13 years ago
Tripura Chief Minister slams Home Ministry for 'breach of federalism'Senior CPM leader and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today came down hard on the Home Ministry accusing it of taking a number steps including on proposed NCTC and RPF and BSF Acts which have "serious implications" for the federal structure of the country.
Patnaik seeks urgent consultations over law and order issues Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday sought urgent consultations between the centre and the states over issues like the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) saying any delay in this regard would affect handling of law and order problems.
Assam concerned over Maoists' presence, illegal coal tradingExpressing concern over Maoists' presence in his state, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday said that illegal coal trading in border areas of a number of northeastern states is fast becoming a major source of funding for terror outfits.
State's powers being abrogated by the Centre: JayalalithaaTamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday warned against an "emerging pattern" wherein the state's powers are "abrogated" by the Centre through passage of bills and accused it of showing "scant respect" for state governments.
Chandy calls for measures for safety of fishing communityKerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday emphasised the importance of strengthening coastal security and protecting fishermen in view of incidents like the recent shooting down of two Indian fishermen allegedly by marines of Italian ship Enrica Lexie off the state's coast.
Gehlot criticises Modi, Jayalalithaa at Chief Ministers' security meetRajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday hit out against his Gujarat and Tamil Nadu counterparts saying that forums like the internal security conference should not be used for "cheap popularity" and they should show restraint and elegance in language.
Top ten developments at Chief Ministers' meet on internal securityAt a meeting convened in New Delhi, Chief Ministers of the non-Congress states hit out at the government's methods of trying to push the idea of NCTC through.
Modi, Patnaik meet Jayalalithaa: Courtesy call or political realignment?The Centre today hosted an internal security meeting in New Delhi where it invited chief ministers of all the states to discuss the strengthening of anti-terror capabilities and intelligence, the key issue being setting up of a National Counter Terror Centre (NCTC). But the chief ministers turned up all guns blazing against the Central government.
Mr Patnaik was the first to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and the two were closeted for over 25 minutes. Soon after, Mr Modi met Ms Jayalalithaa and the meeting lasted for 40 minutes.
Addressing the throng of reporters outside the Tamil Nadu Bhawan, Mr Patnaik described the meeting with Ms Jayalalithaa as a "courtesy call for an old family friend."
Modi arrives at Tamil Nadu Bhawan. Speaking at the chief ministers' meeting earlier today, Mr Modi said civil and military tensions were affecting internal security.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with Ms Jayalalithaa, Mr Patnaik said, "The union government must take decisions in consultations with the states. NCTC is an issue of national importance and must be decided in consultation."
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik arrives at Tamil Nadu Bhawan to meet Jayalalithaa.
At 3 pm today, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Tamil Nadu's J Jayalalithaa will meet at Tamil Nadu Bhawan in what is being seen as some muscle flexing. Read more...
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is the only CM not attending today's meeting on internal security. For today, Ms Banerjee has sent her Finance Minister for the meeting and has reiterated, "The proposed anti-terror body upsets the federal structure." Ms Banerjee added, "Left-wing extremism has serious implications on national security."
Highlights of PM's speech at the chief ministers' internal security meet;
- The internal security situation has been by and large satisfactory. But am sure, all agree much more is required. Threats from extremism, left wing extremism and religious violence require constant vigil. They must not only be contained, but rolled back effectively. Internal security is a matter where state and centre must work hand in hand.
- We will discuss NCTC in a separate meeting as desired by some CMs. There is no doubt that the states are at the forefront of fighting terror.
- This is a struggle in which we cannot relax (on terrorism). Today terrorist groups are more lethal and nimble.
- This forum has proved its utility to strengthen security apparatus. I commend the efforts of the state.
- I hope implementation of infrastructure projects in North-East will lead to normalcy. Centre is ready to work with states on bringing a strong and effective institutional mechanism. Situation in North-Eastern States remains complex. Pilferage of development funds by militants is hurting.
- I hope this meet will lead to strengthening the rule of law. We should find ways and means of improving not just the numbers but also the quality of our personnel.
- I would urge the States and Ministry of Home Affairs to carry forward police reform and modernisation to their logical conclusion. Read more...
