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The Miao Times, Miao (2026)

24/05/2026

Government soon to hold talks with ASTBAC, CBOs on ILP issue

TMT | ITANAGAR | 24 May 2026: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday acknowledged that the concerns raised by the Arunachal Scheduled Tribes Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) over the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system are genuine and deserving of serious attention. He informed that the state government would soon convene a crucial meeting with ASTBAC members, community - based organisations (CBOs), and other stakeholders to deliberate comprehensively on the issue and find long-term solutions.

Admitting serious shortcomings in the present ILP monitoring mechanism, the Chief Minister stated that the existing system only maintains records of ILP issuance but lacks a proper mechanism to track the movement and exit of permit holders. As a result, there is currently no effective system to identify or trace individuals who continue to stay in the state even after the expiry of their permits.

“In the present ILP system, we only have a record of issuance. We do not have a record of exit. There is no mechanism to trace how many people remain in the state after their ILP validity expires,” Khandu remarked, while stressing the urgent need for reforms.

He further emphasized that unless the ILP system is digitally integrated and technologically strengthened, controlling illegal influx and monitoring unauthorized stay would remain a major challenge for the state. According to him, modernization of the ILP mechanism is now essential not only for administrative efficiency but also for safeguarding the demographic, cultural, and indigenous identity of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister also assured that all the five points submitted in the memorandum by ASTBAC are genuine and would be thoroughly discussed during the upcoming consultations. His statement has generated hope among various indigenous organisations and citizens who have long demanded stricter implementation of ILP regulations to protect the interests of the tribal population.

Meanwhile, the United Miao Mission (UMM) and its youth wing, the Miao Singpho Ramma Hpung (MSRH), have strongly and unconditionally extended their support to ASTBAC. Welcoming the government’s initiative to hold talks with community organisations and stakeholders, both bodies stated that the issue of unchecked influx has become a matter of grave concern across the state.

The organisations observed that Arunachal Pradesh, known for its rich tribal heritage, traditions, and peaceful coexistence, is increasingly becoming vulnerable to the growing influx of outsiders. They cautioned that if timely and effective measures are not implemented, the unchecked entry and stay of non-locals could pose serious threats to the identity, land rights, employment opportunities, and future security of the indigenous communities.

Earlier, the MSRH had initiated efforts to check outsiders allegedly roaming freely without valid ILP documents within the Miao Sun Division. However, the Changlang district administration subsequently issued an order clarifying that organisations do not possess the legal authority to conduct ILP verification drives and warned of stringent action against any group found undertaking such activities independently.

The UMM and MSRH expressed concern that such restrictions unintentionally weakened local efforts to create awareness on ILP compliance and, according to them, emboldened many outsiders to continue entering and staying in the region without proper permits.

Despite the growing concerns, many citizens and organisations remain hopeful that the proposed dialogue between the government, ASTBAC, CBOs, and stakeholders will pave the way for a stronger, transparent, and technology-driven ILP system. People across the state are now looking forward to constructive decisions that will protect the unique identity, traditions, and constitutional rights of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh while ensuring peace, unity, and balanced development for future generations.

12/05/2026

Assam Rifles neutralises two NSCN militants in major counter-insurgency operation near Songking

MIAO, May 12: In a significant counter - insurgency success, the 8 Assam Rifles neutralised two militants belonging to an NSCN faction during a major overnight operation near Songking Village under Miao police station in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district.

According to security sources, the operation was launched after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the movement and presence of armed insurgents in the thick forested terrain bordering the Indo-Myanmar region. Acting swiftly on the information, Assam Rifles personnel carried out a well-coordinated search and combat operation deep inside the jungle area.

During the intense encounter, the militants reportedly opened fire on the advancing troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. In the retaliatory action by the security forces, two insurgent cadres were eliminated on the spot.

Officials stated that the identities of the deceased militants are yet to be officially confirmed. Security agencies have intensified follow-up search operations in and around the area to trace possible militant hideouts, associates, and to recover arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials.

The successful operation once again underlines the continued vigilance and operational preparedness of the security forces in tackling insurgent activities along the sensitive Indo-Myanmar border belt of eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The region has long remained vulnerable to cross-border militant movement due to its difficult terrain and dense forest cover.

Security experts believe that such operations are crucial in maintaining peace, stability, and public safety in the frontier districts of the state. The Assam Rifles, often referred to as the “Sentinels of the Northeast,” has been consistently carrying out counter-insurgency and border security operations to curb militant activities in the region.

