State News

ITANAGAR, OCT 25: Capital Police have arrested two police personnel after allegedly recovering suspected heroin weighing approximately 6 grams and 5 grams from their possession during a search at a rented residence in Jul Lang, Itanagar, on Saturday. According to a statement issued by Capital Police, the search was conducted by a team from Itanagar Police Station following specific source information and after obtaining written authorisation from the competent authority. The operation was led by Itanagar SDPO Chera Saban under the supervision of Capital SP Jummar Basar. The search was conducted in the presence of Town Magistrate Mary Tanyang. The two personnel apprehended were Monnong Tangku, a constable of Arunachal Pradesh Police (Civil), and Jabdang Khabisow, a constable of the India Reserve Battalion (IRBn). Their mobile phones were also seized. The search and seizure proceedings were conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and an independent witness and documented through the e-Sakshya application, police said. A case has been registered at Itanagar Police Station vide Case No. 345/2026 under Sections 21(a), 27A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of supply, possible links and the involvement of other persons. Capital Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences, stating that it applies irrespective of the status or rank of those involved.    

BALIJAN, OCT 25: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has urged students to cultivate integrity, trust, courage, modesty, commitment and self-discipline, stressing that leadership must be rooted in responsibility and service to others. Parnaik was speaking at the concluding function of the four-day state-level youth leadership camp, ‘Spread Your Wings’, organised for Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) students by the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Arunachal Pradesh Trust (VKVAPT) at VKV Balijan on Sunday. A total of 145 students from VKVs across the state participated in the camp, which centred on the theme ‘Love India’. Emphasising the importance of effective communication, Parnaik advised students to develop regular reading and writing habits to broaden their knowledge, enrich their vocabulary and improve their ability to express ideas clearly and confidently. He said effective leaders must remain calm under pressure while maintaining determination and clarity of purpose. He also highlighted problem-solving as a defining leadership quality, urging students to identify challenges, analyse situations, anticipate difficulties and take timely, responsible decisions. The Governor stressed that integrity should become a way of life, trust strengthens relationships, and modesty keeps individuals grounded. He said leadership and authority carried an obligation to guide, inspire and serve others rather than merely confer privilege. Encouraging students to develop their “Passion Quotient” alongside intelligence, knowledge and skills, he said passion gave purpose to hard work and helped individuals persevere through setbacks. When combined with discipline, dedication and determination, it could drive personal growth and achievement. Parnaik underscored self-discipline and selflessness as essential qualities for success, urging students to lead by example, uphold strong moral values and place collective well-being above personal recognition. He called on them to become responsible leaders who contribute meaningfully to the progress of Arunachal Pradesh and the nation. VKVAPT secretary Sujatha Nayak, Northeast Sampark Pramukh and Arunachal Prant Sangathak Rupesh Mathur, and VKV Itanagar principal Krishnan, who was also the camp’s Bouddhik Pramukh, addressed the gathering. Camp participants Kelong Baki, Rehanso Kri and Gichik Yachum also shared their experiences. Presenting the camp report, VKVAPT Education Officer and camp head P. Ajayakumar said the programme aimed to awaken the latent potential of youth, develop skills and leadership qualities, and familiarise students with Vivekananda Kendra as a platform to channel their aspirations towards the welfare of Arunachal Pradesh and India.    

