Arunachal home minister calls for peaceful AAPSU polls, warns of strict action against lawbreakers

With the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) elections around the corner, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on Sunday, February 15, issued a strong appeal to students to ensure that the democratic exercise is conducted peacefully and strictly in accordance with laid-down norms, warning of stringent action against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands.

Addressing concerns surrounding the upcoming AAPSU Election/Conference 2026, Natung underscored that Arunachal Pradesh has entered a new era. “This is a new Arunachal. It is the age of AI and innovation — not the age of guns and lethal weapons,” he remarked, urging the youth to uphold democratic values and reject violence.

Meanwhile, the Capital District Administration has formally granted permission to conduct the AAPSU Election/Conference 2026 at the Jubilee Hall of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, from February 17 to 23, 2026. The approval was issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Capital, in favour of AAPSU Chief Election Commissioner Nabam Tamar, subject to strict terms and conditions aimed at ensuring smooth conduct of the election process and maintenance of law and order.

As per the official order, organizers must ensure that traffic movement remains unobstructed under all circumstances and adhere to undertakings submitted before police authorities. Adequate volunteers are to be deployed for maintaining discipline, with a detailed list to be submitted in advance to the Superintendent of Police, Itanagar.

The administration has also mandated installation of CCTV cameras within the conference and election premises. Separate frisking enclosures for men and women must be set up, along with proper barricading and designated holding areas as advised by on-duty magistrates and police officials.

In a key preventive measure, all contesting candidates have been directed to furnish peace bonds under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to the Officer-in-Charge of Itanagar Police Station. The carrying of arms or lethal weapons and the consumption of alcohol or narcotic substances in and around the venue have been strictly prohibited.

Authorities have made it clear that any untoward incident must be reported immediately to the nearest police station. Individuals found disrupting law and order will face detention and legal proceedings under relevant laws. In the event of damage to public property, organizers will be held accountable and required to bear repair and maintenance costs.

The district administration has reserved the right to revoke permission or suspend the election process at any stage, depending on the prevailing law and order situation.

The Superintendent of Police, Itanagar, along with the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), has been directed to ensure comprehensive security and traffic management during the event. Permission for the election was granted following a No Objection Certificate issued by the Superintendent of Police, Itanagar Capital Region.