Contrary to the statement of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju that the “disturbed area” status for Punjab should continue due to threats posed by external forces, a top state functionary today said the state ceased to be “disturbed” in 1997.
He said: “Punjab is officially peaceful and normal since October 1997, when a notification under the Disturbed Area Act expired. No fresh notification was issued.”
The official told The Tribune that he was surprised about the “misinformed” claims of the Union Minister.
In fact, state’s capital Chandigarh got rid of the “disturbed area” tag in 2012 on the basis of the argument that Punjab was not “disturbed” any more. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had in 2012 issued orders for the removal of “disturbed area” tag from Chandigarh citing that the Punjab government notification ended in 1997.
Akali leaders said the claim of the Union Minister could be detrimental to investment scenario in the state. They said earlier the BJP leaders tagged Punjab a state of drug addicts and now they were labeling it a “disturbed area”.
Kamal Sharma, state BJP president, evaded queries on the issue. Tarun Chugh, BJP national secretary, said the Union Minister’s claim was made on the basis of inputs by the central intelligence agencies.
Rijiju on Sunday said the status was necessary for maintaining peace in the state. He referred to intelligence inputs that certain agencies from across the border were trying to disturb communal harmony.
Though he maintained that the “disturbed area” tag did not hinder progress, development project or grant to the state, state government officials said the tag would make embassies of foreign countries flag Punjab as a dangerous place to visit. “It will hamper tourism, affect transport in late hours and discourage investment.”
Minister's take: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said the ‘disturbed area’ status for Punjab should continue due to threats posed by external forces
Official version: State officials say Punjab is officially peaceful since October 1997, when a notification under the Disturbed Area Act expired
Akalis unhappy: SAD leaders say earlier the BJP tagged Punjab as a state of drug addicts and now they are labelling it a ‘disturbed area’
He said: “Punjab is officially peaceful and normal since October 1997, when a notification under the Disturbed Area Act expired. No fresh notification was issued.”
The official told The Tribune that he was surprised about the “misinformed” claims of the Union Minister.
In fact, state’s capital Chandigarh got rid of the “disturbed area” tag in 2012 on the basis of the argument that Punjab was not “disturbed” any more. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had in 2012 issued orders for the removal of “disturbed area” tag from Chandigarh citing that the Punjab government notification ended in 1997.
Akali leaders said the claim of the Union Minister could be detrimental to investment scenario in the state. They said earlier the BJP leaders tagged Punjab a state of drug addicts and now they were labeling it a “disturbed area”.
Kamal Sharma, state BJP president, evaded queries on the issue. Tarun Chugh, BJP national secretary, said the Union Minister’s claim was made on the basis of inputs by the central intelligence agencies.
Rijiju on Sunday said the status was necessary for maintaining peace in the state. He referred to intelligence inputs that certain agencies from across the border were trying to disturb communal harmony.
Though he maintained that the “disturbed area” tag did not hinder progress, development project or grant to the state, state government officials said the tag would make embassies of foreign countries flag Punjab as a dangerous place to visit. “It will hamper tourism, affect transport in late hours and discourage investment.”
Minister's take: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said the ‘disturbed area’ status for Punjab should continue due to threats posed by external forces
Official version: State officials say Punjab is officially peaceful since October 1997, when a notification under the Disturbed Area Act expired
Akalis unhappy: SAD leaders say earlier the BJP tagged Punjab as a state of drug addicts and now they are labelling it a ‘disturbed area’
