Latest Arunachal Pradesh News | Top Arunachal Pradesh News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Arunachal Pradesh News Today | English Arunachal Pradesh News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Arunachal Teacher Bribe Fails to Coax Boy Back to Class | WATCH

July 2, 2025, 4:21 pm

Children have always managed to find creative ways to avoid school — whether it’s pretending to have a fever or just remembering homework at the last minute. We’ve all attempted to get away with a school-day escape trick at one time or another. And if you think it’s a relic of the past, a scroll through social media shows that kids now are just as dramaticly committed, much to the internet’s entertainment.

Adding to the long list of wonderful clips is a clip from Arunachal Pradesh that’s presently going viral. It depicts a little boy running away from his school, holding on to his bag with all his might. The teacher hurries after him, attempting to get him back to class, but the little fellow bursts into tears and even sits down right in the middle of the road in protest.

In a bid to lure him back, the teacher offers the sweetest deal — literally — by holding out a packet of muffins in conjunction with a lunchbox. Even though the boy takes the delicious bribe, he is adamant and continues to cry, and the scene becomes both heartwarming and very relatable.

Superimposed over the clip are the words, “The struggle that every teacher has to go through.”

Watch:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonam Jangmu (@cynophile_sonam)

Not surprisingly, the clip has drawn a lot of attention on the internet, evoking warm-hearted responses. Most users confessed they couldn’t help but laugh at the child’s melodramatic gestures, while others recognized the attempt all too well, remembering attempts from their own childhood to bunk class.

A nursery teacher added, “As a nursery teacher, I see such things every day during the first month. Once they’re used to it, they stop crying and settle in.”

Another one humorously said, “Bravo to the baby who also took his bag along during the heroic getaway.”

Some were tickled by how the scene went down, with such comments as, “The instant he got caught, so adorable,” and others giving a light push: “Padhlo beta, warna bade hoke itne saare comments kaise padh sakoge!”

There were those who shared their personal memories too. “I remember hating my school and college like anything,” one joked, while another teacher related, “I’ve faced this before… I’ve been teaching nursery and KG — uff, it’s so hard to handle them sometimes.”

“Reminds me of my nursery days,” read another comment.

Someone even expressed gratitude towards teachers with these words, “Teaching profession is more than just a profession… it’s a committedly service… you are doing that in the best possible way… hearty congratulations and thanking you…”

From druggy faces to over-the-top tears, kids may become adults and years may go by, but their early morning school antics remain ageless.

Second Quake in 24 Hours Jolts Arunachal’s Dibang Valley

May 18, 2025, 11:17 am

On Sunday morning, residents of Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh felt tremors from a mild earthquake. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.8. The quake occurred at 5:06 AM IST. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located at 29.03 degrees North latitude and 95.78 degrees East longitude.

Soon after, NCS shared the update on X (formerly Twitter) “EQ of M: 3.8, On: 18/05/2025 05:06:33 IST, Lat: 29.03 N, Long: 95.78 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.”

Second Quake Within 24 Hours

Interestingly, this was not the first tremor in the area over the weekend. Less than 24 hours earlier, another earthquake hit the region on Saturday. This earlier quake had a slightly lower magnitude of 3.4. It occurred at a depth of 12 kilometers. According to NCS, the epicenter for that quake was at 28.78 degrees North latitude and 95.70 degrees East longitude.

No Damage Reported

Thankfully, officials have not reported any injuries or damage from either tremor. Arunachal Pradesh often experiences such low to moderate earthquakes because it lies in a high seismic activity zone.

India Firmly Rejects China’s Renaming of Places in Arunachal Pradesh

May 14, 2025, 11:09 am

The Indian government on Wednesday strongly opposed China’s latest attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh. This move by Beijing, which claims the Indian state as part of its territory, has drawn a sharp and clear response from New Delhi.

MEA Dismisses China’s Actions as Meaningless

Reacting to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called China’s attempt “futile and baseless.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government had taken note of China’s repeated efforts to change the names of locations in Arunachal Pradesh.

He said, “We have noticed that China has persisted with its vain and preposterous attempts to name places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Consistent with our principled position, we reject such attempts categorically.”

India Stresses Arunachal Is Inseparable

The MEA emphasized that changing names cannot change facts. It clearly stated that Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be part of India.

“Creative naming will not alter the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India,” the ministry added in its statement.

This response signals that India will not accept any claim that questions its sovereignty over the state.

China Renames Places to Reinforce Its Claim

China had recently announced new Chinese names for several places in Arunachal Pradesh. This is not the first time it has tried to do so. Beijing continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chinese government refers to it as “Zangnan,” or southern Tibet.

By renaming places, China aims to strengthen its claim over the region. However, India has consistently rejected such efforts and insisted that Arunachal Pradesh is a full-fledged Indian state with a democratically elected government.

India Maintains Strong Position on Borders

India has repeatedly made it clear that no external force can decide the status of its territories. The country considers Arunachal Pradesh an inseparable part of its northeastern region and continues to invest in infrastructure and development in the state.

