NEW DELHI, 18 September 2004 — India yesterday scrapped a draconian law that critics said was used against minority Muslims and government opponents.
Home Minister Shivraj Patil said the Cabinet passed an ordinance scrapping the 2-year-old Prevention of Terrorism Act, and also approved a second ordinance expanding the scope of an old law so it can be used against suspected terrorists. The ordinances will take effect after they are signed by President A.P.J Abdul Kalam who is currently on a visit to South Africa.
The amendments to the old Unlawful Activities Act provide the same tough measures that were contained in the anti-terrorism law, but place the onus of proving guilt on the prosecutors, Patil said.
Under the anti-terrorism law, suspects had to prove their innocence.
The anti-terrorism law, passed by the previous Hindu fundamentalist government in August 2002, also gave security forces sweeping powers to detain suspects for three months without charge and try anyone suspected of giving money, shelter or other support to terrorists. The Congress party-led alliance which came to power in May had promised to review the law.
“We have been traumatized by this law. The Cabinet’s decision will bring respite to many Kashmiri families,” said Javed Mir, a separatist leader in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.
The law was primarily intended to combat militancy in Kashmir. But rights groups say authorities have also used the law to arrest large numbers of Muslims in the western state of Gujarat. Several politicians and a journalist have also been arrested.
