Hornbill News

  Tawang, June 12:  An unexploded live mortar shell believed to be from the 1962 Indo-China War era was successfully defused by the Indian Army after being discovered in the Lebrang area of Tawang Township, averting a potential threat to life and property. According to official reports, on June 11, 2026, at around 4:00 PM, Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station, SI Lham Thinley, received information regarding the presence of an unexploded live mortar bomb in the Lebrang area. Upon receiving the report, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tawang, Tasi Darang, immediately contacted the Commandant of the 190 Mountain Brigade stationed in Tawang and sought assistance for the safe disposal of the explosive. Following the alert, Tawang District Police promptly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. However, due to fading daylight and the high-risk nature of the operation, the disposal process could not be carried out on the same day. In the early hours of June 12, a coordinate...

  Itanagar, June 8: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a mass vehicle rally in Itanagar on June 18, escalating its opposition to the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, and the draft rules recently finalized for its enforcement. The rally is expected to draw participants from districts across Arunachal Pradesh and is being organized as part of the forum's continuing campaign against the APFRA framework, which has emerged as one of the most debated issues in the state. The announcement comes at a significant juncture, with the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the State Government having finalized the draft rules under the Act and submitted its report and recommendations to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday. The submission marks the culmination of months of consultations, deliberations, and stakeholder engagements undertaken after the government initiated the process of framing rules for the implementati...

  Itanagar, May 30: The All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) has demanded the immediate suspension of all police personnel allegedly involved in the custodial torture of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize, while also seeking compensation of Rs 1 crore for the mental and physical suffering he is alleged to have endured during his detention. In a representation submitted to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), North Lakhimpur, on Saturday, the organization expressed serious concern over the alleged custodial abuse of Mize and called for a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation into the incident. According to AAPYO, Mize sustained grievous injuries while in police custody. The organization stated that photographs reportedly taken after his release show multiple bruises, swelling, and blue marks on different parts of his body. It alleged that the injuries indicate severe physical assault and raise serious questions regarding the treatment meted out to him during his d...

Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, Dirang. (Image: Mon Rising) Dirang, West Kameng, April 25: A shocking theft at Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery in Dirang has left the local community distressed and outraged after ten sacred statues were reportedly stolen from the premises. The incident came to light when members of the monastery discovered that several niches, once home to revered idols, had been left empty, with ten statues found missing from their designated places. The missing statues were not merely artistic creations but objects of deep spiritual importance, symbolizing faith, devotion, and the cultural heritage of the region. Residents and devotees have expressed strong emotions over the incident, calling it a serious violation of a sacred space. Many described the loss as deeply personal, noting that the statues formed an integral part of their belief system and identity. Empty niches mark missing sacred idols at Dirang monastery (Image source: Mon Rising) The theft has also rai...

  Glimpses from the inauguration of key infrastructure facilities at Nere, East Kameng district. (Image: Mama Natung Facebook) Nere, East Kameng, April 25: In a significant push toward strengthening grassroots administration, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on Saturday inaugurated a series of key infrastructure facilities at the newly established Debeyar Circle Headquarters in Nere. The inaugurated facilities include the Circle Office for the Debeyar Circle Officer, residential quarters for the Circle Officer, a Panchayat Bhawan, a Guest House, and a Forest Guest House. These developments are aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and ensuring better service delivery in the region. Addressing the gathering, the Home Minister emphasized that the establishment of the circle headquarters marks a crucial step in bringing governance closer to the people. He stated that decentralization of administrative services would significantly reduce the need for residents to trav...

  Itanagar, March 27: Pema Khandu has lauded the people of Upper Subansiri for their active participation in the Environmental Public Hearing of the 1605 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, calling it a strong reflection of community engagement in the state’s development journey. The public hearing, held on March 24 at Singik Hall in Daporijo, was conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board as part of the statutory process for environmental clearance. The session witnessed participation from public representatives, officials, NHPC Limited representatives, and local stakeholders. Appreciating the conduct of the hearing, Khandu extended his gratitude to the local committee led by Rollen Dagam for ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and peaceful process. He also acknowledged receiving the Public Hearing Report submitted by the committee. The Chief Minister emphasised that community participation remains central to the state’s development agenda. He noted that...