𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀’ 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗵 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗶𝗿𝗼 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴𝘀 𝗭𝗶𝗿𝗼” 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻.

The Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) has announced a 12-hour total bandh in Lower Subansiri district on 25 September, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in protest against the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) organisers’ alleged failure to adhere to their commitment of promoting the anti-drug theme, “Zero Drugs Ziro.”

According to the ASU, the festival organisers had repeatedly assured authorities and the local community that the “Zero Drugs Ziro” campaign would be prominently displayed in all festival banners, publicity materials, and related events. This assurance was reiterated during this year’s preparatory meeting with district officials. However, the apex body of the ASU claims that, despite repeated reminders, the organisers have failed to implement the campaign as promised.

The Union has termed this inaction a “deliberate disregard of social responsibility” and stated that the bandh is being enforced to safeguard the youth and the wider community from the growing menace of drugs. ASU leaders emphasised that cultural events, while promoting music and tourism, must also prioritise the welfare and safety of local residents.