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ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu on moral grounds, alleging that the state government was not cooperating with a Supreme Court-directed CBI preliminary inquiry. In a statement, APCC working president Tanga Byaling alleged that the state administration was reluctant to assist the central agency in probing public works contracts worth around Rs 1,270 crore, reportedly awarded to firms linked to Khandu’s relatives. Byaling said the matter had entered the domain of judicial scrutiny and alleged that the Supreme Court had summoned the state’s Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home) after the CBI submitted reports flagging non-cooperation. The party questioned why the top court had to intervene when the chief minister had publicly welcomed the probe on April 6, and assured full cooperation. The opposition party claimed that the ruling BJP’s slogan of ‘Zero Tolerance Against Corruption’ stands exposed, adding that Khandu’s resignation is essential to ensure a free, fair, and impartial investigation without any conflict of interest The APCC also raised concerns over recent administrative reshuffles and transfers of officials in departments whose records fall under the scope of the CBI inquiry, urging the government to ensure that no tender files, work orders, or digital records are altered, delayed, or destroyed. Demanding complete transparency, the Congress called on the state government to hand over all requested documents to investigators, publish a status report detailing its cooperation, and ensure protection for officials and whistleblowers facilitating the probe. (Source: PTI)

TAWANG : The Directorate of Census Operations, Arunachal Pradesh, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, organised a one-day district-level training programme on the District Census Handbook (DCHB) 2027 at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here on Monday. The training was conducted as part of preparations for Census 2027, with Deputy Director of Census Phiralin Passah and Junior Consultant Daniel Jones imparting training to field functionaries on various aspects of preparing the DCHB. The resource persons explained the procedures, responsibilities and requirements involved in systematic compilation of district-level information and stressed the need for accuracy and consistency throughout the exercise. Earlier, Assistant Commissioner-cum-Assistant Director of Economics & Statistics Tenzin Jambey welcomed the resource persons and participants. He urged the field functionaries to remain attentive and make full use of the training to clarify their queries. Highlighting the sensitive and important nature of Census work, Jambey called upon the functionaries to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, accuracy and commitment. He said reliable Census data was essential for effective planning, informed policymaking and implementation of development programmes. The training provided a platform to strengthen the preparedness and capacity of field functionaries for the systematic compilation of demographic and socio-economic information for the District Census Handbook. The programme marked an important step towards ensuring accurate and reliable district-level data as part of the preparations for a comprehensive Census 2027 exercise in Tawang. (DIPR)

SAGALEE : A day-long Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive was conducted at Deb village under Sagalee Circle in Papum Pare district in collaboration with the K.T. Foundation, with around 50 Mithuns vaccinated. The initiative aimed to strengthen livestock health and prevent the spread of FMD among Mithuns in the area. Papum Pare District Veterinary Officer Dr Takio Taram Tarh appreciated the K.T. Foundation for the initiative and assured its chairman R.K. Taj of the department’s full cooperation, particularly in the supply of medicines and vaccines. The DVO also urged Mithun owners to cooperate with the Veterinary Department during vaccination drives and ensure that their animals are duly vaccinated. He stressed that active participation of livestock owners was essential to achieving the goal of making the region FMD-free by 2030. The programme was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen animal disease prevention and promote healthier livestock practices in the district.

ITANAGAR : Two suspected drug peddlers were arrested with 163 gm heroin from Chimpu area of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Monday. The action followed an operation conducted on Sunday night regarding narcotics movement, according to a release issued by the police. During the operation, security personnel recovered eight soap cases, five tobacco containers, and 18 plastic vials filled with suspected heroin worth around Rs 20 lakh. A case has been registered at Chimpu Police Station under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the release said. Further investigation is underway to trace the source, supply chain, and network of distributors involved in the racket, it added. (PTI)

