The government is contemplating defining the word “terrorist”” under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The act so far only defines terrorist acts, terrorist organisations, unlawful activities and unlawful associations. But, given the cases across the globe, such as the nearly two-year-old case of an “underwear bomber” on a mission to take down an American plane “single-handedly”, the home ministry has felt the need to include a single terrorist under the act by defining the word “terrorist”. The “underwear bomber”, incidentally, pleaded guilty in a US court on Wednesday.
Senior government sources said amendments to the UAPA are being worked out to make it more “explanatory” and broad-based taking into consideration fresh possibilities arising out of terror acts committed by a single person.
“We are looking at all possibilities, including where a person does not have any affiliations with a terrorist or banned organisation but is self-motivated and equipped to commit an act of terror,” an official said.
The official said amendments to the UAPA would explore other aspects, such as attachment of properties and assets. This needs to be incorporated to define forfeiture of proceeds of terrorism in case of death of such suspects.
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Advani refused, then given rally permission
Amita Verma
Lucknow, Oct. 12
BJP leader L.K. Advani was granted permission by the Railway Board to hold a rally at the Railway Training Institute ground at Mughalsarai after permission was initially denied. The rally was to be held on land owned by the RPF. The railway authorities had earlier refused permission saying a political function could not be held on government land, following which the Chandauli district administration communicated the decision to the BJP.
“Railway Board has given permission to hold the rally at that place,” a senior railway official said. The DM had earlier refused permission in the absence of clearance from the railways.