Tough anti-terror laws prone to misuse: Patil

The home minister says that the law and order situation in most of the states, including Jammu and Kashmir, has improved.

An adjournment motion on internal security was defeated on Wednesday with the government rejecting demands for POTA-type anti-terror laws and asserting that there has been improvement in law and order situation in several states, including Jammu and Kashmir.

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Home Minister Shivraj Patil, in his reply to the debate on the Opposition's adjournment motion on internal security in the Lok Sabha, maintained that tough anti-terror laws were prone to misuse.

The minister, however, said certain provisions of the scrapped law have been incorporated into the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

On the Afzal issue, over which the BJP has launched a high-pitched campaign, Patil cautioned that the manner in which it was being raised could have a "contrary" impact.

He said the people could attach "ulterior motives" to such a campaign. "If it is avoided, I'd be grateful."

The motion was rejected by a voice vote after Leader of the Opposition LK Advani, who moved it, led a walkout accusing the government of sending wrong message by scrapping POTA.