State News

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Monday stressed the need to strengthen the state’s prosecution system and ensure speedy justice, particularly in cases involving crimes against women and children. The governor also called for better coordination among investigating agencies, prosecutors and other stakeholders. Parnaik made the remarks when the state’s newly appointed Additional Advocate General Dugmar Kamduk called on him at Lok Bhavan, here, an official statement said. Expressing concern over the comparatively low rate of prosecution and conviction in cases involving crimes against women and children, the governor said such offences require prompt, sensitive and effective legal action. He said a strong and efficient prosecution system is vital to reinforce public confidence in the justice delivery system. Parnaik also stressed the need to strengthen the directorate of prosecution through capacity building, professional training and improved institutional support. He said a robust prosecution mechanism is essential to protect the rights of citizens, improve the effectiveness of law enforcement and ensure that offenders are brought to justice. Congratulating Kamduk on assuming the constitutional responsibility, the governor conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. He expressed confidence that the Additional Advocate General would discharge his duties with professionalism, integrity and commitment while upholding the rule of law and serving the interests of both the government and the people of the state. (Source: PTI)    

TAWANG : The three-day Lhamo Torchen ritual concluded at Tawang Monastery on Monday with the traditional burning of the Torgya ritual dough effigy at Chhamleng, led by the monastery’s Abbot Venerable Phara Damey Tulku Rinpoche along with senior monks amid the chanting of sacred Buddhist mantras and prayers. The annual observance, held from July 11 to 13, drew thousands of devotees, pilgrims and visitors to the monastery for prayers, spiritual reflection and blessings. One of the most revered religious ceremonies of the Monpa community, the ritual is observed in accordance with the centuries-old traditions of Tawang Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery. Special prayers are offered for the long life, good health and continued enlightened activities of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso, while invoking peace, happiness and well-being for all sentient beings. A central feature of the observance is the invocation of Palden Lhamo, the principal Dharma Protector, seeking divine blessings to dispel negative forces, epidemics, diseases, natural calamities and other obstacles. The ceremonial burning of the Torgya effigy symbolises the destruction of negativity and the purification of harmful influences, while ushering in peace, harmony, prosperity and spiritual well-being for the people of Monyul and beyond. Throughout the three-day observance, devotees participated with deep faith and devotion, receiving blessings from the monks and joining prayers for universal compassion, communal harmony and lasting peace. The concluding ceremony was attended by Tawang Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Zila Parishad Member Kyidphel Tenzin Monpa and thousands of devotees from across the district, reflecting the spiritual significance of the occasion. The monastery administration expressed confidence that the collective prayers offered during the ritual would strengthen harmony among communities and contribute to peace and prosperity across the region and beyond.    

PASIGHAT : The Indian Army’s Spearhead Gunners, under the aegis of the Spearhead Division, conducted a Basic Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) training programme for around 120 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets of the 22 Arunachal Pradesh NCC Battalion. The training was held from July 8 to 10 at the 22 Arunachal Pradesh NCC Battalion in Pasighat and from July 11 to 12 at Sigar Military Station. The programme featured lecture-cum-demonstrations on UAS and C-UAS operations, introduction to drones and their components, simulator-based training, live drone flying, equipment displays, and demonstrations on drone maintenance and repair. Cadets were also introduced to the use of drones in surveillance and reconnaissance, besides learning the fundamentals of countering drone threats through practical demonstrations and interactive sessions. The programme provided participants with hands-on exposure to emerging drone technologies and enhanced their understanding of the growing role of UAS and C-UAS in modern military operations. The enthusiastic participation of the cadets reflected their keen interest in acquiring technological skills. The initiative reaffirms the Indian Army’s commitment to promoting technical awareness, innovation and skill development among the youth while strengthening its engagement with the younger generation in Arunachal Pradesh.      

