Wudong Mentoh Festival Lights Up Tawang with Culture and Rhododendron Bloom

 

Tawang, April 11:

The scenic Khrimu village in Tawang district hosted the Wudong Mentoh Rhododendron Festival 2026 with grandeur, celebrating a vibrant confluence of nature, culture, and tradition. The event was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Member of Parliament Tapir Gao, along with several state ministers including Kento Jini, Nyato Dukam, and Tsering Lhamu. Also present were Namgey Tsering, senior leader Leki Gombu, along with senior civil and Army officers and other dignitaries.

Set against the stunning bloom of rhododendrons carpeting the hills of Tawang, the festival reflected the rich cultural vibrancy of the region. It stood as a proud representation of the traditions of the Monpa community and the Brokpa tribe, bringing together indigenous customs, traditional performances, and community spirit in a celebration of identity and heritage.

The festival not only highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s unique cultural legacy but also emphasized its immense potential for eco-tourism. Events like the Wudong Mentoh Festival play a vital role in promoting the state’s unmatched natural beauty while strengthening cultural roots and community pride.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in the sacred Chhedar Yak Puja, a deeply revered ritual of the Monpa community. In this solemn ceremony, a yak is ceremoniously released into the wild, accompanied by a collective vow that it will remain unharmed throughout its natural life.

The ritual symbolizes compassion, protection, and the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It serves as a reminder that true strength lies in reverence for life and sustainable living practices rooted in tradition.

The Wudong Mentoh Rhododendron Festival continues to stand as a significant cultural event, blending ecological awareness with traditional values, while showcasing Arunachal Pradesh as a destination of extraordinary natural and cultural richness.

Laisam Simai Joins Pongtu Kuh Festival in Changlang

 

Changlang, April 11:

MLA of Nampong constituency, Laisam Simai, joined the vibrant celebrations of Pongtu Kuh, the traditional harvest festival of the Tutsa community, held at Changlang headquarters. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from locals, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the region.

The event was graced by prominent dignitaries including Kardo Nyigyor, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, and Dr. Mohesh Chai, MLA and Advisor to the Health Department. Their presence added significance to the celebration, as they interacted with community members and appreciated the preservation of traditional customs.

Pongtu Festival, also known as Pongtu Kuh, holds immense cultural and agricultural importance for the Tutsa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is regarded as the oldest and most significant festival of the community, celebrated annually, primarily in April. The festival marks the Tutsa New Year and symbolizes the transition to the rainy season, a crucial period for agricultural activities.

Cultural display during the festival celebration.

The term “Pongtu” is derived from the words “Pong,” meaning wind, and “Tu,” meaning retreating, together signifying the retreat of seasonal winds. The festival reflects gratitude for past harvests while invoking blessings for a prosperous agricultural cycle ahead.

Expressing his appreciation, Simai conveyed sincere gratitude to Tesam Pongte, Hon’ble Speaker and a respected leader from the Tutsa community, along with the organising committee, for their warm invitation and hospitality.

Extending his greetings, Simai offered his heartfelt wishes to the Tutsa community on the auspicious occasion, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions and promoting unity through such cultural celebrations.

Itanagar Rally Demands Justice for Murdered Teacher Yapi Potom

 

Itanagar, April 10:

A massive candlelight rally was held in Itanagar as thousands of people gathered to demand justice for Yapi Potom, a teacher from Chimpu Secondary School who was brutally killed by Daksen Riram.

The rally commenced from Akashdeep and concluded at the Tennis Court, with participants carrying candles, placards, and banners while raising emotional slogans. The demonstration reflected widespread public outrage and grief over the tragic incident.

The protest was jointly organised by the Kargu Kardi Welfare Society (KKWS) and Lodu Ao Welfare Society (LAWS), in collaboration with the Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA), Itanagar Capital Region. Several other organisations, including the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, Galo Welfare Society (GWS), and Apatani Women Association Ziro (AWAZ), extended their support, along with members of the public.

