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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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East Siang Police concludes internship prog for JNC students

PASIGHAT : The East Siang District Police, in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, has successfully concluded a three-week Police Internship Programme for 42 students of the college. The internship, conducted from June 16 to July 6 under the supervision of East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, aimed to provide students with first-hand exposure to policing and the criminal justice system while promoting legal awareness, civic responsibility, transparency and stronger police-public relations. The programme also complemented the district police’s ongoing ‘Know Your Police Station: Youth Engagement Programme’, which seeks to strengthen interaction between the police and young people through experiential learning. During the internship, the students were introduced to the day-to-day functioning of police stations, including registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), investigation procedures, maintenance of police records and the use of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). They also interacted with investigating officers and other police personnel to gain insights into policing, crime prevention, investigation and public service delivery. The interns attended interactive sessions on road safety, traffic management, disaster preparedness, fire safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, women and child protection laws, victim-centric policing and the functioning of the Women Police Station. Demonstrations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services familiarised them with emergency response, rescue operations and disaster management. The students also visited various branches of the Office of the Superintendent of Police, including the Establishment, Accounts and Wireless (WT) branches, where they learned about police administration, financial management, communication systems and the use of technology in policing. Speaking on the successful completion of the programme, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said meaningful engagement with students is essential for building trust between the police and the community. He said such initiatives provide young people with a better understanding of policing, encourage responsible citizenship and promote greater public participation in creating a safe and law-abiding society. The East Siang District Police thanked the principal, faculty members and students of Jawaharlal Nehru College for their cooperation and enthusiastic participation. It said the successful completion of the internship marked another step in its efforts to promote transparency, legal awareness and community-oriented policing through sustained engagement with educational institutions, adding that similar programmes would be organised in future. (DIPR)    

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Namsai commemorates Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s 125th birth anniversary

NAMSAI : The Namsai district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee with a programme held at the District Library here on Friday. The programme began with a floral tribute to the eminent leader, remembering his vision, legacy and contribution to the nation. District Art and Culture Officer (DACO) Milingta Namchoom delivered the welcome address, highlighting Dr Mukherjee’s life and struggles while urging students to emulate his dedication to education, patriotism and public service. Resource person Michak Riram spoke on Dr Mukherjee’s belief that education is the foundation of national progress and highlighted the values of dedication, courage and commitment to society that guided his life. Another resource person, Bikram Chetry, recalled Dr Mukherjee’s sacrifices during the country’s Partition and described him as a pioneer of the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He encouraged students to cultivate unity, courage and a strong sense of service to the nation. Students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Namsai, actively participated in the programme by sharing their reflections on the values and ideals inspired by Dr Mukherjee’s life. Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Principal Shamokan P also attended the programme. The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from students and officials, reaffirming Dr Mukherjee’s enduring legacy and inspiring the younger generation to uphold the ideals of education, patriotism and national service. (DIPR)        

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SGF reaches out to flash flood victims

ITANAGAR : The State Scout & Guide Fellowship (SGF), Arunachal Pradesh, has extended financial assistance to families affected by the recent flash floods in the NEEPCO Colony area of Keyi Panyor district. The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Secondary Education Director Tanyang Tatak, who is also the President-in-Chief of the State SGF, Arunachal Pradesh. The relief initiative was coordinated by State Training Commissioner (Guides) Bharat Scouts and Guides Arunachal Pradesh and State SGF Adviser Kempi Pakam, in association with State SGF Coordinator Taje Mara, State SGF Secretary Yorbik Nyokir Doyom and Papum Pare Guild Secretary Tassar Meera. The financial assistance was formally handed over to Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung on Thursday for distribution among the affected families. In a statement, the Fellowship said that although the contribution was modest, it reflected the organisation’s commitment to compassion, solidarity and selfless service. It also expressed solidarity with the affected families and wished them strength, safety and a speedy recovery.      

