UPA Government rules out bringing back POTA

New Delhi, Sep 18 : The United Progressive Alliance Government today once again ruled out to bring back POTA to fight terrorism, saying that it was a draconian law.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunshi told reporters that POTA was against the human right and there is no question of re-enactment of the same law, which was misused in the past.

He said that the existing law to deal with terrorism is strong enough and if necessary, additional provisions will be added to further to strengthen it.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta who was present during the briefing informed about a series of measures suggested by Home Ministry and approved by the special cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening.

On the intelligence front, a dedicated research and analysis wing in the areas of technologies in the IB has been approved.

Special branches of state governments will also have a focused scheme on intelligence and special central help will be provided in terms of surveillance equipment and for vigilance purposes.

Regarding the modernisation of the police force over 7,600 posts have been sanctioned for the Delhi Police apart from eleven new police stations. Gupta said a large coverage of CC TV cameras will be installed at 58 more market places and at 27 border posts in the capital.

So far, only nine market places have CCTV cameras for surveillance purposes. More over state governments have been asked to regulate the malls, restaurants, hotels and areas of large public gathering with appropriate security system.

ANI