New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) The home ministry on Thursday clarified that Punjab was no more under the disturbed areas Act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju was misquoted by sections of the media.
A ministry release said Rijiju visited Punjab on Januray 31 and February 1 and had said there were some elements in the country and across the border who were trying to create disturbance in the state.
The release said Rijiju also stated that the central government will continue to keep close watch on such nefarious activities and the state government was taking necessary action to maintain law and order.
“Reports in some section of media that Punjab has been declared as disturbed area have misquoted the minister. It is clarified that Punjab is no more under the Punjab Disturbed Areas Act, 1984 and AFSPA, as the situation has improved,” the release said.