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Jeyaraj defends Anti-Terror Act
Friday, 22 December 2006 - 12:11 PM SL Time
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Holding a strong brief for reactivating the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, Trade and Commerce Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said yesterday the Act would not be an obstacle to those who renounced terrorism and prepared to enter the democratic process.
`With the scourge of terrorism experienced by the entire international community, implementation of regulations to curb terrorism, safeguarding democracy whilst upholding the rights of all communities to a free livelihood in accordance with their traditions, the timely decision by the Government to re-implement the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is of great national importance.
`In the 1980`s the then UNP Government promulgated this Act with the Peoples Alliance Government in 1994 continuing with this legislation. The UNP Government in 2001 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on February 22 suspended the implementation of this Act.
`With the PTA on hold, terrorism throughout the island became rampant resulting in rapid strengthening of resources connected to terrorist activities both monetarily and physically, illegal arms trade, forced recruitment of child soldiers, massacre of military and police intelligence unit personnel, abductions, extortion and assistance of foreign organizations and certain NGO`s activities to strengthen terrorism were found to be increasing.
Due to the assassination of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, the attempted assassinations on the Army Commander, the Defence Secretary and the former Pakistan High Commissioner, planned from within Colombo, the re-implementation of the PTA has therefore become mandatory.
Terrorism that seeks to raise its ugly head undermining democracy, has created a strong challenge to society. The non-implementation of the rules over a period of 4 1/2 years with all sectors connected to the state, national, social and economical being subject to severe challenges, the implementation of the Act by a responsible Government is fully endorsed by me. Those who voice their opposition to the PTA tantamounts to lending support to terrorism. In order to prevent all acts of terrorism the new rules would for the first time provide a clear definition of terrorism.
The public are fully aware that certain organisations do not utter a word regarding the dreaded and fearful effects of terrorism, and the destruction caused but make a hue and cry against the implementation of the PTA. Certain political groups who resort to groping in the dark instead of extending support to positive measures to curb terrorism are shedding crocodile tears against the implementation of the Act. It is quite clear that the wise public who are aware of their intentions are not prepared to be misled by their vituperative proclamations.
The Government, in keeping with the trust and confidence bestowed by the public, seek to usher an era free from fear and suspicion for all people.
The President has reiterated that democracy will not be threatened with the implementation of this Act. I wish to state that any institution or organisation working within the democratic framework need not fear suppression or reprisal under this Act.
This Act will not be an obstacle to those who renounce terrorism and are prepared to enter the democratic process. It will instead pave the way to bring all players to the negotiating table. Those who criticise and attempt to mislead the public should forthwith stop such vituperative expressions and divert their attention to bring the terrorist outfit to the negotiating table,` Minister Fernandopulle said.
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justman
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 804
Member Profile
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22 Dec 2006 16:02:14 GMT Report for Abuse
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| There is enough legislation to deal with this problem,provided the enforcement agencies are better organized and disciplined.This new act will only give unnecessary draconian powers that will be exploited by some to their personal advantage,just like during the JVP crisis in '89. |
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