PALIN : Kra-Daadi District Police has busted an inter-state stolen vehicle racket and recovered 15 stolen SUVs during an investigation into two cases registered at Palin Police Station. The recovered vehicles include two Toyota Fortuners, two Mahindra Thars, one Mahindra Scorpio, six Hyundai Cretas, two Kia Seltos, one Hyundai Alcazar and one Hyundai Venue. Two cases were registered in connection with the racket—Palin PS Case No. 02/2026 under Sections 317(2), 340(2) and 111(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Palin PS Case No. 09/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 316(3) BNS. A total of 11 accused persons were arrested during the investigation and subsequently charge-sheeted. For an effective probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of DySP Headquarters Mape Zirdo, with Palin Police Station Officer-in-Charge SI Nong Jongkey and Investigating Officer SI Nalotong Jamoh as members. The SIT conducted raids at multiple locations and hideouts across Itanagar Capital Region, Papum Pare, Kra-Daadi, Kurung Kumey and neighbouring Assam. After several attempts, the team arrested the alleged kingpin of the inter-state racket, Jahangir Alam, from Barpeta in Assam on August 6. He had reportedly been evading arrest since January. The district police appealed to people to remain vigilant and verify vehicle documents thoroughly before purchasing or entering into any vehicle deal. It cautioned the public against falling prey to fraudulent vehicle transactions and unscrupulous elements. “Alertness and right information is the best way to be safe,” the police said in a statement.    

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Monday asked the Sainik School in East Siang district to focus on discipline, physical fitness, character-building and academic excellence while preparing students for leadership and nation-building. Parnaik made the remarks when school principal Col Anant Thapan called on him at Lok Bhavan here and briefed him on the school’s academic performance, co-curricular achievements, infrastructure development, future plans and challenges, an official statement said. The governor said Sainik Schools have an important role in preparing disciplined, responsible and patriotic citizens, particularly for leadership roles in the Armed Forces and other areas of public service. He emphasised that physical fitness, discipline, character-building and academic excellence should remain the core pillars of education in such institutions. Parnaik also stressed the need for a holistic learning environment and advised the principal to maintain the school campus to the highest standards. He said a clean, well-maintained and vibrant campus helps students focus on academics, personality development and extracurricular activities while developing a sense of responsibility and pride. The governor called for creating an environment that encourages students to strive for excellence and develop confidence and leadership qualities. During the meeting, the principal apprised Parnaik of the challenges faced by the school, including incomplete infrastructure, frequent power outages and erosion of a portion of the building because of flooding. Stating that the issues had already been taken up with the authorities, he assured that the institution remained committed to providing quality education and all-round development opportunities to its cadets. Thapan said Sainik School East Siang would continue to focus on developing disciplined, confident and capable young citizens committed to serving the nation. The governor assured the principal that he would take up the issues related to infrastructure, power supply and flood-induced erosion with the state government to facilitate the smooth functioning and development of the school. (PTI)  

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Welfare Society (AAPWWS) on Monday sought the issuance of formal appointment letters to employees working under the Arunachal Pradesh Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Ltd within 10 days. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, AAPWWS Secretary General Karbia Sonam Tara said the association had submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Mama Natung, seeking immediate intervention for revision of wages and issuance of formal appointment letters to employees working under the corporation. However, there has been no response to the memorandum till date, he said. He informed that the memorandum highlights alleged violations of the state’s recruitment and labour guidelines by the Arunachal Pradesh Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Ltd, a state government undertaking. Tara alleged that around 14 Site Engineers (Civil) and 40 casual employees have been serving under the corporation for several years without receiving formal appointment letters or revised 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 are not being paid wages as mandated under labour laws. As a result, many workers remain uncertain about their official designations and employment status, he said. According to the society, 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 AAPWWS sought the issuance of formal appointment letters within 10 days, failing which it may be compelled to take further democratic steps, Tara said. The society also 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.      

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul on Monday called for accelerating geothermal energy and critical mineral exploration in the State, stressing that its vast geological resources should be harnessed responsibly to support sustainable development and energy security. Chairing a review meeting on geothermal exploration in Tawang and critical mineral exploration at her office here, Pul emphasised greater coordination among scientific institutions, public sector undertakings and government agencies. “Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential in geothermal energy and critical minerals. We need to translate scientific exploration into practical applications that can benefit local communities and contribute to the State’s long-term economic growth,” she said. The meeting reviewed geothermal exploration and resource assessment being undertaken by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) in collaboration with Oil India Limited (OIL). Pul stressed the need to explore both direct utilisation of geothermal heat and its potential for power generation. The geothermal drying technology demonstrated by CES&HS at Dirang was highlighted as a potential model for replication in other suitable areas. “Technologies such as geothermal drying can have direct livelihood applications, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors. Successful models should be identified, refined and replicated wherever feasible,” Pul said. The meeting also reviewed critical mineral exploration, particularly the Phop Graphite and Vanadium Block acquired by OIL in Tranche-IV of the Ministry of Mines’ auction process. Pul said critical minerals have assumed increasing strategic and economic importance and called for coordinated exploration backed by scientific expertise and modern technology. The contribution of CES&HS to early-stage drone mapping and geological planning of the block was also acknowledged. Science and Technology Secretary Wayong Khimhun, CES&HS Director Tana Tage, OIL Resident Chief Executive Binayananda Bharali and senior officials of OIL and MECL attended the meeting.

