Military

DATE=03/26/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287981

TITLE=INDIA / ANTI-TERROR (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In India, a rare joint session of parliament has been convened to debate a

controversial anti-terror bill the government wants to pass. Opposition parties say

the measure would curtail civil rights. As Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, a vote on the bill is expected, later today.

TEXT: The government convened Tuesday's joint session of parliament to break a deadlock over its proposed, tough anti-terror legislation. Last week, the bill was passed by the lower house, but rejected by the upper house, where opposition parties are in a majority.

The controversial bill gives the government powers to arrest and detain suspects for up to three months, without filing formal charges. It allows security forces to confiscate property and intercept communications of suspected terrorists or those suspected of harboring them.

Indian Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani says the country needs the law to strengthen its fight against terrorism.

/ / / ADVANI ACTUALITY / / /

Terrorism and, more particularly, state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism is a kind of war. It is not just a law and order problem. This is the first factor which has been responsible for the government thinking in terms of an extraordinary law.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

Opposition parties are rejecting the government's argument. They have termed the bill

"draconian," and say the increased powers are likely to be misused by police and security forces. Critics say its strict provisions will undermine basic freedoms and threaten human rights

Some provisions of the bill have been in force, under a presidential decree, since October, but they will lapse in early April, if not passed by parliament.

Critics have accused the government of misusing these provisions of the anti-terror bill to detain a large number of Muslims after sectarian riots erupted in western Gujarat State.

Communist Party leader Somnath Chaterjee told parliament the proposed law could be used carry out political vendettas and target minorities. He says the measures have failed to prevent terrorism, despite being in operation for the last six months.

/ / / CHATERJEE ACTUALITY / / /

It has been hastily brought to terrorize the minorities and the opposition parties. They have not been able to prevent a single terrorist act. They have not been able to cite one instance where, because of this law, they could prevent some action being taken.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

The legislation is expected to be passed, easily, because the ruling coalition commands a majority when both houses sit together. (signed)

NEB / AP / WD