Transit systems may be mobilized in emergencies

Government contingency plans will include measures to mobilize buses and subways in the event of war.

This came to light on October 8, when the government presented a preliminary draft of the "legislation for public protection" as part of wartime legislation.

Akahata of October 9 said this plan confirms in clearer terms the dangerous aim of the wartime legislation aimed at mobilizing the nation for U.S. wars.

The government cited municipal buses, railways, subways and the gas supply as public assets to be designated as facilities that must cooperate in a contingency.

According to the draft, public corporations including Japan Railways, the Highway Public Corporation, NHK-Japan Broadcasting Corporation, and the Japan Red Cross as well as local public corporations, local governments and companies, such as NTT and Nippon Express, should lay down plans in relation to "disaster prevention measures" to "protect the public" in an emergency. The draft considers punitive measures against people disobedient to such orders.

Concerning the government's plant to utilize neighborhood associations and other community organizations in an emergency, many governors wanted to know the jurisdiction over local residents' evacuation procedures in an emergency. The government, in reply, stated that the prime minister holds the ultimate right of command. (end)