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One dead, six injured as vehicle falls into river in Anjaw

ITANAGAR : One person died and six others were injured when their vehicle fell into Lohit River in Anjaw district on Thursday, officials said. The incident occurred around 9:30 am near government residential school, Sarti, when the driver lost control of the vehicle, Anjaw deputy commissioner Millo Kojin said. He said the driver fled the scene immediately after the accident. The DC said the district administration requisitioned the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel stationed in Tezu in neighbouring Lohit district. He said police and locals are conducting search and rescue operations and managed to pull seven passengers out of the river, confirming one fatality on site, while four individuals sustained severe injuries. Active search operations are underway to ascertain if any individuals were swept away by the river currents. Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul said she has issued strict directives to local authorities to deploy all available resources. “I have strictly directed the local administration, district police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to deploy full resources and extend every possible support on the ground. We are closely monitoring the situation,” Pul said in a statement, extending condolences to the bereaved family and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Police have registered a case and initiated a search operation to track down the absconding driver, while search and rescue personnel continue monitoring the river stretch. (Source: PTI)    

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Bomdila Hospital gets new endoscopy unit

BOMDILA : Bomdila MLA Dongru Siongju inaugurated the newly established Endoscopy Unit at Zonal General Hospital, Bomdila, on Thursday in the presence of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, District Medical Officer Dr RD Thongchi, Medical Superintendent Dr Sapmo Yomcha, doctors, medical staff and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, iongju appreciated the hospital team for establishing the facility and said it would benefit patients from Bomdila and the wider Kameng region. He stressed the need for proper and timely treatment of patients dependent on government healthcare facilities and urged medical personnel to serve with dedication. The MLA also advised government hospitals to avoid unnecessary referrals to neighbouring states when treatment could be provided within district hospitals, thereby reducing inconvenience and financial burden on patients. DC Dr Kumar appreciated the doctors and staff for their dedicated service despite various challenges and assured all possible support from the District Administration to strengthen healthcare services in the district. During the programme, Dr Habung Mobing explained the functions and importance of endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. He highlighted its applications in screening for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and colon, diagnosing gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption syndromes and anaemia, besides enabling biopsy collection and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Earlier, Medical Superintendent Dr Sapmo Yomcha said the inauguration marked the beginning of the facility and stressed the need for its smooth and effective functioning to ensure better healthcare services. He sought the cooperation of all hospital staff in running the unit efficiently. The hospital authorities also apprised the MLA of shortages of General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs), the requirement for an additional anaesthetist and inadequate staff quarters at Bomdila. (DIPR)      

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RGU hosts TOLIC meet, reviews Hindi usage in central offices

RONO HILLS : Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) hosted the meeting of the Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC), Papum Pare district, for the first time on Thursday, bringing together representatives of 100 Central Government offices enrolled under the committee to review implementation of the Official Language Policy of the Government of India. RGU Registrar Dr NT Rikam attended the meeting along with senior officials and representatives of participating Central Government offices. Hindi Officer-cum-Member Secretary (TOLIC) Dr Gumpi Nguso made a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the programmes, policies and provisions relating to the Official Language applicable to Central Government institutions. She also presented an overview of the performance of member offices in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh in implementing and progressively using Hindi in official work. Addressing the gathering, RGU Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for collective efforts by Central Government offices for effective implementation of the Official Language Policy. He said offices should strive for the progressive use of Hindi in official communication and administrative functioning in accordance with the Official Language Rules. Dr Rajiv Kumar Nayak, Deputy Director, Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, who represented the ministry at the meeting, explained the provisions and practical aspects of the Official Language Rules. He also reviewed the quarterly progress reports submitted by participating institutions and highlighted areas requiring further attention. The meeting provided a platform for representatives to exchange experiences, discuss practical challenges and share best practices in the use of Hindi in official work. The deliberations also focused on improving compliance with the Official Language Rules and strengthening the quality and regularity of Hindi usage in official communication.        

