Editor,
We, the concerned citizens of Arunachal Pradesh, write to express our deep concern and distress over the violence and disruptions that occurred during the candidate registration for the 27th All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) election, held on 30 January in Itanagar.
On this day, reports and eyewitness accounts confirmed that unidentified groups forcibly interrupted the candidate registration process by storming the AAPSU office, locking entrances, and halting the proceedings. There were disturbing reports of stone-pelting, panic, and even alleged gunfire, which instilled fear among the candidates, staff, and the general public.
Such incidents represent a serious threat to public safety, social harmony, and the democratic process within student organisations.
As citizens who recognise the pivotal role of the AAPSU in representing the youths, promoting student engagement, and contributing to the social and political development of our state, we are deeply troubled that violence under the guise of such an institution undermines its purpose and reputation.
We respectfully appeal to the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action on the following:
Clarify the events and actions taken: Provide a detailed account of the sequence of events and communicate any immediate measures taken to address the violence.
Thorough investigation and accountability: Investigate the incident thoroughly and hold all individuals involved in orchestrating, participating in, or condoning the violence accountable, ensuring strict legal consequences.
Preventive measures: Ensure that anyone involved in violence is not allowed to hold or remain in any leadership position in the AAPSU.
Election oversight: Take responsibility for overseeing the election process to ensure it is conducted safely, fairly, transparently, and without intimidation, in line with the AAPSU’s constitution and byelaws.
Long-term safety measures: Implement long-term measures to safeguard the lives and property of residents and prevent similar incidents in the future.
While we strongly uphold the rights of association and electoral participation, these rights must not come at the expense of law, order, and public safety. We firmly believe that violence and intimidation have no place in the democratic processes of our state, whether within student organisations or society as a whole.
We hope that the government will act swiftly, transparently, and decisively in order to restore public trust, protect public order, and ensure that leadership positions are earned through lawful and fair means, not through coercion or disruption.
Concerned citizens