31 ISI-backed spy modules cracked since Jan 05

As many as 31 Inter Services Intelligence-backed espionage modules have been neutralised in various parts of the country since January 2005 leading to the arrest of 56 agents, including 21 Pakistanis, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

The government has been pursuing a well coordinated and multi-pronged approach to tackle the activities of the ISI by strengthening border management, gearing up the intelligence machinery and by having closer coordination between Centre and state agencies, Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal said in a written reply.

However, replying to another question, he said the available inputs did not confirm direct presence of the al-Qaeda

in the country.

He also informed the House that 32 organisations continue to be banned as terrorist organisation under unlawful activities (prevention) Act, 1967 as amended in September, 2004.

To another question, he said there had been demands to bring back the Prevention of Terrorism Act but the government was of the view that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, as amended in September, 2004, alongside the repeal of POTA, had provisions necessary to deal with various facets of terrorism.