During the rally, organisers and participants strongly called for swift justice and exemplary punishment for the culprit. They also demanded immediate compensation for the bereaved family, warning that any attempt to shield perpetrators of such heinous crimes would pose a serious threat to society.

Concerns were also raised regarding the safety of teachers, with calls for stronger protective measures to ensure their security in the workplace.

Meanwhile, Liromoba MLA Pesi Jilen announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the children who lost their mother, offering some relief to the grieving family.

Tawang DC Conference Concludes, Focus on Governance & MSME Growth

 

Tawang, April 10:

The two-day Deputy Commissioners’ Conference, which commenced on April 9 in the picturesque town of Tawang, concluded on April 10, marking a significant step toward strengthening governance and development planning in Arunachal Pradesh. Set against the scenic Himalayan backdrop, the conference brought together key policymakers and administrative leaders to deliberate on priority sectors and align strategies for more effective implementation at the grassroots level.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu addressed the gathering in the presence of Hon’ble Governor K. T. Parnaik, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Member of Parliament Tapir Gao, along with Ministers Nyato Dukam and Kento Jini, and other dignitaries.

Over the two days, the conference witnessed in-depth deliberations on planned urban development, modernization of land records, human capital development, holistic wellness, and unlocking the potential of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Officials engaged in detailed discussions on improving service delivery mechanisms, strengthening institutional coordination, and adopting technology-driven solutions to enhance governance.

In his address, the Chief Minister emphasised the critical role of Deputy Commissioners as key institutions of governance. He highlighted their responsibility in driving convergence across departments, ensuring effective last-mile delivery of services, and shaping development outcomes at the district level.

He further underscored the importance of prioritising youth empowerment and unlocking the vast potential of the MSME sector to generate sustainable livelihoods. Stressing the need for skill development and entrepreneurship, he noted that empowering young people and supporting small businesses would play a crucial role in strengthening the local economy.

The conference also served as a platform for sharing best practices, reviewing ongoing initiatives, and identifying key challenges faced by districts. The exchange of ideas and experiences among officers is expected to contribute to more responsive, transparent, and citizen-centric administration.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to adopt innovative approaches and collaborative strategies, paving the way for more efficient, inclusive, and forward-looking governance in Arunachal Pradesh.

CM Pema Khandu Interacts with Tawang Winter Sports Trainees; Nationals on April 15

 

Tawang, April 10:

Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited the ongoing Winter Adventure Tawang 2026 training programme at Panga Teng Tso Lake, where he interacted with trainees and reviewed preparations aimed at promoting winter sports in Arunachal Pradesh.

During his visit, the Chief Minister spent time engaging with participants undergoing skiing and snowboarding training, encouraging them to pursue winter sports professionally. The training programme, set against the snow-covered landscape of Panga Teng Tso, is being conducted under expert supervision, providing participants with exposure to modern techniques and safety practices.

A total of 46 trainees are currently part of the programme, receiving structured coaching under the guidance of the SkiMo India Federation. The initiative is focused on nurturing local talent and equipping youth with the skills needed to compete at national and international levels.

Officials associated with the programme informed that National Winter Sports Championships will be held at the same venue on April 15, marking a significant milestone for the state. The event is expected to attract athletes and attention from across the country, further strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s presence in the winter sports arena.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to develop a sustainable winter sports ecosystem in the state. With Tawang’s natural snowfall, high-altitude terrain, and scenic appeal, the region is increasingly being seen as a potential hub for adventure tourism.

Beyond sports development, the programme is also expected to generate economic opportunities for local communities by boosting tourism, creating employment, and encouraging infrastructure growth in the region.

Mopin Festival Celebrated with Creative Activities in Changlang District

 

Miao, April 9:

The spirit of the Mopin Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the New Age Learning Centre, Miao, in Changlang district, where students engaged in a range of creative and educational activities to mark the occasion.

As part of the celebration, students participated in group poster-making sessions, expressing the essence of the festival through vibrant and meaningful artwork. The posters highlighted various aspects of Mopin, including its cultural significance, traditional practices, and the rich heritage of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh.

