State News

ITANAGAR, OCT 11: Health and Family Welfare minister Biyuram Wahge on Sunday called upon the younger generation to remain deeply connected to their indigenous roots while embracing a healthy and active lifestyle, as he flagged off the 25.5-km ‘Run for Identity’ marathon organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP). Addressing the gathering, Wahge emphasised that preserving indigenous identity, ancestral traditions and cultural values was a collective responsibility, particularly at a time when rapid modernisation was reshaping society. He said initiatives such as the ‘Run for Identity’ marathon could bridge the generational divide by bringing young people closer to their cultural heritage while promoting physical fitness, discipline and community participation. “Our indigenous identity is our greatest strength, and our traditions are the foundation of our society. As we move forward with development and modernisation, we must ensure that our younger generations remain connected to their roots,” Wahge said, in a suggested quote reflecting his remarks. Appreciating IFCSAP for combining sports with cultural awareness, the minister stressed that safeguarding Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse indigenous languages, customs and traditional practices required sustained efforts from every section of society. “A healthy society is not just one that is physically fit, but one that is culturally conscious and proud of its heritage. Events like this remind us that development and tradition must go hand in hand,” he added, in another suggested quote. The marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 200 runners representing Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, with athletes competing for top honours in the men’s and women’s categories. Kamal Kumar from Uttar Pradesh emerged victorious in the men’s category, completing the gruelling 25.5-km race in 87 minutes and 20 seconds, while Nedi Ngi from Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district clinched the women’s title with a timing of 98 minutes and 23 seconds. Both champions walked away with cash prizes of Rs 30,000 each. The race, which began at Nyokum Niya Ground in Nirjuli and culminated at Nyokum Lapang in Itanagar, brought together participants across generations, including children as young as nine, reflecting growing enthusiasm for fitness and cultural awareness. Indigenous Youth Festival-2026 organising chairman Pai Dawe said the marathon was envisioned as more than a sporting competition, with its larger objective being to inspire young people to take pride in their indigenous identity. He said the initiative sought to demonstrate that cultural preservation need not remain confined to traditional ceremonies and festivals but could also be promoted through sports and other youth-oriented activities. Organising secretary Hilot Mugli said the marathon provided a platform to unite communities around a shared commitment to safeguarding their ancestral heritage while encouraging healthier lifestyles. The event also served as a curtain-raiser for the upcoming IFCSAP Indigenous Youth Festival, scheduled to be held in Seppa from November 12 to 14, where indigenous faith, traditional customs and cultural heritage will take centre stage.  

ITANAGAR, OCT 11: The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) organised the Nyishi Tourism Conclave, featuring a panel discussion and ideathon, to explore the tourism potential of Nyishi-inhabited areas and promote sustainable, community-led tourism development in Arunachal Pradesh. The conclave brought together tourism professionals, mountaineers, environmentalists, academicians, policymakers, community representatives and young entrepreneurs to discuss opportunities for developing tourism while protecting indigenous culture, traditions and the natural environment. The panel discussion, moderated by John Panye, Advisor, Tourism Affairs, ANYA, featured Everester Tagit Sorang Abraham; Yomjum Yomgam, Chairman, Young Mission Club; Er. Nabam Takar, General Secretary, Nyishi Elite Society; Dr. Taba Tath, Principal, Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College; Bengia Manna Sonam, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism; and Bengia Ajum, Assistant Editor, Arunachal Times. The discussion focused on identifying lesser-known destinations in Nyishi-inhabited areas, assessing their tourism potential and promoting responsible tourism through community participation. Participants explored opportunities in adventure, nature-based and cultural tourism, highlighting the need to improve infrastructure, promote homestays and encourage local youth to take up tourism-related entrepreneurship. The ideathon featured resource persons with experience in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, community conservation and destination development. Their presentations highlighted practical approaches to developing tourism while ensuring environmental protection and direct benefits for local communities. Kevichulie Metase, associated with the Eco-Tourism Management Committee, Khonoma, Nagaland, shared insights into community-led tourism, regulated homestays, environmental protection and the promotion of indigenous cultural heritage. Kishon Tekseng, Everester and Advenpreneur at Eko Dumbing Adventure, spoke about opportunities in mountaineering, trekking and adventure tourism, emphasising responsible planning and local participation. Kamal Medhi, associated with WWF and the Chung Valley Community Conserved Area in Dirang, West Kameng, discussed community-based conservation and the role of indigenous knowledge and community institutions in protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Sunku Zangmu and Riching Jomba, associated with the Chung Valley Community Conserved Area, shared perspectives on traditional Monpa environmental stewardship, customary laws and collective village management as approaches to balancing forest conservation with livelihood needs. Jimu Mele, Advisor to Emudu Trekkers, Anini, Dibang Valley, highlighted community-based adventure tourism and destination development. Established by local youth in 2020, Emudu Trekkers has helped explore and promote the Anini Seven Lakes Trek, illustrating how local initiatives can develop trekking opportunities and generate livelihood prospects for indigenous communities. The ideathon encouraged participants to develop locally relevant tourism ideas suited to the region’s geography, cultural identity and environmental sensitivities. Discussions stressed the importance of involving communities in planning, managing and benefiting from tourism initiatives. Tourism Minister PD Sona attended the conclave as chief guest and congratulated the ANYA team for organising the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for discussing tourism development. His participation underscored the importance of collaboration among the government, community organisations, tourism professionals and young entrepreneurs. Tagru Punong, Vice Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, attended as guest of honour. Riba Pangia Dolo, State President of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Tsering Wange, President of the Northeast India Tourism Confederation, were present as special invitees. Bengia Mrinal, Advisor, Tourism Affairs, ANYA, and Rim Tahi Nabam, Research Scholar at Rajiv Gandhi University, also attended. The conclave highlighted the potential of Nyishi-inhabited areas for trekking, adventure activities, nature-based tourism, indigenous cultural experiences and village-based tourism. It also stressed that tourism development must remain environmentally responsible, respect local traditions and deliver tangible economic benefits to communities. ANYA said the active participation of local youth, traditional institutions, community organisations and government agencies would be crucial to turning the region’s tourism potential into sustainable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and regional development. Through the conclave, the association sought to promote dialogue, innovation and collaboration towards a tourism model that safeguards natural heritage, preserves indigenous identity and creates lasting benefits for future generations.    

