India gives anti terror agency more teeth |
The Modi government on Monday secured Lok Sabha`s approval for an amendment that gives the National Investigation Agency or the NIA, more powers, following a fierce debate in which opposition lawmakers alleged the provisions had greater potential for misuse while ministers called the changes crucial in the fight against terrorism. NIA was formed as a federal unit to investigate and prosecute cases of terrorism following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which will need Rajya Sabha clearance, will give the agency jurisdiction over several more crimes related to cyber terrorism, fake currency, hijacking, human trafficking and crimes involving nuclear facilities. It also allows NIA to investigate incidents that have taken place abroad, and attach properties of suspects without having to wait for local police. Responding to opposition members claims over potential misuse, Home minister Amit Shah said, “Let me make it clear the Modi government has no such intention of misusing the law. Its only goal is to finish off terrorism. We will also not look at the religion of the accused while taking action.” The bill was eventually passed after a division vote, called for by Owaisi and backed by Shah.
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