The decision of the Arunachal Indigenous Students’ Union (AISU) to call off its proposed shutdown of the state capital has come as a big relief to the denizens. The AISU had earlier announced a bandh, accusing the government of neglecting the various demands put forward by it. Finally, better sense prevailed and the union withdrew the shutdown. In a democratic country like ours, everyone has the right to protest if they feel aggrieved. However, it is unbecoming of pressure groups to call for a shutdown of the capital complex every time the government fails to address their concerns.
Bandh as a tool of protest is outdated and only causes trouble to the citizens. States like Assam and West Bengal are classic examples of how bandhs have destroyed the economy and pushed the states backwards. Therefore, the pressure groups will have to find out innovative ways of protesting. Bandh calls should be avoided as much as possible, especially in the capital complex region. The twin capital towns of Itanagar and Naharlagun are the nerve-centre of the state. People from across the state visit the capital daily for various works, including official, medical, etc. These bandh calls create unnecessary hurdles for them. Also, during a shutdown, it is the poor people who suffer the most. The daily wage earners are the worst sufferers.