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Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh unit, on Sunday strongly refuted reports circulating on social media and certain digital platforms claiming that Chief Minister Pema Khandu was planning to step down from office, terming them “fake, baseless and misleading”. Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters here, State BJP president Kaling Moyong asserted that Khandu continues to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Minister and enjoys the full support of the party and its legislators. “The news being circulated about Chief Minister Pema Khandu stepping down is entirely false and misleading. We strongly condemn the spread of such fake information,” Moyong said. Referring to the Supreme Court-directed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into allegations of corruption involving public works contracts, Moyong clarified that the matter remains under investigation and that there has been no discussion within the party regarding any change in leadership. “Although a Supreme Court-directed CBI inquiry is underway, there is no question of resignation at this stage. All 46 BJP legislators are firmly behind Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is actively working for the development of the state,” he said. The Supreme Court in April ordered a preliminary CBI inquiry into allegations that public works contracts worth around Rs 1,270 crore awarded between 2015 and 2025 were linked to firms allegedly associated with members of the Chief Minister’s family. The inquiry is currently underway. Moyong said the BJP would fully respect the judicial process and take any decision only after the conclusion of legal proceedings. “If the Supreme Court delivers a verdict against the Chief Minister, the party will take an appropriate decision. However, the investigation is still in progress and there is no such development at present,” he added. Dismissing the speculation, Moyong said any major political development concerning the Chief Minister would be known to both the state and central leadership. “Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh are well connected. If there were any such development, we would certainly be aware of it. There is absolutely no truth in these rumours,” he said. Reiterating the party’s unity, BJP state general secretary Tadar Niglar said all BJP legislators remained united under Khandu’s leadership and rejected suggestions of any internal division. “All 46 party MLAs are under one umbrella and one leadership. There is no division within the party,” Niglar said. He also warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any BJP member found involved in spreading or promoting misinformation regarding the Chief Minister’s alleged resignation. “Should any BJP member be found responsible for circulating such hoax news, the party will take stringent action against that individual,” he added. BJP state general secretary Junty Singpho expressed confidence in both the judiciary and the Chief Minister, stating that the truth would emerge through due process. “We believe in the judiciary and we also believe in our Chief Minister. We are confident that he will come clean from these allegations,” Singpho said. Meanwhile, the Itanagar district unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) lodged a complaint at Itanagar Police Station against the publication that carried the report on Khandu’s alleged resignation. According to a statement issued by the youth wing, the publication was accused of disseminating false and misleading information with the intent to create confusion and disturb the political atmosphere in the state. The organisation has sought appropriate legal action against those responsible. The clarification from the ruling party came after an Assam-based news portal reported that Khandu was likely to resign in view of the ongoing CBI inquiry, triggering widespread speculation on social media and in political circles. BJP leaders, however, categorically denied the reports and reiterated that there has been no discussion or development regarding any change in leadership in Arunachal Pradesh. (With inputs from agencies)    

KHONSA : Union Minister Ajay Tamta on Sunday flagged off three new buses of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) at Khonsa in Tirap district as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the organisation. To mark the historic milestone at the very place where the service began with a single bus in 1975, Tamta, the Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, flagged off three brand-new buses dedicated to the Tirap district, an official report said. Addressing the valedictory function, Tamta congratulated the state transport department and APSTS for five decades of dedicated public service in promoting socio-economic development and connecting remote borders. The Union minister emphasised that robust transport infrastructure acts as a catalyst for growth. He highlighted that strategic road networks, including National Highway-13, would significantly boost tourism, improve local livelihoods, and drive economic progress. Tamta said that the Central government will continue to back road development in the northeastern state through the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), adding that several mega projects are currently being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. Arunachal Pradesh Transport Minister Ojing Tasing announced the construction of a modern bus terminal at Khonsa as a permanent Golden Jubilee gift to the region. The announcement came in response to a proposal by local MLA Wanglin Lowangdong, who highlighted the urgent need to upgrade the existing five-decade-old structure and introduce luxury buses. Stating that mountainous regions require unique, region-specific transport policies, Tasing said that apart from the 18 operational stations, multiple transport infrastructure projects are currently underway across the state. Arunachal East Member of Parliament Tapir Gao focused on human resource development within the transport sector. He called for regular and rigorous training modules for drivers, conductors, and mechanics to ensure passenger safety and service quality match the ongoing infrastructure boom.  (Source: DIPR/PTI)    

