State News

NEW DELHI : Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao on Wednesday appealed to the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) to withdraw its indefinite economic blockade along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and resolve the Hime village issue through dialogue. Gao met TMPK president Tilak Doley, vice-president Pongkil Patir, secretary Ajay Mili and joint secretaries Migom Doley, Budhin Doley and Monideep Pegu in New Delhi and urged the organisation to seek an amicable resolution to the issue. “I appealed to the TMPK team to call off the indefinite economic blockade along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border regarding the incident in Hime village and urged them to resolve the matter amicably through dialogue,” Gao said. He said he appreciated the TMPK leadership’s “positive response and cooperation” and expressed hope that the issue would be settled amicably in the larger interest of people living along the inter-state border.  

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday felicitated and presented Orders of Appointment to 72 successful candidates of the Medical Specialist Recruitment (MSR) Examination-2026, describing their induction as a major step towards strengthening specialist healthcare services across Arunachal Pradesh. Khandu said appointment of the 72 specialist doctors, along with the recruitment of hundreds of personnel in other categories including General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs), nurses, laboratory technicians and pharmacists in recent years, has helped the State Government almost fill the manpower gap in its healthcare system. A few vacancies remain and will be filled shortly. “The induction of these specialists will enhance the availability of specialised medical services across the State, particularly benefiting people living in remote and underserved areas,” the Chief Minister said. He informed that 35 vacancies of specialist doctors at TRIHMS, 61 specialist vacancies in government hospitals across the State and 79 vacancies of GDMOs are still to be filled. He appreciated the newly appointed specialist doctors for opting government service as he lamented that despite repeated advertisements, few specialist doctors turn up for recruitment. Khandu said the government’s objective is to ensure that people do not have to travel outside Arunachal Pradesh for treatment that can be provided within the State. “Our aim should be that all kinds of treatment should be available to our people within the State,” he said. Highlighting the scale of the State’s public healthcare network, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh currently has 6 Zonal Hospitals, 17 District Hospitals, 57 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 162 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 647 Sub-Health Centres. For a geographically vast and difficult terrain like Arunachal Pradesh, he said, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring adequate manpower at every level was particularly important. “A patient in a remote village should have the same right to quality healthcare as someone living in Itanagar or any other urban centre,” Khandu said, stressing that the Government’s focus is not merely on expanding infrastructure but ensuring that specialised healthcare reaches the last mile. He urged the newly appointed specialists to view their postings not merely as places of employment but as opportunities to serve communities that may have waited for years for access to specialist medical care. The Chief Minister highlighted the progress of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), the State’s lone medical college, which began functioning in 2017 with 50 MBBS seats. Three batches of MBBS students have already passed out, he said, adding that the intake was increased to 100 MBBS seats from last year. Khandu said the admission ratio at TRIHMS, which initially provided 65 per cent reservation for APST candidates and 35 per cent for students from the rest of India, has now been revised to 85 per cent reservation for local students, providing greater opportunities for aspiring medical students of Arunachal Pradesh. He further announced that MD and MS specialist courses would be introduced at TRIHMS shortly, further strengthening the State’s capacity for postgraduate medical education and specialist manpower generation. In a significant development, Khandu said the state government, in collaboration with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, is working towards starting organ transplant facilities at TRIHMS. The process for installation of an Organ Perfusion System at TRIHMS is already underway, he said, adding that the facility would initially commence with kidney transplantation. The initiative, he said, would represent a major advancement in the State’s tertiary healthcare capabilities and reduce the need for patients to travel outside Arunachal for advanced treatment. Further strengthening the State’s support for patients requiring organ and other major transplants, the Chief Minister informed the Government has launched the Chief Minister’s Organ Transplant Scheme (CMOTS) under the Chief Minister’s Organ Transplant Society. The scheme significantly broadens the scope of medical assistance by extending financial support beyond kidney transplantation to bone marrow and liver transplants as well. Under CMOTS, the State Government will provide enhanced financial assistance of up to Rs 12 lakh for kidney transplants, Rs 17 lakh for bone marrow transplants and Rs 22 lakh for liver transplants. Khandu said the initiative would provide substantial financial relief to families facing the high cost of life-saving transplant procedures and further strengthen the State’s commitment to ensuring access to advanced medical care. The Chief Minister informed that the State Government is also working towards establishing two more medical colleges. One medical college is proposed at Namsai under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, with construction scheduled to begin within the current year. Discussions are also underway for establishing the third medical college in West Kameng district, he said. Khandu said expansion of medical education institutions would create a larger pool of doctors and healthcare professionals while simultaneously improving access to quality healthcare across the State. The Chief Minister congratulated all 72 successful candidates and their parents, families, teachers and mentors for their achievement. He particularly appreciated the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) for conducting the Medical Specialist Recruitment-2026 through a transparent, merit-based and time-bound process. The recruitment process commenced with the advertisement issued on 13 April 2026. Of the 117 applications received, 116 candidates qualified for the viva voce, which was conducted from 22 to 29 June 2026. Following the selection process, 72 candidates were recommended for appointment. Khandu said the transparent recruitment process reflected the Government’s commitment to ensuring that qualified professionals get an equal and merit-based opportunity to serve the people. Linking healthcare development with the broader vision of national and State development, Khandu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, and Arunachal Pradesh aspires to achieve a Viksit Arunachal by 2047. He said a strong and accessible healthcare system would be one of the most important pillars of this vision. “Healthcare is one of the most significant pillars of a Viksit Arunachal. Our focus must be to build a system where our people can access quality treatment within the State itself,” he said. The Chief Minister said the Government would continue investing in healthcare infrastructure, human resources,

