Editor,

I wish to draw attention to the recurring hardship faced by the people of eastern Arunachal Pradesh due to periodic road blockades and disruptions along the Assam-Arunachal route.

People from Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Tirap, Changlang and Longding often have to pass through Assam to reach Itanagar. Such disruptions affect not only students and job aspirants but also government employees, businessmen, and ordinary citizens of eastern people, who have to travel frequently for employment, business and essential services.

The present situation is particularly concerning as many candidates have upcoming APPSC document verification, viva/interviews and APSSB medical tests. Repeated journeys to Itanagar already impose a heavy financial burden, and prolonged disruptions can mean expensive alternative travel and accommodation.

It is appreciable that the APPSC and the APSSB have provided examination centres across districts, making examinations more accessible. However, further decentralisation would be even more beneficial. Wherever feasible, physical tests, document verification, medical examinations and viva/interviews could also be conducted at suitable centres in eastern districts like Namsai.

Such a system would not only help during blockades but also reduce the long-term financial and logistical burden on people living far from the capital.

We understand that the issues behind such protests may be serious, but ordinary citizens and aspirants should not repeatedly become collateral victims.

For the people of eastern Arunachal, this is not merely about one blockade; it is the recurring burden of being geographically distant from the capital.

We deserve equal access to opportunities and essential services without paying an additional price simply because we live in the eastern part of our own state.

A concerned citizen from eastern Arunachal