Orissa CM Patnaik denies communication gap with centre

Bhubaneswar, Mar 31 (ANI): Ruling out any rift with central government, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said his government was in communication with home ministry.

"As far as communication between the state government, the Orissa government and Union Home Ministry, we have been in communication. Orissa's chief secretary has been in communication with the union home secretary and has certainly asked for certain matters, for certain information I understand," said Patnaik.

Patnaik also stressed on the need of a meeting of chief ministers with the prime minister over the central government proposed anti-militancy unit, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) as it was a matter of great concern.

"The Prime Minster taking a meeting on NCTC (National Counter Terrorism Centre), I hope that happens very soon because the security of the nation, matters relating to terrorism and extremism are very critical, I have always said that," added Patnaik.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister P Chidambaram had hinted towards extending the Chief Ministers Conference scheduled for April 16 to discuss the NCTC.

Several state governments, including states ruled by United Progressive Alliance (UPA) partners had opposed certain provisions of the NCTC act, calling it as an infringement of the powers of state governments.

The proposed NCTC has the power to seek information, including documents, reports, transcripts, and cyber information from any agency, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency, National Technical Research Organisation, 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)