Mizoram CM supports NCTC

Aizawl, May 9 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Wednesday supported the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) saying it won't hit the country's federal structure.

"The NCTC is a positive move of the central government. The national security is an issue of prime concern and terrorism is a real threat before the nation," Thanhawla said here at a meeting.

"The creation of NCTC was welcomed by all Congress-ruled states whereas some reservations were expressed by non-Congress ruled states, particularly with regard to the powers of NCTC to launch counter terrorism operations, including search, seizure and arrest in states.

"They have sought necessary amendments in those provisions," he said.

Among the chief ministers of northeastern states, Manipur's Okram Ibobi Singh, Assam's Tarun Gogoi and Meghalaya's Mukul Sangma have supported the formation of NCTC.

However, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has strongly opposed it saying the NCTC was not acceptable and it would encroach on the rights of the states.