Itanagar: With frequent bandhs in Arunachal Pradesh badly affecting its economy, the state Assembly on Wednesday passed Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Bill 2014 in order to curb the menace.
The bill, which was passed by voice vote, was tabled in the Assembly on July 25 by Home Minister Tanga Byaling.
Highlighting the cascading effect of bandh culture in the state, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that Arunachal which had inherited the culture from neighbouring Assam, was incurring a loss of Rs 10 crore per day because of bandhs sponsored by various unions.
“Arunachal Pradesh, once known as an Island of Peace has been a misnomer in the present day context and the Bill will serve as a deterrent,” Tuki said while participating in the discussion.
Reciprocating bouquets and brickbats from members of the House, the Home Minister clarified that the Bill included all unlawful activities.
While assuring that the Bill would not infringe upon the prevailing customary laws in the state, the minister informed that an advisory committee would be constituted for an indepth study of all the aspects of the Bill for necessary amendments as suggested by the members.
Taking part in the discussion, Opposition Leader Tamiyo Taga termed the Bill as “toothless”. Pointing out at mushrooming of students’ unions in the state, Taga asked whether the bill would be enough to tackle such a situation.
The BJP MLA also wondered if there was an understanding between bandh callers and the government as the chief minister and other ministers invariably remain absent from the capital during bandh.
PPA Legislature party leader P D Sona while suggesting that a specific bill incorporating a lot of provisions been introduced, said that a vague bill like the Arunachal Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act (APCOCA) would serve as a Frankenstein instead of curbing the menace.
BJP leader Japu Deru while referring to political interference to prevent arrest of criminals, recalled the arrest of ministers from Tirap district under the APCOCA enacted during 2002, which was later repealed by Chief Minister.
While cautioning the government that the Bill might create another history, Deru suggested enacting a strong law with consensus to contain bandh culture and other unlawful activities in the state.
The House later passed the Bill after Tuki assured amendments as committed by the Home Minister. (PTI)
