State News

ITANAGAR, SEP 7: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan will arrive here on Tuesday evening for a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh, during which he will attend a special session of the Assembly, officials said. Radhakrishnan is on a four-day tour of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, which he began Sunday. Officials said the vice president will arrive in Itanagar from Imphal on Tuesday evening and attend a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly the next day. He will also visit the Assembly gallery-cum-museum. His itinerary also includes visits to Nyedar Namlo (Prayer Hall), the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and the Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired in Itanagar. Radhakrishnan is also likely to interact with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and senior government officials during his stay. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the state capital ahead of the vice-president’s arrival. Itanagar Capital Region’s Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar said security personnel have been deployed at strategic locations and officials have been conducting night patrols throughout the capital city for the past few days. (Source: PTI)    

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR, SEP 7: Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) Youth Wing legal advisor Ebo Mili has questioned the alleged conduct of an “unofficial meeting” held by Central Zone Division Commissioner-cum-Commissioner of Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Amjad Tak with the people of Geku, Upper Siang on August 27 last. In a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Monday, Mili alleged that the meeting was conducted without informing the local administrative authorities at Geku, describing it as a “fishy and shady act” and a violation of established administrative protocols. He also raised concern over the threat posed by a glacial lake located around 30 km from Tuting in Upper Siang, claiming that the lake is on the verge of breaching and has been categorised as an ‘A-category’ glacial lake, indicating an immediate threat. “Unfortunately, no preparations have been made by the state government so far to deal with the situation,” Mili said. He further claimed that construction of the proposed dam in the area could aggravate the situation and increase the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood, as adequate coping and disaster-management mechanisms have allegedly not been put in place. On the ‘Livelihood Generation Scheme’, Mili warned local-level signatories and officials involved in the paperwork of the scheme to refrain from proceeding with activities without proper transparency and authorisation. He said the forum would seek information through the Right to Information (RTI) Act in the future to ascertain the source and utilisation of funds under the scheme, alleging that the funding pattern remains unclear. Mili further alleged that private companies are attempting to persuade local people to sign MoUs for the construction of SUMP facilities by offering them Rs 2 lakh under the Livelihood Generation Scheme. He cautioned that similar 27 glacial lake-related threats exist in various districts such as Dibang Valley, Tawang, Anjaw, Kurung Kumey, Shi Yomi and warned that construction of dams without adequate scientific assessment, preparedness and mitigation mechanisms could have serious consequences if any such lake breaches. He urged the state government and concerned authorities to conduct proper scientific assessments, ensure transparency in project-related activities and put in place adequate disaster preparedness measures in vulnerable areas as precautions from glacier outburst    

ITANAGAR, SEP 7: India’s leadership of the 18th BRICS summit would help strengthen global cooperation and advance the interests of the Global South through a more inclusive and people-centric approach, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on Monday. Mein said the summit, being hosted under India’s presidency, marked an important step towards building stronger global partnerships and promoting inclusive development. “Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Humanity First’ and a people-centric approach, India is working to make BRICS a more practical and impactful platform for the Global South,” Mein said in a post on X. The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1 this year, marking its fourth stint at the helm of the grouping. The year 2026 also marks 20 years of BRICS since its establishment. Mein said India’s presidency is centred around the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, with emphasis on issues that have a direct bearing on economic growth, technological advancement and sustainable development. He said the summit would focus on innovation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, reliable supply chains, financial cooperation, trade in local currencies, climate action, clean energy and youth empowerment, besides reaffirming zero tolerance towards terrorism. Mein said India’s leadership was helping shape “a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global future”, reflecting the country’s effort to position BRICS as a platform for collective solutions to emerging global challenges. (Source: PTI)    

