The Hindu : Front Page : No return of POTA, says Dasmunsi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 19, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

No return of POTA, says Dasmunsi

P. Sunderarajan

“Our laws are much stronger than those in U.S., U.K.”

NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister and Cabinet spokesperson Priyaranjan Dasmunsi on Thursday ruled out any move to bring back the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) or introduce any additional law to combat terror.

“No, No, No. It is a draconian law and against human rights. If the present laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act are implemented properly, there is no need for additional laws,” he said.

“What do you mean by tougher anti-terror laws? Some of our laws are much stronger than those in the U.S. and U.K.,” he said when asked whether there was any plan to bring in an anti-terror law similar to the POTA.

He denied that any issue relating to Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who had come under criticism from some quarters over his handling of internal security, came up for discussion. “Nothing of that sort happened.”

Mr. Dasmunsi was briefing reporters on the deliberations of the special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday night that discussed the security situation in the country in wake of the recent terror attacks, including the Saturday serial blasts in Delhi.

He announced a series of measures to strengthen the intelligence machinery, including the creation of a research and technology wing in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to analyse the new modus operandi of terrorists and steps to install gadgets such as closed circuit televisions and metal detectors in market places.

“The States cannot and will not be left alone to deal with the menace. The Centre will provide them all assistance,” he said.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta said the Cabinet sanctioned an additional 6,000 posts for the IB and 7,612 more posts for the Delhi Police.

The Cabinet approved a proposal to strengthen the Special Branches in States and earmark funds for them to acquire and put in place scanners and other security-related equipment.

It approved a sub-scheme for policing in the metros.

For this, the Centre would provide assistance in intelligence monitoring and surveillance.

It would be made mandatory for major market places, shopping malls, multiplexes and hotels to have “minimum, necessary benchmark security systems.”

Other State governments would be encouraged to follow the “Eyes and Ears” scheme put in place by the Delhi Police, which aimed at involving residents and market associations to tone up security.

On the issue of setting up a federal agency to deal with terror-related cases, the Home Secretary said a group of senior Ministry officers, set up to study various issues, including the recommendations of the second Administrative Reforms Commission and international conventions on financing of terror, was considering the need for such an agency.

Moily's suggestions tough on the outside, soft inside: BJP

Minority despair will trigger new waves of terror: Chidambaram

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

Front Page