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KHONSA, A district-level coordination meeting was held here on Friday under the chairmanship of Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran to review preparations for the upcoming Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Transport Department. The DC briefed members on arrangements for the three-day celebration scheduled from May 29 to 31, 2026, and stressed the importance of proper security, accommodation and logistical preparedness for invited guests and participants. He urged all departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure smooth and successful conduct of the event. Deputy General Manager Namchai Wangsa, while reviewing decisions of the earlier meeting held with local MLAs, informed the house about various programmes planned for the celebration. He said a restaurant bus with an inbuilt kitchen would be arranged during the event, along with an awareness bus to promote road safety among the public. Wangsa also informed that a state-wide painting competition for students of Classes X and XII would be organised, with prizes scheduled for distribution on May 31, 2026. Other key programmes include a cataract operation medical camp, a marathon race on May 29, and catering arrangements to be managed by Self Help Groups (SHGs). Guests from the erstwhile Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts are expected to attend the celebrations. The construction of two traditional welcome gates was also discussed during the meeting. Deputy General Manager Michi Nunya presented the tentative itinerary for the three-day programme. Event organisers briefed that arrangements related to venue setup, power supply, drinking water and waterproof tents were being finalised to avoid inconvenience during adverse weather conditions. They also informed that traditional dance troupes from the Nocte, Wancho, Tutsa and Tangsa communities would be invited to perform, showcasing the cultural richness of the region. A detailed minute-to-minute programme schedule was also presented, and cooperation from the district administration and line departments was sought to ensure smooth execution of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Khonsa Namneet Singh, Superintendent of Police Tirap Aditya, Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson John K K Matey, Commandant 36 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force Lamhokam Lhouzen, Assistant Commissioner N L Naam, administrative officers, representatives of 44 Assam Rifles, Sub-Divisional Officer Tana Bapu, Heads of Departments and Chairperson CHMS Sontung Bangsia among others. (DIPR)  

MIREM, The annual Etor Giidi Inter Segment Football Tournament began with enthusiasm at Mirem village on Friday, bringing together football enthusiasts, youth and local residents in a celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. The tournament is being organised under the leadership of chairman Tabit Nonang and secretary Kennedy Panggeng and continues to serve as a platform for promoting unity and youth engagement through sports. The opening match featured an exciting contest between Segment 4 and Segment 2, with Segment 4 registering a convincing 3-0 victory in the inaugural fixture. Addressing the inaugural programme, chief guest Toni Panyang encouraged the players to participate with dedication, discipline and honesty. “Football is not just a game but a platform to showcase talent, brotherhood and unity. Sports teach discipline, teamwork, leadership and mutual respect,” Panyang said. “This is the true spirit of sportsmanship. Play with honesty, respect each other and maintain the spirit of the game,” he added while appreciating the organisers for conducting the tournament annually for the development of youth. Guest of honour and former All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union coordinator Kaling Gao said grassroots-level tournaments could provide opportunities for talented players to reach bigger platforms in the future. He also stressed the importance of encouraging village-level sporting events, particularly at a time when sports infrastructure and opportunities are gradually expanding in Arunachal Pradesh. The tournament is expected to continue with more matches involving teams from different segments, promoting healthy competition, unity and sportsmanship among the youth.      

AALO, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi conducted an inspection of various Central and State flagship schemes under Kombo Circle to review the progress and implementation status of ongoing development projects. During his visit to Tadin village, the DC interacted with Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) leaders, Gaon Burahs and members of the public at the community hall. He stressed that implementing agencies must maintain quality standards in all developmental works without compromise. “The quality of work should not be compromised under any circumstances,” Loyi said during the interaction. The DC also directed West Siang Assistant Commissioner-cum-Deputy Director of Rural Development Jumkar Karbi to ensure timely uploading of work progress reports on the government portal. He further highlighted the importance of the upcoming House Listing Census 2027 and urged villagers to provide accurate information to enumerators during the survey process. Later, in his capacity as chairman of PMSHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Kombo Tarsu, the Deputy Commissioner visited the school and held discussions with Principal Ashis Rana. The principal informed the chairman that the school had achieved a 100 per cent pass result in the Central Board of Secondary Education examinations and also briefed him on the ongoing construction of the school boundary wall and related infrastructure works. The DC was accompanied by Kombo Zilla Parishad Member Kenjar Ngomdir Lollen, Kombo Circle Officer Eken Bam, Assistant Programme Officer (RE) Kenmin Nyorak, District Information and Public Relations Officer Dagi Angu, engineers, PRI members and other officials.  