26/04/2026

Kharsang host Moh Mol, resonant beats of gongs echoed

TMT | KHARSANG | 26 April 2026: Amid inclement weather conditions, Kharsang came alive to the resonant beats of gongs as the ethno cultural festival of Tangsa tribe Moh Mol unfolded.

Held on April 25 & 26, 2026, in Kharsang under the Miao administrative subdivision of Changlang district, the festival stood as a testament to cultural resilience. Despite inclement weather, the spirit of the people remained unshaken. Dressed in traditional finery, men and women gathered in large numbers, transforming the landscape into a tapestry of color, music, and identity.

The arrival of the chief guest MP Tapir Gao, alongside Dambuk MLA Puinnyo Apum, Namsai ZPC Sujana Namchoom, and Lower Dibang Valley ZPC T. Gamlo, added prominence to the occasion. They were warmly received by cultural troupes, local leaders, and festival enthusiasts, led by Kamlung Mossang, local MLA & Advisor to CM. The ceremonial welcome, steeped in tradition, set the tone for two days rooted in pride and unity.

Addressing the gathering, Tapir Gao lauded the Tangsa community for their unwavering participation despite adverse weather and various sub tribes. He spoke candidly on the need to preserve cultural identity, urging that religion and culture should co-exist without one overshadowing the other.

Expressing concern over declining participation in traditional festivals among some sections, he warned that distancing from cultural practices could gradually erode ancestral heritage.

Turning to development, Gao highlighted the state government’s focus on education under the leadership of Pema Khandu. He encouraged parents and community leaders to motivate the younger generation to pursue competitive examinations and aspire for positions of responsibility, emphasizing education as a pathway to empowerment.

He further called upon Panchayati Raj Institutions and the local administration to ensure that welfare schemes reach every eligible citizen. Stressing inclusivity, he urged proper implementation of initiatives such as the Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY), the Chief Minister’s Free Cancer Chemotherapy Scheme, and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provide critical healthcare support to families.

In a strong appeal for social responsibility, Gao called upon churches, community organizations, women’s groups, and youth bodies to unite against the growing menace of drug abuse.

He also emphasized environmental stewardship, urging citizens to plant more trees and contribute to building a greener, healthier society. Gao additionally appealed for full cooperation in the ongoing house enumeration process, underlining its importance for effective governance.

Guest of honour Puinnyo Apum and host MLA Kamlung Mossang also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the importance of unity, development, and cultural preservation.

The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from all Tangsa sub-tribes, each showcasing their unique traditions through captivating dances and soulful folk songs. The celebration was not confined to Kharsang alone, Moh Mol echoed across Nampong, Changlang, and other parts of the district, reaffirming its significance as a unifying cultural force.

In the end, Moh Mol was not merely a festival, it was a living expression of identity, resilience, and collective hope, reminding all that even in the face of challenges, culture continues to thrive when people choose to carry it forward..

23/04/2026

[ A TRIBUTE ]

A year after Pahalgam, grief still walks in daylight

TMT | SRINAGAR | 23 April 2026: A year has passed since the quiet, breathing meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam were shattered by the sound of gunfire. Time has moved on, calendars have turned, and seasons have changed but for those who were there amidst flying bullets, time did not heal. It only learned how to echo.

On 22 April last year, 26 innocent lives were taken in a moment that still refuses to end. It was not just an attack. It was a tear in the fabric of ordinary life, a wound that did not bleed once, but continues to ache every single day in silence.

That afternoon had begun like a dream. The valley was alive with laughter, children were running across green fields, families were capturing memories beneath open skies. There was no sign, no whisper of what was about to come. And then, in a heartbeat, the dream broke. Gunshots cut through the air like a storm no one saw coming. Voices stopped mid-sentence. Smiles froze. Lives ended before they could understand what was actually happening.

Some survived but survival did not feel like victory. It felt like a burden. They remember falling to the ground, hiding, trembling, praying. They remember lying still beside bodies that would never rise again. They remember the silence that followed, and the kind of silence that screams louder than any sound.

Even today, their nights are restless. Sleep comes in fragments. A sudden noise is felt, a door slamming is heard, a cracker bursting becomes a gunshot again. The mind travels back, unwillingly, to that valley. Many say they are alive, but a part of them is still there, frozen in that moment between fear and fate.

For families who lost their loved ones, time has not moved at all. A chair remains empty. A voice no longer calls out. A phone that once rang now stays silent. They do not just mourn the people they lost but they mourn the futures that were stolen, the conversations that will never happen, the embraces that will never return.

