ITANAGAR, Oct 28: In response to increasing militant activity in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the Tirap district administration has imposed an immediate ban on the use of camouflage or military-pattern clothing by civilians while engaging in activities such as hunting or fishing in forested areas.
According to an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, no civilian is permitted to wear camouflage attire or carry arms in forest areas except for authorised security personnel on duty. The order further restricts civilian entry into forests for hunting or fishing after sunset, warning that violators will face legal action and penalties as prescribed by law.
The directive was prompted by security concerns that civilians dressed in camouflage could be mistaken for militants by defence forces operating in the region. “Such action of wearing camouflage clothing in the jungle can lead to mistaken identity by defence forces, especially amid rising militant activities in and around the forested areas of Tirap, Changlang, Longding, and Namsai districts,” the order stated.
The move comes amid heightened tension following reports that around 20 cadres of the ULFA (Independent) recently crossed into India from their bases in Myanmar and are believed to be taking shelter in parts of Arunachal Pradesh. On October 17, ULFA(I) militants carried out an attack on an Army camp in Kakopathar, and one cadre, identified as Abhikeswar Moran alias Iwan Asom, was later killed in a subsequent encounter during their retreat.
Security forces have since recovered materials from the encounter site, and sources indicate that around 10 militants are still hiding in Arunachal Pradesh, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance along the Assam–Arunachal border.
