Diibo Adult Education Initiative Concludes; Certificates Presented to 18 Learners

Ziro, February 15, 2026

The third edition of the Adult Basic English course at Diibo in Lower Subansiri district concluded with its final examination on 8 February 2026. The progress report card distribution ceremony was later held on 15 February, where local MLA Er. Hage Appa presented certificates to all 18 learners who appeared for the examination and successfully passed.

The course, which has been running since July 2022, is voluntarily organised under the banner of the Diibo Gaon Bura Buri Association. The programme is facilitated by volunteer teachers Hano Usha and Dulley Yaring, aiming to strengthen basic English skills among adult learners in the area.

Certificate recipients with MLA Hage Appa.

Notably, in November 2025, as part of the adult education initiative, a six-day education-cum-exposure tour was organised under the Diibo Gaon Bura Buri banner. During the tour, participants visited several locations across eastern Arunachal Pradesh, including Golden Pagoda in Namsai, Silluk village and Pasighat in East Siang district, as well as Seajuli and Gogamukh in Assam, where they participated in a cultural exchange programme with the Mising community.

BSUs Issue Joint Resolution Recognizing Ashok Doka as ANSU President Amid Institutional Crisis

Itanagar, February 16,  2026:

 A collective of Branch Students’ Unions (BSUs) representing Nyishi-inhabited districts has issued a joint resolution formally recognizing Shri Ashok Doka as the President of the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU). The resolution, dated February 16, cites what it describes as a “grave and alarming institutional crisis” within the organization.

According to the document, the BSUs alleged persistent misuse of constitutional authority by the incumbent leadership, claiming it had led to erosion of institutional integrity, democratic functioning, and public confidence in the union. The signatory unions stated that, as federal units of ANSU, they are constitutionally and socially obligated to safeguard the organization’s unity, discipline, and objectives.

Following deliberations, the BSUs declared that Ashok Doka would be recognized as the legitimate president and affirmed their “full support and unwavering solidarity” with his leadership in the larger interest of unity, democratic representation, and organizational stability. The resolution further noted that the declaration was made under the collective mandate and representative authority of the BSUs and would be deemed valid and binding for organizational and representative purposes.

Joint Resolution of the Branch Students Union

The development comes amid ongoing debates over leadership legitimacy within ANSU, reflecting broader concerns about governance and stability within the student body. No immediate response from the opposing leadership faction was mentioned in the resolution.

Earlier, on February 15, 2026, representatives from six Nyishi-inhabited District Students’ Unions- Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Keyi Panyor, Kamle, and Pakke Kessang,  held a joint meeting and declared Ashok Doka as President of the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) for the 2024–27 session.

Assam Rifles Organizes Free Medical Camp at Phungsa Village in Changlang

 

Changlang, February 14, 2025

The Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles conducted a medical camp at Phungsa village in Changlang district on February 14, aiming to enhance healthcare access and promote community wellbeing. The initiative provided free medical check-ups, distribution of essential medicines, early diagnosis of common ailments, and health awareness sessions for residents.

Assam Rifle officials with the Villagers of Phungsa village.

Officials said the outreach focused on strengthening preventive healthcare in remote areas, encouraging villagers to adopt healthier practices and seek timely medical attention. The camp forms part of ongoing efforts to improve grassroots medical support and advance the goal of “Health For All” across the region.

Dr. Yasum Litin Becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s First DM Superspecialist in Cardiac Anaesthesia

 

Arunachal Pradesh, February 16, 2026:

Dr. Yasum Litin, daughter of Late Alum Litin and Late Tipeng Litin from Yingkiong in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, has completed her DM in Cardiac Anaesthesia from Goa Medical College, Bambolim, becoming the first superspecialist in the field from the state and the first woman from Northeast India to achieve this distinction.

She began her education at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Jirdin (Aalo), and completed higher secondary studies at Kingcup Public School. Dr. Litin earned her MBBS from North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, followed by an MD in Anaesthesia, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Management from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (DRRMLIMS), Lucknow. She later pursued superspeciality training in Cardiac Anaesthesia at Goa Medical College.

