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108 emergency team rescues six injured in Dambuk road accident

DAMBUK : A swift response by the 108 emergency ambulance service helped save the lives of six men injured in a road accident at Dambuk on Wednesday. According to EMRI Green Health Services, the accident occurred at around 12.15 pm when a truck reportedly lost control and rammed into the boundary wall of a police station. Following an emergency call, the 108 ambulance team reached the spot within five minutes. On arrival, the emergency responders found six injured passengers and immediately initiated triage to prioritise treatment. The most critically injured victim was conscious but had low blood oxygen saturation and bleeding injuries to his hand and knee. Emergency Medical Technician Akke Perme and Pilot Bang Lego conducted a primary assessment following the ABCD protocol—Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Disability. After controlling the bleeding, the team, with assistance from local residents, shifted the patient onto a stretcher. The remaining five victims sustained minor injuries. They were administered first aid and underwent ABCD assessments to rule out any life-threatening conditions. During transportation, the ambulance team continued pre-hospital emergency care and monitored the patients’ vital signs at regular intervals. The critically injured patient was stabilised before being shifted to the District Hospital in Roing for advanced treatment. All six victims received timely medical attention and were transported safely. EMRI Green Health Services commended the dedication of its emergency medical technicians and ambulance pilots, who provide round-the-clock 108 emergency ambulance services across Arunachal Pradesh. The 108 free emergency ambulance service, operated by EMRI Green Health Services, was launched in Arunachal Pradesh on June 21, 2021, and has since provided emergency medical assistance to more than 37,000 beneficiaries across the state.        

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Apatani Fashion Week, Apatani’s Next Top Model begin in Hija

ZIRO : The first edition of Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026 got underway at the Siilang Diting Dree Festival Ground in Hija village of Lower Subansiri district on Wednesday, celebrating Apatani heritage, indigenous fashion and creative entrepreneurship. Organised by the Siilang Diting Dree Festival Organising Committee, the two-day event seeks to preserve indigenous traditions while creating opportunities for designers, weavers, artisans, models and creative entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to promote sustainable fashion, indigenous craftsmanship and cultural tourism while positioning Arunachal Pradesh as an emerging hub for indigenous fashion. The event is being presented through a collaboration involving Arunachal Fashion Week, Arunachal’s Next Top Model, the Fashion & Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India Fashion Week and Indigenous Bharat Fashion Week. Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme inaugurated the event in the presence of Lower Subansiri Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra. The dignitaries commended the organisers for creating a professional platform that celebrates Apatani identity while empowering indigenous youth, designers, artisans and entrepreneurs. They said the initiative successfully blends traditional heritage with contemporary fashion and has the potential to showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s unique cultural identity to wider audiences. Delivering the welcome address, Siilang Diting Dree Festival Organising Committee General Secretary and Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model Chief Executive Officer Kago Jorang described fashion as a powerful medium of storytelling that reflects a community’s identity, history and traditions. He said the initiative aims to create sustainable opportunities for indigenous designers, artisans, weavers and young creative professionals while connecting local talent with regional and national platforms. Siilang Diting Dree Festival Organising Committee Chairman Dani Yubbe emphasised the need to preserve indigenous knowledge, traditional weaving practices and cultural heritage, saying every motif and handcrafted creation carries the history and identity of the community. A major attraction of the opening day was the contestant introduction round of Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026, where participants showcased individually styled looks inspired by Apatani heritage while expressing their creativity and aspirations. The runway featured collections by designers from Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. Designer Nang Angie Ngoba Namchoom of Namsai presented a collection inspired by the landscapes of Ziro Valley. Though she was unable to attend because of travel disruptions caused by floods and road blockages, her collection was showcased to an appreciative audience. Pasighat-based designer Osum Jerang Karlo, founder of Sum’s Tribal Fusion, presented a collection blending tribal heritage with contemporary silhouettes. She was honoured with the Arunachal’s Best Fashion Designer of the Year 2026 award. Designer Zenith Khonjuju of Bichom district showcased her latest collection, “GI-ZHA,” featuring zero-waste principles, organic techniques and nature-inspired designs. She received the Arunachal’s Best Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year 2026 award. The day’s finale featured renowned Meghalaya designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah of Rose Bridal Shillong/RWL Designs, whose contemporary bridal couture brought the opening day’s fashion presentations to a close. The inaugural evening also featured cultural performances showcasing the rich artistic traditions of the Apatani community.      

