Gowda set to oppose NCTC at CMs meet

BANGALORE: In the annual meeting of Chief Ministers on internal security to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Monday, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda would raise several issues relating to formation of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and seek Centre’s assistance in countering Naxalism and terrorism.Speaking to Express here on Sunday, Gowda said among other things Karnataka would raise several issues.Reiterating his stand on the controversial issue of the NCTC, the CM stated that the state would oppose the NCTC as that would encroach upon the state subjects.“Maintaining law and order is purely a state subject and it can not be allowed to be curtailed or intervened by the Union Government,” he said.Stating that after terrorists attacks on Mumbai the issue of strengthening coastal security gained momentum, Gowda said the state government would seek both logistic and financial assistance from the Centre to reinforce its security cover along the coastline.“Over the years, the activities of the Left extremists are increasing in some pockets of the state, and the government would seek Centre’s assistance in curbing the menace,” said Gowda.It may be recalled that Karnataka was the first state to constitute a separate Internal Security Division to counter terrorism and Naxalism.The assistance received from the Centre to counter Naxalism and terrorism was “very minimal” compared to other states, he added.During his Delhi visit, the CM is also expected to meet BJP’s top leaders and discuss the state party affairs, which is bothering the high command in the wake of serious efforts made by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa to be reinstated as CM.