This latest statement by the MEA reaffirms India’s firm position amid rising tensions along the India-China border and ongoing disputes over territorial claims.

Arunachal Frontier Highway Gets ₹42,000 Crore Boost: Rijiju

February 20, 2025, 11:10 pm

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has declared the Arunachal Frontier Highway (AFH) a “game-changer” for India’s border infrastructure, with a massive investment of ₹42,000 crore. The announcement was made during Arunachal Pradesh’s 39th Statehood Day celebrations.

Rijiju emphasized that this is the highest allocation ever made by the Centre for a single project, aiming to strengthen border security and improve connectivity across 12 districts.

Key Features of the Arunachal Frontier Highway

Length: 1,400 km, passing through critical areas near the India-China border
New Infrastructure: 800 km of greenfield roads, tunnels, and bridges
Major Locations Connected: Tawang, Upper Subansiri, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, and Vijaynagar (near the India-Myanmar border)
National Highway Status: Officially designated as NH-913

Government’s Vision for Arunachal Pradesh

Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik highlighted the state’s progress in infrastructure and education, urging efforts to reduce school dropouts.
CM Pema Khandu reassured that the new rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) 1978 are meant to safeguard indigenous culture, not target any religious group.
The state government projects an annual revenue of ₹10,000 crore from power projects within the next decade.

Challenges and Government’s Appeal

? Rijiju cautioned that land compensation claims and forest clearance issues could delay the project.
? He urged local communities not to inflate land compensation demands and to support timely project execution.

A New Era for Arunachal Pradesh

With a historic investment and ambitious infrastructure projects, the Arunachal Frontier Highway is poised to boost economic growth, security, and regional development in the state.

VIDEO| Kiren Rijiju’s Diwali: Meets China PLA’s Soldiers in Arunachal

November 1, 2024, 10:54 pm

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared a video on Friday revealing his interaction with soldiers from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) along the Sino-Indian border near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Rijiju was visiting an Indian Army post in the region to celebrate Diwali with Indian troops stationed there.

Watch:

After talking to Chinese soldiers and seeing the infrastructures, everyone will feel proud of India's border development now.
Celebrated Diwali at Bumla with our Army Jawans in Arunachal Pradesh. #HappyDeepavali2024 #Diwali pic.twitter.com/l17nwI4KYa

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 1, 2024

In the video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs can be seen speaking with three PLA soldiers through an interpreter. During the conversation, Rijiju inquired about the soldiers’ well-being and how they manage while posted at such a high-altitude area, located at an elevation of 15,000 feet. The Chinese soldiers assured him that they were well-adjusted to the environment and had no difficulties performing their duties in the region.

Reflecting on the interaction, Rijiju wrote on X, “After talking to Chinese soldiers and seeing the infrastructures, everyone will feel proud of India’s border development now.” Rijiju, who is originally from Arunachal Pradesh, also spent time with Indian Army personnel, sharing Diwali celebrations with them in the spirit of solidarity. “Since you are far away from home during Diwali, we have also decided to be away from home and spend time with you,” he expressed to the soldiers, emphasizing his support for the troops stationed in the remote, challenging terrain.

India-China Border Issue

Rijiju’s meeting with Chinese soldiers came just a week after India reached an agreement with China on a plan for patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This agreement marked significant progress in efforts to resolve the military standoff that has persisted for over four years. The recent breakthrough followed a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Russia.

In a show of goodwill, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged Diwali sweets at multiple points along the LAC, a tradition marking mutual respect and temporary harmony on festive occasions. This exchange came shortly after the completion of disengagement at two long-standing friction points in eastern Ladakh, specifically Demchok and the Depsang Plains.

The relationship between India and China has faced severe strains since April 2020 due to heightened Chinese military activity along the LAC, the de facto border. Tensions escalated further on June 15, 2020, when 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty while preventing a Chinese advancement in the Galwan Valley. This incident marked one of the deadliest encounters in recent history between the two nations, pushing bilateral relations to a breaking point.

Rijiju’s engagement with PLA soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh underscores the delicate and complex nature of the India-China relationship, which continues to be influenced by efforts toward peace on one hand and strategic caution on the other.

Congress Spent ₹585 Crore On 2024 Elections And State Polls

October 8, 2024, 2:58 am

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress spent approximately ₹585 crore on both the general election and the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. The party allocated nearly ₹410 crore to media campaigns and advertisements, which made up the bulk of its expenses.

Virtual Campaigning Costs

In addition to traditional media, Congress spent around ₹46 crore on virtual campaigns using social media platforms, mobile apps, and other digital methods to reach voters.

Air Travel for Star Campaigners

A significant portion of the party’s budget, approximately ₹105 crore, was spent on air travel for its star campaigners, including party leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others. These funds covered extensive travel during the election campaign.

