Indian parliament passes anti-terrorism bill

A rare joint session of India’s Parliament, the third since independence, today passed an anti-terrorism bill that the opposition said will curtail civil rights.

The government said the legislation, which gives it greater powers to detain and try terror suspects, is crucial after the September 11 terror attacks in the US and a December 13 militant attack on India’s Parliament.

‘‘We cannot score a decisive victory against terrorism unless a special law of this kind is enacted,’’ said Interior Minister Lal Krishna Advani.

The legislation provides punishments ranging from a minimum of five years in jail to death. The government said the law will be effective against Islamic guerrillas fighting to separate Kashmir from India.

The opposition said the law would be used against innocent Muslims.

Opposition parties said the proposed law gives unbridled power to police. They fear that people who unwittingly rent a room or car to a suspected terrorist or engage in