'Terrorism needs to be dealt with an iron fist'

The second Administrative Reforms Commission has suggested some tough measures against terrorism. The commission has made various recommendations to ensure that the country has adequate laws in place to prevent terror attacks.

Commission chairperson Veerappa Moily spoke to rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa about the recommendations and what effect it would have in case it is implemented.

Are you happy with the way all the recommendations have shaped up?

Yes. A lot of research that has gone into it and our team has been working for the past several months on this subject. We did realise the necessity of having a tough law to combat terror.

Are you confident that all the recommendations will be implemented?

I cannot comment on that, but I am sure that the government will take it seriously as national security is of utmost concern.

Do you think that the menace of terrorism will be curbed if all the recommendations are implemented?

I can say with conviction that if all the recommendations are implemented, then terrorism will be wiped out from this country. The country has been facing this problem for the past several years. I felt that there was a need for a strong law and hence I came out with these recommendations.

Both Prevention of Terrorism Act and Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (prevention) Act were repealed as they were considered to be draconian. Do the recommendations by the commission ensure safeguards so that it is not misused by law enforcing authorities?

Yes that is the point I am trying to make. We need to deal with the problem of terrorism with an iron fist and also ensure that there are ample safeguards. We have made recommendations regarding setting up of a review committee and also to set up Special Fast Track Courts to ensure that cases are decided speedily. We have also looked into the social aspect while handling matters pertaining to terrorism.

What about the demands being made by the various state governments for a separate state wise law to combat terrorism?

I do not see the necessity for that. We have recommended that terrorism related probes be handled by a federal agency so that there will not be any sort of overlapping. A special cell within the CBI is what has been proposed to handle probes relating to terrorism. So there is no need for a separate state level law.