ITANAGAR : National Librarian’s Day was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Padma Shri Dr S R Ranganathan, widely regarded as the Father of Library Science in India, with libraries across districts organising competitions, awareness activities and programmes to promote reading habits among students and the wider community. In Ziro, the District Library hosted a programme attended by students, local leaders and community members. District Library and Information Officer Joram Taga announced a month-long free membership drive, continuing till August 31, to encourage students to develop regular reading habits. Prizes were distributed to winners of an essay competition organised at Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Upper Primary School, followed by a guided library tour during which students explored books on local history and culture, travel, geography and fiction. Trade Development Officer Tai Arun shared his personal journey and encouraged students to aim high. He also offered to sponsor library membership fees for 25 local students. Eingko Foundation founder Tage Onia urged students to read at least one book every month and highlighted career opportunities in library and information science. In Bomdila, the District Library observed the occasion with a storytelling competition for Class XI and XII students of Government Higher Secondary School, Bomdila. District Library and Information Officer Lobom Tamin paid floral tribute to Dr Ranganathan and highlighted his contribution to making libraries more systematic and user-friendly. Tamin also stressed the importance of reading habits among students. Trade Development Officer Mekori Dodum encouraged students to use such platforms to enhance their learning, expression and confidence, while District Youth Officer Ateet Solanki spoke on the importance of libraries and librarianship in society. Samail Leyak of Class XI (Arts) secured the first position in the storytelling competition, followed by Gumsing Yayir Rawa of Class XI (Science) and Bharat Sharma of Class XII (Arts) in second and third positions respectively. In Pasighat, the District Library organised a programme attended by students, teachers and library staff. Assistant Director of Public Library Victoria Borang highlighted Dr Ranganathan’s contribution to library science and urged students to cultivate good reading habits and maintain discipline while using library resources. She advised students to handle books carefully, return them to their designated places after use and make responsible use of library facilities. She also stressed the importance of sincerity, discipline, hard work and perseverance in life. District Library official Kaling Borang said the library has a wide range of reading materials catering to different age groups and interests, including English and Hindi books, poetry collections and children’s literature. A poem recitation competition was also organised for students of Shree Shree Vidya Mandir School. Lenjina Melchi Tamin won the first prize, followed by Gidi Apang and Reena Galing in second and third positions respectively. In Namsai, the District Library organised a programme attended by Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, retired IAS officer Tape Bagra, Divisional Commissioner (East) Deputy Secretary R Karlo, Assistant Commissioner Oni Padun, DPO K Sarmah, DDSE Pogde Yongum, KVS Principal Manoj Kumar, other officials, teachers and around 70 students. Tsering and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Dr Ranganathan. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner urged students to make maximum use of the modern facilities and resources available at the District Library, saying regular reading can broaden knowledge, develop skills and contribute to personal growth. Tape Bagra encouraged students to cultivate the habit of reading, highlighting its role in developing knowledge, character and a sense of responsibility towards society and the nation. As part of the celebration, 65 school students participated in a “Best Out of Waste” craft-making competition, showcasing their creativity while promoting the productive reuse of waste materials. In Khonsa, the District Library organised a two-day programme at the New Age Learning Centre, beginning on August 11 with an essay competition for school students on the themes “From Bookshelves to Bytes: The Evolution of Librarianship” and “The Legacy of Dr S R Ranganathan and Modern Librarianship.” Students from RKSM Girls’ School, Government Town Secondary School and Government Pinewood Secondary School participated in the competition. ADC Namneet Singh stressed the importance of developing a strong reading culture among children and youth in an increasingly digital environment. He said libraries continue to serve as important spaces for learning, reflection and intellectual growth and encouraged students to make reading a lifelong habit. District Library and Information Officer Chaphun Sumnyan highlighted the role of public libraries as inclusive centres of learning and stressed the importance of a strong public library system in promoting education, reading habits and community development. Noni Bangyang of RKSM Girls’ School secured the first position in the essay competition, followed by Lamwang Phuksa of Government Pinewood Secondary School and Ayang Lego of RKSM Girls’ School in second and third positions respectively. The celebrations across the districts reaffirmed the continuing role of libraries as centres of knowledge, learning and community engagement, while encouraging the younger generation to develop reading habits and make greater use of public library resources.    

