The ASK release also said that mistrust between the state and people is not positive for democracy.

Referring to a newspaper report on a move of forming a national monitoring cell for phone-tapping, the human rights organisation said, "The government should not take any such step for the sake of national security that violates the basic human rights like personal liberty."

There is no contradiction between national security and personal liberty, rather these two should be considered as complementary for each other.

Referring to its previous statements on tapping telephones, it said monopolistic power of the executive is risky and therefore a sort of arrangement should be there to make balance in this regard.

"We apprehend that monitoring all the affairs related to tele-tapping by a single cell under the executive will threaten the liberty of the citizens," the press release added.

ASK hoped that the government will not do anything harmful for democracy and will be careful so that the steps taken for national security are balanced with citizens' rights.