ANSU bandh disrupts normal life in Arunachal capital; police allow emergency, exam-related movement

Normal life was affected across the Itanagar Capital Region on September 24 as the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) observed a 12-hour bandh over a range of education-related demands, despite the district administration declaring the shutdown unlawful.

The bandh began at 5 am and continued until 5 pm, with ANSU seeking the renovation and upgradation of 56 identified schools, establishment of a dedicated school for children with special needs in Pakke Kessang, and resolution of issues concerning Toru Engineering College and Late Neelam Taram Government College.

The shutdown was called after talks between ANSU representatives and state Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona failed to resolve the issues.

Police allow emergency movement

SP Capital Itanagar Jummar Bassar said the impact of the bandh was visible but police were ensuring that vehicles carrying people for examinations and medical emergencies were allowed to move.

“The impact of ANSU's call for a shutdown is visible, but we are ensuring that vehicles requiring urgent movement—whether for exams or medical emergencies—are being allowed to pass,” Bassar said.

He said police had spoken with ANSU representatives and that they had been cooperative in allowing exam- and medical-related vehicles to proceed.

Police forces were fully deployed across their jurisdiction to maintain law and order, Bassar said, adding that personnel were also responding to requests for assistance, including escort services and help for people stranded during the shutdown.

Regarding passengers arriving at the airport, the SP said police had not received any calls for assistance so far but would respond if required, depending on the situation.

Police appeal for peaceful bandh

Bassar appealed to ANSU office bearers and students to continue the shutdown without causing damage to public property or harming people.

“By and large, people have respected that call and stayed indoors. So, our request to the ANSU office bearers and the students is that they continue to conduct themselves without harming people or damaging property, just as they have done so far,” he said.

Security forces and police personnel were deployed at several sensitive locations, including Chimpu and areas near the Secretariat, amid reports of face-offs and roadblocks.

There were also reports of a vehicle catching fire during the restricted hours. Further details on the incident were awaited.

Bandh declared unlawful

Earlier, Itanagar Capital Region District Magistrate Toko Babu had declared the proposed ANSU bandh unlawful under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The administration had directed the organisers and others concerned to refrain from enforcing, supporting or participating in the shutdown and had warned of legal action.

The bandh is centred on ANSU's demands concerning education infrastructure and institutions in the state. The student body has maintained that the issues require urgent government intervention.