TAWANG : Tawang Police traced and safely recovered two minor nuns within an hour of receiving information about their disappearance, bringing relief to their families. The two minors were reported missing on the evening of August 10. Acting promptly, personnel from Tawang Police Station and Women Police Station (WPS), Tawang, launched a search operation in and around the area. The operation was led by Inspector N Angu Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station-cum-WPS and included SI T Rinchin, ASI Tsering Tashi, HC Pema Khandu, LHC Tsering Zomba, LCT Lham Drema, Constable DW Thungon, HC Driver Jambey and Constable Driver Genden. Following their recovery, the minors were counselled by Child Welfare Committee member Norbu Drema and MMT Women Wing Secretary Tashi Wangmu before being handed over to their parents in good health. Tawang Police has urged news channels, social media pages and individuals who shared the names, photographs or other identifying details of the minors during the search to immediately remove such content. Police appealed to the public and media to exercise caution while sharing information concerning children, pointing out that circulation of identifying details and photographs of minors may have legal implications under child-protection laws. The police appeal comes after photographs and details of the minors reportedly circulated on various platforms during the search. While such sharing may have been intended to assist in locating them, police stressed the need to protect the privacy and dignity of the children following their safe recovery. The families expressed gratitude to Tawang Police and all those who assisted in the search operation. The swift recovery highlighted the importance of timely reporting, coordinated policing and community cooperation in emergencies involving children. (Source: Tawang Mon Vigilance)  

YACHULI : The District Highway Safety Task Force (DHSTF), Keyi Panyor District, held a meeting at the Mini Secretariat here on Tuesday to review the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prepared by the Task Force and discuss immediate measures to strengthen safety along National Highways NH-13 and NH-713. The meeting, chaired by Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra, focused on removal of encroachments, regulation of illegal parking, prevention of overloading and strengthening of surveillance and enforcement along the highways. Expressing concern over recurring road accidents and loss of lives, particularly among young people, Mishra stressed the need for strict enforcement of road safety regulations and coordinated action by all concerned departments and stakeholders. The meeting was attended by Keyi Panyor Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nabam Piju, Yachuli Assistant Commissioner Mumne Borang, DySP Hage Nado, ZPMs, administrative officers and representatives of PWD (Highway), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), District Disaster Risk Reduction (DDRD) and Trade & Commerce departments, among others. The Deputy Commissioner informed the members that the constitution and functioning of the DHSTF and preparation of the SOP were being undertaken in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 2 of 2023 (In Re: Phalodi Accident Case) and subsequent instructions issued by the state government on July 31, 2026. The members held detailed discussions on the SOP and measures required for its effective implementation. These included prohibiting overnight parking of heavy vehicles along the National Highways, preventing overloading and use of mobile phones while driving, maintaining the Right of Way (ROW), removing encroachments, regulating illegal parking, conducting regular patrolling and surveillance, and obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from PWD (Highway) for businesses operating along the highways. The Task Force also stressed the importance of regular coordination meetings among departments and stakeholders to review highway safety measures and ensure timely corrective action. Mishra directed the concerned departments to immediately identify and prepare a list of black spots along NH-13 and NH-713 and explore effective measures to rectify the identified hazardous locations. She also called for greater community participation and collaboration with local organisations and NGOs, stressing that effective highway safety requires collective responsibility, continuous surveillance and timely intervention. The DHSTF resolved to ensure effective implementation of the SOP and coordinated enforcement measures to make NH-13 and NH-713 in Keyi Panyor safer for commuters and prevent avoidable accidents and loss of lives.  

