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SHERGAON : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday urged personnel of the 73rd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and discipline while discharging their duties, saying sincerity, discipline and dedication are the hallmarks of a successful uniformed force. Interacting with officers and jawans of the battalion at Shergaon in West Kameng district, the Governor drew upon his experience in the Armed Forces to encourage the personnel and lauded their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and maintaining peace and security in remote areas. Extending his greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Parnaik stressed the importance of strengthening and mentoring junior officers. He said well-trained, motivated and professionally competent young leaders form the backbone of an effective force and are vital for maintaining operational excellence, discipline and high morale. He urged senior officers to nurture leadership qualities among younger personnel so that they are prepared to shoulder greater responsibilities while upholding the finest traditions of service to the nation. The Governor also commended the battalion for maintaining cordial relations with local communities, observing that people-centric engagement fosters mutual trust and strengthens the bond between security forces and citizens. Encouraging the personnel to go beyond their operational responsibilities, he asked them to actively promote sports and physical fitness among local youth, motivate young people to join the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, and continue undertaking community outreach initiatives. Earlier, Bomdila Sashastra Seema Bal Sector Headquarters Deputy Inspector General Kamal Kant briefed the Governor on the force’s role, responsibilities and achievements along the Indo-Bhutan border. Shergaon 73rd Battalion Commandant Chaoba Angomcha was also present. The Governor later joined the personnel in a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, underscoring the importance of environmental conservation and collective responsibility towards building a greener future.      

ITANAGAR : A Kargil Vijay Diwas Rain Run was organised at IG Park here on Sunday to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War and made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. Home Minister Mama Natung flagged off the run and also participated in the event alongside Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Director General of Police (DGP) SDS Jamwal, Special Secretary (Sports) Akshat Kaushal and other dignitaries. Describing the event as a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of Kargil, Natung said their unparalleled courage and supreme sacrifice continue to inspire generations. He said the programme also served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to honour and remember the brave soldiers who safeguard the country’s sovereignty. The minister appreciated the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and all those associated with organising the event. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also lauded the organisers, including the Department of Youth Affairs, CYRUNS – Fitness for All, KABOS Adventure, volunteers and participants, for successfully conducting the Kargil Vijay Diwas Rain Run 2026. He said the event was a fitting tribute to the courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces and expressed satisfaction at the enthusiastic participation of people from all walks of life. “The gathering reflected the collective gratitude and unwavering respect of the people towards the heroes of Kargil and the Armed Forces,” the Chief Minister said. He also extended his greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.      

RUPA : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday inaugurated the Rupa Football League (RFL)-Independence Cup 2026 at Gyaptang Stadium in West Kameng district and called upon young people to embrace sports as a pathway to discipline, leadership, healthy living and nation-building. Jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Rupa Town Club under the theme ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Football’, the tournament has attracted 16 teams, including Indian Army formations under the Kameng Sector, teams from across the Northeast and one from neighbouring Nepal. Six teams are also competing in the women’s league. Addressing the gathering, the Governor said football instils values such as teamwork, perseverance, resilience, respect for rules and the ability to perform under pressure. He noted that sports provide a constructive avenue for channelising youthful energy, building confidence and developing character. Referring to the growing challenge of substance abuse, Parnaik said sports offer young people a healthy and meaningful alternative by encouraging positive habits and a strong sense of purpose. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s sporting potential, he called for sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching and exposure opportunities to help talented athletes excel. He said tournaments such as the Rupa Football League provide an important platform for identifying and nurturing promising footballers, particularly in remote and border areas. Impressed by the facilities at Gyaptang Stadium, the Governor suggested establishing a dedicated football academy at the venue. He said quality sports infrastructure attracts skilled coaches and trainers, enabling systematic talent development, scientific coaching and effective scouting of young players. Welcoming the inclusion of the women’s league, Parnaik described it as a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering young women through sports. He also lauded the Rupa Town Club and the Indian Army for organising the tournament, commending the Army’s continued contribution to youth development, community outreach and nation-building initiatives in border areas. The event, he said, reflected the strong bond between the people of West Kameng and the armed forces. Calling upon players to compete with passion, integrity and sportsmanship, the Governor reminded them that both victory and defeat are part of the learning process. Reiterating the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, he said every goal scored, every challenge overcome and every act of fair play contributes to building a stronger nation. Rupa MLA Tseten Chombay, Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow and General Officer Commanding 5 Mountain Division Major General Amit Nautiyal SM VSM also addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of sports in youth development, discipline, teamwork, national integration and strengthening ties between local communities and the Indian Army. Among those present were West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar, Superintendent of Police D.W. Thongon, former minister D.K. Thongdok, former Rajya Sainik Board secretary Air Commodore Rinchin Musabi (Retd.), senior Army and Sashastra Seema Bal officers, panchayat leaders and other dignitaries. The inaugural ceremony featured colourful traditional dances and cultural performances by local artistes, reflecting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and adding to the festive atmosphere that marked the start of the tournament.    