Financial Support to Key Candidates

Congress also allocated ₹11.20 crore as lump sum payments to its key Lok Sabha candidates, including Rahul Gandhi, to help them contest the elections.

Advertising and Publicity Material

During the campaign, the party spent around ₹68.62 crore on printing posters, banners, hoardings, and other promotional materials.

Congress’s Financial Reserves and Receipts

At the time of the election announcement, Congress had ₹170 crore in deposits and received additional gross receipts of ₹539.37 crore, which included ₹13.76 crore in cash deposits.

Tax Disputes and Election Results

The party had raised concerns over a cash crunch after some of its accounts were frozen by the Income Tax department due to previous disputes. However, these accounts were later de-frozen after court intervention. Despite the financial hurdles, Congress won 99 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, positioning itself as the principal opposition party as BJP secured its third consecutive term in power.

China’s New Heliport Near Arunachal Pradesh Heightens Border Tensions

September 18, 2024, 12:29 pm

Construction Advancements and Strategic Implications

A new heliport being built 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive ‘Fishtails’ region could significantly enhance China’s military capabilities in the area. Located along the Gongrigabu Qu river in Tibet’s Nyingchi Prefecture, the heliport’s construction has accelerated since December 2023, with recent satellite images from September 16, 2024, showing it in an advanced state of development.

Experts, including geospatial analyst Damien Symon, highlight that this facility will bolster the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The heliport addresses logistical challenges in the dense, rugged terrain of the region, enabling rapid troop deployment and reinforcing China’s strategic presence in these remote, critical areas.

Dual-Purpose Facility and Military Enhancements

Military sources indicate that the heliport may serve both military and civilian purposes, potentially facilitating the movement of civilians while enhancing China’s defensive and offensive capabilities. The facility, featuring a 600-meter runway and multiple hangars, is strategically positioned to support helicopter operations in the relatively lower altitudes of the area, which are more favorable for aviation compared to the higher Tibetan plateau.

The heliport’s development coincides with China’s broader strategy of constructing dual-use villages along its frontier with India. These ‘Xiaokang’ villages are part of China’s effort to assert territorial claims and alter the status quo along the LAC, a tactic described by India’s late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat as “salami slicing.”

India’s Countermeasures and Strategic Response

In response to China’s actions, India has initiated the ‘Vibrant Villages’ project, aimed at developing 3,000 villages in Northeastern border states, including Arunachal Pradesh, with an initial budget of ₹4,800 crore. Additionally, a 2,400-kilometer trans-Arunachal highway is under construction to improve connectivity and reduce travel time to frontline Army posts.

Lt General Pravin Bakshi (retired), former head of the Eastern Command, has expressed concerns that the new heliport could pose a threat to sensitive areas along the LAC. He suggests that the Indian Army may need to coordinate with the Air Force to develop an appropriate response to prevent potential “grey-zone” warfare, which involves non-traditional conflict methods that challenge stability without reaching the threshold of conventional warfare.

The construction of the heliport reflects a shifting strategic landscape and underscores the ongoing tensions and competition between India and China over their shared border regions.

Train Accident in Arunachal Pradesh: 52-Year-Old Killed, Grandchild Injured as Train Collides with Car

September 14, 2024, 11:20 am

A tragic train accident in Lower Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, resulted in the death of a 52-year-old man and injuries to his grandchild. The incident occurred on Friday around 3:50 PM near Pale, Dimow, according to GRP Assistant Sub-Inspector Ganesh Hazarika.

The deceased, Rigo Riba, a sub-inspector with the Indian Reserve Battalion, was traveling with his seven-year-old grandchild from Pasighat in East Siang district to their native village. Their vehicle was struck by the Murkongselek-Tezpur special train, which was en route to Dekargaon in Assam. The collision dragged the car for approximately one kilometer.

Riba died at the scene, while his grandchild was rushed to Dibrugarh in Assam for further medical care.

India’s Hydropower Plans In Arunachal Pradesh Raise Concerns Amid Flood Threat

July 11, 2024, 5:13 pm

Amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia on July 9, 2024, a significant domestic development has surfaced — India’s plan to invest $1 billion in hydropower plants in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative comes amidst a tense border dispute with China, overshadowing the dire situation unfolding in Assam due to relentless floods.

Hydropower Investment Amid Border Tensions

According to a critical report from Reuters, India is gearing up to pour $1 billion into hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. This move aims to bolster India’s renewable energy capacity but has sparked concerns over its potential impact on downstream regions, particularly Assam.

Flood Toll Rises in Assam

Simultaneously, Assam has been grappling with escalating casualties from floods, which have claimed 79 lives since May. The situation is exacerbated by the existing dams in Arunachal Pradesh, which release surplus water when nearing capacity, posing a constant threat to downstream areas like Assam.

Impending Catastrophe Feared

Experts warn of a looming disaster if any of the proposed dams in Arunachal Pradesh were to fail catastrophically. The devastating 2021 incident at the Tapovan Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of such failures, claiming over 150 lives in a flash flood.

