State News

ITANAGAR : The death toll in the current wave of floods in Arunachal Pradesh has risen to seven after the body of a woman, who had gone missing along with another person, was recovered in Papum Pare district, an official report said on Friday. Police on Thursday recovered the body of 43-year-old Taw Ajini from the Lichi area in the district. She was swept away in the flash flood at Possa in Keyi Panyor district on June 24 and had remained untraced despite continued search efforts, according to a report from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). One woman is still missing after the monsoon deluge struck the district. Two labourers from Bihar were killed, and four others injured after a rain-triggered landslide hit a construction site in Lohit district on Wednesday. Earlier, one person was killed in a landslide at Sarti village in Anjaw district on June 28, while three others died in the flash flood at Possa in Keyi Panyor district. Meanwhile, houses, roads and crops were damaged as fresh floods and landslides were reported across three districts of the northeastern state. The fresh incidents were reported from West Kameng, Upper Subansiri and Tirap during the last 24 hours, the SEOC said. The affected villages included Khellong and Pangma in West Kameng; Riamukhi, Tachiring, Baring, Nungnu, Esso, Ginglo, Maling, Kamsar, Kamda, Dupit, Ayeng, Rigia and Duchok in Upper Subansiri; and Khonsa town in Tirap. In the ongoing spell of rain-triggered floods and landslides, at least 94,201 people have been affected across 333 villages in 237 circles spread over 26 districts, the report said. Floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to agriculture and public infrastructure across the state. A total of 334.2 hectares of crop area has been affected, including 185.5 hectares under horticulture and 148.7 hectares under agriculture, while 1,010 hectares of forest area have also been impacted. Infrastructure losses include damage to 131 roads, 19 bridges, 21 culverts, 191 water supply systems, 58 government buildings, 21 power lines, 224 electric poles, four hydel projects, seven retaining walls, seven flood protection walls, two hospitals and three schools, besides drainage networks and other public assets. Hundreds of houses have also been damaged across the state, the report said. Four relief camps continue to operate in Keyi Panyor, where 252 people are currently taking shelter. Rescue and relief operations are continuing in the affected districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall is expected to continue across the state till Tuesday, with the weather office issuing an orange alert (Be prepared) for East Kameng on Friday, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. A yellow alert (Be aware) has been issued for West Kameng, Tawang, Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare, East Siang and Tirap on Friday, while the remaining districts have not been placed under any major weather warning. On Saturday, a yellow alert has been issued for Tawang, East Kameng, Pakke-Kessang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, West Siang, Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw and Longding. No warning has been issued for the remaining districts. On Sunday, yellow alert conditions are expected to persist over Tawang, East Kameng, Pakke-Kessang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Lower Siang, West Siang, Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Changlang and Longding, while the rest of the state is likely to remain free from any significant weather warning. The IMD has forecast a further improvement in weather conditions on Monday, with yellow alerts confined to Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Pakke-Kessang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Lower Siang, West Siang, Siang, Namsai, Changlang and Longding. On Tuesday, isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely over West Kameng, Tawang, East Kameng, Pakke-Kessang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Lower Siang, West Siang, Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Changlang and Longding, while no warning has been issued for the remaining districts. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has strongly opposed the state government’s decision to convene a consultative meeting on the proposed inclusion of the Kachari community of Namsai and Changlang districts as Scheduled Tribe (ST), Sub-Tribe or Plains Tribe in the National Population Census, and has demanded that the meeting be withdrawn. In a statement issued on Friday, the union said it would not allow the proposal to proceed unchallenged and warned of intensified agitation if the meeting, scheduled for July 13, goes ahead. According to a circular issued by the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs, the consultative meeting will be held at the Civil Secretariat, Itanagar, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. Representatives of the All Arunachal Pradesh Kachari Community Development Council, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad and All Arunachal Pradesh Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union have been invited to participate. AAPSU president Meje Taku said the union’s opposition to the proposal was “firm and non-negotiable.” “Arunachal Pradesh is a 100 per cent tribal state, protected by the Inner Line Permit regime under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, because our land, resources and political rights belong exclusively to the indigenous people of this state. Granting Scheduled Tribe status to communities that are not indigenous to Arunachal Pradesh would strike at the very foundation of that protection,” he said. The union further argued that the Sonowal Kachari community already enjoys Scheduled Tribe (Plains) status in Assam and questioned the need for another tribal recognition in Arunachal Pradesh. AAPSU also cautioned that any dilution of the criteria for Scheduled Tribe recognition in the state could create a precedent for similar claims by other communities with historical or ethnolinguistic links to the region, potentially affecting the demographic and political balance of Arunachal Pradesh. Warning that such a move could disturb peace and social harmony, the union urged the Chief Secretary and the state government to withdraw the proposed meeting and reaffirm that the existing criteria for Scheduled Tribe status in Arunachal Pradesh would not be diluted or extended beyond the state’s indigenous tribes.    

