State News

YUPIA, AUG 24: Secretary Health and Family Welfare Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Electoral Roll Observer for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 in Papum Pare Vivek HP reviewed the ongoing revision exercise during a meeting held at Yupia on Monday. The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak, Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek, Deputy Commissioner Papum Pare Mamu Hage, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), representatives of political parties, elected Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs) and officers of the Election Department. Emphasising transparency and public confidence in the electoral process, Vivek H.P. said credibility of elections depends on accurate electoral rolls as well as transparent conduct of polling. He said SIR differs from the routine Special Summary Revision, involving extensive door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to ensure that eligible voters are included and the rolls remain accurate. He also stressed the importance of identifying and removing ineligible entries in accordance with electoral laws. Appreciating the efforts of BLOs, he urged BLOs and BLAs to actively participate in the claims and objections process for timely resolution of discrepancies. Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak said the SIR exercise should remain non-political and free from interference, with the focus on preparing an authentic and credible electoral roll. He stressed proper verification of electoral entries in accordance with law, saying the integrity of the electoral roll is essential to safeguarding the democratic process. Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek appreciated the Election Department officials and BLOs for undertaking the extensive revision exercise and said their efforts should result in a comprehensive, accurate and error-free electoral roll. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage gave a detailed presentation on the progress and operational aspects of SIR 2026 in the district. She informed that 11 new polling stations had been added to improve electoral accessibility and infrastructure. She said disposal of claims and objections would continue until September 18 and urged the public to approach the concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) with claims, objections or grievances within the stipulated period. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on September 22. ERO 13-Itanagar Assembly Constituency Dani Rikang briefed the meeting on activities undertaken under SIR 2026, including training programmes, pre-inauguration activities, public outreach, tabletop simulation exercises, establishment of special booths and the grievance redressal mechanism. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, AUG 23: Arunachal Pradesh’s extraordinary botanical wealth must be safeguarded through targeted scientific research, sustainable livelihoods, community participation, and long-term ecological security,” said Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) during an interaction with Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Director Dr Kanad Das here. A Lok Bhavan communique said the discussion on Saturday focused on the region’s rich plant diversity and future strategies for strengthening conservation. Highlighting that the state hosts over 5,000 flowering plant species, approximately 600 orchid varieties, 75 rhododendron species, and numerous medicinal plants, the governor advocated for a dedicated rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species recovery programme incorporating GIS mapping, population monitoring, seed banking, and habitat restoration. Emphasising the need for comprehensive botanical surveys across remote and previously inaccessible frontier areas, the governor called for deploying additional scientific personnel for systematic documentation. Referring to the state as India’s ‘Orchid Paradise’, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the nation’s orchid species, he recommended establishing a dedicated botanical garden, community orchid conservation zones, and expanded ex-situ conservation programmes. Parnaik further advised the BSI to institute a digital flora and climate-change monitoring network to ensure real-time ecological tracking and enhanced public outreach. BSI Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre Scientist in-charge Dr Krishna Chowlu was also present at the meeting. (Source: PTI)    

NAHARLAGUN, AUG 23: A community-driven gathering, Queers Ki Kahani – Our Voice, Our Story, organised by AP QueerStation, was held at Your Favourite Café in Naharlagun on Sunday, providing members of the LGBTQIA+ community an informal and intimate space to share stories, poetry, shayari, conversations and personal experiences. The gathering sought to create a safe environment where queer individuals could speak openly about their lives and experiences without fear of judgement or criticism. Participants spoke about coming out, loss, rejection, lack of family and social support, abuse, mental health struggles and other challenges encountered in a largely heteronormative society. “Queers Ki Kahani is about creating a space within our own community where we can listen to and understand each other and simply be there for one another,” the organisers said. They noted that queer people often have limited opportunities to express themselves freely and that such gatherings provide a rare opportunity to open up and be themselves. The session was hosted by ToriqBomshok, who briefed participants on the purpose of the gathering and emphasised solidarity, respect and community support. This was followed by a welcome address by Sawang Wangchha and sharing of personal stories and experiences by community members. The gathering also remembered community members who had died by suicide in recent months, acknowledging their lives and the grief of those who knew them. AP QueerStation has been working to create safe and inclusive spaces for indigenous queer people and the wider LGBTQIA+ community in Arunachal Pradesh through community gatherings, advocacy, storytelling, sensitisation programmes and collective action. Speaking on the need for queer communities to claim their spaces and rights, Wangchha said that in a deeply heteronormative society, safe spaces and rights are rarely handed to marginalised communities and must instead be created and demanded collectively. The gathering concluded with participants expressing hope for the future and a renewed sense of community. The organisers also thanked the owners and staff of Your Favourite Café for hosting the event and for maintaining a queer-friendly and welcoming environment for members of the community.    

ITANAGAR, AUG 26: The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) bid farewell to its active member Dr MQ Khan, who retired as Principal of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) on superannuation on July 31. The farewell was held during the Society’s 154th monthly sitting, chaired by APLS President Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi. In his farewell address, Dr Khan reflected on his career as a teacher of English literature and highlighted his contribution to the development of infrastructure at Dera Natung Government College. He urged the younger generation to follow the path shown by their teachers, saying that it is through such guidance that one can truly shine in life. Several APLS members, many of them Dr Khan’s former students, recalled his role in inspiring and motivating them in their academic and professional journeys. Senior members Nani Kojin, Sokhep Kri, Inumoni Das Thongchi and Nomi Mega Gumro also spoke on the occasion. APLS President Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi praised Dr Khan’s contribution to the growth of literature in Arunachal Pradesh, describing him as a person with profound and vast knowledge of literature. He said both he and the state’s young and budding writers had benefited immensely from Dr Khan’s guidance. The programme also featured poetry recitations by Takhe Yasa, Nomi Mega Gumro and Tarh Susana, while Sokhep Kri entertained the gathering with ghazals and old Hindi songs. Earlier, welcoming Dr Khan, APLS General Secretary Mukul Pathak said that although the Society had bid farewell to him, he would remain a member of APLS forever, wherever he might live.  

MIPI, AUG 23: More than 50 farmers participated in an awareness generation and orientation programme on natural farming organised by the Department of Agriculture Dibang Valley at Mipi on Sunday. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Anini Agriculture Development Officer Duyu Udi and attended by Mipi Zilla Parishad Member Siyo Miwu, Mipi Circle Officer Anmol Singh, GPC Dumpi Mega, Mipi Gaon Bura Tocha Mipi and Dibang Valley Kisan Morcha General Secretary Kobe Mihu, besides farmers and local community members. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dibang Valley Subject Matter Specialist (Agroforestry) Neelam Sunny, who served as the resource person, sensitised the participants on the principles and practical benefits of natural farming. He highlighted the use of indigenous bio-inputs such as Beejamrit and Jeevamrit to improve soil health, reduce dependence on external inputs and promote sustainable cultivation. Farmers were encouraged to adopt locally suitable, eco-friendly and climate-resilient practices, with emphasis on reducing input costs, strengthening farm resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The programme highlighted the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to promote healthy soils and sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices across Dibang Valley. (DIPR)