ITANAGAR : Tiranga rallies and yatras were held in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, bikers, government officials, security personnel, civil society groups and members of the public. In Tawang, a grand Tiranga Yatra was organised from the Giant Buddha Statue to the historic Tawang War Memorial, featuring a 100-metre-long National Tricolour. The yatra was flagged off by Tawang Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Rinchin Leta and Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang in the presence of ZPMs, senior officials and members of the public. Addressing participants at the Giant Buddha Statue, Leta highlighted the significance of the National Flag and Vande Mataram as symbols that inspired the freedom struggle and continue to unite the country. He appealed to people to hoist the Tricolour at their homes from August 9 to 17 while strictly observing the prescribed protocols governing its display and handling. Personnel of the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation and paramilitary forces, NCC cadets, market committees, students and citizens participated in the yatra. The procession culminated at the Tawang War Memorial, where participants joined in a mass singing of Vande Mataram in memory of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. The Tawang Brigade hosted refreshments for the participants. In Daporijo, a Tiranga Bike Rally was organised by the District Administration in collaboration with Upper Subansiri Riders, The Black and White Society and the All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation. Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Joti Sikom flagged off the rally. Bikers, youth, civil society members and citizens carrying the Tricolour rode through the major roads of Daporijo, spreading the message of national unity, patriotism and pride in the National Flag. The district administration appreciated the participating organisations and citizens for their contribution to the campaign and appealed to people to proudly display the Tricolour at their homes and establishments. At Nafra, a Tiranga Yatra was organised from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to I Love Nafra Point and back. Heads of offices, teachers, students, government officials, police personnel, Bazaar Committee members, PRI representatives, NGOs and members of the public participated in the event. The programme began with the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the yatra. A selfie point was also set up where participants captured photographs with the Tricolour and uploaded them on the official Har Ghar Tiranga portal. In Aalo, the West Siang unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised a mega Tiranga Yatra in which more than 1,000 students participated. Youth Affairs, Sports and Law Minister Kento Jini, MLA Topin Ete, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi and ABVP representatives attended the programme. Jini praised the ABVP for promoting patriotism and national consciousness among students and urged the youth to recognise their responsibilities towards society and the nation. Ete stressed the role of student organisations in developing leadership, responsibility and active participation in nation-building. In Ruksin, a Tiranga Yatra was organised from Ruksin-Dolung Bridge to Ruksin General Ground, with students, local representatives and members of the public participating. Organised by the 37th BJP Mandal, the march saw students of Ruksin Town Middle School and Ruksin Primary School carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans. 37-West Pasighat MLA Ninong Ering, along with the Additional Deputy Commissioner and panchayat-level representatives, participated in the programme. Ering stressed the importance of unity and patriotism among the youth and, referring to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border issue, underscored the need for peace, dialogue and responsible engagement to prevent tensions from escalating. The rallies and yatras across the state reflected widespread public participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and reinforced the message of national unity, patriotism and respect for the Tricolour ahead of Independence Day.      

PASIGHAT : The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Siang, organised a legal awareness programme titled ‘Empower Youth, Stronger India’ to sensitise students on legal rights, digital responsibility and campus safety. The programme was held under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) and featured judicial officers and practising advocates who addressed students on various legal issues relevant to young people. Bido Sora Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class Siang and Secretary DLSA East Siang delivered the keynote address. He explained legal safeguards relating to Zero FIR, protection against illegal detention and the process of seeking bail. Cautioning students against AI-generated misinformation, he said forwarding unverified information could have legal consequences, including defamation. Advocate Denzing Sonuwal spoke on defamation and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the context of social media. Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2015 judgment in Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India, he explained the scope of freedom of speech under Article 19 and its reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). He also highlighted provisions relating to offences under the POCSO Act. Advocate Sunny Tayeng addressed issues of consent, dignity, ragging and protection against sexual harassment. She emphasised that valid consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time, and outlined provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013. She also cautioned students about the legal consequences of false complaints and urged them to promote a safe campus culture based on the principle of “Safe, Save, Report and Support.” The programme was coordinated by Dr Rajen Miwu Head of the Department of Commerce and IQAC member and Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir Assistant Professor and IQAC member. In his welcome address, Dr Miwu underlined the importance of legal literacy in building an informed and empowered youth. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students raised issues concerning the right to fair education, the impact of criminal convictions on employment and the need to extend legal awareness programmes to rural communities. Faculty members and students from various departments attended the programme.