Two anti-terror laws criticised in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Feb 25: Two stringent anti-terror laws were criticised by a couple of members in Lok Sabha for their "abuse" with demands for repeal or review.

Mohammed Basheer of IUML raised the issue of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act during Zero Hour, saying it was a "black law".

Underlining that an anti-terror law cannot be misused for "victimisation", he demanded a judicial review of all the cases charged under it, suggesting that many accused have no terror links. "We are duty-bound to repeal this black law. An anti-terror law cannot be misused for victimisation...," he said.

Thokchom Meinya, Congress member from Manipur, spoke against abuse of AFSPA and said there is an urgent need to "review" it. He cited a number of committee reports, including one headed by Congress MP and former Union minister Veerappa Moily and another by Justice (retd) J S Verma, which highlights its "draconian" provisions.

AFSPA is in force in militancy-hit states like Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir and various political parties and civil society groups have claimed from time to time that it allows armed forces to get away with serious violations of human rights.

PTI