Non Cong CMs oppose Centre over NCTC

The Centre on Monday came in for sharp criticism at the hands of three Opposition Chief Ministers over the way it was handling issues of internal security.

United by their opposition to the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre, Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Odisha met their Tamil Nadu counterpart J Jayalalithaa in New Delhi to mount pressure against the Centre’s move.

While, Tripura Chief Minister accused Centre of taking a number steps which have implications on the Federal structure of the country, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister called for joint Centre-State efforts in improving internal security.

Congress Chief Ministers supported the setting up of the National Counter Terrorism Centre as an integrating organization for effective offensive against terrorists.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy sought permission from the Centre to carry out a Rs 2,400 crore special road corridor development project to effectively deal with Naxalism.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said illegal coal trading in border areas of a number of northeastern states is fast becoming a major source of funding for terror outfits.

Kerala Chief Minister Oman Chandy urged the Centre to take steps to get the international Maritime  Community to declare that the Ocean along the coast line of India is free from piracy unlike the coast of Africa.

Meanwhile, Congress stressed on need for a coordinated efforts by the Centre as well as States to tackle the menace of terrorism.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav urged the Union Government to provide at least Rs 5,000 crore in the next five years for the purpose of commitment of safeguarding and protecting India.

Speaking at the annual conference of Chief Ministers on internal security in New Delhi, Home Minister said international border in the west and LoC continues to be vulnerable to infiltration.

Meanwhile, Chief Ministers of different states have their own take on the conference.