PASIGHAT : A one-day training programme on scientific buckwheat cultivation, post-harvest management and input distribution under the Front Line Demonstration (FLD) Programme was organised at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Pasighat, on Monday. The programme was jointly organised by CHF, the Multi Technology Testing Centre (MTTC), Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Siang, and the District Agriculture Office, Pasighat, with financial support from the All India Coordinated Research Network (AICRN) on Potential Crops, ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi. Thirty farmers, including 27 women, participated in the programme, which aimed to enhance their knowledge of scientific buckwheat cultivation, post-harvest management, value addition and sustainable production technologies. Agricultural inputs were also distributed to encourage the adoption of improved cultivation practices. In his welcome address, CHF Professor Dr P Debnath highlighted buckwheat’s potential as a climate-resilient, nutritionally rich and economically viable crop well suited to the hill ecosystems of Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat Agriculture Development Officer Aido Moyang informed the participants that the state government, under the 2025-26 financial year, has launched the Arunachal Millet and Buckwheat Mission in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras to promote buckwheat cultivation across the state. She said two Self-Help Groups from Silluk village and 10 individual farmers have been selected under the pilot initiative. Describing buckwheat as a climate-resilient crop with high market potential, Moyang said it is rich in essential nutrients and can serve as a nutritious food crop, quality livestock fodder and green manure, thereby supporting sustainable farming systems. Guest of honour Dr S K Yadav, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, AICRN on Potential Crops, ICAR-NBPGR, underscored the importance of underutilised crops in ensuring climate resilience, nutritional security and livelihood enhancement in the North Eastern Himalayan region. Pasighat District Agriculture Officer Dana Moyong stressed the need for quality seeds and scientific cultivation practices to improve farm productivity and income. Arunachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party Vice President Dungguli Libang and Bharatiya Kisan Morcha East Siang president Kaling Jamoh appreciated the initiative and emphasised scientific farming, value addition and institutional support for strengthening rural livelihoods. Addressing the gathering, CHF Dean Prof L Wangchu highlighted the potential of buckwheat as a climate-smart, high-value crop capable of enhancing food, nutritional and livelihood security in the Himalayan region. The technical session featured expert lectures on scientific cultivation, soil health, integrated crop management, conservation of genetic resources, value addition, post-harvest management and vermicompost-based nutrient management. Under the FLD programme, 7.5 quintals of certified buckwheat seed were distributed among the 30 participating farmers, with each receiving 25 kg of seed for cultivation during the current cropping season. Organisers said the initiative is expected to promote wider adoption of buckwheat as a high-value, climate-resilient crop while contributing to improved farm income, nutritional security and sustainable agriculture in the state.      

ANINI : An awareness camp under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative was organised at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Anini, to sensitise students and faculty on the protection, education, health and overall well-being of children, with special emphasis on the girl child. Resource persons included Anini District Child Protection Officer Dilip Linggi, advocate Oki Mihu and a Medical Officer from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) of the Health Department. The speakers highlighted the objectives of the BBBP initiative and created awareness on key issues such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, prevention of child marriage and mental health. Students were encouraged to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and to seek timely support whenever required. As part of the programme, the Health Department conducted routine health screening of students to assess their general health and promote preventive healthcare. The programme concluded with Government Higher Secondary School Anini Principal Nalako Tamuk administering the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao pledge, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by One Stop Centre Anini Case Worker Lajo Milli.

ITANAGAR : Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam on Sunday unconditionally withdrew his controversial remarks on the state’s 80:20 job reservation policy following a 12-hour ultimatum issued by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), which had termed his earlier comments “immature and irresponsible.” Dukam, who also chairs the state government committee constituted to examine the demand for abolition of the existing reservation ratio, said his statement was made in good faith out of concern for protecting the constitutional safeguards available to the state’s youth. “The statement was given in good faith. If my comments have hurt anyone, I unconditionally withdraw them,” Dukam told reporters, adding that he remains committed to the welfare of the state. Seeking to defuse the controversy, the Minister said the committee is examining all legal, constitutional and social aspects of the issue before submitting its recommendations. He also announced that a team would soon visit Nagaland to study reservation models adopted there before finalising the committee’s report within the stipulated timeframe. The controversy erupted after Dukam recently cautioned that completely abolishing the 20 per cent reservation for non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) candidates could invite legal challenges, potentially putting the state’s existing reservation framework at risk if struck down by the courts. Earlier on Saturday, AAPSU criticised the remarks as “immature and irresponsible” and demanded that Dukam clarify his stand and apologise within 12 hours. The union maintained that such comments were unbecoming of the chairman of a committee entrusted with reviewing the policy and argued that they created unnecessary fear and confusion over an issue of vital importance to the indigenous people of the state. It said the committee chairman was expected to remain neutral and refrain from expressing personal opinions before completing consultations with stakeholders. Rejecting Dukam’s apprehension, AAPSU asserted that Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution empower state governments to make special provisions for Scheduled Tribes, including reservation in public employment. It argued that Arunachal Pradesh, with its predominantly tribal population, is well within its constitutional authority to review the existing reservation ratio. AAPSU President Meje Taku said neighbouring Northeastern states have implemented similar reservation policies for decades without judicial interference and accused the Minister of creating unnecessary apprehension instead of providing legal clarity. “The abolition of the 80:20 ratio is a matter squarely within the powers of the state government, and no one should be allowed to create doubt about that for political convenience,” Taku had said. Reiterating that abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio remains its foremost and non-negotiable demand, AAPSU urged the state government to ensure that the review committee carries out its mandate with fairness, diligence and impartiality.