Arunachal Pradesh news & politics
The latest news from Arunachal Pradesh, where Pema Khandu (BJP) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: infrastructure, crime violence, protest opposition.
SBI fixes software glitch preventing Christian applicants from selecting Scheduled Tribe category
The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) welcomed the resolution of a software glitch at State Bank of India (SBI) that prevented Christian applicants from selecting “Scheduled Tribe” on YONO and re-KYC platforms. On October 5, ACF complained about discriminatory logic. On October 14, SBI’s regional business office in Itanagar confirmed the information technology team modified validation to allow correct category recording.
Full-grown Royal Bengal tiger spotted at Tiwarigaon in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Dibang Valley
A full-grown Royal Bengal tiger was spotted at Tiwarigaon in the Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday afternoon. Mito Rumi, Divisional Forest Officer of the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Division, confirmed a Forest Department team is monitoring the area. The department banned two-wheelers between kilometre 19 and kilometre 23 of the Roing-Anini road. Residents can contact Magone Linggi at 7085459372 or 9436221862.

ACF alleges SBI software prevents Christians from selecting Scheduled Tribe option
The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) alleged that State Bank of India (SBI) digital software prevents Christians from selecting the ‘Scheduled Tribe (ST)’ option, automatically classifying them as ‘General’. James Techi Tara and Yomrik Lombi warned of agitations if technical corrections are not made within 15 days. SBI received the letter on October 5 in Itanagar. Officials are currently looking into the matter.
All Adi Youth Association demands withdrawal of security forces from Siang and Upper Siang
The All Adi Youth Association secretary, Okut Taki, told journalists in Itanagar on October 6, 2026, that the government must withdraw security forces from Siang and Upper Siang districts. The association condemned clashes over the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited's Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which aims to generate 11,000 MW. They rejected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims regarding project support.

Protesters vandalize Alo Libang's residence, set police vehicles ablaze over Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
Protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh turned violent on Wednesday as agitators vandalized Alo Libang's residence and set police vehicles ablaze. Protesters blocked roads, preventing Chowna Mein, Ojing Tasing, Nyato Dukam, and Ninong Ering from attending an interaction with Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Demonstrators demanded halting the Pre-Feasibility Report and withdrawing security forces.

Havildar Kuvvarapu Kishan dies in road accident while serving in Arunachal Pradesh
Havildar Kuvvarapu Kishan, 35, a native of Pandillapalli village in Markapuram district, died in a road accident on Saturday while serving in Arunachal Pradesh. His remains were flown from Guwahati to Hyderabad and reached his village on Wednesday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh expressed grief over the death of the soldier.
Assam Rifles Havildar killed, 4 injured in militant attack near Nampong Nallah
On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, a 21 Assam Rifles patrol team in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district near Nampong Nallah came under attack by suspected militants. Havildar Jankhokai Kuki was killed and four others injured. Security forces intensified operations; the attackers were preliminarily linked to the NSCN (K-YA). The Changlang SP directed police to gather details.

2 Burnt To Death, 2 Critical As Vehicle Catches Fire After Hitting Pole In Assam
In the Kenapatty area of Purani Gudam, Assam's Nagaon, a Kia Carens carrying four people from Arunachal Pradesh to Guwahati caught fire after colliding with a streetlight pole. The driver lost control, hitting a divider and overturning; two passengers died due to burn injuries while the other two were seriously injured and taken to Guwahati for treatment. Police are investigating the incident.

Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approves panel for survey of Siang mega dam
On September 23, 2026, the Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, adopted a resolution to form an Empowered High-Level Committee for the pre-feasibility report of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), despite local protests. The project aims to generate 11,000 MW and address flood mitigation in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin while boosting employment and socio-economic development. Local authorities organized school exhibitions to raise awareness among students about SUMP's benefits. The Cabinet emphasized transparent and peaceful survey processes and countered misinformation spread by vested interests.

Sharma Arrested: Demanded Up to Rs 50 Lakh for Government Contracts
On May 30, a businessman reported to the Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell that he was cheated of Rs 10 lakh by Debeswar Sharma, who allegedly used mimicry artists to imitate voices of top officials. Investigators found Sharma demanded up to Rs 50 lakh from three firms for government contracts and arrested him in Dhemaji on June 3, recovering 18 SIM cards linked to the fraud. The case involves multiple crores and investigations continue into wider networks and money trails.

UN map shows Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin with Indian and Chinese claim lines
On September 4, the UN General Assembly endorsed a new world map during the India-backed “Correct the Map” resolution. The map shows Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, part of Ladakh, with distinct regions between Indian and Chinese claim lines. It also depicts Jammu and Kashmir’s Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan but lacks explanation for Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin's depiction. The map is non-binding but will be used by multilateral institutions globally.

On Saturday, security forces arrested five Myanmar nationals, including two women
On Saturday, security forces arrested five Myanmar nationals, including two women from Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district—Nokwang Taikhe (35), Wenchak Taikhe (21), Chaksang Taikhe (16), Wennaw Tuchi (12), and Dungeon Kachik (15). They were handed over to the police. The 21 Assam Rifles, along with Arunachal Pradesh Police, also seized 130.09 grams of suspected brown sugar near Nongkey Village under Nampong police station, worth Rs 26 lakhs internationally. Changlang district borders Myanmar and is a new route for illegal drug trade.
