Cong responsible for rise of insurgency in north-east: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, May 21: Blaming the Congress-led UPA government's "misgovernance, mistreatment and neglect" for the rise of insurgency in the north-east, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today appealed to the youth to shun violence and come back to the mainstream.

He also took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his visit to farmers' houses and said the Congress Vice-President "has no clue".

"He goes like a tourist to see the impact of 60 years of his party's misgovernance," Rijiju said.

"The power of the youth has to be channelised in the right direction. I have visited terrorism-affected areas. Recently for poll campaign, I visited Manipur where everyday people live in fear of militant attacks. [Arunachal Pradesh to ask Centre to review AFSPA extension]

"Some youths have deviated from the mainstream and have taken up arms against the nation because of the Congress-led UPA government's misgovernance, mistreatment and neglect. I request them to test our government. I appeal to all such youth to return to the mainstream, this government will help you in rehabilitation, and use your potential for nation building," Rijiju said.

Addressing BJP's youth wing workers at a programme today, the Union Minister said he had to struggle a lot to create a base for his party to fight Congress's hooliganism in his home state Arunachal Pradesh.

"Some people used to believe that 'lotus' (BJP's election symbol) cannot bloom in the hills and I would say that if it can bloom in Himachal Pradesh why not in Arunachal Pradesh. It was a challenge for me to create a force of youth army to fight against hooliganism of Congress," he said.

Talking about the NDA government's achievements in the last one year, he said there has not been a single allegation of corruption against any of the ministers.

"I think this is a big achievement in today's time, when we are constantly under the prying eyes of modern gadgets and technology," Rijiju said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress Vice-President over his visit farmers' houses, the Union Minister said, "Many asked why didn't the Prime Minister visit poor people's home? The answer is simple. The PM doesn't need to go to the poor persons home to understand their problem of poverty as he has experienced it, lived through it and had overcome it."

"But Rahul Gandhi has no clue. He goes like a tourist to see the impact of 60 years of his party's misgovernance," he said.

PTI