59 ILP Violators Externed During Checking Drive by East Siang Police

Pasighat, February 18, 2026:

East Siang Police conducted an Inner Line Permit (ILP) checking operation in the district, during which 59 individuals were found violating ILP regulations. Following verification, all 59 violators were externed from the area as per established procedures.

According to officials, the drive was part of routine enforcement measures aimed at ensuring strict compliance with ILP norms and maintaining law and order. Police authorities reiterated the importance of carrying valid permits while entering or staying in ILP-restricted regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

ILP violators at Pasighat Police Station
during East Siang Police checking drive. (Photo ES Police)

Further checking drives are expected to continue, with authorities urging residents and visitors to follow all legal requirements to avoid penalties or deportation.

Three Missing Boys from Nani Maria Children’s Home Found Safe in Roing

 Roing, February 18, 2026:

 Three minor boys who were earlier reported missing from Nani Maria Children’s Home in Roing have been successfully recovered, bringing relief to authorities and the local community. The recovery was confirmed following information shared by Roing Police, with LDV Police expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and members of the public for their cooperation during the search efforts.

Earlier, the disappearance of the boys had prompted police to launch an intensive search operation and appeal for public assistance. Identification details and contact numbers were circulated to help trace the children quickly.

Officials stated that coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and community members played a key role in ensuring the safe recovery of the minors. Further details regarding the circumstances of their disappearance and recovery have not been disclosed.

Ashok Doka Assumes Office as New ANSU President Amid Leadership Crisis

 

Itanagar, February 18, 2026:

The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has witnessed significant developments over the past few days as multiple District Students’ Unions (DSUs), Branch Students’ Unions (BSUs), and several college student bodies declared Ashok Doka as the newly recognised President, citing an ongoing leadership crisis within the organisation.

On Wednesday, Ashok Doka officially assumed charge of the ANSU President’s office. His appointment has reportedly been accepted by General Secretary Mai Aram along with 17 elected executive members, marking a major shift in the union’s leadership structure.

Soon after taking office, Doka shared a message on social media expressing gratitude for the support extended to him. He stated that he would serve with “dedication, integrity, and transparency,” while upholding the legacy and vision of ANSU. Emphasising unity and collective responsibility, he pledged to work for the welfare of the student community and the overall development of the Nyishi society.

Ashok Doka assuming office in front of
 executive members, DSUs and Branch
 Students’ Unions.”

Doka also highlighted the need to strengthen the organisation’s voice, protect community rights, and revive what he described as the “lost glory” of ANSU, calling on members to work together towards building a more vibrant and active union.

The recent developments come amid internal challenges within ANSU, with observers closely watching how the new leadership will address organisational stability and future initiatives.

CM Pema Khandu Felicitates Tawang’s Akbari Khatoon for National Gold at WPC Powerlifting Championship 2026

Tawang, February 18, 2026:

Chief Minister Pema Khandu met and congratulated Ms Akbari Khatoon from Tawang district for winning the National Gold Medal in the 56 kg category at the WPC National Powerlifting Championship 2026 held in Noida. Born and brought up in Tawang and fluent in Monpa, Khatoon secured the top podium finish with impressive lifts, 110 kg in squat, 42.5 kg in bench press, and 117.5 kg in deadlift.

The Chief Minister praised her dedication and perseverance, noting her journey from District Champion to State Strong Woman and now National Champion as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Arunachal Pradesh. Her victory has also earned her the opportunity to represent India at the international level, bringing pride to the state and highlighting the growing strength of sports talent from the region.

Homestay Convention 2026 Concludes at Mechukha

 

Mechukha, February 17, 2026:

The Homestay Convention 2026 concluded at Mechukha Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, with the valedictory programme attended by Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, dignitaries, homestay owners, and tourism stakeholders from across the state.

Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the three-day convention brought together homestay entrepreneurs, tour operators, government officials, and domain experts to discuss the future of sustainable community-based tourism. The event celebrated Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and the growing role of homestays in promoting responsible travel while strengthening local livelihoods.

The convention featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking sessions, business-to-business interactions, and presentations highlighting successful homestay models. Cultural exchanges reflecting the state’s diverse traditions added vibrancy to the programme.

Speakers emphasised strategies to enhance visitor experiences, promote local entrepreneurship, and position Arunachal Pradesh’s expanding homestay ecosystem within the global hospitality landscape. The valedictory programme marked the culmination of discussions aimed at advancing sustainable tourism through community participation.

Arunachal Taekwondo Athletes Win Bronze at Mt. Everest CGI Event

 

Kathmandu, February 16, 2026:

Three taekwondo athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, competing in the senior poomsae division, secured bronze medals at the 2nd Mt. Everest CGI International Taekwondo Event held on February 16, 2026, in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Khinsan Wangsu, Achum Sangha, and Radha Bangsia achieved the podium finish while representing India against strong international competition, with participants from nearly 20 countries taking part in the prestigious event. Their performance in the poomsae category — which focuses on precision, technique, and presentation of forms — highlighted the growing standard of taekwondo training in the region.

The achievement has brought pride to Arunachal Pradesh and the nation, drawing appreciation from officials and supporters who acknowledged the athletes’ dedication and discipline. Their success on the international stage is expected to inspire more young practitioners from the state to pursue excellence in taekwondo.

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.