Country needs laws that provide stringent punishments: Kalam
In the backdrop of Mumbai attacks, former President APJ Abdul Kalam has pressed for enactment of laws that would provide for time-bound trial and tough punishment for perpetrators.
He also advocated the need for the UN to create a counter-terror force that would have mandate to target terrorist training centres and other such facilities wherever they exist.
"People who carry out terror attacks against India cannot be left scot-free. One way or the other we have to ensure that justice should be done to our nation," Kalam said.
He said the country needs a "law which will provide stringent punishments and faster justice to victims in a time-bound manner."
Kalam, who had earned the title of "People's President', was responding when asked about his suggestions for the government to deal with the menace of terrorism in the backdrop of Mumbai attacks.
He said the two new laws enacted after 26/11 -- National Investigation Agency Act (NIA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Act -- were a "good starter" in the direction of ensuring that perpetrators do not go scot free.
Kalam said he had suggested to the government to pass a Bill called National Campaign to Eradicate Terrorism (NCET) Bill, under which a unified intelligence agency can be created.
He said he has sent a proposal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the second time after the 26/11 strikes.
"The creation of an agency like this will empower them to deal with the state and Central government intelligence agencies under one roof or administration with the latest technological tools and devices," the former president said.
Describing cross-border terrorism as a "nuisance" for India, he said the government has "behaved responsibly" while dealing with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strikes.
"It looks to me we have so far behaved responsibly," Kalam said, while underlining that war is not a solution.
"I personally believe a war puts a nation ten years behind. We must see our people also. We are big nation and a responsible nation," he said.
"They (Pakistan) want a war. For them it is nothing. For us, it is everything," said Kalam.
He suggested that Pakistan was "creating these type of problems" because of "jealousy" and "our economic progress. We should not become a victim of our making," Kalam said.
(news appeared in ZEE)
He also advocated the need for the UN to create a counter-terror force that would have mandate to target terrorist training centres and other such facilities wherever they exist. 
