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...

  ITANAGAR, July 25:  Continuing its intensified campaign against drug trafficking, the Special Action Team (SAT) of Capital Police Itanagar arrested a woman allegedly involved in heroin peddling during an operation conducted on July 24 at Mithun Happa Colony, Chimpu. Police have withheld the identity of the accused as the investigation is still underway. Acting on specific and credible intelligence, the SAT team, comprising SI Tejab Tadar, Head Constable Tashi Wangchu, Constables Tasso Taser, Jumter Romin, and Lady Constable Dulley Yashing, launched a swift operation under the supervision of the DySP (HQ), ICR.  The suspect was intercepted near her rented accommodation at Mithun Happa Colony. During questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that she had hidden narcotics and related materials inside a black polythene bag concealed beneath a pile of old wood within the compound of her rented residence. Following the disclosure, police conducted a search in the presence ...

  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 24:  In a significant breakthrough under the ongoing "Operation All Out" against narcotics, the Special Action Team (SAT) of Capital Police, Itanagar, arrested a suspected drug peddler during a raid conducted in the Mob-II area under Niti Vihar Police Station. The operation, carried out on July 23, was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ), ICR, Shri Chamrak Arun, APPS, and SDPO Itanagar, Shri Chera Saban, APPS, along with SI Tejab Tadar, HC Tashi Wangchu, Ct. Tasso Tasser, Ct. Jumter Romin, and L/Ct. Dulley Yasing. Acting on specific and credible intelligence, the SAT intercepted the suspect near his rented accommodation at Mob-II after obtaining the necessary legal authorization.  The accused, a resident of Assam whose identity has been withheld to protect the ongoing investigation, was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the rented premises resulted in the recovery of 46 plastic vials containing suspected heroin weighing a...

  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 22:  Dr. Joram Aniya, Member of NITI Aayog, visited Gyekar Sinyik (Ganga Lake) in Arunachal Pradesh to assess its potential for sustainable eco-tourism while reviewing measures to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the ecologically sensitive area. The visit was attended by senior officials from NITI Aayog, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Central Water Commission (CWC), and other concerned agencies, who conducted a comprehensive assessment of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. During the visit, the delegation held discussions with local officials and community representatives on the need for detailed scientific studies of the lake's hydrology, geology, and catchment dynamics.  The experts stressed that a better understanding of changing water levels and the region's environmental conditions is essential for developing long-term strategies to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable management of the l...

  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...

  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...

  PASIGHAT, July 17:  In a successful joint operation, Mebo Police and Pasighat Police, with active support from the Mithun Owners Association, arrested three persons for allegedly stealing and illegally transporting a mithun.  The stolen animal was successfully recovered. The accused have been identified as Philip Lego (28) of Ayeng Village under Mebo Police Station, Kanggong Lego (19) of Ayeng Village, and Nandu Nath (22), a driver from Chumoni Village in Assam's North Lakhimpur district. According to police, the accused allegedly stole the mithun from the Partung area and were transporting it towards the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).  Acting on specific intelligence, police intercepted the vehicle carrying the stolen animal at the Gumto Police Check Gate, leading to the recovery of the mithun and the arrest of all three accused. A case has been registered at Pasighat Police Station as PSGT P.S. Case No. 77/2026 under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay...

  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 ...

  ITANAGAR, July 17:  In a landmark achievement for medical education in Arunachal Pradesh, the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, has been granted an ECFMG Sponsor Note and officially listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) on July 13, 2026.  It is the first medical college in the state to receive this internationally significant recognition. The recognition opens new opportunities for eligible TRIHMS MBBS graduates to pursue higher education, residency training, and medical careers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries, subject to prescribed eligibility requirements. The ECFMG Sponsor Note also enables eligible graduates to apply for ECFMG Certification, an essential step for those seeking postgraduate medical training and licensure abroad.  The listing further strengthens the international recognition of TRIHMS and its MBBS degree. The institute...

  ITANAGAR, July 16: Home Minister Mama Natung received a courtesy call from Shri Angad Mehta, IPS, and Smt. Shweta Nagarkoti, IAS, as the officer couple prepares to assume their new administrative responsibilities in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Home Minister lauded their exemplary service in Keyi Panyor district, where Angad Mehta served as Superintendent of Police (SP) and Shweta Nagarkoti served as Deputy Commissioner (DC).  He wished both officers continued success, fulfillment, and distinction in their new assignments. Shweta Nagarkoti, a 2020-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, played a key role in leading relief and rehabilitation efforts during the recent monsoon cloudbursts in Keyi Panyor.  Along with her husband, IPS officer Angad Mehta, a 2020-batch AGMUT cadre officer recruited through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, she personally supervised on-ground damage assessments and coordinated relief operations at severely affected landslide sites, incl...

