State News

Maksam Tayeng MEBO/PASIGHAT : Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng on Sunday led a large-scale plantation drive under the Eco Clean Mebo Mission (ECMM) to mark Van Mahotsav, reinforcing the constituency’s commitment to environmental conservation and community-led sustainability. The plantation drive was carried out at Ayeng and Kiyit villages under Mebo subdivision in East Siang district in the presence of Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-ECMM Chairman Nancy Yirang, ECMM Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin, Mebo Circle Officer Toimi Tagi, ECMM members and local residents. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the people of Ayeng, led by the Baba 11 team, and Kiyit village, led by the Siyon Sirum group. Addressing villagers, community leaders and officials, Tayeng said the plantation drive was an investment in the future of the region and stressed that trees are indispensable for ecological balance and human survival. “Trees are absolutely essential for our own survival and for the well-being of future generations. They provide clean air, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity and help combat climate change,” he said. ECMM Mission Manager Olen Megu Damin emphasised that planting saplings was only the first step and that the long-term success of the initiative would depend on proper care and protection of the trees. Mebo Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-ECMM Chairman Nancy Yirang urged villagers to take collective responsibility for nurturing the saplings, describing them as a lasting legacy for future generations. She said sustained care and community ownership were essential to ensure the success of the plantation drive. The MLA expressed gratitude to the district administration, ECMM members, Mebo Banggo-II Zilla Parishad Member, village headmen, volunteers of the Siyon Sirum and Baba 11 teams, and members of the public for their active participation in making the Van Mahotsav plantation drive a success.      

ITANAGAR : The Beyond the BYTE Robotic Competition-cum-State Selection for the Junior and Senior categories of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2026 concluded successfully at the Innovation Hub of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre on Sunday. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, the event marked the culmination of the month-long Beyond the BYTE robotics training programme and served as the state selection round for the WRO National Championship 2026. In the Senior category, Bar Ted secured the first position with 167 points, while former WRO national participant Tagru Loli finished second with 152 points. In the Junior category, Millo Zilyu emerged as the winner with 125 points, followed by Kishno Mera, who secured second place with 110 points. The selected participants will undergo advanced training to further strengthen their technical and programming skills before representing the state at the WRO National Championship 2026. Addressing the participants during the inaugural session, Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre Curator Vivek Kumar encouraged the young innovators to remain focused on their career goals while continuously enhancing their technical and problem-solving abilities. He also commended the interns from Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) for making effective use of their internship to gain practical experience. The competition was conducted in three rounds in accordance with WRO 2026 standards. Before each round, participants were given time to test, calibrate and fine-tune the programming and performance of their LEGO SPIKE Prime robots on an obstacle course designed as per the official WRO 2026 challenge specifications. As part of their final day of experiential learning, the DNGC interns assisted in managing the live scoreboard, recording scores and timings, monitoring penalties, supporting participants and coordinating the event under the guidance of the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre team. Speaking at the valedictory function, Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T) Director-cum-Member Secretary C D Mungyak congratulated the participants and interns for their dedication and active involvement. He outlined the council’s vision of expanding robotics education across the state and wished the selected teams success at the national championship. He also encouraged participants who did not qualify to continue utilising the facilities at the Innovation Hub to improve their skills and prepare for future competitions. The programme concluded with a joint valedictory ceremony for the Beyond the BYTE robotics competition and the DNGC Internship Programme, followed by the distribution of certificates to participants and interns.      

ITANAGAR :  A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), led by its president Jarjum Gamlin Ete, on Sunday inspected the Working Women’s Hostel and Destitute Home campus at Chimpu and expressed concern over alleged encroachment of the property and damage to the facilities. The two buildings, constructed by the Women and Child Development Department on a 2.68-acre plot acquired in 2000 at a cost of around ₹13 crore, were thoroughly inspected by the delegation. During the visit, the team found that some bathroom fittings had reportedly been stolen from the Destitute Home building. Expressing concern over the condition of the campus, APWWS president Jarjum Gamlin Ete alleged that the property had been encroached upon from all sides. “It is doubtful if the whole area is still 2.68 acres, whereas we are paying revenue for the area,” she said. She stressed the need for a fresh land survey to ascertain whether the campus still retains its original area and to safeguard the property from further encroachment. The delegation included APWWS assistant general secretary Dojum Mara, registrar Indira Pabin, finance secretary Techi Hunmai, chief coordinator Mamoni Riang and law coordinator Geyir Potom.