AALO : Aalo West MLA Topin Ete on Saturday called upon journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethics and refrain from publishing half-truths or misinformation, asserting that responsible journalism is essential for safeguarding democracy. Inaugurating the Aalo Press Club in the presence of Arunachal Press Club (APC) president Amar Sangno, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) president Dodum Yangfo, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi, former minister Kento Ete and others, the MLA said biased or inaccurate reporting could undermine public confidence in the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive. “We want journalists who know what they are doing rather than spreading misinformation,” he said. Congratulating Aalo Press Club president Domin Ete and members of the newly established press club, Sangno urged journalists to strictly adhere to the Press Council of India guidelines and maintain the highest standards of ethical journalism. He said the media must have the courage to expose shortcomings in governance and report the truth without fear or favour to earn and retain public trust. Recalling the history of the journalist fraternity in the state, Sangno said the APUWJ was founded in 1981 by veteran journalists P.B. Dasgupta, A.K. Bhattacharjya and Prem Bahadur Rai, while the then Itanagar Press Club, now the APC, was established on October 4, 1982. West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi assured support to the Aalo Press Club from untied funds, subject to government guidelines. Addressing the gathering, APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo urged journalists to discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity and professionalism, cautioning against passing judgments before facts are fully established. He also assured the APUWJ’s continued support to the Aalo Press Club. The programme also highlighted the history of the APC, noting that its first office was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Gegong Apang in 1995, while the present APC building at Ganga was inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in 2022. Aalo Press Club president Domin Ete and general secretary Minpe Pakam expressed gratitude to the APC and the APUWJ for their support in establishing the Aalo Press Club.    

ITANAGAR : A two-year-long leadership dispute within the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has been resolved amicably following a successful mediation process, paving the way for a united organisation under the leadership of Asok Doka as president. The breakthrough was achieved through sustained mediation efforts led by Chopa Cheda as the chief mediator, with Khya Acha serving as co-mediator. Their intervention brought rival leaders Asok Doka and Lezen Gyadi to the negotiating table and helped secure a mutually acceptable settlement, people associated with the reconciliation process said. According to the mediators, the agreement formally ended nearly two years of internal divisions that had affected the functioning of one of the most influential student organisations of the Nyishi community, with both Gyadi and Doka claiming to be the president of ANSU, leading to a prolonged leadership dispute. Addressing reporters, Cheda firmly dismissed assertions that the reconciliation was driven by financial inducements or political assurances, asserting that the initiative was undertaken solely to preserve the union’s credibility, legacy and institutional integrity. “There were no monetary transactions or promises of schemes as many might claim as ANSU is not a government body. If required, we are ready to face any scrutiny under local laws to prove the same. This is not about any deal, it is about protecting the legitimacy and history of the union,” he said. Taking a swipe at critics, Cheda, who is also the president of Arunachal Publishers and Broadcasters Guild (APBG), alleged that some individuals had taken pleasure in witnessing the prolonged standoff between the two factions rather than making efforts to resolve it. Describing ANSU as one of the most significant organisations of the Nyishi community, he said the union had produced several legislators, entrepreneurs, businessmen and community leaders over the years, making its unity crucial for the larger interests of the community. Cheda also urged the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), the apex community body, to play a more proactive, impartial and constructive role in resolving such disputes in future instead of remaining passive or being perceived as biased. Co-mediator Khya Acha said that under the terms of the settlement, Asok Doka would lead the ANSU, while Lezen Gyadi had agreed to put all differences behind him in the larger interest of the organisation. “Lezen has morally agreed not to carry the issue forward and has accepted that Doka will lead ANSU under one banner so that there will be no more factions. This decision has been taken in the greater interest of the organisation and the Nyishi community,” Acha said. He expressed confidence that the reunification would enable the student body to shift its focus from internal disputes to issues concerning students, youth and the welfare of the Nyishi community. Acha also appealed to all office-bearers and executive members of the union to maintain harmony, strengthen mutual trust and work collectively to uphold the ideals, unity and objectives of ANSU.