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

The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), the apex body representing Nyishi students, has declared a 36-hour bandh (strike) across the capital city, commencing tomorrow, August 12, 2024. 

The strike is a direct response to the government’s failure to address the union's pressing three-point demands, as reiterated by ANSU President Nabam Dodum. 

Despite prior warnings, Dodum emphasized that the union had no alternative but to resort to this bandh after the state government missed the deadline for fulfilling their demands.

The three key demands outlined by ANSU includes immediate repeal of the 2015 Entrepreneurial Act. ANSU is demanding the urgent revocation of the Arunachal Pradesh District-Based Entrepreneur and Professional (Incentive, Development, and Promotion) Act of 2015, which they believe hampers local businesses.

The union is calling for a comprehensive overhaul and reintegration of the state’s deteriorating school infrastructure, which they argue is in dire need of attention and resources.

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ANSU is demanding the immediate suspension of Shri Lham Tashi, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, and his reassignment to his parental department. The union also calls for 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 further condemned a recent statement by the General Secretary of Adi Bane Kebang, underscoring that such remarks only exacerbate existing tensions. He has issued a fervent appeal to the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) to take swift and appropriate action against individuals who breach 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.

Meanwhile, 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 is enforcing the law to ensure that normalcy is maintained during the period of the strike.