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The Miao Times, Miao (2026)

26/10/2026

COME ONE, COME ALL - LET’S CELEBRATE THE WONDERS OF NAMDAPHA!

The enchanting wilderness of Namdapha beckons, and the vibrant spirit of nature awaits your presence!

The organizing committee of the 9th Namdapha Butterfly Festival extends its warmest invitation to everyone to join this magnificent celebration of biodiversity, culture, tourism and the breathtaking beauty of Arunachal Pradesh.

Under the esteemed leadership of Chief Patron and local MLA Kamlung Mossang, CF and Field Director Murali Sankar, IFS, Assistant Field Director Pema Chhoden, RFO Karba Biri and other dedicated members, the festival promises to bring nature lovers, tourists, researchers and local communities together in a memorable celebration.

The three-day festival will be held at Miao General Ground on October 30, 31 and November 1, 2026.

Come, witness nature’s colourful wonders, embrace our rich cultural heritage, discover the extraordinary beauty of Namdapha and create memories to cherish forever.

Your presence will make this celebration more vibrant, meaningful and unforgettable.
Come one, come all! Namdapha awaits you with open arms!

24/10/2026

Arunachal border tensions resurface as ITBP chief confirms ongoing China face-offs

TMT | ALWAR | 25 Oct 2026: Fresh concerns over the security of Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive frontier have emerged after Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur publicly acknowledged continuing face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple locations in the state.

Addressing ITBP personnel in Alwar, Rajasthan, Kapur praised the courage and preparedness of border personnel, revealing that the confrontations were ongoing. He also highlighted the capabilities of the force’s newly raised Shaurya commando unit.

The statement has renewed attention on alleged Chinese intrusions in Upper Subansiri district, particularly around Taksing and Limeking. Local organisations have previously alleged Chinese occupation of several areas and the establishment of a military camp. However, the Indian Army had dismissed the claims as incorrect and baseless.

BJP MP Tapir Gao also reiterated concerns he had raised in Parliament in 2019 regarding alleged Chinese intrusions into Arunachal Pradesh.

Responding to the latest developments, the Ministry of External Affairs said border tensions arise periodically when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns. It stressed that diplomatic and military mechanisms remain in place to prevent misunderstandings and resolve outstanding issues.

The developments underscore the strategic sensitivity of Arunachal Pradesh’s frontier, where peace, vigilance and effective border management remain vital to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity.

However, the specific locations and circumstances of the reported face-offs have not been officially detailed.

24/10/2026

Radiance 2026 celebrates cultural diversity; KBM school wins overall championship

TMT | NAMSAI | 24 Oct 2026: Radiance 2026, a four-day inter-school cultural and literary competition organised by Newman Educational Society (NES), the educational wing of Miao Diocese, concluded at St. Mary’s School, Namsai, on Saturday, bringing together 530 students and 70 staff from 20 schools.

Held from October 21 to 24 under the theme “Celebrating Roots – Embracing Horizons,” the event showcased students’ artistic, literary and cultural talents while promoting unity, creativity and holistic education.

MLA of 50-Miao Assembly Constituency and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Kamlung Mosang, inaugurated the event, urging students to follow the path of “Dream – Plan – Prepare – Act – Achieve.”

Namsai DC Lobsom Tsering and CRPF 186 Battalion Commandant Dr. Vishwanath Paranjape also encouraged students to preserve their cultural roots while embracing new opportunities.

Krick and Bourry Memorial School (KBM), Tezu, emerged as the overall champion, followed by San Bonaventure School, Dumba, and Light of the World School, Miao, in second and third positions respectively.

At the concluding ceremony, Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao Diocese stressed that education must nurture creativity, cultural appreciation and confidence beyond academic achievement. Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chau Sujana Namchoom distributed trophies and certificates.

NES Secretary Fr. Shoby Simon thanked all participating schools, students, staff and the host institution for making the event a success.

Radiance 2026 reaffirmed the importance of cultural exchange and holistic education in nurturing confident, creative and socially responsible young minds.

24/10/2026

A celebration of nature, culture and community: Join the 9th Namdapha Butterfly Festival

TMT | MIAO | 24 Oct 2026: The Organising Committee warmly invites everyone to be part of the 9th Namdapha Butterfly Festival, scheduled for October 30 and 31 and November 1, 2026, at Miao General Ground.

