Assam to detain terror suspects for 2yrs

Guwahati, Jan 6: In the wake of recent terror strikes, the government of Assam has taken steps to form a more stringent law to deal with the terrorists and criminals involved in anti-state activities. The Assam Preventive Detention (Amendment) Bill 2009 is tabled. If the bill is approved it will make the Assam Preventive Detention Act, 1980 more powerful and effective.

Reports suggest that the government plans to increase the maximum period of preventive detention from six months to two years. This initiative was taken by the government after the serial blasts ripped the state in Oct killing 90 people. The objective to increase the detention period is to prevent the accused from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the state.

Sources say that the army and the security forces operating in Assam against insurgents, have often complained of the lack of tougher law to keep insurgents behind the bars for a longer periof to prevent them from going back to their respective outfits immediately after being released by court.

The main opposition party Asom Gana Parishad hailed the Congress-led government decision of amendment, terming it as 'late but necessary' step. After the serial blasts of Oct 30 Chief Minister tarun Gogoi who also hold Home portfolio had announced that the state would soon have a tougher law to deal with terrorism.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)