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DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME (BIRBHUM): Thank you, Madam Chairman. I rise not to oppose this Bill. But while supporting this Bill, I want to raise some points for clarifications from the hon. Minister.
This SPG (Amendment) Bill is going to amend the SPG Act. Really the internal security situation in our country is very grave and there is no doubt about it. The hon. Members from all sides have already pointed it out. It is our day-to-day experience and it is our historical experience too. Even statesmen, former Prime Ministers – Madam Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi – had to lay their lives.

Madam, finally I would like to express my views on an important point about which our leaders have already expressed their views today morning. This is about the draconian law POTA. This POTA is being indiscriminately misused by the authorities. Many State Governments, namely, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and other States are using this law on very trivial grounds.

MADAM CHAIRMAN : We are talking on another Bill. You can discuss about POTA, when that subject comes up.

DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME : This is an opportunity to say something on a draconian law.

MADAM CHAIRMAN: But, this is about the SPG.

DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME : Anyway, I am concluding, Madam. POTA should be withdrawn immediately and all the cases against people who are being harassed and being charged with POTA should be judiciously considered. Innocent people should not be harassed under POTA. I hope that the Government would take care of my submission and try to redress the agony of the common people. The Government should take care of their relief.

I conclude my speech while supporting this Bill.