State News

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chukhu Apa, the first Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Nyishi community, retired from active service on attaining superannuation after serving for 34 years from 1992 to 2026. A felicitation programme was organised at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) in Itanagar on Friday, where officers of all ranks of the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) gathered to honour the retiring officer and wished him a healthy, peaceful and fulfilling retired life. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home and Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung also met and felicitated Chukhu Apa, extending their best wishes for his new innings after retirement. In a statement, Chief Minister Pema Khandu described Chukhu Apa as an officer who dedicated his life to service, discipline and duty. “On the occasion of his superannuation, I extend my heartfelt wishes to Chukhu Apa, IGP, who has served the people of Arunachal Pradesh with courage, commitment and integrity throughout his distinguished career in the police force,” Khandu said. “May the years ahead bring him peace, good health and joyful moments with family and friends. Wishing him a happy and well-deserved retired life. Thank you for your service to the state and the nation,” the Chief Minister added. Home and Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung said Chukhu Apa had rendered distinguished service to Arunachal Pradesh and the nation for more than three decades. “Over the years, he served across policing, intelligence and public safety with professionalism and dedication. His leadership and commitment to duty strengthened institutions and earned him the respect of colleagues and citizens alike,” Natung said. The minister further stated that as the first IPS officer and first Inspector General from the Nyishi community, Chukhu Apa created a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations of Arunachalees to pursue public service with confidence and integrity. During his career, Chukhu Apa served in the Arunachal Pradesh Police, Mizoram Police, Delhi Police, the Intelligence Bureau and also with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Afghanistan. Widely regarded as one of the finest and most capable officers in the APP, he was known for his professionalism, approachable nature and supportive leadership towards junior officers. Apart from policing, Apa is also known for his interest in painting, farming, arms collection, shooting and table tennis. He currently serves as the president of the Rifle Association of Arunachal Pradesh and has actively participated in several programmes and meetings related to shooting sports. At the PHQ function, Director General of Police (DGP) Dr S D Singh Jamwal, along with officers and personnel of the APP, felicitated Chukhu Apa and recalled memorable moments from his long service tenure. The gathering also prayed for his good health and a happy retired life ahead.      

TAWANG : The Governing Council of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Tawang, on Friday approved several key developmental proposals aimed at strengthening public services and infrastructure across the district. The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tawang, was chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and attended by Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup, Jang Additional Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Honjon Perme and other council members. Welcoming the members, Tawang Assistant Mineral Development Officer Dorjee Lhamu presented an overview of the District Mineral Foundation, highlighting its objectives, governance structure, funding sources and utilisation of funds. She also gave a detailed presentation on new scheme proposals submitted by the district’s three subdivisions for the 2026–27 financial year. The council extensively deliberated on the proposed schemes, focusing on their feasibility and potential impact on local communities. Addressing the meeting, DC Namgyal Angmo stressed the need for prudent and effective utilisation of DMF resources, describing the fund as a valuable and limited resource meant for the district’s development. She emphasised maintaining quality standards in project execution and appreciated the constructive proposals submitted by the subdivisions. The DC also directed concerned departments and administrative officers to ensure timely completion of pending projects from the previous financial year. During the discussion, members proposed several initiatives to strengthen essential public services. Suggestions included engagement of teachers under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) to address the shortage of teaching staff, appointment of ambulance drivers to improve emergency healthcare services and engagement of dialysis technicians for the District Hospital. Zila Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Leki Gombu proposed the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in remote villages such as Mago and Thingbu to improve waste management. The Industries Department also sought support for training programmes on packaging and value addition of locally produced goods. Following detailed discussions, the Governing Council approved the proposals for implementation. After the meeting, council members felicitated Tawang District Medical Officer Dr Thupten Lhamu on the occasion of her retirement after a distinguished career in public service. Expressing gratitude on her final day in office, Dr Lhamu thanked the district administration for prioritising healthcare improvements in Tawang over the past year. Reflecting on her journey, she said she had dedicated 34 years, nine months and 16 days of service to the people and thanked her colleagues and stakeholders for their support throughout her career. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from the council members to ensure effective implementation of the approved developmental initiatives for the welfare and progress of the people of Tawang district. (DIPR)    

KHONSA : Transport Minister Ojing Tasing on Friday flagged off the “Run for Road Safety” Marathon at Khonsa, marking the commencement of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS). The event was flagged off in the presence of Khonsa West MLA-cum-Advisor to Home and Transport Chakat Aboh. Organised as a major event under the APSTS Golden Jubilee celebrations, the marathon aimed to promote road safety awareness, healthy living and community participation. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from athletes, students, youths and members of the public from across Tirap district. Among those present were Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson Adv John KK Matey, Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya, Transport Commissioner Saugat Biswas, Additional Deputy Commissioner Khonsa Namneet Singh, District Sports Officer Noah Mongku, Zilla Parishad Members and other officials. The marathon featured competitions in Half Marathon (21 km), 10 km Run and 5 km Inter-School Run categories for both male and female participants. In the Half Marathon (Male) category, Humen Senapathi secured the first position, followed by Vinit Rathi in second place and Son Engti in third. In the Half Marathon (Female) category, Tejaswani Lambkane emerged winner, while Sangmir Teronpe and Phohe Wangsu secured second and third positions respectively. In the 10 km Run (Male) category, Rajiv Tamang finished first, followed by Agalumso Tawsik and Bacemso Pul. In the 10 km Run (Female) category, Nang Lukkena Chautang secured the top position, while Anai Wangsu and Wanglih Wangsu finished second and third respectively. In the 5 km Inter-School Run (Male) category, Thakdang Pansa secured first place, followed by Lapan Wangsu and Jenngo Rumchu. In the 5 km Inter-School Run (Female) category, Nguna Lowang emerged winner, while Pitoh Wangsu and Sainya Wangsa secured second and third positions respectively. Cash prizes, trophies and certificates were distributed to the winners by Transport Minister Ojing Tasing, Advisor Chakat Aboh and Transport Commissioner Saugat Biswas in recognition of their performances. The marathon emerged as one of the major highlights of the APSTS Golden Jubilee celebrations in Khonsa, reflecting the spirit of sportsmanship, fitness and social responsibility. Through the theme “Run for Road Safety,” the event also promoted awareness on responsible road usage and active public participation in the historic milestone celebration of APSTS.  

