Hornbill News

  ITANAGAR, July 26:  A new public advocacy body, the Public Rights Action Committee (PRAC), was formally constituted on Saturday with the objective of addressing issues affecting the public. They said their motive is to address the long-pending unemployment of qualified pharmacists in Arunachal Pradesh and concerns over the alleged operation of illegal pharmacies across the state.  The newly formed committee announced its office bearers as Takam Sonia (Chairman), Millo Ambo (General Secretary), Techi Rana Tara (Legal Advisor), and Tana Tamar Tara (Spokesperson). The formation of the committee was announced during a press briefing.  Addressing the media, the committee stated that its first priority will be to take up the issue of employment for an estimated 500–600 qualified pharmacists who, despite possessing the required educational qualifications, continue to remain unemployed. PRAC said it will pursue the matter with the concerned authorities and advocate for fai...

  TAWANG, July 25:  A 72-hour hunger strike held in solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) concluded peacefully in Tawang on Saturday. The three-day protest was led by Lobsang Gyatso and Phuntso Tashi, with active support from the Tawang Middle Zone Students' Union and participation from students and youth from different parts of the district. The hunger strike was organised to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk's movement and to demand justice, transparency, and accountability in connection with the alleged NEET examination paper leak.  Protesters said the movement aimed to protect the integrity of the education system and ensure a fair future for students. Speaking at the conclusion of the hunger strike, the organisers thanked students, youth, civil society members, and supporters for standing together throughout the peaceful protest.  They said the overwhelming participation reflected the determination of young peo...

  MECHUKHA, July 25:  Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona on Saturday inaugurated the Mechukha Trout Quest 2.0 at the pristine Yargyap Chu River in the scenic Mechukha Valley of Shi-Yomi district. Held under the theme "Catch, Conserve  and Celebrate," the event aims to promote responsible catch-and-release fishing while showcasing Mechukha's crystal-clear rivers, rich trout habitat and breathtaking natural landscapes. The event has drawn enthusiastic participation from anglers representing Bhutan, Thailand, and several Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Nagaland and Assam.  Their participation reflects Mechukha's growing recognition as an emerging destination for world-class sport fishing and eco-tourism. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona said the Trout Quest is more than just a fishing competition.  He said the initiative reflects the state's commitment to promoting respo...

  BANA, EAST KAMENG, July 24:  East Kameng Police have seized 60 vials containing suspected narcotic and psychotropic substances weighing 72.7 grams (including the weight of the vials) in a successful anti-narcotics operation conducted along NH-13 in the Bana area. Acting on credible intelligence, police intercepted a suspected Alto 800 vehicle and recovered 46 vials of suspected contraband during a search carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.  Follow-up action led to the arrest of Naga Flago, from whose possession 14 additional vials were recovered during a search conducted under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The Alto 800 allegedly used in the offence and two mobile phones were also seized.  Police said the entire search, seizure and sealing process was conducted in accordance with legal procedures and audio-video recorded through the e-Sakshya application to ensure transparency and evidentiary integrity. During the operation, one police personne...

  ITANAGAR, July 24:  Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung has assured full administrative and financial support from the State Government for the establishment of a new Fire Station at Nirjuli. The assurance came after the Deputy Mayor of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), Tok Tabin Camdir, called on the Home Minister at the Civil Secretariat and briefed him on the proposal for setting up the new Fire Station. During the meeting, Camdir highlighted the growing need for a dedicated fire and emergency response facility in Nirjuli to cater to the increasing population, expanding residential areas, and commercial establishments.  He emphasized that the proposed Fire Station would help reduce response time during emergencies and enhance public safety. Responding to the proposal, Home Minister Mama Natung welcomed the initiative and assured that the State Government would extend full administrative and financial assistance to ensure the project is implemented at ...

  ITANAGAR, July 23:  Arunachal Pradesh's Geni Kamki, popularly known as 'Luciidforyou' on Instagram, has emerged as one of the state's most successful digital creators, transforming her passion for performing into a career that has earned her recognition on a national platform. Geni's journey began during her school days when she led Tani Daughters Crew, one of Arunachal Pradesh's popular dance groups.  Her talent and dedication in dance eventually paved the way for a successful career in content creation. Today, Geni boasts over one million followers on Instagram, with several of her videos receiving millions of views.  Her growing popularity has made her one of the most followed social media personalities from Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, she featured in Netflix's India's Got Latent Season 2, where she impressed the celebrity panel with her performance of an unreleased song composed by her brother.  Although she did not win the episode due to the show...

  ITANAGAR, July 23:  Home Minister Mama Natung on Thursday held a meeting with representatives of the All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students' Union (AAPBSU) at the Civil Secretariat to discuss the recent Tarasso–Sango village incident and concerns raised by border communities. The meeting was also attended by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul. During the interaction, the AAPBSU delegation submitted its grievances and highlighted issues affecting people residing along the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border.  The members urged the State Government to take appropriate steps to safeguard the interests of border residents. Responding to the concerns, Home Minister Mama Natung assured the delegation that the Government of Arunachal Pradesh remains firmly committed to protecting the rights and welfare of people living in the border areas. He stated that the government would continue to address the issue through bilateral dialogue and mutual understanding with the nei...

