State News

DEOMALI, AUG 27: Deomali and Khonsa Police, along with the Sub-Divisional Administration Deomali, apprehended four suspected drug peddlers during a joint operation at the Deomali Check Gate on Tuesday. Acting on reliable information that a vehicle bearing registration number AR 09A 8114 travelling from Khonsa towards Namsangmukh was carrying suspected contraband, the information was shared with senior police and administrative officials. A naka was subsequently established at the Deomali Check Gate. OC Borduria Inspector Ngowang Rango and Deomali Police Station Inspector W Ronrang proceeded to the check gate, while Executive Magistrate Deomali Toko Kacha also reached the spot. The search of the vehicle and its occupants was conducted as per procedure in the presence of the Executive Magistrate and two independent witnesses. The four persons apprehended were identified as Kaling Mibang of Kelek Mirbuk village in East Siang, Mibom Tayeng of Jarku village in East Siang, Tajen Pame of Pame village in Siang district and Bai Kambu of Telam village in Lower Siang district. Police recovered 90.6 grams of suspected drugs, around ₹20,000 in cash and other articles during the search. Police said two of the apprehended persons are serving in the armed forces. Tajen Pame is posted as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (SG) with the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRBN) at Pasighat, while Bai Kambu is serving as a constable with the 1st IRBN at Namsangmukh Deomali. Personnel of the 36th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 44 Assam Rifles also joined the operation. The operation forms part of the ongoing coordinated efforts of the police and district administration to curb drug-related activities in Tirap district.  

BASAR/LIKABALI, AUG 27: The Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (SFC) led by Chairman Tarh Tarak, along with members Maji Chokar and Ngaasah Tangjang, reviewed the implementation and monitoring of schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, during visits to Leparada and Lower Siang districts on Thursday. In Leparada, the Commission held a review meeting with heads of concerned departments at the DC Conference Hall, Basar, to assess the ground-level delivery of food and nutrition-related schemes, identify implementation gaps and discuss measures to ensure timely delivery of entitlements to eligible beneficiaries. Commission member Ngaasah Tangjang briefed officials on the powers and functions of the State Food Commission, constituted in 2019 under Section 16 of the NFSA. He said the Commission has been undertaking district-wise visits to obtain first-hand information on the implementation of food security programmes and challenges at the grassroots level. The meeting reviewed the status of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries, including foodgrain carriage, Aadhaar seeding and e-KYC updation of ration card holders and their family members. Leparada District Food and Civil Supplies Officer Marke Karlo apprised the Commission of the implementation status and challenges. Nutrition-related interventions under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) and Hot Cooked Meals (HCM), were also reviewed. Basar ICDS Project Child Development Project Officer Sito Riba made a presentation on the status of the schemes. Leparada District Deputy Director of School Education Tomi Doke briefed the Commission on PM POSHAN implementation in government schools, highlighting the low honorarium of cooks and the need for kitchen sheds in some schools. The Commission also reviewed Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), with District Medical Officer Dr Karmar Dirchi apprising the members of its status and related interventions. The grievance redressal mechanism under the NFSA was reviewed with Additional Deputy Commissioner Tamo Riba, who also functions as the District Grievance Redressal Officer. The Commission stressed the need for an accessible and responsive mechanism to ensure timely resolution of beneficiaries’ grievances. Summing up the Leparada review, Tarh Tarak said that since assuming office in October 2025, the Commission has been undertaking phase-wise visits across the state to obtain first-hand information on food security programmes, identify systemic gaps and facilitate appropriate policy interventions. Highlighting the logistical challenges posed by Arunachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain and adverse weather, Tarak said the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been directed to maintain adequate surplus stocks of foodgrains at godowns to ensure uninterrupted availability during emergencies. He directed the concerned authorities to strengthen beneficiary identification and digital monitoring under ICDS and asked the CDPO to ensure proactive use of the Poshan Tracker application so that no eligible beneficiary is left out. He also directed the Department of Food & Civil Supplies to work towards 100 per cent e-KYC updation of eligible beneficiaries. Expressing concern over food adulteration, Tarak said the Commission was taking serious cognisance of the issue. He noted that inadequate food sample testing facilities in the state result in additional expenditure and logistical difficulties as samples have to be sent outside Arunachal Pradesh. He said the Commission proposes to pursue the establishment of two food sample testing centres, one each in the eastern and western regions of the state. The Chairman also said construction of kitchen sheds in the remaining schools under PM POSHAN would be taken up in phases, while the issue of honorarium for PM POSHAN cooks was being pursued with the government for appropriate consideration. During its visit to Lower Siang, the Commission held a meeting with the district administration and heads of departments at the DC Conference Hall, Likabali. Tarak outlined the key provisions of the NFSA and the responsibilities of stakeholders in its effective implementation and monitoring. He stressed the need for continued coordination and regular communication among concerned departments to ensure that food security benefits reach eligible beneficiaries effectively. Tarak appreciated the Lower Siang district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor for the arrangements, response and logistical support extended to the Commission. The Commission called for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to strengthen service delivery and ensure that NFSA entitlements reach all eligible beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and effective manner.    

