Northeast Desk, 26th September: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has voiced strong opposition to the scheduled arrival of Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati at Donyi Polo Airport on Wednesday morning. The religious leader, set to arrive at 8:30 AM by chartered plane, is expected to lead the controversial “Gau Dhwaj Yatra” (cow protection march), aimed at advocating against cow slaughter in the state.
The yatra, which plans to install a symbolic cow flag at Itanagar airport, has drawn significant backlash from indigenous pressure groups, with AAPSU at the forefront of the resistance. The union views the campaign as an affront to the cultural and dietary traditions of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal communities, where beef is a traditional and widely consumed food.
Byabang Hapo Dui, Finance Secretary of AAPSU, expressed deep concern over the event, stating, “This is not just an interference in our food choices, but a direct attack on our centuries-old traditions. Beef has been part of our diet for generations, and we will not tolerate any attempt to dictate what we can or cannot eat. The cow is not regarded as sacred here, unlike in other regions of India.”
In response to growing tensions, the district administration has banned the yatra to prevent potential unrest. AAPSU has also announced a protest at Holongi Airport starting at 6 AM, ahead of the Jagadguru’s arrival. The union warned of a potential escalation in the law and order situation if attempts are made to proceed with the installation of flags under the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra.
“A cow is seen as a regular animal here, not a sacred one, and has been slaughtered for food for generations. We cannot allow any external group to impose their beliefs on us,” Dui reiterated, underscoring the union’s firm stance against what they view as cultural imposition.
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