Hornbill News

  ITANAGAR, September 30:  Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sought to explain the difference between hydropower capacity and water-storage capacity in the context of China’s proposed Medog project and India’s proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Khandu said the central issue is storage, not merely installed power capacity.  He stated that the Medog project is reported to have around 5.5 billion cubic metres (BCM) of estimated storage, while SUMP is proposed with about 9.2 BCM of live storage. The comparison addresses a question that has emerged repeatedly in discussions around the Siang project: how a proposed 11,000 MW project could have a greater storage figure than a project upstream reportedly capable of generating around 60,000 MW. Khandu pointed out that megawatts and water storage measure different things.  Hydropower generation depends partly on the height through which water falls, meaning a project can generate substantially mor...

  Itanagar, September 30:  Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge held a review meeting with Health Department officials on Wednesday amid a recent rise in dengue cases in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) and adjoining areas. The meeting reviewed the prevailing situation and discussed measures to contain the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.  Wahge directed officials to strengthen surveillance, testing and preventive measures across the affected areas.  The minister stressed the need for rigorous testing, early detection and close monitoring of suspected and confirmed cases. Officials were also asked to maintain close surveillance to prevent the disease from spreading to other regions. Discussions also focused on strengthening public awareness, source reduction and vector-control measures.  The meeting emphasised the need for coordinated action involving the Health Department, Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) and other concer...

  Yingkiong, September 30:  A protest erupted in Yingkiong on Tuesday as demonstrators reportedly blocked government vehicles, including those carrying ministers and senior officials, from reaching the venue of a scheduled interaction programme with Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The programme was scheduled to bring the Chief Minister together with government officers and members of the public during his visit to Siang and Upper Siang districts. The protesters were opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and the related survey activities. They raised slogans and displayed placards carrying messages including “No PFR, No Survey,” “Go Back CM” and “Go Back Ojing Tasing.” Tensions escalated when protesters reportedly broke through barricades put up by security personnel to prevent them from moving towards the programme venue. The protesters also burned effigies and staged demonstrations, expressing their anger and opposition to the proposed project and the surv...

  ITANAGAR, September 29:  Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday began his two-day tour of Siang and Upper Siang districts, amid continuing concerns and opposition from sections of local communities over the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Khandu said the state government would follow a democratic and consultative approach and would not force the project on indigenous communities against their wishes. He said discussions on the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) have been held over the past two years, while several villages have voluntarily signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) allowing survey-related activities. At the same time, the Chief Minister acknowledged that sections of the community continue to have concerns about the project, particularly over environmental impacts, displacement, rehabilitation and compensation. Khandu said his visit is intended to engage directly with local officers, community leaders and other sta...

  KOYU, September 29:  A Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Camp was organised at Government Higher Secondary School, Koyu, in Lower Siang district on Monday to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service and dedication. The camp was inaugurated by Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu in the presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, DDSE, ZPM, heads of departments and officials from various government departments. The initiative aimed to bring government services closer to people by providing information, on-the-spot enrolment and registration under various Central and State government schemes and programmes. Officials and participating departments interacted directly with residents, enabling people to access services and seek information without having to travel to different government offices. The camp brought together multiple departments at the grassroots level, with the objective of improving last-mile delivery and making government welfare programm...

  ITANAGAR, September 28:  The Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with seven Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) for implementing skill development and placement-linked training programmes under DDU-GKY 2.0. The partnership is aimed at expanding access to industry-oriented skill training for rural youth and improving their employment prospects through structured, placement-linked programmes. The seven organisations partnering with ArSRLM are Assam Professional Academy, Nitya Foundation, Skills2Skills LLP, Spurthi Rural Development Society, Sundyne Solar Solution Private Limited, Nurture Employability & Economic Development Society (NEEDS), and SHEEP Society. Through the collaboration, rural youth will receive skill training aligned with industry requirements, with a focus on improving employability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. Addressing the gathering dur...

  ANINI, September 27:  HA team of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), led by President Shri Meje Taku, visited the District Hospital and Government Higher Secondary School in Anini to assess issues affecting the two key institutions. The team was accompanied by All Dibang Valley District Students’ Union President Shri Azen Mepi and General Secretary Shri Punji Apralo. During the visit, the AAPSU team was informed about a shortage of faculty and staff at both the District Hospital and Government Higher Secondary School. At the school, the shortage of teaching faculty was highlighted as a concern that could affect the delivery of regular academic activities and the availability of adequate support for students. At the District Hospital, the team was apprised of shortages in medical and other required personnel, which can place additional pressure on the available staff and affect healthcare services. AAPSU President Shri Meje Taku took note of the concerns raised...

