Crucial NCTC meet begins

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) meet will be a litmus test for the UPA Government at the Centre, as some non-Congress chief ministers continue to oppose the provisions in the counter-terror body, contending that it will upset the federal structure and encroach on the powers of the states.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had earlier strongly emphasized on the need for Centre and the respective state governments to work in coordination on matters concerning internal security of the country.

"The threats faced by India today include terrorism, extremism, Naxalism and communal violence. These issues must be tackled firmly, but with sensitivity," he said

"The forces behind them should not only be contained but also effectively rolled back and is an endeavor that requires an united effort by the Centre and states. Internal security is a matter where States and Centre must work hand in hand," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had said the Centre is willing to support steps taken by the various State Governments.

"If you will accept responsibility for border management, we can step back; if you will accept greater responsibility for fighting the Naxals in the Naxal affected districts, we are willing to step back. So every responsibility that the state government will take, we are willing to step back but, in the meanwhile, until capacity is built, we have to work together," Chidambaram said recently at the Chief Ministers' Conference.

"We have to provide money; we have to provide the men and the women; we have to provide the equipment; and we have to provide the co-ordination. That is what we are doing, but I am confident, we are bound by the Constitution; we are bound by the promises that we had made to our people; we are obliged to work together and if we work together, we can make this country safe and secure," he added.

The main task of the NCTC would be to ensure that a wide variety of security organizations in the country work in tandem, at least on issues related to terrorism.

It will also have the power to seek information, including documents, reports, transcripts, and cyber information from any agency, including from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency, National Technical Research Organization, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and all seven central armed police forces including the National Security Guard (NSG).

The body, which will function under the Intelligence Bureau, would be given its own operational wing with powers to arrest and conduct searches under Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. (ANI)