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India adopts new anti-terrorism measures

The Indian Parliament has passed a controversial anti-terrorism bill despite strong opposition from critics who say it's draconian and may be misused against minority Muslims.

The Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, announced after the September 11 attacks in the United States, allows suspects to be held for 30 days without appearing before a court and sets strict new rules for arrest and interrogation.

The bill was passed in a rare joint session of parliament, only the third since India gained independence from Britain in 1947.

The government says the measure is needed to score a decisive victory against terrorism, but Opposition leader Sonia Ghandi says she's concerned the new laws will only be used to harass minorities.

I suspect it will become an instrument in the hands of this government to supress political opponents, religious minorities, ethnic groups the weaker sections of our society and the trade unions.

27/03/2002 13:36:54 | ABC Radio Australia News

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