  ITANAGAR, September 28:  Tikhak Homestay in Miao, Changlang district, owned by Bela Tikhak, has been awarded the Best Homestay Award during the World Tourism Day celebration in Arunachal Pradesh. The recognition was announced by Laisam Simai, MLA of Nampong Assembly Constituency, who congratulated Bela Tikhak on the achievement and appreciated her contribution to hospitality and tourism in the region. The award was presented by Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen K T Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), during the World Tourism Day celebration. The award recognises Bela Tikhak’s hard work, dedication and service to the hospitality sector, while highlighting the growing contribution of homestays to tourism in the state. Tikhak Homestay is located in Miao, a gateway to several tourism destinations in Changlang district.  The area is known for its natural landscapes, cultural diversity and proximity to destinations such as Namdapha National Park. The recognition also highlig...

  NAHARLAGUN, September 28:  Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a major milestone in its healthcare sector with the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, successfully performing the state’s first-ever renal transplant. According to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the procedure was carried out at TRIHMS in collaboration with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Khandu visited TRIHMS to meet the patient and his elder sister, who donated her kidney to her brother. He also interacted with the doctors, nurses, technicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the transplant. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Dr Harsha Jauhari and the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital team for their expertise and continued guidance in helping TRIHMS develop its renal transplantation capabilities. The achievement marks an important step in the state’s efforts to expand advanced tertiary healthcare services and reduce the need for patients to travel outside Arunachal Pra...

  ZIRO, September 27:  Arunachal Pradesh BJP State President Kaling Moyong inaugurated a ‘Vocal for Local’ exhibition in Lower Subansiri district as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The exhibition showcases traditional handloom products and handicrafts, highlighting the skills and craftsmanship of local weavers. Moyong was accompanied by Hage Appa, MLA, Joram Tat, Convenor of Seva Mera Yogdan, and other district and Mandal-level party functionaries and Karyakartas. The exhibition provides a platform for local weavers and artisans to showcase their traditional products and craftsmanship. The initiative also seeks to encourage greater recognition and support for locally made handloom products and traditional crafts. Sharing details of the event, Moyong said the exhibition celebrates the talent and traditional skills of local weavers while providing local craftsmanship with a wider platform. He also reiterated the message of “Support Local, Promote Local” as part of the Vocal fo...

  ITANAGAR, September 27:  The BJP Arunachal Pradesh held a press conference at its State Head Office in Itanagar on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the recent political debate surrounding the Election Commission of India (ECI). BJP spokesperson Tobom Dai referred to the ECI’s clarification issued on September 26 regarding the decision to undertake the SIR exercise. According to the clarification, decisions related to the SIR were taken with the unanimous approval of the full Election Commission. The Commission comprises Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Dai criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks directed at the Election Commission. He said allegations concerning constitutional institutions should be based on verified information, official records and established facts. The BJP spokesperson also urged political parties and public representatives to exe...

  PASIGHAT, September 27:  East Siang District Police conducted a one-day anti-drug awareness programme at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Pasighat, under the national initiative “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” and the district’s “Voice Against Drugs” (VADA) initiative. The programme aimed to sensitise student-teachers and participants about the harmful effects of drug abuse and its mental, physical, financial and social consequences. Participants were also briefed on relevant legal provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, highlighting the legal consequences associated with drug-related activities. Representatives from Women Against Social Evils (WASE) and Recovery Warriors from Oyan joined the programme as resource persons. They shared insights and lived experiences related to addiction, recovery and the importance of community support in helping individuals overcome substance abuse. The session also highli...

  ITANAGAR, September 26:  The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has withdrawn its proposed 48-hour bandh across seven Nyishi-inhabited districts following a high-level meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Education Minister P.D. Sona on Saturday. The decision came after detailed discussions between ANSU representatives, legislators from the Nyishi community and members of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) over concerns related to government schools and other educational institutions. The meeting focused on key issues raised by ANSU, particularly the condition of school infrastructure, institutional requirements and other education-related concerns identified at the grassroots level. The participants also discussed the need for better coordination between the government and community stakeholders to address these issues and improve educational facilities across the state. Chief Minister Pema Khandu appreciated ANSU for documenting education-related proble...