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21,500 students receive scholarship

ITANAGAR : The Directorate of Higher and Technical Education has informed that the second and final instalment of the Post-Matric Scholarship for the academic year 2025-26 has been successfully disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, benefiting around 21,500 students. According to the Directorate, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, recently released Rs 51.83 crore as the second and final instalment under the scholarship scheme. Following the release of the State Government’s matching share, the Education Department completed the disbursal on Friday evening, and the scholarship amount has begun reflecting in the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. The Directorate further stated that over 1,650 students have been found to have bank account or Aadhaar-related discrepancies, which have prevented the transfer of scholarship funds. The affected students have been advised to visit the Directorate’s website and check the details of the issues requiring rectification. Students have been urged to resolve the discrepancies at the earliest to facilitate the release of their scholarship amount.

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Central team assesses flood damage in East Siang, Lower Siang

PASIGHAT : An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday carried out an extensive assessment of flood-affected areas in East Siang and Lower Siang districts to evaluate the extent of damage caused by the recent floods and assess the requirement for additional Central assistance. The team, led by Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary Nishtha Tiwari, was accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu. The officials inspected several flood-hit locations, beginning with the integrated farm of Olik Tapok Taloh at Ledum village, where extensive damage to agricultural land and infrastructure was reported. The team also visited Rema Bridge under Korang Circle, Tene Bridge under Koyu Circle in Lower Siang district, and Remi Bridge in East Siang district to assess damage to key public infrastructure and road connectivity. During the visit, district officials and representatives of the concerned departments briefed the team on the scale of destruction, restoration measures undertaken, and the immediate as well as long-term requirements for rehabilitation and reconstruction. The team also interacted with local residents, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and affected farmers to obtain first-hand accounts of the challenges faced by flood-hit communities. The assessment team was accompanied by 37th Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner, officials of line departments, PRI representatives, Gaon Burahs and other government officials. The visiting team appreciated the prompt response of the district administration and line departments in carrying out rescue, relief and restoration works despite adverse weather conditions. It assured that its findings would be compiled into a detailed report for consideration by the Government of India while evaluating the need for additional financial assistance for relief, restoration and reconstruction in the affected areas. The visit reflects the continued efforts of the Central and State Governments to assess the impact of the floods and facilitate timely assistance for the affected population while supporting the restoration of critical infrastructure.  

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Fresh floods, landslides damage houses, crops; IMD forecasts dip in rain from Friday

ITANAGAR : Houses, roads and crops were damaged as fresh floods and landslides were reported across six districts of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday. The fresh incidents were reported in Keyi Panyor, Upper Siang, Tirap, Changlang, Papum Pare and Upper Subansiri in the last 24 hours, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said in a statement this evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert (be updated) for Shi Yomi, Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit and Longding districts on Thursday, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Rainfall is expected to ease from Friday, with an ‘orange’ alert issued only for Papum Pare, Lower Dibang Valley and Tirap districts that day. The weather is likely to improve further over the weekend, with most parts of the state expected to remain free from warnings by Saturday, the IMD said. However, eastern and foothill districts are likely to remain under ‘yellow’ alert (be aware) through Monday for thunderstorms and heavy rain, it said. In the last 24 hours, among the settlements affected were Yingkiong village in Upper Siang; Khonsa town and Kheti village in Tirap; Phangtip, Old Jukhi, Yanman, Bubang-I, Jongji Havi, Songko Havi, Thamiyang, Namtok headquarters, Noitong, Chagra and Phungsa villages in Changlang; Geram, Goya, Hoji-I, Hoji-II, Kheel, Langpek, Mepsoro, Techir, Toru and Yayee-I villages in Papum Pare; and Eru, Ningpin, Daru, Uli, Segi, Debom, Bui, Lida, Bulo, Nguki and Riddi villages in Upper Subansiri. Recent rainfall-triggered floods and landslides wreaked havoc across Arunachal Pradesh, with six people losing their lives in the state. Two labourers from Bihar were killed and four others were injured after a rain-triggered landslide struck a construction site in Lohit district on Wednesday. Two women were swept away in a flash flood in Keyi Panyor on June 24 and remain untraced despite continued search efforts. Earlier, one person was killed in a landslide at Sarti village in Anjaw district on June 28, while three others died in the flash flood at Possa in Keyi Panyor district. In the recent rain-triggered floods and landslides, at least 94,201 people have been affected across 333 villages in 237 circles spread over 26 districts, the statement said. Floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to agriculture and public infrastructure. A total of 334.2 hectares of crop area has been affected, including 185.5 hectares under horticulture and 148.7 hectares under agriculture, while 1,010 hectares of forest area have also been impacted. Infrastructure losses include damage to 131 roads, 19 bridges, 21 culverts, 191 water supply systems, 58 government buildings, 21 power lines, 224 electric poles, four hydel projects, seven retaining walls, seven flood protection walls, two hospitals and three schools, besides drainage networks and other public assets. Hundreds of houses have also been damaged across the state, it said. Two relief camps continue to operate in Keyi Panyor, where 252 people are currently taking shelter. Rescue and relief operations are continuing in the affected districts. (Source: PTI)      