  DAHUNG, July 22:  The Being Monpa Foundation (BMF), led by President Tenzin Dhargey along with its Central Executive Members, visited the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS), Dahung, on Wednesday to meet students who have been staging an indefinite dharna since July 20. The delegation interacted with the protesting students and listened to their grievances against the institute's Director and Administrative Accounts Officer (AAO). The meeting was also attended by the Secretary General of the Monpa Mimang Tsokpa (MMT) and his team, Shri Nabam Gandhi, Vice President (Protocol) of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), representatives of DSU West Kameng, DSU Tawang, Tawang Middle Zone Students' Union (TMZSU), and ARGSU. The discussion focused on the students' long-pending academic and administrative concerns.  Representatives from the participating organisations assured the students that their issues would be taken seriously and stressed th...

  ITANAGAR, July 22: Arunachal Pradesh's acclaimed sculptor Dr. Bahom Kaling Darang from East Siang has brought international recognition to the state. His work has earned him an Honourable Mention in the Sculpture category at the prestigious 18th International ARC Salon Competition, one of the world's leading competitions for contemporary realist art. His award-winning sculpture, Burnt Ember, is currently being exhibited at Sotheby's, New York, marking a significant milestone in his artistic career and highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's growing presence on the global art stage. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein congratulated Dr. Darang on his outstanding achievement, describing it as a moment of immense pride for Arunachal Pradesh.  He praised the sculptor's exceptional talent, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the arts, stating that the international recognition reflects the rich artistic potential of the state. Expressing his best wishes, Mein said he hopes ...

  ITANAGAR, July 22:  The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, on Wednesday organised a peaceful protest march to the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) office in Itanagar as part of the party's nationwide protest programme. The march commenced from Akash Deep and witnessed the participation of ministers, legislators, party office-bearers and karyakartas.  Protesters carried BJP flags and banners condemning the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's recent dharna outside the Prime Minister's official residence. Banners displayed during the protest carried slogans such as "Protest Against Congress Over Rahul Gandhi's Dharna Outside the Prime Minister's Official Residence" and "Stop Manufactured Chaos." The BJP said the demonstration was organised to protest what it termed as the Congress' politics of disruption and was held following directions from the party's central leadership.  The protest concluded peace...

  ITANAGAR, July 21: The Arunachal Pradesh Government has assured concrete steps to address the ongoing NERIST issue following a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Home Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, Advisor Mutchu Mithi, the Principal Secretary (Home), Commissioner (Education), senior police officials, Home Department officers, and representatives of the ANSU and ANYA. Addressing the meeting, Home Minister Mama Natung said the government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of students while upholding the sanctity and academic excellence of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).  He emphasized that the issue would be resolved through constructive dialogue and collective efforts. The meeting comes amid growing protests over the functioning of NERIST.  On July 11, ANSU had issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding that the Ministry of Education accept the re...

  DHAKA/ITANAGAR, July 20: Arunachal Pradesh's karate contingent delivered an outstanding performance at the South Asian Senior Karate Championships 2026 held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with athletes bringing home three medals for India and making the state proud on the international stage. Johny Mangkhya emerged as one of the standout performers, winning two silver medals in the prestigious championship through a series of impressive performances against top competitors from across South Asia. Adding to the state's success, Khyoda Talik clinched the Team Kata Gold Medal, registering a remarkable achievement and further highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's growing stature in the sport. Congratulating the medal winners, Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed their achievements and said the success reflects the impact of the Chief Minister's Athlete Coaching and Empowerment Scheme (CM ACES), which aims to nurture and support talented athletes from the state. "This is what happens ...

  COLOMBO/ITANAGAR, July 18: Arunachal Pradesh's Sonam Zomba has etched her name in history by becoming the first-ever Karma Fight League (KFL) World Strawweight Champion, defeating Sri Lanka's Chathuri Siriwardana by unanimous decision in the main event of KFL 8 held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 18. Hailing from Tawang, Zomba produced a composed and technically superior performance against the home favourite to secure the prestigious world title.  The victory marks another major milestone in her career, coming just months after she successfully defended her Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Women's Strawweight Championship.  The championship bout underwent a last-minute change. Sonam was originally scheduled to face Pakistan's Bushra Akhtar for the inaugural KFL World Strawweight Championship, but Chathuri Siriwardana stepped in as the replacement opponent.  Zomba went on to dominate the contest and claimed the title by unanimous decision.  Following her victory, Arun...