  NAMSAI, September 26:  Namsai District Police has made further progress in the investigation into an alleged child trafficking and illegal procurement and placement case, with 51 persons, including four adults, traced or recovered so far. The case, registered as Namsai PS Case No. 54/2026, concerns allegations of trafficking, procurement and placement of children from vulnerable families. In the latest development, Ema Loyi of Kaba Village, identified by investigators as an alleged key facilitator, has been arrested. With her arrest, the total number of accused arrested in the case has risen to five. Police said the tracing and investigation efforts are being carried out in coordination with the District Child Protection Officer Priya Pomoung, CWC Namsai, Child Helpline and other child protection authorities and agencies. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Sangey Thinley, APPS, Superintendent of Police, Namsai. Dy.SP Kengo Dirchi, SDPO Namsai, is t...

  Itanagar, September 26:  The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) held a state-level peaceful dharna near Nirvachan Bhawan in Itanagar on September 25, raising concerns over the Election Commission of India (ECI), the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and reported differences within the poll panel. APCC Vice President Mina Toko highlighted the issue referring to reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections on several occasions over decisions concerning the electoral-roll revision process. The protest was organised as part of the Congress’s nationwide agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.  The party has demanded his immediate resignation and removal, along with criminal proceedings and an independent investigation into decisions taken under his tenure. The APCC’s banner listed several demands, including putting all upcoming elections on hold and freezing the...

  Itanagar, September 25:  Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Ministers Mama Natung and Dasanglu Pul, flagged off a 40-member student delegation from Arunachal Pradesh for the Somnath Swabhiman Yatra. The students are from Rajiv Gandhi University, Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College, Arunachal Pradesh University and NIT Arunachal Pradesh. Khandu later shared photographs of the flag-off and wished the students a safe journey to Somnath in Gujarat. Describing Somnath as more than a sacred pilgrimage site, the Chief Minister said it represents resilience, strength and the enduring spirit of India. He said the journey would give the students an opportunity to experience the country’s heritage firsthand and develop a deeper connection with India’s history. Khandu also said the exposure would help strengthen the bonds of national unity and integrity among the young participants. The participation of students from different higher educational institutions makes the journey an op...

  Yupia, September 25:  Capital Complex Football Association (CCFA) stormed into the final of the XXI Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament 2026 after defeating Lohit 6–0 in the first semifinal at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium, Yupia, on Friday. Capital Complex continued their unbeaten run with a commanding performance, scoring three goals in each half to comfortably overcome Lohit and book their place in the title clash. Damli Bomnyo opened the scoring in the 16th minute before adding two more goals in the 48th and 82nd minutes to complete a hat-trick. Nahwang Hondik extended Capital Complex’s lead with a goal in the 52nd minute, while Tagru James finished strongly by scoring twice in the closing stages. James found the net in the 90th minute and struck again in stoppage time at 90+2 minutes to complete the 6–0 victory. Capital Complex had entered the semifinal after going through the group stage unbeaten, while Lohit had fought through a difficult campaign to reach...

  Lemmi, September 23:  A comprehensive Crime Review Meeting was held at the SP Office in Lemmi on September 23 to review the law and order situation, crime trends and policing activities across Pakke Kessang district. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Swati Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Pakke Kessang District. Officers from the district police, including Reserve Inspector Thony Tayeng, SI Tage Kapa, SI Makbul Hussain, SI D.W. Kharma, ASI L. Sahu, SI N. Sora, L/Ct. Likha Dich and personnel from the Special Branch attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed pending cases, investigation and prosecution, crime prevention measures and the overall functioning of police units across the district. Officers were directed to ensure timely and quality investigation of pending cases and adhere strictly to prescribed timelines for FIR registration, investigation and submission of charge sheets. Unnecessary delays in the disposal of cases were directed to be avoided. The safety and sec...

  ITANAGAR, September 24:  Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been elected unopposed as the President of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) for the 2026–30 term. Khandu was elected during the APFA’s 24th Annual General Body Meeting-cum-Election held at Jungle Resort, Sonajuli, in Papum Pare district on September 23. The meeting also saw the election of a new Executive Committee for the next four years.  Following the election, the newly elected Executive Committee took its oath and formally assumed responsibility for the administration and development of football in the state. Kipa Ajay was elected as the Secretary of APFA, while other members were elected to the new Executive Committee. An observer present during the election proceedings congratulated the newly elected team and extended best wishes for its four-year term.  In a social media post after his election, Khandu thanked the members of the association for placing their trust in him and congratula...

