The town of Roing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley (LDV) district is buzzing with activity as it prepares to host the 22nd National Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) Championship from February 12 to 15. Cyclists of all ages can already be seen training across the township ahead of the four-day national event.
This is the first time Arunachal Pradesh will host the prestigious championship, with more than 450 cyclists from across India already registered to participate.
The championship features competitions for both men and women across several age groups:
Youth (14 years and below)
Sub-junior (15–16 years)
Junior (17–18 years)
Under-23 men
Elite (19 years and above)
A total of 23 events of varying distances and difficulty levels will be held, including mixed team relay races in the junior and elite categories. Participants must possess a valid 2026 rider’s licence issued by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) to compete.
Organisers say the MTB course is ready and promises to test even the most experienced riders. The route includes a 1.9-km downhill track in the Kebali village area and a 3.8-km mountainous stretch near the Eze River. Cyclists currently practicing on the course have described it as both “very tough” and “exciting.”
The event is being organised by the Arunachal Cycling Association (ACA). Local MLA and ACA president Mutchu Mithi expressed confidence in the success of the championship, noting that many participating cyclists have praised the track as one of the best they have encountered in national competitions.
He said extensive arrangements have been made for the event, including track preparation and accommodation for participants, with support from the state government, the Department of Youth Affairs, the district administration, and other departments such as medical and electrical services.
Mithi also highlighted Arunachal’s natural advantage for mountain biking, stating that the state’s terrain makes it ideal for the sport. He suggested that cycling could grow significantly in the region, just as it has in countries known for mountain biking.
ACA Vice President Wangdi Dorjee Khrimey thanked the CFI for entrusting Arunachal with hosting the championship. He also acknowledged support from the Department of Youth Affairs, the LDV district administration, and MLA Mithi.
Addressing local residents, Khrimey requested patience and cooperation, noting that the influx of more than 450 cyclists, along with officials and support staff, would temporarily increase the town’s population. He added that the event is expected to give a boost to tourism, showcasing the district’s scenic beauty.
A temporary games village has been set up at Stone Hills resort near the Eze River to house participants. The facility includes separate tented accommodation for men and women, dining areas, and essential amenities.
Organisers say the championship will play a key role in national rankings and could open pathways for top performers to compete at the international level. The event will officially begin at 9 am on February 12 at Stone Hills.
[10:18 AM, 2/11/2026] +91 94356 19984: Two More Coal Mine Owners Arrested After Fatal Blast in East Jaintia Hills; Death Toll Rises to 30
Shillong, February: Police in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district have arrested two more coal mine owners in connection with the deadly explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko. Among those detained is Process Dkhar, also known as Prakash, a resident of Sutnga and believed to be the main owner of the mine where the blast occurred. The second arrested individual is Tensing Suchiang from Umlawang village.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said two previously arrested accused — Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung village and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong village — were sent to 14-day judicial custody by a court on Monday. “We had requested further police custody, but the court remanded both accused to judicial custody,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar confirmed that the death toll from the explosion has climbed to 30 after two more injured workers succumbed to their injuries at Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam.
The district administration has begun disbursing ex-gratia compensation to the families of the deceased. So far, eight families have received financial assistance, while verification of bank details for the remaining beneficiaries is underway to speed up the process.
Authorities have stepped up enforcement operations over the past four days to curb illegal coal mining in the district. As of Monday, 34 FIRs had been registered, and large quantities of coal and mining equipment were seized. Several illegal mining sites have also been shut down.
These actions are being carried out by a District Task Force, with support from multiple departments. Instructions have been issued to the District Transport Office, District Mining Office, and other relevant agencies to take strict measures against unlawful mining activities.
Officials confirmed that a thorough search of the Thangsko mine has been completed. Joint teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Rescue Teams (SRT) found no additional workers or bodies inside the mine. The search and rescue operation was officially called off at 5 pm on Monday.
On Tuesday, the District Task Force held a high-level meeting with senior officials, including representatives from the Mining and Transport departments, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and senior police officers, to plan further measures aimed at completely halting illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills.
The district administration is also considering the use of drones for surveillance. Seized coal will be moved to designated depots for auction, and strict monitoring will be enforced to prevent illegal mining from resuming.
