Arunachal: Nyishi Students' Union announces 36-hour strike amid escalating tensions over unmet demands

ANSU Declares 36-Hour Bandh in Arunachal Pradesh’s Capital City Over Unmet Demands

By MyNewsNE Desk On Aug 11, 2024 Last updated Aug 11, 2024

Northeast Desk, 11th August: The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), the principal body representing Nyishi students, has announced a 36-hour bandh (strike) across Arunachal Pradesh’s capital city, starting tomorrow, August 12, 2024. The decision comes in response to the state government’s failure to address the union’s three-point demands, according to ANSU President Nabam Dodum.

Despite previous warnings, Dodum emphasized that the union was left with no choice but to resort to the bandh after the government missed the deadline to meet their demands. The union’s key demands include:

Repeal of the 2015 Entrepreneurial Act: ANSU is calling for the urgent revocation of the Arunachal Pradesh District-Based Entrepreneur and Professional (Incentive, Development, and Promotion) Act of 2015, which they believe negatively impacts local businesses.
Overhaul of School Infrastructure: The union is demanding a comprehensive overhaul and reintegration of the state’s deteriorating school infrastructure, which they argue requires immediate attention and resources.
Suspension of Key Officials: ANSU is calling for the immediate suspension of Shri Lham Tashi, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, and his reassignment to his parental department. The union is also demanding the suspension of Shri Kirli Padu, SP APPS, and Miss Moyir Basar Kamdak, Deputy Superintendent of Police, accusing them of conspiring to frame ANSU members in a false case.

President Dodum also condemned a recent statement by the General Secretary of Adi Bane Kebang, arguing that such remarks only worsen existing tensions. He urged the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) to take swift action against those who violate mutually agreed-upon settlements.

In a related development, Lham Tashi, OSD to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, issued a letter of apology for the 2021 incident involving ANSU members at the Civil Secretariat gate. However, this gesture has done little to pacify the union’s grievances.

The district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom, has declared the bandh illegal under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA). The administration has vowed to enforce the law to ensure normalcy during the strike period.