Shutdown over poor school infra paralyses Arunachal capital

A 12-hour shutdown over poor schoolinfrastructure affected normal life in Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar, on Thursday (September 24, 2026).

Some stray incidents of violence and vehicle damage were reported in Itanagar Capital Region, which comprises Naharlagun town and other areas near Itanagar. Videos showed a vehicle burning and another with its windshield shattered.

Vehicular movement was largely affected during the shutdown enforced by the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU). Youths reportedly stopped vehicles at several locations, although emergency services were exempted from the shutdown.

The Itanagar Capital Region authorities had earlier declared the shutdown illegal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing concerns over public safety, disruption of livelihoods, and possible law-and-order issues.

ANSU called the shutdown over education-related issues, including renovation of 56 identified schools and a dedicated school for children with special needs in Pakke Kessang district.

According to the State Education Department, several infrastructure proposals have been submitted to the Planning Department. The government said several renovation and upgrading projects were either ready or at an advanced stage of implementation.