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Training on adoption regulations, CARINGS portal held

ITANAGAR : The State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under the Department of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), organised a one-day orientation-cum-training programme on the Adoption Regulations, 2022 and the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS) Portal at the Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall here on Thursday. The programme aimed to strengthen the adoption system in Arunachal Pradesh and build the capacity of stakeholders involved in adoption procedures. It was attended by deputy commissioners, chief medical officers, district child protection officers, chairpersons and members of Child Welfare Committees, representatives of Specialised Adoption Agencies and officials of the Women and Child Development Department. In her keynote address, In-charge Director of Women and Child Development Machi Gao stressed the need for timely, transparent and child-centric adoption procedures in accordance with the Adoption Regulations, 2022. She emphasised close coordination among stakeholders to ensure that every eligible child gets the opportunity to grow up in a safe and caring family. Technical sessions were conducted by CARA Senior Professional Upasana Chakma, who explained the key provisions and recent amendments to the Adoption Regulations, 2022 and their implications. She also highlighted the importance of family-based care, stating that children awaiting adoption should, wherever appropriate and in accordance with the law, be placed in foster care to help them develop a bond with prospective foster parents before adoption. Chakma also demonstrated the functioning of the CARINGS Portal integrated with the Mission Vatsalya Portal. The sessions focused on streamlining adoption procedures, improving coordination among stakeholders and ensuring compliance with statutory provisions. Retired West Bengal Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department Joint Director Supriya Sarkar conducted a session on the roles and responsibilities of district magistrates, chief medical officers, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units and Specialised Adoption Agencies. He stressed that the best interests of the child must remain paramount in every adoption-related decision. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants sought clarifications on adoption procedures, legal responsibilities and field-level challenges. Deputy Director (HQ) and State Nodal Officer, Mission Vatsalya, Kina Takka proposed the vote of thanks and appealed to stakeholders to promote adoption and foster care in accordance with the prescribed rules. (DIPR)      

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BRO completes strategic 180-ft Bailey bridge in Kurung Kumey

ITANAGAR : The BRO has constructed a 180-foot Bailey bridge in remote Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh, restoring critical connectivity to forward border areas, an official said. Working round the clock, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel braved relentless monsoon rains, flash-flood risks, and highly challenging mountainous terrain to pull off the deployment, he said. “Our teams showed unwavering commitment to overcome severe logistical and environmental obstacles. The successful completion of this triple-double reinforced Bailey bridge is crucial to reinforcing national security infrastructure and providing a lifeline to the local populations residing in remote border pockets,” the official added. The engineering project was executed by Team 85 Road Construction Company (RCC) and the 756 Task Force under BRO’s Project Arunank, which handles strategic infrastructure development in some of the state’s most hostile terrains. Project Arunank has been instrumental in developing vital infrastructure links along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, including key connections such as the Hapoli-Sarli-Huri road network. The newly completed bridge significantly strengthens the operational capabilities of the armed forces for troop and equipment movement while seamlessly linking isolated villages to the mainstream economy. The successful launch of the bridge highlights the BRO’s ongoing push for self-reliance in defence infrastructure under the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative, ensuring all-weather access to India’s farthest frontiers, an official statement said. (Source: PTI)    

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Tawang DC calls for replication of Jemeithang waste management model

TAWANG : A district-level meeting on solid waste management held here on Thursday resolved to strengthen community participation and promote scientific waste management practices across Tawang district. The meeting, chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Rinchin Leta and Tashi Dhondup, Zila Parishad members, representatives of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), non-governmental organisations, students and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operators. A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup on the community-led waste management initiative in Jemeithang, which has emerged as a successful model through active public participation. He highlighted the support extended to the initiative by the state government and local stakeholders, and acknowledged the contribution of the NGO Further and Beyond in its implementation. Material Recovery Facility operators from Jemeithang, Lhou and Tawang also shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in implementing sustainable waste management practices. Addressing the gathering, Angmo described the Jemeithang initiative as a model worthy of replication and urged Zila Parishad and Panchayat leaders to promote similar community-driven initiatives in their respective areas. She observed that waste was still being disposed of without proper treatment in many places and stressed the need to adopt scientific waste management practices. Reiterating the district administration’s commitment to a cleaner and plastic-free Tawang, she said the ban on single-use plastics and drinking water bottles below two litres would continue to be strictly enforced through regular inspections and surprise checks. The meeting also featured speeches by winners of the district-level waste management speech competition, who highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and responsible waste disposal. Zila Parishad members assured the administration of their support and suggested the formation of committees at different levels to strengthen implementation and monitoring of waste management initiatives. (DIPR)          

