Ansu bandh seeking APSC reforms cripples Itanagar

The all Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) called for a 12-hour bandh (strike) in the Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar on Tuesday, in response to the state government not fulfilling thirteen demands made in a petition submitted to it earlier this year. Among the demands were changes to the public service commission (PSC), including the initiation of a probe into the role of the chairman, members, and all other officials who have served on the commission since 2014; and the enactment of the whistle-blower act with special provisions for the protection and rewards of whistleblowers. State home minister Bamang Felix appealed to the ANSU to withdraw the strike call on Monday, but the students refused, alleging that the government has gone soft on the commission's chairman and members. ANSU leader Gora Rikam said that if their demands are not fulfilled, the student body plans to hold an 36-hour strike in Itanagar beginning on Wednesday. The students are not satisfied with the assurances given by the state government, and have called for immediate implementation of the whistle-blower act with special provisions for the protection and rewards of whistleblowers.