Reiterating that the government is prepared to dilute the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) if suitable amendments are suggested, Home Minister L K. Advani on Friday said the morale of the security forces will be undermined if the legislation is defeated in Parliament.
While pointing out that consultation cannot be held before an ordinance is promulgated, the minister said various discussions had been held on the subject at various fora since the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (prohibition) Act lapsed in 1995. Mr Advani said further discussions would be held on the legislation in the all-party meeting to be convened by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as discussions in the parliamentary consultative committee attached to his ministry were over.
The minister was inaugurating a two-day national seminar on security force`s morale and human rights - the right balance, trial by media vs trial by court, and POTO organised by the Criminal Justice Society of India. Law minister Arun Jaitley delivered the keynote address and others who spoke included former supercop K P S Gill, society president and senior counsel K T S Tulsi, and society secretary general R S Suri. Mr Advani also released a souvenir on the occasion. Bureau Report