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YUPIA : The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) on Wednesday launched the first phase of its humanitarian assistance for families affected by the flash floods that struck several districts of the state between June 26 and 29 by handing over a cheque of ₹2,05,732 to the Papum Pare district administration. The cheque was presented to Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Hage Mamu at her office by an IFCSAP delegation led by its President Dr Emi Rumi. The delegation also included General Secretary Maya Murtem and IFCSAP Papum Pare District Unit President C.K. Yab. Expressing gratitude for the gesture, the DC said such acts of compassion and solidarity would further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and unity among the people of Arunachal Pradesh. During the interaction, Dr Emi Rumi briefed the Deputy Commissioner on IFCSAP’s statewide crowdfunding initiative launched to support families affected by the flash floods. He said the assistance for Papum Pare was mobilised through contributions from IFCSAP Bichom District Unit (₹18,500), IFCSAP Pakke Kessang District Unit (₹51,500), IFCSAP Papum Pare District Unit (₹85,732) and the IFCSAP Central Executive Committee (₹50,000), taking the total assistance for the district to ₹2,05,732. Dr Rumi informed that relief assistance for the remaining flood-affected districts would be handed over by Friday, completing the first phase of IFCSAP’s statewide flood relief initiative.    

LONGDING : The Longding District Department of Horticulture organised a training-cum-awareness programme for farmers at Kamhua-Noknu village on Wednesday to promote scientific horticulture practices and create awareness about key government schemes. Around 30 farm families participated in the programme, which focused on strengthening technical knowledge and familiarising beneficiaries with flagship horticulture initiatives, including the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana (ANBY) and Atma Nirbhar Plantation Scheme (ANPS). The sessions highlighted the Area Expansion Programme under MIDH with emphasis on cluster-based crop management, sustainable horticultural development under ANBY and expansion of plantation coverage through ANPS. Longding Horticulture Development Officer Jaman Rangkham, who served as the resource person, conducted technical sessions on scientific cultivation practices for various horticultural crops. He also sensitised farmers on the balanced and efficient use of manures and fertilisers, besides promoting the use of organic plant protectors and eco-friendly crop guards for effective management of pests and diseases. Supported by departmental field functionaries, the interactive programme equipped participating farmers with modern cultivation techniques and sustainable farming practices aimed at improving productivity, crop health and farm income. (DIPR)    

TAWANG : PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Tawang, celebrated Navodaya Foundation Day with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, commemorating 40 years of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti’s commitment to nurturing rural talent and providing quality education. The celebration began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by the invocation song. Tawang Zilla Parishad Member and Mahila Morcha District President Sonam Nordzin attended the programme as the chief guest, while Tawang Assistant Commissioner Tenzin Jambey attended as the guest of honour. Alumni of JNV Tawang, Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) members and Vidyalaya Management Committee (VMC) members were also present. The programme featured colourful cultural performances, patriotic songs, traditional dances and literary presentations by students, showcasing the rich talent and values nurtured by the institution. Welcoming the gathering, Principal M L Meena highlighted the school’s achievements in academics, National Cadet Corps (NCC), sports, Olympiads and co-curricular activities, besides the successful implementation of various PM SHRI initiatives. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to holistic education and the all-round development of students. In her address, Nordzin congratulated the school community on completing four decades of excellence and appreciated the institution’s consistent achievements in academics, environmental conservation and child safety initiatives. She encouraged students to remain disciplined, confident and socially responsible while striving to become responsible citizens. Addressing the students, Jambey, a proud alumnus of JNV Tawang, shared his journey and urged them to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, perseverance and dedication in their pursuit of excellence and meaningful service to society. Adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration, distinguished alumnus Sangey Phuntsok recounted the institution’s journey from its temporary campus to its present permanent campus. He encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities provided by the school and remain focused on achieving their goals. The occasion also witnessed the felicitation of students for outstanding achievements in academics, NCC, sports, Olympiads, cultural activities and other co-curricular events. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, celebrating four decades of the Navodaya movement’s enduring commitment to nurturing rural talent and shaping future leaders. (DIPR)

