Itanagar, February 25: Tension gripped the state capital on Tuesday after violence broke out outside the office of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) at NEFA Club, Itanagar, during a protest staged by several District Students’ Union (DSU) units over issues related to delegate registration for the upcoming AAPSU General Conference-cum-Election 2026.
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| Security personnel and student leaders gather outside the AAPSU office in Itanagar following clashes during the DSU protest over delegate registration. (TNP) |
According to reports, the protest turned chaotic when a group allegedly confronted the demonstrators, leading to a clash between the opposing sides. During the altercation, blank gunshots were reportedly fired, causing panic among those present and raising serious concerns about security in the area. A few individuals sustained minor injuries in the commotion, although no major casualties were reported.
The protest was triggered by a circular issued by the AAPSU Registration Committee regarding the resumption of delegate registration for the 27th General Conference-cum-Election 2026. Several DSU units expressed dissatisfaction with the process, alleging a lack of clarity and transparency in the registration procedure and demanding immediate clarification from the union leadership.
AAPSU presidential aspirant Meje Taku visited the protest site following the incident and addressed the media. Describing the firing incident as a matter of serious concern, he said such developments were unfortunate during a democratic electoral process. Taku alleged that the unrest stemmed from the failure of the caretaker leadership to adequately address the grievances raised by the protesting student bodies. He urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and called upon authorities to ensure a fair, transparent, and safe election environment.
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Meanwhile, All Pakki Kessang District Students Union (APKDSU) President Thomas Nabam alleged that his impeachment had been carried out unlawfully and without following constitutional procedures. He accused AAPSU caretaker president Tana Doji Tara of accepting the impeachment without verifying its legality and acting beyond the scope of constitutional provisions. Nabam further claimed that he had challenged the matter in court and obtained a stay order on July 10, 2025.
Earlier in the day, the AAPSU Registration Committee held a press conference, stating that the delegate registration process was being conducted in a transparent and systematic manner.
The incident has heightened concerns over law and order as the AAPSU election season intensifies, prompting student leaders and stakeholders to call for dialogue, restraint, and adherence to democratic principles.
