26.06 g Suspected Heroin Seized in Namsai, One Arrested

 

Chongkham, March 7, 2026:

Police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district seized 26.06 grams of suspected heroin during a search operation in the Mimey area under Chongkham Police Station and arrested one person in connection with the case.

According to police sources, the operation was carried out on March 7 following credible information about the illegal sale of contraband substances in the area. Acting on the input, a police team reached the residence of the suspected individual and conducted a search in accordance with legal procedures in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.

During the search, officials recovered two soap cases containing a yellowish-orange coloured powder suspected to be heroin. The contraband had been concealed inside the residence. Upon weighing, the seized substance was found to be 26.06 grams.

The accused has been identified as Chow Yasha Hopak (41), son of Late Chow Kungong Hopak and a resident of Village Gunanagar under Chongkham Police Station in Namsai district. He was arrested at the spot in connection with the case.

The operation was led by SDPO Namsai Shri Kengo Dirchi and Lady Inspector Nang Kyamo Khen, Officer-in-Charge of Chongkham Police Station, in the presence of Executive Magistrate Shri Kenge Loya.

The search operation was conducted under the supervision of Superintendent of Police, Namsai, Shri Sangey Thinley (APPS).

A case has been registered at Chongkham Police Station (Case No. 03/2026) under Sections 21(b) and 25 of the NDPS Act, and further investigation is currently underway.

Balen Shah Secures Landmark Victory in Nepal Election Amid Gen-Z Political Wave

 

Kathmandu, March 7, 2026:

Balendra Shah, Popularly known as Balen Shah, the rapper-turned-politician who rose to national prominence in recent years, has delivered one of the most striking results in Nepal’s political history by defeating former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency during the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Official figures released by the Election Commission of Nepal show that Shah secured 68,348 votes, while Oli finished far behind with 18,734 votes. The result gives Shah a commanding victory margin of nearly 49,600 votes. The tally is also being reported as the highest vote count ever recorded by a parliamentary candidate in Nepal, highlighting the scale of public backing behind his campaign.

The outcome is widely interpreted as a powerful signal of a generational shift in Nepalese politics, with younger voters playing a decisive role. Shah’s rise has been closely connected to the Gen-Z-led protest movement of 2025, when large demonstrations broke out across the country over issues such as corruption, economic hardship, and a controversial temporary ban on social media platforms.

Those protests eventually forced the government to step down and set the stage for the 2026 general election, which became the first nationwide vote following the youth-driven uprising. The election saw participation from nearly 19 million registered voters, including a significant number of first-time young voters who had previously taken part in the demonstrations.

Before entering mainstream politics, Shah built a reputation as a hip-hop artist and later worked as a structural engineer. His political breakthrough came in 2022, when he won the Kathmandu mayoral election, positioning himself as an independent-minded reformist figure challenging Nepal’s traditional political establishment.

Balendra Shah During His 
Election Rally & Campaign.

In the 2026 parliamentary race, Shah contested under the banner of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). His campaign focused on promises of strong anti-corruption reforms, better delivery of public services, and expanded opportunities for young people, themes that resonated strongly with the country’s youth and urban voters.

Early national trends also suggested that the Rastriya Swatantra Party was performing strongly across multiple constituencies, reflecting growing public frustration with long-dominant political parties.

Political observers say the election could mark a turning point in Nepal’s political landscape, with grassroots youth activism translating into electoral success for a new generation of leaders. If coalition negotiations after the election align in his favor, Shah could potentially emerge as one of the youngest prime ministers in Nepal’s history, opening a new chapter in the country’s governance.

Arunachal Govt Limits Weekly Markets to One Day; Saturday Fixed for ICR and Papum Pare

 

Itanagar, March 6, 2026:

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has issued an order restricting the conduct of weekly markets across the state to only once a week, with Saturday designated as the market day for the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) and Papum Pare district. The directive was issued by the Home Department on March 6, 2026, following a meeting chaired by the state’s Home Minister to deliberate on issues raised by several local organisations.

According to the official order, the decision was taken after reviewing representations submitted by organisations including the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO). The government noted that weekly markets were being conducted on multiple days across different locations, which led to frequent participation of non-local vendors and raised concerns about the possible entry of unauthorized immigrants into the state.

The order further stated that the practice of operating markets on several days was also contributing to revenue loss for the state government.

