“Geo-Socio Development: Dilemmas of Democracy and Extra Ordinary Laws in India and Its Effect on Border Management”

Ambuj Sharma of the Philosophical Society presented a paper on the topic “Geo-Socio Development: Dilemmas of Democracy and Extra Ordinary Laws in India and Its Effect on Border Management” in the National Seminar on the theme BSF RESPONSE TO EMERGING THREATS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL organized by HQ Punjab Frontier BSF Jalandhar Cantt., Punjab on 1st November, 2007 at Guru Nanak Dev University campus, Amritsar.

He divided his presentation into three part the first was what are extra ordinary laws second what are the Dilemmas of Democracy and third how an understanding of human rights can help to peace in the border region which in turn can help in socio economic development in the region.
He Highlighted that Debates surrounding extraordinary laws PDA (Preventive Detention Act) 1950, through Tada 1985, to POTO 2001 and POTA 2002 shows that it has not only resulted in gross violation of Human Rights in the areas they are implemented but the very nature of these laws questions the autonomy and liberty of an individual to a larger extent. Once a person is detained, he/she is denied bail for a minimum of one year; moreover bail would not be given if the prosecution opposed it, and unless the court was satisfied of the detainee’s innocence. He said that such laws might get further misused and innocent people might get victimized under such laws.
In the last part of his presentation he suggested to create areas of peace in the midst of conflict, imposes the principle of a common humanity, and calls for dialogue. Limit the use of violence in the hopes of maintaining the necessary conditions for a return to peace. He also said that the younger generation can play an active role in the “Development” as they are the ones who have much optimism, role to play in curbing violence in the region.

The seminar was also addressed by Mr. A. K. Mitra, IPS, Director General, BSF, Mr. Arvind Ranjan ,IPS, IG HQ Punjab Ftr BSF, Mr. R.K. Vishwakarma IPS, DIG BSF Amritsar, Dr. S.S. Bloeria, IAS Ex-Chief Secretary, J&k , Dr. Ashok Bahuria, Dr P.V. Ramana, Mr. Vishal Chandra from IDSA, New Delhi., Maj. Gen. R. S. Paul, GOC 15 INF DIV along with Brig. Rukshit Sukesh, Mr. Sarabjit Pandher, Spl Correspondent The Hindu, Punjab and Mr. R.P. Singh Addl DIG(Ops.) HQ Punjab Ftr. BSF.