PASIGHAT, OCT 25: Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) held an interactive discussion with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Monitor Professor Kanhaiya Tripathi on Sunday, focusing on human rights education, institutional accountability, gender equality and student welfare. Tripathi, who is on a week-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh, emphasised the need for institutional mechanisms to promote human rights awareness and protection. He suggested that the university consider establishing a Human Rights Cell or a dedicated department and introduce academic programmes such as Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM) or a master’s degree in Human Rights. Referring to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he highlighted the importance of human rights literacy and called for greater awareness of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, cybercrime and cyber hygiene. He also recommended seminars, awareness programmes and creative competitions to strengthen rights-based education. The discussion addressed gender equality and the need to ensure a safe and inclusive campus for all students, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. Tripathi suggested welfare facilities such as sanitary napkin vending machines, ambulance services and access to both male and female doctors and nurses. He also stressed the need for an effective grievance-redressal mechanism, including a complaint box, and timely action by the Internal Complaints Committee within the applicable 90-day period. Other suggestions included research publications, awards recognising contributions to human rights and a “Happiness Marks” system to monitor campus well-being. The programme was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ashan Riddi, the registrar, university officials, heads of departments, faculty members and PhD scholars. In his concluding remarks, Riddi reiterated the importance of gender equality, women’s participation and leadership, and non-violence. The programme was compered by Department of Sociology faculty member Gora Mamu and coordinated by Terbi Loyi, head-in-charge of the department and nodal officer.    

PASIGHAT, OCT 24: Anti-dam activists Ebo Milli and Otul Jerang surrendered before the police on Saturday following incidents of violence, arson and vandalism during the 12-hour bandh called against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh. The two activists, who have been leading opposition to the proposed 11,200-MW hydropower project, said their surrender was intended to urge protesting youths to refrain from violence and maintain peace. According to Milli, the bandh across Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts was called to demand the release of activists detained during earlier anti-dam protests and to protest the alleged use of excessive force by security personnel near Dite-Dime in the Geku area. Milli claimed that reports of tear gas being used and women sustaining injuries during demonstrations near Geku triggered widespread anger. He alleged that tensions escalated in Pasighat after nightfall, resulting in stone-pelting and confrontations. He said protest leaders had attempted to persuade demonstrators to stop the violence. Milli also claimed that he rushed to the site after receiving information around 2 am that a police station was being set ablaze, but could not stop the crowd. Condemning the arson and damage to public property, Milli maintained that he and Jerang did not support violent protests and appealed to the agitating youths to maintain peace. Reacting to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s remarks on the unrest, Milli alleged that the incidents near Geku should also receive attention alongside the violence reported in Pasighat.    

DIRANG, OCT 24: Jumila Yordung from Shi-Yomi district was crowned Miss Arunachal 2026 at the grand finale of the pageant held in Dirang on Friday, emerging winner among 25 finalists. Lobsang Yangchen from West Kameng secured the first runner-up position, while Mepung Tok from Pakke Kessang was named second runner-up. Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Yordung on her achievement in a social media post, also extending his wishes to Yangchen and Tok. He wished all three contestants success in their future endeavours. The grand finale was attended by Cultural Affairs, Women and Child Development, and Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul as the chief guest, while Kalaktang MLA Tsetan Chombay was the guest of honour. The judging panel included Rajnandini Pawar, former Femina Miss India 2026, the former Miss Arunachal 2024 titleholder and filmmaker Tai Gungte. The 25 finalists showcased their talent, confidence and personality, with the pageant providing a platform for young women from across the state to express their individuality and cultural identity. Several contestants were also recognised in subtitle categories. Gida Yalam won Best Costume, Tashi Choten was named for Beautiful Smile, Aniya Nabam won Miss Catwalk, Daisy Lingrim Cherom received Miss Congeniality, and Inong Medina Tamut was named Miss Photogenic. Kitdam Kitnat won Miss Popular, Panina Miri secured Miss Talent, and Damak Ramching was named Miss Tourism.    