Under the new directive, weekly markets in ICR and Papum Pare district will now be permitted only on Saturdays, and conducting such markets on other days will not be allowed. For the rest of the districts in Arunachal Pradesh, the respective Deputy Commissioners have been directed to fix one specific day in a week for the operation of weekly markets within their jurisdictions.

The issue of weekly markets has been under discussion for several months, with local organisations raising concerns over the activities taking place in these markets. Groups such as APIYO, ANYO and the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA) have been demanding the closure or strict regulation of weekly markets in the ICR region since last year, citing fears that outsiders were entering Arunachal Pradesh under the pretext of doing business in these markets.

These organisations have also raised broader concerns related to illegal settlements in the capital region. They have demanded the demolition of alleged illegal structures such as masjids, madrasas and panja khanas in Itanagar and Naharlagun, claiming that such constructions violate existing regulations and contribute to concerns over unauthorized entry into the state.

Meanwhile, the state government has directed all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to implement the new order immediately. District authorities have been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of the directive and submit an Action Taken Report to the Home Department after its implementation.

With the issuance of the order, the government has made it clear that weekly markets across Arunachal Pradesh will now be strictly limited to one day in a week, with district administrations responsible for regulating and monitoring their operations.

Iran War Impact: LPG Prices Up Rs 60 for Homes, Rs 115 Commercial

 

The price of domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders has been increased across India with effect from Saturday, March 7, adding to the financial burden on households and businesses. According to sources, the cost of a standard 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder has been raised by Rs 60.

Following the latest revision, the price of a 14.2-kg non-subsidised domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased to Rs 913, up from the earlier price of Rs 853. The hike comes as part of periodic adjustments made by oil marketing companies in response to global energy price trends and other market factors.

In addition to domestic cylinders, the price of commercial LPG cylinders has also been increased. A 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder, commonly used by hotels, restaurants and small food businesses, has become costlier by Rs 115. The increase is expected to raise operating costs for many businesses in the hospitality and food service sector.

Despite the price hike, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will continue to receive a subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder. The scheme, launched by the Government of India to provide clean cooking fuel to economically weaker households, aims to reduce the financial burden of LPG usage for eligible families.

Industry observers say the revision in LPG prices is partly linked to fluctuations in global crude oil and gas prices. Tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, including the ongoing situation involving Iran, have contributed to uncertainties in international energy markets. Since India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements, changes in global supply and transportation costs often influence domestic pricing.

The latest increase is likely to impact both household budgets and commercial establishments across the country, especially at a time when many families and small businesses are already dealing with rising living and operational costs. Oil marketing companies periodically review LPG prices based on international benchmarks, exchange rates and transportation expenses.

The price revision has once again sparked discussions on fuel affordability and the broader impact of global geopolitical developments on domestic energy costs in India.

IOCL Donates Four Garbage Tipper Trucks to Strengthen Waste Management in Ziro

 

Ziro, March 6, 2026:

Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri and Chairperson of the District Health Society, Smti Oli Perme, on Friday flagged off four hydraulic garbage tipper trucks at Ziro. The vehicles were donated by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to strengthen waste management infrastructure in the district.

The vehicles were formally handed over to the District Medical Officer, District Health Society, Lower Subansiri, during a ceremony held in the presence of officials from the district administration, IOCL, and members of civil society.

Speaking on the occasion, Smti Malati Malakar, Senior Manager (HR–CSR) of IOCL Assam Oil Division State Office, Guwahati, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to community welfare. She appreciated the district administration’s “Plastic Ziro” initiative and said the addition of four garbage tipper trucks would help reinforce the Clean Ziro, Green Ziro movement in the valley.

Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme thanked IOCL for supporting the district’s environmental initiatives through its CSR programme. She also acknowledged the efforts of former Deputy Commissioner Shri Vivek HP, whose role was instrumental in facilitating the project.

Local NGO SMILE Ziro played a key role in the initiative by approaching IOCL under its CSR programme and requesting the donation of the trucks to enhance public service delivery and waste management in Ziro Valley.

Garbage trucks donated by IOCL

Addressing the gathering, District Medical Officer Dr. Millo Kunya and SMILE Ziro Founder Dr. Nani Tamang Jose highlighted the importance of strengthening waste management systems in the district and expressed hope that the newly added vehicles would improve sanitation and environmental protection efforts.

