The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for another six months in eight districts of Nagaland and three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, citing security concerns. This controversial law grants sweeping powers to the armed forces in designated ‘disturbed areas,’ raising concerns about human rights violations.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed claims of Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that overlapping patrols in undemarcated areas do not constitute an invasion. He emphasized India’s strict vigilance and ongoing infrastructure development along the border, assuring that no incursions will be tolerated.
Nestled in Arunachal Pradesh, the 15th-century Taklung Dzong monastery is poised to become a captivating tourist destination. This ancient fortress, steeped in history and spirituality, offers a glimpse into the Monpa community’s rich culture and the unique myths that surround it.
India plans to invest $1 billion to speed up the construction of 12 hydropower stations in Arunachal Pradesh, a move that could escalate tensions with China, which claims the region as its own. This initiative, aiming to boost infrastructure in the border region, involves awarding contracts to state-run firms for the construction of plants with an estimated $11 billion investment.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Arunachal Pradesh, predicting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected across Northwest and Northeast India over the next 4-5 days. Other regions, including Delhi, Mumbai, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Central India, are also expected to experience heavy rainfall in the coming days.
A cloudburst struck Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on June 23rd, leading to landslides, flooding, and damage to homes and vehicles. The incident occurred amidst a period of heavy rainfall in the region, but officials reported no forecast for rain on Sunday.
Former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s tragic demise in a helicopter crash paved the way for Pema Khandu’s uncontested victory in the 2011 Mukto Assembly election. Except for the 2019 elections, Khandu has secured the ‘family constituency’ uncontested three times, including the recent Mandate 2024 election, establishing his dominance in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections, securing a third consecutive term in the state. According to data from the Election Commission, the party won 46 seats in the 60-member Assembly, securing a majority. Of the 50 seats where elections were held on April 19, the BJP captured 36. The remaining 10 seats were won uncontested by the saffron party.
On May 8th, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Lower Subansiri region of Arunachal Pradesh at 4:55 AM, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake was felt across the region, but no injuries or damage have been reported thus far.
A massive landslide occurred on Thursday at the highway between Hunli and Anini in Arunachal Pradesh, causing a deep cut in the road and disrupting the route connecting Dibang Valley. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media to address the landslide incident, stating that instructions have been given for the restoration of connectivity at the “earliest.” In a separate incident, two suspected Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Odisha’s Boudh district on Thursday morning.