ITANAGAR : The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to publish a comprehensive White Paper on land compensation disbursed under the Frontier Highway Project in Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and East Kameng districts, seeking greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the project. In a representation submitted to the Commissioner of Land Management on Thursday, the union sought publication of the White Paper within 15 days, detailing compensation sanctioned and disbursed under the project. ANSU said the Frontier Highway Project involves substantial public expenditure and directly affects the rights and interests of thousands of landowners and beneficiaries, making transparency, fairness and accountability essential in the compensation process. Referring to a writ petition pending before the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court concerning land compensation in the Kurung Kumey stretch of the project, the union alleged that compensation was released despite directions issued by the court on April 10 this year, without mandatory physical verification, videography, photography and other procedures required to verify the existence and extent of land, structures and plantations before disbursement. The union sought district-wise, package-wise and village-wise details of compensation sanctioned and paid, the complete list of beneficiaries, valuation methodology, verification reports, survey records, GPS mapping and geo-tagging documents. It also called for disclosure of complaints, departmental inquiries, vigilance proceedings, audit observations, recovery actions and pending judicial cases related to land compensation under the project. ANSU further demanded disclosure of the total compensation disbursed, the source of funds and corrective measures initiated to recover any excess or fraudulent payments while ensuring lawful compensation to genuine beneficiaries. It said publication of the White Paper would strengthen public confidence and reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparent governance. The union also demanded constitution of a recovery committee within seven days to identify and recover any excess, fraudulent or unauthorised compensation released under the Frontier Highway Project. It further sought declassification and public release of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation report on the alleged land compensation irregularities, saying its disclosure was necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and restore public confidence. In a separate representation to Arunachal Pradesh Land Management, Urban Affairs and Housing Minister, ANSU sought an official meeting involving the district administration, the Land Management Department, the local MLA and representatives of the union to discuss issues related to the proposed Kamla Hydroelectric Project. According to the union, the meeting would enable stakeholders to obtain first-hand information on land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation and other related issues, while helping prevent disputes similar to those witnessed during land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway in East Kameng district and facilitating smooth implementation of the hydropower project.    

