MP CM advocates POTA-type law to deal with terrorists

New Delhi, Oct 12 , 2008: The Madhya Pradesh government
today asked the Centre to clear state's anti-terror bill and
made a strong case for enaction of a POTA-type law for the
whole country.
"The state Assembly has passed an anti-terrorism bill -
The Madhya Pradesh Control of Terrorism, Unlawful Activities
and Organised Crime Bill - in 2007 which is awaiting clearance
from the Central government. Despite reminders, the Centre is
yet to clear the bill," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
told PTI.
Chouhan has also requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
to clear the anti-terrorism bill which is meant for dealing
with terrorism,organised crime and disruptive activities.
The Chief Minister said the Centre should initiate steps
to reintroduce stringent anti-terror laws like POTA as it was
the "need of the hour".
"Seeing spurt in terrorist strikes and to stop the
anti-national forces from disturbing peace in the country, a
POTA-type law is the need of the hour," he said.
Chouhan said since the spread of terrorism was a serious
threat to peace, unity and integrity of the country, there was
an urgent need to have political will and national consensus
on fighting terrorism.
He said his government was prepared to foil any attempts
by terrorists to disturb peace in Madhya Pradesh.
"The state police is vigilant and closely monitoring
suspected hideouts. We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure
a terror free atmosphere in the state," he said.
There have been reports that the Indian Mujahideen,
allegedly responsible for the recent series of explosions in
the country, may target Madhya Pradesh next.
Chouhan said his government was planning to modernise
its police force, especially the Anti-Terrorist Cell (ATC), to
provide immunity to state against any possible terror attacks.
"There is a separate allocation of funds for the
modernisation of the state police force especially the ATC.
Soon we plan to recruit more personnel to augment its
strength," he said.
Madhya Pradesh has around 80,000 police personnel who
are engaged in maintaining law and order, anti-terror
activities besides others. The state government has planned to
raise a Special Task Force to combat hi-tech crime, including
economic offences.
The ATC will have trained personnel especially on cyber
crime. It will also be gathering various intelligence inputs.
"A massive modernisation programme is also being
undertaken by the Madhya Pradesh Police, which includes
strengthening of cyber cell, procuring sophisticated arms,
ammunition and communication equipment," Chouhan said.