In Arunachal Pradesh, student unions are leading a powerful protest to demand immediate power restoration in Mebo and Monggu Banggo, two administrative circles in the East Siang district. The prolonged power crisis has disrupted life in the region, especially for students and healthcare workers.
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Youth Activists Call for Immediate Power Restoration in Mebo and Monggu Banggo
This week, student organizations including the All Mebo Students’ Union (AMSU) and Monggu Banggo Students’ Union (MBSU) organized joint meetings and issued memorandums to district authorities. Their message is clear: restore electricity now or face widespread protests.
The union leaders said that both Mebo and Monggu Banggo have faced long outages in recent weeks. As a result, residents have been forced to live in the dark without any clear communication from the Power Department.
“We are tired of repeated promises,” said an AMSU member. “This is a question of survival, especially for students preparing for their careers.”
Daily Life Suffers Without Power
Residents from multiple villages in the region reported total blackouts lasting for days. These power cuts have left schools without lights, healthcare centers without functional equipment, and mobile networks completely disrupted.
In many households, people have returned to using candles and kerosene lamps. Unfortunately, these are not safe and do not support modern living. Food items spoil quickly, and lack of refrigeration affects medicine storage.
A local schoolteacher said, “Our students are suffering. They can’t charge phones or study under proper lighting. The government must treat this as an emergency.”
Lack of Communication Fuels Anger
The students claim they reached out to officials several times. Despite submitting letters to the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the Power Department, they have received no official timeline.
“This silence is frustrating,” said a spokesperson from MBSU. “We deserve basic communication and a proper explanation. If this continues, we will launch peaceful democratic protests to raise our voices.”
Their appeal highlights the growing urgency of power restoration in Mebo and Monggu Banggo, which now symbolizes a larger concern of state neglect in remote regions.
Long-Term Neglect of Infrastructure
According to locals, the crisis is a result of years of poor maintenance. The transmission lines and transformers in East Siang are outdated. Heavy monsoon rains have damaged poles and power stations even further.
Despite knowing these weaknesses, the department has not acted proactively. Now, the fragile infrastructure has failed completely.
A retired engineer from the district explained, “The lines are decades old. Without timely upgrades, such failures were bound to happen.”
Students Suggest Practical Solutions
While demanding immediate solutions, the student unions also proposed practical steps. They recommended emergency power backups for schools and health facilities. They also asked the state to send expert teams to assess the damaged lines and fix them without delay.
“If immediate repairs are not possible, provide generators at least,” an AMSU leader said. “Students should not miss classes or exams due to this blackout.”
They also called for a permanent local power station that could serve the two circles without depending entirely on Pasighat or Roing.
Growing Political Pressure on the State Government
With the issue gaining momentum, local leaders and civil society members are stepping in. Some MLAs and panchayat representatives have asked the Power Department to take immediate steps.
They warned that further delays will affect not only students but also economic activities. Farmers, traders, and daily wage workers also suffer due to power disruptions.
The demand for power restoration in Mebo and Monggu Banggo has united diverse groups—students, teachers, elders, and public leaders—under one cause.
Possible Consequences If Ignored
Student bodies have warned of democratic protests if the state fails to act soon. They may organize road blockades, sit-ins, and mass awareness campaigns.
Many fear that if the crisis continues, the academic future of hundreds of students will be at risk. Additionally, it could damage the state government’s credibility in rural areas before the next election cycle.
A Cry for Equal Development
This incident highlights a deep-rooted issue in Arunachal Pradesh: unequal development. While urban centers receive better services, remote villages are left behind.
Student unions say this discrimination must end. Every citizen, no matter where they live, deserves access to electricity, water, and communication.
MBSU’s president stated, “We are not asking for luxury. We are only asking for our right to live with dignity.”
What’s Next?
As of now, there is no official timeline for when the issue will be resolved. However, pressure continues to build. Social media campaigns are amplifying the voice of students. Local journalists are also covering the crisis more actively.
The students remain hopeful but firm. They will continue pushing until power restoration in Mebo and Monggu Banggo becomes a reality, not a distant promise.
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