NCTC should be Centre, States joint effort to curb terrorism: PM

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): Asserting that terrorism is today one of the most potent threats to India's national security, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that the NCTC should be a "vehicle of our combined efforts to reach the shared goal of curbing terrorism and eradicating militancy".

Addressing chief ministers at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) meet here, Chidambaram said: I would like to reiterate what I have said before. It is not our Government's intention in any way to affect the distribution of powers between the States and the Union that our Constitution provides. The establishment of the NCTC is not a State versus Centre issue."

"The primary purpose behind setting up the NCTC is to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts throughout this vast country, as the Intelligence Bureau has been doing so far. The NCTC should be a vehicle of our combined efforts to reach the shared goal of curbing terrorism and eradicating militancy," he added.

Dr. Singh further said that there can be no disagreement on putting in place an effective counter terrorism regime with efficient mechanisms and response systems both at the national level and at the State level.

" Neither the states nor the Centre can fulfill this task alone. The closest cooperation and coordination is therefore necessary to meet the threats that emanate from within and outside our borders," he added.

Dr. Singh further said: "Since 26/11, we have diligently strengthened our counter terrorism capabilities both in the States and at the Centre.

"I believe that today the State and Central Police and intelligence agencies are working in harmony and in close coordination. These efforts have resulted in several noteworthy successes," he added

Reiterating that the Central Government remains committed to working with the State Governments and providing them all possible help in combating terrorism, Dr, Singh said: "We have been providing financial assistance to the States and helping them train State police and intelligence agencies. We are also implementing schemes on border management and on coastal security, and the scheme for modernization of state police forces. Our government will continue and strengthen these efforts."

Urging State governments to be with the Centre on NCTC, Dr. Singh said: "For the NCTC to function smoothly and effectively, it is very important that we have a fairly broad consensus on its powers and its functions."

"We would like the State governments to be with us in this important initiative, which we believe would strengthen our counter-terrorism efforts. We remain open to the suggestions of Chief Ministers. We would like to benefit from their vast knowledge, wisdom and experience,' he added. (ANI)