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ITANAGAR : Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National General Secretary and North East Youth Congress Coordination Committee Chairman Tarh Johny on Thursday criticised Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju over his remarks against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during Parliament proceedings, alleging that the Union minister was acting as a political defender of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) instead of discharging his constitutional responsibilities. In a statement, Johny said the Parliamentary Affairs Minister’s primary responsibility is to facilitate democratic debate, ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament and provide equal space to both the Treasury and Opposition benches, rather than function as a political spokesperson for the ruling party. He alleged that instead of responding to issues raised by the Opposition, particularly those concerning students, examination-related matters and protests, the government had resorted to personal attacks. “The answer to an allegation cannot be a personal attack on the person raising the question. Answer the question, do not attack the questioner,” Johny said. He asserted that the Leader of the Opposition has every democratic right to question the government and that disagreement should not be used to undermine the Opposition’s role in Parliament. Johny also said Parliament belongs to the people of India and not to any political party, adding that every elected representative has the right to raise public issues while the government has a responsibility to respond. He further stated that if any remarks were considered unparliamentary, established parliamentary procedures should be followed instead of resorting to what he described as “selective outrage, political grandstanding and personal attacks.” Referring to Rijiju’s role as the Member of Parliament from Arunachal West, Johny said the people of Arunachal Pradesh had elected him to represent the interests of the state, raise the concerns of the Northeast and uphold democratic institutions. He alleged that Rijiju appeared more focused on defending the Modi government than safeguarding the dignity and democratic functioning of Parliament. Stating that the central issue was the government’s accountability, Johny said Parliament needed answers to questions raised by the Opposition, while students deserved justice and democratic institutions required greater accountability.      

ITANAGAR : The Directorate of Health Services’ Drugs Control Administration has ordered a statewide inspection of pharmacy establishments to ensure compliance with legal, professional and quality standards governing the sale of medicines. In an order issued on Thursday, Assistant Drugs Controller-cum-Controlling Authority Gebomb Tayeng directed all Zonal Licensing Authorities (ZLAs) and District Drug Control Officers (DCOs) to inspect retail pharmacy outlets within their respective jurisdictions. The inspections will verify ownership records, statutory documents, appointment of registered pharmacists, adequacy of infrastructure and storage facilities, and compliance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and relevant state rules. Officials have also been instructed to examine the validity of drug licences, medicine storage conditions, including cold-chain requirements, stock registers, invoices and purchase records. The exercise will further check for the presence of expired, counterfeit or unapproved medicines, verify the qualifications and registration of pharmacists, and ensure that registered pharmacists are present during operating hours wherever mandated. The Drugs Control Administration has directed all concerned officers to submit their inspection reports by August 14. According to the order, the inspection drive aims to ensure that medicines sold across Arunachal Pradesh are safe, effective and of prescribed quality, while strengthening compliance with statutory pharmacy regulations to safeguard public health. The directive comes amid recent concerns over pharmacy operations and enforcement of drug regulations in parts of the state. (With inputs from Hornbill News)    

ITANAGAR : The Tagin community is grieving the loss of one of its most revered spiritual figures, Gogyam Gumja Tamin, a veteran Si Donyi priest whose life was devoted to preserving the faith, customs and cultural identity of the Tagin people. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation that looked to him for spiritual guidance, wisdom and leadership. Born to Pugo Gumja and Jamnu Gumja of Dignium village under Giba circle, Tamin later settled in Lejirijo village under the Sigin-I Assembly segment of Upper Subansiri district. Over the decades, he emerged as one of the most respected custodians of the Si Donyi faith, earning admiration not only for his mastery of sacred rituals but also for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Tagin traditions. Tamin began practising shamanism at a remarkably young age, dedicating his life to the service of the community. His spiritual journey reached a historic milestone as he served as the chief priest of the Si Donyi Hilo festival nine times, a distinction achieved by very few. He first led the sacred rituals during the Si Donyi celebrations in Naharlagun in 1989 and returned for his final service as chief priest during the 2022 Si Donyi Jaaring, also in Naharlagun, spanning more than three decades of devoted service. Apart from his spiritual stature, Tamin was celebrated as an eloquent orator and a living repository of Tagin customary laws, oral traditions and indigenous knowledge. Those who knew him remember him as a humble, compassionate and approachable elder who generously shared his wisdom with younger generations and worked tirelessly to ensure that the community’s age-old customs remained alive. He is survived by his son, Gyamde Gumja Tamin, assistant general secretary of IFCSAP and Sampark Ayam Pramukh of the Jagran Shreni of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Arunachal Pradesh. Community members described his death as an irreplaceable loss. “The Tagin community has lost a precious gem. His legacy will continue to inspire generations, and the void left by his passing will be difficult to fill,” they said. The family informed that the last rites of the late spiritual leader will be performed on August 1 at Lejirijo village, where he had made his home and served his community for decades. (Source: NewsFY)  

