We can’t declare Pakistan a terror state: Centre

Independent member withdraws Bill

Rajeev Chandrasekhar. File photo

The government told Rajya Sabha on Friday that declaring Pakistan a “terror state” could have “diplomatic as well as other far-reaching consequences.”

Independent Member of Parliament Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the BJP’s Kerala unit, had moved ‘The Declaration of Countries as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill, 2016’ to create a legal, economic and travel sanctions regime for citizens of countries which promote terror.

The Bill came up for discussion on February 3, the end of the first half of the Budget session and then it came up for discussion again on Friday.

The Hindu had reported on February 21 that Centre was set to oppose the Bill as it would jeopardise international relations under the Geneva Convention.

On Friday, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told Rajya Sabha, “The government has taken many steps to deal with terror. The existing laws already have sufficient provisions for dealing with citizens of a terrorist country. To declare a country as a terrorist state can have diplomatic as well as other far-reaching consequences. Before doing so a detailed study is required. Therefore I request Mr. Chandrasekhar to withdraw the bill.”

MP finds support

Mr. Chandrasekhar then withdrew the Bill, which was, however, supported by many other members.

Nominated member and noted lawyer K.T.S. Tulsi said, “I am not opposed to the Bill but I have my doubts. We need to examine the practical utility of declaring Pakistan a terror state.” Congress member Abhishek Manu Singhvi suggested some changes in the Bill, saying some actionable points should be included.