Tulang Edible Oil Unit Inaugurated in Pasighat

 

Minister Nyato Dukam inaugurates
Tulang edible oil production unit in Pasighat.

Pasighat, May 16:

In a significant boost to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing industrial sector, Commerce and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam on Saturday inaugurated “Tulang,” an edible oil extraction and production facility at the Industrial Estate in Pasighat.

The newly established unit, functioning as a subsidiary of Elam Industries, will manufacture and supply pure mustard and sesame oil to markets across the region. The initiative is expected to strengthen local agro-based industries while creating new livelihood and employment opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Tulang proprietor and retired Group Captain Mohonto Panging Pao said the company is committed to maintaining strict quality standards in its products. He clarified that although the oils are not being officially marketed as fully organic due to the procurement of raw materials from multiple suppliers, the products are guaranteed to be pure and free from adulteration.

Pao informed that the facility currently has a production capacity of 200 litres per day. He added that the complete production chain, including extraction, processing, bottling, and labelling, is carried out within the factory premises, ensuring quality control at every stage.

Workers process and label mustard oil
bottles at the Tulang production facility.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Dukam lauded Pao for transitioning from a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force to entrepreneurship and industrial development in Arunachal Pradesh. He described the venture as an inspiring example of how experienced professionals can contribute to the state’s economic growth and employment generation.

Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang congratulated the promoters of the initiative and termed the establishment of the factory a major boost for the local economy. He noted that the unit would create a dependable market for local farmers engaged in oilseed cultivation while also opening up employment opportunities for local youth.

The inauguration of Tulang marks another step towards promoting value-added agro-industries in the Siang region and enhancing self-reliance through locally driven manufacturing initiatives.

NABARD Launches TRIBES Livelihood Initiative in East Siang

 

Pasighat, May 16:

A major livelihood development initiative titled Tribal Resilience Initiative for Building Environmentally Sustainable Livelihoods (TRIBES), sanctioned by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, was officially launched at Sille in East Siang district with the aim of strengthening sustainable livelihoods and promoting eco-friendly farming practices among tribal communities.

The programme has been introduced to improve the socio-economic condition of rural tribal families through climate-resilient and environment-friendly livelihood activities. Under the initiative, around 200 tribal families from 10 villages under Bilat and Sille-Oyan blocks will benefit through various income-generating activities.

As part of the project, beneficiary families will receive support in poultry farming, horticulture, vegetable cultivation, and orchard-based livelihood models. The initiative also focuses on encouraging sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring long-term income security for rural households.

Officials stated that the programme has been designed to enhance self-reliance among tribal communities by promoting diversified farming systems and environmentally sustainable livelihood opportunities. 

Capacity-building activities, technical guidance, and community participation will also form key components of the project implementation.

The TRIBES initiative is expected to contribute significantly towards rural development, livelihood enhancement, and sustainable agricultural growth in East Siang district while supporting tribal communities in building resilient and eco-friendly farming systems.

Bloom Ziro 2026: Massive Flower Plantation Drive Held Along NH-13 in Ziro

 

Ziro, Lower Subansiri, May 14:

The 4th edition of the flower plantation programme, titled “Bloom Ziro – Flower Plantation Drive 2026,” was successfully conducted on Thursday in Ziro, Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, with massive participation from various sections of society.

Organised by the Flower Plantation Society Ziro, the plantation drive was carried out on May 14 along the NH-13 roadside stretch from Zimin Ziro Hotel to Lempia (Lankhii) village with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and enhancing the scenic beauty of the valley.

Held under the theme “Each One Plant One,” the programme focused on encouraging community participation in creating a greener, cleaner and more attractive Ziro Valley. Hundreds of flower saplings were planted along the highway stretch as part of the beautification initiative.

The event witnessed participation from several organisations and individuals including the Apatani Youth Association, Apatani Students’ Union, political leaders, Deputy Commissioner, government officials, Gaon Buras, NGOs, CBOs, technocrats, bureaucrats, students and members of the general public. Residents from different villages also joined the plantation drive in large numbers, reflecting strong public support for environmental conservation efforts in the district.

According to the organisers, the initiative was launched not only to beautify the valley landscape but also to strengthen environmental consciousness among the people and encourage long-term conservation efforts. The organisers further stated that community-driven programmes like Bloom Ziro play an important role in preserving the natural beauty and ecological identity of the valley.

The Flower Plantation Society Ziro has been consistently organising plantation drives over the years with the vision of transforming Ziro Valley into one of the most attractive and eco-friendly tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. 

