The much-anticipated Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM), a flagship cultural event of Arunachal Pradesh that draws thousands of visitors each year, has run into controversy ahead of its 2025 edition. The Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) has announced a 12-hour bandh in Lower Subansiri district on September 25, alleging that festival organisers have failed to uphold their commitment to promote the anti-drug campaign, “Zero Drugs Ziro.”
According to the ASU, organisers had assured both district officials and the local community that the campaign slogan would feature prominently across all festival banners, promotional materials, and related programmes. However, the Union claims these assurances have not been honoured, despite repeated reminders.
The bandh, scheduled from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on September 25, coincides with the opening day of the Ziro Festival, a timing that threatens to disrupt one of the state’s most popular cultural gatherings.
Speaking to reporters, ASU leaders expressed deep disappointment at what they termed a “deliberate disregard of social responsibility” by the festival organisers.
“ZFM is not just a music event; it is hosted in the heart of our community. The organisers cannot ignore the pressing issue of drug abuse that threatens our youth. They made promises in front of district officials to carry the ‘Zero Drugs Ziro’ campaign, but their actions show otherwise,” said an ASU spokesperson.
The Union said that music festivals should not be isolated from the realities of society. “While celebrating art and culture is important, safeguarding the well-being of our youth is a far greater priority. We will not allow glamour to overshadow responsibility,” the statement added.
The “Zero Drugs Ziro” campaign is part of a broader movement in Arunachal Pradesh to combat the growing menace of drug addiction, especially among the youth. Civil society groups and student organisations have been at the forefront of this campaign, often working alongside district administrations to raise awareness.
