NEDUMBASSERY: All India Anti-Terrorist Front chairman M. S. Bitta has said that an anti-terrorist military court should be formed to deal with terrorism.

Talking to presspersons here on Monday, Mr. Bitta, a former Youth Congress president, said such a court should proceed to pronounce judgments within six months and the convicted should not have the right to file a mercy plea before the President. Even those found guilty by the Supreme Court in terrorism-related cases should not get the right, he added.

`Bullet for bullet'

Asked about the constitutionality of such a move, Mr. Bitta, himself a victim of terrorism, said Parliament should debate on the issue and reach a decision. The Government should adopt a "bullet for bullet" policy to end terrorism threat in the country, he said pointing out to the success of such a policy in Punjab.

`POTA misused'

Mr. Bitta said the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was misused politically in States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu.

He urged the Government not to hold talks with Pakistan until all terrorist training camps functioning across the border were closed, the Indian Prisoners of War of the 1972 war were released and terrorists such as Dawood Ibrahim were returned.

He accused the U.S. of following double standard by funding and providing weapons to Pakistan, which, according to him, is a terrorist state.

Rs. 6 cr. contributed

Mr. Bitta said his organisation had contributed around Rs.6 crore to the families of the victims of terrorism, including those killed in the Kargil war.

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