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Legal awareness prog held

PANGIN/KAYING : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Siang district, Pangin, under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), organised a legal awareness programme at St Joseph School, Kaying, on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026. Held under the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme, 2025, on the theme “Empowered Youth, Stronger India”, the programme focused on sensitising students and school staff about legal rights, responsibilities and available legal services. Advocates Gei Noshi and Keni Loyi served as resource persons, while DLSA staff Anthony Komut and Ojing Pari were also present. The team briefed the participants on the functions and services of the DLSA, including free legal aid for eligible persons and various legal services schemes and initiatives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Advocate Keni Loyi spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, highlighting safeguards available to children, their rights under the law and the importance of timely reporting and seeking appropriate assistance. Advocate Gei Noshi sensitised the students on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, explaining the legal framework and mechanisms for the care, protection and rehabilitation of children. The programme also covered the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, with emphasis on the harmful effects of substance abuse and the need for young people to make informed and responsible choices. Pamphlets and other legal awareness materials were distributed among the participants. Students actively participated in the interaction and raised queries on various legal issues, which were addressed by the resource persons. The programme concluded with a call for greater legal awareness, responsible citizenship and empowerment of young people through knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. (DIPR)

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Pencil pine plantation drive held

ZIRO : A mass social service-cum-Pencil Pine Cypress plantation drive was organised at Biiri Model Village under Diibo North-02 on Thursday, with active participation from villagers and local leaders. The programme was led by ZPM Leegang Tatang and Biiri Welfare Committee chairman Liagi Tacho. It was initiated by Biiri Welfare Committee secretary Ligang Tamang with the support of Social Service Secretary Tage B. Laling and the active cooperation of villagers. The initiative focused on village cleanliness, environmental conservation, plantation and strengthening community responsibility. As part of the drive, villagers undertook cleanliness activities and planted Pencil Pine Cypress trees at various locations in and around the village. The organisers said development should extend beyond infrastructure to include a clean, green, healthy and sustainable environment. The plantation drive is expected to enhance the natural surroundings of the village and contribute to a greener environment for future generations. The strong participation of villagers reflected community unity, social responsibility and a shared commitment towards the sustainable development and overall progress of Biiri Model Village. The programme concluded with the villagers reaffirming their commitment to continue collective efforts for cleanliness, environmental protection and sustainable development.

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IEC campaign on HIV/AIDS launched

LIKABALI : The Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign 3.0 was launched at Likabali in Lower Siang district on Thursday to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, particularly among the youth. Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor and 36-Nari Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu jointly launched the campaign in the presence of Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, heads of departments, public leaders and hundreds of students. A mass awareness rally comprising students, community-based organisations (CBOs) and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) leaders was flagged off by the dignitaries. More than 100 students from Government Higher Secondary School, Likabali, and Independent Golden Jubilee Government Higher Secondary School participated in the rally, which commenced near the Likabali Police Station and culminated at the GHSS auditorium. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the campaign seeks to promote informed and responsible behaviour and strengthen efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. APSACS Joint Director (IEC) Tashor Pali explained the four major modes of HIV transmission—infected blood-to-blood contact, mother-to-child transmission, sharing of infected needles and syringes, and unprotected sexual contact. He stressed the importance of awareness, early prevention and responsible behaviour in containing the spread of HIV. Tojir Kadu urged students to resist negative peer pressure, stay away from alcohol and tobacco and maintain discipline in their daily lives. He also called upon the youth to remain informed about HIV/AIDS and its modes of transmission. Kardo Nyigyor highlighted the role of young people in bringing about positive social change. He explained the impact of HIV on the immune system and stressed that the infection can be prevented by avoiding the major routes of transmission. He urged students and community members to act as ambassadors of awareness within their families and communities. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Senpe Taipodia, In-charge, Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), Likabali. The Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 is expected to strengthen awareness initiatives across the district and encourage collective action against HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, particularly among young people. (DIPR)

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300-metre tricolour carried across Chuna-Mago frontier villages

MAGO : Patriotism soared high in the frontier villages of Tawang as residents of the Chuna and Mago Vibrant Villages, located at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, participated in a Tiranga Yatra to mark 150 years of “Vande Mataram” and the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The programme was organised by the Jang Sub-Divisional Administration in collaboration with BJP Mandal 3-Mukto, the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and villagers of Mago and Chuna. The yatra was flagged off by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu in the presence of ZPM Mogto Pema Tsering, Jang Additional Deputy Commissioner Hakraso Kri, Assistant Commissioner Thingbu Thutan Wangchu, senior Army and ITBP officers deployed in the Mago sector, Panchayat leaders of the 3-Mukto ST Assembly Constituency, heads of offices and local residents. A major highlight was the carrying of a 300-metre-long National Flag from Chuna to Mago. Against the backdrop of the high Himalayan mountains, villagers, security personnel and officials carried the Tricolour through the remote frontier landscape, highlighting national unity and patriotism. Addressing the gathering, Gombu highlighted the significance of the Har Ghar Tiranga and Tiranga Yatra campaigns in promoting nationalism and respect for the National Flag. He also appreciated the close bond between residents of the remote border villages and the armed forces, and urged the Army and security agencies to continue extending support to people living in the strategically important frontier areas. Jang ADC Hakraso Kri thanked the participants for their enthusiastic participation despite the remote location, difficult terrain and high-altitude conditions. He said the strong turnout of villagers, security personnel, Panchayat representatives and officials reflected their respect and affection for the National Flag. The yatra highlighted the spirit of patriotism among frontier communities and the cooperation between local residents, civil administration and the armed forces in the border areas. (DIPR)  

