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ITANAGAR, SEP 6: Arunachal Pradesh Police have rescued 38 people, including 34 children, from various locations and arrested four persons who were allegedly involved in human trafficking, officials said on Sunday. The children were rescued from Aalo, Mechuka, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding area of Arunachal Pradesh and from Assam, they said. A trafficking case was registered at Namsai Police Station last month. It is being investigated by Namsai Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, in close coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Namsai. In a press statement, Thinley said police have arrested four facilitators so far, with the latest arrest being identified as Rupali Padung. Her alleged role in the transportation and illegal placement of the victims is currently under legal scrutiny. Officials said the probe aims to unearth the complete trafficking network, financial transactions, electronic evidence, and secondary links. Parents, guardians, and individuals where the victims were allegedly placed are also being thoroughly examined, with appropriate legal action to follow based on evidence. The CWC and DCPU are providing necessary care, protection, counselling, and rehabilitation support to the rescued children, the SP said. Meanwhile, the SP said the identities of the minors are being strictly protected in compliance with the law, as further investigations continue. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 6: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar, is organising its first-ever press tour to Gujarat for journalists from Arunachal Pradesh from September 6 to 12, with the objective of strengthening media engagement and providing first-hand exposure to the State’s development initiatives and governance practices. A nine-member delegation of journalists from Arunachal Pradesh, led by PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar, will undertake the seven-day exposure tour. During the visit, the delegation will interact with government agencies, project authorities and other stakeholders to gain insights into the planning, implementation and outcomes of various development initiatives. The tour will cover areas including governance, infrastructure, technology, economy and public service delivery, offering the journalists a comparative perspective on development experiences in Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh. The visit will also facilitate interaction and exchange of professional experiences between journalists and stakeholders, particularly in the context of the two states’ distinct geographical, cultural and socio-economic characteristics. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the relationship between PIB Itanagar and the media fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh through sustained interaction, field-based exposure and greater access to information. It is also expected to contribute to a broader understanding of the diverse development approaches adopted across different parts of the country.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 6: The Red Ribbon Club and National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of Don Bosco College (DBC), Itanagar, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun, and under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, organised a 5-km Red Run Marathon on Sunday to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS and mental health among youth. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across various semesters. Chamu Kamchung of BA Vth Semester secured first position in the boys’ category, while Kensinam Gao of BPES 3rd Semester emerged winner in the girls’ category. Roshan Chokar of BPES 3rd Semester and Yarisa Batak of BCom 3rd Semester secured second positions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively. DBC Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Dr Ravi Mihu addressed the participants on the importance of HIV/AIDS and mental health awareness. NSS Cell PO Samsom Mossang felicitated the winners and participants and congratulated them for their enthusiastic participation and sporting spirit.

NAMSAI, SEP 6: Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge laid the foundation stone for a new Blood Bank facility at District Hospital (DH), Namsai, on Sunday. In a post on X, Wahge said the hospital’s high patient footfall has increased the need for strengthened emergency and transfusion services. He said the new Blood Bank would improve timely access to blood for patients in need and strengthen emergency healthcare services. Wahge also toured the hospital and reviewed key facilities, including the CT Scan Room, Oxygen Plant and Mortuary. He took stock of the existing infrastructure and healthcare services being provided at the hospital.    

BORDUMSA, SEP 6: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Chakma and Hajong community-based organisations (CBOs) of Arunachal Pradesh has called for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the incidents that occurred at Bordumsa on September 3 and 4 during and SIR hearing. According to the JAC, around 600 Chakma electors from Bijoypur-I, II and III had assembled peacefully outside the Panchayat Hall, Bordumsa, on September 3 for the hearing. The proceedings were subsequently disrupted amid disturbances at the venue and were adjourned and rescheduled for September 4. The JAC said that during the rescheduled hearing on September 4, a large crowd reportedly entered the ADC Office Chamber, which had been designated as the hearing venue. It alleged that the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) conducting the hearing was assaulted and government property, including the ADC’s vehicle, was damaged. The committee said applicants waiting outside the premises reportedly remained peaceful, while there were also reports of provocation and stone-pelting in the vicinity. It further said communal slogans were allegedly raised on the public road as the gathering dispersed, followed by a verbal exchange and brief physical confrontation. The JAC also referred to reports of firearms being displayed and sounds resembling gunfire before security personnel intervened and dispersed the gathering using tear gas. However, it clarified that these were reports and allegations requiring verification through a proper investigation. Stressing that the incidents occurred in a large and fluid gathering, the JAC said responsibility for any specific act, including injuries or damage to property, should be established through a fair and evidence-based investigation. The committee expressed concern over the reported injuries sustained by an AAPSU member and some Chakma electors during the confrontation, and wished all those injured a speedy recovery. The JAC condemned any disruption of a lawful electoral hearing, assault on public officials, damage to government property, communal provocation, violence or display or use of firearms around a public hearing venue, irrespective of those responsible. It appreciated what it described as the restraint maintained by Chakma applicants and community leaders during the incidents and appealed to all stakeholders to uphold peace and non-violence. The JAC acknowledged that AAPSU and sections of the Singpho and Khamti communities may have concerns regarding the Form 6, 7 and 8 hearing process and its implications. It said such concerns should be addressed through constitutional, administrative and lawful mechanisms rather than confrontation or disruption of electoral proceedings. The committee urged the district administration to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation and take action in accordance with law based on the evidence collected. It also proposed a structured dialogue involving AAPSU, representatives of the Singpho and Khamti communities, Chakma and Hajong representatives and the State administration to address the concerns of all stakeholders. Appealing for restraint, the JAC urged all communities to refrain from retaliation and inflammatory rhetoric, avoid circulating unverified information on social media and allow the investigation and electoral process to proceed according to law. The committee said the communities of 49-Diyun-Bordumsa Assembly Constituency, despite having distinct histories and differing views on the present electoral process, share a long history of coexistence and a common future. It reiterated its commitment to peace, dignity and the rule of law in the constituency.    

