ITANAGAR, 14 Nov: A group of students of the screen acting department of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) here has written to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry (IBM) and Kolkata-based Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRF&TI), demanding adequate and improved infrastructure and administrative reform to boost the learning system at the institute, particularly in the screen acting department of the FTII.

In a letter written to IBM Secretary Sanjay Jaju and SRF&TI Vice-Chancellor Samiran Dutta on 11 November, the students demanded three separate functional spaces for a dance studio with mirrors and wooden flooring, a large multiuse studio for classes, and a black box theatre with flexible lighting and blackout capability.

“Convert the existing performing studio into a fully equipped black box theatre or provide an equally suitable alternative space and ensure that the Wi-Fi cabinet is relocated out of performance spaces and the CRTs are made soundproof,” the letter said.

Demanding a dedicated dance studio, the students said that a standalone dance studio be made ready apart from the performing studio, that can fit 20-40 students simultaneously, and equip it with professional lights, wooden flooring and mirrors.

They further demanded a makeup studio for 20 students with fixed mirrors, lights, seating arrangement and lockers; establishment of a property department with trained personnel; and a carpentry department with trained carpenters and helpers, capable of meeting departmental requirements promptly. They also demanded establishment of a costume department with skilled tailor(s), helpers and storage facilities, and formation of a student-faculty committee to plan procurement.

A fully functional preview theatre with proscenium style lighting setup, control room and male/female green rooms should also be commissioned, the letter said.

The students further demanded replacement of the current teaching faculty members with experienced faculty members, specifically in screen acting pedagogy and practice, besides appointment of an industry mentor with professional engagement to guide curriculum alignment and industry relevance.

Regarding academic clarity, the students demanded that one student  representative from the screen acting department be included in the academic council, and participation of two student representatives in the planning/execution committee for the screen acting department be ensured.

They further demanded circulation of updated syllabus, weekly academic plan, and the list of guest/visiting faculties for the next semester immediately.

Lastly, the screen acting students demanded immediate establishment of a public relations and branding cell at the FTII Itanagar campus, with a fully functional official website, verified social media handles, institute and student email IDs, original ID cards, and a verified Google location to ensure national visibility, credibility, and outreach for FTII Itanagar and its students.

“We have already compromised one semester, and have only three semesters left to build crucial craft and professional readiness,” the letter said, seeking response to its demands from the higher authorities within seven days.

[ Pisi Zauing ]

There are moments when a tragedy pierces so deep that it shakes an entire community’s faith in its institutions. The death of 12-year-old cadet Tadu Haro is one such moment. What should have been a story of discipline, courage, and youthful ambition at Sainik School, Niglok, has instead become a symbol of horror and betrayal.

On the morning of 1 November, the lifeless body of young Haro was found near the school’s overhead water tank. Only the night before, his laughter had echoed through the dormitory halls. Now, silence reigns there, a silence heavy with questions, guilt, and grief. Arunachal Pradesh has been left staring at a wound that refuses to heal.

Haro was in Class 7, bright and disciplined, with the kind heart of a boy who dreamt of wearing the olivegreen uniform one day. His humble parents had sent him to one of the state’s most reputed institutions, proud that their son had been chosen for a school meant to build the nation’s future leaders. They believed he was safe. They trusted the promise of discipline, structure, and honour. They never imagined that their trust would be repaid with tragedy.

Police have since detained senior cadets and arrested three staff members, including house masters and the hostel superintendent. But these arrests are only the beginning of uncovering what appears to be an institutional collapse, a failure so severe that it cost a boy his life.

How could this happen in a school that boasts of vigilance and discipline? How could a child be terrorised to the point of death without a single adult noticing the warning signs? Parents in Arunachal are now asking the same chilling question: if not in schools, where are our children truly safe?

Ragging has long been defended as a misguided tradition, a rite of passage. That phrase must now be buried with the same finality as the lives it has taken. Ragging is not mentorship. It is cruelty by another name. It is the abuse of authority and the stripping of dignity from those too young to fight back. For decades, such acts have been dismissed as harmless training in toughness, but toughness learned through suffering is not strength. It is trauma.

