Union Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani on Saturday said the government would push on with a new anti-terror law regardless of resistance by opposition political parties. "Our government's approach has been of accommodating every viewpoint and attempting to build a consensus on various issues. However, even if there is no unanimity, we cannot abdicate our responsibility towards national security," Advani told a public gathering in New Delhi.
The home minister said the lack of consensus could not become an excuse for inaction on the issue.
The cabinet had on Thursday bowed to pressure from the opposition by agreeing to major changes in its new anti-terror law, including curtailing its operational period from five to three years. The cabinet also recommended the deletion of a provision affecting the freedom of the press.
The law had made it mandatory for anyone, including journalists, with information about potential acts of terrorism to pass it on to security officials.
The Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO), which was introduced last month by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet, is yet to be passed by Parliament and faces widespread criticism.
The measure seeks to curb funding to suspected terrorist groups, confiscate their property and intercept their communications. It will give police and paramilitary forces far-reaching powers for arresting suspected terrorists and raiding their hideouts.
Opposition parties fear that the law will be misused as it gives sweeping powers to the police to question and detain people suspected of having information about terrorists.
The legislation has to be passed by both houses of Parliament or it will lapse on December 21.
The BJP has made a strong case for POTO, saying it is essential to curb growing Islamic militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and a rise in terrorist incidents in other parts of the country. Bureau Report