Politics over NCTC harmful

Though the fierce opposition to National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) by non-Congress CMs as also CM of UPA partner Trinamul Congress CM which was evident at the meeting of Chief Ministers on Internal Security in New Delhi, Centre must try first to clear the misplaced fear of encroachment on states' power and impress on them that Centre is prepared to make co-ordinated, concerted and joint effort to wipe the terrorism from the soil of our nation. NCTC, a mechanism to fight terrorism comprehensively, is the need of the hour. To fulfill the objective of NCTC is the joint responsibility of the state and the Centre. Either of the two can not evade responsibility. But the greater responsibility to fight terrorism is of the Central Government. Politics over NCTC is detrimental to national security. IB plays an important role in making the NCTC a complete success. It has been under the Centre since Independence. State feels that if the IB reports to NCTC straight and start operating on the investigation report, its power will be encroached up on. It also feels that the Centre may use it against its political opponents. Finally, state considers NCTC as against the federal structure of our Constitution. It is also the responsibility of every state to co-operate the Centre to thwart any incursion of enemy’s army personnel or terrorists inside our border. This done by our brave BSF, CRPF and army personnel deployed along the border. Here, all responsibilities are carried out by the Centre with its own agencies. Undoubtedly, the role of state police is indispensable in fighting terrorism. The example of Punjab Police is before us that how they played an exemplary role with BSF, CRPF and army personnel to fight terrorism there to finish. IB reported the Centre its investigation and the state police acted on it. By giving the IB investigation and operational power, the Centre takes responsibility on itself. Under that situation if any bomb blast takes place anywhere, it is Centre’s responsibility to know in advance and operate to thwart it. Otherwise, IB will report investigation to state authorities and absolve itself of all responsibilities. The state has misplaced fear that NCTC will disturb the federal structure and NCTC will be misused to keep its opponent in check. Politically, weak Centre is the result of politically aggressive state. UPA is standing on the support of undependable, opportunistic and narrow-minded coalition partners. Centre has favoured joint and coordinated efforts to deal with challenges of terrorism whatever its origin, whether internal or external. Undoubtedly, the burden of fighting against terrorism falls largely on the states’ machinery. Centre must show its preparedness to work with the states to put in place strong and effective institutional mechanisms to tackle the problem of terrorism exported from outside and indigenous terrorism.