KHONSA : Emphasising that development should be measured by tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than the completion of projects alone, Tirap Deputy Commissioner (DC) Badonlum Tawsik on Thursday called on implementing departments to strengthen coordination, uphold quality standards and focus on measurable outcomes while executing government schemes across the district. Chairing the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) meeting for July at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Tawsik reviewed the progress of Centrally and State-sponsored schemes implemented in the district up to June 30. Earlier, District Planning Officer L.R. Roy outlined the objectives of the DLMC and presented an overview of projects being implemented under various schemes, including the State Infrastructure Development Fund (SIDF), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SADA), North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), North Eastern Council (NEC), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Border Area Development Programme (BADP), National Health Mission (NHM), Samagra Shiksha and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes monitored through the e-Pragati Saturation Tracker. Addressing the meeting, Tawsik said the DLMC had been constituted to ensure effective monitoring of developmental works and timely submission of progress reports. He stressed that future review meetings should move beyond routine reporting and instead focus on the status of ongoing and newly sanctioned projects, their impact on the ground and issues requiring policy or administrative intervention. “Development should not only be visible on paper but should also be visible in the lives of the people,” he said, urging departments to execute every project with accountability, transparency and strict adherence to quality standards. To improve inter-departmental coordination, he directed the Agriculture and allied departments to make a joint presentation at the next DLMC meeting, reflecting an integrated approach to rural development and livelihood generation. The DC also instructed that Circle Level Monitoring Committee (CLMC) meetings be held before every DLMC meeting so that issues could be resolved at the circle level before reaching the district forum, making the review process more effective and solution-oriented. During the review, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Taro Jeram briefed the committee on major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office at Deomali, the library building at Wangcha Rajkumar Government College, Deomali, and a bridge near Khonsa Club Colony on the Old Khonsa-Longding Road. Rural Works Department Executive Engineer Walat Hondiq presented the progress of road connectivity projects under PMGSY and other developmental works, including the San Paa Kong View Point at Kheti village. Urban Development and Housing Executive Engineer Lienwang Hosai reviewed the status of ongoing urban infrastructure projects under various schemes. Assistant Engineer (Power) Kipa Kame informed the meeting that the breakdown of a transformer near the Superintendent of Police’s Office had resulted in temporary load shedding in some areas. He said nearby villages were currently receiving electricity from hydel projects as an interim arrangement and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address recurring power disruptions in the district. The Agriculture and allied departments also highlighted achievements under various Central and State schemes while pointing to challenges such as manpower shortages and limited public participation in rural extension programmes. Speaking during the meeting, Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson John KK Matey urged departments to ensure transparent and effective implementation of government schemes. He also stressed the need to keep Panchayati Raj Institution representatives informed about ongoing developmental works to facilitate effective monitoring at the grassroots. Concluding the meeting, Tawsik appreciated the efforts of all departments and called upon implementing agencies to improve both physical and financial progress before the next review. He reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to ensuring timely, transparent and people-centric development across Tirap. (DIPR)    

LIKABALI : The district-level ‘Gems of India’ Challenge was formally launched at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Thursday, with Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor urging youths and aspiring content creators to showcase the district’s rich heritage through responsible digital storytelling. The programme was organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Lower Siang, in collaboration with the district administration. The DC was joined by jury members Augusti Jamoh, Henge Riba, Buru Taki and Tage Kakki. The programme was attended by content creators, digital storytellers and students from across the district. A promotional video highlighting the creative potential, cultural heritage and unique identity of Lower Siang was screened during the programme. Earlier, District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Augusti Jamoh presented an overview of the challenge and appealed to content creators and aspiring digital storytellers to produce meaningful, original and high-quality content showcasing the district’s culture, traditions, heritage, landscapes, people and tourism potential. Addressing the gathering, Nyicyor encouraged content creators, students and young creative enthusiasts to make meaningful use of the platform. He particularly urged students above 16 years of age to utilise the initiative to develop their creativity and present the district’s unique identity to a wider audience. He said responsible digital storytelling could play an important role in promoting Lower Siang’s cultural heritage while providing young people with opportunities to gain recognition at the district, state and national levels. The DC also urged participants to create positive and authentic content while maintaining the dignity of local communities and highlighting the district’s distinctive traditions and natural beauty. The jury members later interacted with participants and encouraged them to explore innovative storytelling formats and contribute fresh ideas that would bring wider recognition to Lower Siang through the challenge. The district administration appealed to youths, students and content creators to participate enthusiastically in the initiative and collectively showcase the district’s rich heritage and creative potential on the national stage. (DIPR)    