Organisers expressed hope that continued public participation and sustained plantation efforts would further enhance the valley’s appeal for both visitors and local residents in the years ahead.

Wild Cannabis Spread Across 12 Acres Destroyed in Pasighat Joint Operation

 

Pasighat, May 14:

In a major anti-drug enforcement initiative, the East Siang District Police, in coordination with the district administration and the Forest Department, conducted a large-scale destruction drive of wild Cannabis Sativa (ganja) plantations in Pasighat on May 14, 2026.

The operation targeted an extensive area of approximately 12 acres located behind the Veterinary Training Institute at 2 Mile, Pasighat, where wild cannabis growth was detected.

The joint drive was carried out under the supervision of Shri Sanjay Taram, SDO and Town Magistrate, along with Shri Ayup Boko, DySP and In-charge of the Anti-Drug Squad. Police personnel, forest officials, and district administration staff actively participated in the operation to ensure the complete destruction of the illegal cannabis growth.

Authorities confirmed that all required legal procedures were strictly followed during the operation, including proper videography and documentation of the destruction process.

Superintendent of Police of East Siang, Pankaj Lamba, reiterated the district police’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and illegal drug-related activities. 

He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any illegal cultivation or suspicious growth of cannabis in the district.

The district police stated that such coordinated operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb the drug menace and maintain a drug-free society in East Siang district.

Arunachal Mourns Demise of Indigenous Leader and Social Reformer Dr. Bengia Tolum

 

Itanagar, May 14;

Veteran indigenous leader, social reformer, and former Nyishi Elite Society (NES) president Dr. Bengia Tolum has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy of cultural preservation, social harmony, and indigenous empowerment in Arunachal Pradesh.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential indigenous voices of the state, Dr. Tolum devoted his life to public service and played a pivotal role in strengthening Nyishi identity, promoting indigenous traditions, and fostering unity among various tribal communities. As a senior leader of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), he was instrumental in several important movements related to cultural preservation, inter-tribal peace, and community integration.

In recognition of his lifelong contribution to society, Dr. Tolum received several honours from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, including an honorary doctorate in 2022 for his role in socio-cultural integration.

Following his demise, Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed profound grief and paid rich tributes to the late leader. In a condolence message shared on social media, Khandu described Dr. Tolum as a “towering social reformer, cultural architect, and one of the most influential indigenous leaders of Arunachal Pradesh.”

The Chief Minister stated that Dr. Tolum’s immense contributions towards language, culture, education, and community integration have left a lasting impact on the state and its people. He further said that Arunachal Pradesh has lost a visionary leader and a true guardian of indigenous identity.

Khandu also extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength during the difficult time, while wishing eternal peace for the departed soul.

ASTBAC Warns of Arunachal-Wide Bandh Over Detention of Leaders

 

Itanagar, May 14:

The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) has issued a strong warning to the state government, stating that a bandh will be enforced across all districts of Arunachal Pradesh if the detained members of the organisation are not released by 10 PM tonight.

In a video message circulating widely on social media, ASTBAC ICR Chairman and ILP in-charge Nabam Atung said that the organisation would intensify its agitation if action is not taken immediately. He warned that the proposed statewide bandh would go ahead as per the earlier announcement.

According to the statement, ASTBAC Chairman Sol Dodum, Spokesperson Tana Tamar, General Secretary Millo Ambo, along with eight other members, are currently detained.

Addressing supporters and the public, Nabam Atung said that the arrest of key leaders would not weaken the movement. He asserted that the organisation remains united and determined to continue the bandh call and agitation until their leaders are released.

“The arrest of a few members will not silence everyone. The bandh call will continue as announced earlier,” he said in the video message.

The development has heightened tensions amid the ongoing protests and public mobilisation over issues related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and concerns over illegal immigration in the state. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the detention or the bandh warning.

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Aalo, May 14:

In a major anti-drug operation, the Anti Drug Squad (ADS) of West Siang Police apprehended two suspected drug peddlers and recovered suspected heroin following a late-night chase near the I Love Aalo area on May 14.

According to police sources, at around 12:01 AM, the ADS received credible information about drug peddling activities being carried out from a Renault Kiger vehicle heading towards Aalo town from the Boleng–Pangin side. Acting swiftly, an ADS team comprising SI M. Chithan, SI(SG) N. Nyorak, Ct G. Singpho, Ct M. Dini and Ct L. Khen set up a naka checking point near the I Love Aalo area.

