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ITANAGAR : The administration of the Itanagar Capital Region banned the commercial slaughter of Mithuns on Wednesday and warned of a penalty if the order was violated. Itanagar Capital Region’s Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu issued the ban order citing the Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1989, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Babu, who is also the chairperson of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), said a fine of Rs 20,000 will be levied for any illegal slaughter. The APMC vice-chairperson has been appointed as the head of a team tasked with monitoring illegal Mithun slaughter. The deputy commissioner also directed the superintendents of police of Itanagar and Naharlagun to deploy personnel as and when required by APMC members. In a separate order, the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) has ordered the immediate removal of meat, fruit, and vegetable stalls operating along the National Highway NH-415 stretch within the city, stating that they caused traffic congestion and posed a risk to public health. Shopkeepers and vendors have been directed to remove their structures within 10 days. (Source: PTI)      

LIKABALI : Local MLA-cum-Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) Kardo Nyigyor on Wednesday called for strict adherence to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 process and stressed the need for accurate verification of electoral rolls. Addressing a coordination meeting organised by Lower Siang District Election Officer (DEO) Gobi Nyicyor at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Likabali, Nyigyor urged citizens not to take the revision exercise lightly. He emphasised that outsider applicants seeking enrolment in the electoral rolls should be properly verified before inclusion. Nyigyor also appealed to all political parties to remain precise and accurate while facilitating the enrolment of intending voters and actively participate in the exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India. The meeting was organised to familiarise political party representatives and stakeholders with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process being conducted across the state. During the meeting, Nari Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of 36th Nari-Koyu Assembly Constituency Austin Koyu and Headquarters Assistant Commissioner-cum-ERO of 28th Likabali Assembly Constituency Janes Mary Tayeng explained various aspects of SIR-2026, including revision procedures, claims and objections, verification mechanisms, and the role of political parties and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in ensuring accurate and error-free electoral rolls. The meeting also witnessed interactive discussions, suggestions and clarifications between political representatives and election officials regarding the ongoing revision process. (DIPR)      

CHANGLANG : Researchers have rediscovered ‘Vaccinium piliferum’, a rare and endangered wild relative of the blueberry, in the remote forests of Vijoynagar in Changlang district, nearly 188 years after it was first recorded in 1836. The rediscovery in the Eastern Himalayan region is being seen as a major botanical achievement and an important addition to India’s biodiversity records. Researchers said ‘Vaccinium piliferum’ belongs to the Ericaceae family, which includes blueberries and cranberries. The species was rediscovered recently by researchers from the Society for Education and Environmental Development, CSIR-North East Institute of Science (NEIST) and Technology and collaborating institutions, a source in the institute said. The plant was originally recorded in 1836 during the colonial period but had not been traced for generations, leading many botanists to believe it may have disappeared from the wild. The species was found near tributaries of the Noa-Dihing River in the dense forests of Vijoynagar, an ecologically sensitive area known for rich biodiversity, the CSIR-NEIST source said. Researchers said only 16 individual plants were recorded during the field survey, indicating the species’ fragile population status. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed ‘Vaccinium piliferum’ as an ‘endangered’ species. Experts said the rediscovery highlights the ecological importance of Arunachal Pradesh’s Eastern Himalayan ecosystem and the need for conservation of rare flora and fauna. Wild relatives of cultivated berry species are considered important for research related to climate resilience, disease resistance and crop improvement, botanists said. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the rediscovery as “a remarkable chapter in the natural history of Arunachal Pradesh”. “This finding highlights the immense ecological wealth of our state and reinforces the urgent need to protect and preserve our fragile Himalayan ecosystems for future generations,” he said in a post on X. Mein also appreciated the efforts of researchers involved in the rediscovery. (Source: PTI)    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT/YINGKIONG : Continuing its crackdown against drug peddling and substance abuse in Upper Siang district, Yingkiong Police on Monday arrested an alleged drug user-cum-peddler from the Yingkiong area and seized suspected heroin and cannabis (ganja) from his possession. According to Yingkiong Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Kari Pertin, the operation was launched following credible information regarding the movement of a suspected Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) substance user-cum-peddler. A police team comprising Sub-Inspector Ojing Moyong, Sub-Inspector Kenjom Pertin, Head Constable T. Lipir and Constable B. Eko was formed to carry out the operation. The team successfully apprehended the accused in Yingkiong and recovered the suspected contraband during a search conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrate Tailyang Tomo. The seized substances were taken into custody following due legal procedures. Inspector Kari Pertin informed that a case has been registered at Yingkiong Police Station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway. Appealing for public cooperation, the officer urged civil society organisations and residents of Yingkiong to support the police in combating the growing drug menace in the district. He also called upon youths to stay away from substance abuse and share any information related to drugs with the police.    

