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Andhra Pradesh government passes ‘Disha Bill’: Trials of rapists and acid attackers to conclude within 21 days, death penalty included

OpIndia Staff
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Andhra Pradesh government passes ‘Disha Bill’: Trials of rapists and acid attackers to conclude within 21 days, death penalty included

In a move that could act as a deterrent against committing sexual crimes against children and women, the Andhra Pradesh assembly passed Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019 that awards death sentences to convicts in rape cases within 21 days.

According to the reports, the bill which is also known as ‘The Disha Bill’ provides for awarding death sentence to criminals found guilty of rape and gang rape by expediting trials in such cases within 21 days. The legislation also includes violent crimes against women, like acid attacks.


It is notable here that the veterinarian who was recently raped and murdered in Hyderabad was named as ‘Disha’ in police reports since Indian law forbids disclosing the victim’s real identity.

On Wednesday, the Andhra Pradesh cabinet had approved two bills for the strengthening of the provisions relating to crimes against women and children.

The AP Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2019 seeks to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure for ‘heinous offences of rape’. According to new provisions, the investigation should be concluded within seven working days if there is ‘adequate conclusive evidence’. The new law also states trial must be completed within 14 working days, thus reducing the total judgment time to 21 working days.

The passing of the bill comes in the wake of the gruesome rape and murder of a woman veterinarian in Telangana’s Cyberabad late last month.

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet also gave a go-ahead to the Andhra Pradesh Special Court for Specified Offences against Women and Children Act 2019, under which special courts would be established in each district of the state to put a curb on crimes against women and children.

Last month, a 27-year-old doctor was brutally raped, killed and her body was set ablaze by four accused near a toll in Hyderabad. A few days later, the four accused arrested in the case were killed in an encounter with the police. The accused had tried to flee and attacked the police who were then recreating the crime scene in the early hours.

Reportedly, these special courts will take up cases of rape, gang rape, acid attacks, stalking, voyeurism, sexual harassment, and cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The cabinet has also approved the introduction of section 354E and 354F in the Indian Penal Code to deal with cases of online abuse and child sexual abuse, respectively. Those convicted in such cases would face punishment between 10 and 14 years, while in cases with severe crimes, the punishment would go up to life imprisonment.

Further, there are provisions in the bill to deal with harassment of women over email, social media or any other digital mode. The bill proposes a punishment of jail sentence up to 2 years for the first conviction and the subsequent convictions can lead to imprisonment up to 4 years.

DSSF, a students’ forum in TISS extends support to the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, NRC

OpIndia Staff
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DSSF, a students’ forum in TISS extends support to the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, NRC

Democratic Secular Students Forum (DSSF), a prominent students’ forum of the institution, had organised a meeting to extend their support to the recently legislated Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and National Register For Citizens.

Holding posters of support for the CAB, the student leaders of the DSSF held a gathering. While speaking to OpIndia about their stance on the matter, the President of DSSF Sudhakar Uppadhayay said, “This is the best thing that could happen in the country. Now, people who are persecuted, raped, and exploited because of their religion in neighbouring Islamic countries can now become the citizens of India.”

“We have organised this gathering to convey to the people that students of TISS resolutely support the government’s decision and share the same sentiment as the rest of the nation,” he said.

Read: Harish Salve defends CAB, says bill not anti-Muslim, does not violate articles 14, 15 or 21 of the Indian constitution

Sudhakar also claimed that leftist organisations active in the TISS campus will soon launch a protest too, but it will be a failure as always.

According to Sharvari, a student of psychology doing her masters at TISS, there are more people in support of the government’s decision of legislating CAB but fearing punitive action from the left faculties on campus, they have refrained themselves from coming out and openly expressing their support for CAB. However, Sharvari feels that it is imperative for students to make themselves heard.

One of the students who participated in the silent gathering said, “I want to join the Indian armed forces and having read or and understood what Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 I fully support the Bill.”

Prakhar said ” When the two countries became independent, Pakistan had a good amount of Minorities and now what is the percentage.? Don’t people think where did they disappear! Aren’t we worried about the same.? Can someone tell me how is Bangladesh’s treatment for its minorities any different? Do they not have human rights? Are these guys any lesser humans? The stats are horrifying and what government has done I totally support it.”

