Itanagar: The Tirap district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has imposed an immediate ban on the use of camouflage or military-pattern attire by civilians while engaging in hunting or fishing activities, officials said.
An order issued on Monday by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran stated that no civilian shall wear camouflage attire or carry arms while engaging in such activities, except authorised security personnel on duty.
“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 order further prohibits civilian entry into forest areas for hunting or fishing after sunset.
“Any person found violating the order shall be liable to legal action and penalties as prescribed by law,” the notification warned.
The move comes in the wake of heightened security concerns after reports suggested that around 20 cadres of the United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent (ULFA-I) had allegedly crossed into India from their base in Myanmar and taken shelter in parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Sources said around 10 ULFA (I) cadres are still suspected to be hiding in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, prompting security forces to intensify vigilance along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border.
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In this context, the ban on camouflage clothing is seen as a precautionary step to prevent confusion during ongoing counter-insurgency operations and to ensure the safety of civilians in sensitive forest areas.
