Hornbill News

  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 9:  The Directorate of Higher & Technical Education (DHTE), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has assured that the pending Post Matric Scholarship dues for the remaining eligible students will be disbursed within 10 working days. The assurance came on Thursday following a protest staged outside the Directorate office in Itanagar by aggrieved students led by activist Charpo Taffo Sonam.  The students had demanded the immediate release of scholarship funds, citing prolonged delays that had affected their education and finances. In an official notice dated July 9, 2026, the Directorate stated that the due amount of the Post Matric Scholarship would be released to the remaining beneficiaries within the stipulated timeframe. The Directorate's assurance drew a mixed reaction from the students.  While many welcomed the commitment to release the pending scholarship dues within 10 working days, they also demanded greater accountability from the department ...

  Pasighat, June 24: Massive protests erupted at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat, under the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, on Thursday as students staged demonstrations against the transfer and proposed joining of a professor who has been accused of sexual harassment during his previous posting at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS), Umiam, Meghalaya. According to an official university order dated May 8, 2026, Dr. Pranab Dutta, Professor of Plant Pathology and Chairman of the School of Crop Protection at CPGS-AS, Barapani, Meghalaya, was transferred and posted to CHF Pasighat on administrative grounds. The transfer sparked strong opposition from students, particularly female students, who expressed concerns over their safety and well-being. In a representation submitted to the Dean of CHF Pasighat on May 11, 2026, the Girls' Representatives of the Student Council voiced serious apprehensions regarding Dr....

  Itanagar, June 19: The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) on Friday served a 14-day ultimatum to the Arunachal Pradesh government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the smart prepaid electricity meter system and restoration of the conventional postpaid billing mechanism. The forum also raised several other public issues and warned of launching a democratic movement if its demands are not addressed within the stipulated period. Addressing the media, UAPF President Khyoda Daniel alleged that the smart prepaid meter system has become an additional burden on economically weaker households. He said many consumers, particularly those with limited financial resources, face difficulties in recharging their meters on time, leading to disruptions in electricity supply. Daniel further stated that service and convenience charges associated with prepaid recharges have created inconvenience for consumers, especially elderly citizens, residents of remote areas with limited access to dig...

  AI generated representative visual. Geku, June 8: Tensions surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) intensified on Monday evening after the residence of Geku–Mariyang MLA Oni Panyang was reportedly targeted by a large group of protesters opposing the mega hydropower project. According to reports, thousands of demonstrators gathered near the legislator’s residence and allegedly vandalised parts of the property during the protest. Sources said portions of the house sustained damage as agitated protesters voiced their opposition to the controversial project, which has become a major point of contention in the Siang region. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing movement against the proposed multipurpose project, which has witnessed sustained demonstrations, public meetings, and growing resistance from various local organisations, community groups, and residents in recent months. The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, envisioned as a large-s...

  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...

  The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) has announced a fresh 24-hour bandh beginning at 5 a.m. on June 5 and ending at 5 a.m. on June 6, alleging continued government inaction on its long-pending demands concerning alleged illegal mosques and illegal immigrants in the state. The announcement comes just days after APIYO's 24-hour bandh observed on May 28, 2026. According to the organisation, the decision to intensify its agitation was taken due to what it described as the government's persistent ignorance of issues repeatedly raised by the indigenous youth body. Addressing the media, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak stated that despite several memorandums, meetings, protests and the recent bandh, the state government has failed to take any concrete action on the organisation's key demands. He alleged that assurances given by the government have not translated into action on the ground. Liyak reiterated APIYO's demands, which include action against ...

ASTBAC Chairman Sol Dodum and General Secretary Millo Ambo. Itanagar, May 22: The ST Bachao Andolan Committee on Friday warned of launching a four-day statewide bandh across Arunachal Pradesh if the state government fails to respond within six days to its revised memorandum concerning issues related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and other related concerns. The warning came after members of the committee submitted a petition at the Chief Minister’s Office earlier in the day, demanding what they described as a transparent, inclusive, and broader consultative process on matters affecting the indigenous tribal communities of the state. Addressing reporters, ST Bachao Andolan Chairman Sol Dodum said the movement has been receiving increasing public support following the recent 36-hour bandh called by the organisation. According to him, the online petition campaign initiated after the bandh has already gathered support from more than 4,700 people within just two days. Dodum stated th...