The Bill became an Act on December 12 after the President’s assent. The Act states the refugees of the six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in India for five years, instead of earlier requirement of 11 years. The Act also proposes to give immunity to such refugees facing legal cases after being found as illegal migrants. The cut-off date for granting citizenship will be December 31, 2014.

The law will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Further, the law will not cover the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit (ILP), notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. The ILP regime is applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

Pune: Step-father booked under POCSO for sexually assaulting and killing 15-year-old girl

OpIndia Staff
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Pune: Step-father booked under POCSO for sexually assaulting and killing 15-year-old girl

In yet another horrific incident of sexual assault and murder, a 15-year-old teenage girl was allegedly raped and strangled to death in the Bhosari area of Pune by her step-father. The stepfather, who is suspected to have committed the crime is booked under POCSO and is currently on the run.


The complaint was registered by the victim’s mother, according to whom, she had a heated argument with her husband on Thursday morning following which he threatened her with dire consequences. The woman had then asked him to stay away from her daughters.

On Thursday evening, as per reports, the victim’s sister found her body at their home in Dapodi in Pimpri Chinchwad, an industrial town near Pune. When the deceased sister came to inquire upon her sister, she found the door closed from inside. After breaking open the door, the 15-year-old girl was found dead.

The police booked the step-father, an auto-rickshaw driver, based on the victim’s mother’s complaint. The police are on the lookout for the accused who is currently absconding.

The post-mortem report of the girl revealed that she was strangulated to death and possibly subjected to sexual assault. The police have added Section 376(rape) of the IPC and other relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) against the absconding accused upon receiving the post-mortem report.

A similar incident was reported on Friday from Haryana, where a specially-abled teenaged girl was allegedly raped in Luthera village of Fatehabad. Even as the investigations are underway, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Fatehabad Dharambir Punia informed that a case has been registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) & SC/ST Act.

Assam protests: Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s official visit postponed, to be held on a later date

OpIndia Staff
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Assam protests: Japan PM Shinzo Abe’s official visit postponed, to be held on a later date

The official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India, which was scheduled to be held in Guwahati next week, has been postponed amid violent protests in the northeast over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

According to reports, Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that both countries have decided to defer the scheduled visit of Japanese Prime Minister to India and the leaders will meet on a mutually convenient date in the near future.


The talks between PM Modi and Mr Abe was due to take place from December 15 to 17. A Japanese media report had said he may consider cancelling the visit amid violent protests.

Earlier on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said there was no clarity on whether the government would go ahead with the India-Japan annual summit in Guwahati from December 15-17 as planned.

Guwahati, the capital city of Assam was the planned venue for the three-day summit between Japanese Prime Minister Abe and PM Modi. However, the city has been under curfew after violent protests erupted over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

On Thursday, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and the country’s Home Minister had called off their visits to India. However, the foreign ministry had clarified that the cancellation of FM’s visit was not linked to ongoing developments in India, especially the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and by Lok Sabha on Monday. It became law on Thursday, December 12, after President Kovind gave his assent.

The Citizenship Amendment act seeks to give Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from three neighbouring Islamic countries – Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh after facing religious persecution.

The Act states the refugees of the six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in India for five years, instead of earlier requirement of 11 years. The Act also proposes to give immunity to such refugees facing legal cases after being found as illegal migrants. The cut-off date for granting citizenship will be December 31, 2014.

TMC’s Mahua Moitra rushes to SC against Citizenship Amendment Act, SC refuses urgent hearing

OpIndia Staff
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TMC’s Mahua Moitra rushes to SC against Citizenship Amendment Act, SC refuses urgent hearing

Despite severe brouhaha from the Opposition, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has become a law and has come into effect after getting assent from the President of India on Thursday. Following the president’s assent, an MP from TMC, Mohua Mitra on Friday had rushed to file a petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the Citizenship Amendment Act and asked the top court to hear the case right away, either today or on Monday.

However, much to her disappointment, the Supreme Court has refused to accept Moitra’s request for an urgent hearing in the case. The matter was mentioned before Bench led by CJI SA Bobde and comprising Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant this morning. But the CJI had asked Moitra’s counsel to list the matter before the mentioning registrar.

