'Education is a priority': Arunachal CM Pema Khandu calls ANSU bandh 'unfortunate', invites union for talks
- Sep 25, 2026,
- Updated Sep 25, 2026, 12:26 PM IST
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has termed the 12-hour bandh observed by the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) over education-related demands as “unfortunate”, while assuring that the government is committed to addressing concerns related to education infrastructure.
ANSU had observed the 12-hour shutdown in the Itanagar Capital Region on September 24, alleging that its demands concerning education infrastructure had not been adequately addressed. The students’ body has sought the renovation and upgradation of 56 identified schools, establishment of a special-needs school in Pakke Kessang, development of the Government Engineering College at Toru, and improvement of Late Neelam Taram Government College.
The union subsequently announced a 48-hour bandh across seven Nyishi-inhabited districts from September 28 if its demands are not addressed.
Reacting to the agitation, Chief Minister Khandu said most of ANSU’s education-related demands had already been conceptualised and resolved by the government. He attributed the situation to a communication gap, saying the government’s decisions and plans had not been properly conveyed to ANSU members through dialogue.
Khandu said he would hold a round-table discussion with ANSU representatives on September 26 to discuss the union’s three key demands relating to education infrastructure.
The Chief Minister reiterated that education is a priority sector for the Arunachal Pradesh government, not only in Nyishi-inhabited areas but across the state.
He said 2029 has been set as the saturation target for improving and strengthening educational infrastructure across Arunachal Pradesh, with the government working towards upgrading facilities across the state in a planned and phased manner.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid the students’ union’s decision to intensify its agitation, with further discussions between the government and ANSU expected on September 26.