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  YAZALI :  The mortal remains of noted social reformer and Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) president Dr Bengia Tolum was laid to rest at his residence, Tolum Polyi, in Yazali on Friday. Dr Tolum passed away at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, on Thursday at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, five sons and a daughter. Several political leaders, community representatives, well-wishers and members of the public gathered to pay their last respects to the late leader, whose contributions towards indigenous identity, social harmony and education left a lasting impact on the state. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also paid homage to Dr Tolum and described him as a towering indigenous leader whose contributions to society would always be remembered. “Paid my last respects and homage to Dr Bengia Tolum at his residence in Yazali. A widely respected figure and a towering indigenous leader of the state, his immense contributions towards society and preservation of our indigenous identity will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” Khandu stated in a social media post. Members of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) also attended the funeral service and joined family members, residents and community leaders in paying tribute to the late social reformer. Expressing grief over his demise, APC president Amar Sangno described Dr Tolum’s death as an irreparable loss not only to the Nyishi community but to the entire state. “Dr Bengia Tolum was not merely a community leader; he was a bridge-builder, a guardian of indigenous heritage and a compassionate human being whose life was devoted to uplifting society. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” Sangno said. He added that Dr Tolum’s contributions towards social harmony, preservation of indigenous identity, education and journalism-friendly public engagement would be remembered for generations. The APC and APUWJ also conveyed condolences to senior journalist Bengia Ajum (son of late Dr Tolum) and the bereaved family, praying for strength and peace for the departed soul. Among those present at the funeral service were APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo, general secretary Sonam Jelly, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha, members of the Ziro Press Club and journalists from different parts of the state.

PASIGHAT :  Commerce and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam on Friday inaugurated ‘Tulang’, an edible oil extraction and production unit, at the Industrial Estate in Pasighat. Established as a subsidiary of Elam Industries, the unit will manufacture and supply pure mustard and sesame oil in the region. Speaking at the inaugural function, proprietor and retired Group Captain Mohonto Panging Pao said the factory is committed to producing pure and unadulterated edible oil. He clarified that the products are not being marketed as strictly organic as raw materials are sourced from different suppliers. The factory currently has a production capacity of 200 litres per day and carries out the entire process, including extraction, bottling and labelling, within the facility. Addressing the gathering, Dukam appreciated Pao for his contribution towards economic growth and employment generation in the state. He said Pao’s transition from the Indian Air Force to the industrial sector was an inspiring example of dedication and entrepreneurship. “The state government under Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is committed to developing Arunachal Pradesh into a key industrial hub,” the minister said. Dukam also assured administrative support to industrial initiatives in the region and said the memorandum submitted by the Siang Indigenous Manufacturers, Producers and Services Association would be reviewed with the Chief Minister and concerned authorities. Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang termed the venture a significant development for the local community and said the factory would provide market opportunities for local oilseed farmers while generating employment for youths. Ruksin MLA Ninong Ering and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng also addressed the gathering and called for collective support from the community for the success of the new industrial venture.      

ITANAGAR : Timely action by Lok Bhavan staff member Minati Dakuya helped avert a major fire tragedy at the Lok Bhavan complex here earlier this month. In recognition of her prompt response and presence of mind, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (retd) on Saturday presented her with the Governor’s Citation along with a cash award of Rs 20,000 at Lok Bhavan. According to officials, the incident took place on May 8 at around 7:30 pm when Dakuya noticed an electrical fire breaking out from a nearby electric pole in Sector-B of the complex. Realising the risk of the fire spreading to nearby residential quarters, she immediately alerted the Electricity Department and continuously followed up to ensure that the power supply was disconnected without delay. Her swift intervention prevented what could have turned into a major fire accident, officials said. Commending Dakuya’s exemplary conduct, the Governor said her action reflected a strong sense of civic responsibility, dedication to duty and concern for public safety. He said her presence of mind and prompt response should inspire all officials and staff members to remain alert and responsive during emergencies. The Governor also advised officials and staff of the Governor Secretariat to remain sensitive towards people in need and emphasised that timely action, courage and humanity can save lives and prevent tragedies.      