Government’s Revival of Hydro Projects

In August last year, the Indian government, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government, initiated efforts to revive and launch 12 stalled hydroelectric power projects in the state. These projects, with a combined capacity of approximately 11,517 MW, are seen as crucial to achieving India’s renewable energy goals and reducing carbon emissions.

Challenges and Environmental Concerns

Initially assigned to private developers around 15 years ago, these projects faced numerous setbacks. Their revival is part of India’s commitment to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution targets and aim for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070. However, environmentalists and local communities raise concerns about the potential ecological impact and the safety of downstream populations.

As India pushes forward with ambitious hydropower plans in Arunachal Pradesh, the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness loom large. The government’s efforts to balance energy security with ecological responsibility will be closely scrutinized amidst ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises in the region.

China Condemns India’s Development Plans In Arunachal Pradesh

July 10, 2024, 6:35 pm

China’s Foreign Ministry declared on Wednesday that India has no right to carry out development in the region Beijing refers to as South Tibet. This statement was in response to a Reuters report on New Delhi’s plans to expedite hydropower projects in the border state of Arunachal Pradesh.

“South Tibet is China’s territory,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman asserted, adding that India’s establishment of Arunachal Pradesh on what China claims as its territory is “illegal and invalid.”

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that India plans to invest $1 billion to accelerate the construction of 12 hydropower stations in the northeastern Himalayan state. India’s Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on China’s statement.

India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country, while China claims it as part of southern Tibet and has consistently objected to Indian infrastructure projects in the area.

Last week, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Kazakhstan, where both agreed to intensify efforts to resolve issues along their disputed border.

Breaking: Pema Khandu Elected As Leader Of Legislature Party

June 12, 2024, 3:12 pm

Pema Khandu has been elected as the leader of Legislature Party. He is set to become Arunachal Pradesh’s CM. The Oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on Juen13 with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance.

BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and BL Santosh, convened in Itanagar to finalize the party’s choice for Chief Minister. BJP state president Biyuram Wahge stated that the meeting was held to determine the CM candidate for the northeastern state.

Who is Pema Khandu?

Pema Khandu has served as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh since 2016, initially assuming office after the resignation of Nabam Tuki. Khandu’s initial tenure as CM was under the Indian National Congress.

In 2019, Khandu switched alliances and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power since then. In the 2024 assembly elections, the BJP once again emerged victorious in Arunachal Pradesh, securing 46 seats in the Arunachal Vidhan Sabha. The National Peoples Party, part of the NDA alliance in the state, won five seats. Additionally, the BJP retained the two Lok Sabha seats from the state.

Pema Khandu’s Oath-Taking Ceremony On June 13

The oath-taking ceremony for the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh is set for Thursday, June 13, at 3 PM, according to BJP spokesperson Techi Necha.

The ceremony will be attended by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister JP Nadda, and BJP’s National General Secretary BL Santosh.

India To Rename 30 Tibetan Locations In Response To China’s Actions In Arunachal

June 12, 2024, 3:11 am

The newly elected NDA government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has given the green light for the renaming of 30 locations in Tibet, in response to China’s recent renaming activities in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The approved names, chosen based on historical research and their connection to the Tibet region, will be officially announced by the Indian army and updated on their maps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly since the border standoff in eastern Ladakh began on May 5, 2020, following clashes in the Pangong Tso area. Despite 21 rounds of military talks aimed at resolving the standoff, tensions persist.

This decision serves as a countermeasure to China’s renaming of 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh earlier in April, a move strongly opposed by India. Under Modi 3.0, India seeks to assert its territorial claims by assigning its own names to locations in occupied Tibet.

The list consists of 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a parcel of land, with names presented in Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin. China has previously released lists of standardized names for places in Arunachal Pradesh since 2017, with the latest list containing nearly as many new names as the three previous lists combined.

Despite China’s repeated claims, India has consistently asserted Arunachal Pradesh as an integral and inseparable part of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the attribution of “invented” names does not change this reality. This firm response from India comes amid global disapproval of China’s expansionist policies in regions like the South China Sea.

Assuming the role of Minister of External Affairs for the second time, S. Jaishankar today reiterated India’s strong stance on matters concerning China and Pakistan, affirming that India will address both border disputes and cross-border terrorism.

“As far as Pakistan and China are concerned, the relations with those countries are different, and the problems there are also different. Our focus with regard to China will be on finding a solution for the border issues and with Pakistan, we would want to find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism,” Jaishankar said after assuming office.

Pema Khandu: The Man Behind BJP’s Success in Arunachal Pradesh

June 3, 2024, 4:22 am

Pema Khandu, known for his love of sports and music, has emerged as a prominent figure in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly following a constitutional crisis in 2016 that led to the imposition of president’s rule. He’s been credited as a strategic force behind the BJP’s rise to power in the state, which secured its third consecutive win in the recent elections, claiming 46 out of 60 assembly seats.