Among those present during the programme were Shri Mudang Tacho, Deputy General Manager (Operations), IOCL Assam Oil Division State Office, Guwahati; Shri Mithil Dhore, Station In-Charge of Ziro ALG Aviation Fuel Station; administrative officers, Heads of Departments, PRI members, and representatives of civil society organizations. Members of SMILE Ziro, led by its Chairman Shri Taru Tana, General Secretary Shri Hage Komo, and Ujwal Ziro Charity Mission Chairman Shri Duley Pai, also attended the event along with members of the public.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance waste management capacity in Ziro Valley and support ongoing efforts to build a cleaner and greener district.

Pradyot, Conrad Sangma Meet Racial Abuse Victims in Delhi, Help Them Relocate

 

New Delhi, March 6, 2026:

Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently met the young women from Northeast India who were allegedly subjected to racial abuse in Delhi and helped them relocate to a safer and more secure place.

The incident came to light after a video showing a heated altercation between the women and their neighbours in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage across the Northeast. The dispute reportedly began after drilling work for the installation of an air conditioner at the women’s rented apartment caused dust and debris to fall onto the floor below. The situation soon escalated into a confrontation during which the women were allegedly targeted with racial slurs.

Following the circulation of the video online, the incident drew sharp reactions from political leaders and civil society groups, who condemned the alleged racist remarks and called for strict action against those responsible. Delhi Police subsequently registered a case and arrested the accused couple involved in the altercation.

In response to the incident, Pradyot Bikram Manikya and Conrad Sangma met the victims in Delhi to express solidarity and support. The leaders also assisted the women in relocating to a better and safer accommodation to ensure their safety and well-being.

Speaking on the matter, the leaders emphasized the importance of standing united against racism and discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in different parts of the country. They reiterated the message that the region stands together as “One Northeast,” stressing that such incidents must be addressed firmly and that the dignity and safety of citizens from the region must be protected.

Unidentified Male Body Found in Subansiri River

 

Dumprijo, March 5, 2026:

An unidentified male body was recovered from the bank of the Subansiri River under Dumporijo Police Station jurisdiction in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district on March 5 at around 6:30 pm.

According to police, the body was found in a submerged condition and a case of unnatural death has been registered under Section 194 of the BNSS, 2023 (DMJ/PS/UD Case No. 02/26). The body has been kept at Tadak Dulom District Hospital in Daporijo, where a post-mortem examination has already been conducted. The medical report is awaited.

The deceased is approximately 5.2 feet tall with a thin build. He was wearing a navy blue hoodie with a Nike logo, a green T-shirt, and grey trousers with red stripes bearing the word “Jordan”.

Police have requested anyone with information or any missing person report matching the description to contact Dumporijo Police Station at 9366473449.

Mutchu Mithi Calls for AAPSU Election Reforms

 

Roing, March 6, 2026:

Roing MLA and BJP leader Mutchu Mithi has called for structural reforms in the election process of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), from Rajiv Gandhi University to district and college units.

In a social media post, Mithi expressed concern that the current electoral system, which has a limited voter base and a restricted number of authorised electors, often leads elections to revolve around financial influence rather than merit. He stated that in such a system, voters may shift from choosing capable leaders to financially exhausting candidates.

Mithi suggested that expanding the size of the electorate and allowing every legitimate student to vote could help address the issue. According to him, a broader voter base would make it difficult to influence elections through money and restore the focus on merit and leadership qualities.

He further remarked that the present system appears to produce contestants who become financially burdened during the election process, stressing the need for reforms to ensure a fairer and more transparent electoral system within the student body.

His remarks have sparked discussions among student leaders and observers about the need to review the current electoral framework of AAPSU and explore possible reforms that could make the process more inclusive, transparent, and focused on leadership and student representation.

Assam Rifles Distributes Hearing Aids to 17 in Khonsa

 

Khonsa, March 5, 2026:

In a humanitarian outreach initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of people with hearing impairments, the Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles distributed hearing aids to 17 identified beneficiaries from Tirap and Longding districts at Khonsa in Tirap district.

The beneficiaries, who had been facing hearing difficulties for years, were provided with hearing aids after being identified through a local outreach and screening process. The initiative was undertaken to help them overcome communication barriers and enable them to participate more actively in their daily lives and community activities.

Officials of the Assam Rifles stated that the programme was conducted as part of the force’s ongoing civic action and community welfare initiatives in the region. By providing assistive devices to those in need, the force aims to support differently-abled individuals and promote inclusivity and social well-being in remote areas.