TAWANG, OCT 24: More than 4,500 runners from across the country participated in the fourth edition of the Tawang Marathon, held at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium on Saturday. Organised to promote fitness, adventure sports and tourism, the event featured four categories — 5 km, 10 km, 21 km half marathon and 42 km full marathon — bringing together athletes, fitness enthusiasts, armed forces personnel and local residents. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini flagged off the 42 km race at 5.30 am in the presence of MLAs Tsering Lhamu and Namgey Tsering, Gajraj Corps General Officer Commanding Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, senior Army officers, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Abu Tayeng, Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and other dignitaries. Bollywood actor Amit Sial attended the event as the guest of honour. A cultural programme featuring local folk artists and Indian Army personnel added to the occasion, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage and the camaraderie between the armed forces and local communities. Addressing the gathering, Jini congratulated the participants and winners and commended the district administration, the Indian Army and the organising team for conducting the event. He described the marathon as a celebration of fitness, discipline, determination and national pride, and said sporting events could inspire young people to embrace healthy lifestyles and develop resilience. The minister also acknowledged the Indian Army’s role in safeguarding the country’s borders and supporting local communities. He highlighted Tawang’s potential as a destination for high-altitude and adventure sports, adding that discipline, character and sportsmanship were as important as winning medals. Sial thanked the organisers for inviting him to Tawang and praised the district’s natural beauty. He expressed hope that participants would return for future editions and experience the region’s landscape, culture and hospitality. Race results In the 42 km full marathon, Anish Thapa Mager won the men’s title in 2:38:51, followed by Mukesh Kumar (2:42:41) and Nikhil Santosh Singh (2:49:46). Binita Kami topped the women’s category in 3:53:31, ahead of Samjana Subba (3:59:33) and Dakahi Kyndait (4:08:31). In the 21 km half marathon, Raghunandan Singh Kumanya won the men’s race in 1:16:53, followed by Arif Ali (1:18:46) and Anand Singh Rawat (1:18:56). Anjuli Subba secured the women’s title in 1:35:07, with Munni (1:36:00) and Pooja Verma (1:37:03) finishing second and third, respectively. Jeevan Singh won the men’s 10 km race in 35:56, followed by Sanjay Singh (36:22) and Bhanu Pratap (36:37). Neha Patil topped the women’s category in 48:35, ahead of Jidalin Tympu (48:51) and Anamika Devi (51:04). In the 5 km run, Gopal Singh Lamgariya won the men’s category in 18:15, followed by Akash (18:36) and Deepak Bisht (18:47). Khushboo Nishad won the women’s race in 26:15, with Amisha Sharma (27:28) and Nima Rema (27:29) taking the next two places. The organisers said the results were provisional and subject to further scrutiny and verification. The event highlighted Tawang’s growing appeal as a destination for high-altitude running and adventure sports, while promoting fitness and showcasing the district’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its successful conduct involved the district administration, the Indian Army, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, volunteers and other stakeholders.    

DIRANG, OCT 24: A delegation of Dream for United Arunachal (DUA), led by its chairman Dr Gumjum Haider, met Dirang MLA and Advisor to the Public Works Department Phurpa Tsering to discuss state unity, inclusive development and the vision of a developed Arunachal Pradesh by 2047. During the interaction, Tsering appreciated DUA’s vision of promoting unity beyond community boundaries, emphasising that leaders represent the entire state and its people. The discussion highlighted the state’s development and improvements in road infrastructure under Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s leadership. It also stressed the need to promote ease of doing business, environmental conservation and positive behavioural changes to achieve long-term development goals. Tsering commended the team’s efforts under its Ek Aur DUA initiative, which promotes goodwill, compassion, social harmony and communal unity. He extended his best wishes to the delegation and expressed his willingness to join the team during the second phase of its tour to eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier, the delegation visited the newly consecrated Jangchub Chorten and Memorial Peace Park at Jang, built in memory of late Jambey Tashi, former MLA of 3-Lumla Assembly Constituency. The team paid tribute to the departed leader and offered prayers for the eternal peace of his soul. Interacting with the bereaved family, Haider recalled his close association with Tashi and described him as a leader committed to public welfare, community development and unity. The DUA leadership said his ideals of regional harmony and grassroots empowerment aligned with the objectives of the Ek Aur DUA initiative. En route to Tawang, the delegation also visited Sela Top and Jang Waterfall, where its members interacted with tourists and local residents to spread the message of empathy, kindness and mutual respect.