People's Democracy

 Repeal POTA Altogether: Surjeet

Following is the text of the letter addressed on September 10, 2003, by CPI(M) general secretary, Harkishan Singh Surjeet, to V P Bhatia, secretary to the Review Committee on POTA.

THE Communist Party of India (Marxist) is opposed to the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 as its provisions can be used against the democratic rights of the people and organisations. Many of its provisions are against the fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution of India. The experience of the implementation of the present act in many states shows that the act was used for political vendetta and to suppress the democratic rights and genuine people's movements. There is no need for this extraordinary piece of legislation. The existing laws in this country are sufficient to tackle all situations.  

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) suggests that the review committee should recommend to the government for repeal of Prevention of Terrorism Act 2002 altogether.