New Delhi, May 7 (ANI): The setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has also been opposed by the Maoists on the ground that it could be used against 'movements fighting for self-determination of nationalities, including the right to secession'.
The Maoists have called for a nationwide shutdown on May 16 to protest against the proposed NCTC, the continuance of anti-Maoist operations and the creation of an Army training camp in southern part of Chhattisgarh.
According to a release, sources indicate, the rebels have expressed apprehension that the NCTC could be used against those 'resisting the attacks of the Hindu chauvinists and Hindu fundamentalism, the nationality movements fighting for self-determination of the nationalities, including the right to secession, and in particular, the Maoist movement.'
As per a release issued, the ultras claimed that the main motive behind the NCTC is to crush with more centralised methods the people of the country, who are fighting for their 'democratic rights'.
The Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre failed to break the logjam over the NCTC during the meeting called on May 5, with four non-Congress chief ministers, which included West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and Gujarat Chief Minister Narender Modiand Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, stoutly opposing and some of them even demanding its withdrawal.
Some Chief Minister extended qualified support to the proposal. The suggestions offered by them are being considered.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram stated at the end of the meeting that the government will consider the setting up of the NCTC outside the Intelligence Bureau (IB). A meeting in this regard is expected to be announced soon, which would represent the Centre and representatives of the various states.
The state governments and the Centre differed on the powers to be allocated to the new anti-terror body.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram met with the state chief ministers in Delhi to arrive at a consensus on the NCTC issue.
Non-Congress ruled states alleged that the NCTC violates the federal structure and demanded drastic changes in the proposed law.
The main task of the NCTC would be to ensure that a 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).
As per the original draft, the body was expected to function under the Intelligence Bureau and was to be given its own operational wing with powers to arrest and conduct searches under Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. But as per suggestions made at the meeting on Saturday, the NCTC may be placed under a different body. (ANI)
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