Army Defuses 1962-Era Live Mortar Shell in Tawang

 

Tawang, June 12: 

An unexploded live mortar shell believed to be from the 1962 Indo-China War era was successfully defused by the Indian Army after being discovered in the Lebrang area of Tawang Township, averting a potential threat to life and property.

According to official reports, on June 11, 2026, at around 4:00 PM, Officer-in-Charge of Tawang Police Station, SI Lham Thinley, received information regarding the presence of an unexploded live mortar bomb in the Lebrang area. Upon receiving the report, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tawang, Tasi Darang, immediately contacted the Commandant of the 190 Mountain Brigade stationed in Tawang and sought assistance for the safe disposal of the explosive.

Following the alert, Tawang District Police promptly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. However, due to fading daylight and the high-risk nature of the operation, the disposal process could not be carried out on the same day.

In the early hours of June 12, a coordinated operation was launched in the presence of Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Sena Medal, Commander of the 190 Mountain Brigade; Colonel N. Vasantharaj; SP Tawang Tasi Darang; and Major Mohammad Akhlas. A specialized Army Bomb Disposal Team carefully assessed the situation and transported the live mortar shell to the Methang area for a controlled disposal operation.

Despite the significant risks involved, the Army team successfully neutralized the explosive through a controlled detonation, ensuring that no loss of life, property, or livestock occurred during the operation.

SP Tasi Darang expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the officers and personnel of the 190 Mountain Brigade for their swift response, professionalism, and invaluable assistance in safely disposing of the live ordnance.

Officials noted that unexploded mortar shells and other war remnants from the 1962 Indo-China War are occasionally discovered in several border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Such explosives remain highly dangerous even after decades and can cause catastrophic damage if accidentally triggered.

SP Tasi Darang has urged members of the public to immediately inform the district police or nearest security authorities if any suspected unexploded ordnance or similar objects are found, and to avoid handling or approaching such items under any circumstances.

ACF to Hold Mass Rally in Itanagar Against APFRA Rules on June 18

 

Itanagar, June 8:

The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has announced a mass vehicle rally in Itanagar on June 18, escalating its opposition to the proposed implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, and the draft rules recently finalized for its enforcement.

The rally is expected to draw participants from districts across Arunachal Pradesh and is being organized as part of the forum's continuing campaign against the APFRA framework, which has emerged as one of the most debated issues in the state.

The announcement comes at a significant juncture, with the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the State Government having finalized the draft rules under the Act and submitted its report and recommendations to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday.

The submission marks the culmination of months of consultations, deliberations, and stakeholder engagements undertaken after the government initiated the process of framing rules for the implementation of the legislation. Although APFRA was enacted by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 and subsequently received Presidential assent, it remained largely dormant for nearly five decades due to the absence of operational rules.

The Act was originally introduced to prohibit religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or inducement. However, without an implementation framework, successive governments did not operationalize the legislation.

The issue regained prominence in recent years following demands from several indigenous organizations and cultural bodies, which argued that implementation of the Act was necessary to safeguard indigenous faiths, traditional practices, and cultural identities.

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the HPC examined suggestions and feedback from indigenous organizations, community leaders, government departments, legal experts, and religious groups before unanimously adopting the final draft report.

One of the key recommendations approved by the committee is the extension of the reporting period for religious conversions. Under the revised draft, any individual undergoing religious conversion will be required to submit the prescribed declaration within three months, providing a more practical and flexible timeline than earlier proposals.

The committee has also incorporated a specific provision clarifying that the rules shall apply equally to all religions and communities, irrespective of faith or denomination, with the aim of ensuring uniform implementation of the law. In addition, the draft rules reportedly include procedures relating to the reporting and documentation of religious conversions, timelines for filing complaints, and mechanisms for inquiry and verification.

The ACF, however, has remained firmly opposed to the move. The forum had earlier served a 15-day ultimatum to the State Government demanding an immediate halt to the rule-making process and calling for wider consultations with stakeholders before any decision on implementation is taken.

Forum leaders have expressed concerns that certain provisions of the proposed rules could affect constitutional guarantees relating to freedom of religion and individual rights. They have also questioned the adequacy of consultations conducted during the drafting process and urged the government to reconsider its approach.

With the June 18 vehicle rally expected to witness large-scale participation from across the state, the issue is likely to remain at the centre of public discourse in the coming weeks as both supporters and opponents of the proposed rules continue to press their respective positions on the future of the APFRA framework.

AAPYO Demands Suspension of Cops, Rs 1 Crore for Gumin Mize

 

Itanagar, May 30:

The All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) has demanded the immediate suspension of all police personnel allegedly involved in the custodial torture of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize, while also seeking compensation of Rs 1 crore for the mental and physical suffering he is alleged to have endured during his detention.

In a representation submitted to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), North Lakhimpur, on Saturday, the organization expressed serious concern over the alleged custodial abuse of Mize and called for a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation into the incident.

According to AAPYO, Mize sustained grievous injuries while in police custody. The organization stated that photographs reportedly taken after his release show multiple bruises, swelling, and blue marks on different parts of his body. It alleged that the injuries indicate severe physical assault and raise serious questions regarding the treatment meted out to him during his detention.

AAPYO further claimed that the alleged custodial torture caused significant mental trauma to Mize, adversely affecting his physical and psychological well-being. In view of the alleged suffering endured by the anti-drug activist, the organization demanded that the authorities provide compensation of Rs 1 crore as a measure of relief and justice.