  ITANAGAR, July 15:  The Government of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of establishing new Municipal Corporations in Namsai, Aalo, Ziro, and Tawang, with an emphasis on accelerating the process for their early operationalization. The meeting was held in the presence of Balo Raja, Minister for Urban Affairs & Land Management, Shri Techi Kaso, Advisor to the Minister (Urban Affairs & Land Management) and MLA of 13-Itanagar Assembly Constituency, along with the Commissioner (Urban Development), Director of Urban Local Bodies (ULB), and the Deputy Commissioners of the four districts. During the meeting, the progress made in each district was reviewed in detail, with discussions focusing on the key administrative and procedural steps required to establish the new Municipal Corporations within the stipulated timeline. The Minister directed all concerned officers to expedite the process by ensuring the timely sub...

  ITANAGAR, July 15:  The Meteorological Centre, Itanagar, has issued a five-day district-wise weather warning for Arunachal Pradesh, indicating heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across several parts of the state between July 15 and July 19.  According to the warning map, Orange Alert (Be Prepared) has been issued for Pakke Kessang and Papum Pare on July 15, with forecasts of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.  Most other districts remain under a Yellow Alert (Be Updated), while central and northern districts are under the green category. On July 16, orange alerts continue for Pakke Kessang and Papum Pare, while yellow alerts remain in effect for several western and eastern districts. For July 17, the orange alert expands to include East Kameng, Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, and Changlang, indicating an increased likelihood of heavy rainfall and associated weather hazards. On July 18, orange alerts remain in force over East Kameng, Pakke K...

  ITANAGAR, July 15:  In a major initiative to support government job aspirants in Arunachal Pradesh, Home Minister Mama Natung met Ms. Osin Mosu, Founder Director of Northeast PSC, at the Civil Secretariat to discuss launching a Special Scholarship Programme for 100 APSSB aspirants from the 11th Seppa West (ST) Assembly Constituency. The programme, proposed in collaboration with Northeast PSC and the Northeast Hornbill Foundation, aims to provide deserving candidates with quality coaching, expert guidance, mentorship, and structured preparation for the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) examinations. During the meeting, the Home Minister appreciated Ms. Osin Mosu's initiative, describing it as an important step towards empowering educated youth through quality coaching and equal opportunities.  He said investing in the youth is an investment in the future of Arunachal Pradesh. He also noted that making quality APSSB coaching accessible to deserving students ...

  ITANAGAR, July 13:  The Arunachal Pradesh Range Forest Officers Association (APRFOA) elected its new executive committee during its Conference-cum-Meeting held at Donyi Polo International Hotel in Itanagar. The members unanimously elected Shri Dare Tatung, Range Forest Officer (RFO), as the President of the Association, while Shri R.K. Koba was chosen as the General Secretary. The remaining members of the executive committee were also elected unanimously. Expressing his gratitude after assuming office, President Shri Dare Tatung thanked the members for the confidence they had placed in him and pledged to work collectively for the betterment of the Association and the forestry sector in the State. He reiterated the Association's commitment to working in close coordination with the Department of Environment & Forests, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, to promote effective conservation and sustainable management of the State's rich forest resources. Highlighting the Associat...

  APU students visit NITI Aayog headquarters in New Delhi. ITANAGAR, July 11:  A 22-member student delegation from Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, scripted history on Friday by becoming the first university student delegation in the country to be officially hosted for a study visit at NITI Aayog, India's premier public policy think tank, during their educational tour to New Delhi. The delegation was accompanied by faculty escort Ngurang Mana and staff member Jumkar Nada.  During the visit, the students participated in an interactive session at the NITI Aayog headquarters, chaired by Dr Joram Aniya, Member of NITI Aayog. The session was attended by Maj Gen K. Narayanan (AVSM), who welcomed the delegation, while Lt Col Jitendra Verma, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), moderated the programme and provided the students with an overview of NITI Aayog's role, structure and key policy initiatives. In her concluding address, Dr Aniya encouraged the students to become a...