  ITANAGAR, Sept 24:  The Gauhati High Court has issued notices to the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) over a challenge to the state’s new recruitment eligibility criteria. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury passed an interim direction allowing the petitioners to participate in the ongoing recruitment process, subject to the final outcome of the case.  The petitions challenge the August 26 notification making a valid Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), APST certificate and proficiency in an indigenous tribal language mandatory for direct recruitment to government posts. The petitioners, represented by the Lekang Indigenous Right Forum, have also challenged APPSC recruitment advertisements issued for various Group A and Group B posts.  The court has listed the matters for further hearing on November 5, 2026.  Reacting to the court proceedings, Arunacha...

  Khonsa, September 25: In a significant step towards community-led biodiversity conservation, the Hinthong Foundation has launched a camera-trapping initiative in the community forest of New Tupi village in Tirap district. The Tirap-based registered non-profit organisation has been working in the field of biodiversity conservation for the past five years.  Its co-founders, conservationists Chajo Lowang and Sara Khongsai, have been promoting community participation in efforts to protect the region’s forests and wildlife. The initiative is aimed at documenting wildlife movement through non-intrusive camera traps, with the broader objective of improving understanding of the forest’s biodiversity and supporting future conservation measures. The deployment was carried out with active participation from the local community. Around 15–20 people, including the village Chief, community leaders, Youth President, an intern and Hinthong Foundation volunteers, took part in the exercise. T...

  ITANAGAR | SIKKIM, September 23:  Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay has spoken to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu over the alleged assault on Sikkimese rapper Ugen Namgyal Bhutia, popularly known as UNB, in Lower Dibang Valley. In a social media post, Tamang-Golay said he expressed concern over the incident and requested Khandu’s personal intervention to ensure UNB’s safety and well-being. According to Tamang-Golay, Khandu assured him of prompt intervention and necessary action in the matter.  The Sikkim Chief Minister thanked his Arunachal counterpart for the response and expressed confidence that the matter would be appropriately addressed. UNB was allegedly attacked by a group of eight to 10 men near Tiwari Gaon on September 21 while returning to Roing after performing at a festival in Anini. According to police, two vehicles allegedly followed the rapper’s vehicle for nearly an hour before intercepting it on an isolated stretch of road aroun...

  KHONSA, September 23:  The Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (DoTCL), in collaboration with the Tirap district administration, organised a one-day career counselling programme for indigenous APST school and college students at the Panchayat Hall in Khonsa. The programme was aimed at helping students explore different career options, make informed choices and plan for their future. It also provided guidance to UPSC and APPSC aspirants through interactions with experienced officers and professionals. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, APCS (AG), along with the resource persons. Addressing the inaugural session, Tawsik encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities available to them and pursue excellence in their chosen fields. The day-long programme featured interactive sessions on careers in the defence sector, civil services, travel and hospitality, information technology and artific...

  PATNA | ITANAGAR, September 23:  Arunachal Pradesh athlete Yanu Mane has continued her impressive run in athletics by winning the silver medal in the women’s 1500-metre event at the 37th East Zone Junior Athletics Championship 2026 in Patna, Bihar. Mane, daughter of Taling Mane of Shi-Yomi district, secured second position in the 1500m event at the championship being held from September 22 to 24 at the Patliputra Sports Complex, Kankarbagh. The Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) congratulated Mane for her podium finish, describing her performance as a proud achievement for the state. The latest medal adds to Mane’s growing record in junior athletics. At the 36th East Zone Junior Athletics Championships held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, in 2025, she won bronze medals in both the 800m and 1500m events. Mane was also selected to represent Arunachal Pradesh in the 800m and 1500m events at this year’s East Zone championship. Her success extends beyond the East Zone championships. In Fe...

  YUPIA, September 22:  The Final Electoral Roll-2026 for Papum Pare district was published on Tuesday after completion of the prescribed revision process under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The final roll was prepared after claims and objections were invited and disposed of following the publication of the Draft Electoral Roll on July 21, 2026. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR-2026) was carried out with July 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. The final electoral roll covers three Assembly constituencies in Papum Pare district, with a combined 50,867 electors. In 13-Itanagar (ST), the final roll has 20,243 electors, including 8,866 male and 11,377 female voters. 14-Doimukh (ST) has 17,895 electors, comprising 8,453 male and 9,442 female voters. Meanwhile, 15-Sagalee (ST) has 12,729 electors, including 6,312 male and 6,417 female voters. Copies of the Final Electoral Roll have been made available for inspection at the...