Khandu’s journey into politics began amidst personal tragedy when his father, former chief minister Dorjee Khandu, passed away in a helicopter crash in 2011. His political ascent gained momentum when he won a by-election uncontested from his father’s constituency, Mukto.

Starting as the tourism minister in the Congress government under Nabam Tuki, Khandu’s leadership surged during the 2016 constitutional crisis, leading to his eventual appointment as chief minister at just 37 years old.

Despite political shifts, transitioning from Congress to the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) and then to the BJP, Khandu has maintained his political foothold, showcasing resilience and adaptability amidst internal discord.

Beyond politics, Khandu is celebrated for his cultural initiatives, promoting traditional music and organizing talent shows. His love for sports is evident in his efforts to organize tournaments and support local athletes across various disciplines.

A history graduate from Delhi’s Hindu College, Khandu, a member of the Monpa tribe, campaigned on a platform of corruption-free governance during the recent elections, emphasizing transparency and people-centric policies.

A devout Buddhist, Khandu, aged 45, has been re-elected unopposed from the Mukto seat, demonstrating his continued popularity among constituents in Tawang.

Exit Poll 2024: BJP Set To Retain Power In Arunachal Pradesh

June 2, 2024, 12:22 pm

The Chief Minister Pema Khandu-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Arunachal Pradesh is poised to retain power as early trends indicate the party leading in 30 seats. The BJP has already secured 10 seats unopposed in the state. Both Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein have won their respective seats.

According to the Election Commission data, the BJP is leading in key constituencies including Lumla, Kalaktang, Koloriang, Nacho, Likabali, Basar, Along (West), and Along (East), among others. With the majority mark in the Arunachal Assembly set at 31, the BJP is on the brink of securing a definitive victory.

The National People’s Party (NPEP) is currently leading in eight seats, the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) in two, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in three, Congress in one, and Independents in two seats. The polling for the 60 assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh was conducted on April 19, alongside the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 41 seats in Arunachal Pradesh. The Janata Dal (United) secured seven, the National People’s Party (NPP) five, Congress four, and the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) one. Two independents also won seats. Notably, all Congress MLAs except former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki switched allegiance to the BJP.

Sikkim Election Results: SKM Set for Second Term

In neighbouring Sikkim, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is on track for a comfortable victory, leading in 29 out of 32 seats. The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is leading in only one seat. Polling for Sikkim’s 32 assembly seats was also held on April 19, in sync with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

In the 2019 Assembly elections, the SKM won 17 seats, while the SDF secured 15 seats. Early trends and exit polls predict a strong comeback for the SKM, solidifying their position in the state.

As the election results continue to come in, both Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are seeing dominant performances from their ruling parties, setting the stage for continued governance under the BJP in Arunachal and the SKM in Sikkim.

Assembly Polls: BJP Ousts 28 Arunachal Pradesh Leaders for Defying Party

May 8, 2024, 3:02 pm

On Tuesday, the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh expelled 28 party leaders for contesting the April 19 Assembly elections against the party’s official candidates. The state’s disciplinary action committee, led by Tarh Tarak, announced the expulsion, which lasts for six years, according to a statement from the state BJP.

These individuals had run in the Assembly polls representing various parties including the National People’s Party (NPP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the People’s Party of Arunachal, and as Independents.

Out of all the Assembly seats in Arunachal, the ruling BJP had nominated 60 candidates, with 10 of them winning their seats uncontested.

Both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections took place simultaneously in the BJP-ruled state during the first phase on April 19th. The results of the Assembly elections are scheduled to be announced on June 2nd, while the Lok Sabha results will be disclosed on June 4th.

Sikkim records 21.20, Arunachal gets 19.46 voter turnout in the State Assembly Elections

April 19, 2024, 12:48 pm

On Friday, April 19, voting for the Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Assembly Elections 2024 coincided with the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections. The elections for all 60 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and 32 Assembly seats in Sikkim are being conducted in a single phase on this day. The outcomes of the Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Assembly polls are scheduled to be announced on June 2. The results of these state Assembly elections will determine the next chief minister of these two northeastern states.

The voter turnout for the two states was recorded at 11 am.

Arunachal Pradesh: 19.46%

Sikkim: 21.20%

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Arunachal Pradesh to set up 100-200 ‘Pink Polling Stations’

April 19, 2024, 6:15 am

Arunachal Pradesh is set to vote on Friday for the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, with the Election Commission setting up dedicated women-centric polling stations in various constituencies.

Voting will notably take place in the north-eastern state to elect two Lok Sabha MPs and 50 MLAs. There are 133 candidates in the fray for the assembly constituencies and 14 for Lok Sabha seats.

“To ensure the safety of women, women-centric polling stations have been established. We have set up 100-200 pink polling stations, and good arrangements have been made in those polling stations. My message to all women would be that everyone has the right to vote, so women should be able to vote without any influence,” Chemy Doker, Presiding Officer of the Shyaro polling station under the Mukto Assembly constituency, said.

