State News

TAWANG : The District-Level Speech Competition in the Monpa dialect on the theme “Waste Management” was held at Government Upper Primary School, PWD Colony, Tawang, with the twin objective of promoting the Monpa language and creating awareness on environmental conservation. Organised by the Department of Education under the guidance of Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, the competition featured 12 students, comprising winners and runners-up from the six blocks of the district. The participants impressed the audience with their confidence, eloquence and understanding of waste management while delivering their speeches in their mother tongue. Among those present were Tawang Deputy Director of School Education Hridar Phuntsok, Assistant Commissioner Kyidphel Sange Norbu, Block Education Officers Dondup and Thutan Wangchu, Tawang Monastery senior monk Lama Thupten Tsering, former Tawang Monastery teacher Geshe Thupten Gendun, teachers and students. Addressing the gathering, DC Namgyal Angmo emphasised the need to preserve the Monpa dialect while adopting responsible waste management practices to protect the natural beauty of Tawang. She encouraged students and teachers to use the Monpa dialect in their daily lives and said learning Bhoti alongside other languages broadens knowledge and creates greater opportunities. Assistant Commissioner Kyidphel Sange Norbu and Lama Thupten Tsering also underscored the importance of using the Monpa dialect in everyday communication and called for collective efforts to safeguard the environment through proper waste management practices. In the competition, Tashi Yangzom of Government Secondary School, Bomba, secured the first position, followed by Gom Yuton of Government Higher Secondary School, Jang, in second place and Rinchin Choizom of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Lungla, in third. The event reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Monpa community while fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : AP QueerStation on Sunday organised its ninth Community Meetup in Itanagar to mark Pride Month under the theme “Bring Your Allies.” The event brought together more than 60 members of the LGBTQ+ community, along with several heterosexual allies, for an afternoon of dialogue, reflection and celebration. Participants discussed the significance of Pride Month and reflected on the continuing importance of the Pride movement for the LGBTQ+ community. They also commemorated the Stonewall Uprising and paid tribute to pioneers, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, whose contributions advanced the movement for equality and acceptance. The meetup drew participants from various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Roing, Mechuka and Pasighat. Addressing the gathering, AP QueerStation founder and activist Sawang Wangchha emphasised the importance of safe community spaces for queer and transgender individuals, highlighted the need to prioritise mental health, and shared updates on the amended Transgender Bill, 2026, and its implications for the transgender community. The event was hosted by community members Mary Siram and Rinea Taba, who underscored the importance of solidarity, collective care and creating spaces where members of the LGBTQ+ community can connect and support one another. They also announced that AP QueerStation would organise more community events in the coming months. The organisers expressed gratitude to the owners of 2wo Restaurant, Kobyum Zirdo and Tumi Riba, for providing a safe and welcoming venue for the gathering, noting that access to inclusive spaces remains a challenge for the LGBTQ+ community.    

KHELA : Forest & Climate Change Minister Advisor and Borduria-Bogapani MLA Wanglin Lowangdong on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed Boys’ Hostel at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Khela. The hostel has been funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the Scheme for Grant to State Tribal Education Agencies (SGSTEA). EMRS Khela is a co-educational residential institution functioning under the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and is managed by the Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti (ASVS). Addressing the gathering, Lowangdong lauded the efforts of the school administration, teachers and all supporting agencies in providing quality education to tribal students. He said adequate residential infrastructure is crucial for ensuring holistic development and preparing students to become responsible citizens and future leaders. He urged students to remain disciplined, work hard and make the best use of the opportunities available under the Eklavya Model Residential School system. The MLA also appealed to the people of Khela village to donate additional land for the future expansion of the institution, noting that several essential infrastructure facilities are yet to be developed to meet its growing requirements. He further appreciated the executing agency for completing the hostel project within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining quality standards. Earlier, the school principal highlighted the institution’s academic progress and achievements, stating that EMRS Khela is committed to the holistic development of students through academics as well as co-curricular activities, including yoga, parade, drawing, cultural programmes, games and sports. The principal also recalled that students of EMRS Khela had the rare honour of meeting the President of India on August 15, 2024, as special invitees representing Arunachal Pradesh in traditional Nocte attire. He added that the students have consistently excelled in district- and state-level competitions, bringing laurels to both the school and the state. Among those present were Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya, Zilla Parishad Members Tumwang Lowang, Necha Wangsu and Wanglee Rangyang, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Taro Jeram, Nocte Women Association Chairperson Chasuam Wangchadong, former Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chawang Lowang, CMWS Chairperson Sontung Lowang, Tirap BJP president Lankham Wangsu, besides public representatives, Panchayati Raj Institution members, Gaon Burahs, government officials, teachers, students and parents.    

