Hornbill News

  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 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...

  ITANAGAR, July 6: Former All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) president Dozi Tana Tara and former general secretary Ritum Tali officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, marking their entry into active politics after leading the state's apex student body during the 2022–2025 tenure. The induction ceremony was held in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak, BJP Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong, State General Secretary Tadar Niglar, BJP vice president and MLA Zingnu Namchoom, Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, State Secretary Lorie Mugli, and members of the BJP Papum Pare district unit. Dozi Tana Tara and Ritum Tali served as the president and general secretary of AAPSU from 2022 to 2025, during which they represented the interests of students and indigenous communities while actively raising issues related to education, governance, employment, and the welfare of Arunachal Pradesh. Their decision to join the BJP...

  Longding, July 2:  Residents of Chop village under Wakka Circle in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district have appealed to the district administration for immediate intervention over the ongoing Indo-Myanmar border fencing project, expressing concern that the proposed fence alignment could adversely affect their traditional lands and livelihoods. In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Longding, and dated 24 June 2026, the villagers requested an urgent re-survey of the fencing alignment, alleging that the current survey deviates from the actual international boundary and extends into land traditionally owned and cultivated by the local indigenous community. The representation states that while the villagers fully support the Government of India's efforts to strengthen border security and appreciate the importance of national security initiatives, they fear the present alignment may result in the loss of ancestral land, jhum cultivation areas, agricultural fields...

  Tawang, July 1:  Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (DEO) Namgyal Angmo, IAS, chaired a meeting with representatives of all recognised political parties in Tawang on Wednesday to review the progress of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. The meeting was held at the DC's office chamber. Addressing the gathering, the DEO stressed the importance of collective participation in ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process.  She urged political parties to actively engage their Booth Level Agents (BLAs) in supporting Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during house-to-house verification and Enumeration Form collection, ensuring that every eligible voter is enrolled and the electoral roll remains accurate, transparent, and error-free. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Lungla-cum-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Tashi Dhondup and Assistant Commissioner, Tawang-cum-ERO Tsering Choden briefed the representatives on the progress of...

Itanagar, June 24:  The Abotani Descendants Association (ADA) has formally approached the High Power Committee on Re-verification of Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) Certificates, seeking the cancellation and revocation of allegedly illegal Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates, Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs), and Domicile/Residence Certificates issued to certain non-APST individuals in Arunachal Pradesh. In a memorandum submitted on June 23, ADA President Maji Tayem and General Secretary James Teli Camdir urged the committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the issuance of these certificates and take appropriate action wherever irregularities are established. The representation was addressed to the Chairman of the High Power Committee on Re-verification of Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe Certificates at the Civil Secretariat, Itanagar. The association based its appeal on information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the Office of the Extra Ass...

  Itanagar, June 19:  A Special Joint Session of the Central Executive Body (CEB) of the All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) and its General Assembly members was convened on June 19, 2026, at Papum Hall, DK Convention Centre, Itanagar. The meeting was chaired by Shri Romesh Maga, Acting President of ANSU. The session witnessed the participation of members of the General Executive Body representing all 22 Basic Students' Unions (BSUs) along with representatives from eight affiliated college unions. The gathering was called to deliberate on organizational matters and ensure the smooth functioning of the union in accordance with its constitutional provisions. After detailed discussions, the house unanimously resolved to appoint Shri Ashok Doka as the President of ANSU on an interim and stopgap basis.  The appointment was made constitutionally and received the collective approval of the Central Executive Body, General Assembly members, the 22 BSUs, and the eight college unions....

  Itanagar, June 17: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has raised serious concerns over the alleged entry of non-APST candidates into Arunachal Pradesh without valid Inner Line Permits (ILPs) to appear in state recruitment examinations. AFTF Chairman Tadak Nalo claimed that during the APSSB recruitment examination conducted on June 14, a significant number of candidates from outside the state entered Arunachal Pradesh using only their examination admit cards. According to Nalo, nearly 60 percent of the candidates who appeared in the examination were outsiders, prompting the organization to seek clarification from the state government regarding the legality of such entries. To address the issue, AFTF representatives recently met the Commissioner (Home) and sought clarification on whether admit cards issued to non-APST candidates for Arunachal Pradesh state examinations can be treated as valid documents for entry into the state. Nalo stated that the Commissioner (Home) clari...