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CJP protest day 13: Wangchuk’s health worsens; CJP alleges police assault, draws fresh support

NEW DELHI : Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health deteriorated on the fifth day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, with his blood sugar level dropping to 60 and his blood pressure remaining low, even as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alleged that police assaulted students attempting to set up a library at the protest site, as the agitation received fresh backing from CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and RTI activist Nikhil Dey. Sharing Wangchuk’s health update on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk’s condition was “continuously deteriorating” and warned that the government would be responsible if anything happened to him. “Sonam Wangchuk’s health is continuously deteriorating. His sugar level has dropped to 60, and his blood pressure is also very low. If anything happens to Sonam sir, the government will be responsible for it,” Dipke said, reiterating the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Dipke also held an interaction with protesters titled “Chai Pe Charcha with Cockroaches”, saying it was aimed at gathering feedback on “how we can make this movement better and bigger”. Later in the day, Dipke claimed on X that Delhi Police personnel assaulted two youths for attempting to set up a library at the protest venue and threw away books, including those on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bhagat Singh. He demanded the suspension of ACP Ajay Sharma, alleging the officer had insulted the two historical figures and questioned why the police had acted against students “who only wanted people to read books at the protest site”. Dipke also alleged that police later asked the students for proof that they had been assaulted. Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, also visited the protest site during the day. Six students associated with the All India Students’ Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike from a separate stage at Jantar Mantar. In a statement, AISA said the condition of the fasting students had worsened, with blood sugar levels falling sharply. It stated that Danish’s blood sugar had dropped to 50 mg/dL, Deepak Kumar Verma’s to 59 mg/dL, while Manish and Aameen recorded 63 mg/dL each and Neha and Hrishikesh 68 mg/dL. According to the organisation, most of the students were at risk of losing consciousness, but said they would continue their fast until Pradhan resigned. Addressing the gathering, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said the protest had become a national issue concerning the future of India’s youth and called for wider unity against authoritarianism. “We are not seeking resignation because we like it. We are seeking resignation because there should be some accountability,” he said. Recalling how former railway ministers, including Lal Bahadur Shastri and Nitish Kumar, had resigned in the past by accepting moral responsibility, Bhattacharya said, “Now, the railway minister has become the reel minister.” Calling for broader solidarity, he said, “We need such solidarity today, so that those fighting for climate stand with the youth, youth stand with workers, workers stand with farmers, and we all stand together against authoritarianism.” He also alleged that the ruling dispensation treated the Constitution as a “dead document”, while “for us, it is alive”, and described Pradhan’s resignation as only a small part of a larger democratic struggle. RTI activist Nikhil Dey, who also visited the protest, recalled spending several nights at Jantar Mantar during the campaign for the Right to Information (RTI) Act and the employment guarantee law, describing the venue as “a home” for people’s movements. “Jantar Mantar is the people’s Parliament. The people are on the streets asking only one thing — hear our voice,” he said, congratulating the protesters for “bringing back the voice of this place”. Drawing parallels with the RTI movement’s demand for accountability in public spending, Dey said the protesters were similarly seeking accountability over examination irregularities. “They asked then, ‘Give an account of our money’. Today, you are asking, ‘Give an account of the NEET paper’,” he said. The gathering erupted in cheers as Wangchuk appeared at the protest venue, with supporters chanting slogans expressing solidarity. The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET. The agitation has received support from several political leaders and civil society members over the past few days, including CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby, senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI General Secretary D Raja, social activist Yogendra Yadav, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, CPI leader Annie Raja, transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose. (Source: PTI)    

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Kurung Kumey women set for historic Arunachal Women League debut

