State News

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Congress urged Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to take up four issues concerning the state in Parliament, alleging that the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state have failed to address them. The demands were made in a memorandum submitted by state Congress president Bosiram Siram to the party leadership during an All India Congress Committee (AICC) review meeting in New Delhi, a statement said on Saturday. The state Congress sought an amendment to Article 371(H) to bring it on a par with Article 371(A) applicable to Nagaland and Article 371(G) applicable to Mizoram, arguing that the existing provisions do not adequately protect the state’s land, customary laws and natural resources. The state unit said stronger constitutional safeguards, on the lines of the Sixth Schedule, were needed to strengthen tribal self-governance and protect indigenous communities. The state Congress also reiterated its opposition to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), alleging that the mega dam in the seismically sensitive region could trigger large-scale ecological damage. Claiming that the project could affect more than 2 lakh people and submerge ancestral land and heritage sites such as Kekar Monying, the state Congress said national security concerns over China’s upstream activities should not override the principle of free, prior and informed consent of local tribal communities. The memorandum also raised concerns over Chinese activities along the international border, accusing the BJP of “selective nationalism” and demanding a White Paper from the Centre on the border situation. The state Congress also demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), criticising the National Pension System (NPS) and alleging that it leaves government employees financially insecure. Siram urged Gandhi to strongly raise these issues in Parliament, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh should not be treated merely as a resource-rich region but as the homeland of indigenous communities. (Source: PTI)    

TAWANG : The two-day Regional Convention of the State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) of the North Eastern States concluded at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall here on Saturday with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanoongo attending the valedictory session as the chief guest. Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), the convention brought together chairpersons, members and officials of the SCPCRs from across the Northeast to deliberate on strengthening child rights through regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and collaborative action. In his keynote address, Kanoongo said the recommendations and deliberations emerging from the convention would help shape child rights policies and strengthen institutional mechanisms over the next two decades. He expressed confidence that these collective efforts would contribute to nurturing responsible and empowered citizens in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He congratulated the APSCPCR for successfully organising the convention and lauded its initiative in bringing all the North Eastern States onto a common platform to deliberate on issues concerning child welfare and protection. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the convention would serve as a benchmark for future child rights initiatives across the country. The concluding technical session featured presentations by chairpersons and representatives of the participating State Commissions, who shared best practices, innovative initiatives and suggestions for strengthening child protection systems. The discussions emphasised the need for greater inter-state cooperation, institutional convergence, community participation and the exchange of successful models to address emerging challenges affecting children. The convention concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen the protection, education, care and overall well-being of children through sustained collaboration and coordinated action among all stakeholders, reaffirming the North Eastern States’ shared commitment to building a safe, inclusive and child-friendly society.      

Mingkeng Osik ITANAGAR : January Tali of Upper Siang district and Hachu Lombo of Dibang Valley district have become the first women from Arunachal Pradesh to successfully summit 7,077-metre Mt Kun in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. The two mountaineers reached the summit at around 6 am on July 27 after an 11-day expedition organised by Cho Expedition. The team had set out from Leh for the Zanskar region on July 16. Mt Kun, one of the highest peaks in the Zanskar range of the Indian Himalayas, is regarded as one of India’s most demanding high-altitude climbs due to its steep snow slopes, glaciers, harsh weather and the technical skills and endurance required to reach the summit. The expedition comprised nine climbers, including two women and seven men, excluding Sherpas. Of the nine participants, only four successfully reached the summit, while the others had to abandon their attempt because of the extreme conditions, highlighting the difficulty of the climb. For January Tali, the feat adds another milestone to an already distinguished mountaineering career. She had earlier become the first Arunachali woman to summit six Himalayan peaks within two weeks, including UT Kangri (6,080 metres), which she climbed twice, and Mentok Kangri-I (6,268 metres), Mentok Kangri-II (6,218 metres) and Mentok Kangri-III (6,126 metres), with double summits on UT Kangri and Mentok Kangri-III. Both Tali and Lombo are expected to receive official summit certificates from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) in recognition of their successful ascent. Their achievement has been hailed as a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and is expected to inspire more young people, particularly women, to take up adventure sports and high-altitude mountaineering. The historic climb also marks a significant milestone for the state’s growing presence in Indian mountaineering.      