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APU faculty member bags SAARC research grant on museums heritage

PASIGHAT : Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) Assistant Professor of Mass Communication Dr Prem Taba has been awarded the prestigious South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Research Grant (SRG) 2026-27 by the SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC), Colombo, for his research on museum heritage in the South Asian region. Dr Taba received the grant under the theme, “Interpreting Shared Heritage: Cross-Cultural Narratives in Museums in the SAARC Region.” The award was communicated through an official Letter of Offer dated July 8, signed by SAARC Cultural Centre Director Dr Kaushalya Kumarasinghe, who described the selection process as highly competitive and commended the proposal for its scholarly merit and relevance. His research project, titled “When the Vitrine Silences the Forest: Decolonising Tribal Heritage Communication in the Museums of the Eastern Himalayan SAARC Corridor,” will examine how the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum in Itanagar and the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro represent, or fail to represent, the tribal communities of the region. Under the programme, each awardee receives a research grant of US $3,000, to be released in two installments—US $1,500 at the commencement of the project and the remaining amount upon submission and acceptance of the final research report. Expressing gratitude over the recognition, Dr Taba said the grant was a matter of pride not only for him but also for the academic and cultural community of Arunachal Pradesh. “This grant is a recognition that the heritage of our tribal communities belongs not only to Arunachal Pradesh, but to the shared cultural memory of South Asia. It is an opportunity to bring the voices of our people into a global conversation on how museums represent indigenous knowledge. I hope this work opens the door for more scholars from our region to engage with international academic and cultural institutions,” he said. The SAARC Research Grants 2026 programme was approved by the 15th Meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo in August 2025 and subsequently endorsed at the 62nd Session of the SAARC Programming Committee in Kathmandu in February 2026. The programme invited research proposals from scholars across the eight SAARC member countries on the interpretation and communication of shared cultural heritage through museums. As part of the grant, Dr Taba will submit a publishable research report incorporating recommendations of the SAARC Cultural Centre’s Research Grants Committee, with the final work to undergo review, editing and possible publication under the Centre’s publications programme. Congratulating Dr Taba, Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the achievement as a proud moment for the state, noting that the highly competitive award would bring international attention to the rich heritage of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal communities and strengthen the state’s presence on the global academic platform. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also congratulated Dr Taba, saying the recognition reflects the growing academic excellence of the state’s institutions. He expressed confidence that the research would make a meaningful contribution to the preservation and promotion of indigenous heritage and tribal narratives across the region. Extending his congratulations, Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona said the prestigious honour not only recognised Dr Taba’s scholarly contribution but also placed Arunachal Pradesh University on an important international research platform. He expressed hope that the achievement would inspire more scholars from the state to pursue excellence in research and innovation.      

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Guv asks new RGU VC to focus on academic excellence, research

ITANAGAR : Governor KT Parnaik on Thursday asked the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Shivaraj, to strengthen academic excellence by promoting quality research, with a special focus on the state’s biodiversity. The governor, who is also the chief rector of the state’s lone central university, made the remarks when Shivaraj called on him at Lok Bhavan shortly after assuming office, according to an official statement. Welcoming the new vice chancellor, Parnaik expressed confidence that under his leadership, the university would further strengthen its position as a centre of excellence in higher education, innovation and knowledge creation. He said professionalism, discipline, punctuality and commitment to academic pursuits should remain the defining values of the institution, while stressing the need to create an environment conducive to intellectual growth through the active participation of faculty, administrative staff and research scholars. The governor urged the vice chancellor to promote research on the state’s rich biodiversity, indigenous traditions, natural resources, environmental conservation and socio-economic development. He also called for greater emphasis on sports, wellness, community engagement and extension activities to help students develop into responsible citizens capable of contributing to society and nation-building. Shivaraj assured the governor of his commitment to strengthening academic standards, promoting meaningful research, improving institutional governance and fostering a vibrant campus culture, the statement said. He said he would work with all stakeholders to build on the university’s achievements and further establish Rajiv Gandhi University as a leading centre of higher learning, innovation and societal engagement in the region. Former vice chancellor-in-charge SK Nayak and registrar NT Rikam were also present during the meeting. (Source: PTI)      

