TNN | Jul 31, 2014, 01.15 PM IST

ITANAGAR: With Arunachal Pradesh experiencing frequent bandhs which adversely affect the economy, the state assembly on Wednesday passed the ?Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Bill, 2014, to curb the menace.

Highlighting the cascading effects of the growing bandh culture in the state, chief minister Nabam Tuki said the state was experiencing losses of up to Rs 10 crore a day because of strikes sponsored by various unions. “The Island of Peace, as Arunachal Pradesh was once known as, has become a misnomer in the present day and this bill will serve as a deterrent,” he added.

Assuring that the bill incorporated all unlawful activities and would not infringe upon the customary laws of the state, the minister announced an advisory committee to be constituted to consult on the bill. This committee would study all the aspects of the bill and research the amendments suggested by members of the assembly. Opposition leader Tamiyo Taga termed the bill ?toothless’ and questioned the government whether the bill would be enough to tackle the mushrooming student organizations in the state.

The BJP MLA also wondered if there was an understanding between protestors and the government since the CM and other ministers are invariably absent from the capital during the bandhs. He claimed that political interferences have helped the callers of bandhs get away scot free, and these protestors use these connections to threaten others.