NCJ Number
200881
Date Published
2003
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the political and social implications of the passage of the “Prevention of Terrorism Bill -- 2000” in India in March 2002.
Abstract
The author begins by explaining the political animosity between Muslims and Hindus in India. The Congress party, it is asserted, has historically and consistently sided with the minority Muslims in political battles and strongly opposed the terrorism bill when it was presented in October 2001. Historically, political leaders have worried about the welfare of the united minority community of Muslims while turning a blind eye to the politically divided majority Hindu population. The author explains how the terrorism bill came to be enacted and then calls into question whether the new law will be enforced in certain areas of India. Placing the new terrorism bill in its historical context, the author asserts that previous prevention detection laws have not been viewed favorably in India. Furthermore, the author contends that the terrorism law has been surrounded by much uncalled-for criticism that it is simply a tool to be used randomly against members of the minority Muslim community. The decentralization of police powers in India, coupled with the specifics of the terrorism law, make it unlikely that police will misuse the law to target certain persons or groups. Reference