NCTC a setback to India's federal structure, says Jaitley

New Delhi, Feb.21 (ANI): Opposing the Central Government's decision to set up National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that the body is against the federal structure of the country.

"Centre's anti-terror body is against the federal structure of the country. Law and order is a state subject and the states should be involved by the Centre in dealing with terrorist activities," Jaitley told media here.

He further said the fight against terrorism must co-exist with federalism.

"Both must co-exist. You cannot sacrifice federalism while combating terrorism," he added.

Several state governments, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which is the second largest in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government (19 Members of Parliament), joined the chorus against what is being seen as an attempt to infringe upon state's rights.

The main task of the NCTC would be to ensure that the 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, has been given its own operational wing with powers to arrest and conduct searches under Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. (ANI)