Assam Rifles with beneficiaries during the
 hearing aid distribution in Khonsa.

During the distribution programme, the beneficiaries and their family members expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles for the timely assistance. Many of them noted that access to hearing aids would significantly improve their ability to communicate, pursue education, and engage in livelihood activities.

The Assam Rifles has been regularly conducting medical camps, educational support programmes, and other humanitarian activities across Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts to strengthen its bond with local communities and contribute to their welfare.

The initiative reflects the force’s continued commitment to community outreach and its efforts to bring meaningful change to the lives of people living in remote and underserved areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

46 More Simong Residents Back Siang Project PFR Study

 

Upper Siang, March 5, 2026:

In further support of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 26, 2026 between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the residents of Simong and Halleng villages regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), an additional 46 residents of Simong village under Yingkiong Circle in Upper Siang district submitted their irrevocable consent on March 5, 2026 for undertaking the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) study activities for the proposed project.

The consent letters were formally handed over to Deputy Commissioner of Upper Siang, Talo Jerang, at around 1 PM at the meeting hall of his official bungalow. The meeting was attended by government officers, senior members of Simong village and Project Affected Families (PAFs). On behalf of the villagers, Genom Tekseng submitted the consent documents to the Deputy Commissioner, while several residents also signed the consent authorisation during the meeting.

During the interaction, the Deputy Commissioner explained various aspects of the PFR activities, addressing doubts raised by the villagers and providing clarity on the concept and purpose of the Pre-Feasibility Report.

Senior member of Simong village, Tadum Libang, also spoke during the meeting and conveyed the views of fellow villagers, expressing their support and consent for carrying out the PFR activities for the proposed project.

Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang interacting
 with Simong villagers on the Siang project PFR study.

The signatories stated that their consent was given solely for the purpose of conducting PFR study activities. They affirmed that the decision was made voluntarily, with full understanding and without any threat, coercion or undue influence.

Simong village, the largest village of the Simong sub-tribe of the Adi community in Upper Siang district, has a total of 240 households. Of these, 144 households reside in Simong village while 96 households live in Yingkiong town.

Earlier, 128 residents had signed the MoU with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on February 26, 2026 in support of the PFR activities for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. With the additional 46 residents submitting their consent on March 5, the total number of families from Simong village supporting the PFR activities has now increased to 174.

Tourist Held in Tawang for Stealing Sacred Items, Pardoned by Monk

 

Tawang, March 4, 2026:

Police in Tawang apprehended a tourist from West Bengal for allegedly stealing religious items from Buddha Park after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced online and went viral on Tuesday.

The footage reportedly showed the tourist taking a Buddha idol and other sacred articles from the premises, which quickly spread across social media platforms and prompted authorities to initiate efforts to identify and trace the individual involved.

Acting on the available inputs, a police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Tasso Kato, along with Inspector Niyi Angu, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tawang Police Station, launched a swift operation and successfully traced the accused on Wednesday morning.

During the operation, police recovered all the stolen items from the possession of the tourist. The recovered articles included a medium-sized Buddha idol from Tawang Monastery, a pair of Tingsha cymbals, and two metal butter lamps belonging to the Giant Buddha Statue Park.

However, the administration of the Buddha Park Gompa decided not to pursue the matter further after the sacred items were safely recovered. Sources said the caretaker monk and the Gompa management chose to pardon the tourist, considering the prompt recovery of the religious articles and his assurance that such an incident would not be repeated.

Recovered Items.

As a precautionary measure, police obtained a written undertaking from the tourist, in which he admitted his mistake and assured authorities that he would refrain from engaging in similar acts in the future. He was also warned about the legal consequences of committing such offences and advised to respect the religious sentiments and sanctity of sacred sites while visiting them.

Meanwhile, the police department has urged local hoteliers and tourism stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate in maintaining security and discipline in the region. Authorities advised hotel owners and lodge operators to properly verify the identity and credentials of visiting tourists during check-in and maintain proper records as mandated by law.

Police also appealed to them to promptly report any suspicious behaviour or unusual activities involving visitors so that timely preventive action can be taken. Officials stated that cooperation from the hospitality sector is essential to safeguard religious sites, ensure public safety, and maintain the peaceful environment of the popular tourist destination.