Latest News

NAMSAI, SEP 12: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday assured the state government’s full cooperation and support for the timely and smooth implementation of the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project Narender Kumar, Executive Director of the project, along with other officials, called on Mein at his residence here and discussed key issues concerning the execution of the mega project. The discussions covered land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R), mobile connectivity, local security, infrastructure development and power requirements, Mein said in a social media post. He said the Dibang Multipurpose Project was of immense strategic and developmental importance to Arunachal Pradesh and would significantly augment the state’s power generation capacity while contributing to its socio-economic growth. Mein assured Kumar that the state government would extend all necessary support and facilitate coordination among stakeholders to address the issues involved and ensure the successful and timely completion of the project. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to expediting the execution of the landmark project.  

PASIGHAT, SEP 12: Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, hosted a series of literary and fine arts competitions on Saturday as part of the month-long Vande Mataram @ 150 (VM150) celebrations sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Organised by the Department of Mass Communication, the competitions marked the prelude to the three-day national celebration scheduled at the APU campus from October 7 to 9. The main event will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Culture. Around 160 students from across East Siang district participated in four competitions—Painting and Poster Making, Essay Writing, Poetry Writing and Vande Mataram Singing—in Junior and Senior categories. Students from Jawaharlal Nehru College, APU, North East Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research, Daying Ering College of Teacher Education and Government Polytechnic College Pasighat, besides students from several schools in the district, took part in the competitions. Painting and Poster Making recorded 37 participants, Essay Writing 63, Poetry Writing 40 and Vande Mataram Singing 20 participants. The competitions focused on themes linking the national narrative with Arunachal Pradesh’s frontier experience, including the legacy and relevance of Vande Mataram, unsung heroes of the state’s freedom struggle, the meaning of the motherland, frontier landscape, national integration and tribal identity. Speaking on the occasion, Vande Mataram @ 150 convener Dr Prem Taba said Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was not merely a song but the “soul of India’s freedom movement”. He said the VM150 initiative aimed to provide youths a platform to engage with history, culture and national identity and reflect on the idea of the motherland from the perspective of Arunachal Pradesh. Taba said the competitions carry cash prizes and certificates, with results to be announced during the inaugural ceremony on October 7. He added that the celebrations would continue with community-oriented programmes, including a 5.5-km ‘Run for Vande Mataram’ mini marathon from Gandhi Chowk to APU on September 13, to be flagged off by BJP Arunachal Pradesh State President Kaling Moyong, followed by a river cleanup drive on the Siang on September 19, a national seminar, cultural programmes, exhibitions and community outreach activities ahead of the October 7-9 grand finale. APU Registrar Narmi Darang, Dean Academics Prof PC Jena, Assistant Registrar (Academics) Likha Rinchin, heads of departments, faculty members, research scholars and students attended the programme.    

ZIRO, SEP 12: With the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) 2026 scheduled from September 24 to 27, the district administration held a preparatory meeting with local homestay owners at the Mini Secretariat Building here on Saturday to coordinate arrangements for the expected influx of visitors. Chairing the meeting, Ziro Sub-Divisional Officer Hage Tarung underscored the role of homestay hosts in shaping visitors’ experience and Ziro’s reputation as a tourist destination. He stressed the need to maintain hygiene, parking and fire-safety standards and urged hosts to be patient and considerate towards guests returning late from festival venues. Tarung also suggested that homestays create dedicated spaces to showcase and sell authentic Apatani handloom and handicrafts, enabling visitors to experience the local culture while generating additional income for local artisans. In-charge District Tourism Officer Khoda Yakang Millo emphasised sustainable tourism practices, particularly the reduction of single-use plastics, in line with the goal of making Ziro a “Zero Waste Ziro”. She also advised homestay owners to maintain proper guest registers, submit Tourist Arrival Reports on time and ensure timely filing of Form-C for foreign visitors through the police department. Owners were further reminded to keep first-aid kits stocked and emergency contact numbers prominently displayed. Millo highlighted the achievement of Lempia Ude Homestay, whose owner Rubu Ampi shared her practical hospitality practices that helped the property secure the government’s top Diamond Category rating. District Art and Culture Officer Tapi Rimu, Trade Development Officer Tai Arun and officials from various departments also attended the meeting. The meeting concluded with officials and homestay owners resolving to work together to provide visitors with a safe, welcoming and memorable festival experience while preserving Ziro’s environment and cultural heritage. (DIPR)    

