Violence linked to the ongoing All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) election has severely affected academic life at Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), with tensions also impacting nearby Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic (RGGP).Clashes broke out on the DNGC campus on Tuesday evening and again on Wednesday morning. Supporters of candidates whose nominations were rejected reportedly confronted police and volunteers of the AAPSU election committee. The situation turned tense, leading authorities to lock the main gate of the college. Staff members staying inside the campus are now living under fear as the situation remains uncertain.The election is being held at Jubilee Hall inside the DNGC campus. However, college authorities had earlier opposed the decision to host the polls there, citing past experiences.
An official said that a few years ago, a similar election had disrupted academic activities, and a request was made to the district administration not to allow the event on campus this time. Despite this, permission was granted. According to officials, the election process has already caused long disruptions. Initially scheduled from February 17 to 23, the polls were postponed after academic activities had been suspended. A fresh schedule from March 20 to 26 again forced the college to halt classes and internal examinations. Over the past few days, repeated clashes and confrontations among supporters have worsened the situation.Teachers and students say that classes, tests, seminars and workshops have all been affected. The campus atmosphere has changed, with movement restricted and normal activities coming to a halt.The impact is also being felt at RGGP, located close to DNGC. Students and faculty there are facing difficulty in commuting as the situation around the DNGC campus remains tense.
Assistant Professor Nending Ommo from the English Department of DNGC said the campus has turned into a conflict zone. He said both boys’ and girls’ hostels were shut earlier as a precaution, but the situation has now become more serious. “Students and staff are stuck. Those inside cannot go out, and those outside cannot return,” he said. He also raised concerns about basic needs and safety. Some faculty members have reportedly moved out to stay in hotels, while others remain inside the campus. Questions are being raised about how emergencies, especially medical ones, would be handled under such conditions.Calling the situation serious, Ommo urged authorities to act quickly to restore normalcy. He said such events should not be held inside academic campuses in the future if they disturb peace and safety. He also appealed for immediate steps so that classes can resume and students can return to a normal learning environment.
