ANSU bandh cripples life in Itagar

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, March 26: Normal life was affected in Aruchal Pradesh Capital today following dawn to dusk bandh called by All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) opposing installation of pre-paid electric meters (PPEMs). Business establishments, educatiol institutions, banks and all central government offices remained close during the bandh while, attendances in state government offices were reportedly thin.  All sort of public and private vehicles remained off the road while a few state transport buses were seen plying in the road with escorts. The bandh remained relatively peaceful with no untoward incidents, Capital SP Seiju P Kuruvilla informed. The state government had declared the bandh illegal under the Aruchal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014 (APUAPA). Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi in an order had directed all the government officials to attend office while asking all the head of departments to ensure cent per cent attendance.

The ANSU has been opposing installation of PPEMs in the state capital saying that it would largely affect the weaker section of the society, especially the wage earners, who would have to pay huge amount monthly as power rent.