The youth organization also urged the police administration and concerned authorities to ensure accountability by taking strict action against any personnel found responsible after due investigation. It emphasized that incidents of alleged custodial violence undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies and highlighted the need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures.

AAPYO reiterated that every citizen is entitled to protection under the law and that allegations of custodial abuse must be dealt with seriously to uphold the principles of justice and human rights.

The organization had earlier, on May 25, sought departmental action against police personnel allegedly involved in the incident. At that time, it stressed that accountability, due process, and respect for human rights are essential for maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions.

AAPYO has now renewed its appeal for swift action, calling on the authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry and ensure that those found responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.

10 Sacred Statues Stolen from Dirang Monastery

Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, Dirang. (Image: Mon Rising)

Dirang, West Kameng, April 25:

A shocking theft at Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery in Dirang has left the local community distressed and outraged after ten sacred statues were reportedly stolen from the premises.

The incident came to light when members of the monastery discovered that several niches, once home to revered idols, had been left empty, with ten statues found missing from their designated places. The missing statues were not merely artistic creations but objects of deep spiritual importance, symbolizing faith, devotion, and the cultural heritage of the region.

Residents and devotees have expressed strong emotions over the incident, calling it a serious violation of a sacred space. Many described the loss as deeply personal, noting that the statues formed an integral part of their belief system and identity.

Empty niches mark missing sacred idols at Dirang monastery
(Image source: Mon Rising)

The theft has also raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the area. Monasteries, traditionally known for their openness and peaceful environment, may now face increasing pressure to adopt stronger protective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Community members have urged for swift action and the safe return of the stolen idols. At the same time, authorities are yet to issue any official statement regarding the incident.

Though it is not yet certain whether the theft at the Dirang monastery was carried out by visiting tourists or locals, recent incidents in western Arunachal Pradesh have drawn attention to a pattern of thefts involving tourists, particularly in popular destinations such as Tawang.

Just days ago, a woman tourist was reportedly captured on CCTV stealing clothes from a shop in Nehru Market in Tawang. In another incident, sacred items were stolen from Buddha Park in Tawang by a tourist from West Bengal, who was later apprehended. He was subsequently released after being pardoned by a monk from the Buddha Park.

The case has reignited broader discussions around the need to respect religious sites and preserve cultural heritage. As the situation unfolds, residents of Dirang continue to await clarity and hope for the recovery of the sacred statues.

Mama Natung Inaugurates Debeyar Circle HQ, Key Facilities Opened in East Kameng

 

Glimpses from the inauguration of key
infrastructure facilities at Nere, East Kameng
district. (Image: Mama Natung Facebook)

Nere, East Kameng, April 25:

In a significant push toward strengthening grassroots administration, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on Saturday inaugurated a series of key infrastructure facilities at the newly established Debeyar Circle Headquarters in Nere.

The inaugurated facilities include the Circle Office for the Debeyar Circle Officer, residential quarters for the Circle Officer, a Panchayat Bhawan, a Guest House, and a Forest Guest House. These developments are aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and ensuring better service delivery in the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Home Minister emphasized that the establishment of the circle headquarters marks a crucial step in bringing governance closer to the people. He stated that decentralization of administrative services would significantly reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for basic government services.

Following the inauguration, Natung interacted with Gaon Buras, Panchayat members, and community representatives at the Nere General Ground. The event was attended by ZPC Smti Pai Pizi Yangfo, ZPM Shri Demo Cheri, Advocate Kasung Cheda, Shri Elosan Hiffo Tadung (ADC), and various Heads of Departments.

Officials confirmed that with the formal commencement of the Debeyar Circle Headquarters, essential public services such as issuance of Birth Certificates and Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) have started locally from today. The initiative aligns with the government’s “Seva Aapke Dwaar” approach, aimed at delivering accessible, inclusive, and people-centric governance at the grassroots level.

The move is expected to improve administrative outreach, strengthen local governance, and accelerate development activities in the region.

Pema Khandu Lauds Public Support for Subansiri Upper HEP

 

Itanagar, March 27:

Pema Khandu has lauded the people of Upper Subansiri for their active participation in the Environmental Public Hearing of the 1605 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, calling it a strong reflection of community engagement in the state’s development journey.

The public hearing, held on March 24 at Singik Hall in Daporijo, was conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board as part of the statutory process for environmental clearance. The session witnessed participation from public representatives, officials, NHPC Limited representatives, and local stakeholders.

Appreciating the conduct of the hearing, Khandu extended his gratitude to the local committee led by Rollen Dagam for ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and peaceful process. He also acknowledged receiving the Public Hearing Report submitted by the committee.

The Chief Minister emphasised that community participation remains central to the state’s development agenda. He noted that the overwhelming response from stakeholders, including affected families, indicates growing public confidence in the project and its potential benefits.

During the hearing, project authorities presented details on environmental safeguards, socio-economic benefits, and developmental prospects. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to raise concerns, particularly regarding compensation and local impacts, which were addressed as part of the consultative process.

Khandu reiterated that the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project is a key infrastructure initiative that will generate employment, strengthen local economies, and enhance revenue for the state. He further highlighted provisions such as allocation of 2% of the project cost for local area development, including direct financial benefits to affected families.

Reaffirming the government’s long-term vision, Khandu stated that with people at the heart of every milestone, Arunachal Pradesh is steadily progressing towards becoming India’s hydropower capital, while ensuring environmental sustainability and addressing local concerns.