NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA forwarded to the Commission only after issuance of conditional summons to the authorities concerned. A. Terrorism and Militancy 4.4 Today, India is facing a daunting challenge of protecting the human rights of a common man on the face of terrorism. With the grim spectre of terrorism continuing to target innocent and defenceless people, the task of protection of human rights has become all the more challenging. 4.5 A peaceful society rests on the pillars of justice and individual’s accountability. The concern for justice has been of paramount importance while dealing with the vexed issue of terrorism. In most of the tragedies associated with terrorism, it is mostly the common people whose rights are violated. 4.6 An increase in the activities of terrorists and Naxalites has made the role of security forces even more demanding. They are increasingly called upon to control civil unrest, to enhance the security at important places and also to control and maintain law and order, whenever required. 4.7 The Commission is of the firm view that proper observance of human rights is not a hindrance to the promotion of peace and security. Rather, it is an essential element in any worthwhile strategy to preserve peace and security and to defeat terrorism. The purpose of anti-terrorism measures must, therefore, be to protect democracy, rule of law and human rights, which are fundamental values of our society and the core values of the Constitution. 4.8 The Commission from time to time has reiterated that terrorism creates an environment that destroys the rights of the people to live in freedom from fear. Terrorism’s goal is to destroy the very fabric of democracy and society. India remains an important ally in the global war on terrorism. It has fought against terrorism for more than fifty years and has learnt a great deal from its success and failures. The endeavour of the Commission is to call upon the international community to co-operate in combating terrorism. At the same time, the Commission has always emphasized that in doing so, the approach should be human, rational and secular. B. Draft Bill on Committee against Torture 4.9 A draft Bill on Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010 which was prepared by the Ministry of Law was sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the Commission for comments. The draft bill was examined by the Commission who agreed to the provisions with certain observations which was conveyed to MHA on 6.4.2010. The Bill was referred to the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha. The Committee deliberated on the provisions of the Bill through nine sittings. However, the Bill introduced in Rajya Sabha in August 2010 lapsed. 4.10 There was a need to reintroduce the Bill afresh. In this regard a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Justice Shri D. Murugesan, former Hon’ble Member in the Commission on 20th March, 2018 to discuss the current status of the bill as the Law Commission of India released its report on Implementation of ‘United Nation Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment’ through Legislation on 30th October, 2018. 40 ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20