Par approves amendment to UAPA bill; NIA gets power to label

In a big boost to the Government, Parliament on Friday approved a crucial amendment to an anti- terror law allowing the Centre and states to designate individuals as terrorists and seize their properties.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill that seeks to amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, was passed by Rajya Sabha with 147 votes in favour and 42 against. The Congress and BSP supported the bill.

The House earlier rejected the opposition-sponsored motion to send the amendment to a select committee with 104 votes against as compared to 85 in favour. The Congress had also voted in favour of this motion.

The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on July 24.

Replying to the debate, Home Minister Amit Shah said the law, that will be used only to tackle terror, will help agencies remain four steps ahead of terrorists.

He accused the Congress of giving colour to the law by linking terrorism to religion for political gains.

He alleged that the Congress ...