Centre promises to address states concern on NCTC

New Delhi, May 5: The Centre today promised to go into the concerns of the states on locating NCTC in the Intelligence Bureau and its operational powers even in exceptional circumstances before it decides to operationalise the counter-terror body.

"We would examine the two issues--why it will be under IB and why it will carry out operations under exceptional circumstances--and the government will take a final decision," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the day-long conference. He said he has assured the CMs that all their suggestions would be carefully considered.

"I came to this meeting with an open mind and I leave the meeting with an open mind. We need to examine these suggestions. I firmly believe that we need a counter-terrorism body.

"Whether its is NCTC or some other body, whether it will have these powers or some other powers or functions is a matter that can be debated but certainly we need a counter-terrorism body. I have assured them that all their suggestions would be most carefully and anxiously considered," he said.

Chidambaram said a counter terror body is more than a mere police organisation and it has to mobilise all elements of national power -- police, judicial, diplomatic, financial, all national powers have to be mobilise for counter-terror.

He said at the meeting as expected there was strong support for the counter-terror body by many Chief Ministers, qualified support from many others and outright rejection of the idea by three Chief Ministers.

PTI