The district administration in Itanagar has withdrawn permission for holding the election and conference of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) following concerns over the law and order situation in the state capital. The permission was earlier granted for the AAPSU election and conference to be held at the Jubilee Hall of Dera Natung Government College in Itanagar. The approval had been issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar, through an order dated February 5, 2026. Under the order, Chief Election Commissioner Nabam Tamar had been allowed to conduct the election process between February 17 and February 23, 2026, subject to certain conditions laid down by the administration.
However, the district administration has now revoked the permission after reports of clashes between rival candidates in the run-up to the election. Officials said the incidents created tension in the area and raised concerns about the possibility of further disturbances if the event was allowed to continue. According to officials, the original order had clearly mentioned that the administration had the authority to withdraw or cancel the permission at any stage if the law and order situation demanded such action. After reviewing the recent developments, the authorities decided to recall the approval granted earlier. Sources in the administration said the clashes between rival groups had led to a deterioration in the local situation in Itanagar. The authorities feared that allowing the election gathering could lead to further confrontations and disrupt public peace.
Another factor behind the decision is the upcoming Sixth Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh. The assembly session is scheduled to take place from March 6 to March 12, 2026, and the state government is preparing for the important budget session during this period. Officials pointed out that maintaining a stable law and order situation in the state capital is crucial ahead of the assembly session, as lawmakers, government officials and security personnel will be involved in the proceedings.
