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ITANAGAR : Governor KT Parnaik on Saturday reviewed the law and order situation in the state during a meeting with DGP SD Singh Jamwal at the Lok Bhavan here, officials said. The discussions focused on the prevailing security environment, crime prevention measures, public safety, disaster preparedness, and the overall readiness of the state police to tackle emerging challenges, an official communique said. Highlighting the importance of a secure environment for socio-economic development and the realisation of the ‘Viksit Arunachal’ vision, the governor shared details of ‘SURAKSHA APP’, a digital platform providing real-time security to urban citizens, and recommended studying its implementation in the state. Reviewing the security dynamics in the insurgency-sensitive Tirap-Changlang-Longding region, Parnaik directed officials to speed up fence construction to curb extortion and kidnapping incidents. He also advised the DGP to ensure police personnel remain alert, well-equipped, and trained for search and rescue operations during natural disasters like landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. The governor emphasised maintaining quick reaction teams, conducting regular mock exercises, and strengthening inter-agency coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administrations, and local communities. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch) Dr Joy Tirkey was also present. (Source: PTI)  

ITANAGAR : Cultural Affairs Minister Dasanglu Pul on Saturday appealed to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to participate wholeheartedly in the fifth edition of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, being observed from August 9 to 17 as part of the celebrations marking the country’s 80th Independence Day. In her message, Pul said this year’s campaign assumes special significance as the nation is also commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, reflecting the enduring ideals of patriotism, unity and freedom. She said the State Government is committed to ensuring successful implementation of the nationwide campaign across all districts. Deputy Commissioners have been entrusted with coordinating the participation of Heads of Departments, while schools, civil society organisations, community organisations and citizens have been encouraged to actively join the campaign. Various activities are being organised across the State, including hoisting of the Tricolour at homes, offices and institutions, Tiranga rallies, bike and cycle rallies, public marches, patriotic cultural programmes based on the theme of ‘Vande Mataram’, exhibitions, patriotic rangoli and youth programmes, awareness drives and the ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ digital campaign. Appealing to youths, students, teachers, government employees, community leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and families to participate with pride and enthusiasm, Pul said, “Let us all hoist our Tiranga with pride, respect and dignity and inspire the younger generation with the values of patriotism, unity, integrity and service to the nation.” She called upon citizens to make ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ a people’s movement and celebrate the National Flag as a symbol of unity, pride and the collective spirit of the nation. Director of Art & Culture Ibom Tao informed that Indian flags are being distributed free of cost across all districts. Citizens can also upload their ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ on the official campaign website. Secretary of Art and Culture Mamata Riba was also present on the occasion.    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : Thousands of people from various walks of life on Saturday participated in the mass “referendum” rally organized by the Arunachal Frontier Tribal Forum (AFTF) here, reiterating demands for immediate scrapping of the existing 80:20 reservation ratio in recruitment conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), and making APST and Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) mandatory for all applicants to state government jobs. More than 38 organizations participated in the rally, which commenced from Akashdeep and culminated at IG Park, Itanagar. The participants carried banners and placards and raised slogans demanding abolition of the 80:20 reservation policy. Addressing reporters, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo said the forum has given the state government time till August 15 to fulfill its demands, warning that the government would be responsible for any eventuality if it failed to act within the stipulated period. “The state government can resolve this issue in just a day. Unfortunately, the government has been dragging the issue for the last five years for whatsoever reasons,” Nalo said. Addressing the gathering, Nalo said the rally was organized as a “referendum” to mount pressure on the government over the forum’s long-pending demands. He said August 8 holds historical significance as the day the Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call. Drawing a parallel, Nalo said the AFTF would intensify its democratic agitation if the government failed to address its demands. “We hope the state government will not compel us to launch an extensive movement and instead act on our demands at the earliest,” he said. Nalo also termed the state government’s decision to constitute a six-member committee to examine the feasibility of scrapping the 80:20 reservation ratio as an “eyewash”, alleging that it was aimed at delaying a decision on the issue. The committee, headed by Industries Minister Nyato Dukam, was constituted on July 6 to examine the feasibility of abolishing the existing reservation ratio and making APST and PRC certificates mandatory for candidates appearing in recruitment examinations conducted by the APPSC and APSSB. Nalo alleged that a similar committee headed by then Education Minister Taba Tedir was constituted in 2022 to examine the issue. Though the committee submitted its report in 2024, the government has not acted on its recommendations, he claimed. Meanwhile, the six-member committee is scheduled to hold a meeting on August 10 to deliberate on the issue.      

