ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

State News

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Training prog on SIR conducted

NAMSAI : A virtual training programme on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Namsai on Thursday to prepare election functionaries for the upcoming revision exercise. The programme was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), supervisors and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from across the district. During the training, participants were familiarised with the procedures and guidelines for the effective conduct of the SIR process, including electoral roll revision, voter verification and field-level implementation strategies. Officials also received detailed instructions on ensuring accuracy and inclusiveness in the revision exercise. SIR-related materials and documents were distributed to BLOs to facilitate the smooth execution of the programme at the grassroots level. The district administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining an accurate and comprehensive electoral roll through the active involvement and coordinated efforts of all election functionaries. (DIPR)

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Officials trained for APSSB exam

TAWANG : Ahead of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) Special Recruitment Drive for Uniformed Services Combined Examination 2026, the district administration on Thursday organised a training programme for examination personnel at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang. The training was attended by centre superintendents, assistant centre superintendents, invigilators and other officials responsible for conducting the examination, which is scheduled to be held on June 14 across eight examination centres in the district. Addressing the participants, Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner and APSSB Examination Nodal Officer Rinchin Leta emphasised the need for professionalism, vigilance and accountability in the discharge of examination duties. He urged all officials to work in close coordination to ensure the examination is conducted smoothly, fairly and without lapses. Master Trainer Tashi Neema conducted detailed sessions on examination protocols, roles and responsibilities of officials, and other operational procedures. The training was aimed at enhancing the preparedness of personnel and ensuring the seamless conduct of the recruitment examination. An interactive session was also held, during which participants sought clarifications on various aspects of examination management. The queries were addressed comprehensively to strengthen coordination and readiness among the officials. The programme reflected the district administration’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, efficient and hassle-free examination process through effective planning and coordination among all stakeholders. (DIPR)

Latest News, Popular News, State News

19-year-old held for stalking, attempting to outrage modesty of women

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Police has arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly stalking, trespassing, and attempting to outrage the modesty of women in two separate incidents in the Capital Complex region here, officials said on Thursday. Itanagar Capital Region Naharlagun SP Nyelam Nega said the accused, identified as John Loda, a resident of Seppa in East Kameng district, was arrested on June 9. According to police, the first incident took place around 3 am on June 7 when a woman lodged a complaint at Naharlagun police station stating that an unknown man was stalking her and attempting to break into her house. The intruder, armed with two pairs of scissors, tried to force his way in through a window and door, creating panic, the official said. Within 30 minutes of the first attempt, a second incident was reported from Lekhi area under the jurisdiction of Nirjuli police station. Police said the same intruder allegedly broke into the rented room of a young woman while she was asleep, covered her mouth, and used scissors to cut her clothes in an attempt to outrage her modesty. “The victim displayed remarkable courage, fought back, and resisted the assault. During the struggle, the accused inflicted minor injuries to her face before fleeing the spot,” the SP said. The SP has commended the women’s bravery in resisting the attacker and promptly reporting the matter. A case has been registered at Naharlagun police station under sections 331(6) (house-trespass), 78(2) (stalking), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police said. (Source: PTI)  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Capital Police refutes allegations in Gumin Mize arrest case

ITANAGAR : Capital Police on Thursday clarified allegations circulating on social media and in public briefings regarding the arrest of Gumin Mize, stating that an internal enquiry found all accusations against Police Station Itanagar personnel to be baseless. According to a statement issued by Capital Superintendent of Police, Gumin Mize was arrested on May 20 in connection with Bihpuria Police Station Case No. 72/2026 registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. The arrest was carried out lawfully at Police Station Itanagar. Following the arrest, allegations surfaced claiming that the Officer-in-Charge of Police Station Itanagar had instructed an Assam Police officer to assault Mize while in custody, that his vehicle had been transported to Bihpuria by Itanagar Police personnel, and that an arms licence had been concealed or withheld by the police. In view of the seriousness of the allegations, Capital Superintendent of Police ordered a detailed enquiry on May 26. The investigation involved examination of witnesses, scrutiny of CCTV footage and other digital evidence, as well as verification of relevant documents and technical records. The enquiry concluded that the allegations against the Officer-in-Charge, Police Station Itanagar, members of the police station team and other Arunachal Pradesh Police personnel were unfounded and unsupported by evidence. Police said Mize was personally briefed on the findings of the enquiry on Wednesday and was shown the relevant evidence. According to the statement, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He was also advised to ensure that any action against drug-related or other unlawful activities is undertaken strictly within the framework of law. Meanwhile, Capital Police expressed concern over a series of threatening messages posted on Facebook and WhatsApp by individuals operating fake social media accounts. The posts allegedly contained threats to attack Police Station Itanagar, target the Officer-in-Charge and his residence, and cause harm to him and his family members, including death threats. The police stated that such actions are unlawful and create a sense of intimidation and insecurity among law enforcement personnel and their families. It stressed that family members of police officers should not be subjected to threats or harassment for official actions performed in the line of duty. According to the statement, the fake accounts involved have been identified and the individuals behind them have been traced. Legal proceedings are being initiated, and details of the action taken will be made public in due course. Capital Police appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and refrain from spreading unverified allegations, threats or inflammatory content on social media, reiterating that any wrongdoing by police personnel or members of the public would be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.  