ZIRO : The 21st meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee on Thursday resolved to intensify anti-drug measures in Lower Subansiri district through greater community participation, awareness campaigns and coordinated enforcement. The meeting, held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall of the District Secretariat, was chaired by Assistant Commissioner Radhe Tatung and attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Hibu Dumi, Deputy Superintendent of Police Lod Tari and heads of departments and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed the recommendations of previous meetings and discussed strategies to strengthen the district’s campaign against drug abuse. A key focus of the meeting was preventing substance abuse among youths. The committee recommended providing sports equipment through Zilla Parishad members to encourage constructive engagement among young people. It also called for the active participation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) in anti-drug initiatives. The committee further discussed the implementation of the NavChetna awareness module in schools to educate students about the harmful effects of narcotics from an early age. District Medical Officer Dr Millo Kunya stressed the need for financial support to grassroots NGOs engaged in anti-drug activities. Supporting the proposal, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Hibu Dumi said anti-drug initiatives should receive institutional support from all government departments. She also advocated a zone-wise strategy to concentrate resources and interventions in one Zilla Parishad constituency at a time for greater impact. Child Development Project Officer Takhe Rinyo emphasised that counselling should be extended not only to drug users but also to peddlers to help break the supply chain and reduce repeat offences. The meeting concluded with a commitment from all departments to conduct weekly awareness campaigns, strengthen inter-agency coordination and work collectively towards making Lower Subansiri a drug-free district. (DIPR)    

GUWAHATI : The flood situation in Assam remained grim on Thursday even as water receded from most parts of the state, with the death toll rising to 78 and over three lakh people continuing to reel under the deluge, officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), however, forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places across the state and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland over the next three days, raising concerns for districts bordering the two states. “There was no rain in most of the flood-hit Upper Assam districts. So, water level continued to recede from the inundated villages, giving some respite to villagers,” an official of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said. The authority’s daily flood bulletin issued on Wednesday night said three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours — two from Sivasagar district and one from Golaghat. With these, the toll in this year’s flood has reached 78. Altogether 3,00,031 people remained affected, with Charaideo being the worst-hit with 1,37,561 people impacted, followed by Sivasagar (84,600) and Jorhat (49,911). More than 16,500 displaced people were taking shelter in 71 relief camps. Another 30 relief distribution centres were catering to over 72,000 people. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday dialled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take stock of the flood situation, while the latter said that although floodwaters have receded, many are unable to return as their houses have either been damaged or filled with mud and silt. Shah, who called Sarma for the second time in seven days, assured him of all possible assistance from the Centre for relief and restoration efforts. Multiple agencies, including medical and veterinary teams, remained pressed in rescue operations in the affected areas. A crop area of 21,523.08 hectares remained submerged. More than 11,000 animals have been washed away, while another 17,000 have been affected. Damage to various infrastructure, including embankments, houses, roads, schools and other public property, was also reported from various parts, the ASDMA bulletin added. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms from July 30 to August 1 at isolated places across Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which may affect the Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur. The ASDMA urged people of the districts concerned to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant, and said the status of the situation would be updated on its official website and on all its social media handles from time to time for general awareness. (Source: PTI)     *BORDER HAAT REOPENS AT PANGSAU PASS, BOOSTING CROSS-BORDER TRADE* *Changlang, July 30:* In a significant milestone for the economic development of Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern frontier, the *Border Haat at Pangsau Pass* on the Indo-Myanmar Border was formally reopened on Thursday by *Shri Nyato Dukam*,Hon’ble Minister for Trade & Commerce, Industries, Information & Public Relations, Labour, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The reopening marks the revival of an important cross-border trade platform aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, promoting traditional commerce, and improving livelihood opportunities for border communities. The inaugural programme was attended by *Dr. Mohesh Chai*, Hon’ble MLA-cum-Advisor to the Hon’ble Minister for Health, Trade & Commerce & Industry and Chairman, Public Accounts Committee (PAC); *Shri Laisam Simai*,Hon’ble MLA, 51-Nampong (ST) Assembly Constituency; *Ms. Bullo Mamu, IRS*,Secretary, Trade & Commerce; *Shri L. Thungon, APCS*,Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jairampur; along with officers of the Trade & Commerce Department, district administration, public representatives, traders and local stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasized that the revival of the Border Haat would provide a sustainable platform for local entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans and traders to market indigenous products, create employment opportunities, strengthen traditional economic and cultural ties between India and Myanmar, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the border region. Following the inauguration, the Minister and other dignitaries visited the Border Haat premises, interacted with traders and local participants, and reviewed the arrangements. They expressed confidence that the resumed Border Haat would emerge as a catalyst for regional trade, people-to-people connectivity and inclusive growth in the frontier areas. The reopening of the Border Haat reflects the Government of Arunachal Pradesh’s continued commitment to enhancing border infrastructure, promoting local commerce and fostering stronger economic linkages with neighbouring countries under the vision of inclusive and sustainable development. See less        

LONGDING : The Longding District Police on Thursday accorded a warm farewell to Sub-Inspector (Selection Grade) Gangpo Gangsa and Lady Sub-Inspector (Selection Grade) Binu Taggu Josaham, who are set to retire from government service on July 31 after years of dedicated service. The farewell programme was marked by expressions of gratitude as police officers and personnel recalled the professionalism, commitment and valuable contributions of the retiring officers during their service. Addressing the gathering, Longding Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Kesang Norbu congratulated the officers on completing their distinguished careers and wished them good health, happiness and a fulfilling retired life. He also encouraged them to continue serving society by creating public awareness and acting as a bridge between the police and the community through their experience and guidance. During the programme, the gratuity amount was formally handed over to the retiring officers, marking the completion of all official formalities and the successful culmination of their careers in the police service. (DIPR)