Jayalalithaa wants Centre to put NCTC on hold

After the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee’s strong opposition, her Tamil Nadu counterpart, Ms J. Jayalalithaa, today asked the Centre to put on hold the formation of the NCTC which is sought to be “steamrolled” into existence.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, she said it was “surprising” that the Chief Ministers’ meeting had been convened on April 16 to discuss various matters on internal security, which included the National Counter Terrorism Centre. She demanded a separate CMs meeting to discuss it.

“It is indeed unfortunate that without taking into consideration the views and sentiments of various State Chief Ministers, the constitution of NCTC is sought to be steamrolled into existence,” Ms Jayalalithaa said.

She said “at this juncture I request that the formation of the NCTC may first be ordered to be held in abeyance and a separate meeting of Chief Ministers convened only to discuss this matter.”

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that she had earlier conveyed her strong objections to certain provisions of the Office memorandum of the Home Affairs Ministry over the proposed formation and functioning of the NCTC, and the manner in which it was sought to be constituted without consulting the State Governments.

“Many other Chief Ministers have also conveyed similar views in their communications to you,” she said.

On Saturday, Ms Mamata Banerjee had written to the Prime Minister, saying that the NCTC is a “very sensitive issue” and that it should be the only matter of discussion at the meeting so that all states can express their views properly and adequate interaction can take place.

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