Moitra’s counsel was asked to approach the court registry officer who looks at cases to be mentioned before the bench when her counsel insisted for a listing on Monday next week.

Moitra’s move does not come as a surprise as TMC supremo had on Monday gave a clarion call to oppose NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Act and said, “not a single citizen of the country will be allowed to turn a refugee”.

Moitra’s petition is the second petition to reach the Supreme Court. Earlier, Congress’ ally, the Indian Union Muslim League represented by Kapil Sibal had moved SC against Citizenship Amendment Bill, seeking to declare it ‘illegal and void’ as it alleged that the bill violates the fundamental Right to Equality of the Constitution.

Along with Indian Union Muslim League opposing Citizenship Amendment Bill, four other Members of Parliament, which include, PK Kunhalikutty (Lok Sabha IUML MP representing Kerala), ET Mohammed Basheer (Lok Sabha IUML MP representing Kerala), Abdul Wahab (Rajya Sabha IUML MP from Kerala) and K Navas Kani (Lok Sabha IUML MP from Tamil Nadu), had also filed a petition in the apex court against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, on grounds that it violates the Right to Equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.

Today, former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh has also reportedly approached the SC against the act.

Ruckus in parliament over Rahul Gandhi’s cheap comments over sexual crimes against women

OpIndia Staff
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Ruckus in parliament over Rahul Gandhi’s cheap comments over sexual crimes against women

In a shocking incident, former Congress party President and Gandhi-scion Rahul Gandhi attempted to trivialise violent crimes against women by passing cheap remarks. He said that PM Modi had launched ‘Make in India’ but it had nowadays turned into ‘Rape in India’.

In a bid to attack PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi went on to make sexist and insensitive remarks by trivialising the heinous crimes of rape. He also attempted to mock the violent crimes against women by twisting a slogan originally intended to promote growth and economic development in the country.


Speaking at a public rally in Jharkhand on Thursday, Rahul Gandhi said, “Narendra Modi had said ‘Make in India’ but nowadays wherever you look, it is ‘Rape in India’. In Uttar Pradesh Narendra Modi’s MLA raped a woman, then she met with an accident but Narendra Modi did not utter a word”.

Rahul Gandhi’s shameful comment has triggered an uproar in the Parliament.  Several MPs including women members across the party lines condemned the statements made by former Congress President and demanded an apology.

On Friday, Union Minister Smriti Irani tore into Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his “Rape in India” comment at a rally in Jharkhand on Thursday.


“This is for the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi’s message to the people of the country? He should be punished,” Irani said in the Lok Sabha today, minutes before it was adjourned till noon.

Launching a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, Rajnath Singh said people like Rahul Gandhi should not be elected to the House.

“The PM is promoting ‘Make in India’ so that the country becomes an export capital and generates employment opportunities. But equating that idea with something so vile is hurtful to not just me but the entire country. This kind of people should not be elected to the House,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

BJP MP from West Bengal Locket Chatterjee said, “Modi Ji said ‘Make in India’ but Rahul Ji said ‘rape in India’, he is welcoming everybody that come and rape us. This is an insult to Indian women and to Bharat Mata.


Several MPs also raised slogans of “Rahul Gandhi maafi maango (Rahul Gandhi Apologise)” in the Rajya Sabha over Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Rape in India’ remark.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said, “You cannot take the name of a person who is not a member of this House. Nobody has the business to disturb the House.”

Shockingly, DMK MP Kanimozhi jumped into the rescue Rahul Gandhi in the Lower House and claimed that the Congress leader was trying to highlight the growing incidents of rape cases in India. “The PM has always been saying it has to be made in India so that India flourishes. what Rahul Gandhi said was that situation in India has changed,” she said.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned till 12 pm amid massive uproar in parliament over Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Rape in India’ comment.

Read: After ‘heat of campaigning’ Rahul Gandhi uses ‘free flow of political speech’ to defend his lie about tribal law

Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for falsely attributing the ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ slogan to the SC judges. He had apologised and stated that the remarks were made in the “heat of campaigning”. It remains to be seen what kind of excuse he comes up with this time to cover up his mistake after turning the grave issue of sexual crimes against women into a cheap, mocking slogan.

