State News

RUPA : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday paid homage to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, describing their sacrifice as a timeless inspiration for national unity and youth-led nation-building during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration at Rupa in West Kameng district. The Governor laid a wreath at the 5 Mountain Division War Memorial and offered floral tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the conflict. He also interacted with officers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) who had participated in the Kargil War. Addressing the troops, Parnaik said Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s historic victory in the 1999 conflict, fought over 83 days in some of the world’s most challenging high-altitude battlefields. Despite harsh weather, rugged terrain and enemy occupation of strategic heights, he said, the Indian Armed Forces displayed extraordinary courage and determination to reclaim every inch of Indian territory. Recalling the sacrifice of more than 500 soldiers, the Governor paid tribute to gallantry award recipients including Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar. He said the Kargil victory symbolised not only military success but also the strength of national unity, with people across the country standing firmly behind the Armed Forces. Urging young people to draw inspiration from the courage, integrity and selfless service of the Kargil heroes, he called on them to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 through dedication, innovation and patriotism. Highlighting the strategic importance of border regions, the Governor described border villages as the nation’s first line of strength and stressed the need to improve infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood opportunities to enhance national security and resilience. Parnaik also underlined the importance of modernising the Armed Forces and strengthening strategic infrastructure to meet emerging security challenges. He expressed gratitude to serving soldiers, veterans and border communities for their unwavering commitment to the nation and urged citizens to uphold the ideals of courage, unity and national service for which the Kargil heroes laid down their lives. The Governor complimented the General Officer Commanding, 5 Mountain Division, for organising the commemoration and appreciated the participation of public representatives, the civil administration, veterans and local residents. Among those present were Rupa MLA Tseten Chombay, General Officer Commanding 5 Mountain Division Major General Amit Nautiyal SM VSM, Commander 311 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Arun R. Nambisan, Commander 351 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Vinay Jasrotia, Commander 5 Mountain Artillery Brigade Brigadier Vineet Goyal, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar Chetia and Superintendent of Police DW Thungon.      

SHERGAON : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday urged personnel of the 73rd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and discipline while discharging their duties, saying sincerity, discipline and dedication are the hallmarks of a successful uniformed force. Interacting with officers and jawans of the battalion at Shergaon in West Kameng district, the Governor drew upon his experience in the Armed Forces to encourage the personnel and lauded their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and maintaining peace and security in remote areas. Extending his greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Parnaik stressed the importance of strengthening and mentoring junior officers. He said well-trained, motivated and professionally competent young leaders form the backbone of an effective force and are vital for maintaining operational excellence, discipline and high morale. He urged senior officers to nurture leadership qualities among younger personnel so that they are prepared to shoulder greater responsibilities while upholding the finest traditions of service to the nation. The Governor also commended the battalion for maintaining cordial relations with local communities, observing that people-centric engagement fosters mutual trust and strengthens the bond between security forces and citizens. Encouraging the personnel to go beyond their operational responsibilities, he asked them to actively promote sports and physical fitness among local youth, motivate young people to join the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, and continue undertaking community outreach initiatives. Earlier, Bomdila Sashastra Seema Bal Sector Headquarters Deputy Inspector General Kamal Kant briefed the Governor on the force’s role, responsibilities and achievements along the Indo-Bhutan border. Shergaon 73rd Battalion Commandant Chaoba Angomcha was also present. The Governor later joined the personnel in a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, underscoring the importance of environmental conservation and collective responsibility towards building a greener future.      

ITANAGAR : A Kargil Vijay Diwas Rain Run was organised at IG Park here on Sunday to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War and made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. Home Minister Mama Natung flagged off the run and also participated in the event alongside Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Director General of Police (DGP) SDS Jamwal, Special Secretary (Sports) Akshat Kaushal and other dignitaries. Describing the event as a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of Kargil, Natung said their unparalleled courage and supreme sacrifice continue to inspire generations. He said the programme also served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to honour and remember the brave soldiers who safeguard the country’s sovereignty. The minister appreciated the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and all those associated with organising the event. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also lauded the organisers, including the Department of Youth Affairs, CYRUNS – Fitness for All, KABOS Adventure, volunteers and participants, for successfully conducting the Kargil Vijay Diwas Rain Run 2026. He said the event was a fitting tribute to the courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces and expressed satisfaction at the enthusiastic participation of people from all walks of life. “The gathering reflected the collective gratitude and unwavering respect of the people towards the heroes of Kargil and the Armed Forces,” the Chief Minister said. He also extended his greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.      

RUPA : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday inaugurated the Rupa Football League (RFL)-Independence Cup 2026 at Gyaptang Stadium in West Kameng district and called upon young people to embrace sports as a pathway to discipline, leadership, healthy living and nation-building. Jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Rupa Town Club under the theme ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Football’, the tournament has attracted 16 teams, including Indian Army formations under the Kameng Sector, teams from across the Northeast and one from neighbouring Nepal. Six teams are also competing in the women’s league. Addressing the gathering, the Governor said football instils values such as teamwork, perseverance, resilience, respect for rules and the ability to perform under pressure. He noted that sports provide a constructive avenue for channelising youthful energy, building confidence and developing character. Referring to the growing challenge of substance abuse, Parnaik said sports offer young people a healthy and meaningful alternative by encouraging positive habits and a strong sense of purpose. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s sporting potential, he called for sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching and exposure opportunities to help talented athletes excel. He said tournaments such as the Rupa Football League provide an important platform for identifying and nurturing promising footballers, particularly in remote and border areas. Impressed by the facilities at Gyaptang Stadium, the Governor suggested establishing a dedicated football academy at the venue. He said quality sports infrastructure attracts skilled coaches and trainers, enabling systematic talent development, scientific coaching and effective scouting of young players. Welcoming the inclusion of the women’s league, Parnaik described it as a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering young women through sports. He also lauded the Rupa Town Club and the Indian Army for organising the tournament, commending the Army’s continued contribution to youth development, community outreach and nation-building initiatives in border areas. The event, he said, reflected the strong bond between the people of West Kameng and the armed forces. Calling upon players to compete with passion, integrity and sportsmanship, the Governor reminded them that both victory and defeat are part of the learning process. Reiterating the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, he said every goal scored, every challenge overcome and every act of fair play contributes to building a stronger nation. Rupa MLA Tseten Chombay, Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow and General Officer Commanding 5 Mountain Division Major General Amit Nautiyal SM VSM also addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of sports in youth development, discipline, teamwork, national integration and strengthening ties between local communities and the Indian Army. Among those present were West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar, Superintendent of Police D.W. Thongon, former minister D.K. Thongdok, former Rajya Sainik Board secretary Air Commodore Rinchin Musabi (Retd.), senior Army and Sashastra Seema Bal officers, panchayat leaders and other dignitaries. The inaugural ceremony featured colourful traditional dances and cultural performances by local artistes, reflecting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and adding to the festive atmosphere that marked the start of the tournament.