PITAPOOL : Itanagar Capital Complex MLA and Urban Affairs Minister’s Advisor Techi Kaso, accompanied by Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu and other officials, visited disaster-hit areas of Keyi Panyor district on Saturday to assess the situation and extend support to the affected families. The team visited flood relief camps at Possa and NEEPCO, Yazali, where they reviewed the condition of families displaced by the recent floods and landslides. Kaso assured the victims that the state government stands firmly with them during this difficult period. Interacting with the displaced families, Kaso listened to their grievances and distributed relief materials, including rice, dal and other essential commodities. Immediate financial assistance and cash support were also extended to the affected families. He commended the efforts of the Keyi Panyor district administration, local representatives, volunteers and all agencies engaged in relief and rehabilitation work, while expressing gratitude to everyone who has come forward to support the disaster victims. Speaking to the media, Kaso said he had visited the district to personally meet the affected people and understand the extent of the devastation. He noted that five persons had gone missing in the disaster, of whom three bodies had been recovered so far. The calamity also caused extensive damage to houses, vehicles, livestock and other properties. “My heartfelt prayers are with every family affected by this unfortunate disaster. May everyone remain safe, resilient and recover swiftly,” he said. Kaso said the assistance provided was a small gesture to support families in their hour of grief and hoped it would offer some relief. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the disaster. Appealing to the public to remain vigilant during the monsoon season, Kaso said that while natural disasters cannot be prevented, their impact can be minimised by following safety precautions. He urged people to stay alert, avoid travelling at night during adverse weather conditions, and keep away from vulnerable hill slopes and overflowing rivers to prevent loss of life and property.      

NAHARLAGUN : AP QueerStation, in collaboration with Oju Mission and The Calm Space, organised an invite-only programme titled ‘Caring for the Caregivers’ to promote conversations on mental health, burnout and resilience among community leaders, caregivers, frontline workers and changemakers. The event brought together psychologists, journalists, police personnel, environmentalists, activists, development practitioners and social workers to reflect on the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Welcoming the participants, Oju Mission Chairperson Anya Ratan shared her personal journey as a caregiver and the challenges of leading a care institution. Recalling the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, she spoke about the emotional, financial and personal pressures involved in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children under her care. She said the experience strengthened her resolve to continue serving society with compassion and urged participants to remember that caring for others must also include caring for oneself. The chief guest, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) President and women’s rights activist Adv Jarjum Ete, highlighted the emotional pressures faced by people working in the social sector, particularly women leaders devoted to community service. Stressing the importance of self-care, she said caregivers often neglect their own physical and mental wellbeing while supporting others and urged them to prioritise their health to continue serving with empathy and resilience. Guest of honour Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) member Niri Chongrowju appreciated the organisers for creating a platform to discuss mental health and inclusivity. Speaking on the rights of transgender persons, he highlighted legal and policy initiatives, including the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the National Council for Transgender Persons, the SMILE Scheme, the National Portal for Transgender Persons and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and reducing social stigma. The first panel discussion, moderated by Wanggo Socia, featured senior journalist Indu Chuku, Itanagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Rina Sonam, environmental activist Adv Ebo Mili, social activist Tadak Nalo and AP QueerStation founder Sawang Wangchha. The panellists shared experiences from their respective professions, highlighting the emotional demands of journalism, policing, social activism and advocacy. They stressed the importance of recognising mental health challenges, building resilience and creating supportive environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. Representing the LGBTQIA+ community, Sawang Wangchha spoke about the emotional impact of discrimination, bullying and the struggle for acceptance. He called for greater reliance on scientific evidence over prejudice in addressing issues affecting the community and underscored the importance of safe and inclusive spaces for vulnerable groups. The second panel discussion, moderated by Tomo Habung, featured mental health professionals Dr Yuma Narah, Dr Leeyir Ete, Dr Tadar Amar, Mayuri Handique and Pimpy Tachung. The experts discussed burnout, depression, chronic stress and resilience, emphasising that healing requires support, healthy coping mechanisms and timely professional intervention. They highlighted the role of counselling, creative expression and self-awareness in promoting mental wellbeing and encouraged participants to recognise early signs of burnout and seek help without hesitation. Delivering the vote of thanks, Sawang Wangchha thanked Oju Mission, the panellists, volunteers, partners and participants for making the programme a success. He said the event was intentionally organised as an invite-only gathering to create a safe and meaningful space for open dialogue, and expressed hope that it would encourage more conversations on mental health across Arunachal Pradesh. He also acknowledged the support of the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI) and observed that programmes such as Caring for the Caregivers are essential for reducing stigma, encouraging people to seek support and fostering a more compassionate and mentally healthy society. The programme concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting safe spaces, mental wellbeing and the message that caregivers, too, deserve care, support and compassion.