Kerala's Gold Smuggling Debate: Who Holds Responsibility?

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserts that the responsibility for curbing gold smuggling lies with the Customs Department under the Union Finance Ministry, not the state government. In a letter to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Vijayan responded to accusations of inaction, stressing the state's police vigilance amid related law and order challenges.

The ongoing debate over gold smuggling responsibility in Kerala has intensified, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasizing that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Customs Department, not the state. This declaration came after Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's claims of governmental inaction.

Addressing the allegations, Vijayan refuted assertions of negligence, clarifying that any delays were due to comprehensive fact-gathering. He reiterated the role of the state police in tackling law and order issues related to smuggling, despite not being primarily responsible for preventing it.

The Chief Minister accused the Governor of misinterpreting his statements on alleged anti-national activities. Vijayan insisted these activities were not mentioned in any of his public addresses, attributing such claims to misinformation. The Chief Minister stressed his commitment to confronting gold smuggling and its economic impacts, while urging communication between state and central authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)