The recent statement of the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) describing the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh as bad, especially in Tirap and Chamling districts in view of growing militant activities, has evoked sharp criticisms particularly from the Congress.

Refuting the allegation made by BJP president Kushabhau Thakre, spokesman of the Congress T. C. Teli asserted that a detailed report on underground activities in the two districts revealed that such underground activities were in full swing in the past than at present. Referring to a letter written by the then IGP to Apang Government on February 10, 1998 with detailed information on underground activities in these two districts, the Congress spokesman said that the IGP in that letter had elucidated several instances occurring from February 10, 1997 till January 27, 1998 of about 20 cases.

Alleging that Gegong Apang was fully aware of insurgent activities along Indo-Myanmar border and also some parts of Lohiy and Dibang valley, Mr. Teli said that the then chief minister had advised the then chief secretary to send detailed reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Defence Ministry. The then IGP in his report on September 27, 1998 had informed the Apang Government that 'it was less of insurgency and more of economic problem,' he said, adding, he had also proposed two-pronged strategy. One was to beef up the police infrastructure and the other to give special economic packages in those areas.