NSCN (R) Cadre Khunpong Wangsa Surrenders Before Security Forces in Khonsa

 

An active cadre of the NSCN (R), identified as SS/SGT Khunpong Wangsa (30), surrendered before security forces in Khonsa on January 28, 2026.

Khunpong Wangsa, son of late Wangching Wangsa and a resident of Lower Kolam village under Lazu police station in Tirap district, laid down arms before 36 Battalion CRPF, 44 Assam Rifles, and Changlang Police.

The surrender took place in the presence of DIG (Operations) Prabhakar Tripathy, CRPF, Dibrugarh.

Officials said the surrender reflects the continued efforts of security forces to promote peace and stability in the region.

#NSCNK #NSCNIM #ArunachalNews

Army Builds Indoor Badminton Court for Meshai Villagers in Anjaw District Under Operation Sadbhavana

 

Troops of the Dao Division under Spear Corps have constructed an indoor badminton court at Meshai Village in Anjaw district under Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting community welfare in remote border areas.

The facility was formally handed over to the villagers on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. The initiative is expected to encourage sports activities among youth, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance community engagement in the region.

Local residents expressed appreciation for the Army’s continued efforts towards development and welfare initiatives in far-flung areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

AFTF Collects 25,115 Signatures Against 80:20 Ratio in Arunachal govt. Jobs

 

The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) on Tuesday concluded the first phase of its Signature Campaign and Awareness Programme opposing the 80:20 recruitment ratio policy, collecting 25,115 signatures from across Arunachal Pradesh in a single day.

The campaign, held between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Wednesday in Tennis court, Itanagar, witnessed strong public participation. Organisers said the response reflected widespread concern among citizens over recruitment and promotion policies affecting government employment in the state.

Through the campaign, AFTF placed two key demands:

Immediate scrapping of the 80:20 recruitment ratio, and Making Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) of Arunachal Pradesh mandatory for all examinations conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB).

AFTF members with well wishers 

The organisation argued that the existing recruitment framework adversely affects employment opportunities for indigenous youths and calls for urgent policy reforms to safeguard local interests.

AFTF stated that the movement will continue in phases, with the next phase focusing on outreach across every district and community in Arunachal Pradesh to further mobilise public support.

#tadaknalo #ArunachalNews #ArunachalPradesh #PemaKhandu

Assam Allows Moran Community in Arunachal to Register at Employment Exchanges

The Assam cabinet on Tuesday approved the registration of Moran community members residing in Arunachal Pradesh at employment exchanges in Tinsukia district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced.

Under the decision, individuals holding valid Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates issued by the Assam government will be eligible to register. The move is aimed at expanding employment opportunities for the community by enabling their participation in government recruitment processes conducted through the employment exchanges.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Passes Away in Plane Crash

 

Ajit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, died in a tragic plane crash this morning while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. Six others, including the pilots and Pawar’s security personnel, also lost their lives, officials said.

The small chartered aircraft took off from Mumbai around 8.10 am and crashed near Baramati airport during a landing attempt about half an hour later. Pawar was scheduled to attend four public meetings in the region ahead of the local body polls next month.

Visuals from the crash site showed fire and thick smoke, the mangled remains of the aircraft, and ambulances rushing to the spot. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all five passengers on board died in the accident.

The 66-year-old leader was the nephew of veteran politician and NCP founder Sharad Pawar and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. Sharad Pawar and Sule, who were in Delhi for Parliament’s Budget Session, are expected to leave for Pune shortly. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra and sons Parth and Jay.

Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister under Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis. In 2023, he led a split in the NCP, forming a separate faction and later joining the NDA government. In recent months, there were indications of a possible reunion within the NCP, with both factions contesting the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation together.

The NCP leadership, the Pawar family, and the Maharashtra government are yet to issue detailed statements on the tragedy. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.

Former Dumporijo MLA and Ex-Home Minister Takar Marde Passes Away

 

Former Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Takar Marde has passed away today. He was a three-time MLA representing the 26th Dumporijo constituency and had also served as Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

He served as the Home Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in 2011, when the late Jarbom Gamlin took over as Chief Minister following the death of his predecessor Dorjee Khandu in a chopper crash.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared a condolence message, describing Marde as “a seasoned politician, a man of words and kind-hearted,” and said that his contributions to the state would be cherished forever.

Condolences have been extended to the bereaved family, with prayers offered for the peace of the departed soul.

Delhi Chalo Abhiyan Put on Hold by APIYO After CM Assures Action on Demands

 

Team APIYO with CM Pema khandu 

The Arunachal Pradesh government on Tuesday assured action on key demands raised by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Itanagar.

The meeting, held at the CMO Conference Hall in the presence of the Home Minister and senior officials, focused on longstanding indigenous concerns related to land protection, internal security, and preservation of the state’s demographic and cultural identity. Executive members of Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation presented their charter of demands and sought concrete, time-bound action from the government.

During the discussion, the State Government assured that necessary steps would be taken towards a logical resolution of APIYO’s three major demands. These include the demolition of allegedly illegal Jama Masjid structures, identification and filtration of illegal immigrants, particularly those suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals, and the imposition of a ban on weekly markets, which the organisation claims facilitate illegal settlement and unauthorised economic activities.