ZIRO : Demonstrating that compassion transcends geographical boundaries, the Ziro Royal Enfielders (ZRE), a motorcycle club based in Lower Subansiri district, carried out a humanitarian relief mission for flood-affected families in Assam by donating essential relief materials through Sukafa Riders Motorcycle Club at Nazira in Sivasagar district. A Tata Mobile carrying relief supplies departed from Ziro, while an Isuzu truck and two private vehicles transporting additional materials from Itanagar joined the convoy to Sivasagar, delivering much-needed assistance to flood-hit communities. The relief mission marked the second phase of ZRE’s humanitarian campaign. Collection drives were organised in Ziro and Itanagar on July 29 and 30, during which volunteers gathered new and reusable essential items. The donated materials included drinking water, phenyl, sanitary pads, clothing, towels, bed sheets, utensils, footwear, undergarments and other daily necessities. Speaking on the initiative, Club Chief Nending Ommo said the campaign was inspired by the overwhelming support extended by people of Assam to Arunachal Pradesh during the recent flash floods in Keyi Panyor district. “When the people of Keyi Panyor were affected by flash floods last month, Ziro Royal Enfielders organised an online donation drive. We were deeply moved that nearly half of the contributions came from generous individuals and motorcycle clubs from Assam. Their solidarity during our difficult time will always be remembered. Today, when our brothers and sisters in Assam are facing one of the worst flood situations, it became our moral responsibility to stand beside them. This relief campaign is a small gesture of gratitude, humanity and brotherhood,” he said. Vice Chief Hage Duyu said the riding fraternity has always stood for unity beyond geographical and political boundaries. “Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are neighbours, and while political or border-related issues may sometimes create differences, humanity should always unite us. Through this initiative, we wanted to convey a simple message that the people of Assam are not alone in this difficult time. Arunachal Pradesh stands firmly with them,” he said. General-in-Command Duyu Deilyang said the club chose to personally deliver the relief materials despite challenging road conditions to reaffirm its solidarity with the affected communities. “Our contribution may be modest, but it comes with sincere concern and compassion. We are grateful to every individual donor and the riding fraternity that supported this campaign,” he said. He also acknowledged the support extended by fellow riding clubs, including Royal Arunachal Riders, Mountain Folks, Eastern Hill Riders, Arunachal Riders Consortium, Arunachal Bullet Club, Decent Souls and Royal Gorkha Riders. Explaining why the relief materials were handed over to Sukafa Riders Motorcycle Club, Ommo said the club coordinated with the local riders, who have been actively engaged in relief work for the past two weeks and were best placed to ensure that the aid reached the most deserving beneficiaries. He added that ZRE follows a policy of safeguarding the dignity and privacy of disaster victims by avoiding the public disclosure of their identities during relief operations. The initiative also received support from Monroe Phukan, a noted solo rider from Sivasagar, who assisted ZRE throughout the mission. Sukafa Riders Motorcycle Club Chief David and Secretary Sanjay expressed gratitude to Ziro Royal Enfielders for the thoughtful initiative, describing it as a meaningful gesture that strengthened the bond of brotherhood between the riding communities of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The relief mission reflected the spirit of the riding fraternity, where motorcycles became vehicles of compassion, solidarity and hope, reaffirming that humanity rises above borders and differences in times of crisis.    

PITAPOOL : Members of the Retired Government Employees of Keyi Panyor District on Wednesday visited Possa and parts of the NEEPCO area in Pitapool Circle to interact with families affected by the devastating floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts in June. The delegation, led by Chairman Taba Teni, Secretary Yowa Topu and Convenor TD Neckom, inspected areas that were severely impacted by the June 24 cloudbursts, which triggered landslides and flash floods, causing loss of lives and extensive damage to property. As a gesture of solidarity and support, the retired employees handed over financial assistance raised through contributions from their monthly pensions to the affected families. The delegation was accompanied by Padma Shri awardee Techi Guvin, senior leader Dr Joram Begi, Chukhu Tallar, Nich Tadar, noted artist Bengia Tabb and JT Toko, among others. Keyi Panyor Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju, Possa Gram Panchayat Chairperson and other local leaders were present during the visit.