CAB protests: Curfew lifted for 5 hours in Dibrugarh, AASU calls for hunger strike in Guwahati

OpIndia Staff
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CAB protests: Curfew lifted for 5 hours in Dibrugarh, AASU calls for hunger strike in Guwahati

The indefinite curfew which was in force in Assam’s Dibrugarh municipal area following the violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill has been relaxed for five hours on Friday.

According to the reports, the curfew in Dibrugarh has been lifted from 8 am to 1 pm on Friday. However, many other towns and cities are still under indefinite curfew, including Guwahati, besides Tezpur and Dhekiajuli. Night curfew has also been imposed in Jorhat, Golaghat, Tinsukia and Charaideo districts.

Following the violent protests in the state, the Army and the security forces are conducting flag marches in Guwahati town which was the epicentre of the protests, besides Dibrugarh and Tezpur.

Meanwhile, the Army and the security forces will also be conducting flag marches in Guwahati town which was the epicentre of the protests, besides Dibrugarh and Tezpur. The Union Home Ministry on Thursday has kept around 20 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on standby to move to Assam if necessary.

Reportedly, All Assam Students Union (AASU), the prominent students’ body in Assam which is leading the protests against the Citizenship Bill, has called for hunger strike today in Chandmari area of Guwahati.

A large number of people, including artists, singers and filmstars will be observing a 10-hour fast called by the influential students’ organisation against the Citizenship Act from 6 am.

AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said that the protests will continue. “Our protest will be non-violent and disciplined. We will not accept the Citizenship Amendment Bill at any cost. The government might say they will give us Clause 6 – but that will not work for us. We are also appealing to people not to resort to violence,” he added.

Internet services in 10 districts have also been suspended for another 48 hours beginning 12 pm on Thursday to prevent misuse of social media to disturb the peace and to maintain law and order.

In a big relief to the Modi government, the Joint Movement against Citizenship Amendment Bill has called off their strike in Tripura on Thursday. It is an umbrella organization of all groups in Tripura who are against the CAB.

The decision to call off strikes comes after a delegation of the organisation including their convenor Anthony Debbarma and BK Hrangkhawl had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed their concerns. Home Minister Shah assured them that all their concerns would be addressed.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and by Lok Sabha on Monday. On Thursday, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 also became an act of law after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the historic legislation.

Following the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill and subsequent protests in the North-Eastern region, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday tried to assure the Northeastern states that the Citizenship Act will not hamper the spirit and interests of the region. In a series of tweets written in Assamese and English, Prime Minister Modi sent out a message of reassurance to the people of Assam.


He said that the central government is “totally committed to constitutionally safeguard the political, linguistic, cultural and land rights of the Assamese people as per the spirit of Clause 6. I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of CAB, PM Modi said.

The Citizenship Amendment act seeks to give Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from three neighbouring Islamic countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh after facing religious persecution.

The Act states the refugees of the six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in India for five years, instead of earlier requirement of 11 years. The Act also proposes to give immunity to such refugees facing legal cases after being found as illegal migrants. The cut-off date for granting citizenship will be December 31, 2014.

The law will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Further, the law will not cover the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit (ILP), notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. The ILP regime is applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

Sikh community in Kashmir agrees for demolition of 72-year-old Gurudwara to make way for National Highway

OpIndia Staff
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Sikh community in Kashmir agrees for demolition of 72-year-old Gurudwara to make way for National Highway

In an extraordinary gesture, the Sikh community in Kashmir on Thursday allowed the officials to pull down a 72-year-old Gurudwara to make way for the construction of a national highway connecting Srinagar with Baramulla.

According to the reports, the existing building of Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, which was established in 1947, is located along the Srinagar-Baramulla road. It will now be demolished and shifted to another place in the city following an understanding between the Gurdwara management and the Development Commissioner, Srinagar.


Gurdwara Damdama Sahib is known for its service towards migrant families who arrived from Pakistan. The Gurudwara organises langars and also undertakes many social service initiatives. It had also sheltered flood and earthquake victims.

As per a report in News 18, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, District Magistrate and Development Commissioner of Srinagar had attempted to resolve the deadlock and intervened in the discussion process. He had reached out to the Sikh community to discuss an amicable solution to the issue.

