Punjab not under Disturbed Areas Act: Rijiju

Claiming that a certain section of media had misquoted him, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today clarified that Punjab was not a disturbed area as the situation there had improved.
"Punjab is no more under Punjab Disturbed Areas Act, 1984, and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), as the situation has improved," he said in a statement.
During a two-day visit to Amritsar and border areas of Punjab on January 31 and February 1, Rijiju had said that some cross border elements are trying to create disturbance in the state.
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Rijiju said he is not interested or involved in state affairs but only interested in the welfare of its people and asserted that all possible help would be provided by the Centre to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

"Who became the chief minister and who runs the state is not important for me. I have been given mandate by the people and I care for them. Which party rules the state does not make any difference to me. My perception is my conduct," he said.

On rumours that he had appointed his brother-in-law as secretary to the Governor to gain political mileage, Rijiju said an IAS officer cannot be stopped from being appointed.
"I have not made any IAS officer. They must be appointed somewhere or the other. I have so far not appointed any OSD, PS or PA from my family. This is my principle," he said.

On whether there is possibility that the new Arunachal government would merge with BJP, he said he is not interested.
"When I became MP, people across party line voted for me. I am not concerned for MLAs or parties. My concern is for the people of the state.
"All ministers, including the former chief minister, tried their best to defeat me but people supported me. So my primary concern is people's welfare," Rijiju said.
On a query over the law and order scenario of the state, he said, "Law and order is a state subject and we (Centre) can only supplement. Whenever the state asks for necessary support of the central armed forces, we will provide."

The Centre, he said, is providing additional money specially for Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts. Money was also being provided to the state for modernisation of police forces, police stations and for procurement of arms and ammunitions.
"We will give extra money for other necessary requirements. For non-plan and capital expenditure which is required for the basic welfare of the Arunachal civil police, I want to extend best possible help to modernise state police," he added.
"There is nothing like special package...Whatever is required will come from the Centre. The government should submit proposals and we are ready to help," Rijiju said.

The union minister said besides normal budget he would try to get some extra for Arunachal.