  Itanagar, May 17: The Arunachal Scheduled Tribes (ST) Bachao Andolan Committee on Saturday rejected the written assurance issued by the Office of the Home Minister following the massive public protests witnessed during the second day of the statewide bandh, and also declined the invitation for talks, further intensifying the ongoing agitation over indigenous rights and related demands. Addressing the media, Committee Chairman Sol Dodum said the organisation does not accept the assurance letter issued by the Home Minister’s office on May 15. He stated that the committee remains firm on its demands and would communicate any official response only through written correspondence. Dodum also announced that the committee would not participate in the discussion proposed by the Home Minister’s office. However, he clarified that the organisation is willing to hold talks directly with the Chief Minister. The two-day bandh held on May 14 and 15 witnessed large-scale participation from vario...

  Itanagar, May 14-15: A 36-hour bandh called by the ST Bachao Andolan Committee over demands related to stricter implementation and digitisation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system brought normal life across the Itanagar Capital Region to a standstill on May 14 and 15, while also triggering one of the largest spontaneous public mobilisations witnessed in recent years. The organisation’s key demands included stricter enforcement and complete digitisation of the ILP system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, establishment of a stronger monitoring mechanism, curbing the alleged influx of illegal immigrants and infiltrators into Arunachal Pradesh, and safeguarding the rights, identity, and socio-economic interests of the indigenous tribal communities. The bandh, which began on May 14, received widespread public support as markets, business establishments, and commercial centres across Itanagar and Naharlagun remained shut. Only pharmacies, clinics, and a handful of e...

  Itanagar, May 14: The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) has issued a strong warning to the state government, stating that a bandh will be enforced across all districts of Arunachal Pradesh if the detained members of the organisation are not released by 10 PM tonight. In a video message circulating widely on social media, ASTBAC ICR Chairman and ILP in-charge Nabam Atung said that the organisation would intensify its agitation if action is not taken immediately. He warned that the proposed statewide bandh would go ahead as per the earlier announcement. According to the statement, ASTBAC Chairman Sol Dodum, Spokesperson Tana Tamar, General Secretary Millo Ambo, along with eight other members, are currently detained. Addressing supporters and the public, Nabam Atung said that the arrest of key leaders would not weaken the movement. He asserted that the organisation remains united and determined to continue the bandh call and agitation until their leaders are released. “...

  Itanagar, May 20: The All Papum Poma Students’ Union (APPSU) has announced a one-day peaceful protest against the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya admission fee hike, which will be held on 12 May 2026 at the VKV Balijan campus from 10:00 AM onwards. The protest is being organised against the Arunachal Pradesh VKV Trust over what the union termed as an “abrupt” increase in the school’s admission fee structure. APPSU stated that the agitation is being carried out in support of students and parents affected by the sudden fee hike. According to the union, a memorandum was submitted to the Secretary of the Arunachal VKV Trust on 4 May 2026, placing several demands before the authorities. These included immediate reduction of the fee structure, introduction of an installment-based payment system to ease the burden on parents, reservation for local students, and implementation of a uniform fee structure across all VKVs in the state. APPSU stated that despite giving the authorities a four-da...

  Itanagar, May 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), led by president Taro Sonam Liyak and vice president Chera Taji, on Friday alleged that the state government has failed to take concrete action despite repeated memorandums submitted to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu regarding the demolition of alleged illegal mosques and action against illegal immigrants in the state. Addressing the media, Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation had earlier planned to launch a “Delhi Chalo Abhiyan” on January 30. However, the agitation was deferred after APIYO reportedly received written assurance from the Chief Minister’s Office following a meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung on January 27. According to Liyak, although the government assured the organisation that necessary steps would be taken, no visible action has been initiated on the ground till date. However, Liyak alleged that the government’s decision to close only...

  Itanagar, May 4: Itanagar, May 4, 2026: The All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate action over alleged corruption and substandard construction in the NH-415 Package-B flyover project between Papu Nallah and Nirjuli. The project, valued at ₹341.71 crore, is currently under scrutiny following claims of serious structural and financial irregularities. In a formal letter (Ref. No. AAPYO/CM-04-26 dated May 1, 2026) addressed to the PWD Minister, who also holds the portfolios of Home and Chief Vigilance, the organization accused officials of embezzlement linked to 3% agency charges received from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. AAPYO stated that despite disbursement of over 63% of the project funds (exceeding ₹214 crore), the execution has “miserably failed.” Technical assessments conducted on February 8, 2026, using rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests reportedly found 31 piers ...

