MON TAWANG VIGILANCE

26/11/2025

Miss Sonam Nordzin, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Zilla Parishad Member candidate for Tawang block |

26/11/2025

Thutan Tashi Withdraws Nomination, Paving Way for Uncontested Poll to Ensure Lumla's Development.

MON TAWANG VIGILANCE
TAWANG, November 26, 2026 |

In a significant political development for the Lumla block, the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Thutan Gombu, is set to be elected uncontested as the Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM), securing his second term. This follows the formal withdrawal of the only opposing candidate, Thutan Tashi of the Indian National Congress (INC), earlier today.

The path to an uncontested election was paved by a high-level meeting between the delegates of the BJP and the Congress on November 21. The consensus to avoid a contest was reached following a fruitful discussion held at the residence of former
Dudunghar-Zemithang ZPM Sangey Norbu in Lumla.

The BJP delegation was spearheaded by Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu, and included Lumla block ZPM Thutan Gombu and Dudunghar-Zemithang block ZPM Leki Norbu. Leading the Congress side was Jangchub Pelsang Rimpoche, President of the District Congress Committee Tawang, along with senior leaders Jowa Tsering, Tow Tsering, Karsang, and former Dudunghar-Zemithang block ZPM Sangey Norbu.

The parties mutually agreed that the Congress would not field a ZPM candidate against the BJP in the larger interest of the people and to upkeep the development and welfare of the region, prioritizing regional progress over partisan politics.

Thutan Tashi, who was the second candidate, had initially filed his nomination as an independent candidate, formally withdrew his papers today.

Speaking to Mon Tawang Vigilance over the phone, he clarified the initial filing: "I was compelled to file my nominations as a rumour had begun to circulate that Jangchub Pelsang Rimpoche had received money from the opposition for not fielding any candidate against them." He strongly rejected the rumour, terming it "baseless and untrue."

Explaining his decision to withdraw, Thutan Tashi stated that it was to uphold the consensus of the meeting between the BJP and Congress delegates, where "the development and welfare of the Lumla constituency was held high above all party lines." He urged the denizens of Lumla and the district to refrain from speculating and spreading false rumours that he had received monetary compensation for his withdrawal.

Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu lauded the withdrawal, calling it a "bold and good move" and "in the interest of development of Lumla." She also extended her gratitude to Jangchub Pelsang Rimpoche and his team for "upkeeping the welfare of the region and the people above party and politics."

The people of Lumla have broadly welcomed this display of political maturity and cooperation, recognizing the mutual commitment to focusing on the constituency's developmental needs without the distraction of a contested election. This consensus is seen as a positive step towards expedited regional growth.

Meanwhile, the Dudunghar-Zemithang block still faces a contest. Sonam Yudon, an independent candidate, has filed a nomination against the BJP's Tsering Yangzom, who is the wife of the incumbent ZPM Leki Norbu.

However, sources indicate that discussions are currently underway between both parties, and it is likely that Tsering Yangzom may also be elected uncontested.

Pema Khandu Tseten Chombay Tsering Tashi Phurpa Tsering Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rinchin Neema Mohesh Chai fans

25/11/2025

A conversation with Sonam Nordzin, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s ZPM candidate for Tawang block.

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25/11/2025

Supporters gather in large numbers to congratulate Tenzin Monpa, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s ZPM candidate for Kitpi block, who filed his nomination, yesterday.

24/11/2025

Tenzin Monpa, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ZPM candidate for Kitpi block, filed his nomination today.

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21/11/2025

"I love smiles. That is a fact. How to develop smiles? There are a variety of smiles. Some smiles are sarcastic. Some smiles are artificial-diplomatic smiles... But a genuine smile gives us hope, freshness."
- His Holiness The Fourteenth Dalai Lama

19/11/2025

Buddhist CBO Leaders Unite in Itanagar to Strengthen Himalayan Communities and Cultural Heritage

MON TAWANG VIGILANCE
TAWANG | November 19, 2025 |

In a significant gathering of Buddhist leadership, presidents and office bearers of major community-based organizations convened in Itanagar to deliberate on issues central to the spiritual, cultural, and developmental aspirations of Himalayan Buddhist communities.

The meeting brought together key figures including Dr. Leiky Wangchuk, President of the Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society, Dorjee Phuntso, President of Monpa Mimang Tsokpa, Er. Pema Dorjee Khochi, President of the Tuting Memba Welfare Society, Octaka Singkai, President of the Itanagar Theravada Society and Tarh Tarak, President of the Himalayan Suraksha Manch.

Delegates from the Monpa, Khamti, Memba, Sherdukpen, and several other Buddhist tribes, along with executive members of cultural, welfare, and youth bodies, also participated, reflecting the diversity and unity of the region’s Buddhist communities.

The discussions focused on a wide range of themes, including promoting nationalism grounded in constitutional values and the spirit of seva, strengthening Buddhist socio-religious institutions, and advancing environmental conservation rooted in traditional ethics. Participants also examined ways to enhance border-area cooperation, preserve cultural heritage and languages, empower youth, and uphold transparent governance while safeguarding minority rights.

Several key outcomes emerged, notably the formulation of a Nature Protection and Environmental Stewardship Plan for Buddhist sites and the initiation of a Regional Himalayan Border Programme Coordination Mechanism. Leaders further agreed to prepare governance principles to ensure greater autonomy and transparency within Buddhist institutions. A follow-up meeting will be held soon to advance these initiatives.

The gathering concluded with a commitment to peace, sustainable development, cultural preservation, and the collective strength of Buddhist communities across the Himalayan belt, reinforcing unity, service, and the safeguarding of the region’s rich heritage.

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19/11/2025

19/11/2025

Monpa Grace!
The beautiful smile of a Monpa girl from the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, radiating warmth and tradition against the serene backdrop of the rolling hills.

She wears the classic deep red Shingka and is adorned with magnificent jewelry: long strings of rich coral beads beautifully offset by vibrant turquoise stones. Her braids and unique headpiece, a signature of Monpa women, are a visual testament to a culture deeply rooted in the mountains.

18/11/2025

Dalai Lama Receives First-Ever Grammy Nomination at Age 90 for 'Meditation' Album

MON TAWANG VIGILANCE
TAWANG | November 18, 2025 |

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has achieved a remarkable milestone, receiving his first-ever Grammy Award nomination at the age of 90. The album, "Meditation: Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama," has been nominated for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards.

The album, celebrated for uniting His Holiness's meditative wisdom with India's classical music heritage, is a profound work featuring collaborations with a number of acclaimed artists.

This nominated recording features a collaboration with renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, alongside contributions from Grammy-winning artists Andra Day, Ted Nash, and Tony Succar.

Following the announcement, Amjad Ali Khan shared his privilege of participating in the project. "Working with His Holiness was a profound privilege. May this nomination shine a light on the values His Holiness embodies and the timeless need for compassion in our world", he stated.

The nomination is seen by many as a powerful acknowledgment of the spiritual leader's global message and his commitment to promoting peace and mindfulness through both his words and this unique artistic endeavor.

The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

17/11/2025

The sheer grace and presence of His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche is a powerful teaching in itself.

​Watch this video which brings immense peace and is a reminder of the preciousness of this human life and the path of Bodhisattvas.

May we all be guided by his compassion.