To
The Prime Minister
Government of India

Dear Sir,

We express our deep concern about the two "anti-terror bills", that have recently been passed in both the houses of the parliament , without giving any opportunity for debate at the national and the state level. We do not agree to the perception that the protection of human rights stand in opposition to effective action against "terrorism". We do hold that the existing laws of the land are sufficient enough to tackle the acts of violence committed by the "terrorists". These newly introduced bills seriously suspend,limit, undermine and even destroy certain non-derogable rights, as recognized by International Laws and Covenants. These bills show a spirit of minimalism, particularly in the arena of the rights of suspects and defandants in the criminal process. And there is every chance of misuse of the provisions as our past experiences suggest in the case of TADA and POTA. We demand that your government repeal these two bills.

Hence, for the sake of upholding human rights, for stregethening principles of the rule of law and for keeping India's International commitment to International laws and standards relating to human rights, we urge upon you to reconsider for withdrawal of the bills.