Centre vigilant over militancy sprouting from foreign soil, says Congress

New Delhi, Apr 18 (ANI): Congress Party on Wednesday said the Central Government is vigilant over all militancy related developments from foreign soil.

"The government is always alert and vigilant over such activities. The government keeps an eye on any such developments that might originate from foreign land other than preparing itself to deal with it," said Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi in response to report published in a national daily wherein Pakistan Interior minister Rehman Malik has cautioned India that it should watch out for a surge in extremist activities amid fresh intelligence that the Taliban could be planning to enter the country.

"But I would also like to say that the NCTC (National Counter Terrorism Centre) law, which the government is trying to bring in, is a need of the hour. The government is endlessly trying to develop consensus with chief minister of all Indian states and different political parties," he added.

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).

The body, which will function under the Intelligence Bureau, would be given its own operational wing with powers to arrest and conduct searches under Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Alvi said the government is committed on its stand of zero tolerance for militancy.

"We want the immediate formulation and implementation of a strong law built with consensus of all political factions so the country gets free from militancy and related activities," he added.

Meanwhile, Alvi refused to comment over the CD row involving Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

"Regarding Mr. Abhishek as per my knowledge he was supposed to brief you all on Monday but he informed us that he is keeping unwell, due to which the spokesperson could not be here. This is all that I know," he said.

Singhvi has opted out of Congress briefings for now after finding himself in a controversy over a CD, which he claims has been doctored to embarrass him.ANI)