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ITANAGAR, SEP 10: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has extended warm greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Khowa community, on the occasion of Pham Kho Sowai. He expressed hope that the festival would usher in an abundant harvest, prosperity and well-being for all. In his message, the Governor said agrarian festivals are the lifeblood of tribal societies, reflecting their deep bond with nature and the land that sustains them. He described Pham Kho Sowai as both a celebration of the harvest and a vibrant expression of the Khowa community’s rich cultural heritage. The Governor said the festival’s traditional songs, dances, rituals and oral traditions strengthen community bonds and help pass cherished values and customs on to younger generations. He joined the Khowa community in offering prayers to the Almighty for good health, happiness, peace and prosperity for all.

TURET, SEP 10: The District Health Society, Tirap, conducted an Integrated Health Camp, Ayushman Arogya Shivir, at Turet village under Deomali Sub-Division on Thursday, providing a range of preventive, diagnostic and curative healthcare services to the local community. The day-long camp was inaugurated by Soha Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Wanglem Thingnok, who highlighted the importance of taking essential healthcare services closer to people in rural and remote areas. Tirap District Medical Officer Dr Bimal Ratan, District Tuberculosis Officer/District AIDS Control Officer Dr Thenyak Matey and Medical Officer Soha Dr Phongku Mongwangham, along with nurses, technicians and other health personnel, attended the camp. Services provided included general health check-ups, free medicines, tuberculosis screening, HIV and syphilis screening, X-ray services, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Chief Minister’s Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY) enrolment, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening, Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) and sputum collection. Sputum samples were also collected under the PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to strengthen tuberculosis detection and facilitate timely treatment and follow-up. The District Health Society said the initiative was aimed at expanding healthcare outreach and ensuring essential services reach remote and underserved communities across Tirap district. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 10: The Congress in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday objected to the depiction of the state in a recently released UN world map, saying it is an integral part of India and should not be shown as a disputed territory. In a statement, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram said any international map that creates ambiguity about the state’s territorial status is unacceptable. He asserted that no foreign claim, map or nomenclature can alter India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. Siram said the party supports the Centre’s objection to any inaccurate or misleading representation of the country’s territory. He said India’s support for a UN General Assembly resolution on equal-area cartographic representation was aimed at improving the accuracy of world map projections and should not be interpreted as acceptance of any particular boundary or territorial claim. “An imaginary or virtual map, however influential, cannot create, transfer or extinguish sovereignty over a territory,” Siram said, adding that Arunachal Pradesh has been administered as part of India since Independence through constitutional, administrative and democratic institutions. The senior Congress leader said the people of the state have consistently participated in the country’s democratic process and remain an integral part of the Indian Union. The APCC urged the UN to review and correct the depiction of Arunachal Pradesh and ensure that future maps and geographical databases accurately reflect India’s established territorial position. Siram said India’s response should go beyond diplomatic objections and focus on strengthening its presence in frontier areas through better roads, communication networks, logistics, security infrastructure and economic development. The APCC reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is a vital frontier of India and said stronger development and national presence in border areas would provide the most effective response to cartographic and territorial assertions. “The position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India is non-negotiable,” Siram said, stressing that the state must remain secure, connected, developed and constitutionally protected. In response to media queries regarding the UN General Assembly resolution on equal-area world map, the government’s official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently said the resolution neither adopts nor authenticates any particular world map, nor does it address political cartography, including international boundaries, disputed territories or place names. “India voted in favour of the resolution and also made an explanation of vote, stressing the underlying principle of promoting equal-area cartographic representation. We also highlighted that the resolution does not constitute endorsement of any specific map, projection or depiction of national boundaries. India’s sovereign territory…must be depicted in accordance with India’s official map. Any inaccurate or misleading depiction is unacceptable. Our position on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is clear, consistent and non-negotiable,” he stated. (Source: PTI)    

