BHUBANESWAR: Union minister of state for internal security Rajesh Pilot has expressed concern over “the increasing misuse of Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act by some state governments.”
In an informal chat with newsmen last week, Mr. Pilot, currently campaigning in Orissa, said only six to seven thousand cases were being tried under the TADA, while the total number of detainees stood around 65,000. “This showed that the Act was being misused by some state governments,” he said.
Several members of Parliament had expressed their opposition to the continuance of TADA, Pilot’ said. The Center, he said had informed the state governments that unless they stopped misusing the TADA, it would be very difficult on the part of the Union government to pass a Bill extending its term in the coming session of Parliament as required under the law.
“While the Central government would provide modern weapons and communication systems to cells, the Intelligence Bureau would monitor the internal security measures at the district level,” the minister added.
Asked about the rebel activities within his party, he described it as “something usual in a large party like the Congress.”
While asserting that the expulsion of Arjun Singh would not affect the poll projects of the party, Pilot asked “when it has not affected our prospects in other states, why should it here?” Pointing out that the attitude of criticizing the government for non-functioning after resigning did not help. Pilot said that party men should collectively sort out their problems.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 10, 1995