PASIGHAT : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday inaugurated the NCC Academy Complex at Pasighat, describing it as an important investment in the character-building, leadership development and nation-building potential of the State’s youth. Addressing the inaugural function, Khandu said the Academy would provide young cadets with an institutional platform to develop discipline, leadership, physical fitness, patriotism and a spirit of service, while encouraging them to pursue careers in the Armed Forces. “The youth are the greatest strength of Arunachal Pradesh. Our responsibility is not merely to provide them education and employment opportunities, but also to build their character and instill in them the values of discipline, responsibility and service,” he said. Highlighting initiatives to encourage more Arunachali youth to join the Armed Forces as officers, the Chief Minister referred to the recently launched Chief Minister’s Frontier Sainik School Scholarship Scheme. Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided to Arunachali students studying in eight notified Sainik Schools and the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun. He also informed that an Indian Army-led officer-level coaching-cum-mentorship programme for Arunachal students would begin soon. The programme, he said, would provide focused guidance to students aspiring to join Sainik and Military Schools and eventually become officers in the Armed Forces. “I see the NCC Academy, the Frontier Sainik School Scholarship Scheme and the Indian Army-led mentorship programme as complementary initiatives. Together creating a stronger ecosystem for discipline, leadership, military education and national service,” Khandu said. The Chief Minister urged NCC cadets to look beyond conventional career choices and aspire for leadership positions in the Armed Forces. Recalling the role of the NCC in shaping generations of young Indians, he said Arunachal Pradesh, as a strategically important frontier State, stood to benefit immensely from a stronger NCC ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the Pasighat Academy would emerge as a premier training centre for NCC cadets from Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Northeast, offering modern training facilities and opportunities for interaction with trained instructors and Armed Forces personnel. Khandu also spoke about the rapidly changing technological landscape and its impact on young people, particularly the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media. While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI in education, employment and communication, he cautioned youth against its irresponsible use. “Technology is a powerful tool. Artificial Intelligence can open up tremendous opportunities for our youth, but we must also understand its limitations and use it responsibly,” he said. He urged NCC cadets to use social media positively, remain alert to misinformation and cyber risks, and develop the ability to distinguish reliable information from misleading content. He said the values of discipline, critical thinking and responsible citizenship imparted through NCC training were especially relevant in an age of constant digital exposure. Emphasising that technology should serve as a means to enhance human potential rather than become a distraction, Khandu urged cadets to make the best use of the facilities at the Academy and carry its values into their schools, colleges, communities and professional lives. Highlighting the importance of youth participation in nation-building and India’s vision of Viksit Bharat, he said, “Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved without a Viksit Arunachal, and a Viksit Arunachal cannot be built without empowered, disciplined and responsible youth.” He said the State Government would continue to support initiatives in education, sports, skill development, entrepreneurship and leadership, while encouraging youth to explore careers in the Armed Forces and other national services. The Chief Minister congratulated the NCC authorities, State Government departments and agencies involved in establishing the Academy and expressed confidence that it would develop into a centre of excellence for youth development. He also called upon parents, educational institutions and society to encourage more young people to join the NCC and benefit from its training, discipline and values.    

WAKKA : The 44 Assam Rifles conducted a medical camp at Wakka town in Longding district on Sunday to provide essential healthcare services to local residents and people from adjoining remote areas. Medical personnel conducted general health check-ups, provided consultations and treatment for common ailments, and distributed essential medicines. Awareness was also imparted on preventive healthcare, personal hygiene and disease prevention. A total of 383 people, including 135 men, 175 women and 73 children, benefited from the camp. The initiative helped improve access to basic healthcare services, particularly for residents of remote areas. Local residents and community leaders appreciated the Assam Rifles for organising the camp and its continued efforts towards community welfare and healthcare outreach. The initiative also reaffirmed the force’s commitment to strengthening community engagement, trust and cooperation with the people of the region.