TAWANG : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tawang, on Wednesday concluded a three-day Community Mediator Training Programme aimed at strengthening grassroots access to justice and promoting amicable settlement of disputes in rural communities. The training, held from August 3 to 5 at the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court Complex, was organised under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The programme was conducted under NALSA’s flagship initiative, “Community Mediation: Towards a Litigation-Free Rural India,” which seeks to promote peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, consensus and mutual understanding, thereby improving access to justice at the community level. Resource person Advocate Raknu Konya conducted comprehensive sessions on mediation techniques, effective communication, negotiation strategies, conflict resolution and the principles of amicable dispute settlement. The training was designed to equip community mediators with the practical skills required to resolve local disputes peacefully within their respective villages. Two nominated community mediators—Gaon Burah Thinley Tashi of Manpat village and Gaon Burah Lobsang Wangchu of Shyo village—successfully completed the programme. They were presented certificates of completion by the Tawang District Legal Services Authority Secretary during the valedictory function held at the CJM Court Complex. Community Mediation, envisaged under the Mediation Act, 2023, read with the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, provides a voluntary, confidential and non-adversarial mechanism for resolving disputes affecting peace and harmony in villages and local communities. The initiative is being implemented through Legal Services Institutions across the country. By encouraging dialogue and consensus, the programme seeks to preserve social relationships, strengthen community participation, provide accessible and affordable justice at the grassroots level, and reduce avoidable litigation by resolving disputes before they reach the courts. The successful completion of the training marks another step by DLSA Tawang towards NALSA’s vision of creating “Litigation-Free Villages” through peaceful dispute resolution, social harmony and timely access to justice. (DIPR)

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR :  The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Forum (AFTF) on Tuesday announced that it will organise a final mega rally on August 8 from Akashdeep to IG Park here, demanding the immediate scrapping of the existing 80:20 reservation policy in recruitment conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), and enforcement of mandatory APST and Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) requirements for all applicants to state government jobs. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo said the proposed rally would serve as a “referendum” to mount pressure on the state government to act on the forum’s long-pending demands. He appealed to people from all walks of life, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), students’ bodies and political parties to participate in the rally. He informed that signatures of all participants would be collected and that the forum would announce its next course of action during the programme. Highlighting the significance of the date, Nalo said August 8 marks the anniversary of the Quit India Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 under the famous “Do or Die” call. Drawing a parallel with the historic movement, he said the AFTF would intensify its democratic agitation in a “do or die” manner if the government failed to address its demands after the August 8 rally. “We hope the state government will not compel us to launch an extensive movement and instead act on our demands on or before August 8,” he said. Nalo also termed the state government’s decision to constitute a six-member committee to examine the abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio in government recruitment as an “eyewash”, alleging that it was merely delaying action on the issue. The state government had constituted the committee, headed by Industries, Information & Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam, was constituted on July 6 to examine the feasibility of scrapping the existing reservation ratio and making APST and PRC certificates mandatory for candidates appearing in recruitment examinations conducted by the APPSC and APSSB. Nalo further alleged that a similar committee, headed by then Education Minister Taba Tedir, had been constituted in 2022 to examine the same issue. Although the committee submitted its report in 2024, the government has not acted on its recommendations, he claimed. Earlier, on July 10, the AFTF had served a one-month ultimatum on the state government, demanding the scrapping of the existing 80:20 reservation policy in recruitment and the introduction of stricter eligibility norms for examinations conducted by the APPSC and APSSB. The forum had also organised a signature campaign-cum-rally in support of its demands, during which thousands of people signed the petition.