ITANAGAR, AUG 27: Raksha Bandhan was celebrated at Lok Bhavan here on Thursday, with students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Chimpu and members of the Brahma Kumaris tying rakhis to Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd). The students, accompanied by their teachers, interacted with the Governor, who said Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters while also reminding citizens of their collective responsibility to protect and nurture the values that hold society together. The Governor said the festival inspires compassion, harmony, respect for women and a sense of responsibility towards one another. He added that the rakhi symbolises a pledge to stand by each other in times of need and contribute towards building a caring and inclusive society. Advising the students to become responsible and useful citizens, Parnaik encouraged them to cultivate discipline, integrity, empathy and a spirit of service, while pursuing excellence in their chosen fields. He assured them of his support in their efforts to achieve their aspirations. Members of the Brahma Kumaris, led by Brahma Kumari Junu, also tied rakhis to the Governor. Greeting the organisation, Parnaik appreciated its selfless service and sustained efforts in promoting spiritual values, moral education, peace and social harmony. He noted the organisation’s global presence across more than 140 countries and its contribution to women’s empowerment, character building and community welfare. The Governor urged the Brahma Kumaris to continue inspiring youth to embrace discipline, compassion, integrity and responsible citizenship. He emphasised that nation-building depends not only on economic and infrastructural progress but also on strong moral and spiritual foundations among citizens.    

ITANAGAR, AUG 27: A delegation of the Adi Ba:né Kebang (ABK), along with representatives of the ABK Youth Wing and Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), met Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini here on Thursday and submitted a memorandum seeking establishment of a Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre at Pasighat in East Siang district. The delegation was led by ABK president Tanon Tatak and included ABK general secretary (acting) Oson Taying, secretary (Games and Sports) Jote Mingki, ABK Youth Wing president Oki Dai, general secretary Anit Tamuk, AdiSU president Tani Tapo, general secretary Dolen Saring and Kalen Tadeng. The delegation highlighted the sporting potential of Arunachal Pradesh and stressed the need for modern, scientific and residential training facilities to nurture young talent, particularly from the central and eastern regions of the State. According to the memorandum, Pasighat’s connectivity through Pasighat Airport and NH-515, along with existing infrastructure such as the Pasighat Outdoor Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru College and District General Hospital, makes it suitable for a major sports training facility. The delegation said young athletes from the Central Zone and Siang belt have demonstrated considerable potential in athletics, archery, boxing, football, badminton, taekwondo and karate. However, the lack of specialised infrastructure, scientific coaching and residential facilities often forces promising athletes to seek opportunities outside the State. The proposed SAI centre would provide a structured ecosystem for identifying, training and nurturing athletes, with an envisaged capacity of 200–300 residential trainees. The memorandum proposed approximately 25–40 acres of land in and around Pasighat for the facility. The delegation also highlighted the existing State-run Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) at Chimpu Itanagar and State Sports Academy at Miao, and stressed the need for a comparable high-quality institution in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It said the proposed centre would complement initiatives such as Khelo India and contribute to sports development in the border areas of the State. The ABK expressed hope that the Sports and Youth Affairs Department would consider the proposal and take up the matter with SAI and the Government of India. It maintained that the establishment of an SAI Training Centre at Pasighat would strengthen the State’s sporting ecosystem and provide young athletes with greater opportunities to pursue excellence at national and international levels.    

MIPI, AUG 27: An unidentified body was recovered from the Mathu River near Brango village under Mipi Circle in Dibang Valley district on Thursday during an ongoing search and recovery operation following the recent flash flood in the area. Army personnel recovered the body while conducting search operations for five Army personnel reported missing after the flash flood at Paso Pani Army Base Camp. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established. The competent authorities are carrying out the prescribed identification and verification procedures, and the identity will be confirmed only after the process is completed. Further details will be made available after official confirmation of the identity.