State News

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR :  The Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe Protection Forum (APSTPF) on Tuesday demanded an explanation from the Education Department over the inclusion of the Yobin (Lisu) community in the Class VIII textbook History and Culture of Arunachal Pradesh, alleging that it was unconstitutional and misleading. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC), APSTPF spokesperson Mogu Laxmi termed the inclusion a “blatant mistake” committed by the Education Department and the state government. “No one is above the Constitution and the law. A serious mistake has already been committed by the Education Department,” Laxmi said, demanding that the textbook be withdrawn and banned until the issue is thoroughly reviewed. Citing Articles 342(1) and 342(2) of the Constitution of India, the forum maintained that the Yobin (Lisu) community does not figure in the official list of Scheduled Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and, therefore, its portrayal as a tribal community of the state in the textbook is unconstitutional. The APSTPF expressed concern that the first chapter of the Class VIII textbook identifies the Lisu community as one of the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh, which, it alleged, could mislead students and create confusion regarding the constitutional status of Scheduled Tribes in the state. The forum urged the state government and the Education Department to immediately withdraw the textbook and rectify the alleged error, stating that such content could have far-reaching implications for the state’s recognised indigenous tribes. It further claimed that portraying the Yobin (Lisu) community as a Scheduled Tribe in educational materials and museums has created confusion among the officially recognised indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. The forum also appealed to the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee, led by its chairman Sol Dodum, to intervene in the matter and work towards a concrete resolution to safeguard the constitutional rights of the state’s recognised indigenous tribes.    

ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has constituted an eight-member committee to study, oversee and monitor the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI) across the state. In an order, AAPSU president Meje Taku said the SIR, which includes house-to-house enumeration, pre-filled enumeration forms and verification of existing voter records, is aimed at removing the names of deceased persons, duplicate entries and non-citizens from the electoral rolls. The union, however, emphasised that the exercise should be conducted in a fair, transparent and inclusive manner to ensure that no eligible citizen is inadvertently excluded, thereby safeguarding the democratic and constitutional rights of bona fide voters. AAPSU noted that Arunachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain, scattered habitations and logistical challenges make close monitoring and constructive public participation essential during the implementation of such an extensive exercise. The committee will be headed by Vice President (Protocol) Nabam Gandhi as chairman. The other members are Vice President (Administration-East) Pulai Wangsa, Assistant General Secretary (Protocol) Yomli Poyom, Assistant General Secretary (Administration-East) Chow Miling Khangkio, Secretary (Art and Culture) Tajing Jamoh, Auditor (East) Chowkhiya Tayang, Assistant General Secretary (Administration-West) Sanjay Nikhanju and Office Secretary Vikash Dada. According to the order, the committee has been tasked with monitoring the implementation of the SIR across the state, coordinating with district students’ unions, local stakeholders and the concerned authorities, identifying procedural issues or anomalies and bringing them to the notice of the competent authorities. It will also work to ensure that the legitimate interests of eligible citizens are protected and that no deserving voter is left out of the electoral rolls because of procedural or administrative lapses. The order further stated that the committee must obtain the prior approval of the AAPSU president before finalising any decision or recommendation.      

ITANAGAR :  The reported disappearance of two 25-metre-high steel power transmission towers and an entire stretch of an alternative electricity transmission line in Lower Dibang Valley has raised serious concerns over the security and monitoring of public infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. The missing towers were located across the Sisiri River between Aohali and Dambuk. Constructed under the Government of India’s Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme at a reported cost of more than ₹3 crore, the infrastructure formed part of the 11 kV transmission line that supplied electricity to Dambuk and Paglam subdivisions through the Pasighat-Mebo feeder until 2022. The line continued to function as a backup after the commissioning of an XLPE cable-based transmission system across the Dibang River in 2022, providing an alternative source of electricity whenever the primary network developed faults. According to sources, the matter came to light after recurring faults in the XLPE cable system led to prolonged power disruptions in Dambuk subdivision. With the 132 kV transmission line being constructed by Powergrid yet to be commissioned, the disappearance of the standby transmission line has reportedly left Dambuk and Paglam subdivisions dependent on a single power supply network. Sources said the towers were last seen around one-and-a-half years ago. Local residents reportedly remained unaware of their disappearance, attributing frequent power outages during the monsoon to landslides and other seasonal disruptions. The incident has raised several unanswered questions, including whether the infrastructure was dismantled under an authorised plan or stolen. As of now, there is no information on whether any First Information Report (FIR) or formal complaint has been lodged in connection with the matter. The transmission line was commissioned on April 21, 2015, when then Power Minister Tanga Byaling inaugurated the power supply to Dambuk subdivision. In 2022, the power network was upgraded with an 11 kV overhead line and a 185 sq mm three-core 11 kV XLPE cable laid along the Dibang (Sikang) Bridge, connecting Dambuk directly to the 132 kV substation at Roing to improve the reliability of power supply. However, the older transmission line reportedly continued to serve as a crucial backup during outages. As of the filing of this report, the Power Department had not issued any official statement clarifying whether the towers and transmission line had been dismantled under an approved plan or whether their disappearance was the result of theft or any other unlawful act. It also remained unclear whether any departmental inquiry had been initiated into the matter.      

