State News

ITANAGAR, NOV 7: Troops of the Indian Army deployed in the remote and strategically significant Siang, Siyom, and Subansiri Valleys of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday commemorated 150 years of India’s National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ with great patriotic fervour and devotion at their forward posts. At first light, soldiers of the Indian Army assembled at their posts overlooking the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to join the nation in the collective singing of Vande Mataram. Against the backdrop of towering mountains and the turbulent rivers, their voices echoed through the valleys — a stirring reminder of India’s unity, strength and enduring spirit. The event, held in accordance with directives from the competent authority, marked the historic milestone with deep symbolism. Despite operating in challenging high-altitude conditions, the troops displayed exceptional enthusiasm, transforming their remote outposts into centres of patriotic celebration. The commemoration was not only a tribute to the National Song but also to the ideals of sacrifice, discipline, and service that define the Indian Army. Officers and soldiers reflected on the song’s immortal words, which invoke devotion to the motherland and inspire every sentry who guards the nation’s frontiers. “Their participation symbolised not only a tribute to the national song but also to the ideals of sacrifice, discipline and service that the Army represents.” Brief interactive sessions followed, where troops discussed the historical and cultural significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, its role in India’s freedom movement, and its continuing relevance as a unifying force. The celebration concluded with the hoisting of the Tricolour and a collective pledge to uphold the sovereignty and honour of the nation at all times. As the echoes of Vande Mataram faded into the misty hills, the Siang, Siyom, and Subansiri Valleys stood as a living testament to India’s indomitable spirit — where every soldier’sheartbeat continues to chant the timeless call of the motherland.

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, NOV 5: Police have apprehended eight senior students of Sainik School, Niglok, in connection with the alleged ragging-related death of a Class VII student. The arrests follow an FIR filed by the father of the deceased boy after the 12-year-old was found dead on November 1, 2025. The case, initially registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), has been upgraded to Ruksin PS Case No. 20/25 under Sections 108 and 106(1)(3)(5) of the BNS, following an additional FIR lodged by the victim’s parent on November 3. The eight apprehended students, classified as Children in Conflict with Law (CCLs), were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Pasighat, on November 4. The Principal Magistrate of the JJB has remanded them to the custody of the Vice Principal of Sainik School, Niglok, for one week. The court also directed their guardians to execute an undertaking or bond in Form 8 under Rule 11(6) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing to gather further evidence and ensure the case reaches its logical conclusion. “Further investigation is underway,” the police stated. Meanwhile, the Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) visited Sainik School, Niglok, to inquire into the incident. The ASU team was joined by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), All Lower Subansiri District Students’ Union (ALSDSU), and the All East Siang District Students’ Union (ESDSU). During the visit, the student bodies expressed deep concern over the tragic death and issued a two-week ultimatum to the district administration and police to conduct a fair and transparent investigation. They warned that failure to do so within the stipulated time would compel them to launch a democratic movement. The unions jointly demanded a speedy, transparent, and accountable probe, urging strict punishment for those found guilty. They also appealed to the authorities to ensure justice for the bereaved family and to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

ZIRO, NOV 5: A one-day training programme for “Master Volunteers” under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on Psychotropic Substance Abuse, Preventive Measures, and Life Skills was conducted at DC’s conference hall, district secretariat here on Wednesday. The programme was organized by the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) in collaboration with the Lower Subansiri district administration, aimed at empowering volunteers to combat substance abuse and promote a healthy drug-free society. Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Oli Perme, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the role of community participation and volunteerism in curbing the menace of drug abuse. She along with all the participants present took a vow of pledge to fight the menace of drugs in the district. Sub-inspector Kaken Yigam of Ziro Police Station spoke on the provisions of the NDPS Act and familiarization of NDPS substances. He also made the volunteers aware about the “MANAS App” and its helpline number 1933. He also briefly explained about the punishments associated with fines under the various sections of NDPS Act 1985 in regards to the quantity of drugs possessed by an individual (small, intermediate and commercial quantities). DPO (NP-NCD)-cum-DSO (IDSP), Ziro,Dr. Subu Habung,presented an informative session on the ill-effects of substance use and withdrawal symptoms. He expressed that abuse of psychotropic substances is self-inflicted disease/disorder. He also highlighted tobacco as the biggest killer, which kills approximately 60 lakh people every year and also causes more than 25 diseases. Later, Topi Sora, Project Manager, targeted intervention, Turbu Daleh Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ziro, spoke on creating awareness on stigma and promoting an enabling environment along with awareness on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. She highlighted about the co-existence of users with the society and to be empathetic towards them and to not rationalize them as bad or weak. Sora focused mainly in giving more meticulous awareness relating to drugs, HIV/AIDS & hepatitis and called for active involvement of schools, colleges, communities, various NGOs, and administrations in the fight for a drug-free society. The participants from Saint Claret College and IGTAMSU College, Ziro were branded as the “Master Volunteers”.