MECHUKHA, JUL 27: The Department of Fisheries on Monday flagged off a refrigerated vehicle carrying around three quintals of premium Rainbow Trout from Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district for markets in Aalo, Pasighat and Itanagar, marking a significant step towards strengthening cold-chain infrastructure and market linkages for the State’s trout farmers. The vehicle was flagged off by Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu in the presence of Education Minister PD Sona at Mechukha. The programme was attended by the Director of Tourism, Shi-Yomi Deputy Commissioner, Mechukha Additional Deputy Commissioner, heads of departments, Assistant Director of Fisheries and Nodal Officer under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Circle Officer Mechukha, District Fisheries Development Officer Shi-Yomi, Mechukha Zilla Parishad Member, public representatives, fish farmers and other stakeholders. The Ministers highlighted the potential of trout farming as a high-value aquaculture activity capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing farmers’ incomes in the State’s high-altitude areas. They said refrigerated transportation would help maintain the freshness and quality of trout during transit and enable producers in remote areas to access larger and more remunerative markets. The initiative is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve price realisation and expand the consumer base for trout produced in Mechukha. It also marks another step towards establishing an efficient cold-chain system for fisheries products. The Department has been promoting scientific trout farming and developing production, transportation and marketing infrastructure under various development initiatives. The successful movement of the consignment through refrigerated transport further highlights Mechukha’s potential as a hub for quality trout production. The initiative comes in the wake of the Mechukha Trout Quest-2026, organised by the Department of Tourism on July 26 along the Yargyapchu River. The tournament drew 56 anglers from India and neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Bhutan, besides participants from various States. Competitions were held in Fly Fishing and Lure Fishing categories, with first and second prizes of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh respectively in each category. A separate local angling competition was held at Pasang Sonam Lake near the international border for residents of Shi-Yomi district, with prizes of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000. The tournament was directed by Derek D’Souza, India representative of the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) and Vice-President (Environment) of the All India Game Fishing Association. Leading Indian fly angler and guide Bobby Satpal also participated in the event. Wangsu distributed the prizes and highlighted the potential of trout farming and sport fishing to promote sustainable livelihoods, tourism and rural economic development. Together, the cold-chain initiative and Trout Quest underline the government’s efforts to position Mechukha as a destination for quality Rainbow Trout production, sport fishing and adventure tourism while expanding livelihood opportunities for local communities.  

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, SEP 10: The All Aka Youth Association (AAYA) has sought immediate intervention of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister over alleged financial irregularities, misuse and suspected embezzlement of CAMPA funds in the Khellong Forest Division, Bhalukpong, during 2025-26. In a representation submitted to the minister, the association alleged irregularities involving the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Khellong Forest Division, and concerned Range Forest Officers (RFOs), particularly in the utilisation of CAMPA funds and payment of wages to casual and contingency staff, informed AAYA president Musho Gidusow while addressing reporters here today The association alleged that CAMPA funds allocated to the division during 2025-26, including Volume I and II, may have been misused, diverted or embezzled. It also alleged that wages meant for casual and contingency workers were transferred and withdrawn through the personal bank accounts of RFOs instead of being processed through the prescribed official financial mechanism. AAYA called for verification of attendance records, muster rolls, wage registers, bills, vouchers, sanction orders, bank transactions and utilisation certificates relating to casual and contingency workers. It also sought verification of whether the beneficiaries shown in the records actually performed the duties for which payments were made and whether the workers received their wages. Seeking an impartial inquiry, the association urged the government to immediately transfer the DFO and concerned RFOs from their present positions to prevent any possible influence over records, witnesses or the investigation. It further demanded constitution of an independent departmental inquiry committee comprising senior officers not connected with the Khellong Forest Division and a special financial audit of CAMPA and other departmental funds handled by the division during the period under examination. The association also sought protection of relevant official, electronic and financial records to prevent their alteration, destruction or tampering during the inquiry. AAYA urged that statements of concerned casual and contingency workers and other officials be recorded, particularly regarding the actual receipt of wages and the manner in which payments were processed. It further demanded recovery of any government funds found to have been misappropriated or irregularly withdrawn, along with appropriate disciplinary and legal action against those found responsible. The association said the allegations concern public funds and therefore require immediate attention to ensure transparency and accountability. It maintained that an independent investigation would also ensure that officials not involved in any irregularity are not unfairly implicated while those responsible are held accountable in accordance with law.  

