CMP proposes repeal of 'grossly misused' POTA Saturday, May 22 2004 09:19 Hrs (IST)
New Delhi:
Concerned over the manner in which Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) has been "grossly misused" in the past two years, the Manmohan Singh Government proposes to repeal it while strictly enforcing existing laws to deal with terrorism.
"There will be no compromise in the fight against terrorists. But given the abuse of POTA that has taken place, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government will repeal it while existing laws are enforced strictly," a draft of the Common Minimum Programme on the issues of Defence and internal security circulated among allied parties said.
Promising to eliminate all delays in modernisation of Armed forces, it sought to "spent fully" at the earliest all funds earmarked for the purpose.
The UPA would set up a new department of Ex-Servicemen's Welfare in the Defence Ministry and would re-examine the long pending issue of one-rank, one pension, the document said.
It also proposed to make the National Security Council a "professional and effective" institution and appoint a full-time National Security Adviser.