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Ziro gears up for Independence Day with mass cleanliness drive

ZIRO : Ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, the Ziro Valley witnessed a massive community cleanliness and social service drive on Thursday, with citizens and officials joining hands to spruce up public spaces and key areas of Hapoli and Old Ziro. The drive was organised by the district administration in collaboration with the Urban Development Department, with participation from various government departments, educational institutions, youth organisations and local residents. The volunteers cleared drains, removed roadside debris and cleaned markets, public spaces and important transit routes as part of the preparatory activities for the national celebration. Field operations were coordinated by a dedicated team led by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tilling Takar, along with personnel of the Urban Development Department. Executive Engineer Taru Majhi, Assistant Commissioner Radhe Tatung, Assistant Director of Economics and Statistics Chiging Tamu, District Labour and Employment Officer N Pugang, District Art and Culture Officer Tapi Rimu and Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Dani Yamang, among other officers, actively participated in the drive with their respective teams. Ziro Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme said the collective effort was not merely about cleaning public spaces but also about fostering a sense of ownership, shared responsibility and community pride as the district prepares to host its Independence Day celebrations. The district administration appreciated the volunteers, students and departmental teams for their enthusiastic participation, saying the drive had set a vibrant and patriotic tone ahead of the celebrations. (DIPR)    

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NCC holds blood donation awareness rally, camp

ITANAGAR : The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC organised a two-day blood donation awareness rally followed by a voluntary blood donation camp in Itanagar to promote voluntary blood donation and encourage young people to contribute to the life-saving cause. NCC Senior Division and Senior Wing cadets from Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Don Bosco College and the NERIST complex participated in the programme. The first awareness rally was held at DNGC on August 11, with cadets from DNGC and Don Bosco College reaching out to the community and highlighting the importance of voluntary blood donation. The second rally was held at NERIST on August 12, with cadets participating in the awareness campaign. The programme culminated in a voluntary blood donation camp at RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar, on August 13, where NCC cadets and Permanent Instructor (PI) staff voluntarily donated blood. The organisers highlighted the importance of such initiatives in view of periodic blood shortages in Itanagar and the Capital Complex. Voluntary donation camps help replenish blood supplies for patients requiring transfusions and critical medical procedures, while awareness campaigns can also address misconceptions and hesitation associated with blood donation. The initiative reflected the NCC’s commitment to community service, civic engagement and social responsibility. The participation of cadets in both the awareness rallies and donation camp also sought to inspire a culture of voluntary blood donation and selfless service among young people.    

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DPC approves GPDP, ZPDP proposals for West Siang

AALO : The first-ever District Planning Committee (DPC) meeting for the preparation and approval of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and Zilla Parishad Development Plan (ZPDP) for West Siang district for the financial year 2026-27 was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by West Siang Deputy Commissioner-cum-DPC Chairman Mindo Loyi. Welcoming the participants, Aalo ADC-cum-District Panchayati Raj Officer Mabi Taipodia Jini highlighted the role of the DPC in ensuring coordinated, inclusive and need-based development planning at the grassroots level. She also briefed the participants on Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and its role in strengthening rural livelihoods and employment opportunities. West Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra apprised the house of various developmental schemes and programmes and called for collective efforts to ensure that development benefits reach every village and household. He urged Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) and Member Secretaries to guide and support Gram Panchayat Members (GPMs) and Gram Panchayat Committees (GPCs) in preparing and implementing development plans. All Member Secretaries presented their respective proposals through PowerPoint presentations. Following detailed deliberations, the schemes and proposals placed before the house were unanimously approved. Addressing the gathering, Mindo Loyi called upon Panchayat leaders to work with greater coordination, transparency and commitment for the overall development and welfare of the district. He also directed technical departments to provide necessary technical guidance and support to GPMs and other Panchayati Raj Institutions for proper planning and quality implementation of developmental works. The meeting was attended by heads of departments, ZPMs, officials and staff of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments and allied sectors, Panchayat Technical Assistants and other stakeholders. It was conducted by the Department of Panchayati Raj, West Siang. (DIPR)