More than a festival, this three-day celebration is a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary beauty of nature, the richness of indigenous cultures and the urgent need to protect our precious environment.

Nestled in the land of the magnificent Namdapha National Park, the festival seeks to bring people closer to the wonders of butterflies, wildlife and the natural world.

The festival will also showcase the vibrant traditions, cultural heritage and community spirit of the region, creating a meaningful space for learning, sharing and togetherness.

The Organising Committee appeals to people from all walks of life to join this memorable celebration and make it a grand success.

Come, celebrate nature, honour our heritage and unite for a greener tomorrow.

24/10/2026

SUMP protests turn violent in Pasighat; residences of BJP leaders, NHPC office targeted

TMT | PASIGHAT | 24 Oct 2026: Anti-Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) protests in Pasighat took a violent turn as the residence of former Union Minister and sitting BJP MLA Ninong Ering was reportedly vandalised during overnight unrest following Friday’s 12-hour bandh against the proposed mega dam.

The residences of other BJP leaders, including Kaling Moyong and Oni Panyang, were also reportedly targeted as tensions escalated over the controversial project.

The unrest reportedly spread to public and private properties, with the NHPC office and Pasighat Police Station among the sites allegedly vandalised.

The violence marks a serious escalation in the ongoing opposition to SUMP, a project that has triggered growing concern and protest in the Siang region.

While public grievances over major development projects deserve to be heard, violence and destruction of property threaten peace, public safety and the democratic process. The deepening crisis calls for restraint, constructive dialogue and a peaceful resolution that addresses the concerns of affected communities.

24/10/2026

NHPC office reportedly torched amid violent Siang valley protest

TMT | PASIGHAT | 24 Oct 2026: Protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Pasighat on Friday, with seven police vehicles reportedly set ablaze and the NHPC office at High Region allegedly torched.

Although the 12-hour bandh called by five organisations was withdrawn following opposition from Bogong Bango Kebang, some groups in Siang, Upper Siang and Mebo continued the shutdown, demanding the release of arrested protesters, withdrawal of security forces and an immediate halt to the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey.

Tensions escalated when CRPF personnel allegedly fired tear gas shells at protesting youths without warning, according to protesters and local sources. A cameraperson of Global Network News sustained injuries when a shell landed near his leg.

Separately, students gathered outside Pasighat Police Station following the reported detention of four to five students. Some allegedly crossed police barricades and pelted stones at the station.

Heavy security has been deployed across Pasighat as tension grips the town. Police have urged residents to remain indoors. The district administration is yet to issue an official statement on the reported arson and the extent of damage.

24/10/2026

Namdapha Butterfly Festival takes shape as traditional houses rise at Miao

TMT | MIAO | 24 Oct 2026: With just a week left for the 9th Namdapha Butterfly Festival, preparations are gathering pace at Miao General Ground, where traditional houses representing the Singpho, Tangsa and Yobin communities are rapidly taking shape, bringing the rich cultural heritage of the region to life.

The three-day festival, scheduled for October 30, 31 and November 1, promises to be a vibrant celebration of nature, culture and community, placing the spotlight on the extraordinary butterfly diversity of Namdapha and its surrounding landscapes.

The traditional houses will stand as living symbols of the unique customs, architecture and cultural identity of the three indigenous communities of Miao subdivision in Changlang district. Alongside butterfly conservation, the festival seeks to showcase the region's cultural richness and strengthen the bond between people and nature.

Beyond the experts invited by the organizing committee, 47 enthusiastic participants from Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh have already registered for the fest. With registrations open until October 26, an even greater wave of participation is expected, promising a vibrant and truly diverse celebration.

Resource persons for the 9th Butterfly Festival are 1. Peter Smetachek, Uttrakhand 2. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, Assam 3. Sarika Baidya, West Bengal 4. Rajib Rudra Tariang, Assam
5. Minom Pertin, Arunachal Pradesh
6. Yumlam Benjamin Bida, Arunachal Pradesh
7. Aman Tayeng, Arunachal Pradesh

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein will inaugurate the festival on the afternoon of October 30. The opening ceremony will be followed by the inauguration of the traditional houses, exhibition stalls and other attractions.

Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte will attend as Guest of Honour, while Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang and his advisor Wanglin Lowangdong, will join as Special Guests and Kamlung Mossang, Adviser to the Chief Minister and local MLA, will also attend as chief patron. Other senior officials from the state capital are expected to join the celebration.

After the inaugural programme, the Deputy Chief Minister and other dignitaries are scheduled to proceed to Deban, around 24 kilometres east of the festival venue, where they will halt for the night.

The second day will be devoted to field activities, bringing together butterfly enthusiasts, researchers and experts from across the country to observe, identify and document butterfly species in the region.

Miao and its surrounding landscapes are celebrated for their remarkable butterfly diversity, making the festival an important platform for scientific observation, knowledge sharing and conservation awareness. The field activities will offer participants an opportunity to explore the natural wealth of the region while underscoring the need to protect fragile ecosystems and the countless life forms they sustain.

The festival will conclude on November 1 with a series of programmes, bringing three days of cultural celebration, scientific exploration and environmental awareness to a close.

As the traditional houses rise and the festival ground comes alive with preparations, Miao is once again preparing to welcome visitors from far and wide. Beyond the festivities, the event carries a deeper message: that the forests, rivers, butterflies and indigenous cultures of this land are an irreplaceable heritage that must be protected and passed on to future generations.

23/10/2026

SUMP opposition intensifies; Peaceful sit-in protest ahead of Siang Valley Bandh

TMT | PASIGHAT | 23 Oct 2026: The resistance against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is gathering momentum, with Indigenous communities, project-affected villagers and concerned citizens raising a united voice to protect their ancestral land, natural resources and future generations.

A 24-hour peaceful sit-in dharna began at 2 PM on Thursday at Miracle Ground in Pasighat, organised by the Save Siang, Save Indigenous Rights Committee with permission from the local administration. The protest comes amid mounting opposition to preliminary activities for the mega hydropower project.

The protesters have demanded an immediate halt to all pre-feasibility studies and surveys, the release of detained anti-dam activists, the withdrawal of related FIRs and the removal of Central Armed Police Forces deployed in the region.

Meanwhile, several anti-dam organisations, led by Adi Bane Kebang-United, the SUMP Affected Youth Association, the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and the Adi Galo Welfare Society, have called for a 12-hour bandh across Siang and Upper Siang districts on October 23.

The organisations maintain that their movement is aimed at safeguarding ancestral land and protecting the rights of Indigenous communities. They have accused the state government of using survey activities as a means of pressuring innocent villagers and have appealed to all sections of society to support their demand for scrapping the project and withdrawing security forces.

However, the Bogong Banggo Kebang of Pasighat has declined to support the bandh, stating in a public notice that the organisers had not formally communicated their decision to the organisation beforehand.

Despite the difference in positions, opposition to SUMP continues to resonate across several parts of Siang and Upper Siang districts. Villagers and anti-dam groups are demanding an end to surveys and the release of those they describe as innocent villagers detained for participating in the movement.

The agitation has drawn people from diverse sections of society, including students, women, senior citizens, former bureaucrats, political leaders and intellectuals. Their participation reflects growing concern over the possible long-term consequences of the proposed mega project for the Siang Valley and its people.

Former Chief Minister and social activist Gegong Apang, a longstanding critic of mega hydropower projects in the Siang region, has renewed his appeal to the state government to scrap SUMP. He has also questioned the transparency surrounding preliminary project activities and the utilisation of funds allocated for them.

Emphasising the stakes for local communities, Apang said villagers were fighting for their survival, as the proposed 11,000 MW project could threaten their habitat, livelihoods and traditional way of life.

He has urged elected MLAs and MPs from the Adi belt to resign from their constitutional positions and join the movement to protect ancestral land and natural resources for future generations.

For the protesting communities, the issue extends beyond a hydropower project. It is about land, identity, livelihood and the right of future generations to inherit the rivers, forests and valleys that have sustained their ancestors for centuries.

As the agitation intensifies, the demand for dialogue, transparency and a resolution that addresses the concerns of affected communities is becoming increasingly urgent.

21/10/2026

TCL sporting dreams set for a new home as local MLA Kamlung Mosang inspects State Sports Academy

TMT | MIAO | 22 October 2026: A new chapter is taking shape for the young sporting talents of Miao, the TCL districts and the state, as the ambitious State Sports Academy at Neotan Village, under Namphai-I Circle in Changlang district, moves steadily towards completion, promising better facilities and a brighter future for aspiring athletes.

