Ziro festival faces Apatani Students’ Union's bandh call for ignoring “Zero Drugs Ziro” campaign

The Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) has announced a 12-hour total bandh in Lower Subansiri district on 25 September, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in protest against the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) organisers’ alleged failure to adhere to their commitment of promoting the anti-drug theme, “Zero Drugs Ziro.”

According to the ASU, the festival organisers had repeatedly assured authorities and the local community that the “Zero Drugs Ziro” campaign would be prominently displayed in all festival banners, publicity materials, and related events. This assurance was reiterated during this year’s preparatory meeting with district officials. However, the apex body of the ASU claims that, despite repeated reminders, the organisers have failed to implement the campaign as promised.

The Union has termed this inaction a “deliberate disregard of social responsibility” and stated that the bandh is being enforced to safeguard the youth and the wider community from the growing menace of drugs. ASU leaders emphasised that cultural events, while promoting music and tourism, must also prioritise the welfare and safety of local residents.

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In a statement, ASU urged the people of Lower Subansiri district to cooperate fully with the bandh and maintain peace during the protest. The Union has also made it clear that the ZFM organisers will be held solely responsible for any disruption or unrest resulting from the failure to promote the “Zero Drugs Ziro” message.

The upcoming Ziro Music Festival, which begins on 25 September, is one of the most popular cultural events in Arunachal Pradesh, attracting musicians, tourists, and youth from across the region and beyond. The bandh and the ASU’s allegations have added a new layer of controversy ahead of the festival, drawing attention to the importance of integrating social awareness campaigns with large-scale public events.

The ASU has called for immediate action from the festival authorities to rectify the situation and ensure that the anti-drug message is prominently featured during the festival, stressing that community well-being should never be sidelined in the pursuit of cultural celebrations.