Latest News, Popular News, State News

APU delegation explores media landscape in Mizoram, meets IPR minister

AIZAWL : A 17-member academic delegation from the Department of Mass Communication, Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, currently on a four-day Media Exposure Tour to Aizawl, called on Mizoram Minister of State for Information and Public Relations B. Lalchhanzova at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting was attended by officials from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Aizawl, representatives of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and members of the Mizoram Journalists Association. Welcoming the delegation, Lalchhanzova lauded the Department of Mass Communication, APU, for selecting Mizoram as the destination for the exposure tour. Addressing the students, he underscored the importance of regional solidarity and urged the youth of the Northeast to work collectively towards the region’s development and welfare. Encouraging the students to utilise their skills in journalism, filmmaking, photography and documentary production, the minister called upon them to showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, indigenous traditions and natural beauty to a wider audience. He urged them to think creatively and use media as a bridge between the state and the world. The delegation is led by Department of Mass Communication Head In-Charge Dr Prem Taba and faculty member Dr Kombong Darang. Fifteen postgraduate students of the Master of Arts in Mass Communication programme are participating in the tour. Speaking on the objectives of the visit, Dr Prem Taba said the exposure tour was designed to bridge classroom learning with professional practice and provide students with first-hand experience of the media landscape of the Northeast. As part of the programme, the delegation visited several leading media institutions in Aizawl, including LPS, a prominent cable television network in Mizoram, Vanglaini, the state’s highest-circulated Mizo-language newspaper, and All India Radio, Aizawl, where students gained practical insights into broadcast and print media operations. The students also visited the North Eastern Regional Campus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Aizawl, and the Department of Mass Communication at Mizoram University. During the visits, they interacted with faculty members, research scholars and students on curriculum design, media education and professional practices, gaining valuable academic and industry perspectives.    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

NESO condemns killing of six Naga men, demands swift probe

SHILLONG : The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has strongly condemned the killing of six Naga men from Konsakhul Naga Village and demanded a swift, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident. In a statement issued on Thursday, NESO described the killings as a “barbaric, inhumane and cold-blooded murder” and called for immediate action against those responsible. According to the organisation, the six men were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. Their dismembered remains were recovered on June 10. NESO Chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa said the victims were reportedly subjected to torture before being killed and mutilated. “The sheer brutality inflicted upon these innocent individuals has shocked the conscience of the entire North East,” the statement said. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and residents of Konsakhul Naga Village, NESO extended its condolences and urged authorities to ensure justice for the victims. The organisation demanded that all individuals involved in the crime be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, warning that failure to act decisively would only embolden perpetrators of violence. NESO also expressed concern over the prolonged unrest in Manipur, questioning the lack of convictions despite numerous incidents of killings, abductions, arson and other forms of violence reported during the past three years. The student body further raised concerns over allegations of partisan conduct by certain Central security personnel, stating that any instance of complicity, negligence, collusion or bias by security forces would amount to a serious breach of public trust and should invite appropriate legal and disciplinary action. Reiterating its commitment to peace, dialogue and reconciliation, NESO stated that lasting peace in Manipur can only be achieved through justice, accountability and equal protection of all communities. It urged the Government of India to take decisive measures to restore public confidence and ensure an end to what it described as a culture of impunity.      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Dibang Valley reviews educational progress at coordination meeting

ANINI : A coordination meeting of the Education Department was held at the Circuit House Conference Hall in Anini on Thursday under the chairmanship of Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Bakir Nyorak. The meeting was attended by officials of the Education Department, heads of institutions, teachers, educational functionaries and other stakeholders to review the progress of the education sector and discuss measures for further improvement. Delivering the welcome address, Deputy Director of School Education Tenzing Wangda outlined the objectives of the meeting and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among stakeholders for strengthening the district’s education system. Block Education Officer Diganta Mihu presented the department’s achievements and challenges, highlighting improvements in academic performance, implementation of educational programmes, infrastructure development and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education. He also discussed issues faced by schools and sought collective support to address them effectively. Anini-I Zilla Parishad Member Eta Mihu, who attended the meeting, underscored the importance of quality education and the shared responsibility of stakeholders in strengthening the educational framework of the district. He also congratulated students, teachers and educational functionaries for their contribution towards improved academic outcomes. A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of teachers for their contribution to academic excellence. Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Bakir Nyorak felicitated the principal, headmaster and subject teachers of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Anini and Government Secondary School (GSS) Etalin for achieving a 100 per cent pass rate and contributing significantly to the district’s improved Class X examination results. Congratulating the awardees, the DC called upon all educational institutions to continue striving for excellence. He emphasised the need to maintain high academic standards, strengthen teacher-student engagement, regularly monitor students’ performance and create a conducive learning environment in schools across the district. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective commitment from all stakeholders to further strengthen the education system and improve learning outcomes in Dibang Valley. (DIPR)        

