Arunachal to tackle insurgency with firm hands : Governor

Itanagar, Feb 19 (UNI) Sending a clear message to the underground outfits active in Arunachal Pradesh that they would not be allowed to disturb peace in the state, Governor Gen (Retd) J J Singh today categorically said all sorts of unlawful activities would be dealt with sternly for ensuring safety and security to the people. Addressing his maiden press conference at Raj Bhawan here, the former Chief of Army Staff said he would initiate necessary measures to see that peace prevailed in the state.

''My visit to insurgency-affected Tirap district immediately after taking charge as the new Governor is a clear message to the law breakers that they would not be allowed any more to disturb peace in the state,'' he said.

''I would streamline the performances of all security agencies responsible for maintaining law and order in order to contain insurgent activities in the state,'' he added.

Stating that peace was the prerequisite to all-round development of the state, General Singh aserted that the Constitution had allowed special power to the Governor under Article 371 (H) to look after law and order.

''I would endeavor to see that peace and security for common people is ensured, and unlawful activities, including any form of violence, will be dealt with sternly,'' he averred. Pointing out that violence had direct effect on industrial growth besides retarding development of agriculture and higher education, the Governor appealed to the misguided youths to shun violence and join the mainstream and to work constructively for the development of the state.

''I would try and appeal to all the underground outfits to realise how much harm they have caused to their own brethren because of violence and environment of terror which directly hampers development,'' he iterated.

To a query on rehabilitation of surrendered underground activists, the Governor said he would discuss the matter with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security Advisor for evolving a pragmatic rehabilitation policy and package for the state.

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