Bihar CM Nitish Kumar says NCTC violates federal principle

NEW DELHI: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the core issue in formation of NCTC was the violation of the federal principle and emphasised on the need for more consultations and collaboration between the Centre and the states to resolve all matters of internal security.

"I had written to Home Minister on 28th February 2012 that consultations be held with states to address their concerns on NCTC. Although a meeting was held in March at the level of officials, it served little purpose and we are not aware of any positive outcome of that meeting," Kumar said at the Chief Minister's Conference on Internal Security here.

He maintained that the core issue in NCTC is violation of the principle of federalism.

"The only level at which meaningful discussion could be held (on NCTC) is between heads of Government at the Centre and states," Kumar said, adding that he will express his views in detail on the issue at the May 5 meeting being held here specifically to discuss the NCTC issue.

Raising other Centre-state issues relating to internal security, Kumar maintained that collaboration, positive and trusting approach is the need of the hour and will go a long way in addressing the problems of internal security.

Insisting that his government has implemented the police reforms in his state, Kumar said, "We urge the Central Government to avoid diluting the responsibilities of a democratically elected government in guise of police reforms. In Bihar the process of separation of investigation and Law & Order functions has been started."

The Bihar Chief Minister enumerated the ways in which his government is trying to tackle Left-Wing Extremism in the state.