The Hindu : POTA panel not clear about its powers: Kannappan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 03, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

POTA panel not clear about its powers: Kannappan

By Our Staff Reporter

Coimbatore Sept. 2. The MDMK will draw the attention of the Centre, in general, and that of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, in particular, to the issue of "confusion over powers" and the "limitations" faced by the POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) review committee, the Union Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy and party treasurer, M. Kannappan, said today.

Talking to reporters here, he said the committee was "not clear" about its powers and was facing ``too many limitations'' in the discharge of the task entrusted to it. When a party delegation met the two-member committee, pressing for an expeditious review, the panel pleaded ``helplessness owing to confusion over its powers.''

``None of the State Governments are heeding to the requests of the committee and are not providing information or details relating to the cases filed under the Act.''

On the BJP president, M. Venkiah Naidu's remark that law and order was a State subject, Mr. Kannappan said it was the duty of the Centre to intervene and ensure that the Act brought in by it was not misused. The MDMK was waiting for the Supreme Court verdict on its petitions challenging the detention of its general secretary, Vaiko, under the POTA, and would then decide on its further course of action, he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News Update

Stories in this Section

Poor results will dominate principals' meet

CM calls for paradigm shift in development programmes

Malaysian Navy vessels arrive on goodwill visit

Dry Cauvery turns a hooch hotbed

MDMK leaders' plea against trial commencement dismissed

Movement curbs for Maudhany upheld

SC seeks records of poll petition against Chinnasamy

Refinery expansion nearing completion

HC notice to Tendulkar

Panel summons 500 more sacked staff members

POTA panel not clear about its powers: Kannappan

Fifth honorary doctorate