And then comes the question that refuses to fade: Why are the culprits still not brought to justice???? It is a question filled with pain and anger.

The difficult terrain, the hidden networks of terror, the complexity of investigations - all these are realities. But for those who grieve, explanations feel small against the vastness of their loss. Each passing day without answers feels like a second wound, reopening the first.

Yet, even in that darkest hour, there was something that refused to break and that's humanity.

Local residents, with no uniforms, no weapons, no obligation except kindness, stepped forward. They guided the frightened, carried the injured, offered water, comfort, and courage. In a moment when fear could have taken over, compassion chose to stand tall. In their trembling hands, strangers found safety. In their voices, hope survived.

That is the other face of Kashmir, the one that does not make noises but quietly saves lives.

A year later, what remains is not just memory. It is a responsibility to remember, not as a ritual, but as a promise. A promise that such pain must not be repeated. A promise that safety is not a luxury, but a right. A promise that silence will not replace truth.

Violence does not end when the gunshots stop. It lingers in hearts, in homes, in the quiet spaces where memories live. It changes how people laugh, how they trust, how they step out into the world.

So let this not become just another date, another headline fading with time. Let it stay alive in our conscience. Let it remind us that life is fragile, that peace is priceless, and that even in the darkest valleys, humanity must never be allowed to die.

23/04/2026

Fire Service Week observed in Tezu

TMT | TEZU | 23 April 2026: A spirit of vigilance, service, and community responsibility marked the observance of Fire Service Week in Lohit district from 14 to 20 April, as the Fire & Emergency Services, led by OC Horda Lona, carried out a series of impactful initiatives to promote fire safety awareness and preparedness.

The week began with a solemn tribute to fallen firefighters, honouring their courage and sacrifice, followed by a public awareness march across Tezu that carried vital messages on fire prevention to the heart of the community. Throughout the week, efforts were made to blend awareness with action, ranging from educational campaigns at anganwadi centres and residential areas to hands-on mock drills at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, where students and staff were trained in emergency response and evacuation.

Inspections of industrial units and the zonal general hospital revealed critical gaps in fire safety, prompting urgent directives for compliance. Activities like yoga sessions fostered mental resilience among personnel, while community engagement was strengthened through competitions and outreach programmes.

The much significant 'Fire Service Week' concluded on a creative note with a poster competition, celebrating young voices advocating safety. Overall, the observance served as a powerful reminder that preparedness today can save lives tomorrow.

22/04/2026

Arunachal government to sponsor students for higher studies in over 150 global universities

TMT | ITANAGAR | 22 April 2026: In a landmark initiative that promises to redefine the educational horizon of Arunachal Pradesh, the state government has unveiled an ambitious program to sponsor students for higher studies in over 150 prestigious universities across the globe. This pioneering step reflects not only a policy shift but a profound belief in the boundless potential of the youth.

At the heart of this visionary endeavor stands Chief Minister Pema Khandu, whose progressive leadership continues to open new pathways for aspiring minds. Announcing the program, he expressed unwavering confidence in the talent and determination of Arunachal’s students, emphasizing that they are fully capable of excelling in any discipline on the global stage.

Khandu noted with pride that several students have already begun their academic journeys abroad under government sponsorship, marking the beginning of a transformative era.

This initiative has also been strongly supported and shaped by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Education Minister PD Sona, whose collective commitment to educational empowerment has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. Their efforts underline a shared resolve to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the dreams of deserving students.

Under this program, any student who secures admission to one of the identified reputed global institutions will be eligible for government scholarships, making world-class education accessible like never before. More than just financial aid, this scheme symbolizes hope, opportunity, and a bridge connecting local talent with global excellence.

In a country where access to international education often remains a distant dream, Arunachal Pradesh, under the leadership of Pema Khandu, has emerged as a trailblazer, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.

22/04/2026

TKSC seeks firm crackdown in Namsai to protect indigenous rights

TMT | NAMSAI | 22 April 2026: In a strong and unequivocal appeal, the Tai Khamti Singpho Council (TKSC) has demanded immediate and decisive administrative action to address escalating concerns over land encroachment, unchecked migration, and the erosion of indigenous rights in Namsai district.

During a crucial meeting held on April 21 with Deputy Commissioner C.R. Khampa, the Council pressed for an outright halt to inter-district migration and called for stringent enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. It further urged the administration to make prior Council approval mandatory before issuing any Land Possession Certificates (LPCs), warning that laxity in such sensitive matters could have irreversible consequences.