KOLORIANG : Kurung Kumey district is set to mark a significant milestone in women’s football as its women’s team prepares to make its maiden appearance in the Arunachal Women League, which begins on July 10. The team will compete under the banner of the District Football Association (DFA) Kurung Kumey, marking a major step in promoting women’s football and grassroots sports in the district. According to the association, the players have been undergoing intensive training under the guidance of coach Tarh Sumpi in preparation for the state-level competition. The team is managed by Bamang Ana, while the association is headed by president Tamchi Syam. As part of its preparations, the team has played a series of exhibition matches against Nirjuli Veteran FC, BTHHC, Bamang Brothers FC and Nyapin Fitness Club. It is also scheduled to play two more practice matches—against the Alumni Association Nyapin School (AANS) on July 4 and Tarh Veteran FC on July 5. Two of the practice matches were held at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia and were attended by public leaders, government officials and sports enthusiasts from Kurung Kumey district and the Capital Complex. The DFA expressed gratitude to all organisations and individuals who have supported and encouraged the team during its preparations. The association said the team’s participation in the Arunachal Women League reflects Kurung Kumey’s growing commitment to sporting excellence, grassroots football and greater opportunities for women in sports. It expressed confidence that the players would make the district proud through their performance in the tournament.            

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Papum Pare DEO reviews SIR progress

YUPIA : Papum Pare District Election Officer (DEO) convened a coordination meeting on Thursday to review the progress of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll and sought the cooperation of political parties to ensure a clean and accurate voters’ list. The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and representatives of recognised political parties. Reviewing the progress of the exercise, the DEO said the distribution and collection of Enumeration Forms remained below expectations in some areas. While the exercise in the 14-Doimukh and 15-Sagalee (ST) Assembly constituencies was progressing satisfactorily, the 13-Itanagar Assembly constituency was lagging despite sustained efforts by the election machinery. The DEO informed that Booth Level Officers (BLOs), assisted by Booth Level Agents (BLAs), were conducting house-to-house visits and organising special camps across the Capital Complex to facilitate the distribution and collection of Enumeration Forms. Electors were urged to contact their respective BLOs and submit the forms within the stipulated period. During the meeting, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers presented updates on the collection and digitisation of Enumeration Forms in their respective polling stations. Representatives of political parties raised concerns over duplicate enrolment, fake voters and the continued inclusion of names of deceased or permanently shifted electors in the electoral roll. They also pointed out that many electors preferred to complete the enumeration process in their native constituencies. Responding to the concerns, the DEO said the Special Intensive Revision was aimed at identifying and removing such anomalies to ensure a transparent, accurate and error-free electoral roll. (DIPR)

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Tagak donates one month’s salary to BJP

ITANAGAR : Newly nominated Rajya Sabha member Tai Tagak was accorded a welcome by the State unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Thursday following his return after taking oath as the state’s lone representative in the Upper House of Parliament. Senior BJP leaders, party workers and supporters felicitated Tagak and expressed confidence that he would effectively represent Arunachal Pradesh in Parliament. During the programme, Tagak interacted with party workers and appreciated their contribution to strengthening the organisation across the state. On the occasion, he donated one month’s salary in advance to the BJP Arunachal Pradesh unit. The party leadership said his nomination to the Rajya Sabha would further strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s voice in Parliament. Among those present were State BJP General Secretary Tadar Niglar, Vice-President Dungoli Libang, Tarh Shoping and other party office-bearers.

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Union Ministers assess flood damage in East Siang, assures support

PASIGHAT : Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Wednesday visited flood-affected Boying village in East Siang district to assess the damage caused by the recent overflow of the Sibo Korong River. The leaders inspected the affected areas, interacted with residents and reviewed the impact of the floods on public infrastructure, agricultural land and private property. They also took stock of the relief and restoration measures being undertaken by the district administration. Addressing the affected residents, Chouhan assured that the Centre would extend all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration. He said the Union Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to supporting Arunachal Pradesh in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and ensuring timely assistance to affected families. Rijiju said the widespread damage in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Assam was caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall during the ongoing monsoon. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting restoration works and the rehabilitation of affected communities. Khandu said the state government’s priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected people, provide timely relief, restore damaged infrastructure and expedite rehabilitation. He assured that no effort would be spared to ensure assistance reaches every affected household. The inspection was attended by East Siang Guardian Minister Nyato Dukam, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong and heads of departments concerned.