Congress has accused the government of trying to turn India into a “police state”
The government asserted on Monday that a Bill to broaden the National Investigation Agency’s powers is part of its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and is in national interest, as Lok Sabha took up a discussion on the proposed legislation, as per a report in The Hindu.
While Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy sought support of all parties for the passage of the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Manish Tewari of the Congress accused the government of trying to turn India into a “police state.”
Lok Sabha passes the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019. pic.twitter.com/jBU7O3uOW1
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2019
Reddy told the House that the new law will allow the NIA to probe cases of terrorism targeting Indians and Indian assets abroad, and also empower the agency to investigate cases of arms and human trafficking besides those linked to cyber terrorism.
“We want to fight terrorism with zero tolerance and have brought this bill in national interest. I pray to all of you for its passage,” he said.
The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.