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Public Property Protection Committee (PPPC) has urged the state government to undertake a comprehensive survey and verification of government quarters and government land in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), alleging that a large number of government properties have been encroached upon or allotted in violation of prescribed rules. Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club here on Saturday, PPPC chairman Giogi Tania Kiogi said the committee has sought official assistance from the Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex, during its proposed inspection of government quarters and encroached government land. Kiogi said the proposed inspection is aimed at identifying unauthorised occupation, encroachment and misuse of government properties so that appropriate action can be initiated in the larger public interest. The committee has sought deployment of adequate government officials and police personnel to accompany the PPPC team during the inspection to ensure transparency, security and maintenance of law and order. It has also demanded suspension of government quarter and land allotments to individuals found to have illegally encroached upon government land or violated the terms and conditions of their allotment, pending completion of inquiry. The PPPC further called for immediate eviction proceedings against unauthorised occupants and encroachers who have occupied government land or constructed unauthorised buildings. It has also sought issuance of legal notices to all encroachers, including government quarter allottees and private individuals, directing them to remove encroachments within a stipulated period. According to the committee, a comprehensive survey of all government quarters established since 1995 should be conducted and brought back under the ambit of the concerned government departments. It also demanded cancellation of government quarter allotments in the ICR made in violation of prescribed rules and regulations under the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 2003. The PPPC has called for re-verification of all government quarters and their allottees across the ICR, claiming that several quarter records are missing or incomplete. It further proposed digitisation of government quarter records and establishment of a transparent digital system for the allotment process. The committee also demanded installation of mandatory signboards on every government quarter displaying the quarter number, allottee details and period of allotment to ensure transparency and accountability. Kiogi said the committee has proposed establishment of a fast-track court exclusively for government quarter encroachment cases, claiming that more than 5,000 such cases are still pending. The PPPC chairman further called for disciplinary action against government employees found to have illegally encroached upon government property or violated government quarter rules, in accordance with the CCS Rules, MACP provisions and other applicable laws. The committee also urged the government to formulate and implement a strong policy to prevent and control government quarter encroachment not only in the ICR but across the state. Regarding this matter, PPPC has submitted a representation to the DC, Capital Complex on 7 August, 2026, informed Kiogi, wherein, the committee remains committed to supporting the government in protecting public assets and ensuring that government land and quarters are utilised only for their lawful purpose.    

ITANAGAR : More than 5,220 kg of waste was removed from the Yagamso River during a clean-up drive organised by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ISCDCL), at IG Park here on Saturday. The drive was organised as part of activities commemorating the 80th Independence Day. Volunteers cleared accumulated waste that had choked the river channel, helping restore its natural flow. The collected waste was subsequently segregated and audited to assess the nature and volume of waste entering the river. The audit recorded around 9,000 disposable plates and glasses, 8,500 cement, rice and online-delivery bags, and 8,000 plastic items, besides several other categories of waste. The findings highlighted the extent of irresponsible waste disposal and its growing impact on the Yagamso River and its surrounding environment. Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Ward No. 10 Corporator Yukar Yaro, along with her team, attended the drive and commended YMCR and its partner organisations for the initiative. She expressed concern over continued dumping of waste by individuals and urged citizens to adopt responsible waste-management practices and refrain from dumping garbage into rivers and other water bodies. YMCR Chairman Advocate S D Loda urged volunteers to take the message of cleanliness beyond the campaign and spread it among their families and communities. He appealed to citizens to recognise their collective responsibility towards protecting rivers and the environment. YMCR Vice Chairman Keyom Doni said the participation of volunteers reflected growing civic awareness among the youth of Itanagar. He stressed that river clean-up drives should be viewed as part of a sustained environmental campaign rather than one-time activities, adding that lasting change would require citizens to stop treating rivers as dumping grounds and instead regard them as shared resources that need protection.    