Reportedly, Choudhary had held a series of meetings over the past week to resolve the deadlock and also examine a range of options to find a solution.


“Finally, today in the presence of the deputy commissioner and the Gurudwara management, the demolition of Gurudwara Damdama Saheb was started. The Gurudwara will function from a makeshift space until a new one is constructed at the agreed location. The state public works department (PWD) has been entrusted with the construction of the gurudwara as per the design provided by the Sikh community,” the official said.

The Government of India started construction of the national highway from Srinagar to Baramulla in 2006. Later, the project was funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Plan, an official added.

The Srinagar-Baramulla stretch is executed by the Border Roads Organisation while the Anantnag-Srinagar part is done by the NHAI.

The road was completed in 2013. However, there were few litigations in the High Court concerning the road project. The landowner whose land was suggested for the relocation of Gurdwara had objected to the proposal and obtained a stay in 2014.

The Gurudwara was one of four bottlenecks in the road project, most parts of which were completed in 2013. Apart from the Gurudwara, the three other bottlenecks were a power line, a petrol pump, and water supply lines.

The official said the work on the demolition of the petrol pump and shifting of power lines and water supply lines has also started. The work is likely to be completed in the next 10 days, he said.

UK elections: Labour Party that supported Pakistani narrative over 370 abrogation loses big, its chief Jeremy Corbyn resigns

OpIndia Staff
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UK elections: Labour Party that supported Pakistani narrative over 370 abrogation loses big, its chief Jeremy Corbyn resigns

The UK has just had the results of the general elections announced and the Conservatives, with current Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the PM candidate, have secured a massive victory. The Labour Party, which had ‘secular-liberal’ favourite Jeremy Corbyn as its PM candidate, has suffered a humiliating defeat after a long time.

PM Modi had congratulated PM Boris Johnson for the thumping victory.


The exit polls earlier had predicted that Boris Johnson’s conservative party is expected to win 368 seats in the House of Commons and Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party is predicted to win only 191 seats. The exit polls results were announced late last night after the voting process was over.

Labour Party’s Jeremy Corbyn has stepped down after the disastrous predictions of his party’s performance.

It is notable here that most of the British-Indian communities had openly announced support for Boris Johnson’s party after Jeremy Corbyn’s party repeatedly sided with Pakistani groups and peddled their agenda over India’s abrogation of Article 370.

Corbyn’s Labour Party had also passed a ‘resolution’ on Kashmir brought in by its Pakistani-origin members. The resolution had called for international meddling in the Kashmir issue and had criticised India’s decision to abrogate Article 370, mirroring Pakistan’s lines.

Not just that, a number of Labour Party members and even MPs were found participating in anti-India marches organised by Pakistani-sponsored British groups. On two occasions, such marches had also attacked the Indian High Commission building in London, drawing sharp criticism from the Indian government.

Read: Fear of losing British-Indian votes and money? UK Labour Party backtracks on its Kashmir stand, says issue bilateral

After the controversial ‘Kashmir resolution’, the Indian High Commission had severely criticised the open support of anti-India elements and had cancelled its scheduled programs with the Labour Party. The Indian community in the UK too had expressed displeasure and had announced suport for the conservatives.

The open support for terrorist organisations was exposed when Banned outfit JKLF had announced its support for Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party. The Labour Party, sensing losing Indian votes, had later backtracked on its stand over Kashmir and had expressed regret over the ‘resolution’.

Citizenship Amendment Act comes into force after President Kovind gives assent to the bill

OpIndia Staff
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Citizenship Amendment Act comes into force after President Kovind gives assent to the bill

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has now become an act of law after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the historic legislation on Thursday.

According to an official notification, the act comes into effect with its publication in the official gazette on Thursday.

The Citizenship Amendment act seeks to give Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from three neighbouring Islamic countries – Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh after facing religious persecution.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and by Lok Sabha on Monday.

The Act states the refugees of the six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in India for five years, instead of earlier requirement of 11 years. The Act also proposes to give immunity to such refugees facing legal cases after being found as illegal migrants. The cut-off date for granting citizenship will be December 31, 2014.

The law will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Further, the law will not cover the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit (ILP), notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. The ILP regime is applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

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