If the early reports prove true, then Haro’s death was not just the result of cruel students. It was the result of a system that breeds silence, fear, and complicity. Wardens who turned a blind eye.

 Administrators who cared more for reputation than safety. A structure that prized obedience over empathy. This is where discipline turns into darkness, where the line between respect and fear disappears.

In sorrow and anger, the aftermath of this tragedy has united Arunachal. Candlelight vigils now burn outside the school gates and across towns. Hundreds and hundreds of citizens, students, and parents gather, holding photographs of a boy they may never have met but whose loss they all feel. Each candle flickers with the same message: justice must be swift, transparent, and absolute.

Haro’s death should not become another file in the slow machinery of bureaucracy. The government must establish a special fast-track court to ensure that those responsible, students and staff alike, including the school authority, face the consequences of their actions. There must be no hiding behind uniforms or institutional prestige. Accountability must reach every level of authority that failed to act.

But justice must go beyond punishment. This tragedy must trigger a transformation in how our schools function. Residential institutions across the state should have trained counselors, anonymous reporting channels, and regular emotional check-ins. Discipline should not mean fear; it should mean guidance. Leadership should not mean dominance; it should mean protection. Schools that boast of creating soldiers must first learn how to protect the children entrusted to them.

The order of the Education Department to strengthen anti-bullying mechanisms is welcome, but they must be enforced, monitored, and reviewed regularly. Teachers and wardens must receive training to identify distress. More importantly, students must be taught that respect is earned through kindness, not through intimidation.

The death of one child must awaken the conscience of an entire system. Tadu Haro’s name must not fade into a statistic or a forgotten headline. It should become a reminder, carved into every school wall: that no drill, no ritual, and no chain of command is ever worth a child’s life.

Haro was sent to become a soldier, not a statistic. His parents placed their dreams in the hands of an institution that promised to protect him. That promise was broken. Now, only justice can begin to mend it.

In every candle lit for Haro, there burns a demand, not just for accountability, but for change. Because if we let this die down, if we accept this as another tragedy, then it will happen again.

Discipline without dignity is not education – it is cruelty. And if our schools cannot guarantee a child’s safety, then the entire idea of education stands meaningless.

Justice for Tadu Haro is not an appeal. It is a moral imperative.

ROING, 14 Nov: An emergency medical technician (EMT) and an ambulance pilot successfully performed safe delivery of a child inside an ambulance in Lower Dibang Valley district on Friday morning.

EMT Binggu Tayeng and pilot Deepok Gurung of the district hospital in Roing, under the EMRI Green Health Services, providing free medical ambulance services, responded to a pregnancy call from Haru Pahar in Koronu circle, a remote area in Roing, with a depleted road.

The patient experienced severe labour pain en route to the district hospital, prompting Tayeng to perform the delivery inside the ambulance.

According to reports, complications during labour made immediate hospital care essential. With limited time and resources, Tayeng swiftly assessed the patient’s vital signs before and after delivery, ensuring that the mother remained in a stable and comfortable position throughout the procedure.

As the ambulance navigated the winding roads, the mother’s condition rapidly progressed.

The EMT, drawing on her training and experience, expertly guided the delivery, ensuring that both mother and baby were safe during the process.

The newborn, a healthy baby girl, arrived just moments before the ambulance reached the hospital.

“Despite the challenging circumstances, we were focused on providing the best care possible,” Tayeng said.

“It was an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful that we could support this family during such a critical moment,” she added.

Upon arrival at the hospital, both the mother and newborn were in stable condition and received immediate care.

The medical staff at the district hospital praised the quick thinking and professionalism of the EMT, highlighting the importance of skilled emergency response in rural areas. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR, 14 Nov: The Yonex-Sunrise 48th Inter-State, Inter Zonal and Junior National Badminton Championship will be held in Itanagar from 18 to 24 November.

Over 400 players from 32 states/UTs, including the Indian junior team that had won the bronze medal in the recent Junior World Badminton Championship, are expected to participate in the event, organising secretary Bamang Tago said during a coordination meeting here on Friday.

ICR Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu appealed to all departments concerned to extend support for successful conduct of the event, ensuring safety and security of all participants.