  Itanagar, June 20:  Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National General Secretary and Convener of the North East Youth Congress Coordination Committee, Tarh Johny, has submitted a memorandum to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking an immediate review and ban on activities allegedly carried out by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organizations in the state. In the letter, Johny expressed concern that such activities are contributing to social division and disturbing the long-standing harmony among the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. The memorandum states that Arunachal Pradesh has historically been known for its rich indigenous traditions, cultural diversity, and peaceful coexistence among different tribes and faiths. However, Johny alleged that recent developments and public programmes have increasingly introduced religious narratives into tribal socio-cultural spaces, leading to unnecessary polarization among indigenous c...

  Itanagar, June 13: The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has expressed its opposition to the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, stating that the move could have implications for communal harmony and social cohesion in the state. The party's position was adopted during its State Executive Meeting held on June 11, 2026, where members deliberated on the APFRA and the draft rules prepared for its implementation. Following discussions, the executive unanimously resolved to oppose the implementation of the Act and urged the government to reconsider the move in the interest of maintaining unity among the state's diverse communities. Addressing the media, PPA President Shri Nabam Vivek questioned the relevance of implementing a law enacted nearly five decades ago. He noted that APFRA was passed in 1978 and said that any decision on such a sensitive matter should be preceded by extensive consultations with all stakeholders, incl...

  The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated veteran party leader Tai Tagak as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh, ending weeks of speculation over the party's choice for the lone Upper House seat from the state. Tagak's nomination comes after an extensive consultation process involving both the state and central leadership of the BJP. Party sources indicated that several prominent leaders were considered during the selection process, including Environment, Forest, Geology and Mining Minister Wangki Lowang, incumbent Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia, Pasighat West MLA and former Lok Sabha MP Ninong Ering, former ministers Taba Tedir and Tage Taki, former state BJP president Dr Tangor Tapak, Forest Corporation Chairman Nalong Mize, BJP Core Committee member Kenyir Ringu, state executive member Dotam Sora, BJP leader Nuney Tayang, entrepreneur and Kurung Kumey district BJP vice president Ha Tatu, and former IMC Mayor Tame Phassang. Recommendations from Chief M...

  AAPSU Executive Members With CM Pema Khandu. Itanagar, June 2: The Central Executive Members of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today called on Chief Minister and submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting several pressing concerns affecting indigenous students and the people of Arunachal Pradesh. During the meeting, the student body raised a series of long-standing demands related to employment, constitutional safeguards, education, democratic rights, and the welfare of indigenous communities. The Chief Minister reportedly responded positively to the issues presented and assured necessary action on several key matters. One of the major issues discussed was the demand for making Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates mandatory in all State Government recruitment processes. AAPSU reiterated its long-standing opposition to the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio and sought stronger safeguards to ensure e...

  Tame Phassang with BJP State President Kaling Moyong in BJP office Itanagar. Itanagar, June 2: Former Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor Tame Phassang has formally expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha election from Arunachal Pradesh, submitting his application to BJP Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong and seeking the party's nomination for the lone seat. Phassang stated that he remains committed to serving the people of Arunachal Pradesh with sincerity, dedication and a spirit of public service if given the opportunity to represent the state in the Upper House of Parliament. He also sought the support of the party leadership as the BJP begins the process of selecting its nominee. His entry comes at a time when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is witnessing significant interest in the Rajya Sabha seat. Speaking at a recent press conference, state BJP president Kaling Moyong confirmed that 12 aspirants have submitted their applications for t...

  Itanagar, June 1: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has categorically rejected the stance taken by the Assam-based Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) against the application of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to members of the Mising community residing in Arunachal Pradesh. Responding to TMPK's recent statement, AAPSU President Meje Taku asserted that the ILP system remains a non-negotiable constitutional and legal mechanism designed to safeguard the rights, identity, and interests of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized that the regulation applies uniformly to all non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) individuals without exception. While acknowledging the historical presence of the Mising community in the region and their longstanding cultural and social ties with several indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Taku maintained that such associations cannot override the legal framework governing entry and residence in the state...