PASIGHAT : A District Development Review (DDR)-cum-District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) meeting was held in Pasighat on Friday under the chairmanship of East Siang Deputy Commissioner to review the District Development Report for April 2026 and assess the implementation of various Centrally Sponsored and State Sponsored Schemes in the district. During the meeting, the DC reviewed overall developmental activities, infrastructure progress and implementation status of welfare schemes across the district. Discussions were also held on law and order, Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement, public service delivery, transport safety and revenue generation. It was informed that 190 Inner Line Permits were issued during the month, while 73 ILP violations were detected. To strengthen ILP verification, a check gate has been established at Oyan Bypass. The meeting also reviewed the progress of smart meter installation in the district, which has achieved 67 per cent coverage so far. The DC directed the concerned department to expedite the remaining works for timely completion. Major infrastructure projects, including roads, convention halls, hospital upgradation works, district secretariat buildings and tourism infrastructure, were also reviewed. The DC instructed departments to ensure timely completion and maintain quality standards in all ongoing works. Reviewing welfare schemes, the meeting noted that East Siang district achieved 180 per cent of its target under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) for 2025-26. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the district achieved 100 per cent coverage with 48,184 beneficiaries covered. The health sector review highlighted that enrolment under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has reached around 90 per cent at the family level and 73 per cent at the individual level. Addressing the meeting, the Zilla Parishad Chairperson stressed the need for better coordination among departments, ZPMs and Gram Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs) to ensure effective implementation and awareness of government schemes at the grassroots level. In the concluding remarks, the DC emphasised that the benefits of welfare and development schemes must reach the poorest sections in a transparent and hassle-free manner. The official also directed all concerned departments to ensure mandatory conduct of Gram Sabhas for transparency and proper beneficiary selection. The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioners of Headquarters, Mebo and Ruksin, administrative officers, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), Heads of Departments (HoDs), Heads of Offices (HoOs) and other concerned officials. (DIPR)    

YAZALI : Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Thursday said Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a national model for sustainable and community-driven development, while inaugurating the two-day Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026 at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali in Keyi Panyor district. The programme, which also included a stakeholder consultation on biohappiness and climate resilience, was jointly organised by the 16th Yachuli MLA Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai. Addressing farmers, scientists, researchers, policymakers and indigenous community representatives from across the state, Wangsu said the answers to sustainable development already exist within Arunachal Pradesh’s traditional knowledge systems and farming practices. “The world is searching for sustainable models of development, and the answers already exist in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said. Highlighting the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, the Minister said erratic rainfall, shorter winters and increasing floods are adversely affecting farmers and rural communities. He stressed that indigenous rice varieties and traditional crops preserved by local farmers over generations are naturally adapted to local ecosystems and are crucial for future food security and climate resilience. “Losing these traditional crops would not only be a cultural loss, but also a serious threat to our future food security and resilience,” he said. Calling for collective action, Wangsu said biodiversity conservation and climate resilience cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. “Community participation is the key because no government alone can protect biodiversity, and no scientist alone can conserve seeds,” he remarked, urging villages, panchayat institutions, youth groups and farming communities to actively participate in conservation initiatives. The Minister also welcomed increasing awareness on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act and appreciated efforts to secure intellectual property rights protection for 12 indigenous paddy varieties from Lower Subansiri district. Describing quality seeds as the foundation of agricultural transformation, Wangsu stressed the need to strengthen seed villages, community seed banks, local seed certification systems, cold storage infrastructure and farmer-led seed production systems across the state. He further highlighted the role of women in preserving agrobiodiversity, describing them as the “true custodians of biodiversity” in tribal communities. Encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture, Wangsu urged young people to view the sector as a modern and innovative profession linked to sustainability, entrepreneurship, food processing, eco-tourism and digital marketing. “Our young people must see agriculture not as a last option, but as a meaningful profession that connects livelihood with sustainability,” he said. Reaffirming the commitment of the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Minister said the state is working closely with premier institutions and stakeholders to promote climate resilience and sustainable development suited to the ecological conditions of the Northeast. A major attraction of the programme was the Arunachal Seed Festival and Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition, where community seed conservers, particularly from the Nyishi and Apatani communities, showcased indigenous crop varieties, traditional farming practices and biodiversity-based livelihood models. The inaugural programme was attended by 16th Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan, architect Rajeev Sethi, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority Guwahati Dr Atul Chandra Sharma, Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Biodiversity Programme Director Dr E D Israel Oliver King, representatives from NABARD, Rajiv Gandhi University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions and farmers from different districts.