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Takam Padu The constitutional journey of Arunachal Pradesh reflects one of India’s most remarkable stories of democratic evolution. From its early administration as the North-East Frontier Tracts under British India to its emergence as the 24th State of the Republic of India on 20 February 1987, the region underwent a gradual transformation through constitutional reforms, representative institutions, and indigenous leadership. Following Independence, the frontier region continued under a special administrative arrangement and was formally redesignated as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) in 1954. The administrative reforms that followed, together with the lessons of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, accelerated infrastructure development, governance, and political participation. The North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 created the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972, while the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 culminated in full statehood on 20 February 1987. Throughout this historic transition, several visionary leaders contributed to the political and democratic development of the region. Among them, the Mein family occupies a distinctive place for its multi-generational service in public life. The family’s political legacy can be traced to Chow Khamoon Gohain (Namshum), who became the first nominated Member of Parliament representing NEFA in the First and Second Lok Sabhas (1952–1962). At a time when NEFA had no elected parliamentary constituency, he served as the region’s voice in Parliament, advocating education, healthcare, connectivity, agriculture, and administrative development. The tradition of public service continued with Chow Chandret Gohain, who also represented the frontier region in Parliament, reinforcing indigenous participation in India’s democratic institutions. Another milestone came with Late Chow Pak (Chow Pook) Gohain, who was elected to the first Agency Council in 1969 following the introduction of the Panchayati Raj system in NEFA. As one of the earliest elected indigenous representatives, he helped lay the foundations of representative governance in the frontier region. His son, Chow Tewa Mein, carried the legacy forward as a member of the Pradesh Council (1972), the Provisional Legislative Assembly (1975), and later as a Member of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Cabinet Minister. His contributions to public administration and development were significant during the formative years of the State. The next generation is represented by Chowna Mein, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s longest-serving political leaders. First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1995, he has served as Speaker, Cabinet Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister since 2016. As Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, he has played a central role in strengthening fiscal management, infrastructure development, investment promotion, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic growth. In 2025, he became India’s longest-serving incumbent Deputy Chief Minister and was awarded the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Gauhati University for his contribution to public service. The family’s democratic legacy was further strengthened when Nang Sati Mein was elected to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Namsai as an Independent candidate in 2009. Spanning more than seven decades, the Mein family’s contribution mirrors the constitutional evolution of Arunachal Pradesh from NEFA to Union Territory and finally to statehood. Their public service at every stage of democratic development represents an important chapter in the political history of the State. Their legacy stands as a testament to the role of indigenous leadership in shaping modern Arunachal Pradesh and strengthening its democratic institutions.      

BOMDILA : The Office of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Bomdila, on Thursday organised a joint awareness programme on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative and World Breastfeeding Week at the Community Hall in Pedung village. Bomdila Assistant Commissioner Pooza Sonam attended the programme as the chief guest. The event was attended by Deputy Director of School Education Dr Ribom Basar, resource persons from various departments, Gaon Burahs, Gram Panchayat Members, teachers, students, parents, and pregnant and lactating mothers. During the programme, Dr L Modi from the Health Department highlighted the importance of breastfeeding and maternal and child healthcare. District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Protection Officer Rinchin Megejee spoke on the establishment and role of the DCPU in implementing child protection laws and facilitating adoption processes. He also appealed to the public to support efforts against drug abuse and encouraged families facing issues involving their children to seek assistance without hesitation. Emphasising the importance of community participation, he said collective support plays a crucial role in addressing substance abuse. One Stop Centre (OSC) Centre Administrator Tsering Penzom delivered an awareness session on the services provided by the centre. She also explained the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. An awareness session on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was also conducted, highlighting the need for collective efforts to build a drug-free society. The programme concluded with the chief guest administering the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Pledge to the participants. (DIPR)