ROING :  NHPC Limited, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, organised a one-day horticulture training programme along with a Basic Life Support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training session at Government Primary School, Ranli, in Dibang Valley district on July 9. The programme, organised under the aegis of the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in collaboration with the district administration, was held under the guidance of Project Head and Executive Director Narendra Kumar. It aimed to promote sustainable livelihoods among local farmers while equipping participants with essential life-saving skills. Around 45 participants, including the local Zilla Parishad Member, gaon burahs, gaon burhis, project-affected families and farmers, attended the training. Experts from the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, conducted the technical sessions. Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science) Dr. Sidharudha Margal trained participants on seed selection, seasonal crops and protected cultivation techniques, with a focus on garlic and onion cultivation. Assistant Professor (Fruit Science) Dr. N. Devchandra demonstrated scientific orchard establishment, canopy management and pruning techniques. Certified CPR expert Dr. Nagendra Mohan Prasad conducted the Basic Life Support session, imparting practical emergency response skills. Addressing the participants, NHPC General Manager Gaurav Kumar outlined the corporation’s community development initiatives under its CSR programme and urged farmers to make effective use of the knowledge gained during the training. He also thanked the local community and district administration for their cooperation in the implementation of the Dibang Multipurpose Project. Etalin Project Head Deepak Ratan Sagar, NHPC Group Senior Manager (HR) Isaac Vungkhanlal, Group Senior Manager (Environment) Hemam Dhanshyam Singh, Trainee Officer (Public Relations) Vikas Kumar and Dibang Valley Circle Officer Anmol Singh also attended the programme. Delivering the vote of thanks, NHPC Deputy General Manager (Civil/CSR) Ashish Saxena reiterated the corporation’s commitment to empowering local communities through modern agricultural practices suited to the region’s agro-climatic conditions. He also acknowledged the guidance of General Manager (HR) Vijay K. Lakra. At the conclusion of the programme, NHPC distributed orange and dragon fruit saplings, agricultural tools and high-yield onion seeds sufficient for one acre of cultivation to all participating farmers to facilitate immediate adoption of the techniques demonstrated during the training.    

PASIGHAT :  The Spearhead Gunners, under the aegis of the Spearhead Division of the Indian Army, distributed six portable mobile toilets across Mottum, Sigar and Mebo under Operation Sadbhavana to improve sanitation infrastructure in remote areas of East Siang district. The initiative was carried out in the presence of the Circle Officer, senior Army officers, representatives of the civil administration, village authorities, school officials and members of the local community. As part of the programme, three portable mobile toilets were handed over to Mottum village to improve community sanitation facilities. Two units were provided to Government Primary School, Sigar, to strengthen sanitation infrastructure for students and staff, while one portable toilet was installed at Mebo Playground for the benefit of sportspersons and the public during community events. The initiative reflects the Indian Army’s continued efforts to work in partnership with the civil administration and local communities to improve the quality of life in remote areas. Through Operation Sadbhavana, the Spearhead Gunners said they remain committed to strengthening civil-military cooperation, fostering trust among local communities and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.    

ANINI : The eighth edition of the Naba Tade Tacho Memorial Football Tournament got underway at the FIFA Stadium in Anini on Tuesday, bringing together 18 teams from across Dibang Valley district. Jointly organised by the Naba Tade Tacho Foundation, District Football Association Dibang Valley and the Kongo Youth Association, the annual tournament aims to promote football, nurture young talent and commemorate the legacy of former legislator and social leader Late Tade Tacho. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Tourism, Civil Aviation, Geology and Mining Minister Mopi Mihu, Dibang Valley Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sadhu Mihu and Anelih-Arzoo Zilla Parishad Member Emi Yalla. The dignitaries commended the organisers for sustaining the tournament and providing a platform to promote sportsmanship, discipline and youth participation. The opening match saw Dweeru Trekkers FC register a comfortable 3-0 victory over Arzoo FC. Pahi Milli scored a brace, while Khyoda Mark added the third goal. The tournament, being organised under the leadership of Organising Chairman Naso Miri, is supported by NHPC, SJVN, the Dibang Valley Zilla Parishad Chairperson and several other contributors. The championship will conclude with the final on August 2. The tournament is held in memory of Late Tade Tacho (1937-2001), a four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly, noted social worker and one of the key figures in the creation of Dibang Valley district. He is remembered for his contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure, public welfare and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Idu Mishmi community. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into one of the district’s premier sporting events, promoting teamwork, healthy competition and youth development while keeping alive the legacy of Tade Tacho.    

YACHULI : The Keyi Panyor district administration has launched a district-wide awareness campaign to encourage eligible students to register for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) 2027 for admission to Class VI. Highlighting the importance of reaching children in remote villages, Keyi Panyor District Magistrate Shweta Nagarkoti said the initiative aims to ensure that no deserving student misses the opportunity due to lack of awareness or internet access. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), established by the Government of India, provide free, quality residential education to talented students, particularly from rural areas. Selected students receive free education, boarding, lodging, uniforms and textbooks. The District Magistrate said talent exists across the district and urged parents, village elders and teachers to identify meritorious Class V students and help them apply for the entrance examination. Online registration for JNVST 2027 is open until July 31, while the entrance examination is scheduled to be held on November 28. Applications can be submitted through the official websites of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti or the designated online admission portal using mobile phones, computers, Common Service Centres (CSCs) or cyber cafés. To facilitate registrations, the district administration has directed all Block Education Officers, government primary schools and CSCs in the district to assist parents in completing the online application process free of charge. Parents requiring further assistance have been advised to contact their nearest government primary school or the office of the Principal of the local Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.