KANUBARI, The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-KVK) Longding organised an awareness generation programme at the gram panchayat level and an orientation programme for farmers on natural farming at Rusa Cluster under Rusa-Rimpong Gram Panchayat on Friday. The programme was conducted under the National Mission on Natural Farming following similar programmes held earlier at Luaksim Cluster under Luaksim Gram Panchayat on April 7 and Longnakshie village under Banfera Gram Panchayat on May 5. The programme was attended by Rusa-Rimpong Gram Panchayat Chairperson (GPC) Wangto Wangjen, Gram Panchayat Members Wangtho Loham and Aram Ponglaham along with farmers from the area. Resource persons included ICAR-KVK Longding Chief Technical Officer (Agronomy) A Kirankumar Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Vegetable Science) Vikas and Subject Matter Specialist (Land and Water Management Engineering) Dr Amit Kumar. Addressing the farmers, Chief Technical Officer A Kirankumar Singh highlighted the importance of natural farming in the present agricultural scenario and stressed the need for sustainable soil management through the use of bio-inputs. He explained the preparation and use of various bio-products such as Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Neemastra, Agniastra, Brahmastra, Ghanajeevamrit and Dashparni Ark made from cow dung and cow urine for seed treatment and crop protection. “These bio-inputs help improve soil fertility by enhancing beneficial soil micro-organisms and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides,” Singh said. He also explained the differences between conventional agriculture, organic farming and natural farming, while highlighting issues such as soil degradation, nutrient depletion and groundwater pollution caused by excessive and imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers. “It is high time for farmers to adopt natural farming practices sincerely for sustainable agriculture, better health and the welfare of future generations,” he added. SMS Vikas spoke on the importance of natural farming in vegetable cultivation and said farmers could earn better profits through quality produce and sustainable farming practices. Dr Amit Kumar highlighted the objectives of the National Mission on Natural Farming and discussed various soil conservation techniques suitable for jhum land, gardens and plain areas. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices and encourage wider adoption of natural farming methods in the district.

ITANAGAR, In a significant initiative aimed at safeguarding the interests of students from Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has formally taken up with the Union Government the issue relating to allotment of examination centres for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 outside the state. In a letter addressed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Khandu expressed serious concern over reports that a large number of students from Arunachal Pradesh have been allotted examination centres in other states, often at faraway locations, causing immense inconvenience and hardship to candidates and their families. Highlighting the unique geographical challenges of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu pointed out that difficult terrain, limited connectivity and underdeveloped transport infrastructure make long-distance travel extremely challenging for students appearing in national-level examinations. He stated that such circumstances not only impose financial burdens on families but also adversely affect the mental and physical well-being of students, potentially impacting their examination performance. The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to reconsider the allocation of examination centres and ensure that adequate CUET centres are established within Arunachal Pradesh, or at least at nearby accessible locations, so that students can appear for the examination without undue hardship. Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting national examinations, Khandu informed the Union Minister that Arunachal Pradesh had recently conducted the NEET Examination 2026 smoothly and successfully at multiple locations across the state. He assured that the state government is fully prepared to extend all necessary logistical support to the National Testing Agency (NTA) for conducting CUET examinations at convenient locations within Arunachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister also highlighted that the matter had already been taken up at different levels by the state government. He noted that P D Sona had earlier written to the Ministry of Education requesting the inclusion of four additional district headquarters -Pasighat, Bomdila, Tezu and Aalo- as CUET examination centres for the convenience of students. In addition, the issue has also been actively pursued by Education Commissioner Amjad Tak with the concerned authorities. Emphasizing the importance of equitable access to higher education opportunities,Khandu appealed for compassionate and pragmatic intervention from the Union Ministry in the larger interest of students from the state. He expressed confidence that the Government of India would take a positive decision to ease the difficulties faced by aspiring students of Arunachal Pradesh. “The state government remains committed to ensuring that students from the state receive equal opportunities and necessary support in accessing national-level educational platforms and competitive examinations,” the Chief Minister added.

PASIGHAT, Continuing its anti-drug drive under Operation Dawn 2.0, East Siang Police apprehended a suspected drug peddler and seized suspected heroin and ganja during an operation conducted under Pasighat Police Station. Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal trafficking of narcotic substances, a police team led by ADS IC Ayup Boko, along with Inspector Amum Panyang, SI K Tangha, SI Kodak Dagium and other personnel, laid a naka on May 5 and intercepted Maklung Tayeng of Mebo while he was travelling to Pasighat in a Night Super bus. In the presence of Pasighat Sub-Divisional Officer Sanjay Taram, who acted as Executive Magistrate, police conducted a body search and recovered 1.49 grams of suspected heroin, including the packet, and 3.12 grams of suspected ganja, including the packet. Police stated that the seized contraband was weighed, packed, sealed and documented in accordance with legal procedures. The entire operation was videographed to maintain transparency and procedural compliance. The accused was apprehended and the seized items were handed over to the concerned police station for further legal action. A case has been registered at Pasighat Police Station vide PSGT/PS/C/No. 45/26 under Sections 21(a) and 20(b)(ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigation is underway. East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba commended the police team and Anti-Drug Squad (ADS) for the successful operation and reiterated the district police’s zero-tolerance policy against drug-related offences. He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with police by reporting any illicit activities to help build a drug-free East Siang.