Felix Anthony MIAO : Pope Leo has appointed Most Rev. George Pallipparambil SDB, Bishop of Miao Diocese in India’s Arunachal Pradesh state, as a member of the International Council for Catechesis (Co.In.Cat.), the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization announced this week. The appointment, for a five-year term (ad quinquennium), was confirmed in a letter from the Dicastery’s Pro-Prefect, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, dated 30 July 2026 and addressed to Bishop Pallipparambil at his residence in Miao. The letter notes that the Vatican’s Secretariat of State formally advised the Dicastery of the pope’s approval on 5 July 2026, following a request from the Dicastery itself. Co.In.Cat. is a consultative body that supports the Dicastery for Evangelization’s Section for Fundamental Questions Regarding Evangelization in the World, offering guidance and reflection on catechetical initiatives across the global Church. In his letter, Archbishop Fisichella expressed hope that Bishop Pallipparambil’s experience would allow him “to make a valuable contribution to the reflection and initiatives of this body in the important and sensitive field of catechesis.” The letter was countersigned by Mons. Graham Bell, Under-Secretary in charge of the Dicastery’s Secretariat. Bishop Pallipparambil, a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), leads the Diocese of Miao, which covers a largely tribal and mission territory in northeastern India near the borders with Myanmar and China. The diocese is known for its missionary character and its work among indigenous communities in one of India’s more remote regions. The appointment adds an Indian voice with direct pastoral experience in a frontier missionary diocese to a Vatican council tasked with shaping catechetical policy for the universal Church. Bishop Pallipparambil’s term on the council is set to run for five years from the date of the papal approval. The people of Miao have expressed joy over the appointment of their Bishop by the Holy See and assured their prayerful support as he takes up his duty with an important International Council of the Holy See. (The contributor looks after the Office of Social Communication, Miao Diocese. He can be contacted at felixamiao@gmail.com)    

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday inaugurated the five-day 13th Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship-2026 at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium here, announcing that the annual financial support for the championship would be doubled from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh from this year. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Khandu said the enhanced support was aimed at strengthening the State’s badminton ecosystem and providing young players with greater opportunities to compete and excel. He assured that the Rs 50-lakh allocation would continue for subsequent editions of the championship. Organised by the Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) in memory of former Chief Minister Late Dorjee Khandu, the championship has completed 13 editions and emerged as an important platform for young players to progress from State-level competitions to zonal, regional, national and international events. Khandu thanked the ASBA and its veteran players for their sustained efforts in popularising badminton across the State. Recalling Late Dorjee Khandu’s passion for the sport, he said Itanagar had only one badminton court during his father’s tenure, located below the Raj Bhavan, now Lok Bhavan. Highlighting the expansion of sports infrastructure, Khandu said a 20,700-square-metre plot near the Sange Lhaden Sports Academy had been earmarked for the proposed Dorjee Khandu Badminton Academy. Construction of the facility, which will have 20 badminton courts, is underway. “Once the academy is completed, we will be able to host international-level badminton competitions here,” Khandu said, describing the project as a major boost for badminton players and enthusiasts in the State. He noted that the ongoing championship was being hosted at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium, a modern facility developed under the Khelo India Scheme, which has around five badminton courts. He said improved infrastructure and growing technical expertise were enabling Arunachal’s sporting talent to realise its potential. Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh had made significant progress in sports over the past decade and secured second position among the North Eastern States in the latest National Games ranking. He expressed confidence that the State would retain and improve its position when Meghalaya hosts the next National Games. Crediting the national push for sports under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly through the Khelo India initiative, Khandu said improved infrastructure had helped bridge the gap that previously prevented talented athletes from showcasing their abilities. He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship Scheme (CMSSS), launched last year, which currently supports around 30 athletes across nine disciplines. In its first year, athletes covered under the scheme collectively secured around 75 medals, including in 13 international competitions, he said. Khandu congratulated para-badminton player Biri Takar for representing India internationally and winning a