“It is our collective opportunity to host India’s most prestigious badminton event, and Arunachal is known for its hospitality. Coordinated efforts will showcase the state’s reputation,” the deputy commissioner said.

 The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments, including the district administration, police, Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA), Sports and Youth Affairs Department, the Itanagar Municipal Corporation, and infrastructure agencies.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu and SAA Chairman John Neelam are expected to attend the opening ceremony on 20 November, Tago said.

PASIGHAT, 14 Nov: A team of the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), led by its Chairman Pramod Jain and member Hento Karga, who are on a visit to East Siang district, chaired a review meeting on administrative functioning with East Siang DC Sonalika Jiwani, SP Pankaj Lamba, administrative officers and HoDs here on Thursday.

The ARC chairman was apprised of the ground-level challenges in order to understand and formulate meaningful administrative reforms for strengthening administrative machinery at the district, subdivisional and circle levels.

Jain also took stock of community and grassroots participation in decision-making, initiatives for facilitating ease of services to the general public and beneficiaries by government departments, e-governance initiatives, capacity building, infrastructure gaps, good governance initiatives, etc.

Jain said that public service delivery should “ease and improve the lives of the citizens, particularly in remote and rural areas.”

DC Jiwani presented a brief on the administrative setup of the district, including human resource, functioning of key administrative officers, and issues and challenges. The DC also highlighted various IT and e-governance initiatives in facilitating e-services to citizens.

The meeting was attended also by RD DD Tatling Pertin, Mebo ADC Nancy Yirang, DPO Tatak Mibang, administrative officers, and HoDs, among others. (DIPRO)

PASIGHAT, 14 Nov: A two-day academic workshop on building academic capacity was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) here in East Siang district from 13-14 November.

Jointly hosted by the APU’s sociology and tribal studies departments, in collaboration with RC-17: Collective Actions, Mobilisations, and Social Movements, and the Indian Sociological Society (ISS), the programme brought together faculty members and research scholars from across the state and country.

The keynote address, on the ‘Importance of academic reading and writing in the times of AI’, was delivered by ISS president Prof Maitrayee Chaudhuri. Her insightful address highlighted the balance between leveraging artificial intelligence and maintaining scholarly integrity in contemporary academia.

The two-day workshop featured sessions by distinguished resource persons from leading institutions. Prof Chandan Kumar Sharma (Tezpur University) conducted comprehensive sessions on academic reading and writing techniques, followed by hands-on practical training that enabled participants to apply learned concepts immediately, while Dr Rituparna Patgiri (IIT Guwahati) shared valuable insights on navigating the research publication landscape. Prof Shruti Tambe (Savitribai Phule Pune University) inspired the participants with her lecture on ‘Becoming a researcher in everyday life’.

Practical orientation was strengthened through hands-on sessions. APU Education HoD Prof Prakash Chandra Jena trained the participants on literature review and objective formulation, while Prof RK Mohanty (Mizoram University) concluded the technical sessions with expert advice on writing successful research and project proposals.

On the inaugural day, APU Tribal Studies Assistant Professor Dr Tarh Ramya emphasised the critical importance of capacity-building initiatives in strengthening the research ecosystem among the faculty members and research scholars.

The valedictory ceremony on the second day was presided over by APU Sociology Assistant Professor Dr Terbi Loyi, who expressed gratitude to the resource persons and the university administration for their support.

The workshop, conducted in the hybrid mode, allowed participants to engage both on campus and virtually, thereby widening its reach and accessibility. Covering essential aspects of academic practice -from fundamental reading and writing skills to advanced proposal development – the programme blended theoretical lectures with practical sessions. The highly interactive discussions reflected its success in fostering a collaborative learning environment for faculty and scholars.

KARSINGSA, 14 Nov: A training programme on scientific cultivation of coconut was organised by the Papum Pare Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) here on Friday, celebrating the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda and the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

During the programme, lectures on cultivation, scope and economic importance of coconut was delivered by subject matter specialist Hemanta Ngangbam, followed by a lecture from KVK Head Dr Bangkeng Perme on the contribution of Birsa Munda as a tribal leader to Indian freedom movement.

