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ITANAGAR : Former minister Bida Taku on Wednesday questioned the Arunachal Christian Forum’s (ACF) decision to issue a 15-day ultimatum to the state government seeking an immediate halt to the framing and notification of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978 Rules. He alleged that the forum’s approach had created confusion among Christian believers in the state. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, Taku said the process of implementing the APFRA Rules requires broader public consultation and detailed discussions among all stakeholders before any final decision is taken. He urged the state government to allow a 10-day grace period to facilitate constructive dialogue on the issue. Taku claimed that the ultimatum issued by the ACF was technically flawed, alleging that the forum had failed to adequately examine the Act and identify the specific provisions that could adversely affect the Christian community. According to him, a significant section of the Christian community in Arunachal Pradesh has been demanding the complete repeal of the APFRA, 1978. However, he alleged that the forum had shifted focus away from the core demand for repeal. He further alleged that after objections raised by the ACF, the state government replaced Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung as chairman of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) and appointed retired Gauhati High Court judge Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey to head the panel. Questioning the forum’s position, Taku asked why ACF representatives had participated in consultations on the draft rules and invited Justice Katakey for discussions if their primary demand was the outright repeal of the Act. “What does the ACF actually want?” he asked, adding that the forum should focus on identifying and addressing provisions of the Act that may adversely affect the Christian community rather than creating uncertainty among believers. Taku maintained that greater clarity, wider consultation and consensus among stakeholders are essential before any decision is taken on the implementation of the APFRA Rules.

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR :  The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators’ Association (APTEA) on Wednesday announced the second phase of its pen-down protest, scheduled to be observed on June 4 and 5, intensifying its agitation over the prolonged delay in salary disbursement of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) employees. It also reiterated its demand for salary disbursement of DIET employees through the state head under the state budget. The association also warned of launching an indefinite hunger strike if the issue remains unresolved. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club, APTEA spokesperson Likha Yama said employees of the 11 DIETs in the state, despite being regular state government employees, have been facing irregularities in salary disbursement since 2019. Yama informed that the problem began after the salary disbursement system for DIET employees was shifted from the state head to the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) mode, while demanding for salary disbursement of DIET employees through the state head under the state budget. “Salary is our rights, Not a Privilege” she said, adding they are in complete dilemma, whether they are State government’s cadre or central government, who have been recruited through state’s premier recruiting agency Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). She alleged that the continued delay in salary payments is not merely an administrative lapse but a violation of fundamental constitutional rights. Citing the reference of Articles 14, 21, 23, and 300A of the Constitution of India, Yama argued that withholding earned wages undermines the dignity, equality, livelihood and property rights of employees. “Delay in salaries is not just an administrative failure, it is a direct violation of constitutional guarantees provided to every citizen,” Yama said. Further, Yama informed that the association has been submitting representations to the concerned authorities since 2021, seeking the regular and timely release of salaries. However, despite repeated assurances from the government, the issue remains unresolved, she alleged. Expressing concern over the prolonged delay, the association announced a series of democratic agitations under the theme “No Pay, No Work” to press for its demand. As part of the first phase of the agitation, APTEA observed a one-day pen-down strike on May 29. Yama said the association has now decided to intensify its protest with a two-day pen-down strike on June 4 and 5, as the government failed to address the issue following the earlier protest. The association further warned that if the state government does not take concrete steps to resolve the matter, it will launch an indefinite pen-down strike or hunger strike from June 15.      

NAMSAI : Namsai Police has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse, leading to the arrest of seven drug peddlers and the seizure of approximately 75.86 grams of suspected heroin during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted over the past one-and-a-half months. The operations were carried out by the District Anti-Drug Squad (ADS) led by Namsai Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kengo Dirchi. The team comprised Inspector A.K. Pandey, Inspector N.K. Khen, Inspector T. Padung, Sub-Inspector R. Ado and Sub-Inspector R. Kahik. According to police, the sustained enforcement drive resulted in the registration of seven cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the arrest of seven alleged drug peddlers from different parts of the district. The operations were coordinated by Namsai Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Matin Ratan under the overall supervision of Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley. In a preventive measure aimed at curbing repeat offences, Namsai Police has also initiated action under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act against habitual drug offenders to disrupt organised drug networks. Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related crimes, Namsai Police appealed to the public to share credible information on drug trafficking and related activities, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential. Police said stringent legal action would continue against all individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.      

NIRJULI : The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC), under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur, has commenced its Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-37) cum Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS) programme at NERIST, Nirjuli. The 10-day camp, being held from June 1 to 10, is aimed at providing comprehensive military and disaster-response training to NCC cadets. The camp is also serving as a pre-coaching programme for the Under-17 boys’ team and a selection-cum-training camp for the Under-17 girls’ team of NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur for the forthcoming Subroto Cup Football Tournament. A total of 350 NCC cadets from NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur, including 56 cadets enrolled under the YAMS programme, are participating in the camp. The training is being conducted under the supervision of 11 military staff members, four Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) and two Caretaker Training Officers (CTOs), led by the Commanding Officer and Administrative Officer of 1 AP Battalion NCC. The camp seeks to familiarise cadets with the rigours of camp life while instilling the NCC’s core values of unity, discipline, national integration and camaraderie. The training curriculum includes physical training, field craft and battle craft basics, equipment and section drill demonstrations, and small arms firing. These activities are designed to enhance physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork and leadership skills among the cadets. A key highlight of the camp is the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme training, which focuses on strengthening disaster preparedness and response capabilities among NCC volunteers. Launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the initiative equips cadets with essential skills for responding to emergencies arising from floods, cloudbursts, earthquakes and other natural disasters. The YAMS sessions are being conducted by trained instructors from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Arunachal Pradesh, providing practical training in relief, rescue and disaster-response mechanisms. The camp schedule also includes guest lectures by distinguished personalities to motivate cadets and provide guidance on career opportunities, contributing to their overall personality development and holistic growth. (Source: DIPR)    

ZIRO : In a significant achievement under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Lower Subansiri district, has attained 100 per cent Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) coverage, providing clean and reliable tap water to all rural households across the district. The milestone was highlighted during a strategic meeting of the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) held at Ziro under the chairmanship of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme. According to official figures, the achievement covers two administrative blocks, 109 gram panchayats, 200 villages and 271 habitations, benefiting 5,740 rural households with assured tap water supply. The meeting reviewed the progress of rural water supply and sanitation initiatives and discussed measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure. The session commenced with a welcome address by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Executive Engineer and was attended by district officials and heads of various departments. To strengthen technical support and monitoring of rural water supply systems, the DWSM constituted a 10-member District Technical Unit (DTU). Comprising engineers, laboratory assistants, consultants and operators, the unit will provide technical assistance, field-level supervision and regular monitoring to ensure the efficient functioning of water supply schemes. The meeting also deliberated on recommendations submitted by the Source Finding Committee (SFC), chaired by the Water Resources Department Executive Engineer, for identifying and protecting dependable water sources to ensure sustainable supply in the face of seasonal variations and future demand. The DWSM further outlined strategies for extending water supply coverage to newly emerged habitations, strengthening Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), improving revenue collection mechanisms and implementing the Jal Seva Ankalan framework. Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable rural development, the DWSM resolved to continue strengthening water supply and sanitation services in line with the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).