  PASIGHAT, September 21:  East Siang Police is continuing its Project Muskaan initiative by visiting schools across the district to raise awareness about child safety, protection and rights. The initiative focuses on helping children understand unsafe situations, know where to seek assistance and develop the confidence to speak up when they face problems. During the school visits, police personnel are conducting age-appropriate sensitisation sessions on good touch and bad touch, the POCSO Act, child rights, cyber safety and responsible digital behaviour. The sessions also address bullying and ragging prevention, along with the importance of reporting incidents and seeking help from trusted adults and authorities. Students are being informed about important support and emergency services, including 1098, the Child Helpline, and 112, the Emergency Response Support System. For police assistance and reporting, East Siang Police has also shared its Police Control Room number, 0708...

  KOHIMA | TORONTO, September 22:  Nagaland has earned international recognition after filmmaker Theja Rio’s debut feature film, Angh, won the prestigious Platform Prize at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The achievement marks an important moment for Nagaland and for the representation of Indigenous Naga stories in international cinema. Set in Nagaland during the 1960s, Angh follows an ageing Konyak village chief and his son as they try to hold on to their ancestral traditions while their community faces major social and cultural changes. The film explores themes of cultural identity, family, faith, tradition and the connection between people and their homeland. It is primarily told in the Konyak language and features local Naga performers alongside BAFTA-winning actor Douglas Henshall. Angh was the only Indian film selected for TIFF’s Platform Competition, a section that highlights distinctive films and filmmakers with bold and original approaches to cine...

  SHILLONG, September 19:  Arunachal Pradesh has created history at the YONEX-SUNRISE North East Inter-State Zonal Badminton Championship 2026, currently being held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya. The state’s young shuttlers produced an impressive performance, securing medals across individual and team events and recording what has been described as Arunachal Pradesh’s highest-ever medal tally in the history of the championship. The biggest success came in the U-19 Boys’ Doubles event, where Arunachal’s Taku Manku and Tseten Gyurmey clinched the Gold Medal after defeating Mizoram 2–1 in the final. The victory marked a major achievement for the young duo and added another significant milestone to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing badminton record. Arunachal also secured a Silver Medal in the U-19 Men’s Doubles, with Samuel Tamang and Lobsang Choidrup finishing runners-up in the event. In the singles events, Taku Manku won a Bronze Medal in the U-19 Boys’ Singl...

  ITANAGAR, September 21:  Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called upon the younger generation of Arunachal Pradesh to take pride in their tribal identity, culture and mother tongues, stressing that indigenous languages can survive only when communities continue to use them with pride. Addressing the gathering at the grand finale of Battle of Minds 3.0, Khandu said people must take pride in their own tribe, language and culture while respecting the languages passed down by their ancestors. He stressed that if communities want their dialects and languages to survive, they must actively use them in everyday life rather than allow them to gradually disappear. “If we wish the dialects and language of our own community to not vanish, then we must use it with pride,” Khandu said while making his appeal to the young participants and schoolchildren. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse ethnic communities, the Chief Minister highlighted the linguistic and cultural richness found acro...

  BOMDILA, September 18: In a major anti-narcotics operation, the 61st Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Bhairabkhunda, in coordination with the Arunachal Pradesh Police, seized approximately 325.5 kg of suspected cannabis (ganja) in West Kameng district. The operation was conducted on September 18, 2026, as part of intensified efforts by security agencies to check the movement of narcotics in the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. One person was apprehended during the operation.  Following the seizure, the recovered contraband and the apprehended individual were handed over to Balemu Police for further investigation and legal action. The case is being dealt with under the applicable provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.  The seizure highlights the continuing importance of coordination between the SSB and state police in tackling narcotics trafficking in the region. The SSB said the operation reflects its continued vigilance an...

