September 11, 2026 10:58 pm
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ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

Author name: OnlineAge

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Ziro administration gears up for Ziro Festival of Music 2026

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ZIRO, SEP 4: With preparations gathering momentum for the Ziro Festival of Music 2026, the district administration on Friday convened a coordination meeting with key officials and local stakeholders at the DC Office Golden Jubilee Hall to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the festival. The meeting was chaired by MLA Hage Appa and attended by in-charge Ziro Deputy Commissioner Hage Tarung and Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra. The discussions focused on inter-departmental coordination, venue arrangements, essential services, traffic management, security and community participation. Addressing the meeting, Hage Appa said that although the festival originated in the heartland of the Apatani community, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural platform representing the diverse tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. He called upon all departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination to provide a safe and welcoming experience for artists, visitors and local residents. Operational responsibilities were reviewed and assigned to key departments, including Public Works, Power, Public Health Engineering and Emergency Services, along with traffic and other essential service teams. Sustainability and sanitation also figured prominently in the discussions, with the Urban Development team presenting a comprehensive solid waste management plan for maintaining cleanliness at the festival venue. SP Keni Bagra briefed the participants on security arrangements and said a clear and accessible traffic route map would be finalised and made available to the public shortly. The meeting also incorporated feedback from Panchayati Raj representatives, community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, trade bodies and tourism stakeholders to strengthen grassroots participation and coordination. Hage Appa expressed confidence in the collective efforts of the administration and community in ensuring a successful festival.    

Latest News, Popular News, REGIONAL, State News

Assam Rifles rescues accident-hit vehicle in Tirap

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KHETI, SEP 4: Troops of the Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles, under the aegis of Headquarters 25 Sector Assam Rifles, rescued a vehicle involved in an accident near Kheti village in Tirap district on Friday. On receiving information about the incident, the troops promptly moved to the accident site and launched a rescue operation. Despite challenging terrain and limited accessibility, the troops reached the location and carried out the recovery operation. Through coordinated efforts, the vehicle was successfully recovered and shifted to a secure location, preventing further damage and obstruction to the road. The timely intervention highlighted the Assam Rifles’ commitment to assisting local residents during emergencies and unforeseen situations, while reinforcing its focus on public safety, humanitarian assistance and strengthening civil-security force relations in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh.            

Latest News, Popular News, State News

‘CO Apke Gaon’ launched at Longkai

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LONGCHAN, SEP 4: The ‘CO Apke Gaon’ initiative was launched at Longkai village under Longchan Circle on Friday, bringing the administration closer to residents and strengthening grassroots-level public service delivery. The programme was attended by the Longchan Circle Officer and his staff, Panchayat leaders, Gaon Burahs and villagers. It witnessed active participation from residents and focused on reviewing and updating essential documentation to facilitate easier access to government services and welfare schemes. The initiative is part of the administration’s continued efforts to promote people-centric, accessible and responsive governance at the grassroots level. The next outreach programme will be held at Kaimoi village, with the initiative scheduled to continue until all villages under Longchan Circle are covered.    

