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"content": "formerly we used to talk of the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS). We are now talking of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, there are other areas where this body could be working; gathering information, especially on the issues that could affect this country, like drought. This is the information we need. The Intelligence Service is not just going to be dealing with politicians, but, definitely, they need to lock on them, so that we can know those people who incite others into violence. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, everybody here is talking about the conflict between the Intelligence Service and the Police. It is good to tell the Members to just go through the functions of this Service. Unless otherwise provided, the Service shall not carryout police functions which are already very well defined. The Service shall also not undertake military activities. I think that is where some of us are getting very worried. We need to look deeper into the things that this Service should be doing. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have gone through the Bill, and it says very clearly that before any arrest or search is made, the officer should get a warrant of arrest from a Judge of a court somewhere. I think that should not worry us. Regarding issues to do with the carrying of firearms, these officers will sometimes be operating in some very dangerous situations, especially in hostile countries or even areas like a battle field. These people require to be armed to the teeth, so that in case anything happens, they can protect themselves. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think somewhere in the Bill, there is a clause that says that the President should have the powers to fire, especially the Director General (DG). I feel that this is unfair. In case the DG is to be removed from Service, there should be a tribunal that should look into the character of the person. If I could remember that small clause, I could propose that it be deleted. The President should not have the powers to fire the DG at any one time. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the main problem in this country is the other forces that are supposed to be the consumers of the information. I think that is why everybody says that there was fighting or violence. If that information was given to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and even the Police and they never acted, I think we do not need to blame our Intelligence Service. What we need to be talking about is that any information that is given out by National Intelligence Service should be given a timeframe for action. A time like now when we are getting close to the elections, there could be very many areas which are being spotted as very hostile and where we can have eruptions at any one time. If the police do not take action, they are the ones who are supposed to be responsible. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I totally disagree with the issue of donations. The National Intelligence Service should be locally funded with our money. This is because if we expose ourselves to other external bodies, then these people can come and infiltrate our Service and even give out some of our very important information. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those very many remarks, I beg to support."
}