POTA draconian, we have tougher anti-terror laws: Govt

At the same time, the Government categorically ruled out any move to bring in an anti-terror law like POTA.

"No, No, No. It is a draconian (law) and against human rights. If the present anti-terror laws are implemented properly, there is no requirement for additional laws," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters in Delhi.

"What do you mean by tougher anti-terror laws. Some of our laws are much more strong than those in the US and UK," he shot back when asked whether the government was planning to bring in an anti-terror law similar to POTA.

Asked whether any issue relating to Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who has been criticised over his handling of internal security, came up for discussion, he said "nothing of that sort."

Among the proposals cleared by the Union Cabinet in the aftermath of serial blasts were creation of a Research and Technology wing in Intelligence Bureau, sanctioning additional manpower to IB and Delhi Police, metro policing and installation of modern gadgets like CCTV and metal detectors in busy market places.

As Dasmunsi observed that "the states cannot be left alone" in dealing with the terrorist menace, the Home Secretary said the Centre has been paying attention to strengthening Special Branches in the states which have remained "weak for various reasons".

Gupta said the Cabinet also approved a proposal to strengthen the special branches and earmark funds to acquire and put in place scanners and other security-related equipment.

An additional 6,000 posts have already been sanctioned for the Intelligence Bureau, while Delhi Police would have 7612 more posts. Eleven additional police stations have also been cleared for the national capital, he said.

On the Research and Technology Wing of the IB, Gupta said it would be a dedicated centre for continuous monitoring and analysis of the new modus operandi of terrorists. It would also keep pace with new technologies and counter-terror operations.

Regarding metro-policing, the Home Secretary said the Union Cabinet also approved a separate sub-scheme for policing in the metros, for which the Centre...