gold medal at the Brazil Para Badminton International 2026. He described the achievement in the first year of the CMSSS as a matter of pride for the State. Highlighting Arunachal’s growing pool of badminton talent, Khandu mentioned Taku Manku, Samuel Tamang, Divya Tagu, Kiyom Tamin and La Takum among players making their mark at national and regional levels. In the women’s category, he named Pinky Karki, Taring Yana and La Yajum, noting that Taring Yana is a five-time North East champion in women’s doubles. Calling grassroots development crucial to building a sustainable sporting ecosystem, Khandu urged senior coaches and district-level badminton associations to identify and nurture talent from an early stage. “Talent is not lacking in Arunachal Pradesh. What we need is to identify that talent early, provide the right training and give our young players sustained opportunities,” he said. The Chief Minister said the government would continue to work with the Sports Department, Arunachal Pradesh Olympic Association and various sports associations to strengthen the State’s sporting ecosystem. Encouraging the participating players, Khandu said winning and losing were part of sport, while representing the State itself was a matter of pride. He urged the players to give their best and return stronger and more determined in subsequent editions, irrespective of the outcome. The five-day championship has brought together 402 players, including 95 girls, from different districts of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 543 matches will be played across 28 events during the championship, which also seeks to identify and promote emerging badminton talent while commemorating Late Dorjee Khandu’s contribution to the sport in the State.      

Manoj Singh KIMIN : Severe erosion has damaged the approach embankment of the Ranga-I Bridge over the Panyor River along the Kimin-Potin Road in Papum Pare district, disrupting heavy vehicle movement and raising concerns over the supply of essential commodities to several interior districts. The damaged stretch at Km 7.50 of the Kimin-Potin Road is particularly significant as the route serves as a critical link to Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Upper Subansiri, Kamle and adjoining areas. Papum Pare Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Bamang Yayu said the disruption has affected the transportation of petrol, diesel, ration items, LPG and other essential supplies. She said uninterrupted connectivity along the route was vital as it serves as a key junction connecting seven districts. While light motor vehicles are being allowed to cross with caution, heavy vehicles have been barred following safety concerns arising from the damaged embankment. Papum Pare Additional Deputy Commissioner Ocean Gao said heavy vehicle movement over the bridge was suspended on August 3 after the approach embankment collapsed following continuous heavy rainfall. A gate has been installed at the site to prevent heavy vehicles from using the vulnerable stretch. Technical teams and bridge experts inspected the structure and found that the bridge itself remained intact, with no visible cracks. However, the collapse of the lower embankment has made the bridge unsafe for heavy traffic, necessitating urgent restoration measures. An emergency meeting chaired by Gao on August 5, attended by villagers, Gaon Burahs, panchayat leaders and public representatives, resolved to restore an abandoned 4-km road connecting the 8-km point of the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) road to Upper Jumi village as an alternative route. The proposed bypass, which has remained unused for years, requires extensive earthwork, drainage improvement, retaining structures and culvert repairs. A preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Rural Works Department has estimated the restoration cost at Rs 10.9 crore. Yayu said residents have urged the government to closely monitor restoration of the alternative route, stressing that temporary repair would not provide a lasting solution for such a strategically important inter-district road. Villagers and local representatives unanimously assured full cooperation for the restoration work. M/s Peno Enterprises of Kimin has also agreed to undertake the work immediately under the technical supervision of the Rural Works Department, pending financial sanction from the government. Gao said temporary measures, including drilling and anchoring at the damaged embankment, could facilitate diversion of traffic through the alternative route within about 10 days. Meanwhile, the district administration is allowing small tankers and light vehicles carrying reduced loads to cross the bridge under strict regulation to prevent shortages of essential commodities. Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies are being transported in smaller vehicles and reloaded where necessary. Gao said the Kimin-Potin Road has assumed greater importance following the closure of the Hoj-Potin Road and is currently the only functional route connecting several interior districts and strategically important border areas. He thanked GREF and Rural Works Department officials for their prompt response and said the DPR had been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and the local MLA for necessary financial support. He emphasised that restoring uninterrupted connectivity remains a priority in the interests of public safety, essential services and national security. (DIPR)    