  Daporijo, June 1: Members of the Upper Subansiri–Kamle District Boundary Disputed People's Forum on Sunday organized a peaceful rally in Daporijo, demanding immediate resolution of the long-pending boundary dispute between Upper Subansiri and Kamle districts. The rally was held after obtaining official permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Subansiri district. According to the order issued on May 27, 2026, the procession was allowed to proceed from Veterinary Colony to the DC Office via New Market and Gandhi Market between 10 am and 12 noon on June 1. Led by chairman Dosh Dasi Tamin, participants marched through the town carrying banners and placards highlighting their demands. The forum called for immediate demarcation of the Upper Subansiri–Kamle district boundary, re-notification of the Arunachal Pradesh government notification issued on May 27, 2025, conduct of Census 2026 in the affected areas, and construction of a welcome gate for Upper Subansiri district at JNV ...

Members of The All Changlang Border Students Union (ACBSU) With Deputy Commissioner of Changlang.  Changlang, May 19: The All Changlang Border Students Union (ACBSU) on May 19, 2026, submitted a formal representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Changlang on behalf of the villagers of Hanchengkan, Phinbiro-I, and Phinbiro-II, urging immediate administrative intervention in the ongoing Assam–Arunachal border dispute affecting the region. In its representation, the union expressed serious concern over alleged illegal incursions by personnel of the Assam Forest Department into disputed areas under Changlang district. Highlighting growing insecurity among border residents, ACBSU appealed to the district administration to establish permanent security checkpoints in all vulnerable and disputed locations to prevent further tension and safeguard the interests of the local population. As a continuation of the initiative, ACBSU leaders also met the Superintendent of Police and the Divisiona...

  Itanagar, May 13: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged NEET paper leakage controversy, accusing the BJP-led Central Government of failing to protect the credibility and integrity of the country’s examination system. In a press statement issued from Itanagar, Siram said the repeated incidents of paper leaks and examination irregularities have severely shaken public confidence and pushed the country into an “educational crisis.” He alleged that corruption and systemic failures had compromised the future and aspirations of lakhs of students across India. “The nation is steadily losing faith in the entire examination system under the BJP regime. From vote chori to paper chori, people are witnessing corruption and manipulation even in sensitive national examinations,” Siram stated. The APCC chief criticised the Centre for its alleged silence and inaction over repeated examination controversies and demanded the re...

  Daporijo, May 7: A grand reception programme was organized today at Daporijo by the All Upper Subansiri District Students’ Union (AUSDSU), Tagin Welfare Society (TWS), and other organizations to celebrate the victory of the newly elected Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) leadership and executive members for the 2026–2029 tenure. The programme was specially organized in honour of the three victorious representatives from Upper Subansiri district, Shri Mato Bui, elected as General Secretary, Shri Zentle Mosu, elected as Finance Secretary, and Shri Tajo Rai, elected as Co-Convenor (West). The event also witnessed the presence of newly elected AAPSU President Shri Meje Taku along with other executive members of the union. Earlier, while en route to Daporijo, the AAPSU executive members were warmly received and felicitated in Keyi Panyor district, Lower Subansiri district, and Kamle district by the respective district students’ unions and various organizations, reflecting stro...

  Itanagar, May 6: Veteran politician and former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu following the Supreme Court-directed preliminary enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged irregularities in the awarding of Public Works Department (PWD) contracts. According to reports published by The Arunachal Times, the enquiry pertains to allegations that PWD contracts worth nearly Rs 1,270 crore were awarded to members of the chief minister’s family over a span of ten years. Reacting strongly to the development, Apang stated that a fair and impartial investigation would not be possible while Pema Khandu continues to remain in office as the sitting chief minister. “A CBI enquiry cannot be expected to be free and fair when the sitting chief minister belongs to the ruling party in power at the Centre and the CBI functions under the executive control of the Union Home Minister,” Apang said. The former ch...

  Itanagar, May 5: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has announced the construction of a “Statue of Honesty” in memory of Lt. Gyamar Padang, the whistleblower associated with exposing the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) paper leak scam. The announcement was made earlier today by AAPSU President Meje Taku while attending the Arunachal Panorama at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills. Describing the initiative as a tribute to courage and truth, AAPSU stated that the statue will be established at 6 Kilo, Itanagar, where land has been officially reserved for the project. A signboard installed at the site confirms the reservation and outlines the purpose of the memorial. Calling it “a symbol of courage rising where truth once fought alone,” the union said the statue will honour Gyamar Padang’s role as a brave whistleblower and his commitment to integrity. The initiative is being undertaken by Team AAPSU with the aim of inspiring future generation...