Home Ministry to review extension of AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh

GUWAHATI: With raging debate continuing over the extension of Armed Forces Special Powers Act ( AFSPA) in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that he has already directed the Home Ministry officials to review it and seek suggestions from the State government for alternative views.

There is strong opposition to ministry of home affairs notification on March 27, extending the act to all districts of the state that borders Assam by another year. Around 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh are tagged as 'disturbed area' under AFSPA.

Arunachal chief minister, Nabam Tuki stated he was not consulted before the extension and termed the same as attack on the federal structure. Several NGOs have opposed the Centre's move.

Rijiju in a statement said, “It is surprising to see that some people are opposing the extension of AFSPA in the state whereas I have already stated earlier and directed the home ministry officials to review it completely and seek suggestions from the state government for alternative views.”

Rijiju clarified that his ministry took a decision to extend the same as operation against Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Boroland and some other outfits are underway and will not be successful if militants find safe haven in Arunachal.

He added, "If the State government is uncomfortable with extension of AFSPA, then we will honour it. Law and order is a State subject and national security is dealt by Ministry of Home Affairs in close coordination with State government and NDA government will follow the spirit of cooperative federalism in the national interest. We are a democratic government and we can't run the government with a dictatorial attitude.”

The Minister informed that he is in touch with Arunachal’s Home Minister of Tanga Byaling. "Situation in many border areas of Arunachal Pradesh is disturbing due to regular activities of the ultras.”

Recently Tuki had called on Union home minister Rajnath Singh to lodge a strong protest against the decision, calling it "unilateral".

Tuki added, “There was no discussion, no consultation. It was a unilateral decision by the central government to declare 12 districts as disturbed area. All these districts are completely peaceful."