When the suspect vehicle arrived, the police team signalled it to stop for checking. However, the driver allegedly ignored the directions and attempted to run over the naka party while trying to flee. To avoid being hit, the police personnel had to jump out of the vehicle’s path.

In view of the imminent threat and to prevent the suspects from escaping, the ADS team fired one warning shot in the air. Following the warning fire, the vehicle slowed down and the police team successfully surrounded and overpowered the suspects.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Dorik Doji and Doi Bagra. During the search operation, police recovered four tobacco containers containing suspected heroin from the suspects and their vehicle. Following all legal procedures under the NDPS Act, the contraband was seized and both accused were taken into custody.

Police also seized the Renault Kiger vehicle along with two mobile phones from the accused persons.

Based on an FIR lodged by the ADS team, Aalo Police Station has registered a case vide Aalo PS Case No. 18/26 under Sections 27(a)/21(b) of the NDPS Act read with Sections 109(1), 221, 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.

Appreciating the courage and bravery displayed by the ADS personnel during the operation, the Superintendent of Police, West Siang, urged the public to continue cooperating with police by sharing information related to drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking in the district.

Arunachal Govt Announces Major ILP Reforms

 

Itanagar, May 14:

The Arunachal Pradesh government has announced a series of major reforms to strengthen the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state, with a strong focus on curbing illegal immigration and preventing misuse of permits.

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona said the government has taken several important decisions regarding the ILP system, which has become a major issue of concern across the state in recent times.

Sona stated that the government is serious about checking the entry of illegal immigrants and unauthorised individuals into Arunachal Pradesh. He informed that the Cabinet has approved key reforms under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, aimed at bringing greater transparency, accountability, and technological monitoring into the ILP mechanism.

One of the major decisions includes the complete digitisation of the ILP system. The minister said ILPs will no longer be issued manually as was done earlier. Instead, the entire process will be shifted to a digital platform to reduce manipulation and ensure better monitoring of permit holders.

He further informed that QR code-based verification systems will be introduced at all check gates across the state to eliminate fake and unauthorised ILPs. The permits will also be linked with Aadhaar-based authentication to strengthen identity verification.

According to the Cabinet decisions, mandatory police verification will be required for work-related Inner Line Permits, while strict sponsor accountability norms will also be implemented to ensure complete transparency in bringing labourers and workers into the state.

The minister also informed that district-level task forces will be constituted to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the ILP system across Arunachal Pradesh. He added that Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) will conduct surprise inspections at check gates to ensure strict implementation of the new regulations and to detect illegal entry or misuse of permits.

The government has also decided to enhance penalties for ILP violations. Individuals found overstaying beyond the validity period of their permits without obtaining an extension may face stricter punitive action, including restrictions on future ILP issuance for up to two years.

In addition, local sponsors or guardians found violating ILP regulations while bringing labourers into the state will face a fine of ₹5,000 and may be barred from bringing any workforce into Arunachal Pradesh for a period of one year.

The minister said the reforms are intended to make the ILP system more effective, transparent, and technologically equipped to safeguard the interests of indigenous people and strengthen regulation of entry into the state.

Roing Police Arrests Long-Absconding Proclaimed Offender Bagini Keche

 

Roing, May 13:

In a major breakthrough against long-absconding criminals, Roing Police has arrested proclaimed offender Bagini Keche, a resident of Desali village under Desali Circle in Lower Dibang Valley district.

Bagini Keche was wanted in connection with Hunli Police Station Case No. 01/2020 under Section 324 IPC, along with six other criminal cases, including one registered recently. After repeatedly evading arrest and legal proceedings, the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Roing, had declared him a proclaimed offender and issued a standing non-bailable warrant against him.

Acting on the directions of the Superintendent of Police, Roing, a special police team was constituted to trace and apprehend the accused. Following sustained intelligence gathering and field operations, the police successfully arrested him from Donli village yesterday.

According to police, the operation was particularly challenging as the accused frequently took shelter in dense forest areas and difficult terrain after committing offences, making his arrest difficult for years. The operation required continuous intelligence inputs, local coordination and extensive field effort.

Bagini Keche Arrested from Donli Village on 13/05/2026.

Police stated that Bagini Keche has a long criminal history, with seven cases registered against him at Hunli Police Station since 2008. The cases involve serious offences including rape, grievous hurt, attempt to murder, assault on a public servant, house trespass, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt with dangerous weapons.