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  In a bid to preserve the traditions and cultural identity of Adi women and inspire younger generations, the Adi Baane Ane Kebang (ABAK) on Saturday launched a distinctive bead garland for Adi women named ‘Banné Nog-ying’ at IGJ Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) conference hall in Pasighat. The ornament was introduced on the lines of the traditional ‘Dudab’ worn by Adi menfolk and is intended to serve as a unique cultural identifier for Adi women. Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, who attended the programme as chief guest, lauded the initiative and said the launch of ‘Banné Nog-ying’ would strengthen and preserve the distinct identity of Adi women. Central Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang president Dr Tajom Tasung described the initiative as a landmark step towards safeguarding the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Adi community. East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Ruth Tabing Boko said Adi women have traditionally adorned ornaments such as Nog, Sondorong, Maduli, Tampilang and Sumbi. She noted that ‘Banné Nog-ying’ would particularly be associated with unmarried Adi women, similar to the traditional identity represented by ‘Banbo Reyang’ among unmarried Adi men. ABAK president Yamek Mize Taggu, general secretary Opung Jamoh Dai and vice-president Oming Jamoh Pertin highlighted the significance of the initiative, which received approval from the Adi Baane Kebang and Opin Buang Council on May 2 this year. The organisers said ‘Banné Nog-ying’ is a recreation of ‘Nog’, a traditional female ornament of the Adi tribe, redesigned to preserve its cultural significance while making it suitable for contemporary use. The ornament was conceptualised by ABAK general secretary Opung Jamoh Dai and crafted by Yato Jamoh Nobeng, while the name was coined by Dambuk Head Gaon Burah Maktel Pertin of Lower Dibang Valley district. According to the organisers, the ornament is intended to honour women, friends and distinguished female guests with dignity, respect and cultural pride. Speaking to media persons after the event, Opung Jamoh Dai, former ABAK president Olen Megu Damin and ABAK patron Osor Moyong Tayeng said the ornament had been specially designed by incorporating elements of traditional Adi women’s attire, particularly ‘Adi Gale Amik’ bead patterns. They also appealed to other tribal communities to respect the traditional identity and cultural heritage of Adi women. The programme was attended by Pasighat Municipal Council Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, ABAK members and representatives from several Adi-inhabited districts, including East Siang, Siang, Upper Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai and Shi-Yomi. The initiative is being seen as an important effort towards strengthening cultural identity, traditional awareness and community unity among the Adi people.      

AALO :  The 9th edition of the State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy Football and Volleyball Tournament for Under-16 boys and girls commenced at Aalo Stadium in West Siang district on Friday. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Aalo West MLA Topin Ete, Chasen Lowang Dada, wife of late Havildar Hangpan Dada, Sports and Youth Affairs Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, West Siang SP Kardak Riba, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra, Brigadier Ritesh Katoch, officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and the district administration. More than 1,500 participants, including players, coaches, technical officials and District Sports Officers from 28 districts, including the Itanagar Capital Region, are participating in the tournament. Organised annually as a flagship programme of the Arunachal Pradesh government, the tournament commemorates Ashoka Chakra awardee late Havildar Hangpan Dada of Borduria village in Tirap district. His sacrifice and dedication to the nation continue to inspire youths across the state. Addressing the gathering, Jini highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, character-building and career opportunities for young athletes. He also spoke about the state government’s initiatives for sports promotion, including job reservations and cash incentives for outstanding sportspersons. The opening boys’ football match between host West Siang and Shi Yomi ended in a 1-1 draw. In girls’ football, Longding and Kra Daadi played out a 1-1 draw, while Upper Subansiri defeated Changlang 2-1, Namsai edged past Siang 2-1 and West Kameng thrashed Pakke Kessang 8-0. In boys’ football, Siang defeated East Siang 3-0, while Longding registered a 3-0 win over Dibang Valley. The volleyball events will commence on Saturday. The tournament will continue till May 25 across four venues in Aalo. Fixtures for May 17 include football matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories at ITBP Ground, Main Ground, Darka Ground, Pakam Ground and APPBn Ground, while volleyball matches will be played at the Army Ground. The tournament is expected to promote sportsmanship, unity and youth development while providing a competitive platform for young athletes from across the state. (DIPR)