NAMSAI : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday felicitated meritorious Class X and XII students at a programme organised by the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU), Namsai District Committee, and called upon the younger generation to pursue educational excellence while preserving their rich cultural heritage. The felicitation programme, held at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall in Namsai under the theme “Honouring Excellence, Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Future Generations”, recognised outstanding academic achievers and special performers from the 2025–26 academic session. Congratulating the students for their achievements, Mein lauded their hard work, dedication and perseverance. Reflecting on his own student days, he noted that opportunities for higher education in Arunachal Pradesh were once limited, with Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat being the state’s only college, forcing many students to pursue higher studies outside the state amid significant communication and connectivity challenges. He said the educational landscape has transformed considerably over the years with improved infrastructure, greater access to institutions and expanded opportunities for higher learning. Urging students to make the most of these opportunities, Mein encouraged them to remain focused on their goals and pursue higher education with determination and commitment. In a significant announcement, the Deputy Chief Minister said that five students from the Tai Ahom community would be sponsored for free coaching at the UPSC coaching centre in Namsai run by the Tai Khamti Students Union. Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation, Mein spoke about the shared heritage of the six Tai communities of Northeast India — Tai Ahom, Tai Khamti, Tai Phake, Tai Aiton, Tai Khamyang and Tai Turung. He said that despite differences in language, customs and traditions, these communities are bound by common historical roots and a shared civilisational legacy. Expressing concern over the gradual disappearance of traditional vocabulary, customs and practices, Mein called for collective efforts to preserve indigenous languages and cultural identity while strengthening unity among the Tai communities. He stressed that safeguarding cultural heritage is essential for ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots. Addressing the gathering, Namsai MLA and Advisor to the Ministers of Rural Works Department and Sports & Youth Affairs Chau Zingnu Namchoom urged students to remain disciplined, focused and committed to continuous learning. He observed that academic scores alone do not determine success and that perseverance, dedication and clarity of purpose are equally important in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s aspirations. Emphasising the transformative power of education, Namchoom encouraged students to acquire knowledge and skills that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to society. He also advised the youth to stay away from drugs and other social evils, uphold moral values and remain connected to their cultural heritage and identity. Namchoom commended the ATASU Namsai District Committee for organising the felicitation programme and motivating young students to strive for excellence. The event was attended by members of the All Tai Singpho Council, Tai Khamti Development Society, Tai Khamti Students’ Union, All Namsai Youth Association, ATASU office-bearers, community leaders, teachers, parents and students.      

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT : Birla Fertility & IVF has partnered with Health Care Hospital, Pasighat, to strengthen fertility and reproductive healthcare services in Arunachal Pradesh, bringing specialised treatment closer to couples who previously had to travel outside the state for such care. The collaboration was announced during the “Fertility Unscripted” Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme held at Hotel Airport View in Pasighat. The event was attended by fertility specialists, gynaecologists and healthcare professionals from across the Northeast. Under the partnership, fertility consultations, diagnostic scans, ovulation monitoring and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) procedures will be made available at Health Care Hospital, Pasighat. The services will be provided with support and guidance from experts of Birla Fertility & IVF centres across the country, including Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Addressing the programme, Birla Fertility & IVF Guwahati Senior Consultant and Centre Head Dr Kalpana Jain highlighted the importance of making fertility care more accessible. She shared insights on improving IUI success rates through timely intervention, proper monitoring and personalised treatment plans. Dr Jain also stressed the need for early diagnosis and management of conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and Luteinized Unruptured Follicle (LUF) syndrome, which can significantly impact fertility. Health Care Hospital Chairman and Managing Director Dr Kaling Megu said the partnership would enable couples in Arunachal Pradesh to access essential fertility services locally, reducing both financial costs and emotional stress associated with travelling outside the state for treatment. Dr James Modi underscored the importance of timely consultation and expert medical guidance in achieving better reproductive health outcomes. The CME programme also featured discussions on fertility awareness, recurrent pregnancy loss, medical education and ethical healthcare practices. Participants welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that it would strengthen fertility services and improve access to reproductive healthcare across Arunachal Pradesh.