Her expertise includes anaesthetic management for cardiac surgeries, perioperative cardiac care, and cardiac critical care. The achievement is significant for Arunachal Pradesh, where advanced cardiac anaesthesia services remain limited, often forcing patients to seek treatment outside the state.

Dr. Litin has expressed her commitment to strengthening cardiac anaesthesia and critical care services in underserved areas of the Northeast to improve access to advanced heart treatment. She credited her family, particularly her uncle and close relatives, for their constant support throughout her journey.

Kimin Drug & Fake Currency Bust; One Arrested

 

Photo: DMK News

Kimin, February 15, 2026

Papumpare Police conducted a successful operation in Kimin on February 15, 2026, busting a suspected drug and counterfeit currency racket and arresting one individual.

Acting on a credible tip-off, a police team led by SDPO Radhe Obing carried out the operation, during which authorities seized 39 vials of suspected heroin, three bundles of counterfeit currency notes, and a Hyundai i-10 vehicle allegedly used in the illegal activities.

The arrested person has been identified as Musfikul Ali, a resident of Lakhimpur. Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered at Kimin Police Station under relevant sections of law.

Investigations are currently underway to verify the source of the contraband and determine the involvement of other possible suspects linked to the racket.

Assam Youth Goes Viral After Tattooing Portraits of Favourite Political Leaders

 

Margherita, February 15, 2026:

A young man from Assam’s Margherita has become the talk of the town after turning his admiration for political leaders into permanent body art, quite literally.

Manab Moran, a resident of Brahmajan in Pengeri, has grabbed attention for tattooing portraits of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and local MLA Bhaskar Sharma across his body. Adding to the buzz, locals say Moran has also placed photographs of the two leaders, along with Minister Pijush Hazarika, inside his home temple.

For Moran, the tattoos go beyond fashion or trend; he describes them as symbols of deep respect and emotional connection. While some residents see his gesture as an extreme show of loyalty, others simply call it a bold example of personal expression mixed with political enthusiasm.

Love it or question it, Moran’s unusual tribute has sparked lively conversations both on the streets of Margherita and across social media, turning him into an unexpected viral sensation.

IAF Launches High-Altitude Operations to Tame Walong Wildfire in Anjaw District

 

Anjaw, February 15, 2026:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday launched sustained high-altitude aerial firefighting operations in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district, under Walong Circle, to contain a forest fire raging in the Lohit Valley region at elevations above 9,500 feet.

According to details shared on the official Indian Air Force account, IAF helicopters have been undertaking continuous sorties, releasing over 12,000 litres of water to contain the blaze. Operating in thin air, rugged terrain, and challenging weather conditions, the crews are carrying out precise water drops to slow the fire’s advance. The operation remains ongoing as authorities work to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and nearby habitats from potential damage.

Earlier on Friday, Hayuliang MLA Dasanglu Pul expressed serious concern over the wildfire, urging residents and travellers to follow official safety advisories and avoid any reckless actions that could endanger lives, property, or the environment. She warned that anyone deliberately causing harm would face strict legal action and called on the public to support frontline responders as efforts continue to tame the wildfire. 

Niglok Villagers Block Access to Aether Alloys Silicon Unit Amid Pollution Row Despite HC Order

Niglok, February 15, 2025

Villagers in East Siang district have refused to allow M/s Aether Alloys LLP to operate its proposed silicon factory at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) in Niglok, alleging environmental pollution and health risks. The standoff comes despite directions from the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court, which earlier ordered state authorities to ensure smooth and unobstructed movement of men and materials to the facility after the company filed a writ petition.

Acting on the court’s directive, the district administration attempted to escort material-laden trucks stranded at Ruksin on Sunday morning. However, villagers staged a road blockade, preventing the convoy from moving forward and escalating tensions in the area. Officials have since been trying to facilitate access to the factory, leading to repeated confrontations between authorities and protesters.

Opposition to the silicon unit dates back to June 2025, when residents united under the banner of the IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum and submitted a complaint to the East Siang Deputy Commissioner seeking relocation of what they described as a “hazardous silicon industry.” Protesters alleged violations of provisions under the Factories Act, 1948, and called for punitive action against the company.

