UAPA Bill: Here's why Congress' opposition to the Bill appears dangerous at this time

In a big crackdown on terrorism, Rajya Sabha on Friday passed Unlawful Activities Prevention Amendment (UAPA) Bill with 147-42 vote margin following a heated debate on floor. However, Congress Rajya Sabha MPs P Chidambaram and Digvijay Singh expressed objections to UAPA Bill. tably, Congress party opposed labelling of an individual as a 'terrorist' as per provisions in UAPA Bill. 

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P Chidambaram Opposes Amendments

Speaking about a certain section in bill, former Finance Minister and senior Congress leer P Chidambaram alleged that Central government is meddling with personal liberty. He opposed bill in Upper House, saying that he is against Centre's power to name an individual, as per amendments me in bill. 

"We are t opposing fight against terrorism, we are opposing mechanism by Central government to name an individual. real mischief is Section 35 Sub-section 2 and which res - Central govt shall exercise its power under clause of  sub-section with respect to an organisation or an individual only if it believes such organisation or individual is involved in terrorism."

Congress party went onto urge house t to give importance to affiliation to any organisation, but imagine consequences that an individual may face when named only because of Centre's 'belief'.

"If central government believes that an individual is in terrorism n re is FIR, charge sheet, trial in court, charges, you will be named. Naming a terrorist organisation, naming an individual is t same," he claimed. 

Digvijaya Singh alleges BJP targetting one religion

dressing Rajya Sabha, senior Congress leer Digvijaya Singh alleged that BJP government has created misconceptions targetting a 'particular religion' deeming m all terrorists.

"We believe that terrorism has religion but you people (BJP) have created an atmosphere against one particular religion that those people are linked to terrorists. But who are three most wanted listing on NIA?" Congress leer said. 

Amit Shah's befitting reply

Responding to objections raised by Opposition, Home Minister Amit Shah said four-level scrutiny has been provided in amendment and human rights will be violated. He furr argues that it is important to declare individuals as terrorists because y float through different organisations once ir institution is banned.

"Individuals can be declared terrorists if y commit or participate in acts of terrorism, prepare or promote terror. amendment will expedite prosecution in terror cases," Home Minister said.

What is Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill (UAPA)? 

It proposes to amend Unlawful Activities (Prevention) bill, 1967, under which an investigating officer is required to obtain prior approval of Director-General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.  UAPA Amendment Bill allows government to label an individual as terrorist if he/she participates or commits terror acts. Previously, Centre h power only to designate an organisations terror group and t individual as a terrorist. Furrmore, as per new provisions, NIA (National Investigation ncy) Director-General is empowered to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property during investigation of case by ncy.

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