New laws to combat terror on the anvil: Sonia

Kochi, Dec 16 (PTI) New laws to combat terrorism "more
effectively" are on the anvil and the United Progressive
Alliance (UPA) Government is holding discussions with its
coalition partners and the opposition in this regard, Congress
President Sonia Gandhi said here in the coastal Indian state
of Kerala Tuesday.

"New laws to deal with terrorism more effectively
are on the anvil. Our ministers, the government are in the
process of discussing all these with the opposition, with our
coalition partners so that as soon as possible, we can go
ahead with his plan," she said addressing a session of the
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee here.

Referring to the measures being taken by the Centre to
fight terror including establishment of a National
Investigation Agency and a new coastal command to ensure
maritime security, Gandhi said that "in the coming weeks, the
government will be coming out with some more measures".

The Congress chief said that on December 11, the Home
Minister had also assured Parliament that intelligence
agencies were being revamped.

Gandhi said after the Mumbai terror strikes, Parliament
met and passed a resolution condemning the attacks. Through
this resolution, India sent a powerful signal to its enemies
and to the terrorists that the entire country is united in its
resolve to combat terrorism, she said.

"Let nobody have any doubt about the determination
of the Indian nation and the Indian National Congress to
defeat the forces of terrorism", she said. The Congress will
deal with such forces in a 'befitting' manner, she said.

On the civilian nuclear deal with the US, an issue on
which the Left parties withdrew support to the UPA Government,
Gandhi said a number of countries were coming forward to
cooperate with India in nuclear energy sector.

"The nuclear agreement will enable more nuclear power
plants to be established in our country which will put an end
to power shortage and load-shedding," the Congress leader
said, adding Indian scientists too would gain access to the
latest in nuclear technology as a result of the accord.

"Left parties unfortunately have not been able to
appreciate this tremendous achievement. But I am sure that
future generations will vindicate the far-sighted vision of
our Prime Minister and of our party," Gandhi said. PTI