Picture from June 2025 protest.

The controversy drew the attention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which took suo motu cognizance following a local newspaper report highlighting alleged environmental damage linked to the unit. State Industries Commissioner Saugat Biswas, accompanied by senior officials from the industry, trade & commerce, and skill development departments, later visited the Niglok IGC and assured residents that pollution assessments would be carried out by technical experts.

Residents, however, claim that no concrete pollution control measures have been implemented despite those assurances. Forum president Opir Paron later submitted a petition to the Chief Minister through the Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner, demanding swift relocation of the silicon plant. The forum has also urged the state government to stop permitting polluting industries within the IGC, dismantle existing stone crushers, promote agro-based enterprises, and establish green buffer zones to protect the local ecosystem.

Namsai MLA Reviews Progress of Sports Stadium Construction

 

Namsai, February 15, 2026:

Namsai MLA Chaw Zingnu Namchoom conducted a review of the ongoing sports stadium project in Namsai along with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), assessing the pace and quality of construction. According to officials, the work is progressing in accordance with approved specifications and established quality standards.

Under-construction stadium in Namsai

During the inspection, the MLA highlighted the significance of the stadium in strengthening youth development across the region. The facility is expected to provide modern infrastructure to nurture sporting talent, promote physical fitness, and encourage discipline and teamwork among young people. 

Once completed, the stadium is set to become a key hub for sporting activities and a platform to inspire emerging athletes.

Namchoom also stressed the need for strict adherence to construction standards and timelines, directing concerned departments to ensure the project’s timely and efficient completion.

Six Nyishi Belt DSUs Declare Ashok Doka as ANSU President (2024–27)

 

Itanagar, February 15, 2026: 

In a significant development within the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), representatives from six Nyishi belt district students’ unions have jointly announced Shri Ashok Doka as the President for the 2024–27 term. The declaration followed a joint consultative meeting where delegates assessed the prevailing leadership situation and discussed the organisational future of ANSU.

The meeting saw participation from the All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU), All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union (AKKDSU), All Kra Daadi District Students’ Union (AKDDSU), All Keyi Panyor District Students’ Union (AKPDSU), All Kamle District Students’ Union (AKDSU), and All Pakke Kessang District Students’ Union (APKDSU). According to representatives, the decision was taken after deliberations on issues related to representation, administrative continuity, and the need to maintain functional stability within the student body.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of an unresolved leadership controversy stemming from the 2024 ANSU election. Lezen Gyadi had earlier emerged victorious in that contest, reportedly defeating Ashok Doka by 91 votes. However, the election process drew criticism due to incidents of violence and disagreements over procedures, which contributed to divisions among different sections of the organisation.

Ashok Doka with six Nyishi belt district unions
 during the meeting. (Photo: Keyi Panyor News)

Previously, the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) had intervened by forming a Former ANSU Leaders Forum to monitor the electoral process and encourage transparency. The forum’s role was intended to strengthen democratic practices and help maintain institutional credibility during a period of internal dispute.

With the latest declaration by the six district unions, discussions surrounding ANSU’s leadership structure are expected to continue, as stakeholders weigh the implications of the move and consider possible pathways toward organisational consensus.

Jumgam Kakki Wins Silver at National MTB Championship in Roing

 

Jumgam Kakki with his coach Shri Geyon Panyang

Roing, February 14, 2026

Shri Jumgam Kakki has secured a Silver Medal in the Men’s Junior Category at the 22nd National Mountain Bike Championship held in Roing, bringing pride and recognition to Arunachal Pradesh on the national stage. Competing against talented riders from across the country, Kakki delivered an impressive performance, reflecting dedication, discipline, and strong preparation.

The Arunachal Cycling Association extended its heartfelt congratulations to Kakki for the remarkable achievement and acknowledged the vital role played by coach Shri Geyon Panyang. The association praised his consistent guidance, hard work, and unwavering support, which contributed significantly to the cyclist’s success.

Sports officials and supporters have described the medal as a significant milestone for cycling in the state, highlighting the growing potential of young athletes from Arunachal Pradesh in national competitions.