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NAMSAI : Arunachal University of Studies (AUS), Namsai organised an awareness programme under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on Friday, reaffirming its commitment to promoting a healthy and drug-free society. The highlight of the programme was a street play (Nukkad Natak) staged by AUS students, which highlighted the harmful effects of substance abuse and encouraged people to adopt a healthy and responsible lifestyle. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, staff and members of the local community. Addressing the gathering, AUS Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajeya Jha and AUS Rector Prof D S Hernwal urged the youth to become ambassadors of a Drug-Free India and contribute actively towards building a healthier society. The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to support the vision of a drug-free nation.

TAWANG : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday called for stronger regional cooperation among the Northeastern states to address emerging challenges affecting children, including trafficking, online exploitation, substance abuse, child marriage and cross-border vulnerabilities. Addressing the inaugural session of the North East State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Convention 2026 at Tawang, Khandu described the gathering as a historic milestone, marking the first occasion when all State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights from the Northeast have come together on a common platform dedicated to child rights protection and promotion. Welcoming chairpersons, members and member secretaries of State Commissions, representatives of national institutions, senior officials, development partners and civil society organisations, the Chief Minister said Tawang, known for its message of peace, compassion and harmony, was an appropriate venue for deliberations on safeguarding the future of children. Khandu said child welfare is the true measure of good governance and asserted that the success of any government should not be judged only by economic growth and infrastructure development, but by how effectively it protects vulnerable sections of society. He emphasised that every child deserves a safe environment free from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination, along with access to education, healthcare, nutrition and equal opportunities. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s initiatives for child welfare, particularly for the girl child, Khandu said more than 15,500 girls have benefited from financial assistance for higher education under the Dulari Kanya Scheme, with an investment of over Rs 38 crore. He also informed that more than 134 awareness programmes have been conducted across the state under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. He further stated that the state government has allocated Rs 3.3 crore under the Girls Health and Hygiene Scheme for 2026-27 to provide sanitary napkins to over 25,000 beneficiaries. Stressing that child welfare begins with maternal care, Khandu highlighted various maternal and child health initiatives launched by the Central government. He said over 38,000 beneficiaries have received support under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, while more than 34,000 beneficiaries are being assisted through nutrition-related interventions. Under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, over 1.8 lakh women and children are covered, with 152 Anganwadi Centres upgraded and another 125 being developed under the Adopt an Anganwadi initiative. On strengthening child protection mechanisms, the Chief Minister said over 2,500 vulnerable children are receiving sponsorship support under Mission Vatsalya, while 2,479 children are benefiting from monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 through sponsorship, foster care and aftercare schemes. He also highlighted the role of the 24×7 Child Helpline 1098, One Stop Centres in all 25 districts and Women Helpline 181 as important support systems for children and women in distress. Calling child protection a collective responsibility, Khandu urged schools, families, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, health workers, community leaders, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for children. Highlighting the unique geographical and social challenges of the Northeast, he said issues such as trafficking, online exploitation and substance abuse often cross state boundaries, making inter-state coordination essential. He expressed hope that the convention would facilitate the exchange of best practices, strengthen implementation of child protection laws, improve coordination in cases involving missing and trafficked children, and develop effective responses to emerging online threats. Urging participants to translate discussions into concrete outcomes, Khandu said the success of the convention would be measured by the positive changes brought to the lives of children across the region. The Chief Minister congratulated the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), led by Chairperson Ratan Anya, for organising the convention and thanked participating commissions, institutions, experts, officials and development partners for their contribution towards advancing child rights. A North East SCPCR Convention Souvenir was also released during the inaugural programme. The two-day convention is being chaired by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Advisor Home Mutchu Mithi as guest of honour, Advisor Women and Child Development Tsering Lhamu, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering as special invitees, along with other dignitaries.

ITANAGAR : The Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) has successfully launched a steel bridge at Huri in Kurung Kumey district, an official report said on Friday. Huri is a remote border village located in the Damin circle near the Line of Actual Control with China. The crucial connectivity project was executed under the direct supervision of BRTF Huri Officer Commanding (OC) Sandeep Tiwari, in close coordination with the Kurung Kumey district administration. Highlighting the progress of the restoration work, Tiwari said, “The successful launching of the steel structure marks a major milestone in restoring full connectivity to the region. The remaining works are expected to be completed within the next 3 to 4 days, after which the Damin-Huri road will be reopened for the movement of all types of vehicles.” Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner Cheechung Chukhu said the bridge will be complete in all respects within the first week of August. The vital border link was snapped on July 13 when a sudden surge in the Kumey River, triggered by heavy rain in the upper reaches, caused devastating flash floods that washed away the 66-metre bailey hanging bridge connecting Damin and Huri. The disruption temporarily cut off Huri village and surrounding border outposts, impacting movement and supply lines. While temporary log crossings were initially constructed to enable essential pedestrian and emergency relief access, the launching of the permanent steel bridge will ensure heavy and all-weather vehicular movement along the strategically sensitive border zone. According to the report, engineering teams are working on a war footing to complete the approach work and structural finishing within the week. (Source: PTI)      