TAWANG : The Tawang district administration on Thursday finalised the programme for the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 and the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day during a coordination meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner and In-charge Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, who reviewed the preparations and assigned responsibilities to various departments, educational institutions, security agencies, market welfare committees and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of the events. According to the schedule, a series of patriotic and public participation programmes will be organised across the district from August 12 to 15. The campaign will begin with the hoisting of the National Flag at every household from August 9. A grand Tiranga Yatra will be organised on August 12 from Buddha Park through Old Market and Nehru Market to the War Memorial, followed by a mass rendition of Vande Mataram. Around 500 participants, including students of Government Higher Secondary School Tawang, Government Town Secondary School, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets of Dorjee Khandu Government College, government officials and residents of Tawang township, are expected to participate. On August 13, a Tiranga Bike and Cycle Rally will be organised from Chamleng, near Tawang Monastery, to the War Memorial via Old and Nehru Markets to promote greater public participation and foster the spirit of patriotism. As part of the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14, exhibitions highlighting the historical significance and events of the Partition will be organised at Dorjee Khandu Government College, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Tawang, PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Tawang and Government Higher Secondary School Tawang to sensitise students and the public. Other activities planned under the campaign include tricolour rangoli competitions in educational institutions, Tiranga-themed illumination and decoration of Old, New, Nehru and Downtown markets, a Tiranga Swachh Abhiyan, Tiranga Sports celebrations on Independence Day, and the nationwide “Selfie with Tiranga” campaign encouraging citizens to upload photographs with the National Flag on the Har Ghar Tiranga portal. The district administration assigned specific responsibilities to the Education Department, District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Police Department, NCC, Tawang Cycle Association, Tawang District Football Association, market welfare committees and the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO). Security arrangements will be coordinated by Tawang Superintendent of Police, while refreshments for participants in the Tiranga Yatra and Bike Rally will be arranged by the 190 Mountain Brigade. The administration appealed to citizens, students, civil society organisations and market associations to actively participate in the campaign and associated events, making the celebrations a fitting tribute to the nation’s freedom fighters and the victims of Partition while promoting patriotism and national unity. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : An earthquake of 5.1 magnitude struck the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh early Thursday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). No immediate loss of life or damage to property was reported, officials said. The primary quake occurred at 5:45 am at a depth of 11 kilometres, with its epicentre located 116 km north-northwest of Pangin (Latitude 29.124 N, Longitude 94.856 E), the NCS stated. The mainshock was preceded by a sequence of three minor foreshocks starting in the early hours of Thursday. A shallow tremor of magnitude 2.8 hit the region at 3:40 am at a depth of 5 km, followed closely by a magnitude 3.2 quake at 3:55 am and another magnitude 2.8 event at 4:34 am, it said. Following the main tremor, a magnitude 3.5 aftershock was recorded at 7:17 am at a depth of 5 km, completing a multi-hour seismic swarm. Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Northeast region fall under Seismic Zone-V, making the area highly susceptible to tectonic activity due to the complex fault systems under the Eastern Himalayas. (Source: PTI)    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) on Wednesday urged Law Minister Kento Jini to convene a meeting of the high-power committee constituted to examine issues relating to non-APST lineage claims, protection of indigenous rights and related matters, or issue an order scheduling the meeting at the earliest. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, ASTBAC chairman Sol Dodum expressed concern over the delay in convening the committee’s meeting, stating that nearly two months have passed since the state government constituted the high-power committees, but no meeting has been called by the committee headed by Jini. Dodum informed that ASTBAC is scheduled to hold its second meeting on the issue on August 11 and urged the law minister to convene the committee meeting without further delay. Expressing disappointment over the inaction, Dodum said that if the meeting is not convened soon, the government should appoint a competent person to head the committee. He further informed that ASTBAC members have been carrying out groundwork across various districts and that surveys in Lohit, Namsai and Lower Dibang Valley districts, including Roing, have already been completed. Dodum also stated that the committee has obtained documents relating to the Nepal-India agreement on the settlement of Nepalis in India, while documents concerning the settlement of Tibetan and Chakma-Hajong communities are yet to be received. He further claimed that thousands of non-APST voters have been deleted during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Earlier, the state government had constituted four high-power committees following consultative meetings with ASTBAC, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and various indigenous organisations to address issues related to APST certificate verification, non-APST lineage claims, illegal infiltration and strengthening of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime. Among the committees, one headed by Law Minister Kento Jini was tasked with examining issues relating to non-APST lineage claims and protection of indigenous rights. Another panel headed by Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona was constituted to examine the re-verification of APST certificates and related matters. To strengthen the ILP regime, the government constituted a committee headed by Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, while another committee headed by Environment and Forests Minister Wangki Lowang was formed to examine issues related to infiltration and illegal immigrants, as per an official order.    

