The Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) has announced a complete 12-hour shutdown across Lower Subansiri district on 25th September 2025, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in protest against the organizers of the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) for allegedly failing to honor their promise of promoting the “Zero Drugs Ziro” message.
According to ASU, the ZFM organizers had repeatedly pledged — including during a planning meeting with local officials earlier this year — to feature the “Zero Drugs Ziro” slogan prominently on all festival-related banners and promotional content. However, despite multiple follow-ups, the Union claims this commitment was blatantly disregarded.
Calling this a “willful neglect of community responsibility,” ASU said the bandh is intended to raise awareness and protect local youth from drug abuse. They urged the residents of Lower Subansiri to support the shutdown and maintain peace, holding the ZFM organizers entirely accountable for the current standoff.
