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Wednesday, Sep 24, 2008
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Call for stringent laws to deal with terrorism

Special Correspondent

Unanimous resolution at 73rd conference of presiding officers of legislatures

Concern over easy availability and use of sophisticated weapons by the terrorists
‘Strong and united action needed by the Central and State governments to eliminate terrorism’

CHANDIGARH: The two-day 73rd Conference of the Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies in India has concluded here after passing a resolution unanimously condemning all acts of terrorism unequivocally irrespective of their motivation and calling for strong and united action by the governments at the Centre and the States to eliminate it.

The conference, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Sunday, saw participation of 22 delegates in the discussion on “Terrorism: A threat to national unity – Role of legislatures”. Referring to the incidents of terrorism in different parts of the country, they suggested enactment of stringent laws to deal with the menace of terrorism.

They expressed serious concern over the easy availability and use of sophisticated weapons and material by the terrorists. They also cal-led for making development inclusive so that everyone had a stake in preserving and promoting democracy.

The conference urged the Union and State governments to effectively coordinate their efforts and efficiently use their resources and also take steps to enact appropriate laws to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan said terrorism by its very nature was undemocratic and the antithesis of dialogue, and to combat this menace the role of legislatures was of paramount importance as they were empowered to provide effective oversight of the Executive’s measures to contain terrorism and make counter terrorism legislations.

“It is for this reason that legislature is the prime target of terrorist attacks but the foundation of our democracy is too strong to be shaken by such dastardly acts,” he emphasized.

Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal observed that the growing menace of terrorism was a serious threat to national security, human security and individual freedom without which democracy could not survive. “Legislatures, as opinion-makers and opinion-leaders, need to play a vital role in shaping and developing an appropriate response and strategy to the challenges posed by terrorism in all its manifestations,” he said. They must undertake a sustained campaign to bring about consensus on this vital issue and the struggle against terrorism must be accorded the highest priority on the national as well as international agenda.

The conference also discussed two items -- Need to evolve Procedural Devices and Frame Rules to Control Unruly Behaviour of the Members, their Entry in the Well of the House, Obstruction in the Business of the House and Ensure improved Time Management and Need to Strengthen Public Faith in Democratic Institutions.

The conference also adopted a resolution urging the leadership of all political parties and other stakeholders to take immediate steps including formulation of a Code of Conduct based on a wide consensus.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Chatterjee said the topicality and relevance of the themes discussed could hardly be over-emphasized.

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