Pasighat, East Siang district’s headquarters, witnessed a complete shutdown on Friday due to a 12-hour bandh organized by the All Bogong Students’ Union (ABSU). The bandh, deemed illegal by the district administration, brought markets, government offices, and educational institutions to a standstill. Despite orders for establishments to remain open, roads were deserted, and most businesses remained shuttered. Only a few government offices, including those of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, operated with minimal attendance. ABSU members stationed themselves at key locations to enforce the bandh, while police personnel were deployed across town to maintain order.
Speaking at Radio Station Char-Ali, ABSU President Siang Moyong declared the bandh a success. “We’ve been demanding that the administration address our legitimate concerns for over a year, but there’s been no response. If our demands remain unmet, we will escalate to a 24-hour bandh,” Moyong warned.Central to ABSU’s demands is the removal of illegal encroachments on land historically donated by the Bogong Banggo community. Moyong alleged that several government plots have been unlawfully occupied despite prior eviction orders. Other demands include renaming educational institutions in honor of community leaders and ensuring local representation in key land and building management processes.
Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang clarified that funds for the renovation of Balek Road had already been sanctioned. However, ABSU remains adamant about addressing all issues, including renaming the Government GNM School and Polytechnic College, and evicting encroachments at local schools. Tensions briefly escalated when ABSU members attempted to march to the Deputy Commissioner’s office after a meeting at Mirku Secondary School field, resulting in a minor scuffle with police.