Latest News, Popular News, State News

Biiyi Laryi Pangkeng FC clinch third consecutive memorial trophy

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Mingkeng Osik Biiyi Laryi Pangkeng Football Club clinched the Lt Tapak Jonnom Memorial Football Trophy for the third consecutive year, defeating Gumin Hoyin 5-3 in a penalty shootout at the Digong Tatak Regional Playground here. The final of the third edition of the Lt Tapak Jonnom Memorial Football Trophy Tournament-2026 was held on September 3. The tournament was organised by the Solung Sports Committee, Rumgong, under the aegis of the District Football Association (DFA), Siang District, Boleng. Biiyi Laryi Pangkeng FC received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while runners-up Gumin Hoyin were awarded Rs 70,000. The tournament was organised in memory of Lt Tapak Jonnom, who was remembered during the closing ceremony for his contribution to education, guidance to students and enduring association with the people of Rumgong. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Arunachal Pradesh Director of Panchayati Raj Tajing Jonnom recalled the journey of the memorial tournament and said it had continued peacefully over the years, bringing people together while keeping the memory of Lt Tapak Jonnom alive. He expressed gratitude to sponsors, participants, Gaon Buras and community members for their continued support. Tahung Jerang and Tabang Gao also recalled Lt Tapak Jonnom’s qualities and his contribution to students. Gao remembered how Jonnom encouraged students to pursue higher education outside the area and extended support to those facing financial and other difficulties. He said Jonnom’s teachings and guidance remained deeply cherished. Siang District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Jonny Darang highlighted the growing opportunities in sports and said talented youngsters could now build careers and livelihoods through sporting pursuits. He urged the DFA and other stakeholders to identify promising players and provide them opportunities to compete at higher levels so that talented athletes from the Adi community could represent Arunachal Pradesh on larger platforms. The speakers also appreciated the organisers and sponsors for promoting unity, teamwork and sportsmanship through the tournament. The continued support of Tomik Jamoh Jonnom who sponsored the memorial tournament for the third consecutive year was also acknowledged. The closing ceremony was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Engineer Hydro Power Along Ketan as Chief Guest; DMO BSiang District Dr Jonny Darang as Guest of Honour; and Sports Secretary SSCR-2026 Hujing Komut, Assistant Sports Secretary Takong Tatak, Sports Committee Chairman Tamer Komut and Siang District BJP President Tahyup Mize among other dignitaries and special invitees. The tournament concluded with a renewed emphasis on remembrance, unity, sportsmanship and community participation, encouraging the younger generation to carry forward Lt Tapak Jonnom’s legacy through education, sports and collective endeavour.    

REGIONAL

‘Attack on democracy’: Congress on blast outside Manipur leader’s house

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IMPHAL, SEP 4: The opposition Congress in Manipur on Friday condemned the bomb blast outside the residence of its legislature party leader Keisham Meghachandra, describing it as an “attack on democracy”. Senior Congress spokesperson Hareshwar Goswami said differences in a democracy should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful negotiations. “We take the bomb blast at the residence of the Congress legislature party leader as an attack on democracy. If there are different views, it should be negotiated and discussed peacefully,” Goswami said, addressing a press conference. “We strongly condemn the attack. The attack is not just on Meghachandra but the Congress as a whole. Such things should not happen again,” he added. Goswami said the party was yet to receive any information about the motive behind the attack, alleging that it was the handiwork of miscreants “who may have been instigated by someone”. Unidentified men triggered a blast near the gate of Meghachandra’s residence in Thoubal district on Thursday evening, police said. The explosion took place around 8.15 pm near the wall of Meghachandra’s residence at Yairipok Bishnu Naha in Wangkhem constituency. The explosive is suspected to have been a grenade, they said. No one was injured in the incident, and Meghachandra was not home at the time of the blast, police said. (Source: PTI)  

REGIONAL

Peace accord accelerated development of Karbi Anglong: Assam CM

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GUWAHATI, SEP 4: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the Karbi Peace Accord, signed five years ago, has accelerated development of Karbi Anglong district. He said the district was progressing in growth parameters, a testimony that dialogue leads to a resilient future. “Today, we commemorate the historic signing of the Karbi Peace Accord — a pivotal milestone that forever transformed the socio-political landscape of Assam and turned a page from conflict to lasting harmony,” Sarma said in a social media post. The Accord was signed in New Delhi in 2021 between the Centre, state government and five major insurgent groups. The pact brought to an end years of violence, killings and abduction in the rebels’ fight for a separate homeland in Karbi Anglong, a territory of ethnic Karbi tribals. Sarma maintained that the Accord fulfilled the long-standing aspirations of the Karbi people while safeguarding the territorial integrity of Assam. From infrastructure upgrades to targeted tribal welfare, the agreement opened new doors for youth, art and local entrepreneurship, he said. “As Karbi Anglong marches ahead on the path of prosperity, we salute the spirit of peace and unity that made this agreement possible. A shining example of how dialogue builds a resilient future,” the chief minister added. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring the fast paced growth of the region and the welfare of the people, while safeguarding their distinct identity. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