Expressing deep concern, the TKSC cautioned that continued administrative negligence may fuel demographic imbalance and threaten the very identity and ancestral land of indigenous communities. The Council made it clear that any compromise or oversight would not be tolerated.

Stressing urgency, the TKSC appealed to the district administration to act swiftly and firmly, underscoring that safeguarding indigenous rights is not merely an administrative duty, but a moral and constitutional obligation.

19/04/2026

CoPU conducts ground review of Namchik-Namphuk Coal Operations, seeks accountability on revenue concerns

TMT | KHARSANG | 19 April 2026: In a move reflecting growing concern over public resource management and fiscal accountability, the Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) of the 8th Legislative Assembly undertook a crucial field inspection of the Namchik-Namphuk Coalfields in Changlang district on Saturday. The visit, led by CoPU Chairman Jikke Tako, was prompted by observations raised in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit paragraph highlighting potential revenue losses linked to mining activities in the region.

Accompanied by MLA Chakat Aboh and Legislative Assembly Joint Secretary K. Jugli, the committee engaged directly with officials on-site, underscoring the seriousness with which the Assembly is treating the issue. The inspection was not merely procedural but it was a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between audit findings on paper and realities on the ground.

The visit witnessed the presence of key district functionaries, including Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Miao RD Thungon, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Kharsang, and the Assistant Commissioner of Miao. Technical officers from the Mines and Mineral Development Department, along with representatives of M/s Coal Pulz Ltd, were also present to provide insights into the functioning and oversight of the coalfield.

At the heart of the review lay questions surrounding operational transparency, regulatory compliance, and the safeguarding of state revenues. The CoPU members scrutinized the current status of mining operations, seeking detailed clarifications on discrepancies flagged in the CAG report. The interaction was marked by pointed queries and a clear demand for accountability, reflecting the committee’s mandate to ensure that public sector undertakings operate in alignment with financial propriety and legal norms.

Technical officers acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the committee that a comprehensive response addressing all audit observations would be prepared and submitted to the Legislative Assembly Secretariat within a six-month timeframe. This assurance, however, came with an implicit understanding that delays or inadequacies would not be taken lightly.

Chairman Jikke Tako, in his remarks, emphasized the urgency of timely and accurate submission of information. He stressed that transparency is not optional but foundational to public trust, especially in sectors like mining that directly impact both the economy and the environment. He further directed that the matter be revisited in a subsequent sitting of the committee, ensuring that the issue remains under active legislative scrutiny until satisfactory resolution is achieved.

The visit sends a strong signal that lapses in revenue collection and governance, if any, will be pursued with diligence and resolve. As the dust settles over the coalfields of Namchik-Namphuk, the spotlight now firmly rests on accountability, with expectations that corrective measures will follow not just in reports, but in action.

18/04/2026

CM Pema Khandu felicitates 461 CSLE appointees, Urges citizen-centric service

TMT | ITANAGAR | 18 April 2026: In a proud and inspiring ceremony at the DK Convention Centre, Chief Minister Pema Khandu felicitated 461 successful candidates of the Combined Secondary Level Examination (CSLE) 2025, handing over their appointment orders and welcoming them into government service.

The recruitment, conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board, saw over 47,000 aspirants compete for posts across 26 departments, reflecting a highly competitive and merit-based selection process.

Congratulating the appointees, Khandu acknowledged the support of their families and praised their hard work. He commended APSSB for ensuring transparency and fairness, noting that reforms in recruitment have created equal opportunities for all.

Calling government employees the backbone of governance, he urged the new recruits to serve with humility, compassion, and professionalism, and to make offices more citizen-friendly. He also encouraged them to embrace modern technologies like artificial intelligence to keep pace with evolving governance needs.

Highlighting a positive trend, Khandu noted that APST candidates secured 39 unreserved seats, showcasing rising competitiveness. He also announced plans to provide reservation for the Agniveers after their service tenure.

Reaffirming the principles of merit, integrity, and dedication, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new recruits will contribute significantly to the vision of “Viksit Arunachal 2047.”

18/04/2026

Young man electrocuted; Life lost for a few metres of copper - A grim warning to all

TMT | MIAO | 18 April 2026: A dark and disturbing trend of theft is tightening its grip over the serene Miao administrative subdivision in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, bringing with it not just loss of property, but now, the irreversible loss of human life.

In a heart-wrenching incident on the night of April 16, a young man was electrocuted at Worang Hills on the outskirts of Upper Miao. His life was cut short in a moment of fatal misjudgment, reportedly in an attempt to steal copper strips from an electrical installation. What was perhaps intended as a minor act of theft turned into a tragedy of the highest order, extinguishing a life that held far greater value than the metal he sought.

