Itanagar, Sept 11: Arunachal Pradesh government has withdrawn the 'Operation Hurricane' to flush out NSCN insurgents belonging to the Isaac-Muivah and Khaplang factions in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district bordering Myanmar. The erstwhile Congress government of Mukut Mithi had scheduled the launch of 'Operation Hurricane' in June, before his ministry was toppled on August 02.

Chief Minister Gegong Apang after taking over the reins of the state on August 03 at the head of the United Democratic Front had promised to withdraw both APCOCA and 'Operation Hurricane'. Apcoca which was against anti-social and anti-national activities and provided for capital punishment and imprisonment for life was repealed on August 19 in the state assembly by voice vote.

Top official sources said today that 'Operation Hurricane' was withdrawn on August 07 by the government.

Apang's UDF ministry is now a BJP one with Apang and 32 of his 42 legislators in the 60-member house having joined the saffron party on August 30. Bureau Report