To further deepen students’ understanding, a PowerPoint presentation was conducted, focusing on the importance, customs, and traditional foods associated with the festival. The session offered valuable insights into the cultural roots of Mopin and emphasized the need to preserve and promote indigenous traditions and values among the younger generation.

The initiative not only encouraged creativity and teamwork among students but also helped instill a stronger sense of cultural awareness and appreciation for the diverse heritage of the state.

Mopin is a major agricultural festival celebrated by the Galo tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, primarily during the first week of April. It marks the welcoming of the new year, with prayers for a bountiful harvest and rituals aimed at driving away evil spirits. The festival centers on the worship of Mopin Ane, the goddess of fertility and prosperity, and features traditional elements such as the Popir dance, the consumption of locally brewed Apung (rice beer), and the ceremonial smearing of Ette (rice flour) on faces as a symbol of purity and good fortune.

Arunachal Organisations Benefit from ‘Week of Honor’ Drive on Anant Ambani’s Birthday

 

Itanagar, April 9:

A Nationwide “Week of Honor” Donation Drive is being observed across India to mark the birthday of Anant Ambani, focusing on service initiatives for the poor and underprivileged.

The campaign, led by the Anant Seva Foundation in collaboration with local community groups, has undertaken a wide range of humanitarian activities including food distribution, free medical camps, supply of essential items, rehabilitation assistance, mobility aid support, and animal welfare services.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the initiative has covered key locations such as Deepak Nabam Living Home, Prodigal Commune, Parshuram Kund, and Arunachal Cats and Dogs Rescue.

Founder of Deepak Nabam Living Home, Deepak Nabam, expressed gratitude towards the family of Mukesh Ambani for including his destitute home and other organisations in the state. He stated that essential supplies such as water purifiers, wheelchairs, mattresses, and ration sufficient for at least one month were provided, addressing the most urgent needs of the shelter.

In Namsai district, support was extended to Prodigal Commune, run by the Angulimala Welfare Society, which focuses on rehabilitation of individuals recovering from drug dependency through community living and skill development. The assistance is expected to strengthen ongoing recovery programmes as well as support daily operations.

Anant ambani's birthday was celebrated with 
Cake cutting session in Deepak nabam living home.

Meanwhile, Tarun Jamoh, founding member of Arunachal Cats and Dogs Rescue in Lekhi, stated that the equipment received will significantly aid animal rescue efforts. He added that additional required equipment is being dispatched from Guwahati and is expected to arrive within the next few days.

Further, at Parshuram Kund in Lohit district, fodder for around 300 cows along with ration supplies for temple staff and pujaris will be distributed, contributing to the temple ecosystem and supporting local livelihoods.

The drive aims to ensure dignity, care, and essential support to marginalized communities. Organizers reiterated that the initiative is not merely a celebration, but a sustained commitment to uplifting lives and strengthening the spirit of community service across the nation.

Massive Fire Destroys House in Lohit District

 

Sunpura, April 9:

A devastating fire reduced a residential house to ashes in Chailiang village under Sunpura in Lohit district in the early hours of Thursday, leaving a family homeless but miraculously unharmed.

The incident occurred at around 3:00 AM, when flames suddenly engulfed the residence of Sri Yalimso Kamblu. With the fire spreading rapidly, the family had little time to react and could not save any of their belongings. The entire property was reportedly destroyed in the blaze.

Despite the magnitude of the incident, there were no reports of casualties or injuries, bringing a sense of relief amid the tragedy. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities are expected to carry out an assessment.

Local MLA Mohesh Chai confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the loss suffered by the family. He assured that all possible assistance would be extended to support the victims during this difficult time.

Relief materials being provided to the affected family

Responding swiftly, Asing Chai, son of the MLA, visited the affected site along with BJP Lohit Sunpura Mandal President Shri Kaling Manyu and GPC Chailiang Mrs Junumsi Ritti. The team interacted with the affected family and provided immediate relief materials, including CGI sheets for temporary shelter and financial assistance to meet urgent needs.