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Keyi Panyor launches initiative to strengthen early childhood education

YAZALI : Keyi Panyor district on Thursday launched a major initiative to strengthen early childhood education and childcare services through a leadership workshop for Anganwadi workers held at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali. Organised under the theme “Hamara Anganwadi, Hamara Garv” (Our Anganwadi, Our Pride), the programme witnessed 100 per cent participation, with all 120 Anganwadi workers from across the district attending the workshop. The initiative was inaugurated by 16-Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, who highlighted the crucial role of Anganwadi workers in laying the foundation for children’s growth, learning and well-being. Welcoming the participants, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Taba Anu underscored the importance of community involvement in child development, while KPMP-2040 Chief Executive Officer Vijayan MJ outlined the vision and objectives of the initiative. The workshop focused on promoting a holistic approach to early childhood care by emphasising nutrition, early brain development, emotional well-being and school readiness. Participants were also sensitised on the importance of regular growth monitoring and timely intervention to support healthy child development. Discussions centred on strengthening partnerships with parents and local communities, with resource persons encouraging Anganwadi workers to adopt a more community-driven approach to ensuring that every child receives adequate care and developmental support. As part of the initiative, the Anganwadi Excellence Initiative was introduced to recognise outstanding performance among workers and promote the development of child-friendly, welcoming and inclusive Anganwadi centres across the district. The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to work towards 100 per cent enrolment and regular attendance of children while ensuring safe, nurturing and conducive environments at all Anganwadi centres in the district. (DIPR)      

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Scholarships for over 27,000 students disbursed under Post-Matric scheme

ITANAGAR : The Education Department has disbursed Post-Matric Scholarship funds amounting to Rs 7,998.89 lakh to 27,219 students under the first installment for the academic year 2025-26. The amount was released on June 6 and is expected to be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts shortly. According to the department, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, released Rs 7,199 lakh as the first installment of central assistance for the scholarship scheme. Subsequently, the Education Department received sanction for Rs 7,998.89 lakh on June 2, including the state government’s matching share. The department stated that implementation of centrally sponsored schemes has recently shifted to the SNA-Sparsh payment mode through the Reserve Bank of India. Integration of the new payment system required coordination and technical alignment among the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS), Public Financial Management System (PFMS), the concerned ministry, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), resulting in some delay in processing payments. The remaining 22,029 students will receive their scholarship payments after the Ministry of Tribal Affairs releases the next installment of funds. The department has already submitted the Utilisation Certificate for the first installment and requested the ministry to release the subsequent installment at the earliest. Meanwhile, 2,157 students have been identified with Aadhaar or bank account-related issues that need to be rectified to facilitate successful credit of scholarship benefits. The department also informed that state government-funded stipends and book grants were released in April this year.  

Latest News, National, Popular News, State News

Will remove AFSPA from entire Northeast barring one or two states next year: Shah

NEW DELHI : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA will be withdrawn from the entire Northeast next year, barring one or two states. Speaking at the signing of a tripartite MoU between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland to facilitate mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas, Shah said that shrinking of areas covered under AFSPA is an indicator of peace. “I am confident that barring one or two states, we will withdraw AFSPA from the entire Northeast next year.,” he said. Underlining that the signing of the MoU was a “historic moment”, Shah said it has removed the last hurdle in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed Northeast. The MoU is aimed at undertaking oil and mineral explorations in the disputed area belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border. Exploration activities remained stalled for more than three decades in the region due to jurisdictional differences. “This will open new avenues for mineral exploration in the Northeast. The area not only has oil and gas but huge mineral deposits, which could not be explored due to law and order issues,” Shah said. With just one MoU, the extraction capacity of 1,000-1,500 barrels per day can be increased by 10 times, he said. “In one field alone, there are possibilities of recovery of more than Rs 15,000 crore. If we extract the oil deposits spread across Nagaland, we would be able to reduce dependence on foreign countries for our oil needs,” he said. Shah also said that since Narendra Modi took charge, he kept his focus on the Northeast and became the prime minister with the highest number of visits to the region. Since 2019, 12 accords have been signed between various groups and state governments, which resulted in a significant drop of around 80 per cent in incidents of violence in the region, Shah said. “The development of both Assam and Nagaland remained hampered for a long time because a consensus could not be reached for an MoU. The avenue that opened today will open doors for development for both states. It is the best example of cooperative federalism,” he said. (Source: PTI)