  DHAKA/ITANAGAR, July 19: Yomter Taso of Lower Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, has brought glory to the state and the nation by winning the gold medal in the Junior Female Individual Kumite (-42 kg) category at the 10th South Asian Karate Championship held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Representing India, Yomter delivered a commanding performance to secure the top podium finish at one of South Asia's most prestigious karate events, which featured top athletes from across the region.  The championship included competitions in the Cadet, Junior, Under-21 and Senior divisions and was held alongside the 2nd Under-14 South Asia Karate Cup and the AKF Referee and Coaches Course & Examination. Her remarkable achievement has been widely appreciated, with 36 Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu extending his heartfelt congratulations to the young karateka. Describing the victory as a proud moment for Lower Siang district and Arunachal Pradesh, Kadu said Yomter's dedication, discipline and fighting...

  DOIMUKH, July 19: Students of Taraso Secondary School continue to risk their lives every day by crossing the Taraso River on foot to attend classes, as a bridge that was meant to provide safe connectivity has remained incomplete for nearly eight years. A video that has surfaced online shows students carefully wading through the swollen river, helping one another navigate the strong current while carrying their school bags.  The situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon season, when rising water levels make the crossing increasingly hazardous. The students have appealed to the MLA of the 14th Doimukh Assembly Constituency and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to expedite the construction of the long-pending bridge.  They said the absence of a proper bridge not only disrupts their education but also puts their lives at constant risk. The issue has been repeatedly raised by local residents and community organizations.  Earlier, the Taraso Circle Yo...

  ITANAGAR, July 18:  Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao has congratulated Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on completing 10 years in office, describing the milestone as a remarkable achievement and expressing confidence in his continued leadership for the state's future. In his congratulatory message, Gao extended his best wishes to Khandu and expressed hope that he would continue to lead Arunachal Pradesh for another 15 years, citing his vision for the state's brighter future. Pema Khandu completed a decade as Chief Minister on July 17, becoming one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in the history of Arunachal Pradesh.  During his tenure, the state has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure development, road connectivity, governance reforms, digital initiatives, healthcare, education, tourism, and welfare programmes. Khandu's political journey took a decisive turn in 2016 amid political instability when he led 43 of the Congress party's 44 MLAs to the P...

  KHONSA, July 17:  In a significant boost to ongoing peace and counter-insurgency efforts in Arunachal Pradesh, a cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Reformation (NSCN-R) surrendered before security forces and police in Tirap district on July 17. The surrendered cadre has been identified as SS Lieutenant Colonel Penngam Konyak (42), son of Late Tzemkai Konyak and a resident of Nyasa village under Longtongzong Khel Post Office in Mon district of Nagaland. According to official information, Penngam Konyak surrendered before a joint team comprising the Tirap Police, 44 Assam Rifles, and 36 Battalion CRPF at the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Khonsa. Officials said the surrender reflects the sustained efforts of the police and security forces to encourage insurgents to abandon the path of violence and join the mainstream.  They described the development as another positive step towards strengthening peace, stability, and security in Tirap district. T...

  LIKABALI, July 18:  In a major breakthrough in the Malinithan Mandir theft case, the Lower Siang District Police have arrested a man from Assam for allegedly receiving stolen sacred artefacts taken from the historic temple. The arrested accused has been identified as Muhammad Ali Hussain, a resident of 3 No. Gandhinagar, Sissiborgaon, Silapathar in Assam's Dhemaji district. According to police, Hussain had allegedly purchased the stolen sacred articles from the main accused, Toli Geyi. Police said the accused had been constantly changing locations in an attempt to evade arrest. Acting on credible intelligence, a police team tracked him down and successfully apprehended him on 17 July 2026. The operation was carried out under the close supervision of Abraham Taying, Officer-in-Charge of Likabali Police Station. The team was led by Sub-Inspector Kardo Ori, the Investigating Officer of the case. Hussain has been arrested under Section 317(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)...

  ITANAGAR, July 17:  In a landmark move to strengthen the justice delivery system, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the proposal for the Arunachal Pradesh Advocates Protection Bill, 2026.  The legislation aims to safeguard the lives and properties of advocates while ensuring a safer working environment for the legal fraternity. Once enacted by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the Bill will become the state's first dedicated law providing legal protection to advocates. The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday. The proposed legislation is designed to protect advocates from threats, violence, intimidation and unlawful interference while performing their professional duties. According to the Cabinet, the Bill seeks to ensure that legal professionals can carry out their responsibilities without fear, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the justice delivery system.  The legislation is also ...

  NEW DELHI, July 17:  Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) Chairman Tadak Nalo on Friday visited the CJP protest site at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, where activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since June 27. During the visit, Nalo met Wangchuk and expressed his solidarity with the activist. Sharing a message after the meeting, he wrote, "You are not alone. India stands with you." Wangchuk is participating in the ongoing CJP-led protest demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, including NEET.  The protesters are calling for comprehensive reforms in the examination system, greater transparency in recruitment and admissions, and action against those responsible for the alleged lapses.  They have also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Nalo has long been vocal on education reforms in Arunachal Pradesh and has consistently worked for the interests of...