Anticipating resistance from the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat over the formation of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the government might dilute some of its disretionary powers. There has been stiff objection from the states on the NCTC despite assurance from the Centre that the state governments will be taken into confidence before any operation is conducted in any state by Central forces.
However, it does not seem to have satisfied the states. A key United Progressive Alliance member and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee made it clear that her party would not support the formation of the NCTC.
‘We believe that the NCTC is against the federal structure [of the nation], and we will oppose it,’ Banerjee said on Friday.
The Chief Ministers met Home Minister P Chidambaram today for further discussion on the issue.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram are expected to allay the apprehensions with assurances on respecting rights of states.
A government note on the issue lays down a six-point standard operating procedure (SOP), according to which the power to arrest, search and seize will be shared with the heads of anti-terrorism squads of the states. The heads of state anti-terror bodies will be designated authorities of the NCTC at state levels.
‘I think if the Chief Ministers read the SOPs – I believe they will read – much of the doubts will dissolve, and if they have any suggestion on the SOPs, we are willing to listen to those suggestions, and incorporate as many as possible,’ Chidambaram said on Friday.
According to the draft SOP , director generals of police or the chiefs of anti-terrorism squads of all states will be members of the Standing Council of the NCTC.
However, it does not seem to have satisfied the states. A key United Progressive Alliance member and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee made it clear that her party would not support the formation of the NCTC.
‘We believe that the NCTC is against the federal structure [of the nation], and we will oppose it,’ Banerjee said on Friday.
The Chief Ministers met Home Minister P Chidambaram today for further discussion on the issue.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram are expected to allay the apprehensions with assurances on respecting rights of states.
A government note on the issue lays down a six-point standard operating procedure (SOP), according to which the power to arrest, search and seize will be shared with the heads of anti-terrorism squads of the states. The heads of state anti-terror bodies will be designated authorities of the NCTC at state levels.
‘I think if the Chief Ministers read the SOPs – I believe they will read – much of the doubts will dissolve, and if they have any suggestion on the SOPs, we are willing to listen to those suggestions, and incorporate as many as possible,’ Chidambaram said on Friday.
According to the draft SOP , director generals of police or the chiefs of anti-terrorism squads of all states will be members of the Standing Council of the NCTC.