With the voices against the controversial Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA), 2014 getting louder, the Itanagar permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the state government after social activist Payi Gyadi filed a public interest litigation (PIL), seeking abolition of the APUAPA. A double-bench judge, comprising Justice Robin Phukan and Justice Kardak Ete, while issuing the notice said that the matter will be listed after four weeks. It will be interesting to see how the judiciary takes up this very sensitive matter. While the state government will go to any extent to defend it, the general public definitely would like to see it being abolished.
There is every possibility that this Act can be misused to target those who raise their voice against the ruling establishment. Even though till date its usage has been minimal, one cannot rule out the possibility of it being blatantly misused in the days and years to come. The state government should rethink it. There is general consensus among the people of the state that the APUAPA needs to go. The sentiment and voice of the majority should be heard by the government. The present government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken some bold decisions in the past for the greater interest of the people. This is another opportunity for it to win the hearts of the masses by abolishing this Act.