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21 IAS, 40 IPS officers transferred in AGMUT reshuffle

NEW DELHI : In a major administrative reshuffle, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday transferred with immediate effect 21 IAS and 40 IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre across Union Territories and northeastern states. Among the prominent changes, 2009-batch IAS officer Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has been transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, while 2017-batch IPS officer Tanushree has been shifted from J&K to Delhi. The transfer order, issued with the approval of the competent authority, also posted IAS officer Saugat Biswas (2006 batch) from Arunachal Pradesh to J&K, while IAS Swati Sheemar (2023 batch) was transferred from J&K to Delhi. IAS officer Mamta Yadav (2021 batch) has been moved from Delhi to J&K. Among IPS officers, Deepika (2018 batch) has been transferred from J&K to Puducherry, Gaurav Sikarwar (2019 batch) from J&K to Goa, Vishnu Kumar (2019 batch) from Delhi to J&K, K M Priyanka (2021 batch) from Chandigarh to J&K, Anand Kumar Mishra from Delhi to J&K, and Satish Kumar from Delhi to J&K. The reshuffle also brought a significant number of AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre officers to the national capital. Among the IAS officers posted to Delhi are Vivek Pandey (2003) from Arunachal Pradesh, Garima Gupta (2004) from Mizoram, Pawan Kumar Sain (2005) from Arunachal Pradesh, Amjad Tak (2005) from Arunachal Pradesh, Ajay Kumar Gupta (2010) from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), Awanish Kumar (2014) from Lakshadweep and Shweta Nagarkoti (2020) from Arunachal Pradesh. Among the IPS officers transferred to Delhi are Vivek Kishore (1999) from Arunachal Pradesh, Sindhu Pillai A (2001) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chinmoy Biswal (2008) from Arunachal Pradesh, A Koan (2009) and Jitendra Kumar Meena (2012) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Varsha Sharma (2010) from Goa, Anil Kumar Lal (2013) from Puducherry, Manjeet (2015) and Geetanjali Khandelwal (2015) from Chandigarh and Satyawan Gautam (2016) from Arunachal Pradesh. The order has also posted IPS officers Pukhraj Kamal (2018) and Lokeshwaran R (2018) from Mizoram, Gaurav Tyagi (2019) from Mizoram, Angad Mehta (2020) from Arunachal Pradesh, Utkarsha (2021) from Lakshadweep and R Subash from Puducherry to Delhi. The reshuffle also covered several other AGMUT cadre postings across Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Goa, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. (Source: PTI)    

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AAPWWS seeks wage revision, appointment letters for Police Housing Corporation employees

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Welfare Society (AAPWWS) has submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Mama Natung, seeking immediate intervention for the implementation of revised wages and the issuance of formal appointment letters to employees of the Arunachal Pradesh Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Ltd. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Thursday, AAPWWS Secretary General Karbia Sonam Tara alleged that the state government undertaking has failed to comply with the state’s recruitment norms and labour regulations. Tara claimed that around 14 Site Engineers (Civil) and 40 casual employees have been serving the corporation for several years without formal appointment letters and are yet to receive wages in accordance with the Arunachal Pradesh Government’s revised minimum wage notification. He further alleged that employees are being engaged without proper appointment orders and paid wages below the rates prescribed under applicable labour laws, leaving many workers uncertain about their official designation and employment status. According to the AAPWWS, the absence of formal appointment letters has deprived employees of job security and statutory benefits guaranteed under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. The society has urged the state government to implement the revised minimum wage rates, issue appointment letters to all eligible employees, promote experienced Site Engineers (Civil) to contractual Project Engineer posts, and ensure that salaries and service benefits are provided strictly in accordance with government notifications and applicable labour laws.