Author: Times News Network
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: November 24, 2006
URL: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/548630.cms
Making an unusual departure from the government's
'existing laws are enough to deal with terrorism' stance, Intelligence Bureau
director ESL Narasimhan on Thursday publicly pleaded with the prime minister
for a "more robust legal framework to deal with the new kinds of terror
attacks."
Mr Narasimhan, in his welcome speech ahead
of prime minister Manmohan Singh's address to the DGPs/IGPs conclave here,
justified his call for a stronger anti-terror legal framework to deal, saying
that it would be in keeping with the new kind sudden terror attacks.
Mr Narasimhan's 'tough times need tough laws'
plea - made even as the prime minister and Union home minister looked on -
echoes the sentiments of the Opposition camp: NDA has been pressing for stringent
laws to deal with terror, in line with the trend around the world. The UPA
government had, soon after it came to power in 2004, scrapped Pota stating
it was 'biased' and replaced it with an amended version of Unlawful Activities
Prevention Act.
The IB director seeking a more robust anti-terror
legal framework in the presence of the prime minister and home minister is
significant as the government has never missed an opportunity to turn down
suggestions for a tougher anti-terror law by stating that existing laws were
enough and all that was needed was stricter implementation.
This stand of the top official of the IB has
put the government in an uncomfortable situation as the components of the
ruling alliance and community leadership are considered apoplectic over even
references to tough laws. The security agencies have been complaining that
the very same sections roast the police for intelligence gathering laxity
if something catastrophic happens.
Mr Narasimhan in his address also sought adequate
legal protection for security personnel engaged in countering terror. Taking
up the case of officers who are dogged by criticism from human rights lobbies
even as they perform their duty in the country's conflict zones, Mr Narasimhan
said such campaigns were resulting in the officers feeling not only persecuted
but also confused regarding their role.
"The national counter-terror strategy
suffers immensely when officers and men who put at stake everything in protecting
society find themselves helpless facing legal and extra-legal campaigns in
the subsequent period when the threats have receded."
"How do you deal with cases when fidayeen
attacks are foiled by police? Questions are still raised," he pointed
out and stressed the need to find answers to such issues.
Favouring the need to create awareness regarding
cross border terrorism and its complex intertwined support, he said adequate
legal protection to the officers and men involved to counter terrorism would
be essential "if we have to face these challenges."
