up to Sera 9 within a month to facilitate access for the Indian defence forces. It also sought insurance coverage for all local porters and proper network connectivity for immediate communication during emergencies. He also referred to reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur regarding face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. Nalo urged the concerned authorities such as the state Chief Minister, Home Minister, local legislators and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to stop denying alleged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intrusions and take necessary action to address the issue before the situation worsens. Nalo further warned the state government that the AFTF would launch democratic movements in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) if its demands were not met.