State News

TAWANG, AUG 22: A two-day legal awareness programme organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tawang in collaboration with District Police Tawang concluded at Mago village on Saturday, focusing on strengthening legal literacy, improving police-judiciary coordination and taking legal services to people at the grassroots. The first day focused on legal aid provisions, victim support mechanisms and procedural requirements under key criminal laws. Tawang CJM-cum-Secretary DLSA Christina Mum Norbu explained provisions of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) relating to free legal aid for arrested persons and the mechanisms available to crime victims for obtaining compensation, legal assistance and rehabilitation support. Special Public Prosecutor Khamo Desisow conducted a session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, covering procedures for search, seizure and arrest in drug-related cases, judicial precedents and the importance of strict procedural compliance during investigation. Special Public Prosecutor Atum Lamnio spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with emphasis on child-friendly investigation, victim protection and the responsibilities of investigating officers in cases involving children. Advocate Lawang Norbu highlighted common procedural lapses in police investigations and, through practical case studies, stressed the importance of proper documentation and maintaining the chain of custody. Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang emphasised close coordination among the police, prosecution and judiciary for effective administration of criminal justice. Tawang AD&SJ-cum-Chairman DLSA Ito Basar also underscored the need for cooperation among stakeholders to make justice accessible, efficient and responsive. The day concluded with an interactive discussion on operational and procedural challenges faced by police personnel. On the second day, the programme was taken to Mago village to directly engage the rural community on legal rights and available services. Tawang District & Sessions Judge Ito Basar explained the fundamentals of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Courts Act, the functioning of civil courts, available legal remedies and basic civil rights. Tawang Civil Judge-cum-CJM Mary Jonnam spoke on child rights and provisions relating to the Juvenile Justice Board, highlighting safeguards, protection and rehabilitation mechanisms for children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. DLSA West Kameng Secretary Tashi Wangchu explained the role and functions of the DLSA and informed villagers about avenues for accessing free legal aid and legal representation, particularly for eligible and vulnerable persons. Tawang DySP Togum Gonggo highlighted the importance of police-public cooperation in maintaining peace and preventing crime, and urged villagers to approach law enforcement agencies without hesitation whenever assistance is required. The programme concluded with an interactive session in which villagers directly raised legal issues and sought clarification from judicial officers, legal experts and police personnel. The initiative reflected the joint commitment of DLSA Tawang and District Police Tawang to strengthening legal literacy, expanding access to justice and building greater trust and coordination among the judiciary, police and communities, particularly in remote areas of the district. (DIPR)

TAWANG, AUG 22: A 29-year-old man was swept away while swimming in the Nyamjangchu River near Namtsering village under Lumla Circle in Tawang district on Saturday, prompting a search operation by local residents and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel. The missing man, a resident of Jangda and son of former Tawang District Medical Officer Dr Wangdi Lama, was travelling towards Zemithang with six friends when they were reportedly forced to halt after the road leading to Zemithang was blocked. The group later stopped near the river, where some members went swimming. The 29-year-old was swept away by the strong current while in the river. Local residents of Namtsering immediately joined the search, while SSB personnel launched an operation along the river. Lumla Circle Officer Tseten Droima reached the spot and is overseeing the search and rescue efforts in coordination with the local administration, SSB personnel and villagers. Strong currents and difficult terrain have posed challenges to the operation, which continued along downstream stretches of the Nyamjangchu River. Authorities and local residents have urged people to exercise extreme caution near rivers, particularly during periods of strong currents and adverse weather conditions. (Source: Mon Tawang Vigilance)      

KOYU, AUG 22: More than 100 households affected by severe flooding triggered by a cloudburst in Koyu Circle of Lower Siang district received relief materials and financial assistance at a distribution programme held at Koyu village on Saturday. The relief initiative was organised by North East Foundation for Health Education and Livelihood Skills (NE-HEALS) Itanagar in association with North East Centre for Equity Action on Integrated Development (NE-AID) Guwahati, with support from Bogum Ao Foundation. Villagers from Koyu, Mane, Rina and Rotte villages received essential relief materials to meet their immediate needs following the flood. Financial assistance amounting to Rs 4.8 lakh was also distributed among the affected villages to help families meet urgent requirements and support their recovery. The programme was attended by Upper Ramle Bango ZPM Nyachi Koyu, NE-HEALS Managing Trustee Rage Koyu, Bogum Ao Foundation President Marge Sora and Kobu-Koyu Welfare Society representative Bapak Koyu. Villagers and PRI members appreciated the timely intervention, noting that the relief materials and financial assistance would provide crucial support to affected families during the recovery period. They also acknowledged the efforts of NE-HEALS, NE-AID and Bogum Ao Foundation in reaching out to the affected communities. The initiative reflected a collaborative effort by civil society organisations, community representatives and local stakeholders to provide timely assistance and support the recovery of flood-affected families in Koyu.    

