Ziro: The Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) is currently grappling with the possibility of a boycott, following a stern ultimatum issued by the Apatani Student Union (ASU) to the festival’s organizers.
According the memorandum submitted to the Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner by ASU on Monday, the controversy stems from allegations of non-compliance with a decision made during a meeting held on September 15 last at the mini secretariat here.
This meeting, the union said, was chaired by the district administration, boasted a diverse array of stakeholders. These included representatives from the Apatani community, such as Tanii Supung Dukung, Apatani Women Association Ziro, Apatani Youth Association, and ASU, alongside the festival’s organizers and government officials.
During the meeting, all parties unanimously agreed to prominently feature the “Zero Drug Ziro” campaign logo in all ZFM promotional materials. The “Zero Drug Ziro” initiative, spearheaded by the Apex Community Organization of Apatani, is dedicated to combating the drug menace in society.
However, the ASU alleged that the ZFM organizers failed to uphold this decision, claiming a violation of terms established by the district administration and the apex community organization.
In response to these allegations, the ASU has laid out certain demands that include the suspension of Ziro Festival of Music, withholding financial support to the ZFM organizers and the festival be held in an open tender process.
ASU has further escalated the situation by issuing a threat to declare a “bandh” (shutdown) from September 28 to October 01 if their demands are not met. Additionally, they have warned that any potential law and order issues arising from this situation will be squarely attributed to the ZFM authorities.
Calls made to ASU members and ZFM organizers were unanswered.
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