Latest News

ITANAGAR, SEP 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Sunday convened a consultative meeting at the DK Convention Centre here to deliberate on several long-standing issues concerning Arunachal Pradesh, including the Chakma-Hajong issue, the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam inter-State boundary and constitutional safeguards under Article 371(H). The meeting brought together representatives of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), community-based organisations (CBOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), district students’ unions (DSUs), community-based students’ unions (CBSUs), branch students’ unions (BSUs), legal experts, political parties, former AAPSU leaders and other key stakeholders. The consultation comes amid renewed tensions over the Chakma-Hajong issue in Changlang district following the recent violence during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing in Bordumsa. AAPSU had subsequently announced the consultative meeting to seek a collective response on the contentious issue. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing, in a social media post, said the meeting provided a platform for a broad exchange of views on issues affecting the state’s identity, rights and constitutional protections. He said the discussions underscored the need for a united and informed approach and called for the concerns and suggestions emerging from the consultation to be translated into sustained dialogue, coordinated action and follow-up with the appropriate authorities. On the Chakma-Hajong issue, the consultation focused on the long-standing refugee question and concerns relating to the identity, rights and demographic interests of indigenous communities. The Arunachal Pradesh-Assam inter-State boundary issue was also discussed, with emphasis on pursuing a peaceful and equitable resolution to outstanding boundary matters and ensuring security and stability along the inter-State border. The meeting further deliberated on Article 371(H) of the Constitution, with participants advocating stronger constitutional safeguards tailored to the specific circumstances of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in relation to land, resources and governance. Tasing stressed the importance of collective resolve and responsibility in addressing the issues and safeguarding the interests, identity and constitutional protections of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. The consultation was also seen as an effort to bring different stakeholders onto a common platform and build consensus on issues that have remained sensitive and unresolved over the years. (Photo: Ojing Tasing in Facebook)    

BIJNI, SEP 13: Home and Inter-State Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung visited the North East Military School (NEMS), Bijni, Assam, on Sunday and interacted with teachers and students. Natung witnessed the students’ march past, fire jump, yoga and cultural performances and appreciated their discipline, confidence and talent. He commended the school management and faculty for their dedicated efforts towards providing quality education and nurturing responsible young citizens. Natung also appreciated the contributions of Ullas Kulkarni, Dr Itesh Bordoloi, Kamalsingh Narzary, Principal Ranjan Dutta and the entire NEMS family in building a strong foundation for the students’ future.      

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, SEP 13: State BJP President Kaling Moyong on Sunday announced the launch of the month-long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026”, a nationwide campaign to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey in public governance. Addressing a press conference in Pasighat, Moyong said the campaign would be observed from September 17 to October 17, beginning with Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17. The campaign commemorates his entry into public office as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and his subsequent tenure as Prime Minister. Moyong highlighted the government’s focus on Antyodaya and last-mile delivery, saying development under Modi’s leadership had reached remote and border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Several border habitations that were once described as “last villages” are now being developed as “first villages” of India, he said, with emphasis on connectivity, welfare and national integration. Highlighting welfare initiatives, Moyong said more than 80 crore people were covered under free food-ration support and around 100 crore were benefiting from various social-security measures. He also cited Ayushman Bharat and housing initiatives, claiming that over 55 crore people had access to free medical treatment and around four crore permanent houses had been provided to families in need. On the economy, Moyong said India had moved from being the world’s 11th-largest economy before 2014 to among the top five globally and was progressing towards becoming the third-largest economy. He also highlighted the country’s growing manufacturing capacity and digital innovations such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which, he said, had expanded through partnerships in more than 20 countries. Moyong further said Prime Minister Modi had received 37 high-level international honours from foreign countries and international institutions, reflecting India’s growing international standing and his diplomatic engagement. As part of the campaign, the BJP Arunachal Pradesh unit will undertake grassroots programmes across 28 districts and 74 mandals, with participation extending to the booth level. Moyong said the campaign would involve BJP workers, youth, students and local communities. School competitions will be organised in around 700 schools across the state for students of Classes 1–8 and 9–12, focusing on constitutional values, citizenship and awareness. The campaign will also feature Swachhata drives and health camps across all 74 mandals to promote cleanliness, public health and community participation. Moyong said the month-long campaign would provide an opportunity to highlight development and welfare initiatives while strengthening public participation and service-oriented activities at the grassroots level. The campaign will conclude on October 17.  

NAMSAI, SEP 13: The Solung Festival, a major traditional festival of the Adi community, was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm at D.M. Giidi Notke Nongkhon in Lekang Circle of Namsai district. Rajya Sabha Member Tai Tagak attended the celebration as chief guest, while Wanki Lowang was the guest of honour. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul attended as special guests. The celebration was also attended by Tezu MLA Mohesh Chai, Roing MLA Muchu Mithi, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, Nampong MLA Laisam Simai and Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum, besides Namsai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chow Sujana Namchoom, Zilla Parishad members and other public representatives. Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, Superintendent of Police Lobsang Tsering, heads of various departments, representatives of community-based organisations, community leaders, cultural groups and members of the public were also present. Addressing the gathering, Ninong Ering highlighted the cultural and social significance of Solung and stressed the need to safeguard the traditional knowledge, customs and practices associated with the festival. Mein called for concerted efforts to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural traditions, indigenous heritage and customs. He urged the younger generation to remain connected with their cultural roots and traditional values while contributing to the state’s development and progress. Pul highlighted Solung as an important expression of the cultural identity, traditions and community values of the Adi people. Lowang extended greetings to the people on the occasion and emphasised collective efforts to preserve the community’s cultural heritage and traditional practices. Tagak congratulated the people on the occasion and described Solung as an important platform for strengthening community bonds, preserving cultural heritage and transmitting traditional knowledge to younger generations. He also stressed the importance of protecting the cultural identity and indigenous traditions of the state amid changing times. The celebration featured traditional cultural programmes, indigenous performances and other community activities, providing an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their heritage and strengthen social harmony and community bonds.  

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, SEP 13: The farming community of Kiyit village under Mebo sub-division and people across East Siang district are mourning the death of progressive farmer and community leader Popok Darin, who passed away following a cardiac arrest early Sunday. He was 63. Darin reportedly suffered the cardiac arrest at around 3.30 am and was rushed to Bakin Pertin General Hospital in Pasighat, where doctors declared him dead. Widely respected as a progressive farmer, Darin devoted more than five decades to agriculture, having started farming at the age of eight. Over the years, he emerged as one of the region’s enterprising cultivators, managing nearly 20 hectares of maize plantation and cultivating paddy, mustard, pulses, oilseeds and bananas. He also practised integrated fish farming, reflecting his emphasis on diversified and sustainable agricultural practices. Beyond farming, Darin advocated reforms aimed at improving the condition of farmers, particularly an effective government procurement mechanism to ensure better market access and fair returns for agricultural produce. He also encouraged young people to consider agriculture a viable and respectable profession. Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng expressed grief over Darin’s demise and recalled his contributions to the community. “Community leader and progressive farmer Late Shri Popok Darin of Kiyit village, Mebo, will always be remembered for his simplicity, self-reliance, dedication and contribution to the community. Bibing, you will always remain in our hearts and memories. May your soul rest in eternal peace,” Tayeng said in his condolence message. Darin’s death has left a deep void in Kiyit and the wider farming community. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, innovation, resilience and dedication to agriculture. He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. His last rites will be performed at his residence in Kiyit village on Monday.