YUPIA : The Papum Pare district administration, in collaboration with the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), Papum Pare unit, and the Yupia Youth Association (YYA), has resolved to intensify action against illegal encroachment and unauthorised occupation of government land and residential quarters. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering at the DC Conference Hall here on Friday. The meeting was attended by representatives of the two youth organisations, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Sagalee and Kimin, Balijan Circle Officer, the District Land Records and Settlement Officer (DLRSO), heads of departments and officials from various government departments. The meeting decided to create a comprehensive database of government land allotments, residential quarters and cases of unauthorised occupation by government employees as well as members of the public. Mechanisms for monitoring and safeguarding government assets were also discussed. Addressing the meeting, the DC said coordinated efforts between the administration and stakeholders could significantly reduce encroachment on government land and public assets. He noted that the government has adopted a stricter approach by linking the issuance of no objection certificates (NOCs) and vigilance clearances with service benefits, including promotions, Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and retirement benefits. He added that several employees had already faced delays in receiving such benefits due to unresolved cases of unauthorised occupation of government quarters. Tsering directed all heads of departments to ensure that employees under their control do not encroach upon government land or occupy government quarters unauthorisedly. He warned that officers who knowingly ignore such violations could also face action under the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act and other applicable rules. He further asked departments to maintain updated records of government land and quarters and extend full cooperation in identifying and removing encroachments. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) and Estate Officer Tame Yajum informed the meeting that Joint Inspection Teams (JITs) would be constituted to verify cases of encroachment on government land and public premises in response to demands raised by the two youth organisations. She said the teams would be headed by the Administrative Officer of the respective jurisdiction and include representatives of the district administration, ANYA and YYA to ensure transparency during inspections. Yajum also urged representatives of the youth organisations to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. She informed that the demarcation of the Yupia district headquarters had been temporarily suspended due to lack of funds and expressed hope that the exercise would resume once funds were available. Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja stressed the need for scientific mapping of all government land and residential quarters through a digital inventory incorporating land demarcation details, geo-coordinates, geo-tagged photographs and boundary records to strengthen monitoring and facilitate timely detection of encroachments. Kimin Additional Deputy Commissioner Ocean Gao and Balijan Circle Officer Pura Rallo briefed the meeting on the status of government quarters and encroachment-related issues in their respective jurisdictions and assured full cooperation in the proposed inspection and verification exercise. Representatives of departments including the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rural Works Department (RWD), Health, Education and Power departments also assured the administration of their support in safeguarding government land and public assets. ANYA Papum Pare unit president Likha Robin, YYA president Tana Tako and YYA general secretary Teshi Ramesh expressed concern over the growing incidence of illegal encroachment and unauthorised occupation of government quarters. They urged the administration to initiate strict action against violators irrespective of status and emphasised the need for comprehensive documentation of government land, office premises and residential quarters to prevent future encroachments. The meeting concluded with a collective resolve by the district administration, government departments and the two youth organisations to work in close coordination through regular inspections, proper documentation and strict enforcement of relevant legal provisions to protect government land and public assets. (DIPR)      

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Forum (AFTF) on Friday termed the state government’s decision to constitute a six-member committee to examine the abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio in government recruitment an “eyewash” and accused it of delaying action on the long-pending issue. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo announced a one-month ultimatum to the state government to abolish the existing reservation ratio and introduce mandatory Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificate requirements for candidates appearing in recruitment examinations conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB). Nalo said the committee, headed by Industries Minister Nyato Dukam, was constituted on July 6 to examine the feasibility of abolishing the existing reservation ratio and making PRC and APST certificates mandatory for recruitment examinations. He, however, alleged that a similar committee headed by former Education Minister Taba Tedir had been constituted in 2022 on the same issue and submitted its report in 2024, but no action had been taken on its recommendations. Nalo also alleged that the Itanagar Capital Region administration denied permission for the forum’s proposed protest rally scheduled for July 11 despite the AFTF having obtained clearances from the police and the Itanagar Municipal Corporation. According to him, the district administration cited directions from higher authorities while refusing permission. The forum has deferred the proposed rally for one month and urged the government to implement the recommendations of the earlier committee by notifying mandatory APST and PRC requirements for APPSC and APSSB examinations. Warning of intensified agitation, Nalo said the AFTF would launch a statewide democratic movement after August 10 if the government failed to act within the stipulated period. He also urged the government to withhold the notification for the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE)-2026 until the proposed eligibility criteria are implemented.    

ZIRO : The Governing Council of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Lower Subansiri, on Friday approved a series of infrastructure and development projects worth ₹65 lakh aimed at improving civic amenities and public infrastructure in mining-affected areas of the district. The meeting, held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall, was chaired by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner and attended by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa along with heads of various district departments. The Council approved the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) work plan for 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). Most of the sanctioned works will be executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD), Ziro Division. Among the major projects approved are upgrades to the Padi Yubbe Outdoor Stadium, including installation of plastic gallery seats, painting and electrification works. The Council also sanctioned the construction of community toilets at Subu Ago (Doginanii) and Hill Top, Hapoli, with the latter to be taken up following site realignment. Other approved works include installation of cattle traps at Sikhebo and Hagio in Hari, construction of a siltation pit at Myolyang, and maintenance of classrooms and sanitation facilities at Upper Primary School (UPS) Sibe and Upper Primary School Pare Ami. The Council also approved procurement of computers, inverter backup systems and repair of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units for government offices and educational institutions to strengthen administrative and educational infrastructure. The District Mineral Foundation Trust, constituted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, implements development initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana in mining-affected areas. During the meeting, the Council reiterated its commitment to transparent utilisation of funds and called for timely and quality execution of all sanctioned projects. (DIPR)