Won’t scrap Article 371: Shah

Itanagar, February 20

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday dismissed as “misinformation” the talk of repeal of Article 371 of the Constitution, as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the unique culture of the Northeast.

Most states that have special provisions under Article 371 are in the Northeast. These provisions are aimed at preserving their cultural heritage and customary laws.

Addressing a gathering to mark the 34th foundation day of Arunachal Pradesh, Shah said the Northeast was only geographically united with the rest of India before 2014 when Narendra Modi assumed the PM office. “The real emotional integration of the region with the rest of the country happened only under the Modi government,” he said.

Referring to the problems of militancy and inter-state boundary disputes in the region, he said the Modi government was committed to their resolution. “The government has already started negotiations with several militant organisations to restore peace in the region. It recently inked the Bodo Peace Accord, besides resolving the Bru-Reang issue and ending the indefinite blockade in Manipur. When we come to seek your votes in 2024, the Northeast will be free from problems like militancy and inter-state strife,” he said.

Underlining the PM’s commitment to the development of the Northeast, the minister said Modi visited the region 30 times in five years, six times a year. — PTI

Chinese objection to visit unreasonable: India

New Delhi: India countered China’s criticism of Union Home

Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying that objection to the visit of Indian leaders to the state did not stand to reason and understanding of the Indian people.