AALO, SEP 7: The Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA) West Siang Unit celebrated the 65th Teachers’ Day at Gumin Kiin, Aalo, with around 350 teachers from across the district participating in the programme. The highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of 75 retired educators, including former Deputy Directors of School Education, principals, headmasters and teachers, in recognition of their long-standing and valuable contribution to the education sector. Four State Teachers’ Award recipients were also felicitated for their exemplary dedication and distinguished service to the teaching profession. The programme was attended by Topin Ete as Chief Guest, West Siang ZPM Nyali Bagra as Guest of Honour, West Siang SP Kardak Riba as Special Guest and DDSE Hengam Ete Bagra. Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries paid tribute to the teaching community and highlighted the vital role of teachers in shaping young minds, nurturing future generations and strengthening society. They emphasised that values such as dedication, discipline, knowledge and service remain central to the teaching profession despite changing educational systems and classroom practices. The felicitation of the retired educators was described as a tribute to the rich legacy of education in West Siang. Having devoted decades to schools and educational administration, the veterans were acknowledged for leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire serving teachers. The participation of around 350 teachers reflected the unity and fraternity of the district’s teaching community and provided an opportunity for serving educators to reconnect with their seniors and express gratitude for their contribution to education. The ATA West Siang Unit, led by President Mardo Bogo, General Secretary Dope Ori and Convenor-cum-Organising Secretary Kemba Lollen, was appreciated for organising the felicitation programme. The celebration concluded with the teaching fraternity reaffirming its commitment to uphold the dignity of the profession and carry forward the legacy of knowledge, service and dedication left by generations of educators.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 6: Arunachal Pradesh Police have rescued 38 people, including 34 children, from various locations and arrested four persons who were allegedly involved in human trafficking, officials said on Sunday. The children were rescued from Aalo, Mechuka, Pasighat, Naharlagun, Itanagar and Longding area of Arunachal Pradesh and from Assam, they said. A trafficking case was registered at Namsai Police Station last month. It is being investigated by Namsai Deputy Superintendent of Police Kengo Dirchi under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, in close coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Namsai. In a press statement, Thinley said police have arrested four facilitators so far, with the latest arrest being identified as Rupali Padung. Her alleged role in the transportation and illegal placement of the victims is currently under legal scrutiny. Officials said the probe aims to unearth the complete trafficking network, financial transactions, electronic evidence, and secondary links. Parents, guardians, and individuals where the victims were allegedly placed are also being thoroughly examined, with appropriate legal action to follow based on evidence. The CWC and DCPU are providing necessary care, protection, counselling, and rehabilitation support to the rescued children, the SP said. Meanwhile, the SP said the identities of the minors are being strictly protected in compliance with the law, as further investigations continue. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 6: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar, is organising its first-ever press tour to Gujarat for journalists from Arunachal Pradesh from September 6 to 12, with the objective of strengthening media engagement and providing first-hand exposure to the State’s development initiatives and governance practices. A nine-member delegation of journalists from Arunachal Pradesh, led by PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar, will undertake the seven-day exposure tour. During the visit, the delegation will interact with government agencies, project authorities and other stakeholders to gain insights into the planning, implementation and outcomes of various development initiatives. The tour will cover areas including governance, infrastructure, technology, economy and public service delivery, offering the journalists a comparative perspective on development experiences in Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh. The visit will also facilitate interaction and exchange of professional experiences between journalists and stakeholders, particularly in the context of the two states’ distinct geographical, cultural and socio-economic characteristics. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the relationship between PIB Itanagar and the media fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh through sustained interaction, field-based exposure and greater access to information. It is also expected to contribute to a broader understanding of the diverse development approaches adopted across different parts of the country.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 6: The Red Ribbon Club and National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of Don Bosco College (DBC), Itanagar, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun, and under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, organised a 5-km Red Run Marathon on Sunday to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS and mental health among youth. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across various semesters. Chamu Kamchung of BA Vth Semester secured first position in the boys’ category, while Kensinam Gao of BPES 3rd Semester emerged winner in the girls’ category. Roshan Chokar of BPES 3rd Semester and Yarisa Batak of BCom 3rd Semester secured second positions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively. DBC Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Dr Ravi Mihu addressed the participants on the importance of HIV/AIDS and mental health awareness. NSS Cell PO Samsom Mossang felicitated the winners and participants and congratulated them for their enthusiastic participation and sporting spirit.

NAMSAI, SEP 6: Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge laid the foundation stone for a new Blood Bank facility at District Hospital (DH), Namsai, on Sunday. In a post on X, Wahge said the hospital’s high patient footfall has increased the need for strengthened emergency and transfusion services. He said the new Blood Bank would improve timely access to blood for patients in need and strengthen emergency healthcare services. Wahge also toured the hospital and reviewed key facilities, including the CT Scan Room, Oxygen Plant and Mortuary. He took stock of the existing infrastructure and healthcare services being provided at the hospital.    

BORDUMSA, SEP 6: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Chakma and Hajong community-based organisations (CBOs) of Arunachal Pradesh has called for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the incidents that occurred at Bordumsa on September 3 and 4 during and SIR hearing. According to the JAC, around 600 Chakma electors from Bijoypur-I, II and III had assembled peacefully outside the Panchayat Hall, Bordumsa, on September 3 for the hearing. The proceedings were subsequently disrupted amid disturbances at the venue and were adjourned and rescheduled for September 4. The JAC said that during the rescheduled hearing on September 4, a large crowd reportedly entered the ADC Office Chamber, which had been designated as the hearing venue. It alleged that the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) conducting the hearing was assaulted and government property, including the ADC’s vehicle, was damaged. The committee said applicants waiting outside the premises reportedly remained peaceful, while there were also reports of provocation and stone-pelting in the vicinity. It further said communal slogans were allegedly raised on the public road as the gathering dispersed, followed by a verbal exchange and brief physical confrontation. The JAC also referred to reports of firearms being displayed and sounds resembling gunfire before security personnel intervened and dispersed the gathering using tear gas. However, it clarified that these were reports and allegations requiring verification through a proper investigation. Stressing that the incidents occurred in a large and fluid gathering, the JAC said responsibility for any specific act, including injuries or damage to property, should be established through a fair and evidence-based investigation. The committee expressed concern over the reported injuries sustained by an AAPSU member and some Chakma electors during the confrontation, and wished all those injured a speedy recovery. The JAC condemned any disruption of a lawful electoral hearing, assault on public officials, damage to government property, communal provocation, violence or display or use of firearms around a public hearing venue, irrespective of those responsible. It appreciated what it described as the restraint maintained by Chakma applicants and community leaders during the incidents and appealed to all stakeholders to uphold peace and non-violence. The JAC acknowledged that AAPSU and sections of the Singpho and Khamti communities may have concerns regarding the Form 6, 7 and 8 hearing process and its implications. It said such concerns should be addressed through constitutional, administrative and lawful mechanisms rather than confrontation or disruption of electoral proceedings. The committee urged the district administration to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation and take action in accordance with law based on the evidence collected. It also proposed a structured dialogue involving AAPSU, representatives of the Singpho and Khamti communities, Chakma and Hajong representatives and the State administration to address the concerns of all stakeholders. Appealing for restraint, the JAC urged all communities to refrain from retaliation and inflammatory rhetoric, avoid circulating unverified information on social media and allow the investigation and electoral process to proceed according to law. The committee said the communities of 49-Diyun-Bordumsa Assembly Constituency, despite having distinct histories and differing views on the present electoral process, share a long history of coexistence and a common future. It reiterated its commitment to peace, dignity and the rule of law in the constituency.