YUPIA, AUG 22: A District Level Steering Committee meeting on the Lakhpati Didi Initiative was held at the DC Conference Hall here on Thursday last to review its implementation in Papum Pare district and strengthen convergence among government departments and other stakeholders. Organised by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), the meeting was chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage and attended by Assistant Commissioner Bengia Yakar, Zilla Parishad Members from Doimukh and Borum, heads of various line departments, the Lead District Manager of State Bank of India and ArSRLM officials from different blocks. The District Mission Manager ArSRLM outlined the objectives and significance of the initiative and stressed the importance of effective functioning of the District Level Steering Committee. A presentation on ArSRLM’s targets and achievements for the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27 highlighted efforts to strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs) and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women. Hage appreciated the efforts of ArSRLM and underlined the importance of the Lakhpati Didi Initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Rural Development, in enhancing the economic empowerment of rural women. She directed all line departments to work in convergence and ensure that eligible SHGs benefit from relevant government schemes and programmes. She called for focused and time-bound efforts to meet the district’s targets and stressed the need for coordinated support from line departments, financial institutions and field-level functionaries. The DC also called for identification of potential beneficiaries, timely institutional and financial assistance and effective handholding of SHG members at the grassroots to help them increase household incomes and attain Lakhpati Didi status. Lakhpati Didis were felicitated with certificates in recognition of their achievements. A Lakhpati Didi from Borum block also shared her success story, highlighting the impact of SHG-based livelihood activities and institutional support on her economic well-being. The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen inter-departmental convergence and stakeholder participation and accelerate focused interventions to create more Lakhpati Didis across Papum Pare. (DIPR)    

NAMSAI, AUG 22: A preliminary coordination meeting for the reception and exposition of sacred Buddha relics scheduled to be held in Namsai from November 11 to 15, 2026, was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Saturday. The meeting was attended by revered Bhantes, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Namsai MLA Chou Zingnu Namchoom, Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and representatives of various Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). Addressing the gathering, Mein urged all stakeholders to work with devotion, coordination and collective responsibility to ensure that the sacred occasion is conducted in a befitting manner and provides a meaningful spiritual experience for devotees and the people of Namsai. The meeting discussed preliminary arrangements and responsibilities for the smooth reception and exposition of the relics, with emphasis on coordinated efforts and active participation of all stakeholders. The initiative is expected to bring devotees and visitors together for the sacred exposition and provide an opportunity for the people of Namsai to participate in a significant spiritual event.    

ITANAGAR, AUG 21: The Centre has sanctioned five road projects worth Rs 2,423.70 crore for nearly 278 km of the Arunachal Frontier Highway, giving a major push to connectivity, officials said on Friday. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued Letters of Acceptance for the five projects between August 11 and August 20 to joint ventures led by Ceigall India Ltd, they said. The projects involve construction of intermediate lane roads on the Sarli-Huri, Huri-Taliha and Bile-Migging sections of the highway in Upper Subansiri and West Siang districts, respectively. The largest project entails construction of a 78.38-km stretch of the Sarli-Huri section at a bid cost of Rs 611.10 crore. It is scheduled to be completed within 36 months, the officials stated. Another project covers a 57.525-km stretch of the Huri-Taliha section at a cost of Rs 525 crore. The construction period for this work is 48 months, they said. The Ceigall India-led joint ventures have also secured a Rs 521-crore contract for a 55.725-km stretch of the Huri-Taliha section. The fourth project, valued at Rs 492.52 crore, involves construction of a 49.15-km road on the Huri-Taliha section, while the fifth package relates to a 37.56-km stretch of the Bile-Migging section at a cost of Rs 274.08 crore, the officials said. The Frontier Highway, designated as NH-913, is one of the country’s most ambitious strategic road projects, aimed at improving connectivity to remote villages along Arunachal Pradesh’s international borders. The highway is being developed in phases through agencies, including the state PWD, Border Roads Organisation and NHIDCL. (Source: PTI)