The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Monday issued an advisory, urging the union’s executive members and student bodies affiliated to the AAPSU to not participate in any political rally, or join political events, or use banners and flags, to express support to any political party. This comes just ahead of the combined assembly and general elections. For a long time, student bodies, be it the AAPSU or other community- or district-based students, have been politically neutral in the state. They have always acted as conscience keepers and have been raising issues concerning the people for a long time.
In fact, in the absence of a vibrant opposition, the AAPSU and other student bodies have always played the role of the opposition in the state. However, of late the student bodies in the state have lost respect because of the active and open participation of their members in political events. Many of the office bearers are seen actively participating in the events conducted by political parties. It will be interesting to see whether the advisory issued by the AAPSU will be followed by its members. Also, what action will AAPSU initiate if its members are openly seen participating in political events for the coming elections?