How North Was My Valley

for two years without trial of people from the Punjab and Chandigarh. Another amendment covering the whole country makes it possible to issue a new arrest warrant as soon as the old one expires. The result is that people suspected of action 'threatening the security of the state' may be held in indefinite detention without being charged or brought to trial. In June 1984, the Terrorist Affected Areas (Special Courts) Ordinance was renewed. The Act permits practices which do not satisfy international individual standards which are binding on India, The Special Courts established under the Act have, however, had their authority restricted by the fact that only people taking part in hijacking or 'waging war against India' can be brought before these courts. Another step in the right direction was the lifting of one of the most severe emergency laws, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the Punjab. The members of the security forces enjoyed immunity from criminal proceedings for acts committed under this Act, and this clause opened the way for abuses of power The National Security Act is still in force all over India, Some of the states have strict laws to fight terrorism. These are reportedly also used against ordinary political opposition activity. The Report is not a hostile document. It is critical but also acknowledges the plus points in our society.