JEMITHANG, OCT 11: Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Tonong Darang, accompanied by Lumla Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sub-Inspector Ajati Mimi, visited Khenzamane (Gorong Kukpa) and Gorzam under Jemithang Circle on Sunday to strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency coordination and engage with communities in the frontier areas. The officers interacted with the Gaon Burahs of Shocktsen and Bapteng Kang and Lama Kesang of Gorzam Stupa to understand the concerns and experiences of residents in the border villages. As part of the visit, Darang met the Commanding Officer of the Lumpo Battalion at the Log Bridge and visited camps of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), where he interacted with officers and personnel deployed in the region. The discussions focused on improving communication, strengthening mutual cooperation and ensuring effective coordination among security agencies operating in the strategically important border areas. During the interactions, the SP listened to the concerns of villagers and security personnel and emphasised the importance of close coordination among local communities, village leaders and security forces. He encouraged all stakeholders to work together in a spirit of mutual trust and shared responsibility to maintain peace and security in the region. The visit highlighted the importance of regular engagement with border communities and coordinated efforts among security agencies in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. It also reaffirmed Tawang Police’s commitment to grassroots-level engagement and maintaining a safe and peaceful environment in the district. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR, OCT 11: The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarters (Bravo), Tezpur, has commenced the eight-day NER Trek-I camp for Senior and Junior Division boys at MTGHSS Itanagar. Scheduled from October 10 to 17, the camp brings together 550 NCC cadets from five directorates: North Eastern Region, West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar and Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The initiative aims to promote camaraderie, discipline and national integration through adventure and shared experiences. The first day was dedicated to the arrival and accommodation of cadets. The camp formally commenced on October 11 with an address by the Commanding Officer of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, who welcomed the participants to the Rising Sun Trek in Arunachal Pradesh. Emphasising the importance of physical fitness and mental well-being, the Commanding Officer said trekking helps build resilience, improve physical and mental endurance, and prepare cadets to face life’s challenges with confidence and adaptability. The camp schedule includes activities designed to develop teamwork, discipline and an appreciation of the region’s cultural diversity. Cadets will attend introductory sessions on safety and first aid, learn about the tribes and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, and participate in demonstrations on knots, lashings and hitches. The programme also includes treks to Chimi village and Poma Hills, along with a survival day intended to familiarise cadets with local culture and cuisine. An “Itanagar Darshan” programme and a fun day are also planned. Group activities, games, athletics, treasure hunts, quizzes and cultural programmes will form part of the schedule, providing opportunities for interaction and collective learning beyond routine camp activities. The NER Trek-I camp aims to offer cadets from different parts of the country an engaging experience of life in Northeast India. By combining adventure with cultural exposure and teamwork, the initiative seeks to make national integration a lived experience while encouraging participants to appreciate India’s diversity. The camp is scheduled to conclude on October 17, with the experience expected to strengthen bonds among cadets and foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, unity and national integration.

TAWANG, OCT 11: The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organised the Seva Sankalp Utsav – Nukkad Natak (Street Play) under the theme “Namo Seva – Ankahee Kahaniyan” (Untold Stories) at Old Market, Tawang, on Sunday. The programme highlighted the values of selfless service, dedication and social responsibility through street theatre, conveying messages of community participation and nation-building in an engaging manner. The event began with a welcome address by Lhundup Chosang, followed by traditional cultural dances presented by the Ketchenga Culture troupe. Traffic Sub-Inspector Chong Norbu, officer-in-charge of traffic, also conducted an awareness session on traffic safety. Leki Gombu, Zilla Parishad Chairperson of Tawang, attended the programme as chief guest. Other dignitaries included in-charge Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Deputy Superintendent of Police Togum Yate Gonggo, Zilla Parishad Members Sonam Nordzin and Tenzin Yendra, and Vice Chairperson of DoKAA Sange Chhodup, along with senior public leaders. The main attraction was a nukkad natak performance featuring stories and messages centred on service, commitment and community participation. Dunggoli Libang, Convenor of Nukkad Natak, also addressed the gathering. The artists were felicitated in recognition of their contributions, and the programme concluded with the National Anthem. The Seva Sankalp Utsav aimed to promote selfless service, cultural expression and public awareness while encouraging people to contribute towards social welfare and nation-building. The programme also provided a platform for artists and cultural groups to engage with the public and reinforce the values of Seva, Samarpan and Sankalp (service, dedication and resolve).