  ITANAGAR, September 20:  The official logo of the IFCSAP Indigenous Youth Festival 2026 was unveiled at the Art of Living Centre in Jullang on September 20, ahead of the three-day festival scheduled to be held in Seppa. The logo unveiling ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Mama Natung, Minister of Home & Inter-State Border Affairs, PHE & WS and Department of Indigenous Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The event brought together senior government officials, IFCSAP representatives and other dignitaries associated with indigenous affairs and cultural initiatives in the state. Among those present were Shri Pige Ligu, IAS, Secretary, Water Resources Department (WRD), Law & Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Likha Suraj, Director, Department of Indigenous Affairs. Dr. Emi Rumi, President of IFCSAP, and Maya Murtem, General Secretary of IFCSAP, also attended the ceremony along with other dignitaries. The IFCSAP I...

  ASSAM, September 20:  Arunachal East Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao attended the 10th Solung Festival celebration at Obonori in Kumbang Village, Assam, on Sunday. The celebration was organised by the Adi Mising Bane Kebang (AMBK). Gao’s participation placed a prominent Arunachal representative at a festival that brings together communities connected by shared cultural traditions and historical ties across Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. In a message shared after attending the event, Gao described Solung as a deeply cherished festival of the Adi community. He said the festival celebrates agricultural traditions, cultural heritage, ancestral wisdom and the spirit of community. The MP also highlighted the longstanding cultural relationship between the Adi and Mising communities of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. His remarks focused on the cultural connection and sense of brotherhood shared by the two communities. The celebration featured traditional dances, music and traditional attire, alon...

  TAWANG, September 20:  An ancient Monpa trade route came alive once again as the historic ‘Salt Trek’ was organised in Tawang today, paying tribute to the forefathers who once crossed the region’s rugged high-altitude mountains to bring salt and other essential commodities from Tibet. Hon’ble MLA Tawang Namgey Tsering flagged off the heritage trek from Griptsang Lake near Nagula. The nearly 5.5-kilometre trek concluded at Chhu-shet Gyengo near Klemta Lake, retracing a section of the traditional route used by the Monpa ancestors during their salt trade journeys. More than 100 participants took part in the trek, including MLA Namgey Tsering, ZPM Tawang Sonam Nordzin, Indian Army personnel, students, youths and trekking enthusiasts. The initiative was organised by the Monyul Heritage Tourism and Winter Sports Society in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Tawang, and Monpa Media Mates, with support from the Indian Army. The programme formed part of activities commemor...

  ITANAGAR, September 19: Senior IPS officer Robin Hibu visited the Deepak Nabam Living Home at Senki Park in Itanagar and spent time interacting with residents of the centre. Hibu, who serves as Special Commissioner of Police in the Human Resource Division of Delhi Police, personally met the residents and spoke with them about their lives and experiences. During the visit, he walked alongside the residents, listened to them and shared words of encouragement. His interaction went beyond a formal visit, as he took time to understand the circumstances of people living at the centre. The visit also turned emotional as Hibu was deeply moved while interacting with the residents. His gesture and personal engagement were appreciated by those at the home. Deepak Nabam, founder of the living home, said Hibu’s visit meant a great deal to the residents and the team working at the centre. Nabam said the interaction demonstrated the importance of spending time with people who are often left wit...

  ITANAGAR, September 19:  Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso on Saturday inspected several ongoing and proposed development projects in Senkhi View, Moub-II, Division-IV and Chimpupatnagar areas. Kaso was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of the Itanagar Capital Region, PWD officials, Ward No. 8 Corporator and local residents during the inspection. A major focus of the visit was the Senkhi View Bridge, which is expected to connect NH-415 near the PHQ area with Senkhi View through Ganga village. The bridge construction began on August 1, 2022, with the original completion deadline set for July 31, 2025. An extension was later granted, with the revised period scheduled to end on September 20, 2026. With the project still incomplete, Kaso directed PWD Capital Division-A officials to pursue the matter and complete the necessary paperwork for submitting a report to the state government. The team also reviewed ongoing school construction in the area. Construction of Government Middle Sch...

  ITANAGAR, September 19:  The Arunachal Pradesh Football Players Association (APFPA), affiliated with the Football Players Association of India (FPAI), has called for an immediate, fair and transparent election of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), seeking greater clarity and accountability in the administration of football in the state. In a statement, the APFPA said it understands that the last APFA AGM-cum-election for the selection of office bearers was held on February 3, 2022. The association has questioned the status of the present executive body following the completion of what it describes as the normal four-year term on February 3, 2026. The players’ body has sought clarification on the continuation of the existing executive members and whether any formal extension was granted beyond the stated term. “We are not against any individual or group. Our concern is transparency, accountability and the future of football in Arunachal Pradesh,” the APFPA sai...