Assam: Yaba tablets worth Rs 1.4 cr, 1.2 lakh Myanmarese cigarettes seized; 7 held

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GUWAHATI, SEP 4: Seven people were arrested and Yaba tablets worth Rs 1.4 crore and over 1.2 lakh Myanmarese cigarettes were seized from their possession in separate operations in Assam, officials said on Friday. The Yaba tablets were seized in Sribhumi district and the smuggled cigarettes in adjacent Cachar, both in southern Assam’s Barak Valley. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a social media post, said, “At Badarpur, @sribhumipolice intercepted 2 vehicles and seized 14,000 Yaba tablets worth Rs 1.4 cr.” He said five accused have been apprehended, lauding the police for the successful operation. Yaba tablets are illegal in India as they contain methamphetamine, a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The chief minister’s office (CMO), also in a social media post, said another operation was carried out at an inter-state border checkpoint in Cachar district. “ZERO tolerance against smuggling and illegal trafficking continues. At Dighorkhal Check Post on the Assam-Meghalaya border, @assampolice intercepted a vehicle and seized 1,20,000 Burmese cigarettes concealed in a secret chamber,” it said. The CMO added that two persons have been apprehended and legal action initiated against them. (Source: PTI)      

REGIONAL

Manipur CM calls for collective efforts to restore trust

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IMPHAL, SEP 4: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Friday called for collective efforts to bridge the trust deficit among communities and create a peaceful environment for the younger generation. Singh made the remarks during a visit to L Champhai village in Kangpokpi district to inspect a water supply project. He urged the village chairman to extend full cooperation to government officials to facilitate the smooth discharge of their duties. Later, Singh attended a public interaction programme at Christian Center Church in Leimakhong in the district. During the interaction, Singh expressed pain over people having to leave their homes and being unable to return due to the crisis. He recalled that during his interactions with internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both the Meitei and Kuki communities, they had expressed the same desire to return to their respective homes. The chief minister said the crisis had caused similar pain and suffering to people from both communities. He appealed to everyone to “forgive and forget” what had happened and work towards bridging the trust deficit among the communities. Considering the future of the younger generation, Singh urged people to collectively shun violence and work towards creating a peaceful environment for youths. “We are all under the guidance of God and must, therefore, strive to live in harmony and refrain from causing hardship and suffering to one another,” he said. (Source: PTI)  

National, REGIONAL

Shah meets Tripura CM, Tipra Motha founder amid BJP-ally differences ahead of village polls

