CMP proposes the repeal of POTA

Concerned over the manner in which POTA has been 'grossly misused' in the past two years, the Manmohan Singh government proposes to repeal it while strictly enforcing existing laws to deal with terrorism.

"There will be no compromise in the fight against terrorists. But given the abuse of POTA that has taken place, the UPA Government will repeal it while existing laws are enforced strictly," a draft of the Common Minimum Programme on the issues of defence and internal security circulated among allied parties said.

Promising to eliminate all delays in modernisation of armed forces, it sought to 'spend fully' at the earliest all funds earmarked for the purpose.

The UPA would set up a new Department of Ex-Servicemen's Welfare in the Defence Ministry and would re-examine the long pending issue of one-rank, one pension, the document said.

It also proposed to make the National Security Council a 'professional and effective' institution and appoint a full-time National Security Adviser.