The cases registered against him include:

Hunli P.S. Case No. 06/2008 u/s 452/323 IPC

Hunli P.S. Case No. 03/2011 u/s 323/376 IPC

Hunli P.S. Case No. 02/2013 u/s 326 IPC

Hunli P.S. Case No. 01/2017 u/s 448/307 IPC

Hunli P.S. Case No. 01/2019 u/s 324 IPC

Hunli P.S. Case No. 05/2023 u/s 341/353/506 IPC

Hunli P.S. Case No. 02/2026 u/s 126(2)/118(1)/351(2) BNS

Police also confirmed that one weapon allegedly used by the accused to threaten local residents and commit crimes has been seized, while another weapon is still being searched for.

The arrest highlights the commitment of Arunachal Pradesh Police to ensure that long-evading offenders are brought before the law and that no accused person escapes the judicial process.

Further legal formalities are underway.

Army, NDRF & Civil Agencies Hold Mega HADR Exercise in Tawang

 

Army, civil officials and disaster response teams
during the joint HADR exercise in Tawang.

Tawang, May 12:

A large-scale Civil-Military Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise was conducted in Tawang on Tuesday by the 190 Mountain Brigade of the Indian Army in coordination with the district administration and multiple security and disaster response agencies.

The exercise was led by Brigadier Bhupal Singh, SM, Commander of the 190 Mountain Brigade, and witnessed active participation from the Indian Army, District Administration, District Police Tawang, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire & Emergency Services, and NCC cadets.

The joint exercise aimed to enhance coordination, preparedness, and rapid response capabilities among civil and military agencies during natural disasters and emergency situations in the mountainous region of Tawang.

During the operation, teams carried out several advanced and highly technical rescue demonstrations, including rappelling rescue and rope reeving rescue operations in simulated disaster scenarios. Specialized rescue personnel showcased methods of evacuating stranded victims from difficult terrain and damaged structures.

NCC cadets take part in a fire safety drill in Tawang.

The Indian Army also deployed high-capacity drones and advanced radar systems designed to detect and locate survivors trapped beneath debris during earthquakes, landslides, or structural collapses. These modern surveillance and search technologies highlighted the growing use of advanced equipment in disaster management operations.

In addition, the Army Engineering Corps demonstrated the installation of a temporary makeshift iron bridge and displayed various rescue and relief equipment used during emergencies to restore connectivity and assist affected civilians in remote areas.

A fire safety drill was also conducted by the Fire Station Tawang team, demonstrating emergency firefighting procedures and evacuation techniques.

NCC students from Government Higher Secondary School Tawang actively participated in the exercise, adding a youth engagement component to the disaster preparedness initiative.

Officials stated that such joint exercises play an important role in strengthening inter-agency coordination and ensuring swift and effective humanitarian response during emergencies in border and high-altitude regions like Tawang.

APCC Demands Fresh NEET Exam Over Alleged Paper Leak Row

 

Itanagar, May 13:

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged NEET paper leakage controversy, accusing the BJP-led Central Government of failing to protect the credibility and integrity of the country’s examination system.

In a press statement issued from Itanagar, Siram said the repeated incidents of paper leaks and examination irregularities have severely shaken public confidence and pushed the country into an “educational crisis.” He alleged that corruption and systemic failures had compromised the future and aspirations of lakhs of students across India.

“The nation is steadily losing faith in the entire examination system under the BJP regime. From vote chori to paper chori, people are witnessing corruption and manipulation even in sensitive national examinations,” Siram stated.

The APCC chief criticised the Centre for its alleged silence and inaction over repeated examination controversies and demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, holding him morally responsible for the alleged failures surrounding national-level examinations.

Siram also demanded an immediate re-conduct of the NEET examination under strict supervision and transparent mechanisms to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for students.

Among the key demands placed before the Government of India were a fair and time-bound investigation into the alleged paper leak, strict punishment for those involved in the alleged malpractice racket, strengthening of examination security systems, and protection of students’ academic and mental well-being.

He further raised concerns over the difficulties faced by students from Arunachal Pradesh, especially from remote districts, who are often forced to travel outside the state to appear for national-level examinations such as NEET and CUET due to the lack of adequate examination centres.

Siram urged the Ministry of Education and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to establish and strengthen NEET and CUET examination centres across Arunachal Pradesh to ensure equal educational opportunities for students of the frontier state.

Reiterating support for students and parents, Siram said the APCC stands firmly with the academic community and youth in safeguarding their future and aspirations.