The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of rural households to fire hazards, especially during late-night hours when response time is limited. Local residents have also called for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Further assistance from the administration is expected as officials assess the extent of the damage and explore rehabilitation support for the affected family.

Pema Khandu Inaugurates Upgraded Kitpi Hydel Project in Tawang

 

Tawang, April 9:

Pema Khandu on Thursday inaugurated the re-rated Kitpi Mini Hydel Project (Phase–I) at Kitpi village in Tawang, marking a key step towards enhancing clean and reliable energy in the region.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, along with MLAs Tsering Lhamu and Namgay Tsering, and other dignitaries.

Located on the Nametrong River at Kitpi village, the project is a small hydropower facility that generates electricity using the natural flow of water. The plant has been upgraded from its earlier configuration of 3×500 KW to 2×750 KW, resulting in improved efficiency and enhanced power generation capacity through better optimization of resources.

Sharing details of the project, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein stated that the hydel project was originally commissioned in 1977 and has now undergone significant upgradation at a sanctioned cost of ₹1526.78 lakh. He added that the project is expected to benefit around 1,250 households, covering a population of nearly 4,700 people in the region.

Officials and dignitaries at the project site in Kitpi village

Officials noted that the enhanced capacity will lead to a more stable and reliable electricity supply in Tawang, while also promoting greater use of clean and renewable energy. The upgradation is expected to reduce dependence on conventional power sources and strengthen local infrastructure.

The development is seen as part of the state government’s continued efforts to harness Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower potential while ensuring sustainable growth. The improved project is expected to significantly boost power availability and support long-term development in Tawang district.

Itanagar Teacher Murdered in Late-Night Attack, Accused Arrested Within Hours

 

Itanagar, April 8:

A shocking murder in the ESS Sector of Itanagar has sent waves of concern across the capital after a 42-year-old woman, Smty. Yaapi Potom, was brutally killed late on the night of April 7. Police have arrested the accused, identified as Daksen Riram, within an hour of the incident.

According to police sources, the victim, a Junior Teacher at Government Secondary School, Chimpu, was at her residence when the accused allegedly arrived around 11:30 PM and called her outside. He then attacked her with a sharp-edged weapon. She sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.

Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar confirmed that the accused was apprehended swiftly at approximately 12:30 AM, demonstrating a prompt police response.

The deceased is survived by her two minor children, both below the age of 15, along with her parents and a brother. Family sources indicated that she was the sole breadwinner, making her untimely death even more devastating for the household.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with residents condemning the brutal act and demanding strict punishment for the accused.

Police have registered a case under Sections 103(1) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances leading to the crime.

Green Roing Village Scheme Launched

 

Roing, April 6:

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and community-driven cleanliness, MLA Mutchu Mithi flagged off the ‘Green Roing Village Flagship Programme’ at Reko village in Roing. The initiative aims to transform villages into clean, disciplined, beautiful, and tourism-ready model communities.

The programme was launched in the presence of local leaders, officials, Gram Panchayat members, NGOs, and enthusiastic villagers, reflecting strong community participation. Addressing the gathering, Mithi highlighted the importance of collective responsibility and urged residents to actively contribute towards maintaining cleanliness, discipline, and environmentally sustainable practices.

As part of the initiative, an annual incentive of ₹50 lakhs has been announced for the best and cleanest village. The programme, introduced under the broader ‘Green Roing’ initiative, also includes a comprehensive village beautification and development scheme to support infrastructure improvement and environmental sustainability.

To ensure continuous engagement and consistent progress, a quarterly evaluation system will be implemented. Every three months, the best-performing village will be awarded ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) fund. These funds will be utilized for sanitation, beautification, and development works, encouraging villages to compete and improve regularly rather than on a one-time basis.

The programme focuses on key areas such as cleanliness drives, proper waste management, beautification of public spaces, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices. Villagers have been encouraged to work collectively to transform their localities into model villages, enhancing not only living conditions but also their potential as attractive tourism destinations.

Officials noted that the initiative is designed to instill civic responsibility, foster healthy competition among villages, and position Roing as a benchmark for rural development and cleanliness in Arunachal Pradesh.