As a part of the celebration, 3,000 coconut seedlings were distributed to 17 tribal farmers from Inderjuli, Kanebung, Bormei, Shugungso and Lekhi villages under the area expansion programme of the Coconut Development Board, Guwahati, followed by crop seed exchange programme among the farmers.

Altogether about 50 participants, including staff and farmers, took part in the celebration.

In Tirap district, the day was marked by a programme organised by the KVK in collaboration with Bihar-based National Research Centre on Litchi.

A total of 130 farmers from various parts of the district participated in the programme, during which they were oriented on various topics, including pest management, honeybee production, piggery and poultry production, and fishery management

This was followed by an engaging farmers-scientistsinteraction session. Educational videos on agripreneurship, beekeeping, and vermicomposting were screened for the participants. An exhibition of farm tools and products was organised, and live demonstration of tools was presented to help the farmers understand their practical use in enhancing productivity and income.

A field visit was also conducted, covering the piggery unit, poultry unit, greenhouse, and vermicompost unit of the KVK, giving the farmers hands-on exposure to various technologies and practices.

The programme concluded with distribution of mustard seeds to the participating farmers.

AALO, 14 Nov: A children’s park and an opengymnasium for the general public were opened at Puak Gumin near the Yomgo river here in West Siang on Friday.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Liyi Bagra, who inaugurated the park and the open gym, appealed to the people to visit the park and keep it clean.

The infrastructure was funded by the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Urban Development Department. The project was initiated by former deputy commissioner Mamu Hage and has been extended under the supervision of Aalo UD&H EE Hali Welly.

Puak Gumin was previously a garbage dumping area which has been transformed into a vibrant, healthy and people-friendly park.

SP Kardak Riba, various HoDs and public were present on the occasion. (DIPRO)

ITANAGAR, 14 Nov: Governor KT Parnaik has extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Nyethrii Dow, the agricultural festival of the Hrusso (Aka) tribe, and expressed hope that the celebration would bring the blessings of the almighty to every household.

“On this festive day, I join my Hrusso (Aka) brethren in offering prayers to the almighty for peace and the socioeconomic wellbeing of all,” the governor said.

Parnaik also extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, which is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda, and expressed hope that the day would continue to encourage all to stand united against injustice, corruption, and every form of exploitation.

“On this occasion, I join the people of Arunachal Pradesh in paying heartfelt tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and to all tribal freedom fighters who gave their lives for the sovereignty and freedom of our nation,” he said. (Raj Bhavan)

SHERGAON, 14 Nov: A stakeholders’ meeting-cum-awareness programme and a tribal fishery-entrepreneurship summit were organised here in West Kameng district on Thursday by Lucknow-based National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) and the Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Department.

The programme was conducted under the STC and NEH initiative and as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 activities, with special focus on ‘Empowering tribal fishers through capacity building, technological demonstration and resource support’.

A total of 200 fish farmers from West Kameng and Bichom participated in the programme, which was aimed at strengthening aquaculture-based livelihoods through scientific knowledge, technology dissemination, and farmer-entrepreneur linkages.

The NBFGR showcased its major national initiatives, including genetic resource conservation, species documentation, the AqGRISI national aquatic species information portal, aquatic disease diagnostics, cryobanking, and the establishment of live germplasm resource centres across the country.

Special emphasis was placed on the potential of Arunachal’s pristine rivers and natural lakes for strengthening aquaculture and conserving indigenous genetic resources.

YUPIA, 14 Nov: ADC (HQ) Tame Yajum called for conducting surprise inspection of suspected pharmacies where drugs such a methadone are believed to be sold, during a district-level NCORD meeting held at the DC office conference hall here in Papum Pare district on Friday.

Chairing the meeting, the ADC called for action taken report to be submitted in this regard.

She also advocated visiting rehabilitation centres across the district; conducting awareness programmes on identifying and destroying cannabis plants; furnishing a factual report on cannabis destruction at Sakyang-Pinta village under Sagalee subdivision; and strengthening intelligence inputs, railway track patrolling, vigilance activities, checking of vehicles at all check gates, and monthly inspection of shops and ghumties near school premises.

Speaking on the implementation of these directives, DSP Hibu Obing informed that, since the formation of the NCORD Committee, 16 NDPS cases have been registered. He reported that 188 kgs of cannabis and 314 grams of heroin have been seized, and 23 drug-related arrests have been made so far.