ZIRO, SEP 12: The 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) 2026 was launched at Ato Rubu Duku Nelo in Lempia village on Saturday, with community leaders, health workers and local residents participating in the programme. Organised by the Office of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Ziro-I Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Project, under the Department of Women and Child Development, the event focused on strengthening grassroots nutrition and maternal health initiatives across Lower Subansiri district. Representatives from the Health, Education, Rural Development, Civil Supply and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) conducted interactive sessions on improving family health. Key areas included consumption of protein-rich local foods, early childhood stimulation, provision of fresh hot-cooked meals at Anganwadi centres and access to financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). CDPO Takhe Rinyo Bullo, chief guest and 5th Lempia Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Rubu Tadii, and guest of honour and 6th Tajang ZPM Millo Tadu stressed the importance of community ownership and inter-departmental coordination in improving nutrition outcomes. A showcase of nutrient-rich local recipes was also organised, followed by distribution of nutrition kits to village families by Anganwadi workers. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Anganwadi Worker Rubu Rija. The month-long Poshan Maah campaign will continue until October 8. (DIPR)  

LONGDING, SEP 12: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Longding, conducted a Child Rights Awareness and Community Sensitisation programme at the Circuit House here on Thursday under the theme “Know Your Rights – Protect Every Child.”   The programme brought together representatives of the administration, community organisations and child protection agencies to deliberate on issues concerning child safety, welfare and protection. Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Chubam Block Laichoi Wangpan, Wancho Council spokesperson Dr Manlonh Ralongham and the Longding Deputy Commissioner addressed the inaugural session, stressing the collective responsibility of the administration and community in protecting children. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted awareness initiatives undertaken by the District Task Force (DTF), Longding, and announced the launch of a child helpline at 8730008884. He cautioned parents against sending children outside the district or state to work as labourers or domestic helpers. He also emphasised the need for a dedicated child-care institution in Longding and informed that a proposal for a Vatsalya Sadan had been submitted to the concerned authorities. He further announced sponsorship of the education of children involved in reported cases. APSCPCR Chairperson, in the keynote address on “Child Rights and the Role of Community in Protecting Children”, underscored the importance of grassroots communities in identifying and preventing child rights violations. In recognition of their efforts towards child safety and protection, the Commission honoured the DCPU and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Longding teams as “Champions of Child Rights”, marking the first such recognition by the Commission. The technical sessions covered legal safeguards, education and safety, mental health and substance abuse, and digital safety. APSCPCR Member Ngurang Achung discussed the Juvenile Justice Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child labour laws and measures to prevent child marriage. Protection Officer Adv Anita Wangpan addressed the Right to Education, school safety, bullying and child protection mechanisms. Legal-cum-Probation Officer (LPO) Adv Wangtan Wangsu spoke on mental health, emotional well-being and substance abuse among youth, besides conducting a session on digital safety covering social media misuse, cyberbullying, internet addiction and risks associated with online gaming. (DIPR)        

TAWANG, SEP 12: The second edition of the Monyul Super League (MSL) got off to a dramatic start in Tawang, with Shyo United stunning defending champions Kalaktang-Rupa FC 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Stadium. The tournament, which kicked off on Thursday, has brought together eight teams from Tawang and West Kameng districts in a battle for regional football supremacy. Four teams each from the two districts are competing in the league – Kalaktang-Rupa FC, Thrizino-Buragaon, Bomdila FC, Mon Dirang, Rheblagangsum, Tawang United, Shyo United and Dhagpa Pangchen. The opening clash lived up to the occasion as defending champions Kalaktang-Rupa FC faced a determined Shyo United. In a closely fought contest, Shyo United held their nerve to clinch a 3-2 victory, handing the reigning champions an early setback and setting the tone for an action-packed tournament. Earlier, the league was formally inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee the 14th Thegtse Rinpoche in the presence of Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, Special Secretary (Sports) Akshat Kaushal, deputy commissioner Namgyal Angmo and SP Tasi Darang, besides public representatives, officials and sports personalities. The inaugural ceremony also brought music to the football arena, with Arunachal Idol Season 7 winner Samdrup and Arunachal-based pop act Gilithigreams performing before the gathering. The tournament is being organised in collaboration with the Tawang District Sports Association, with Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) continuing as title partner for the second consecutive year. Reckitt South Asia executive vice-president Gaurav Jain said the partnership seeks to use football as a platform to build confidence, teamwork and respect among young people while encouraging them to make informed choices. Beyond the race for the trophy, the league aims to provide emerging footballers from the region a competitive platform while strengthening sporting ties between Tawang and West Kameng. With the defending champions already beaten in their opening outing, MSL 2026 has begun with an early warning – the title race could be wide open this year.