KHONSA : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta on Saturday undertook a comprehensive review of key developmental initiatives in Tirap district, focusing on the implementation of flagship government schemes, infrastructure projects and delivery of welfare programmes. The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain, and Director, Health & Family Welfare Marbom Basar. Deputy Commissioner, Tirap, Badonlum Tawsik, APCS (AG), Zilla Parishad Chairperson Advocate John KK Matey, Superintendent of Police Aditya, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Khonsa, Namneet Singh, ADC Deomali Tana Bapu, administrative officers and Heads of Departments attended the review meeting. Reviewing ongoing developmental works, Gupta stressed timely execution, quality assurance, effective monitoring and close inter-departmental coordination. He directed all departments to work in coordination to ensure effective implementation of government schemes and timely completion of infrastructure projects. The Chief Secretary advised the District Horticulture Officer, Khonsa, to intensify awareness among farmers on scientific horticulture practices as a sustainable alternative to shifting cultivation under relevant flagship programmes. He stressed that such initiatives should promote sustainable livelihoods, enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes. He also called for greater public awareness on cleanliness, proper waste disposal and prevention of littering in Khonsa and Deomali towns. He stressed the need for appropriate wastewater treatment and improved sanitation and suggested preparation of comprehensive City Master Plans for both towns to facilitate planned urban development, parking management and better regulation of traffic. Emphasising optimal utilisation of existing government assets, Gupta directed departments to explore the possible reutilisation of defunct or underutilised assets through suitable engagement of Self-Help Groups, NGOs and other community-based organisations. He also stressed conservation of water sources and catchment areas through plantation and other appropriate measures to ensure long-term water security. Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik presented a comprehensive overview of the district’s developmental status, major infrastructure projects, key achievements, ongoing initiatives and administrative challenges. Shortage of manpower at the Zonal General Hospital, Khonsa, and damage to roads at various locations were among the key issues highlighted. Various departments subsequently presented the status of their respective schemes and projects, covering Health and Family Welfare, Education, Police, PWD, RWD, Urban Development, Rural Development, PHE&WS, Water Resources, Power, APEDA, Agriculture, Horticulture, Election, Fisheries, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Environment and Forest, Textiles and Handicrafts and Disaster Management. Superintendent of Police Aditya briefed the Chief Secretary on measures being taken to combat drug peddling and insurgency-related activities. He informed that cases related to drug peddling were being actively pursued, while insurgency-related activities had shown a declining trend in the district. The Environment and Forest Department apprised the meeting of plantation and conservation initiatives being implemented under the CAMPA scheme. The District Agriculture Officer highlighted difficulties faced by beneficiaries in obtaining bank loans under various agricultural schemes, particularly delays in the release and disbursement of sanctioned loans by banks. Similar concerns were raised by the Fisheries Department regarding delays in loan disbursement to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and other initiatives under the Aatmanirbhar programme. Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain highlighted the importance of the Chief Minister’s Arogya Arunachal Yojana and other welfare schemes and stressed the need to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are adequately informed and able to access the benefits. The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of the district administration and various departments and directed them to maintain transparency, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure quality execution and expedite project implementation so that the intended benefits reach the people within the stipulated timelines. Earlier, Gupta, accompanied by the Chief Electoral Officer, Director, Health & Family Welfare, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Executive Engineer, PWD, inspected the newly constructed first-floor extension of the existing PWD Circuit House at Khonsa. He appreciated the quality of construction and aesthetic design of the facility and commended Executive Engineer, PWD, Er Taro Jeram, for his efforts in executing the project. The day-long review was aimed at assessing the progress of major developmental projects, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring timely completion of ongoing works for the benefit of the people of Tirap district. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by ADC Khonsa Namneet Singh, IAS, who assured that the directions and observations made by the Chief Secretary would be followed up by the district administration and concerned departments.