The Terrorism and Disruptive Acts Bill passed by parliament last week with an overwhelming majority will make terrorism a crime punishable with life imprisonment. The Bill, which replaces the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities Ordinance, issued when the state of emergency was declared last November, authorises security forces to make arrests without warrants, and use force or firepower if confronted with resistance. In addition to life imprisonment, it allows the seizure of property belonging to perpetrators, conspirators and supporters in cases involving loss of life caused by terrorist and disruptive activities. The Bill also proposes a special court to deal with cases related to charges of terrorism. While supporters of the Bill, which will be in force for two years once it officially becomes an Act, say it will help bring the insurgency under control and Maoists behind bars, anti-Bill activists say it will affect people's liberty more than aid in the crackdown on the Maoists.