SIBE, NOV 5: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed office building of the Circle Officer (CO), Sibe, in Lower Siang district. Addressing the occasion, Nyigyortermed the event as a big milestone, calling it the realisation of the aspirations of the people of the area. He assured the early completion of the remaining works and the posting of officers and supporting staff to make the office fully functional at the earliest. Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner RujjumRakshapurged the people not to create hindrances to development works under the pretext of compensation claims. He congratulated the public for getting a beautiful new office building, which would ensure administrative services at their doorstep. The DC also appealed to all denizens to actively participate in the ensuing Panchayat election. ZPC Marpe Nguba, and Organising Secretary Dani Buchi, who is also the Chairman of the Sibe Circle HQ Development Committee, also addressed the gathering and extended their gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and cooperation. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a sense of collective pride among the people for this significant step in strengthening local administration. Among others, Lower Siang Superintendent of Police GothombuDajangju,  Circle Officer (in-charge) Kenter Lendo, Assistant Commissioner Gensi, various heads of departments, and a large number of public from the area attended the event. (DIPR)

GANDHINAGAR, NOV 5: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), India’s pioneering National Security and Police University under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Gwaldam, virtually on Tuesday. The virtual signing ceremony was graced by Prof(Dr) Kalpesh H Wandra, Pro Vice Chancellor, RRU and Avinash Kharel, Dean, Accreditation and Affiliation, and RanganadhChintada, Officiating Deputy Inspector General, CI&JWS School, SSB Gwaldam and personnel from the Sashastra Seema Bal CI&JWS, Gwaldam. In his address, Dr Wandra highlighted that the partnership will serve as a significant step towards integrating academic knowledge with field-level operational expertise.“This collaboration will bridge the gap between research-driven academic insight and ground-level experience, ensuring that India’s security apparatus benefits from both innovation and practical preparedness”, he said. Representatives from CI&JWS, SSB, Gwaldam appreciated the initiative and emphasized that the MoU will enhance tactical training, simulation-based learning, and exposure to evolving operational strategies in counter-insurgency and border management. Ranganadh Chintada, Officiating Deputy Inspector General, CI&JW School, SSB Gwaldam, stated that the collaboration will strengthen accreditation, joint certification, capacity building, and expertise exchange between the two institutions. The collaboration aims to promote joint training programmes, capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange in the areas of counter-insurgency, jungle warfare, border management, and internal security. Under the MoU, training programmes conducted by CI&JWS, SSB, Gwaldam will be accredited and jointly certified by Rashtriya Raksha University, ensuring academic recognition, quality assurance, and alignment with national standards of professional training. The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing professional excellence, operational preparedness, and standardisation of security training across India’s armed and paramilitary forces, an official statement said. The MoU provides for development and delivery of joint training modules and certification programmes for SSB personnel and trainees; Exchange of faculty, trainers, and experts between RRU and CI&JWS for lectures, workshops and seminars; collaborative research and documentation projects on emerging security threats, counter-insurgency operations, and border area challenges; opportunities for internships and field visits for RRU students to gain hands-on exposure to counter-insurgency and jungle warfare practices, it added The collaboration reiterates RRU’s mission to serve as the Centre of Excellence in security, policing, and strategic studies. It also complements the SSB’s continued efforts to modernize its training infrastructure and skill development for personnel deployed in challenging terrains, the statement added. The ceremony concluded with expressions of mutual commitment to sustained engagement, research partnerships, and the promotion of national security goals through education and training excellence.