Arunachal minister urges ANSU to call off September 24 bandh, assures action on demands

Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona has urged the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) to call off its proposed 12-hour bandh on September 24, assuring the student body of positive action on its demands concerning education infrastructure in Nyishi-inhabited areas.

Sona held discussions with ANSU representatives over three key demands raised by the students’ organisation as part of its ongoing movement.

The minister said the meeting was held to review the issues raised by ANSU and the steps already taken by the government. He clarified that no resolution was adopted during the meeting and that the discussions were aimed at explaining the government’s position and the action taken so far.

The Education Department presented its action-taken report during the meeting, while several proposals related to education infrastructure had already been submitted to the Planning Department.

Sona said that of the 26 identified requirements, more than half were either ready or at an advanced stage of implementation.

The remaining demands, he said, would be examined in consultation with the Planning Department and other concerned departments, particularly with regard to funding and convergence.

The minister highlighted infrastructure requirements including hostels, undergraduate blocks, staff quarters and boundary walls, saying these would be taken up in a phased and need-based manner subject to availability of funds.

Sona stressed the need for continued dialogue and collective efforts to resolve education-related concerns while taking into account requirements across different sectors, communities and districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

He appealed to ANSU to reconsider its proposed bandh in view of the discussions and the steps being taken by the government.