“There are 77 polling stations in the district, hence 77 teams. One team going to Luguthang has already been dispatched. By evening, all teams will have reached their booths. Polling will commence at 7 am and continue until 5 pm,” she added.

Tashi Chhota, another presiding officer of 2/14 Tawang Higher Secondary School, said, “Our polling station is hardly 1km from here, so after we reach, we will inspect all the preparations. Polling will start at 7 am tomorrow. Our team consists of 8 people, including polling staff and security personnel, and we will stay there overnight. We have around 670 voters at our polling station.”

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed all-women-led teams comprising the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), along with all polling parties, including security personnel, in the Lower Dibang Valley district of the state.

Visuals from the Upper Siang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday showed security personnel being deployed. Given the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, polling teams traverse difficult terrain to reach their respective polling booths.

Polling teams could be seen reaching their respective polling booths in the East Kameng district on Thursday. Another depicted polling team was seen navigating the stunning hanging bridge of Lower Heyo.

Arunachal Pradesh has two parliamentary constituencies, Arunachal East and Arunachal West.

In 2019, the BJP won both Lok Sabha seats. While in the assembly, the BJP emerged victorious with 41 seats. The JD (U) won seven seats, the NPP won five, and Congress won four seats. The PPA won one seat and independent candidates won two seats.

Kerala couple, female friend found dead in Arunachal under mysterious circumstances

April 3, 2024, 11:49 am

Three people hailing from Kerala were found dead in Arunachal Pradesh and there are speculations that the incident may be linked to black magic. Kerala police have sent a team of officials to Arunachal Pradesh while refusing to confirm if the deaths were linked to black magic or related rituals.

The dead trio included a married couple and their female friend. Their bodies were recovered from a room of Hotel Blue Pine at Hapoli by Arunachal Pradesh police in the state’s Lower Subansiri district on Tuesday.

While the couple were identified as Naveen and his wife Devi from Kerala’s Kottayam, the other woman was from Thiruvananthapuram named Arya. Following the discovery of their bodies, Arunachal Police contacted their counterparts in Kerala and shared the details.

All the three had checked into the hotel together on March 28. According to Arunachal Police, the initial probe points towards the trio dying by suicide but the truth can only be found out after the autopsy report.

According to Thiruvananthapuram Police Commissioner C Nagaraju the three were reportedly behaving in a strange manner and the cops are probing all angles. The mobile phones of the three have been found and their details have been recovered as part of investigation.

“We are unable to claim that black magic or any similar reason was to blame. Tonight, our team is going there. We can bring in the proof once the procedures are finished. Thus, it will require some time,” Nagaraju stated.

He added that the reasons the three went there and the circumstances surrounding their deaths should be looked into.

Naveen was into online trading, while his wife Devi was a German language teacher at a private school wheras Arya used to teach Frenchin the same school.

US strongly opposes China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh

March 21, 2024, 10:54 am

The United States has reaffirmed its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and has expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts by China to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control. This statement from State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel follows recent Chinese claims over the northeastern state, made after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and launch of development projects there.

In response to the Chinese defense ministry’s assertion that Arunachal Pradesh is “Zangnan,” an inherent part of China’s territory, Patel reiterated the U.S. position during a press briefing. He stated, “The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”

India has consistently rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining that it is an integral part of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will continue to benefit from India’s development programs and infrastructure projects.

“We have noted the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry advancing absurd claims over the territory of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity,” said the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal. “Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects,” the statement added.

United States affirms Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory after China’s claim

March 21, 2024, 10:35 am

The United States affirms its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and expresses strong opposition to any unilateral efforts by China to assert territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, stated State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.

This statement from a Biden administration official follows recent assertions by the Chinese military regarding the northeastern state, prompted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and launch of development projects there.

Earlier this week, the Chinese defense ministry reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “Zangnan,” described as an integral part of China’s territory. Beijing asserted it “never acknowledges and firmly opposes” the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.”

Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, emphasized on March 15, “Zangnan is China’s inherent territory, and China never recognizes and firmly opposes India’s illegal establishment of the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh.'”

In response to inquiries during a Wednesday press briefing, Patel reiterated the U.S. stance, stating, “The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”

India has consistently refuted China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting its integral and inalienable part of the country.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will continue to benefit from India’s development initiatives and infrastructure projects.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed China’s assertions, stating, “Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity.” He reiterated, “Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programs and infrastructure projects.”

BJP Declares all 60 candidates for General Elections for Arunachal Pradesh

March 13, 2024, 2:57 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Central Election Committee convened on March 11, 2024, under the leadership of Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence; Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs; and all other members of the BJP’s Central Election Committee were present at the meeting post.

It released a list of 60 candidates.

India Asserts Arunachal Pradesh’s Integral Status Amid China’s Criticism

March 12, 2024, 11:37 am

India issued a strong rebuttal to China for its comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, affirming that the northeastern state will always be “an integral and inalienable part of India.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that China’s objection to visits by Indian leaders or India’s developmental projects “does not stand to reason.”