TAWANG : National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanoongo on Friday interacted with heads of departments in Tawang district and reviewed the implementation of welfare programmes, with a special focus on human rights and child protection. The interaction, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, formed part of Kanoongo’s official visit to the district. Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo welcomed the NHRC member and presented an overview of the district, highlighting its geographical profile, demographic characteristics, administrative structure and ongoing developmental initiatives. Departments also made presentations on the implementation of key government welfare schemes and public service delivery. During the meeting, Kanoongo held detailed discussions with departmental heads on the implementation of welfare programmes, particularly those relating to child rights and human rights. He reviewed the functioning of the Child Helpline, implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the functioning of the Child Welfare Committee and the status of various child welfare schemes in the district. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure that welfare benefits reach intended beneficiaries and called for greater sensitivity and responsiveness while dealing with vulnerable sections of society, especially children. Highlighting the importance of language in early childhood development, Kanoongo advocated mother tongue-based education in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), stating that learning in one’s native language strengthens cognitive development, preserves cultural identity and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The interaction also provided an opportunity for departmental heads to share best practices, discuss local challenges and exchange suggestions for strengthening institutional mechanisms for safeguarding human rights and promoting child-friendly governance. Kanoongo is also scheduled to attend the two-day Regional Convention on Child Rights being organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) in Tawang. The convention has brought together chairpersons and members of State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights from across the Northeast to deliberate on strengthening child rights through regional cooperation and collaborative action. Officials said the visit reaffirmed the commitment of the NHRC and the district administration to strengthening child protection systems, ensuring effective implementation of welfare programmes and upholding the principles of justice, equality, dignity and human rights.      

ITANAGAR : Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, on Friday accorded an emotional farewell to its Principal, Dr M Q Khan, on his superannuation after nearly 37 years of dedicated service to higher education in Arunachal Pradesh. The farewell programme, held at the college’s Jubilee Hall, was attended by faculty members, non-teaching staff, students, alumni, well-wishers and distinguished guests, who paid tribute to Dr Khan’s remarkable contribution to academics and institution building in the state. Speakers described Dr Khan as a visionary academician, inspiring teacher, efficient administrator and compassionate leader whose commitment to academic excellence, student welfare and institutional development significantly strengthened DNGC over the years. They noted that under his leadership, the college witnessed steady academic growth, improved infrastructure and a conducive learning environment. Faculty members recalled his humility, accessibility and constant encouragement to colleagues, particularly young teachers, whom he inspired to innovate, undertake academic initiatives and pursue professional development. They said his guidance helped departments expand their academic activities and improve teaching standards for the benefit of students. Highlighting his academic achievements, speakers said Dr Khan, a distinguished scholar of English Language and Literature, has authored 17 books and delivered lectures as a resource person at numerous state, regional and national programmes. They also acknowledged his contributions to career counselling, competitive examination coaching, curriculum development, academic administration and educational reforms in Arunachal Pradesh. Several teachers, students and alumni shared personal experiences, expressing gratitude for his mentorship, kindness and unwavering support throughout his career. They wished him good health and a fulfilling retired life, while observing that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations of students and educators. The programme concluded on an emotional note as members of the college fraternity bid farewell to a respected teacher, mentor and institution builder whose contribution to Dera Natung Government College and higher education in Arunachal Pradesh will be remembered for years to come. Among those present were Padma Shri Y D Thongchi, former minister Tatar Kipa, youth leader Nera Techi Tara, Gumjum Hyder, social worker Safar Pao, Vijay Sonam, Tame Shayam, senior journalists, representatives of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), heads of departments and faculty members from RGU, Himalayan University, DNGC and Doimukh Government College, besides students from various colleges and universities in the State Capital Region.    

PASIGHAT :  East Siang Police has successfully completed the first phase of its flagship child safety initiative, Project Muskaan, and announced the launch of Muskaan 2.0 to further strengthen child protection measures across the district. Implemented between October 2025 and March 2026, the first phase covered 104 schools and reached 16,897 students through the Police Ki Pathshala programme. The initiative provided age-appropriate awareness sessions on child rights, good touch and bad touch, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, cyber safety and bullying prevention. As part of the project, Child Safety Complaint Boxes were installed in all 104 schools to provide children with a safe platform to report concerns. During the implementation period, 45 complaints were received and resolved through counselling as they did not fall under the provisions of the POCSO Act. The initiative also led to the identification and registration of three POCSO cases for legal action. Project Muskaan also focused on strengthening institutional capacity by organising 10 specialised training programmes for police personnel on child-friendly policing and effective community outreach. Students were taken on educational visits to Ane’s Home, the child-friendly facility at the Women Police Station, to familiarise them with child-sensitive support systems. They also participated in live demonstrations and test calls to Dial 112, Childline 1098 and the Police Control Room to improve awareness of emergency response mechanisms and child protection services. The initiative was further strengthened with the association of actor and public figure Chum Darang as the Child Safety Ambassador of Project Muskaan. The project has also received appreciation from the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) for its innovative approach and has been widely covered in local and national media. Announcing Muskaan 2.0, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said the next phase would build on the achievements of the programme by continuing school-based awareness campaigns while expanding outreach to parents and teachers. He said Parent-Teacher Meetings would be utilised as platforms for structured sensitisation programmes, while dedicated orientation and capacity-building sessions would be organised for teachers. Regular monitoring and maintenance of Child Safety Complaint Boxes would also be ensured to facilitate prompt response and effective grievance redressal. East Siang Police expressed confidence that Muskaan 2.0 would further strengthen the district’s child protection framework by promoting greater community participation and fostering a safer, more informed and child-friendly environment.