Prevention of Terrorism Act to get more teeth

New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) With the Lok Sabha passing the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Bill Friday, the government will give more teeth to the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 by including offences that threaten the country’s economic security.

The bill, passed by voice vote, also extends the period of the ban on an organisation from two years to five years.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the government would not misuse the act.

“The UAPA is being amended to bring clarity to the existing legal regime and remove deficiencies identified in its implementation by the central and state intelligence and investigating agencies,” Shinde said.

The bill also covers procurement of weapons, raising funds for terrorist activities and counterfeiting Indian currency.

Communist Party of India leader Prabodh Panda, Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Saidul Haque and Biju Janata Dal leader Bhartruhari Mahtab wanted the bill to be deferred so that it could be debated thoroughly.

IANS 2012-11-30 19:20:36