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NEW DELHI, SEP 4: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday held a meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma amid differences between the two allies over an electoral understanding for the upcoming Village Committee polls and the regional party’s demand for land rights for indigenous people. BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra was also present at the nearly 90-minute meeting at Shah’s residence, sources said. The BJP and Tipra Motha have remained allies in the state government despite repeatedly clashing over tribal issues. Friday’s meeting assumes significance as the two sides have been negotiating a possible seat-sharing arrangement for elections to 587 Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), scheduled for September 28. The TTAADC covers around two-thirds of Tripura’s geographical area and is home to a large part of the state’s indigenous population, making hold over tribal politics crucial for both parties. Sources said Debbarma remained firm during the meeting on his demand for protection of land rights of indigenous people and received an assurance from the BJP leadership that the issue would be addressed. There was, however, no immediate official announcement on the contours of any electoral understanding between the two parties. “Met Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Founder of Tipra Motha Party Maharaja Pradyot Manikya Ji and BJP North East Coordinator Sambit Patra Ji were also present,” Saha said in a post on X. “We had a fruitful and constructive discussion on matters of mutual importance and the development and welfare of the people of Tripura,” he said. Debbarma had on Wednesday said Tipra Motha would not enter into an alliance for the Village Committee elections without a written assurance on land rights for indigenous people in the Sixth Schedule areas. The Village Committee elections are being held after a gap of 10 years. The polls, initially due in 2022, were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent legal complications. Founded by Debbarma, the scion of Tripura’s erstwhile royal family, Tipra Motha emerged as a major political force in the state’s tribal belt after sweeping the TTAADC elections in 2021. It won 13 seats in the 60-member assembly in the 2023 elections, emerging as the second-largest party in the House and the principal opposition. It subsequently joined the BJP-led government in March 2024 after signing a tripartite accord with the Centre and the Tripura government aimed at finding an “amicable solution” to issues concerning the state’s indigenous people. The accord covered a range of issues, including land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language. Relations between the allies, however, have remained strained, with Tipra Motha repeatedly accusing the Centre and the state government of failing to implement key provisions of the accord. The differences intensified over the past year, with the two sides also trading charges following clashes involving their workers. The parties eventually contested the TTAADC elections earlier this year separately despite continuing to share power in the state government. Tipra Motha won 24 of the 28 elected seats in the tribal council polls, dealing a major setback to the BJP, which has drawn much of its support in the state from Bengali Hindu voters, in the tribal belt. (Source: PTI)        

Editorial

SCO Summit: A win for India in Bishkek

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The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit closed in Bishkek on September 1, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other heads of state signing the Bishkek Declaration, marking the bloc’s 25th anniversary. Hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the two-day summit brought together ten member states, fifteen partner countries and two observer nations. Prime Minister Modi’s agenda rested on three pillars — security, connectivity and opportunity. On security, he pressed for dismantling the entire terror ecosystem: its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and the safe havens that sustain it, insisting there could be no double standards and that terrorism must never be treated as anyone’s strategic asset. On connectivity, he backed regional trade and market integration, but only where it respects sovereignty and territorial integrity — a familiar Indian caveat aimed at projects such as China’s Belt and Road corridor running through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. What gave the moment its weight was where it happened: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sat at the same table, invoking his own country’s sacrifices against terrorism. Yet the Declaration still carried the substance India has sought for years — a strong, collective condemnation of terrorism in every form, rejection of double standards, and a call to combat the cross-border movement of terrorists. That every member, Pakistan included, signed on to that language is the real story, even without naming any specific attack. Beyond the rhetoric, the summit delivered India concrete institutional gains: approval of a new Universal Centre for Countering Security Threats, an updated protocol on cross-border crime cooperation that aids the fight against narco-terrorism, adoption of English as an official SCO language, and hosting rights for the SCO Civilization Dialogue Forum this autumn — thirteen outcomes in all, by the Ministry of External Affairs’ own count. The summit’s ambit reached well beyond South Asia. The Declaration condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as violations of international law and favoured a more multipolar order over unilateral sanctions — an SCO positioning itself against Western-led institutions. That sits awkwardly alongside India’s own recalibration: a February trade deal cutting US tariffs from 50 per cent to 18 per cent came bundled with a commitment to wind down Russian oil purchases, even as Modi sat with Putin in Bishkek, reviewing the full spread of India-Russia ties, energy included. With Xi Jinping there was no scheduled bilateral, just a warm handshake — modest, but consistent with the thaw since Tianjin. The real test begins now. Later this month, Modi, Xi and Putin reconvene in New Delhi for the BRICS summit, a sterner test of whether Bishkek’s cordiality survives contact with unresolved friction on the border and in trade. Declaratory unity against terrorism has been signed before, Pakistan included, without reliably converting into extradition, financial action or intelligence-sharing India can point to. Bishkek gave India better language. What New Delhi does with it will decide whether this was a turning point or one more ritual repeated on schedule. (Source: The Pioneer)