Home Minister P Chidambaram addresses Chief ministers' meet on internal security. Here are the highlights of what he said;
- State governments are the frontline as regards national security
- Violence has decreased because of the effectiveness of the security forces and also because of the talks initiated with the militants
- There was indeed a decline in the number of casualties in J&K and Northeast. But behind these figures lies a more worrying narrative. The target is the Indian state- the adversary doesn't recognise state borders.
- International border in the West and LoC continue to be vulnerable to infiltration from across the border.
- The decline in violence has come down due to two reasons: (1) Effectiveness of security forces (2) Ability to reach out to adversaries and convince them that there is scope in the Indian political system for all shades of opinion. In J&K, it was a splendid and peaceful summer with a record number of tourists. In the North-East, talks are on with all major organisations.
- I have a vision for the internal security of the country - Mac and SMac is in place, CCTNS is progress, NatGRID is work is progress. I earnestly seek your cooperation on this issue. There are however huge vacancies in the state police organisations. Read more...
Non-Congress CMs who have been vocal about their opposition to the Centre's proposal to set up the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) are seated, have circulated copies of strong speeches that they plan to make raising the issue, and also plan to meet separately later.
From Naveen Patnaik's speech at today's meeting (a copy has been circulated):
"Discussion on NCTC has been delayed dangerously. As you know we have had a crisis involving abduction of an MLA and two Italian nationals by left wing extremists and this delay will only further aggravate such problems. I hope that the issue of consultation with the states is addressed seriously in the meeting scheduled for May 5."
From Narendra Modi's speech at today's meeting (a copy has been circulated):
"Internal security is a serious matter to be treated as an arena for one upmanship by the Union Govt. State governments face the brunt of problems related to internal security and must be treated as partners. I would like to draw attention to the increasing politicisation of CBI to harass and victimise political rivals. The non- consultative approach was seen in the recent amendments to the Railway Protection Force Act. The Union Railway Ministry tried to create state within a state. I have written to the PM detailing concerns about the proposed amendments to BSF Act 1968. Union government has failed to instill faith and confidence about our defence preparedness in the common man."
"Internal security is a serious matter to be treated as an arena for one upmanship by the Union Govt. State governments face the brunt of problems related to internal security and must be treated as partners. I would like to draw attention to the increasing politicisation of CBI to harass and victimise political rivals. The non- consultative approach was seen in the recent amendments to the Railway Protection Force Act. The Union Railway Ministry tried to create state within a state. I have written to the PM detailing concerns about the proposed amendments to BSF Act 1968. Union government has failed to instill faith and confidence about our defence preparedness in the common man."
Jayalalithaa greeted by folk dance at the Delhi airport
In what appears to be a clear sign of muscle-flexing, the Chief Ministers opposed to the Centre's anti-terror body National Counter Terror Centre (NCTC), to oversee internal security in the country, will meet separately on the sidelines of the internal security meeting. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik, and Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal will be meeting Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalaithaa at the Tamil Nadu Bhavan at around 3 pm. But Ms Jayalalithaa refused to divulge the agenda of the meeting.
"Can't say what we will discuss in the evening," Jayalalithaa told NDTV.
"Can't say what we will discuss in the evening," Jayalalithaa told NDTV.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa arrived in New Delhi this morning for the Chief Ministers' meet.
- Chief Ministers of non-Congress states, who have been at loggerheads with the government over its proposed anti-terror body, will attend a crucial meeting in Delhi today on internal security.
- The Chief Ministers' conference, which has been convened by the Home Ministry, will also have Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in attendance.
- West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress boss Mamata Banerjee will give the meeting a miss.
- Counter-terror capabilities strengthening and intelligence apparatus, Maoist violence, police reforms and capacity building will be high on agenda at the meeting, which would be chaired by the PM.
- The conference will be attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Odisha's Naveen Patnaik, Bihar's Nitish Kumar and their Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi, who have been vocal in their opposition to the NCTC. Uttar Pradesh's Akhilesh Yadav and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would also be among those present at the meet.
- Mr Chidambaram is expected to present a report on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast and how it has been changed dramatically with close coordination of central and state governments.