Mingkeng Osik GUWAHATI : Adi Ba:né Kébang Youth Wing (ABKYW) President Oki Dai has been conferred the honorary title of ‘Professor of Practice’ by Manipur International University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social service and community development. The honour was presented at a function held in Guwahati on July 30 by Assam Minister Rameshwar Teli and Palasbari MLA Himangshu Shekhar Baishya. A native of Adipasi village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, Dai was recognised for his sustained efforts towards the welfare of the Adi community and his leadership in spearheading various social initiatives through the ABKYW. Under his leadership, the organisation has undertaken disaster relief operations, environmental awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, community welfare initiatives and activities aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the Adi tribe. The ‘Professor of Practice’ is an honorary distinction conferred on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professional expertise and made significant contributions to society through leadership, practical knowledge and community service. Expressing gratitude after receiving the honour, Dai thanked Manipur International University for the recognition and dedicated the award to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Adi community. He said the honour would inspire him and the ABKYW to continue working for the welfare of society while encouraging young people to take an active role in community development. The recognition marks another milestone in Dai’s public service journey and highlights the growing role of youth-led organisations in promoting social welfare, cultural preservation and inclusive development.    

YINGKIONG : The Sikiing Kojee Charitable Society (SKCS), a non-governmental organisation in Upper Siang district, organised the ‘Nasha Mukti Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ programme at Royal Siang School on Saturday to raise awareness among youth about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Held under the theme ‘Create, Perform and Inspire’, the programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It featured cultural performances, skits, poetry recitations, painting and poster-making competitions, enabling students to creatively promote the message of a drug-free society. Upper Siang District Information and Public Relations Officer Yalik Jerang attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision of achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat as part of the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 and stressed the crucial role of youth in realising that vision. She urged students to stay away from drugs, embrace healthy lifestyles and become responsible citizens committed to nation-building. Describing the younger generation as the nation’s greatest asset, Jerang said quality education, discipline and strong moral values were essential for building a peaceful and progressive society. She also administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge to all participants. Jerang commended SKCS Chairperson Dr Mity Jopir Apang and her team for organising the programme and providing a platform for young people to spread awareness through creative expression. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Apang said the programme was organised in partnership with and under the guidance of the District Youth Officer of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Pasighat. She informed that youth enrolment on the campaign portal was being carried out in mission mode to maximise participation across the district and reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of a healthy, empowered and drug-free youth population. Earlier, Royal Siang School teacher P Lama welcomed the participants and urged students to stay away from drugs, uphold strong moral values and focus on becoming responsible members of society. The programme was attended by SKCS members, invited guests, faculty members of Royal Siang School and a large number of students from Yingkiong and Jengging. (DIPR)        

SIVASAGAR : Namsai Helping Hands has extended flood relief assistance worth ₹1.20 lakh to flood-affected families in Assam’s Sivasagar district by distributing essential relief materials at a relief camp. The relief initiative followed a public donation drive organised by the organisation at SYMP Ground, Namsai, on July 26, during which ₹51,130 was raised through public contributions. Members of Namsai Helping Hands further contributed ₹70,000 from their own funds, taking the total value of the relief assistance to ₹1.20 lakh. During the visit, the volunteers also met Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi, who appreciated the team’s humanitarian effort and thanked them for extending support to flood-affected families despite the challenging situation. Members of the organisation said that while their contribution was modest compared to the scale of the disaster, it reflected their solidarity and concern for those affected. Namsai Helping Hands also expressed gratitude to all donors, volunteers and well-wishers whose contributions made the relief mission possible, while reaffirming its commitment to serving communities during times of crisis.