Arunachal AFSPA Decision Will Be Reviewed, Says Rijiju

Itanagar, Apr 14 : The Union minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Sunday said he has instructed officials of his ministry to review the Centre's decision to impose the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh. He said the officials will also seek the state government's views on the matter.

"I have directed the home ministry to review the decision and seek suggestions from the state government," he said in a statement. "The Union home ministry took the decision because the ongoing operation against NDFB-S and other outfits may not succeed if militants find a safe heaven in Arunachal," he added. "We are a democratic government. If the state government is uncomfortable with this step, we will honour their concern. Law and order is a state subject and the Union home ministry can only deal with national security by working closely with the state government," he explained.

Stating that the Centre would adhere to the spirit of cooperative federalism, Rijiju said he is in touch with Arunachal home minister Tanga Byaling. "Some modalities need to be worked out and the views of the state government have been sought. The fact remains, however, that rebels are working in the border areas of Arunachal," he said.

"I would like to appeal to both the state government and the residents to be alert about the movement of militants from outside the state entering Arunachal," he added.