ZIRO, SEP 10: The Lower Subansiri district administration on Thursday held a coordination meeting with local hospitality operators to finalise preparations for the upcoming Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM), scheduled from September 24 to 27. The meeting was held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall and brought together proprietors and managers of hotels, resorts and lodges ahead of the expected influx of domestic and international visitors to Ziro. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme welcomed the hospitality operators and outlined the administration’s expectations for maintaining high service standards during the festival. She directed all hospitality establishments to ensure professional and quality services for visitors and enforce a proper staff dress code throughout the festival period. The meeting also marked the first official administrative engagement in Ziro for newly appointed Superintendent of Police Techi Hanyir, who was formally welcomed by the district administration and local stakeholders. SDO Hage Tarung urged hoteliers to strictly comply with administrative regulations and guidelines to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. The Deputy Commissioner said maintaining a uniform dress code and high service standards would help the local hospitality sector present a professional image and ensure a better experience for visitors to Ziro. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 10: The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) has urged the state government to immediately appoint a regular and competent secretary in the state transport department, claiming that the prolonged absence of a full-time official has affected its functioning. In a representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, AAPPTF state president Dobing Sonam said important files were pending, administrative decisions delayed and salaries of departmental as well as contractual employees were reportedly being held up due to the situation. The federation said the Transport Department is one of the state’s key public-oriented departments and any disruption in its functioning directly affects employees and the transport sector. Sonam said transport workers, employees, vehicle owners, drivers, conductors and other stakeholders were concerned over the situation. The federation appealed to the chief minister to personally intervene and ensure the posting of a “regular, experienced and preferably local IAS officer” as secretary of the department without further delay. It also sought immediate priority for clearing pending files and resolving salary-related matters concerning departmental and contractual employees. “This is not merely a routine administrative issue; it directly affects the employees’ livelihood and the functioning of the transport sector in Arunachal Pradesh,” the federation said in its representation. The AAPPTF said it stood firmly with the affected employees and the transport fraternity and urged the government to take “immediate, concrete and time-bound action” to address the issue. Copies of the representation were also forwarded to the state transport minister, chief secretary and officials of the transport department.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 10: Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja attended a virtual high-level meeting to review preparations for Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026, chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Thursday. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as well as representatives of States and Union Territories. Raja participated in the meeting along with senior officers of the State’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Raja apprised the meeting of Arunachal Pradesh’s preparedness and the initiatives being undertaken by ULBs to strengthen sanitation, solid waste management, legacy waste remediation, public cleanliness and citizen engagement. He reiterated the State government’s commitment to making SHS 2026 a meaningful and people-centric campaign, while addressing the unique geographical and logistical challenges posed by the State’s hilly terrain and dispersed urban settlements. Arunachal Pradesh reaffirmed its resolve to contribute meaningfully to the national campaign and advance the vision of a cleaner, healthier, greener and more sustainable urban environment. Later, Raja also virtually attended the launch of the Operational Guidelines for Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) 3.0, launched by the Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development. Representatives from all States participated in the programme.  

ANINI, SEP 10: The Vidyalaya Management Committee (VMC) meeting for the academic session 2026–27 of PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Anini, was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Yashwant Meena, IAS. The meeting reviewed the overall functioning and development of the school, with discussions covering academic performance, infrastructure, student welfare, school development and other areas requiring attention. The members also deliberated on measures to further improve the learning environment and facilities for students. Meena emphasised the importance of providing students with a safe, supportive and conducive environment for learning and holistic development. He assured the VMC and school authorities of all possible assistance from the district administration in addressing the institution’s requirements and strengthening its infrastructure and facilities. After the meeting, the DC, along with VMC members and school authorities, inspected the school premises, including the academic buildings, mess, hostels and upcoming structures. The team reviewed the existing facilities and ongoing developmental works. The meeting and inspection reaffirmed the commitment of the district administration and VMC towards the continued development of PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Anini, and improving educational facilities and student welfare.