He highlighted that identifying pharmacies illegally selling methadone remains a significant challenge. He also expressed concern that several pharmacies continue to dispense psychotropic substances -classified as controlled drugs – without valid medical prescriptions. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the medical department, the drug controller, and the police.

DMO Dr Reena Ronya presented the inspection report of pharmacies in rural Papum Pare. She informed that over 83 pharmacies in the rural areas were inspected for banned drugs under Schedule H-1. No Schedule X drugs were found during the inspections. However, she recommended that all pharmacies be directed to maintain proper registers as mandated, and that non-compliant pharmacies should be booked under relevant legal provisions.

She further said that notices would be issued to pharmacies to ensure mandatory prescription entries.

Representing the Sagalee ADC, Assistant Commissioner Chukhu Taba informed that cannabis destruction activities were carried out in Sakyang and Pinte villages under the Sagalee subdivision. He clarified that although no large-scale or independent cannabis cultivation was found, cannabis plants were identified in small pockets intercropped within cardamom fields.

“These patches have been destroyed. The exact area under such cultivation is still being assessed and will be reported to the authorities once the analysis is completed,” Taba said. (DIPRO)

JANG, 14 Nov: The Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) conducted an ‘awareness camp-cum-welfare kit distribution programme’ here in Tawang district on Friday, drawing a large gathering of workers from both organised and unorganised sectors.

The event was attended by APB&OCWWB Chairman Rolen Dagam, Tawang ZPC Leki Gombu, former State Information Commission memberGumjum Haider, DoKAA Vice Chairman Sange Chodup, executive members of labour unions, public leaders, and numerous registered as well as prospective workers.

In his address, Dagam announced that the registration fee for labourers working under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been waived for one year – a move aimed at encouraging wider enrolment. He highlighted that online registration will soon become mandatory, and urged PRI members to actively guide workers towards registering with the welfare board to access essential welfare schemes.

“These welfare schemes – covering maternity benefits, death assistance, daughters’ marriage support, and education for workers’ children – are statutory rights,” Dagam emphasised.

He praised the unwavering dedication of labourers working in the harsh weather conditions of the region, calling their contribution vital to achieving “Mission Viksit Arunachal.”

Haider commended the strong work ethic of the local workforce, and applauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s dynamic and sincere leadership.

ZPC Gombu, BRO Labour Union (BROLU) president Dorjee Tsering, and former BROLU president Pema Wangdi also addressed the gathering, echoing the importance of enrolment, welfare access, and recognition for workers’ contributions. (DIPRO)

[ Litem Eshi Ori ]

PASIGHAT, 14 Nov: Apex Professional University (APU) here in East Siang district hosted the AIU Anveshan 2025 – East Zone Student Research Convention from 11-12 November, under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi.

The two-day event commenced with a vibrant inaugural ceremony at the university campus, celebrating innovation, creativity, and research excellence among young scholars.

The convention brought together around 178 student researchers and faculty members from 20 public and private universities across the 12 states of the eastern region of India.

The student research convention is a flagship event of the AIU, and it provides a platform for budding young minds to showcase their scientific talent.

The programme was inaugurated by Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, who inspired the participants with his words on the importance of research-driven development and youth-led innovation for sustainable progress.

The session also featured an insightful address by AIU Research Division Director Dr Amarendra Pani, who emphasised the role of Anveshan as a national platform to nurture research aptitude and innovative thinking among university students.

APU Vice-Chancellor Prof NA Khan highlighted theuniversity’s commitment to promoting research culture in the Northeastern region.

On 12 November, the valedictory function was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission chairperson Tsering Naksang and East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba, both of whom addressed the gathering and commended the student researchers for their innovative contributions and academicexcellence.

Winners in various research categories were announced on the valedictory day.

While Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, won in the agriculture science and allied field, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati, won in the basic science category. Adamas University, Kolkata, won in the engineering & technology category and the health sciences and allied subjects. Brainware University, Kolkata, won in the interdisciplinary research category, while Cotton University, Guwahati, won in the social science, huma-nities, commerce, business management and law category.