Kamlung Mosang, local MLA of Miao and Advisor to the Chief Minister, accompanied by Michi Paying, Assistant Engineer of the Department of Urban Development & Housing, inspected the ongoing construction works at the academy on Wednesday afternoon.

The construction of a multipurpose hall with a gallery and a 210-bedded boys’ hostel (G+3) equipped with a lift is progressing at Cheetah's pace. During the inspection, Mosang directed the department to accelerate the pace of work without compromising with the construction quality and ensure completion within the stipulated timeframe.

The project is more than a collection of buildings. It represents a long - awaited investment in the dreams, discipline and determination of young sportspersons who aspire to rise beyond geographical boundaries and bring honour to their community, district and state.

At present, the State Sports Academy is operating from Miao township with limited infrastructure and resources. Despite these challenges, its students have participated in numerous state and national level championships across the country, with several young athletes winning medals and demonstrating remarkable talent and resilience.

Their achievements stand as a powerful reminder that sporting excellence can emerge even from modest beginnings when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement and determination to succeed.

Once the Neotan facility is completed, the academy will shift from Miao township to its new campus, where improved accommodation and training infrastructure are expected to provide a more conducive environment for sports education, physical development and competitive preparation.

One of the major developmental projects under the 50th Miao Assembly Constituency, the State Sports Academy has already played a meaningful role in shaping the sporting journeys of many young people. Its new campus is expected to strengthen that legacy and open greater opportunities for future generations.

For the aspiring athletes of Miao, the TCL region and the state, the emerging academy offers more than modern infrastructure. It holds the promise of a future where talent will have greater room to grow, dedication will find stronger support, and young dreams will have a better chance of turning into sporting achievements.

As the structures rise at Neotan, so too does the hope that this academy will grow into a centre of sporting excellence, producing talented athletes capable of competing at the highest levels while inspiring generations to come.

The ultimate success of the project, however, will rest not only on the timely completion of its buildings but also on sustained investment in qualified coaches, modern equipment, proper nutrition, sports science and long-term athlete development.

With the right support and facilities, the State Sports Academy can become a lasting symbol of opportunity for the youths where limited beginnings give way to greater ambitions and local talent finds its path to the national sporting arena.

19/10/2026

Namdapha Butterfly Festival shifts venue to Noa Dihing Riverbed ahead of 3-day event

TMT | MIAO | 19 October 2026: In view of the expected large public turnout, the venue of the 9th Namdapha Butterfly Festival, scheduled for October 30, 31 and November 1, has been shifted from Miao General Ground to the Noa Dihing riverbed, adjacent to the Namdapha Eco-Cultural Festival Ground near Gara Line.

The decision was taken after concerns emerged over inadequate vehicle parking facilities at the initially selected venue. The new site offers ample parking space and remains dry and clean throughout the year, making it better suited to accommodate visitors during the 3-day celebration.

The festival is expected to bring together nature enthusiasts, researchers, conservationists, photographers, tourists and local communities to celebrate the extraordinary biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable livelihoods.

Located near the magnificent Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, Miao is a gateway to one of Northeast India’s most remarkable natural landscapes. The festival is more than a celebration of butterflies; it is a call to protect the delicate web of life that sustains the region’s forests, rivers and wildlife.

Butterflies, with their delicate wings and dazzling colours, are not merely nature’s ornaments. They are important indicators of environmental health, and their protection is closely linked to preserving the habitats of countless other species, including wildlife and aquatic life.

Equally significant is the festival’s commitment to community welfare. Local communities, particularly those living in the buffer zones of Namdapha, will have an opportunity to showcase and sell their organic produce, costumes, crafts during the event. The initiative seeks to ensure that conservation goes hand in hand with economic empowerment, creating opportunities for communities whose lives are closely connected to the forest.

The underlying message is crystal clear: protecting nature must also benefit the people who safeguard it through their everyday relationship with the land.

As Miao prepares to host the 9th edition of the festival, the event seeks to transform appreciation for nature into collective action, reminding everyone that the survival of biodiversity and the prosperity of local communities are deeply interconnected.

The Miao Times

26/10/2026

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