While the exact circumstances are under police investigation, preliminary observations suggest that the deceased may have tried to approach the transformer from the low-tension (LT) side. But in the cloak of darkness, or perhaps due to a fatal lapse in judgment, he appears to have come into contact with the high-tension (HT) bushing.

In that split second, as his head is believed to have touched the HT line while bending, a lethal surge of electricity surged through him, ending his life instantly. It is a chilling reminder that a high-voltage systems do not forgive mistakes.

This tragic death must not fade into silence. It must echo as a stern and lasting warning. Electrical infrastructure is not only vital to public life but also inherently dangerous. Unauthorized access or tampering is nothing short of courting death. No amount of stolen copper can ever compensate for a lost life, nor can it heal the grief left behind for families and loved ones.

The Power Department, particularly under the Miao Electrical Division, has been grappling with relentless theft of copper strips and vital components across the Miao - Kharsang substations. These acts of sabotage not only disrupt electricity supply but also cripple essential services and endanger countless lives.

The crisis does not end here. On the midnight of April 9, miscreants struck Old Plone village in Namphai-I, stealing copper strips and targeting a Jio tower, damaging critical communication infrastructure.

Simultaneously, Jal Jeevan Mission projects across villages, especially under Kharsang administrative circle are being plundered, with key equipment stolen, depriving innocent villagers of safe drinking water. What was meant to be a lifeline is being choked by repeated acts of theft.

These are no longer isolated incidents as they form a dangerous pattern. A pattern of lawlessness is steadily eroding public safety, shaking community trust, and pushing the region towards disorder.
This is a moment for decisive action.

Village heads, community leaders, and local guardians must rise to their responsibility. Silence or inaction will only embolden wrongdoers. Night vigilance, community watch systems, and timely reporting must become the norm, not the exception.

Law enforcement agencies, too, must respond with urgency and firmness. Swift investigation, strict surveillance, and exemplary punishment under the law are essential to break this cycle. Those who gamble with public safety must face consequences that deter others from walking the same path.

Let this tragic death not be reduced to a passing headline. Let it stand as a powerful, and painful reminder that the cost of greed can be life itself.

The time to act is now before more lives are lost, before more darkness falls. Let everyone join hands to put a permanent halt to this ugly trend.

15/04/2026

Theravada Buddhists of Miao subdivision jointly celebrate Maha Sangken

TMT | KHACHANG | 15 April 2026: Amidst gentle rains and resounding chants of devotion, the sacred festival of Maha Sangken unfolded in all its spiritual splendour at Maithingpum Sakyamuni Buddha Vihara, Khachang, marking a historic moment as Theravada Buddhist devotees of Miao subdivision united for the first time on a common platform.

Nestled 7 kilometres from Miao township, the serene monastery transformed into a vibrant confluence of faith and culture. Devotees from distant villages - Khachang, Maithingpum, New Yumchum, New Lisan, Ningrang, Sikao, Namphai, Miao, Pisi, Khamuk, Lewang, Phup, and Khagam arrived in large numbers.

Adding to the fervour, Singpho brethren from Inthem under Margherita subdivision in Tinsukia district of Assam also joined, turning the gathering into a beautiful mosaic of unity beyond borders.

Clad in colourful traditional attire, men, women, young and old carried buckets filled with clean water, joyfully sprinkling one another in an atmosphere filled with laughter, purity, and shared humanity. Each drop of water symbolised the washing away of past impurities and the welcoming of a new, virtuous beginning.

Despite inclement weather, the celebration was a grand success, owing to the tireless efforts of Committee President Sam Ong Tikhak, Secretary Jawseng Singpho, and Village GB Charanong Tikhak. Their dedication ensured that the spirit of Sangken shone undeterred. Charanong Tikhak also announced that this sacred celebration would now be observed annually in all Theravada Buddhist villages on a rotation basis.

Sangken, the traditional New Year festival of Theravada Buddhists, is a profound expression of purification, renewal, and spiritual awakening. Devotees gently pour water over the sacred images of Lord Buddha, invoking peace, compassion, and harmony.

In these three pious days, pilgrims journey from far-flung lands to monasteries, turning them into sanctuaries of prayer and unity. With deep reverence, devotees offer food to monks and elders, wash their feet, and seek blessings and nurturing timeless values of humility, gratitude, and respect.

Thus, Maha Sangken emerges not merely as a festival, but as a soulful journey, binding hearts in purity, compassion, and collective harmony.

The Miao Times

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