Team APIYO after meeting in CMO

On Monday, APIYO had announced a ‘Delhi Chalo Abhiyan’, a foot march from Itanagar to New Delhi, against what it described as the State Government’s continued inaction on issues repeatedly raised by the organisation. However, following the meeting and after receiving a written assurance from the Chief Minister’s Office, the proposed foot march has been deferred for the time being.

APIYO President Taro Sonam Liyak clarified that the deferment should not be seen as a withdrawal of the movement. He stated that the organisation would closely monitor the government’s response and implementation on the ground, and warned that the foot march could be resumed in the coming days if the assurances remain confined to paper and fail to translate into concrete action.

As part of the next phase of its agitation, APIYO has announced a district-wise tour across Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, build public awareness, and consolidate support, while maintaining pressure on the government to act decisively on the demands.

#APIYO #DelhiChaloAbhiyan #PemaKhandu #ArunachalNews

APFA Issues Show Cause Notice to Organisers After Referee Assault at Veteran Football Tournament

 

The Arunachal Pradesh Football Associaltion (APFA) has issued a show cause notice to the Organising Committee of the 3rd Papum Poma Veteran Football Tournament 2026 following the alleged physical assault of a state-level referee.

The incident reportedly occurred during the second semi-final match between Huto Panchayat and Gungun Khamir Panchayat on January 24 at Balijan. APFA stated that the assault was allegedly carried out by members and supporters of the Gungun Khamir Panchayat team.

The association has directed the organisers to submit a detailed explanation within seven days, warning that strict disciplinary action will be taken for any violation of sports discipline and referee safety.

#ArunachalFootball #ArunachalNews #hornbillnews #Arunbhoominews #PemaKhandu

VKV Oyan Student Kr Rubu Daniel Makes North East Proud at Big Bang 2026

 

Kr. Rubu Daniel, a Class VIII student of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Oyan, has brought immense pride to Arunachal Pradesh and the North East by securing a place among the Top 20 Best Innovations in India at Big Bang 2026.

Competing against over 700 projects from 24 states, VKV Oyan emerged as the only school from the North East to feature in the prestigious Top 20 list, marking a significant national-level achievement.

Rubu Daniel impressed the national jury with his innovation titled “Aerobic Composter,” an eco-friendly project focused on sustainable waste management. The innovation aims to efficiently convert organic waste into compost using aerobic processes, promoting environmental responsibility and practical solutions to everyday waste challenges.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the young innovator on his outstanding achievement and lauded the school and mentors for nurturing creativity, innovation, and scientific temperament among students. He said such accomplishments inspire the youth of the state to think innovatively and contribute meaningfully to society.

The success of Kr. Rubu Daniel and VKV Oyan is being widely celebrated as a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the growing national presence of the state’s young innovators.

APIYO announces Delhi chalo Abhiyan foot march to Delhi from Itanagar

 

The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) has announced that it will launch a long-distance foot march titled “Delhi Chalo Abhiyan” from Itanagar on January 31, heading towards New Delhi, to press for its long-pending demands.The march will commence from Akashdeep and will be led by APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak.

Explaining the objective of the march, Liyak said the decision was taken due to what he described as the state government’s continued inaction on issues repeatedly raised by the organisation. These include the demolition of what the organisation describes as illegal mosques and the identification and filtration of illegal immigrants in the state.

According to Liyak, a delegation of APIYO met State Home Minister Mama Natung on December 19 after a successful bandh call on December 9. Following this, the organisation gave the state government one month’s time to dismantle illegal structures and shut down weekly markets. However, he alleged that no concrete action was taken within the stipulated period. mass rally against illegal immigration was held on December 27, drawing thousands of participants. Another meeting with the Home Minister on January 13 also failed to yield any positive outcome.

Liyak claimed that APIYO leaders have not been able to meet Chief Minister Pema Khandu, despite repeated attempts.

Stating that all efforts at the state level have failed, Liyak said the organisation is now compelled to approach the Central Government through the Delhi Chalo Abhiyan. He described the proposed march as a peaceful and symbolic movement aimed at protecting the land, identity, and rights of indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

##APIYO #DelhiChaloAbhiyan #ArunachalPradesh #Politics

Arunachal Pradesh Soldier Shri Kadaohum Bellai Awarded Sena Medal for Gallantry

 

Shri Kadaohum Bellai of 42 Rashtriya Rifles (Assam Regiment), Indian Army, has been awarded the prestigious Sena Medal (Gallantry) on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day 2026, in recognition of his exceptional courage and devotion to duty.

This year, a total of 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) were conferred upon Armed Forces personnel across the country for acts of conspicuous bravery. Among them, Shri Bellai is the sole awardee from Arunachal Pradesh, marking a moment of immense pride for the state.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Shri Kadaohum Bellai, lauding his bravery and dedication to the nation, and described the honour as a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and India.

The Sena Medal (Gallantry) is among India’s highest military decorations awarded for acts of exceptional courage in the face of the enemy.