  Itanagar, May 3: The Arunachal Civil Society (ACS), led by Byabang Joram and Narang Chatung, has announced a three-day sit-in dharna from May 4 to 6 at Tennis Court, Itanagar. The protest aims to press for the resignation of the Chief Minister, with ACS asserting that a fair and impartial investigation cannot take place while he remains in office. Raising questions over the state government’s intentions, Joram expressed concern about a high-level meeting scheduled for May 5 at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting is expected to bring together top engineering and nodal officials, which ACS believes may influence the course of the ongoing developments. Drawing comparisons with precedents in other states, Joram stated that leaders facing investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have typically stepped down to ensure transparency.  He emphasized that resignation on moral grounds would allow for an unbiased probe, adding that the Chief Minister could reassume offi...

  Itanagar, April 30: Thousands of members of the Christian community staged coordinated sit-in protests across Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, opposing the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978. The statewide agitation was organized by the Arunachal Christian Forum, with major gatherings held in the capital region at Tennis Court, IG Park in Itanagar and Naharlagun, alongside parallel demonstrations across several district headquarters. Leading the protest in Itanagar, ACF president James Techi Tara termed the Act “unconstitutional,” alleging that it disproportionately targets the Christian community and restricts the fundamental right to freedom of religion. He highlighted provisions requiring individuals to report religious conversions to district authorities, stating that such measures infringe upon personal choice, identity, and freedom of worship. The ACF maintained that although the law claims to prohibit forced conversions, its provisions are ...

Tawang, April 30: A large-scale peaceful protest rally was held today in Tawang, condemning the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl from Lumla and demanding swift justice along with strict punishment for all accused. The rally commenced from Old Market Mani and proceeded towards the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Students, youth bodies, civil society groups, NGOs, and local residents participated in significant numbers, expressing solidarity with the survivor and her family. The demonstration was attended by Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu, ZPM Tawang Block Sonam Nordzin, members of the WWA Tawang, various student organizations, and members of the public. Organizers emphasized that the protest was peaceful, urging participants to maintain discipline and unity while raising their voices against crimes targeting women and children. Huge Public Gathering at Old Market Mani. ( Image: Jambey Tsering) The protest follows a disturbing case involving an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to ...

  Yachuli, April 28: Following widespread attention on social media over the poor condition of the road leading to DIET College, Yachuli, repair work has officially commenced, offering much-needed relief to students and local commuters. The issue had gained momentum after videos and images of students highlighting the muddy and dilapidated road went viral, drawing public concern and calls for immediate action. The visual protest, including a student planting paddy on the road, had underscored the severity of the situation, especially during the rainy season. Responding to the growing outcry, local MLA Toko Tatung initiated steps to address the issue. Road repair work began on April 28, 2026, at the BDO Complex stretch in Yachuli, which serves as a key access route for students of DIET College and residents of the area. The development has been widely acknowledged as an example of how the power of social media, along with the role of media channels in highlighting public concerns, c...

  Liromoba, April 26: A group of parents under the banner of the Liromoba VKV Parents Group staged a protest against the recent hike in admission and related fees at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Liromoba. The demonstrators marched with placards and raised slogans, voicing strong opposition to what they termed an “abrupt and unjustified” fee increase. Protesters displayed banners outlining their key demands, including the immediate minimisation of admission fees and rollback of the revised fee structure. Many placards highlighted concerns over affordability, stressing that the sudden hike has placed a significant financial burden on families. Beyond the fee issue, the parents also pointed out gaps in basic facilities. They demanded improved transportation services for students and teachers, better computer access, and the introduction of vocational support such as tailoring facilities with staff. Infrastructure development was another major concern, with calls for better clas...

  Itanagar, April 13: The Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP), the apex body representing state government employees, along with the state unit of the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS), has announced a protest rally on April 17 in Itanagar. The rally aims to press for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) by replacing the existing New Pension Scheme (NPS). The rally is scheduled to begin from Ramakrishna Mission Hospital and will culminate at Indira Gandhi Park. Organisers expect participation from a large number of government employees across various departments and districts, making it one of the major employee-led demonstrations in recent times. Speaking to reporters at the Arunachal Press Club on Monday, CoSAAP president Likha Tej said the demand for OPS has been raised repeatedly over the years, but has not received the desired response. “Employees across the state have been consistently demanding the restoration of OPS,...