ITANAGAR :  The Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026, along with a stakeholder consultation on Biohappiness and Climate Resilience, will be held on May 28 and 29 at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali in Keyi Panyor district. The two-day programme is being co-organised by the Office of the 16th Yachuli MLA, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai. The event will bring together farmers, indigenous community representatives, policymakers, researchers, scientists, civil society organisations, youth groups and development practitioners to deliberate on agrobiodiversity conservation, indigenous seed systems, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and traditional ecological knowledge systems in Arunachal Pradesh. A major highlight of the programme will be the Arunachal Seed Festival and Agrobiodiversity & Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition, where community seed conservers, particularly from the Nyishi and Apatani communities, along with government departments, farmer groups and grassroots institutions, will showcase indigenous crop varieties, traditional farming practices, biodiversity-based livelihoods and sustainable innovations. The consultation is centred on the concept of “Biohappiness,” which emphasises the relationship between biodiversity conservation, cultural identity, ecological sustainability and community well-being. The concept, developed and popularised by noted agricultural scientist Prof M S Swaminathan, founder of MSSRF and regarded as the architect of India’s Green Revolution, seeks to link biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods, nutritional security, cultural continuity and ecological resilience. The programme will also feature thematic panel discussions on biodiversity conservation, revival of traditional knowledge, youth engagement, climate adaptation strategies, farmer seed systems and sustainable agricultural futures in the Eastern Himalayan region. Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Allied Sectors Minister Gabriel D Wangsu will inaugurate the event. Representatives from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, Rajiv Gandhi University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions, experts working in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, and farmer representatives will participate in the deliberations. The organisers expressed hope that the consultation would help evolve a stakeholder-driven roadmap for strengthening agrobiodiversity conservation, resilient livelihoods and community-centred development approaches in the state.    

TAWANG : A District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting was held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tawang on Wednesday to review measures against drug abuse, strengthen inter-agency coordination and enhance tourist safety in the district. The meeting was chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and attended by Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, DySP Tasso Kato, representatives of central intelligence agencies, paramilitary forces and other stakeholders. Addressing the meeting, SP Tasi Darang highlighted the growing threat posed by narcotics and warned that “drug abuse is destroying our society like cancer.” He briefed the members on recent enforcement actions carried out by Tawang Police, including the arrest of accused persons and seizure of 12.6 grams of suspected heroin. The SP also informed the house about coordinated efforts by Tawang Police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Lungla and local villagers in destroying wild cannabis plantations in different parts of the district. Highlighting citizen-centric policing initiatives, Darang said traffic personnel have been deployed as tourist police to assist visitors in Tawang, while a dedicated police post for tourists has also been activated. Calling upon citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration, DC Namgyal Angmo urged the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities. She stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among stakeholders to curb drug trafficking and related crimes. While noting that Tawang continues to maintain a relatively low crime rate, the DC cautioned against complacency and underscored the need for sustained efforts towards child protection and prevention of drug abuse. Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu, Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station Inspector N Angu, and representatives of the Taxi Union, Hoteliers Association, Market Welfare Committee and various departments also shared their views and suggestions during the meeting. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen awareness, prevention measures and coordinated action against drug abuse in the district. Earlier in the day, the DC also chaired a review meeting on the ongoing Houselisting Operations under Census 2027 with Deputy Director of Census Operations Phiralin Passah and Statistical Investigator Saksham Kohli, who are on an official visit to Tawang. The meeting was attended by all charge officers of the district. (DIPR)

  PASIGHAT : As part of the run-up to the 12th International Yoga Day, the Spearhead Division under Spear Corps organised a yoga session at Sigar in Arunachal Pradesh to promote wellness, discipline and holistic well-being. Held amid the serene surroundings of the state, the session focused on improving physical fitness, mental resilience and inner harmony through various yogic exercises and breathing techniques. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and highlighted the importance of yoga in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The initiative forms part of a series of activities being organised by the Indian Army ahead of International Yoga Day to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage fitness, mindfulness and harmony with nature. The event also reflected the Indian Army’s continued commitment towards promoting healthy living, mental well-being and collective participation in nation-building initiatives.

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has extended his warm greetings to the people of the state, particularly the Muslim community, on the sacred occasion of Eid ul Zuha. In his message, the Governor said that Eid ul Zuha, also known as Eid al Adha, commemorates the unwavering faith and devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham) to Almighty Allah and carries deep spiritual significance. He said the festival symbolises the timeless values of sacrifice, humility, compassion, obedience and selfless service to humanity. Beyond the celebrations, the occasion inspires brotherhood, mutual respect, generosity and social harmony, while encouraging people to share happiness and extend support to the less fortunate. Highlighting India’s rich composite culture, the Governor said the nation’s strength lies in its unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and traditions. Festivals such as Eid ul Zuha further reinforce these cherished values and encourage collective efforts towards peace, social harmony and national integration, he added. The Governor wished that the festival brings happiness, prosperity, good health and spiritual fulfillment to every home.