NAMSAI : Namsai Police arrested a wanted drug supplier from Changlang district and another suspected accomplice, besides seizing 24 grams (gross weight) of suspected heroin during a naka checking operation on Tuesday evening. Acting on specific intelligence, a police team led by Namsai Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kengo Dirchi established a naka near the Piyong Road tri-junction leading to Wagun Road after receiving information that a Hero Splendor motorcycle (Registration No. AR-20A-8039) was transporting suspected heroin from the Innao-Diyun-Changlang route towards Namsai. The information was recorded in writing and communicated to Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley in compliance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The motorcycle was intercepted at around 6 pm in the presence of independent witnesses. The occupants were identified as Sunil Kumar Chakma (45) and Subash Chakma (40), both residents of Udaipur-I village under Diyun Police Station in Changlang district. After completing the mandatory legal formalities under the NDPS Act, including service of notices under Section 50, the police searched the accused and the motorcycle. During the search, 24 grams (gross weight) of suspected heroin concealed inside two plastic soap cases was recovered and seized along with the motorcycle and other incriminating articles. The search and seizure proceedings were conducted in the presence of independent witnesses and documented through the e-Sakshya application. A case has been registered at Namsai Police Station under Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act, and investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify others involved in the drug supply network. The operation was carried out by a team comprising Inspector T Gadi, Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar and Constable Gangsa under the supervision of Namsai Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley. Reiterating its commitment to curbing drug trafficking, Namsai Police appealed to the public to share credible information on narcotics-related activities, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.  

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Wednesday inaugurated the new Governor Secretariat Building at Lok Bhavan here and dedicated it to the people of the Sstate, describing Lok Bhavan as an institution that truly belongs to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, senior state government officers and officials of the Governor Secretariat attended the inauguration ceremony. Addressing the gathering, the Governor said Lok Bhavan serves as a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, youth engagement and public outreach, bringing governance closer to the people. He urged citizens to regard Lok Bhavan as a house of the people, dedicated to the welfare and progress of every resident of Arunachal Pradesh. Highlighting the state’s developmental progress, Parnaik said Lok Bhavan would continue to remain accessible to citizens, students, entrepreneurs, artists, farmers and representatives of civil society. He added that every visitor should feel a sense of pride and ownership, as the institution reflects the collective aspirations, achievements and rich cultural heritage of the state. Commending the quality and architectural excellence of the new building, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh is steadily setting new benchmarks in public infrastructure development. Referring to landmark institutions such as the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the Gauhati High Court Itanagar Permanent Bench complex, he said these structures exemplify the State’s commitment to functional, aesthetically designed and modern public infrastructure. Such world-class facilities, Parnaik added, reflect Arunachal Pradesh’s growing aspirations and commitment to good governance. Congratulating the Lok Bhavan fraternity, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the institution has evolved into a vibrant platform connecting people across regions, communities and cultures. Describing Lok Bhavan as a symbol of inclusive and people-centric governance, he said it has helped bridge geographical distances and cultural diversity while promoting dialogue, mutual respect and collective progress. The Ground-plus-One (G+1) Governor Secretariat Building has been constructed at a cost of ₹10.90 crore with a plinth area of 1,424.63 square metres. Executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), the project commenced on February 24, 2024. The building is equipped with a centrally air-conditioned system, closed-circuit television (CCTV)-based security surveillance and lift facilities, enhancing accessibility, safety, administrative efficiency and public service delivery.