NCTC need of the hour, says Gehlot

New Delhi, May 5(ANI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday extended his support to the creation of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), calling the proposed anti- terror body "need of the hour" and "an important milestone in the history of modern India."

In a statement issued after the Chief Ministers' meet on the subject, Gehlot said that NCTC does not trample upon the powers of the states.

"The states and the centre are equally competent to take action under sections 2(e) and 43A of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)," Gehlot said, and added that section 2(e) of the UAPA, 1967 authorizes the centre to declare a designated authority.

Gehlot noted that the Central government has always made efforts to strengthen the states' Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS).

"Most of the states have created ATS and they are working professionally well in their states," he pointed out.

The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission had also underlined the need for such an institution in 2008, when they had recommended that the Multi Agency Centre may be converted to NCTC, Gehlot noted. (ANI)