“We reject the comments made by the Chinese side regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other States of India. Objecting to such visits or India’s developmental projects does not stand to reason,” said MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

“Further, it will not change the reality that the State of Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Chinese side has been made aware of this consistent position on several occasions,” the spokesperson added.

During Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on March 11, he said that China “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” Prime Minister Modi’s visit to “East Section of the China-India boundary” and has raised concerns with India.

PM Modi on March 9 had virtually inaugurated the strategic Sela Tunnel during an event held in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The tunnel has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet on the road connecting Tezpur, Assam to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders’ visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area as Zangnan.

PM Modi Criticises Congress, says ‘Completed the work of seven decades in just one’

March 9, 2024, 2:35 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking on Saturday, stated the Congress would have needed 20 years to achieve the progress his administration has made in the last five years toward the development of the northeastern states.

“Congress would have taken 20 years to do what we (BJP) have done in the last five years in the Northeast,” PM Modi stated briefly in his address after inaugurating multiple development projects in the northeastern states.

Boosting the infrastructure push in the northeastern states ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the PM said, “From Independence till 2014, around 10,000 km of National Highway were constructed in the Northeast…However, in the last 10 years, more than 6,000 km of National Highway have been constructed in the Northeast. I completed the work of seven decades in just one…”

“After 2014, a 2000-km new railway line was laid in the north-east. A lot of work has been done in the power sector. Today, work has started on the Dibang multi-purpose hydropower project in Arunachal and the solar power project in Tripura,” PM Modi said.
“Dibang Dam is going to be the highest dam in the country,” PM Modi said.

Furthermore, PM Modi stated that achieving national growth also included the development of the Northeast.

“Our vision for the development of the North-East has been Ashtalakshmi. Our North East is going to become a strong link in India’s trade, tourism and other relations with South Asia and East Asia. The national celebration of India from a developed state to a developed one is continuing at a fast pace across the country. Today I have got the opportunity to participate together with all the states of the North-East in this celebration of the developed North-East” the PM said.

The Northeast was often overlooked, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, during the groundbreaking of many development projects for the region in the state capital of Itanagar, that it is quickly becoming a powerful and booming trading corridor with East Asia and South Asia.

At a gathering that Chief Minister Pema Khandu also attended, PM Modi outlined his plans for the advancement of the Northeastern states, commonly referred to as the ‘Seven Sisters’, saying, “We are working for the development and progress of the Northeast in line with our vision of ‘Ashta Lakshmi’. The Northeast is emerging as a strong corridor for harnessing trade and tourism ties with our partners in South Asia and East Asia.”

MoCA Scindia to inaugurate new terminal building of Tezu Airport today

September 24, 2023, 11:29 am

Today, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the minister of civil aviation for the Union, will open Tezu Airport’s new terminal building in Lohit, Arunachal Pradesh.
Chowna Mein, the deputy chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, will attend the inauguration ceremony; Pema Khandu, the chief minister, is apparently not going to be there.
The event will also be attended by the state’s civil aviation minister, AK Pathak, a member of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), as well as other top government officials.

Tezu Airport is a domestic airport located in the city of Tezu which operates via a single runway.
“The airport is developed on 212 acres of land and is capable of handling operations of ATR 72 types of aircraft. AAI carried out development and upgradation work to make Tezu Airport operational at the request of the State Government. The domestic airport has undergone a transformation with the implementation of infrastructure upgrades worth Rs 170 crore,” read a statement from MoCA.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor hoists national flag at Raj Bhavan

August 15, 2023, 1:42 pm

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General KT Parnaik (Retd) hoisted the National Flag at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day on 15 August, Tuesday. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s Echo Company of 33 Battalion, attached to Raj Bhavan, presented the Guard of Honour to the Flag.

While giving a speech on the occasion, the Governor conveyed Independence Day greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and fellow citizens of India. On the occasion, he remembered the freedom fighters and paid rich tributes to the martyrs.

The Governor said that India achieved its freedom due to the non-violence movement, which was led by the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and also the armed struggle led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Rajguru, Rani of Jhansi, Indian National Army, and others. He said that it was the collective effort of both movements.

The Governor said, “India is preparing for its Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal as initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged the people to be part of the ongoing transformation and contribute to the development process and progress of the state.

The Governor requested the people to celebrate the achievements of the past and also work out to shoulder all responsibilities to take the state and nation to new heights. He, along with the first lady of the state Anagha Parnaik distributed sweets on the joyous occasion to the participating school children and officials. The Governor motivated the children to work hard, be courageous and healthy.

No one can grab our land: Amit Shah says on his Arunachal visit amid China’s objection

April 10, 2023, 6:15 pm

Home Minister Amit Shah categorically stated during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh that no one can question “India’s territorial integrity” amid border tension with China.

China did not support Amit Shah’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh but rather alleged it as a violation of Beijing’s territorial sovereignty, as per the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.