NAMSAI, SEP 6: The District Congress Committee (DCC), Namsai, has strongly protested against the FIR registered against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks concerning an alleged “purification ritual” at a venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a political rally. Led by DCC President Chau Ambika Engling, the party alleged that the FIR was politically motivated and questioned why action was initiated against Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue while those allegedly responsible for the purported ritual had not faced similar scrutiny. The DCC said that if the alleged ritual was conducted because Kharge, a Dalit leader, had addressed the venue, it would amount to a serious manifestation of caste prejudice and would be contrary to the constitutional principles of equality and dignity. It maintained that speaking against caste discrimination and demanding accountability cannot be treated as a crime. The party also questioned what it described as an attempt to turn the complainant into an accused, alleging selective application of the law and misuse of state machinery to intimidate the Opposition. The DCC demanded immediate withdrawal of the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and sought registration of an FIR against all persons found responsible for the alleged ritual if the allegations are established. It also called for a fair, impartial, independent and time-bound investigation into the incident, equal application of the law without political interference and strict action against anyone found promoting caste discrimination or untouchability. The DCC said the issue was not merely about Rahul Gandhi but concerned the protection of constitutional values, equality and justice. It reiterated the Congress’ opposition to caste discrimination, untouchability and social humiliation.    

GANGTOK, SEP 6: The eastern Himalayan state of Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 of them classified as being at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts that could threaten downstream settlements. The data is significant as it comes against the backdrop of the recent flash flood in Nepal, triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 that left a trail of destruction with hundreds of people dead and scores missing. Though the catastrophe was not linked to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), the flash flood has highlighted a broader transformation across the Himalayas as glaciers retreat, new lakes are forming in their place, while existing ones are expanding. Glacial lakes are formed by the melting of glaciers and accumulation of meltwater in depressions on or near the glacier’s surface. GLOFs occur when these lakes suddenly burst open due to factors such as excessive water accumulation or triggers like earthquakes. These floods can cause significant destruction and pose serious risks to people and the environment downstream. One such outburst in Sikkim in October 2023 resulted in at least 60 fatalities and extensive damage in the Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi districts. It also destroyed the Chungthang dam, a crucial part of a major hydropower project. At a media sensitisation workshop on GLOF Risk Mitigation held here on Thursday, Principal Secretary Sandeep Tambe said remote sensing and satellite imagery were being used to monitor changes in glacial lakes. Of the 40 high-hazard lakes, 16 are in Category A (highest risk), two in Category B (high risk) and nine in Category C (moderate to low risk), while 13 remain unclassified, he said. The workshop focused on strengthening public understanding of GLOF risks and ensuring that verified, science-based information reaches the public. Yougan Tamang, the press secretary to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, said media sensitisation was crucial to communicating the scientific measures being undertaken to mitigate GLOF risks. Sikkim’s Department of Science and Technology was designated the nodal department for GLOF hazard assessment and mitigation studies in February 2025, with the work being carried out through an interdisciplinary approach, Tamang said. The state is also working towards what could be the country’s first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, aimed at creating a standardised scientific framework for assessing, preparing for and mitigating glacial flood risks. It could also serve as a model for other Himalayan regions, an official release said. Field studies cover water-level and discharge monitoring, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, geophysical and differential global positioning system surveys, bathymetry, flood modelling, hazard assessment and feasibility studies for lowering lake levels and constructing flood-retention structures. Tambe said a uniform strategy could not be applied to all lakes, and separate proposals had therefore been prepared for the Lhonak Complex, Shako Chho Lake and Gurudongmar Complex, according to the release. The Sikkim government has identified Shako Chho as most vulnerable to GLOF. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Shako Chho has been submitted to the National Disaster Management Authority, and a preliminary project report has been sent to the Jal Shakti Ministry. The Central Water Commission is preparing a DPR along with the Sikkim government for a flood-retention structure at Dolma Sampa near Muguthang in the Lhonak Complex. For the Gurudongmar Complex, a moraine plug wall at the lake outlet has been proposed. The Department of Science and Technology and Brahmaputra Board are jointly working on the proposal, taking into account both GLOF risk and the lake’s cultural and religious significance. The Science and Technology Department’s principal director-cum-secretary D G Shrestha said Sikkim’s devastating 2023 GLOF had underscored the urgency of strengthening preparedness. At the policy level, Sikkim is pursuing a whole-of-government approach, clearer business rules, measures to bridge technical expertise gaps and a proposal for a commission on glacial hazards. Various lake-level lowering techniques are being examined, including siphoning, pumping, improving existing channels, artificial channels, moraine cutting with safety walls and tunnelling. Shrestha outlined a four-stage mitigation process — preliminary assessment, comprehensive assessment, designing mitigation measures and execution — and stressed the need to strengthen institutional, technical and financial capacity. He also said additional early-warning sensors had been proposed across Sikkim following a virtual meeting with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, who gave a positive assurance on the proposal. On Thursday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the preparedness of Himalayan states and Union Territories in dealing with GLOF risks and snow avalanches. The chief secretaries and State Disaster Management Authorities of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, along with senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority, Central Water Commission, India Meteorological Department and the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment attended the meeting. (Source: PTI)