Chidambaram terms internal security a 'very complex issue'

Kolkata, Feb 18 (ANI): Emphasizing that internal security is a 'very complex issue', Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday said the Centre is working in coordination with the various state governments so that they can maintain law and order and quell any militancy or rebellion.

Chidambaram, who was here to inaugurate the National Security Guards (NSG) hub in West Bengal, in his speech, said the security of the country is a shared responsibility.

"Internal security is a very complex issue. The security of the country is a shared responsibility. It is a responsibility that is shared by the Central Government and the State Governments. The constitution of India, which assigns law and order and police to the State Governments, has also assigned the responsibility of protecting every part of India from external aggression or internal disturbance under Article 355 of the Constitution," said Chidambaram.

"The founding fathers were very wise people; that is why they have made national security or internal security a shared responsibility. The Government of India is very happy to work with State Governments," he added.

Chidambaram said the UPA Government at the Centre is working in coordination with the governments of different political parties.

"We are working with governments of different political parties and we may make no distinction among the political parties. In fact, some of the most troubled states in India; say for example states troubled by naxalism Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, southern part of Bihar and say the jungle mahal area in West Bengal. These states are not ruled by the Congress Party, the party to which I belong," said Chidambaram.

"But as a member of the Central Government, I have a responsibility with work with the State Governments so that they can maintain law and order and quell any militancy or rebellion," he added.

Chidambaram assured Mamata Banerjee-led Government in West Bengal that the Centre would assist them in their fight against naxalism.

"We worked with the previous government in Bengal and we are very happy to work with the new government in West Bengal. And I think after the new government of West Bengal took over, the people of West Bengal will readily accept and acknowledge that the naxal problem that was affecting jungle mahal has been substantially controlled," said Chidambaram.

"And working together I can assure my colleague Mukul Roy that we will fully put down the naxal menace and rid West Bengal of the naxal menace," he added.

Chidambaram further said the Centre's approach is the same to terrorism, to naxalism, to insurgency irrespective of the nature of the threat and irrespective of which government is in office.

"Our approach is the same to terrorism, to naxalism, to insurgency irrespective of the nature of the threat and irrespective of which government is in office, the Central Government works together with the State Governments," said Chidambaram.

"And I want to take this opportunity to warmly compliment the Government of West Bengal that they have accepted our advice, they have used our security forces, they have taken the help of our central agencies," he added.

The Home Minister pointed out that the working together of the central agencies and the state agencies have brought a considerable improvement in the situation in West Bengal.

"I am sure going forward there will be greater improvement and the people of West Bengal will enjoy the benefits of peace, security and harmony," he said.

Chidambaram also said the Centre wants the NSG hub in Kolkata to become a mini regional centre.

"The hub in Kolkata would have to serve not only the states in the eastern part of India; it also has to serve the states in the northeastern part of India," he added. (ANI)