State News

SHILLONG : The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has strongly condemned the killing of six Naga men from Konsakhul Naga Village and demanded a swift, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident. In a statement issued on Thursday, NESO described the killings as a “barbaric, inhumane and cold-blooded murder” and called for immediate action against those responsible. According to the organisation, the six men were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. Their dismembered remains were recovered on June 10. NESO Chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa said the victims were reportedly subjected to torture before being killed and mutilated. “The sheer brutality inflicted upon these innocent individuals has shocked the conscience of the entire North East,” the statement said. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and residents of Konsakhul Naga Village, NESO extended its condolences and urged authorities to ensure justice for the victims. The organisation demanded that all individuals involved in the crime be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, warning that failure to act decisively would only embolden perpetrators of violence. NESO also expressed concern over the prolonged unrest in Manipur, questioning the lack of convictions despite numerous incidents of killings, abductions, arson and other forms of violence reported during the past three years. The student body further raised concerns over allegations of partisan conduct by certain Central security personnel, stating that any instance of complicity, negligence, collusion or bias by security forces would amount to a serious breach of public trust and should invite appropriate legal and disciplinary action. Reiterating its commitment to peace, dialogue and reconciliation, NESO stated that lasting peace in Manipur can only be achieved through justice, accountability and equal protection of all communities. It urged the Government of India to take decisive measures to restore public confidence and ensure an end to what it described as a culture of impunity.      

ITANAGAR : The Education Department has disbursed Post-Matric Scholarship funds amounting to Rs 7,998.89 lakh to 27,219 students under the first installment for the academic year 2025-26. The amount was released on June 6 and is expected to be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts shortly. According to the department, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, released Rs 7,199 lakh as the first installment of central assistance for the scholarship scheme. Subsequently, the Education Department received sanction for Rs 7,998.89 lakh on June 2, including the state government’s matching share. The department stated that implementation of centrally sponsored schemes has recently shifted to the SNA-Sparsh payment mode through the Reserve Bank of India. Integration of the new payment system required coordination and technical alignment among the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS), Public Financial Management System (PFMS), the concerned ministry, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), resulting in some delay in processing payments. The remaining 22,029 students will receive their scholarship payments after the Ministry of Tribal Affairs releases the next installment of funds. The department has already submitted the Utilisation Certificate for the first installment and requested the ministry to release the subsequent installment at the earliest. Meanwhile, 2,157 students have been identified with Aadhaar or bank account-related issues that need to be rectified to facilitate successful credit of scholarship benefits. The department also informed that state government-funded stipends and book grants were released in April this year.  

NAMSAI : The Namsai district administration, in collaboration with Startup India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP), organised a TEJAS workshop at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Namsai, on Thursday to promote entrepreneurship and support aspiring business owners. The workshop was attended by aspiring entrepreneurs, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, artisans, students and job seekers from across the district. Welcoming the participants, Namsai Deputy Director of Industries Nondo Doka highlighted the objectives of the programme and emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in driving local economic development. Addressing the gathering, Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa encouraged participants to leverage local resources, skills and innovation to establish sustainable enterprises and emerge as job creators. District Planning Officer Dr Keshab Sharma briefed attendees on various government schemes aimed at promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Swavalamban Yojana (DDUSY), National Livestock Mission–Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) and Atmanirbhar initiatives. Startup India representatives Rishi Dewan and Simran Hasija elaborated on startup opportunities, funding support mechanisms and the Government of India’s vision for fostering entrepreneurship across the country. APIIP officials Manish Mall and Vikas Sharma highlighted initiatives related to Ease of Doing Business and startup facilitation in Arunachal Pradesh. Resource persons also shared information on entrepreneurship support schemes such as the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), One District One Product (ODOP) and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The workshop provided participants with valuable insights into startup ecosystems, funding avenues and government-backed initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth. (DIPR)  

LIKABALI : A training programme on the Electoral Roll Management System (ERONET) and the Booth Level Officer (BLO) App was conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Likabali on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral services and improve electoral roll management. The programme was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), BLO Supervisors, Booth Level Officers, Information Technology (IT) personnel, election dealing assistants and other officials associated with election management. Addressing the participants, Assistant Commissioner (Election) Jannes Mary Tayeng underscored the importance of effective utilisation of ERONET and the BLO App in maintaining accurate electoral records and ensuring transparent delivery of electoral services. He stressed that continuous training and technical upgradation are essential for the smooth conduct of election-related activities. The training was conducted virtually through video conferencing by State-level Master Trainers Dr Sandip Banerjee and Sougata Maity. The sessions focused on enhancing the technical knowledge and operational efficiency of officials engaged in electoral roll management and related processes. Officials were informed that the training programme would continue in phases, with schedules for subsequent sessions to be communicated separately. During the programme, AEROs were advised to coordinate with BLOs under their respective jurisdictions and compile queries or issues relating to ERONET and the BLO App for submission ahead of future sessions. Participants were also encouraged to raise their concerns during interactive discussions to facilitate effective resolution by the master trainers. The programme witnessed active participation from election officials and staff from across the district. (DIPR)          

Staff Reporter ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) on Wednesday rejected the state government’s proposal to constitute a Joint High-Power Committee to examine issues related to alleged illegal structures and illegal immigration, insisting that immediate action be taken instead of forming another committee. Addressing a press conference in Itanagar, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation was not interested in participating in any committee-based mechanism and urged the government to directly implement measures to address the concerns raised by the organisation. “We do not want a Joint High-Power Committee, nor do we require assurances from the government. If the government is serious about resolving the issue, it should take direct action and dismantle the alleged illegal structures,” Liyak said. He stated APIYO had deliberately stayed away from a government-convened meeting in order to remain focused on its demands. Liyak alleged that despite repeatedly highlighting concerns regarding illegal immigration and seeking filtration of undocumented individuals, it was not included in the proposed committee. He maintained that merely shutting down the establishments in question would not be sufficient and reiterated the organization’s demand for the lawful dismantling of what it described as illegal constructions. The organisation also called for a comprehensive verification drive, claiming that some individuals associated with the establishments could be illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals, Liyak informed, while questioning whether the government could guarantee that all persons residing in and around the establishments were Indian citizens Further, he informed that the organisation sought scrutiny of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, labour and employment records, commercial activities and other sectors where it alleged irregularities may exist. Claiming to possess documentary evidence supporting its concerns, Liyak stated that the materials had already been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office during a meeting held on January 17. He urged the government to examine the documents and act on the information without further delay.