Cong MP objects to Centre's AFSPA move in Arunachal

Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, has voiced strong objection to the Centre's decision of extending Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by six months to three districts of the state.

"When Arunachal Pradesh is known as a peaceful state and the Centre is holding parleys to hammer out an acceptable solution to the Naga issue, what is the justification of AFSPA in the three districts of the state?" the Congress MP from Arunachal East Parliamentary constituency said.

Speaking to PTI over phone from New Delhi, Ering alleged that the move reflected the "contradictory policy of the BJP-led NDA government".

The Centre on Monday extended AFSPA in the state's three districts and eight police station areas, bordering Assam, by another six months.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the three districts Tirap, Changlang and Longding and eight police station areas have been declared "disturbed" under AFSPA, 1958.

The eight police stations are Balemu and Bhalukpong police stations in West Kameng district, Seijosa police station in East Kameng district, Balijan police station in Papumpare district, Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district, Roing police station in Lower Dibang Valley district and Sunpura police station in Lohit district.

The Act gives special rights and immunity to security forces to carry out raids, arrest without warrant, and use force even to the extent of causing death.

The two areas from where the Act has been withdrawn are Likabali police station in Lower Siang district and Ruksin police station in East Siang district.