DAPORIJO : A joint enforcement drive conducted by the Upper Subansiri district administration in Daporijo township on Monday resulted in the seizure of 21 stray animals found roaming unattended on roads and in public places. The drive, carried out under the supervision of an Executive Magistrate, was part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety, maintain road discipline and enforce cattle control regulations. During the operation, officials seized eight cattle and 13 goats for violating notified restrictions against allowing domestic livestock to stray freely in public areas. The enforcement drive was conducted with the assistance of officials from the concerned departments and field staff. The district administration said owners of the seized animals would be proceeded against under the applicable provisions of law. The animals will be released only after completion of the prescribed legal formalities and payment of penalties, wherever applicable. Stating that stray livestock pose a serious risk to motorists, pedestrians and public sanitation, the administration reiterated that repeated advisories have been issued directing livestock owners to keep their animals properly secured. The district administration warned that similar enforcement drives would continue regularly and that stricter action would be taken against habitual violators. It also appealed to livestock owners to cooperate in maintaining public order, cleanliness and road safety. (DIPR)    

KHONSA : As part of Summer Camp-2026, Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS), Khonsa, under the aegis of the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles, organised a two-day educational and motivational tour to provide students with experiential learning while promoting patriotism, cultural awareness and an appreciation of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich heritage. On the first day, June 27, the students visited the Golden Pagoda at Namsai, where they gained insights into the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage and admired the architectural grandeur of one of the state’s most prominent Buddhist monasteries. On the second day, the students visited the historic Pangsau Pass and learned about its geographical significance and strategic role in the history of the region. The visit helped them gain a deeper understanding of the landmark’s historical importance. The students later visited the Headquarters of the 25 Sector Assam Rifles, where they interacted with the Deputy Inspector General. Addressing the students, the senior officer encouraged them to pursue excellence through discipline, dedication and education, and inspired them to become responsible citizens committed to serving society. The interaction concluded with a media interaction followed by lunch at the headquarters. The educational tour offered students a valuable blend of academic exposure and cultural and historical learning. The initiative reflects the Assam Rifles’ continued commitment to the holistic development of young minds and its sustained efforts to strengthen ties with the local community through meaningful educational outreach programmes. (DIPR)    

PASIGHAT : The District Health Society, East Siang, on Sunday launched the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) Campaign 2026 at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Banskata, as part of the nationwide initiative to eradicate polio. The programme was attended by Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor Tagom Padung, Adi Bane Kebang president M. Megu Perme, East Siang District Medical Officer Dr Yagling Perme, District Reproductive and Child Health Officer Dr Nidak Angu, and District Epidemiologist-cum-Medical Officer (Routine Immunisation) Dr Kentaii Pangkam. Representatives of the District Programme Management Unit (DPMU), programme officers and UPHC staff were also present. The campaign aims to protect all children below five years of age by administering two drops of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) free of cost. Health teams have been deployed across Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin subdivisions to implement the campaign throughout the district. The health department has appealed to all parents and guardians to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine by visiting the nearest immunisation booth. (DIPR)