Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva slams AAP for misleading public on pollution

Itanagar, Dec 31 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday announced that a university-level institute would be established in the state in collaboration with the US-based International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) for promotion, documentation, research and education on indigenous culture, faith and languages of the state.

The ICCS already has a centre in Arunachal Pradesh called RIWATCH at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley to document, preserve, promote and do research on Idu Mishmi culture and language.

Khandu had an exclusive meeting with ICCS Founder Prof Yashwant Pathak here on the sidelines of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP).

After dedicating a Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo to the people here at Pachin Colony on the occasion of Donyi Polo Day, the Chief Minister said that the idea stemmed during his discussion with Prof Pathak to further boost the indigenous culture movement and put the significance of preserving indigenous culture and faith of the state on a global platform.

“Let there be research and documentation of our indigenous faiths and culture at the highest level. Let us produce scholars on indigenous culture and languages. Let our indigenous priests adorn the professor’s gown and teach young minds about the age-old chants,” he said.

While admitting that the proposal is in its nascent form and much work lies ahead, Khandu expressed optimism that with cooperation from ICCS, it would be realised in the coming years.

“If it comes up, it would be a huge boost to our movement to preserve our indigenous culture, faith and languages and thus preserve our identity. When a research centre of much smaller scale- RIWATCH can do wonders, think what a university can do,” he added.

Extending greetings to the people of the Donyi Polo faith, Khandu urged them to ‘practice what they preach’.

He said that only speaking about Donyi Polo and its significance won’t bear fruits but actually practicing Donyi Polo faith in everyday life would. He underscored the role that the IFCSAP can play in the preservation of indigenous culture of the state and suggested that under its leadership brainstorming sessions be held with all stakeholders to find out the basic reasons for the erosion of indigenous culture and faiths in the state.

“Unless we realise and pinpoint the causes of cultural erosion, we will not be successful in preserving our culture and faith in the long run. IFCSAP should take the responsibility to find out the causes,” he observed.

When drawn attention to the fact that earlier December 31 (Donyi Polo Day) used to be a holiday but not now, Khandu assured that there is no ‘ill-intention’ of the government in doing so.

In fact, he informed December 31 was earlier celebrated as IFCSAP Day, which was declared a holiday by the state government. “However, as the IFCSAP Day was fixed on December 1 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Late TalomRukbo, considered the father of the indigenous faith movement in the state, the holiday too got shifted. I assure you all that from December 31, 2025, the Donyi Polo Day will be a declared local holiday in the areas inhabited by Donyi Polo believers,” Khandu added.

–IANS

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Jammu, July 2 (IANS) An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists at Chatroo area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, an army official said on Wednesday.

He said that based on a specific intelligence report, a joint search operation was launched in Kanzal Mandu, Kishtwar.

“Contact has been established with the terrorists, and the operation is in progress,” he said.

The anti-militant operation started on the day the annual Amarnath Yatra begins after a joint team of police and security forces received an input about the presence of terrorists in that area.

There have been a series of encounters between terrorists and security forces across Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past, in which many terrorists and their commanders have been eliminated. Security forces have also taken casualties.

Initially confined to Poonch and Rajouri districts, terrorist activities are now spreading across other areas of Jammu, areas that were relatively free from such incidents until a few years ago, like the Chenab valley, which was declared militancy-free and Udhampur and Kathua.

Sources say the rising militancy and the use of sophisticated weapons by terrorists indicate a significant escalation in the threat level.

The frequent attacks have sparked political criticism, calls for stronger security measures, and heightened public concern.

Analysts say that over the last couple of years, the Pir Panjal region dividing Kashmir valley from Jammu has witnessed a surge in militancy.

The relentless anti-terror operations in Kashmir have pushed terrorists to the mountains where they hide and wait for the right moment to carry out attacks on security forces.

They add that a comprehensive strategy is needed to address the increasing militancy in Jammu, involving enhanced intelligence gathering and better coordination among security forces.

The terror attacks also go on to highlight the urgency of reassessing and strengthening the security grid to ensure the safety and stability of the region.

–IANS

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Hyderabad, Oct 7 (IANS) Congress leader Navin Yadav, considered the front-runner for the party ticket for the by-election to Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, has been booked by police for distributing EPIC cards among voters to apparently influence them.

The case has been registered at Madhura Nagar Police Station on a complaint by Electoral Registration Officer G. Rajinikanth Reddy.

The case has been filed under sections 170, 171 and 174 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 123 (1) and 123 (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, relating to corrupt practices.

Navin Yadav is one of the three candidates shortlisted by the Telangana Congress, and he is likely to be declared as the candidate by the party’s central leadership.

The Election Commission of India on Monday announced that the by-election will be held on November 11.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission said that Yadav allegedly procured/printed and distributed EPICs to local citizens during a public event titled ‘Voter Cards Distribution Programme’ held at the Congress Office, Yousufguda Check-post.

Local enquiry indicates that the programme took place prior to the Dasara festival (i.e., before 2nd October 2025), and not immediately before the lodging of the complaint, it said.

The event was reportedly organised in the presence of political leaders, with party banners displayed, suggesting that the activity was intended to influence electors, constituting an act of bribery or undue influence under election laws, it said.

The incident was first reported in a Telugu newspaper. Subsequently, a written complaint dated October 6 was submitted by Raghunandan Rao, MP from Medak constituency.

Acting on the complaint, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) submitted a written report at 19:10 hours on October 6.

Based on this report, FIR was registered at Police Station Madhura Nagar, naming Navin Yadav as the accused.

According to preliminary findings, it is believed that the accused obtained e-EPIC copies from EPIC holders and got them printed and laminated for distribution. The EPICs distributed appear to lack the official hologram, as visible in the photographs and videos circulated in connection with the event.

The by-election is necessitated by the death of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in June.

–IANS

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