The Home Minister launched the “Vibrant Villages Programme” at Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh’s border village and the easternmost location in India,

“Before 2014, the entire Northeast region was regarded as a troubled zone, but in the previous nine years, thanks to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Look East’ policy, the Northeast is now thought of as an area that helps the development of the country,” Amit Shah said.

He praised the army and the border police. “Now that our army and ITBP jawans are keeping eyes on our borders day and night, the entire nation sleep soundly in their homes.” “We can now confidently assert that no one has the ability to cast an evil eye on us.”

China “renamed” a few locations in Arunachal Pradesh last week that it claims are in its possession.

Amit Shah on two-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

April 10, 2023, 4:27 pm

On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Assam’s Dibrugarh. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister, welcomed Shah. He is visiting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for two days. He will take a chartered jet to Arunachal.
In Kibithoo, a border community in Arunachal Pradesh, the Home Minister will today announce the “Vibrant Villages Program.” The Government of India has approved the VVP with central components totaling Rs 4,800 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore specifically for road connectivity for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in charge of this project. The VVP is a federally funded programme that has identified 2,967 villages for comprehensive development in 46 blocks of 19 districts along the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as the Union Territory of Ladakh.

In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
The VVP will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage them to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border.
District Administration with the help of appropriate mechanisms at the block and panchayat level will prepare Action Plans for the identified village to ensure 100 per cent saturation of central and state schemes.

Amit Shah travels to Arunachal Pradesh today to meet ITBP personnel in Kibithoo

April 10, 2023, 10:24 am

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, will travel to Arunachal Pradesh today to attend various events and meet with ITBP personnel in Kibithoo. Amit Shah will launch the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ (VVP) in Kibithoo, an Arunachal Pradesh border village. The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the VVP with central components totaling Rs 4,800 crore, including Rs 2,500 crore specifically for road connectivity for the fiscal years 2022-23 to 2025-26. The VVP is a centrally funded scheme that has identified 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts along the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as the Union Territory of Ladakh, for comprehensive development.
In the first phase, 662 villages for priority coverage were identified, including 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh. The VVP will help to improve the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage them to stay in their native locations, reversing outmigration from these villages and increasing border security.
The District Administration will prepare Action Plans for the identified villages with the assistance of appropriate mechanisms at the block and panchayat levels in order to ensure complete saturation of central and state schemes. The focus areas of interventions identified for the development of villages include road connectivity, drinking water, electricity including solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres.
The Home Minister will also inaugurate nine Micro Hydel Projects of the Arunachal Pradesh government constructed under the “Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme” in Kibithoo.
These electricity projects will empower people living in border villages. He will also inaugurate Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) projects to augment infrastructure at Likabali (Arunachal Pradesh), Chapra (Bihar), Nooranad (Kerala) and Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). An exhibition of products made by women members of border district Self-Help Groups will also be held.
Amit Shah will visit exhibition stalls to become acquainted with and appreciate the efforts of border village women.
On April 11, the Home Minister will pay his respects at Namti Field and the Walong War Memorial.

Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of India: MEA

April 6, 2023, 6:52 pm

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of India, and China giving its own inventive names will not change the ground reality.

The MEA spokesperson was responding to a question on China’s attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh. “This is not the first time that China is making such attempts, and we have criticised such attempts. Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of India. Giving China its own inventive names will not change the ground reality. I would like to re-emphasise that,” Bagchi said during the MEA Weekly Media Briefing on Thursday.
The statement of Arindam Bagchi comes after China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs came up with the names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it referred to as “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet.”

The ministry announced the names of 11 places on Sunday and also gave precise coordinates, including two residential areas, five mountain peaks, two rivers, and two other areas. As per the news report, China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs also listed the category of places’ names and their subordinate administrative districts.

The United States also strongly opposed China’s attempts to advance a claim over Indian territory, Arunachal Pradesh, by renaming localities, the White House said on Tuesday.
“This is another attempt by the Chinese to claim US and Indian territory. So the United States, as you know, has recognised that territory for a long time, and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance a territory claim by renaming localities. And so, again, this is something that we have long stood by a few things,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

In a regular press conference, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “Zangnan (Arunachal Pradesh) is part of China’s territory. In accordance with relevant stipulations of the administration of geographical names by the State Council, competent authorities of the Chinese government have standardised the names of some parts of Zangnan. This is within China’s sovereign rights.”

Arindam Bagchi, during the MEA weekly briefing on Thursday, also responded to a question on a statement by a Chinese diplomat that the situation on the India-China border is stable and emergency control has been removed.

Bagchi said: “The restoration of normalcy in our relationship will require the restoration of peace and tranquilly in the border areas, which have been disturbed since April 2020. As the minister of external affairs said, the presence of a large number of troops there in contravention of agreements is an abnormality.”

“We have been holding discussions on the diplomatic and military tracks. But until the situation in the border areas sees a return to peace and tranquilly, we cannot foresee normalcy in the overall relationship,” Bagchi added.