Government's Anti-Terror Law Proposal: Unpacking the Structural Roots of Fear and Control
Original framing: “Why does the state threaten Its people with yet another anti-terror law?” — bing news
Anti-terror laws in Sri Lanka have a long and complex history, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, when they were used to suppress the Tamil insurgency. This history is marked by human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances.
The proposed anti-terror law is a symptom of a broader pattern of state control and repression in Sri Lanka, driven by a culture of fear and mistrust.
This response is fueled by a lack of transparency and accountability, and will disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The experiences of other countries, such as India and the United States, offer valuable insights into the impact of anti-terror laws on civil liberties and social justice. Community-led counter-narratives, transparency and accountability mechanisms, and economic empowerment and social justice initiatives can help challenge the dominant narrative and promote a more nuanced understanding of the impact of such laws.